CONSECO FUND GROUP
CLASS A, B, AND C SHARES
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE: 11815 N. PENNSYLVANIA STREET, CARMEL, INDIANA 46032
800-825-1530
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CONSECO FIXED INCOME FUND
CONSECO HIGH YIELD FUND
CONSECO ASSET ALLOCATION FUND
CONSECO EQUITY FUND
CONSECO INTERNATIONAL FUND
CONSECO 20 FUND
The Conseco Fund Group (the "Trust") is an open-end diversified management
investment company registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC") under the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("1940 Act"). The Trust was
organized as a Massachusetts business trust on September 24, 1996. The Trust is
a "series" type of mutual fund which issues separate series of shares, each of
which represents a separate portfolio of investments. This Prospectus offers
shares of six series ("Funds") of the Trust, each with its own investment
objective and investment policies. Each Fund offers four classes of shares. This
Prospectus relates solely to Class A shares, Class B shares and Class C shares
of the Funds. Class Y shares are offered to certain institutional investors and
qualifying individual investors through a separate prospectus. Each class may
have different expenses, which may affect performance.
Conseco Capital Management, Inc. (the "Adviser") serves as the Trust's
investment adviser. The Adviser supervises the Trust's management and investment
program, performs a variety of administrative services on behalf of the Trust,
and pays all compensation of officers and Trustees of the Trust who are
affiliated persons of the Adviser or the Trust. The Trust pays all other
expenses incurred in its operations, including fees and expenses of Trustees who
are not affiliated persons of the Adviser or the Trust.
The Conseco International Fund invests all of its investable assets in the
International Equity Portfolio (the "Portfolio" or the "International
Portfolio") of AMR Investment Services Trust (the "AMR Trust"), which invests
primarily in equity securities of issuers based outside the United States. The
Portfolio invests in securities in accordance with an investment objective,
policies and limitations substantially similar to those of the Fund. The
investment experience of the Fund will correspond directly with the investment
experience of the Portfolio. Whenever the phrase "all of the Fund's investable
assets" is used, it means that the only investment securities that will be held
by the Conseco International Fund will be the Fund's interest in the Portfolio.
This "master-feeder" structure is different from that of many other investment
companies which directly acquire and manage their own portfolios of securities.
Accordingly, investors should carefully consider this investment approach. See
"Additional Information About the Master-Feeder Structure." AMR Investment
Services, Inc. ("AMR") provides investment management and administrative
services to the Portfolio.
The Conseco High Yield Fund may invest all of its assets in lower-rated
fixed income securities, commonly known as "junk bonds" or "high yield
securities." THESE SECURITIES ARE SUBJECT TO GREATER FLUCTUATIONS IN VALUE AND
GREATER RISK OF LOSS OF INCOME AND PRINCIPAL DUE TO DEFAULT BY THE ISSUER THAN
ARE HIGHER-RATED SECURITIES; THEREFORE, INVESTORS SHOULD CAREFULLY ASSESS THE
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH AN INVESTMENT IN THIS FUND.
* * * * *
<PAGE>
There is no assurance that any of the Funds will achieve its investment
objective. The various Funds may be used independently or in combination. You
may also purchase shares of a money market fund currently managed by Federated
Management ("Federated money market fund") through a separate prospectus. That
prospectus is available upon request by calling 800-986-3384.
This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information about the Trust and
the Funds that an investor should know before investing. A Statement of
Additional Information ("SAI") dated May 1, 1998 and revised June 5, 1998,
containing additional information about the Trust and the Funds, has been filed
with the SEC and is incorporated by reference in this Prospectus in its
entirety. You may obtain a copy of the SAI without charge by calling or writing
the Trust at the address and telephone number above.
INVESTORS SHOULD READ AND RETAIN THIS PROSPECTUS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY
OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The date of this Prospectus is May 1, 1998, as revised June 5, 1998.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OVERVIEW OF THE CONSECO FUND GROUP FUNDS..............................3
FEE TABLE.............................................................4
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS..................................................7
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES OF THE FUNDS.......................9
INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES AND OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES..................17
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE MASTER-FEEDER STRUCTURE.............26
MANAGEMENT...........................................................28
PURCHASE OF SHARES...................................................33
ALTERNATIVE PRICING ARRANGEMENTS.....................................35
REDEMPTION OF SHARES.................................................41
DIVIDENDS, OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES.............................45
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION..............................................47
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS...................................51
OTHER INFORMATION....................................................53
APPENDIX A SECURITIES RATINGS.........................................1
2
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OVERVIEW OF THE CONSECO FUND GROUP FUNDS
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CONSECO FUND GROUP FUND INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS
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CONSECO FIXED INCOME Seeks the highest The Fund invests primarily in
FUND level of income as is investment grade fixed income
consistent with securities.
preservation of
capital.
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CONSECO HIGH YIELD FUND Seeks a high level of The Fund invests primarily in
current income, with lower-rated fixed income
a secondary objective securities, commonly known as
of capital "junk bonds" or "high yield
appreciation. securities."
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CONSECO ASSET Seeks a high total The Fund pursues an active asset
ALLOCATION FUND investment return, allocation strategy whereby
consistent with the investments are allocated, based
preservation of upon thorough investment
capital and prudent research, valuation and analysis
investment risk. of market trends and the
anticipated relative total
return available, among various
asset classes, including debt
securities, equity securities,
and money market instruments.
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CONSECO EQUITY FUND Seeks to provide a The Fund seeks to achieve its
high equity total objective primarily by investing
return consistent in selected equity securities
with preservation of and other securities having the
capital and a prudent investment characteristics of
level of risk. common stocks.
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CONSECO INTERNATIONAL Seeks long-term The Fund invests all of its
FUND capital investable assets in the
appreciation. International Equity Portfolio
(the "Portfolio" or the
"International Portfolio") of
AMR Investment Services Trust
(the "AMR Trust"), which invests
primarily in equity securities
of issuers based outside the
United States.
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CONSECO 20 FUND Seeks capital The Fund is "non-diversified"
appreciation. under the 1940 Act and normally
concentrates its investments in
a core position of approximately
20 common stocks believed to
have above-average growth
prospects.
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3
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FEE TABLE
The following fee tables are provided to assist investors in understanding
the various fees and expenses which may be borne directly or indirectly by an
investment in Class A, Class B and Class C shares of the Funds.
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
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CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
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Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchases
(as a percentage of offering price)
CONSECO FIXED INCOME FUND 5.00% None None
CONSECO HIGH YIELD FUND 5.75% None None
CONSECO ASSET ALLOCATION FUND 5.75% None None
CONSECO EQUITY FUND 5.75% None None
CONSECO INTERNATIONAL FUND 5.75% None None
CONSECO 20 FUND 5.75% None None
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Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Reinvested None None None
Dividends (as a percentage of offering price)
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Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (as a None 5%* 1%**
percentage of offering price or net asset value
at the time of sale, whichever is less)
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Redemption Fees None None None
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*The maximum 5% contingent deferred sales charge applies to sales of Class
B shares during the first year after purchase. The charge generally declines
annually, reaching zero after six years.
**The 1% contingent deferred sales charge applies only if an investor
sells Class C shares within the first year after purchase.
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS)
<TABLE>
CLASS A SHARES
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<CAPTION>
FUND MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATIVE 12B-1 OTHER TOTAL
FEES AFTER FEES FEES2 EXPENSES3 OPERATING
FEE RATE EXPENSES4
REDUCTION1
AFTER FEE WAIVERS AND
EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Conseco Fixed Income 0.40% 0.20% 0.65% 0.00% 1.25%
Fund
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Conseco High Yield Fund 0.60% 0.20% 0.50% 0.10% 1.40%
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Conseco Asset 0.70% 0.20% 0.50% 0.10% 1.50%
Allocation Fund
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Conseco Equity Fund 0.70% 0.20% 0.50% 0.10% 1.50%
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Conseco International 0.48% 0.75% 0.50% 0.52% 2.25%
Fund
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Conseco 20 Fund 0.70% 0.20% 0.50% 0.35% 1.75%
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</TABLE>
4
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<TABLE>
CLASS B AND CLASS C SHARES
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<CAPTION>
FUND MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATIVE 12B-1 OTHER TOTAL
FEES AFTER FEES FEES2 EXPENSES3 OPERATING
FEE RATE EXPENSES4
REDUCTION1
AFTER FEE WAIVERS AND
EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Conseco Fixed Income Fund 0.40% 0.20% 1.00% 0.00% 1.60%
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Conseco High Yield Fund 0.60% 0.20% 1.00% 0.10% 1.90%
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Conseco Asset Allocation 0.70% 0.20% 1.00% 0.10% 2.00%
Fund
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Conseco Equity Fund 0.70% 0.20% 1.00% 0.10% 2.00%
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Conseco International Fund 0.48% 0.75% 1.00% 0.52% 2.75%
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Conseco 20 Fund 0.70% 0.20% 1.00% 0.35% 2.25%
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</TABLE>
1 The Adviser has voluntarily undertaken to reduce its advisory fee with respect
to the Conseco Fixed Income Fund to 0.40% of the Fund's average daily net assets
until April 30, 1999. Absent such undertaking the advisory fee would be 0.45% of
the Fund's average daily net assets. The Adviser has voluntarily undertaken to
reduce its advisory fee with respect to the Conseco High Yield Fund to 0.60% of
the Fund's average daily net assets until April 30, 1999. Absent such
undertaking the advisory fee would be 0.70% of the Fund's average daily net
assets.
The Adviser has voluntarily agreed to waive all of its fees under the Conseco
International Fund's Investment Advisory Agreement so long as that Fund invests
all of its investable assets in the International Portfolio. Absent such
undertaking the advisory fee would be 1.00% of the Fund's average daily net
assets. Accordingly, Management Fees in the fee table reflect only the Conseco
International Fund's pro rata portion of the Portfolio's management fees.
Similarly, because of the master-feeder structure, Other Expenses in the fee
table combine the Conseco International Fund's expenses and that Fund's pro rata
portion of the Portfolio's expenses.
2 As a result of 12b-1 fees, a long-term shareholder in a Fund may pay more than
the economic equivalent of the maximum sales charge permitted by the Conduct
Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD").
3 Other Expenses in the Fee Table for all classes and Funds EXCEPT Class A of
the Conseco Equity Fund, Conseco Asset Allocation Fund and Conseco Fixed Income
Fund are based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year. Other Expenses
exclude taxes, interest, brokerage and other transaction expenses, and any
extraordinary expenses.
4 The expense information set forth above reflects voluntary commitments of the
Adviser, Conseco Services, LLC (the "Administrator") and Conseco Equity Sales,
Inc. (the "Distributor") to waive a portion of their fees under each Fund's
Investment Advisory Agreement, Administration Agreement and Distribution and
Service Plan, respectively, and/or to reimburse a portion of the Fund's expenses
through April 30, 1999. The voluntary commitments provide that the Total
Operating Expenses for the Funds, on an annual basis, will not exceed the
amounts set forth above.
In the absence of such waivers and reimbursements (as well as the Adviser's
undertaking with respect to the Conseco Fixed Income Fund, as noted above),
Other Expenses for Class A Shares of the Conseco Equity Fund, Conseco Asset
Allocation Fund and Conseco Fixed Income Fund would have been 3.45%, 11.04% and
5
<PAGE>
12.37%, and Total Operating Expenses would have been 4.85%, 12.44% and 13.67%,
of each Fund's average daily net assets, respectively. It is estimated that
Other Expenses and Total Operating Expenses with respect to the classes and
Funds listed in the table below would have been as follows:
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ESTIMATED OTHER ESTIMATED
EXPENSES TOTAL OPERATING
EXPENSES
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FUND CLASS B AND CLASS B AND CLASS C
CLASS C
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CONSECO FIXED INCOME .81% 2.46%
FUND
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CONSECO ASSET .75% 2.65%
ALLOCATION FUND
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CONSECO EQUITY FUND .71% 2.61%
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ESTIMATED OTHER ESTIMATED
EXPENSES TOTAL OPERATING
EXPENSES
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FUND CLASS A CLASS B CLASS A CLASS B
CLASS C CLASS C
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CONSECO HIGH YIELD FUND 1.14% 1.14% 2.54% 3.04%
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CONSECO INTERNATIONAL .99% .99% 2.72% 3.22%
FUND
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CONSECO 20 FUND .86% .86% 2.26% 2.76%
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EXAMPLE
Assuming a hypothetical investment of $1,000 and a 5% annual return, an
investor in Class A, Class B and Class C shares of each of the Funds would pay
transaction and operating expenses at the end of each year as follows:
CLASS A SHARES
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FUND 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
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Conseco Fixed Income Fund $62 $87 $114 $191
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Conseco High Yield Fund $71 $99 N/A N/A
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Conseco Asset Allocation Fund $72 $101 $133 $223
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Conseco Equity Fund $72 $101 $133 $223
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Conseco International Fund $79 $123 N/A N/A
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Conseco 20 Fund $74 $109 N/A N/A
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CLASS B SHARES
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FUND 1 YEAR 3 YEARS
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CONSECO FIXED INCOME FUND
Assuming redemption at end of $68 $83
period
Assuming no redemption $16 $50
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CONSECO HIGH YIELD FUND
Assuming redemption at end of $71 $92
period
Assuming no redemption $23 $69
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CONSECO ASSET ALLOCATION FUND
Assuming redemption at end of $72 $95
period
Assuming no redemption $20 $62
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CONSECO EQUITY FUND
Assuming redemption at end of $72 $95
period
Assuming no redemption $20 $62
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6
<PAGE>
CONSECO INTERNATIONAL FUND
Assuming redemption at end of $79 $116
period
Assuming no redemption $28 $ 84
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CONSECO 20 FUND
Assuming redemption at end of $74 $102
period
Assuming no redemption $23 $ 69
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CLASS C SHARES
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FUND 1 YEAR 3 YEARS
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CONSECO FIXED INCOME FUND
Assuming redemption at end of $26 $50
period
Assuming no redemption $16 $50
CONSECO HIGH YIELD FUND
Assuming redemption at end of $29 $59
period
Assuming no redemption $19 $59
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CONSECO ASSET ALLOCATION FUND
Assuming redemption at end of $30 $62
period
Assuming no redemption $20 $62
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CONSECO EQUITY FUND
Assuming redemption at end of $30 $62
period
Assuming no redemption $20 $62
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CONSECO INTERNATIONAL FUND
Assuming redemption at end of $38 $84
period
Assuming no redemption $28 $84
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CONSECO 20 FUND
Assuming redemption at end of $33 $69
period
Assuming no redemption $23 $69
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THESE EXAMPLES ILLUSTRATE THE EFFECT OF EXPENSES, BUT ARE NOT MEANT TO
SUGGEST ACTUAL OR EXPECTED COSTS OR RETURNS, ALL OF WHICH MAY VARY.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial highlights set forth on the following pages present certain
financial information and ratios as well as performance information for Class A
of the Conseco Equity Fund, Conseco Asset Allocation Fund and Conseco Fixed
Income Fund. This information is derived from the December 31, 1997 Conseco Fund
Group Annual Report and has been audited by Coopers & Lybrand LLP, independent
accountants, whose report thereon is also included in the Annual Report. The
Annual Report is incorporated by reference in the Statement of Additional
Information and may be obtained without charge by calling (800) 986-3384.
7
<PAGE>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1997
----------------------------
ASSET FIXED
EQUITY ALLOCATION INCOME
CLASS A SHARES FUND FUND FUND
------ ---------- ------
Net asset value per share,
beginning of period........................ $10.00 $10.00 $10.00
Income from investment operations (a):
Net investment income (loss).............. (.04) .28 .66
Net realized gains and change in
unrealized appreciation on investments .. 2.33 1.43 .18
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Total from investment operations ....... 2.29 1.71 .84
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Distributions:
Dividends from net investment income ..... -- (.27) (.58)
Distributions of net capital gains ....... (1.22) (.71) (.13)
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Total distributions......................... (1.22) (.98) (.71)
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Net asset value per share, end of period $11.07 $10.73 $10.13
================================================================================
Total return (b) (c)........................ 22.90% 17.19% 8.66%
================================================================================
Ratios/supplemental data (c):...............
Net assets, end of period..... ........... $4,876,355 $1,075,505 $153,444
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (b) 1.50% 1.50% 1.25%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to
average net assets (b)................... (.35%) 2.50% 5.51%
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(a) Per share amounts presented are based on an average of monthly shares
outstanding during the year ended December 31, 1997.
(b) The Adviser, Administrator and Distributor have voluntarily agreed to waive
their fees and/or reimburse Fund expense to the extent that the ratio of
expenses to average net assets would exceed on an annual basis 1.50 percent
for the Equity and Asset Allocation Funds and 1.25 percent for the Fixed
Income Fund. These voluntary limits may be discontinued by the Adviser,
Administrator and Distributor at any time after April 30, 1998. If the
aforementioned agreements had not been in effect during the period, the
annualized ratio of expenses to average net assets would have been 4.85
percent for the Equity Fund, 12.44 percent for the Asset Allocation Fund and
13.67 percent for the Fixed Income Fund.
(c) Total return figures do not include sales loads; results would be lower if
sales charges were included.
8
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ASSET FIXED
EQUITY ALLOCATION INCOME
FUND FUND FUND
------ ---------- ------
Supplemental data for all classes:
Net assets, end of period....... $65,210,629 $13,112,655 $22,029,226
Portfolio turnover rate......... 199.12% 506.64% 367.82%
Average commission rate paid (a) $.0584 $.0584 --
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(a) Computed by dividing the total amount of commissions paid by the total
number of shares purchased and sold during the period for which there was a
commission.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES OF THE FUNDS
Each of the Funds has a different investment objective as described below.
There can be no assurance that any of the Funds will achieve its investment
objective. Each Fund is subject to the risk of changing economic conditions, as
well as the risk inherent in the ability of its investment adviser to make
changes in investments in anticipation of changes in economic, business, and
financial conditions. The investment objectives of the Funds are not
fundamental, as defined below; the investment objective of the International
Portfolio is fundamental.
The different types of securities and investment techniques common to one
or more Funds all have attendant risks of varying degrees. For example, with
respect to equity securities, there can be no assurance of capital appreciation
and there is a substantial risk of decline. With respect to debt securities,
there can be no assurance that the issuer of such securities will be able to
meet its obligations on interest or principal payments in a timely manner. In
addition, the value of debt instruments generally rises and falls inversely with
interest rates. The investments and investment techniques common to one or more
Funds and their risks are described in greater detail in "Description of
Securities and Investment Techniques" in the SAI.
The Funds and the International Portfolio are subject to investment
restrictions that are described under "Investment Restrictions" in the SAI.
Those investment restrictions that are "fundamental policies" may not be changed
without a majority vote of the outstanding shares of the affected Fund or the
outstanding interests of the International Portfolio. Except as otherwise noted,
all investment policies and practices described in this Prospectus and in the
SAI are not fundamental, meaning that the Trust's Board of Trustees ("Board") or
the AMR Trust's Board of Trustees ("AMR Trust Board") may change them without
shareholder approval. See "Description of Securities and Investment Techniques"
and "Investment Restrictions" in the SAI for further information.
CONSECO FIXED INCOME FUND
In seeking its investment objective of providing the highest level of
income as is consistent with the preservation of capital, the Conseco Fixed
Income Fund invests primarily in investment grade debt securities. A debt
security will be considered "investment grade" if it is rated in one of the four
highest rating categories by at least one nationally recognized statistical
rating organization ("NRSRO"), or, if unrated, is determined by the Adviser to
be of comparable quality. The Adviser seeks to reduce risk, increase income, and
preserve or enhance total return by actively managing the Fund in light of
market conditions and trends. The Adviser seeks to enhance total return
specifically through purchasing securities which the Adviser believes are
undervalued and selling, when appropriate, those securities the Adviser believes
are overvalued. In order to determine value, the Adviser utilizes independent
fundamental analysis of the issuer as well as an analysis of the specific
structure of the security. The Conseco Fixed Income Fund may invest in debt
securities issued by publicly and privately held U.S. and foreign companies, the
U.S. Government and agencies and instrumentalities thereof, states and their
political subdivisions, agencies, and instrumentalities ("municipal
securities"), and foreign governments and their agencies and instrumentalities.
The interest on the municipal securities in which the Fund invests typically is
not exempt from federal income tax. The Conseco Fixed Income Fund may also
invest in mortgage-related debt securities, asset-backed debt securities, and
other forms of debt securities. See "Debt Securities" and "Mortgage-Backed
Securities" below and in the SAI. In addition, up to 15% of the Fund's assets
may be invested directly in equity securities, including preferred and common
stocks, convertible debt securities and debt securities carrying warrants to
9
<PAGE>
purchase equity securities, and up to 10% of the Fund's assets may be invested
in lower-rated fixed income securities, commonly known as "junk bonds" or "high
yield securities." Lower-rated fixed income securities are securities rated BB
or lower by Standard & Poor's ("S&P") or Ba or lower by Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), securities comparably rated by another NRSRO, or
unrated securities of equivalent quality. For information about the risks
associated with lower-rated fixed income securities, see "Risks Associated With
High Yield Debt Securities" below and "Description of Securities and Investment
Techniques" in the SAI.
Debt securities purchased by the Conseco Fixed Income Fund may be of any
maturity. It is anticipated that the dollar weighted average life of the debt
portfolio will be between seven and 15 years, but may be shorter or longer
depending on market conditions. While the Conseco Fixed Income Fund intends to
invest in debt securities in order to achieve its investment objective of
obtaining the highest level of income as is consistent with preservation of
capital, it may from time to time invest in debt securities which offer higher
capital appreciation potential. Such investments would be in addition to that
portion of the Fund which may be invested in common stocks and other types of
equity securities.
Fixed income securities will be affected by changes in interest rates. When
interest rates decline, the market value of a fund invested at higher yields can
be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the market value of a
fund invested at lower yields can be expected to decline. Therefore, the Conseco
Fixed Income Fund may engage in portfolio trading to take advantage of market
developments and yield disparities; for example, shortening the average maturity
of the Fund in anticipation of a rise in interest rates so as to minimize
depreciation of principal, or lengthening the average maturity of the Fund in
anticipation of a decline in interest rates so as to maximize appreciation of
principal. For more information, see "Portfolio Turnover" below.
The Conseco Fixed Income Fund may use various investment strategies and
techniques when the Adviser determines that such use is appropriate in an effort
to meet the Fund's investment objective. Such strategies and techniques include,
but are not limited to, writing listed "covered" call and "secured" put options
and purchasing options; purchasing and selling, for hedging purposes, interest
rate and other futures contracts, and purchasing options on such futures
contracts; borrowing from banks to purchase securities; investing in securities
of other investment companies; entering into repurchase agreements and reverse
repurchase agreements; investing in when-issued or delayed delivery securities;
and selling securities short. See "Description of Securities and Investment
Techniques" in the SAI for further information.
CONSECO HIGH YIELD FUND
The investment objective of the Conseco High Yield Fund is to provide
investors with a high level of current income, with a secondary objective of
capital appreciation. In seeking to achieve the Fund's objectives, the Adviser,
under normal circumstances, invests at least 65% of the Fund's total assets in
high yield, high risk lower-rated fixed income securities (as defined above in
the investment program of the Conseco Fixed Income Fund). The lower-rated fixed
income securities in which the Fund invests include corporate debt securities
and preferred stock, convertible securities, zero coupon securities, other
deferred interest securities, mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed
securities. The Fund may invest in securities rated as low as C by Moody's or D
by S&P, securities comparably rated by another NRSRO, or unrated securities of
equivalent quality. Such obligations are highly speculative and may be in
default or in danger of default as to principal and interest. For information
about the risks associated with lower-rated fixed income securities, see "Risks
10
<PAGE>
Associated With High Yield Debt Securities" below and "Description of Securities
and Investment Techniques" in the SAI. The Appendix to this Prospectus describes
Moody's and S&P's rating categories.
The Fund may invest in high yield municipal securities. The interest on the
municipal securities in which the Fund invests typically is not exempt from
federal income tax. The Fund's remaining assets may be held in cash, money
market instruments, or securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government,
its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities ("U.S. Government securities"),
or may be invested in common stocks and other equity securities when these types
of investments are consistent with the objectives of the Fund or are acquired as
part of a unit consisting of a combination of fixed income securities and equity
investments. Such remaining assets may also be invested in investment grade debt
securities (as defined above in the investment program of the Conseco Fixed
Income Fund, and including municipal securities). Moreover, the Fund may hold
cash or money market instruments without limit for temporary defensive purposes
or pending investment.
The Fund may invest in zero coupon securities and payment-in-kind
securities. A zero coupon security pays no interest to its holders prior to
maturity, and a payment-in-kind security pays interest in the form of additional
securities. These securities will be subject to greater fluctuation in market
value in response to changing interest rates than securities of comparable
maturities that make periodic cash distributions of interest.
The Fund may also invest in equity and debt securities of foreign issuers,
including issuers based in emerging markets. As a non-fundamental policy, the
Fund may invest up to 50% of its total assets (measured at the time of
investment) in foreign securities; however, the Fund presently does not intend
to invest more than 25% of its total assets in such securities. In addition, the
Fund presently intends to invest in foreign securities only through depositary
receipts. See "Foreign Securities" below for further information.
The Fund may invest in private placements, securities traded pursuant to
Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 ("1933 Act") (Rule 144A permits
qualified institutional buyers to trade certain securities even though they are
not registered under the 1933 Act), or securities which, though not registered
at the time of their initial sale, are issued with registration rights. Some of
these securities may be deemed by the Adviser to be liquid under guidelines
adopted by the Board. As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund will not (1)
invest more than 5% of its total assets in any one issuer, except for U.S.
Government securities or (2) invest 25% or more of its total assets in
securities of issuers having their principal business activities in the same
industry.
The Adviser does not rely solely on the ratings of rated securities in
making investment decisions but also evaluates other economic and business
factors affecting the issuer. Ratings are only the opinions of the agencies
issuing them and are not absolute standards as to quality. The Adviser seeks to
enhance total return specifically through purchasing securities which it
believes are undervalued and selling, when appropriate, those securities it
believes are overvalued. In order to determine value, the Adviser utilizes
independent fundamental analysis of the issuer as well as an analysis of the
specific structure of the security.
The Fund may use various investment strategies and techniques when the
Adviser determines that such use is appropriate in an effort to meet the Fund's
investment objectives. Such strategies and techniques include, but are not
limited to, writing listed "covered" call and "secured" put options and
purchasing options; purchasing and selling, for hedging purposes, interest rate
and other futures contracts, and purchasing options on such futures contracts;
entering into foreign currency futures contracts, forward foreign currency
contracts ("forward contracts") and options on foreign currencies; borrowing
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from banks to purchase securities; investing in securities of other investment
companies; entering into repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements
and dollar rolls; investing in when-issued or delayed delivery securities;
selling securities short; and entering into swaps and other interest rate
transactions. See "Description of Securities and Investment Techniques" in the
SAI for further information.
CONSECO ASSET ALLOCATION FUND
The investment objective of the Conseco Asset Allocation Fund is to seek a
high total investment return consistent with the preservation of capital and
prudent investment risk. The Fund seeks to achieve this objective by pursuing an
active asset allocation strategy whereby investments are allocated, based upon
thorough investment research, valuation and analysis of market trends and the
anticipated relative total return available, among various asset classes,
including fixed income securities, equity securities and money market
instruments. Total investment return consists of current income, including
dividends, interest, and discount accruals, and capital appreciation. Achieving
this Fund's objective depends on the Adviser's ability to assess the effect of
economic and market trends on different sectors of the market. In seeking to
maximize total return, the Conseco Asset Allocation Fund follows an asset
allocation strategy contemplating shifts (which may be frequent) among a wide
range of investments and market sectors. These shifts may result in high
portfolio turnover. See "Portfolio Turnover" below for further information. The
Fund's investments will be designed to maximize total return during all economic
and financial environments, consistent with prudent risk as determined by the
Adviser.
The Conseco Asset Allocation Fund may invest in U.S. Government securities,
intermediate and long-term debt securities and equity securities of domestic and
foreign issuers, including common and preferred stocks, convertible debt
securities, and warrants. If the Adviser deems stock market conditions to be
favorable or debt market conditions to be uncertain or unfavorable, a
substantially higher percentage of the Fund's total assets may be invested in
equity securities. If, however, the Adviser believes that the equity environment
is uncertain or unfavorable, the Fund may decrease its investments in equity
securities and increase its investments in debt securities. Furthermore, if the
Adviser believes that inflationary or monetary conditions warrant a significant
investment in companies involved in precious metals, the Fund may invest up to
10% of its total assets in the equity securities of companies exploring, mining,
developing, producing, or distributing gold or other precious metals.
Additionally, the Conseco Asset Allocation Fund may make temporary defensive
investments (i.e., money market instruments) without limit if it is believed
that market conditions warrant a more conservative investment strategy.
The Conseco Asset Allocation Fund may use various investment strategies and
techniques when the Adviser determines that such use is appropriate in an effort
to meet the Fund's investment objective, including but not limited to: writing
listed "covered" call and "secured" put options, including options on stock
indices, and purchasing such options; purchasing and selling, for hedging
purposes, stock index, interest rate, gold, and other futures contracts, and
purchasing options on such futures contracts; purchasing warrants and preferred
and convertible preferred stocks; purchasing foreign securities; entering into
foreign currency futures contracts, forward contracts and options on foreign
currencies; borrowing from banks to purchase securities; purchasing securities
of other investment companies; entering into repurchase agreements and reverse
repurchase agreements; purchasing restricted securities; investing in
when-issued or delayed delivery securities; and selling securities short. See
"Description of Securities and Investment Techniques" in the SAI for further
information.
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The maturities of the debt securities in the Conseco Asset Allocation Fund
will vary based in large part on the Adviser's expectations as to future changes
in interest rates. However, the Adviser anticipates that the debt component of
the Fund will generally be invested primarily in intermediate and/or long-term
debt securities. The Adviser anticipates that the equity portion of the Fund
will be widely diversified by both industry and number of issuers. The Adviser's
stock selection methods will be based in part upon variables which it believes
significantly relate to the future market performance of a stock, such as recent
changes in earnings per share and their deviations from analysts' expectations,
past growth trends, price movement of the stock itself, publicly recorded
trading transactions by corporate insiders, and relative price-earnings ratios.
The Adviser anticipates that investment opportunities will often be sought among
securities of larger, established companies, although securities issued by
small- and mid-cap companies may also be selected. See "Small and Medium
Capitalization Companies" below for further information.
The Conseco Asset Allocation Fund may invest in high yield, high risk
lower-rated fixed income securities (as defined above in the investment program
of the Conseco Fixed Income Fund) which are not believed to involve undue risk
to income or principal. The Conseco Asset Allocation Fund does not intend to
invest more than 25% of its total assets (measured at the time of investment) in
lower-rated fixed income securities. The lowest rating categories in which the
Fund will invest are CCC/Caa. Securities in those categories are considered to
be of poor standing and are predominantly speculative. For information about the
risks associated with lower-rated fixed income securities, see "Risks Associated
With High Yield Debt Securities" below and "Description of Securities and
Investment Techniques" in the SAI. The Fund may also invest in investment grade
debt securities (as defined above in the investment program of the Conseco Fixed
Income Fund). The Adviser seeks to enhance total return specifically through
purchasing securities which the Adviser believes are undervalued and selling,
when appropriate, those securities the Adviser believes are overvalued. In order
to determine value, the Adviser utilizes independent fundamental analysis of the
issuer as well as an analysis of the specific structure of the security.
The Conseco Asset Allocation Fund may also invest in zero coupon securities
and payment-in-kind securities (see the discussion with respect to the Conseco
High Yield Fund, above).
The Conseco Asset Allocation Fund may also invest in equity and debt
securities of foreign issuers, including non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities,
Eurodollar securities and securities issued, assumed or guaranteed by foreign
governments or political subdivisions or instrumentalities thereof. As a
non-fundamental operating policy, the Conseco Asset Allocation Fund will not
invest more than 50% of its total assets (measured at the time of investment) in
foreign securities. See "Foreign Securities" below and "Description of
Securities and Investment Techniques" in the SAI for further information.
CONSECO EQUITY FUND
In seeking its objective of providing a high equity total return consistent
with preservation of capital and a prudent level of risk, the Conseco Equity
Fund attempts to achieve a total return (i.e., price appreciation plus potential
dividend yield) primarily through investment in selected equities (i.e., common
stocks and other securities having the investment characteristics of common
stocks, such as convertible debentures and warrants). However, if market
conditions indicate their desirability, the Adviser may, for defensive purposes,
temporarily invest all or a part of the assets of the Conseco Equity Fund in
money market instruments.
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The Adviser expects that the Fund's equity investments will be widely
diversified by both industry and number of issuers. The Adviser's stock
selection methods will be based in part upon the analysis of variables which it
believes significantly relate to the future market performance of a stock, such
as recent changes in earnings per share and their deviations from analysts'
expectations, past growth trends, price movement of the stock itself, publicly
recorded trading transactions by corporate insiders, and relative price-earnings
ratios. The Adviser expects that investment opportunities will be sought among
securities of small- and mid-cap companies. See "Small and Medium Capitalization
Companies" below for further information. Securities issued by larger,
established companies may also be selected.
By investing in securities that are subject to market risk, the Conseco
Equity Fund is subject to greater fluctuations in its market value and involves
the assumption of a higher degree of risk as compared to a fund seeking
stability of principal, such as a money market fund, or a fund investing
primarily in U.S. Government securities. To maximize potential return, the
Adviser may utilize a variety of investment techniques and strategies including
but not limited to: writing listed "covered" call and "secured" put options,
including options on stock indices, and purchasing options; purchasing and
selling, for hedging purposes, stock index, interest rate, and other futures
contracts, and purchasing options on such futures contracts; purchasing warrants
and preferred and convertible preferred stocks; borrowing from banks to purchase
securities; purchasing foreign securities in the form of American Depository
Receipts ("ADRs"); purchasing securities of other investment companies; entering
into repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements; purchasing
restricted securities; investing in when-issued or delayed delivery securities;
and selling securities short. See "Description of Securities and Investment
Techniques" in the SAI for further information. The Conseco Equity Fund may also
invest up to 5% of its assets in lower-rated fixed income securities. The Fund
will not invest in rated fixed income securities which are rated below CCC/Caa.
See "Appendix A" to this Prospectus for further discussion regarding securities
ratings. For information about the risks associated with lower-rated fixed
income securities, see "Risks Associated With High Yield Debt Securities" below
and "Description of Securities and Investment Techniques" in the SAI.
CONSECO INTERNATIONAL FUND
The investment objectives of the Conseco International Fund and the
International Portfolio are to realize long-term capital appreciation. The Fund
has a fundamental investment policy which allows, but does not require, it to
invest all of its investable assets in another investment company having
substantially the same investment objective and policies. All other fundamental
investment policies and the non-fundamental investment policies of the Fund and
the Portfolio are substantially similar (except with respect to borrowing, as
discussed in the SAI). The Fund invests only in the Portfolio. Therefore,
although the following discusses the investment policies of the Portfolio, it
applies equally to the Fund.
The Portfolio invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of equity
securities of issuers based outside the United States. AMR allocates the assets
of the Portfolio among one or more investment advisers designated for the
Portfolio. Hotchkis and Wiley, Morgan Stanley Asset Management Inc. and
Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc. currently serve as investment advisers to the
Portfolio. See "Management - AMR and the Investment Advisers to the
International Equity Portfolio."
Ordinarily the Portfolio will invest at least 65% of its assets in common
stocks and securities convertible into common stocks of issuers in at least
three different countries located outside the United States. However, excluding
collateral for securities loaned, the Portfolio generally invests in excess of
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80% of its assets in such securities. The remainder of the Portfolio's assets
will be invested in non-U.S. debt securities which, at the time of purchase, are
rated in one of the three highest rating categories by any NRSRO or, if unrated,
are deemed to be of comparable quality by the applicable investment adviser and
traded publicly on a world market, or in cash or cash equivalents, including
investment grade short-term obligations, or in other investment companies.
However, when its investment advisers deem that market conditions warrant, the
Portfolio may, for temporary defensive purposes, invest up to 100% of its assets
in cash, cash equivalents, other investment companies and investment grade
short-term obligations.
The investment advisers select securities based upon a country's economic
outlook, market valuation and potential changes in currency exchange rates. When
purchasing equity securities, primary emphasis will be placed on undervalued
securities with above average growth expectations.
Overseas investing carries potential risks not associated with domestic
investments. These risks are often greater for investments in emerging or
developing countries. See "Investment Techniques and Other Investment Policies
Foreign Securities" below.
The Portfolio will limit its investments to those in countries which have
been recommended by AMR and which have been approved by the AMR Trust Board.
Countries may be added or deleted with AMR Trust Board approval. In determining
which countries will be approved, the AMR Trust Board will evaluate the risks of
investing in a country and will particularly focus on the ability to repatriate
funds, the size and liquidity aspects of the country's market and the investment
climate for foreign investors. The current countries in which the Portfolio may
invest are Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France,
Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New
Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
and the United Kingdom.
The Portfolio may trade forward contracts, which are derivatives, to hedge
currency fluctuations of underlying stock or bond positions or in other
circumstances permitted by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Forward
contracts to sell foreign currency may be used when the management of the
Portfolio believes that the currency of a particular foreign country may suffer
a decline against the U.S. dollar. Forward contracts are also entered into to
set the exchange rate for a future transaction. In this manner, the Portfolio
may protect itself against a possible loss resulting from an adverse change in
the relationship between the U.S. dollar or other currency which is being used
for the security purchase and the foreign currency in which the security is
denominated during the period between the date on which the security is
purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or received. Forward
contracts involve certain risks which include, but are not limited to: (1)
imperfect correlation between the securities hedged and the contracts
themselves; and (2) possible decrease in the total return of the Portfolio.
Forward contracts are discussed in greater detail in the SAI.
The Portfolio also may trade currency futures for the same reasons as for
entering into forward contracts as set forth above. Currency futures are traded
on U.S. and foreign currency exchanges. The use of currency futures also entails
certain risks which include, but are not limited to: (1) less liquidity due to
daily limits on price fluctuation; (2) imperfect correlation between the
securities hedged and the contracts themselves; (3) possible decrease in the
total return of the Portfolio due to hedging; (4) possible reduction in value
for both the contracts and the securities being hedged; and (5) potential losses
in excess of the amounts invested in the currency futures contracts themselves.
The Portfolio may not enter into currency futures contracts if the purchase or
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sale of such contract would cause the sum of the Portfolio's initial and any
variation margin deposits to exceed 5% of its total assets. Currency futures
contracts, which are derivatives, are discussed in greater detail in the SAI.
As a matter of fundamental policy, the Portfolio may not (1) invest more
than 5% of its total assets (taken at market value) in securities of any one
issuer, other than U.S. Government securities, or purchase more than 10% of the
voting securities of any one issuer, with respect to 75% of the Portfolio's
total assets, or (2) invest more than 25% of its total assets in the obligations
of companies primarily engaged in any one industry, provided that: (i) this
limitation does not apply to U.S. Government securities; (ii) municipalities and
their agencies and authorities are not deemed to be industries; and (iii)
financial service companies are classified according to the end users of their
services (for example, automobile finance, bank finance, and diversified finance
will be considered separate industries). In addition, as a non-fundamental
investment restriction, the Portfolio may not invest more than 15% of its net
assets in illiquid securities, including time deposits and repurchase agreements
that mature in more than seven days.
The above percentage limits are based upon asset values at the time of the
applicable transaction; accordingly, a subsequent change in asset values will
not affect a transaction which was in compliance with the investment
restrictions at the time such transaction was effected. See the SAI for other
investment limitations.
CONSECO 20 FUND
The investment objective of the Conseco 20 Fund is to seek capital
appreciation. The Fund invests primarily in common stocks of companies that the
Adviser believes have above average growth prospects. The Fund is
"non-diversified" (meaning that it is not limited under the 1940 Act in the
percentage of assets that it may invest in any one issuer) and normally
concentrates its investments in a core position of approximately 20 common
stocks. Because the Fund may invest a larger portion of its assets in the
securities of a single issuer than a "diversified" fund, an investment in the
Fund may be subject to greater fluctuations in value than an investment in a
"diversified" fund. However, the Fund intends to comply with the standards under
the Code, that limit a regulated investment company's investments in any one
issuer's securities or in securities (other than U. S. Government securities) of
a limited number of issuers. See "Taxes" in the SAI.
The Fund generally will invest in companies whose earnings are believed to
be in a relatively strong growth trend and, to a lesser extent, in companies in
which significant further growth is not anticipated but whose stocks are thought
to be undervalued by the market. In identifying companies with favorable growth
prospects, the Adviser ordinarily looks to certain characteristics, such as the
following:
o prospects for above-average sales and earnings growth
o high return on invested capital
o overall financial strength, including sound financial and accounting
policies and a strong balance sheet
o competitive advantages, including innovative products and service
o effective research, product development, and marketing
o stable, capable management
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Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 65% of its
total assets in common stocks. The Fund may invest a substantial portion of its
assets in securities issued by small- and mid-cap companies. See "Small and
Medium Capitalization Companies" below for further information. While the
emphasis of the Fund is on common stocks, the Fund may invest its remaining
assets in preferred stocks, convertible securities, and warrants, and in debt
obligations when the Adviser believes that they are more attractive than stocks
on a long-term basis. The debt obligations in which it invests will be primarily
investment grade debt securities, U.S. Government securities, or short-term debt
securities. However, the Fund may invest up to 5% of its total assets in
lower-rated fixed income securities. When the Adviser determines that market
conditions warrant a temporary defensive position, the Fund may invest without
limitation in cash and short-term debt securities.
The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in equity and debt
securities of foreign issuers. The Fund presently intends to invest in foreign
securities only through depositary receipts. See "Foreign Securities" below for
more information.
To maximize potential return, the Adviser may utilize a variety of
investment techniques and strategies, including but not limited to: writing
listed "covered" call and "secured" put options, including options on stock
indices, and purchasing options; purchasing and selling, for hedging purposes,
stock index, interest rate, and other futures contracts, and purchasing options
on such futures contracts; entering into foreign currency futures contracts,
forward contracts and options on foreign currencies; borrowing from banks to
purchase securities; purchasing securities of other investment companies;
entering into repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements; investing
in when-issued or delayed delivery securities; and selling securities short. See
"Description of Securities and Investment Techniques" in the SAI for further
information.
INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES AND OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES
References in this section to "a Fund," "the Funds" or "the Conseco
International Fund" include the International Portfolio, unless the context
otherwise requires.
SMALL AND MEDIUM CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES
The Conseco 20 Fund may invest a substantial portion of its assets in
securities issued by small- and mid-cap companies. The Conseco Equity Fund and
Conseco Asset Allocation Fund also may invest in small- and mid-cap companies.
While these companies generally have potential for rapid growth, investments in
such companies often involve greater risks than investments in larger, more
established companies because small- and mid-cap companies may lack the
management experience, financial resources, product diversification, and
competitive strengths of companies with larger market capitalizations. In
addition, in many instances the securities of small- and mid-cap companies are
traded only over-the-counter or on a regional securities exchange, and the
frequency and volume of their trading is substantially less than is typical of
larger companies. Therefore, these securities may be subject to greater and more
abrupt price fluctuations. When making large sales, a Fund may have to sell
portfolio holdings at discounts from quoted prices or may have to make a series
of small sales over an extended period of time due to the trading volume of
small- and mid-cap company securities. As a result, an investment in any of
these Funds may be subject to greater price fluctuations than an investment in a
fund that invests primarily in larger, more established companies. The Adviser's
research efforts may also play a greater role in selecting securities for these
Funds than in a fund that invests in larger, more established companies.
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PREFERRED STOCK
The Funds may invest in preferred stock. Preferred stock pays dividends at
a specified rate and generally has preference over common stock in the payment
of dividends and the liquidation of the issuer's assets but is junior to the
debt securities of the issuer in those same respects. Unlike interest payments
on debt securities, dividends on preferred stock are generally payable at the
discretion of the issuer's board of directors, and shareholders may suffer a
loss of value if dividends are not paid. Preferred shareholders generally have
no legal recourse against the issuer if dividends are not paid. The market
prices of preferred stocks are subject to changes in interest rates and are more
sensitive to changes in the issuer's creditworthiness than are the prices of
debt securities. Under ordinary circumstances, preferred stock does not carry
voting rights.
DEBT SECURITIES
The Funds (except the Conseco International Fund and the International
Portfolio) may invest in U.S. dollar-denominated corporate debt securities of
domestic issuers, and all of the Funds except the Conseco Equity Fund may invest
in debt securities of foreign issuers that may or may not be U.S.
dollar-denominated.
The investment return on a corporate debt security reflects interest
earnings and changes in the market value of the security. The market value of
corporate debt obligations may be expected to rise and fall inversely with
interest rates generally. There also exists the risk that the issuers of the
securities may not be able to meet their obligations on interest or principal
payments at the time called for by an instrument. Debt securities rated BBB or
Baa, which are considered medium-grade debt securities, do not provide the high
degree of security with respect to payment of principal and interest associated
with higher-rated debt securities, and generally have some speculative
characteristics. A debt security will be placed in this rating category when
interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present, but
economic characteristics that provide longer term protection may be lacking. Any
debt security, and particularly those rated BBB or Baa (or below), may be
susceptible to changing conditions, particularly to economic downturns, which
could lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and principal.
Corporate debt securities may pay fixed or variable rates of interest, or
interest at a rate contingent upon some other factor, such as the price of some
commodity. These securities may be convertible into preferred or common stock
(see "Convertible Securities" below), or may be bought as part of a unit
containing common stock. A debt security may be subject to redemption at the
option of the issuer at a price set in the security's governing instrument.
In selecting corporate debt securities for the Funds (except the Conseco
International Fund and the International Portfolio), the Adviser reviews and
monitors the creditworthiness of each issuer and issue. The Adviser also
analyzes interest rate trends and specific developments which it believes may
affect individual issuers.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH HIGH YIELD DEBT SECURITIES. The Funds (except the
Conseco International Fund and the International Portfolio) may invest in high
yield, high risk, lower-rated fixed income securities. Lower-rated fixed income
securities are subject to all risks inherent in any investment in debt
securities. As discussed below, these risks are significantly greater in the
case of lower-rated fixed income securities.
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Lower-rated fixed income securities generally offer a higher yield than
that available from higher-rated issues with similar maturities, as compensation
for holding a security that is subject to greater risk. Lower-rated fixed income
securities are deemed by rating agencies to be predominately speculative with
respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal and may
involve major risk or exposure to adverse conditions. Lower-rated securities
involve higher risks in that they are especially subject to (1) adverse changes
in general economic conditions and in the industries in which the issuers are
engaged, (2) adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuers, (3)
price fluctuation in response to changes in interest rates and (4) limited
liquidity and secondary market support.
An economic downturn affecting the issuer may result in a weakened capacity
to make principal and interest payments and an increased incidence of default.
In addition, a fund that invests in lower-rated securities may incur additional
expenses to the extent recovery is sought on defaulted securities. Because of
the many risks involved in investing in lower-rated fixed income securities, the
success of such investments is dependent upon the credit analysis of the
Adviser. Although the market for lower-rated fixed income securities is not new,
and the market has previously weathered economic downturns, the past performance
of the market for such securities may not be an accurate indication of its
performance during future economic downturns or periods of rising interest
rates. This market may be thinner and less active than the market for higher
quality securities, which may limit the ability to sell such securities at their
fair value in response to changes in the economy or the financial markets.
Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental
analysis, may also decrease the values and liquidity of lower-rated securities,
especially in a thinly traded market. Differing yields on debt securities of the
same maturity are a function of several factors, including the relative
financial strength of the issuers.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES
The Funds may invest in convertible securities. A convertible security is a
bond, debenture, note, preferred stock or other security that may be converted
into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a
different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or
formula. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or
accrued on debt or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible
security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion,
convertible securities ordinarily provide a stable stream of income with
generally higher yields than those of common stocks of the same or similar
issuers, but lower than the yield on non-convertible debt. Convertible
securities are usually subordinated to comparable-tier non-convertible
securities but rank senior to common stock in a corporation's capital structure.
The value of a convertible security is a function of (1) its yield in
comparison with the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and
quality that do not have a conversion privilege and (2) its worth, at market
value, if converted into the underlying common stock. Convertible securities are
typically issued by smaller capitalized companies, whose stock prices may be
volatile. The price of a convertible security often reflects such variations in
the price of the underlying common stock in a way that non-convertible debt does
not. A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the
issuer at a price established in the convertible security's governing
instrument, which could have an adverse effect on a Fund's ability to achieve
its investment objective.
ZERO COUPON BONDS
The Conseco 20, Conseco Asset Allocation and Conseco High Yield Funds may
invest in zero coupon securities. Zero coupon bonds are debt obligations which
make no fixed interest payments but instead are issued at a significant discount
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from face value. Like other debt securities, the market price can reflect a
premium or discount, in addition to the original issue discount, reflecting the
market's judgment as to the issuer's creditworthiness, the interest rate or
other similar factors. The original issue discount approximates the total amount
of interest the bonds will accrue and compound over the period until maturity
(or the first interest payment date) at a rate of interest reflecting the market
rate at the time of issuance. Because zero coupon bonds do not make periodic
interest payments, their prices can be very volatile when market interest rates
change.
The original issue discount on zero coupon bonds must be included in a
Fund's income ratably as it accrues. Accordingly, to qualify for tax treatment
as a regulated investment company and to avoid a certain excise tax, a Fund may
be required to distribute as a dividend an amount that is greater than the total
amount of cash it actually receives. These distributions must be made from the
Fund's cash assets or, if necessary, from the proceeds of sales of portfolio
securities. Such sales could occur at a time which would be disadvantageous to a
Fund and when the Fund would not otherwise choose to dispose of the assets.
PAY-IN-KIND BONDS
The Conseco High Yield and Conseco Asset Allocation Funds may invest in
pay-in-kind bonds. These bonds pay "interest" through the issuance of additional
bonds, thereby adding debt to the issuer's balance sheet. The market prices of
these securities are likely to respond to changes in interest rates to a greater
degree than the prices of securities paying interest currently. Pay-in-kind
bonds carry additional risk in that, unlike bonds that pay interest throughout
the period to maturity, a Fund will realize no cash until the cash payment date
and the Fund may obtain no return at all on its investment if the issuer
defaults.
The holder of a pay-in-kind bond must accrue income with respect to these
securities prior to the receipt of cash payments thereon. To avoid liability for
federal income and excise taxes, a Fund most likely will be required to
distribute income accrued with respect to these securities, even though the Fund
has not received that income in cash, and may be required to dispose of
portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances in order to generate
cash to satisfy these distribution requirements.
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES
The Funds (except the Conseco International Fund and the International
Portfolio) may invest in mortgage-backed securities. Mortgage-backed securities
are interests in "pools" of mortgage loans made to residential home buyers,
including mortgage loans made by savings and loan institutions, mortgage
bankers, commercial banks and others. Pools of mortgage loans are assembled as
securities for sale to investors by various governmental, government-related and
private organizations (see "Mortgage Pass-Through Securities," below). These
Funds may also invest in debt securities which are secured with collateral
consisting of mortgage-backed securities (see "Collateralized Mortgage
Obligations," below), and in other types of mortgage-related securities. The
Conseco 20 Fund presently does not intend to invest more than 5% of its assets
in mortgage-backed securities.
MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH SECURITIES. These are securities representing
interests in pools of mortgages in which periodic payments of both interest and
principal on the securities are made by "passing through" periodic payments made
by the individual borrowers on the residential mortgage loans underlying such
securities (net of fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of the securities and
possibly other costs). Early repayment of principal on mortgage pass-through
securities (arising from prepayments of principal due to sale of the underlying
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property, refinancing, or foreclosure, net of fees and costs which may be
incurred) may expose a Fund to a lower rate of return upon reinvestment of
principal. Payment of principal and interest on some mortgage pass-through
securities may be guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government
(in the case of securities guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage
Association ("GNMA")), or guaranteed by agencies or instrumentalities of the
U.S. Government (in the case of securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae ("FNMA") or
Freddie Mac ("FHLMC")). Mortgage pass-through securities created by
non-governmental issuers (such as commercial banks, savings and loan
institutions, private mortgage insurance companies, mortgage bankers, and other
secondary market issuers) may be uninsured or may be supported by various forms
of insurance or guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool and hazard
insurance, and letters of credit, which may be issued by governmental entities,
private insurers, or the mortgage poolers.
GNMA CERTIFICATES. GNMA certificates are mortgage-backed securities
representing part ownership of a pool of mortgage loans on which timely payment
of interest and principal is guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
Government. As a result, GNMA certificates are considered to have a low risk of
default, although they are subject to the same market risk as comparable debt
securities. GNMA certificates differ from typical bonds because principal is
repaid monthly over the term of the loan rather than returned in a lump sum at
maturity. Although the mortgage loans in the pool will have maturities of up to
30 years, the actual average life of the GNMA certificates typically will be
substantially less because the mortgages may be purchased at any time prior to
maturity, will be subject to normal principal amortization, and may be prepaid
prior to maturity. Reinvestment of prepayments may occur at higher or lower
rates than the original yield on the certificates.
FNMA AND FHLMC MORTGAGE-BACKED OBLIGATIONS. FNMA, a federally chartered and
privately owned corporation, issues pass-through securities representing
interests in pools of conventional mortgage loans. FNMA guarantees the timely
payment of principal and interest, but this guarantee is not backed by the full
faith and credit of the U.S. Government. FNMA also issues REMIC certificates,
which represent interests in a trust funded with FNMA certificates. REMIC
certificates are guaranteed by FNMA and not by the full faith and credit of the
U.S. Government.
FHLMC, a corporate instrumentality of the U.S. Government, issues
participation certificates which represent interests in pools of conventional
mortgage loans. FHLMC guarantees the timely payment of interest and the ultimate
collection of principal, and maintains reserves to protect holders against
losses due to default, but these securities are not backed by the full faith and
credit of the U.S. Government.
As is the case with GNMA certificates, the actual maturity of and realized
yield on particular FNMA and FHLMC pass-through securities will vary based on
the prepayment experience of the underlying pool of mortgages.
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS AND MORTGAGE-BACKED BONDS.
Mortgage-backed securities may be issued by financial institutions such as
commercial banks, savings and loan associations, mortgage banks, and securities
broker-dealers (or affiliates of such institutions established to issue these
securities) in the form of either collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs")
or mortgage-backed bonds. CMOs are obligations fully collateralized directly or
indirectly by a pool of mortgages on which payments of principal and interest
are dedicated to payment of principal and interest on the CMOs. Payments are
passed through to the holders on the same schedule as they are received,
although not necessarily on a pro rata basis. Mortgage-backed bonds are general
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obligations of the issuer fully collateralized directly or indirectly by a pool
of mortgages. The mortgages serve as collateral for the issuer's payment
obligations on the bonds but interest and principal payments on the mortgages
are not passed through either directly (as with GNMA certificates and FNMA and
FHLMC pass-through securities) or on a modified basis (as with CMOs).
Accordingly, a change in the rate of prepayments on the pool of mortgages could
change the effective maturity of a CMO but not that of a mortgage-backed bond
(although, like many bonds, mortgage-backed bonds may be callable by the issuer
prior to maturity). Although the mortgage-related securities securing these
obligations may be subject to a government guarantee or third-party support, the
obligation itself is not so guaranteed. Therefore, if the collateral securing
the obligation is insufficient to make payment on the obligation, a Fund could
sustain a loss. If new types of mortgage-related securities are developed and
offered to investors, investments in such securities will be considered.
STRIPPED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. The Conseco High Yield Fund may invest
in stripped mortgage-backed securities, which are derivative securities usually
structured with two classes that receive different proportions of the interest
and principal distributions from an underlying pool of mortgage assets. The Fund
may purchase securities representing only the interest payment portion of the
underlying mortgage pools (commonly referred to as "IOs") or only the principal
portion of the underlying mortgage pools (commonly referred to as "POs").
Stripped mortgage-backed securities are more sensitive to changes in prepayment
and interest rates and the market for such securities is less liquid than is the
case for traditional debt securities and mortgage-backed securities. The yield
on IOs is extremely sensitive to the rate of principal payments (including
prepayments) on the underlying mortgage assets, and a rapid rate of repayment
may have a material adverse effect on such securities' yield to maturity. If the
underlying mortgage assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of
principal, the Fund will fail to recoup fully its initial investment in these
securities, even if they are rated high quality. Most IOs and POs are regarded
as illiquid and will be included in the Fund's limit on illiquid securities.
RISKS OF MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. Mortgage pass-through securities, such
as GNMA certificates or FNMA and FHLMC mortgage-backed obligations, or modified
pass-through securities, such as CMOs issued by various financial institutions
and IOs and POs, are subject to early repayment of principal arising from
prepayments of principal on the underlying mortgage loans (due to the sale of
the underlying property, the refinancing of the loan, or foreclosure).
Prepayment rates vary widely and may be affected by changes in market interest
rates and other economic trends and factors. In periods of falling interest
rates, the rate of prepayment tends to increase, thereby shortening the actual
average life of the mortgage-backed security. Conversely, when interest rates
are rising, the rate of prepayment tends to decrease, thereby lengthening the
actual average life of the mortgage-backed security. Accordingly, it is not
possible to accurately predict the average life of a particular pool.
Reinvestment of prepayments may occur at higher or lower rates than the original
yield on the securities. Therefore, the actual maturity and realized yield on
pass-through or modified pass-through mortgage-backed securities will vary based
upon the prepayment experience of the underlying pool of mortgages.
TRUST ORIGINATED PREFERRED SECURITIES
The Conseco High Yield Fund may also invest in trust originated preferred
securities, a relatively new type of security issued by financial institutions
such as banks and insurance companies and other issuers. Trust originated
preferred securities represent interests in a trust formed by the issuer. The
trust sells preferred shares and invests the proceeds in notes issued by the
same entity. These notes may be subordinated and unsecured. Distributions on the
trust originated preferred securities match the interest payments on the notes;
if no interest is paid on the notes, the trust will not make current payments on
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its preferred securities. Issuers of the notes currently enjoy favorable tax
treatment. If the tax characterization of these securities were to change
adversely, they could be redeemed by the issuers, which could result in a loss
to the Fund. In addition, some trust originated preferred securities are
available only to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A.
LOAN PARTICIPATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
The Conseco High Yield Fund may also invest in loan participations or
assignments. In purchasing a loan participation or assignment, the Fund acquires
some or all of the interest of a bank or other lending institution in a loan to
a corporate borrower. Many such loans are secured and most impose restrictive
covenants which must be met by the borrower and which are generally more
stringent than the covenants available in publicly traded debt securities.
However, interests in some loans may not be secured, and the Fund will be
exposed to a risk of loss if the borrower defaults. Loan participations may also
be purchased by the Fund when the borrowing company is already in default.
In purchasing a loan participation, the Fund may have less protection under
the federal securities laws than it has in purchasing traditional types of
securities. The Fund's ability to assert its rights against the borrower will
also depend on the particular terms of the loan agreement among the parties.
Many of the interests in loans purchased by the Fund will be illiquid and
therefore subject to the Fund's limit on illiquid investments.
COLLATERALIZED BOND OBLIGATIONS
A collateralized bond obligation ("CBO") is a type of asset-backed
security. Specifically, a CBO is an investment grade bond which is backed by a
diversified pool of high risk, high yield fixed income securities. The pool of
high yield securities is separated into "tiers" representing different degrees
of credit quality. The top tier of CBOs is backed by the pooled securities with
the highest degree of credit quality and pays the lowest interest rate.
Lower-tier CBOs represent lower degrees of credit quality and pay higher
interest rates to compensate for the attendant risk. The bottom tier typically
receives the residual interest payments (I.E. money that is left over after the
higher tiers have been paid) rather than a fixed interest rate. The return on
the bottom tier of CBOs is especially sensitive to the rate of defaults in the
collateral pool.
FOREIGN SECURITIES
The Funds may invest in securities of foreign issuers. These securities may
be U.S. dollar denominated or non-U.S. dollar denominated. Foreign securities
include securities issued, assumed or guaranteed by foreign governments or
political subdivisions or instrumentalities thereof.
Investments in foreign securities may offer unique potential benefits such
as substantial growth in industries not yet developed in the particular country.
Such investments also permit a Fund to invest in foreign countries with economic
policies or business cycles different from those of the United States, or to
reduce fluctuations in portfolio value by taking advantage of foreign securities
markets that may not move in a manner parallel to U.S. markets.
Investments in securities of foreign issuers involve certain risks not
ordinarily associated with investments in securities of domestic issuers. Such
risks include fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, and the possible
imposition of exchange controls or other foreign governmental laws or
restrictions on foreign investments or repatriation of capital. In addition,
with respect to certain countries, there is the possibility of nationalization
or expropriation of assets; confiscatory taxation; political, social or
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financial instability; and war or other diplomatic developments that could
adversely affect investments in those countries. Since a Fund may invest in
securities denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar,
changes in foreign currency exchange rates will affect the value of securities
held by the Fund and the unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments
so far as U.S. investors are concerned. A Fund generally will incur costs in
connection with conversion between various currencies.
There may be less publicly available information about a foreign company
than about a U.S. company, and foreign companies may not be subject to
accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards and requirements
comparable to or as uniform as those to which U.S. companies are subject.
Foreign securities markets, while growing in volume, have, for the most part,
substantially less volume than U.S. markets. Securities of many foreign
companies are less liquid and their prices more volatile than securities of
comparable U.S. companies. Transaction costs, custodial fees and management
costs in non-U.S. securities markets are generally higher than in U.S.
securities markets. There is generally less government supervision and
regulation of exchanges, brokers, and issuers than there is in the United
States. A Fund might have greater difficulty taking appropriate legal action
with respect to foreign investments in non-U.S. courts than with respect to
domestic issuers in U.S. courts. In addition, transactions in foreign securities
may involve longer time from the trade date until settlement than domestic
securities transactions and involve the risk of possible losses through the
holding of securities by custodians and securities depositories in foreign
countries.
All of the foregoing risks may be intensified in emerging markets.
Dividend and interest income from foreign securities may be subject to
withholding taxes by the country in which the issuer is located and may not be
recoverable by a Fund or its investors in all cases.
ADRs are certificates issued by a U.S. bank or trust company representing
an interest in securities of a foreign issuer deposited in a foreign subsidiary
or branch or a correspondent of that bank. Generally, ADRs are designed for use
in U.S. securities markets and may offer U.S. investors more liquidity than the
underlying securities. The Funds may invest in unsponsored ADRs. The issuers of
unsponsored ADRs are not obligated to disclose material information in the
United States and, therefore, there may not be a correlation between such
information and the market value of such ADRs. European Depositary Receipts
("EDRs") are certificates issued by a European bank or trust company evidencing
its ownership of the underlying foreign securities. EDRs are designed for use in
European securities markets.
RESTRICTED SECURITIES, RULE 144A SECURITIES AND ILLIQUID SECURITIES
The Funds (except the Conseco International Fund and the International
Portfolio) may invest in restricted securities, such as private placements, and
in Rule 144A securities. Once acquired, restricted securities may be sold by a
Fund only in privately negotiated transactions or in a public offering with
respect to which a registration statement is in effect under the 1933 Act. If
sold in a privately negotiated transaction, a Fund may have difficulty finding a
buyer and may be required to sell at a price that is less than it had
anticipated. Where registration is required, a Fund may be obligated to pay all
or part of the registration expenses and a considerable period may elapse
between the time of the decision to sell and the time the Fund may be permitted
to sell a security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a
period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain a less
favorable price than prevailed when it decided to sell. Restricted securities
are generally considered illiquid.
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Rule 144A securities, although not registered, may be resold to qualified
institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under the 1933 Act. The
Adviser, acting pursuant to guidelines established by the Board, may determine
that some Rule 144A securities are liquid.
A Fund may not invest in any security if, as a result, more than 15% of the
Fund's net assets would be invested in illiquid securities, which are securities
that cannot be expected to be sold within seven days at approximately the price
at which they are valued.
PRIVATE PLACEMENT OFFERINGS (CONSECO INTERNATIONAL FUND AND INTERNATIONAL
PORTFOLIO)
Investments in private placement offerings are made in reliance on the
"private placement" exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(2) of the
1933 Act, and resold to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A under the
1933 Act ("Section 4(2) securities"). Section 4(2) securities are restricted as
to disposition under the federal securities laws, and generally are sold to
institutional investors such as the Portfolio that agree they are purchasing the
securities for investment and not with an intention to distribute to the public.
Any resale by the purchaser must be pursuant to an exempt transaction and may be
accomplished in accordance with Rule 144A. Section 4(2) securities normally are
resold to other institutional investors such as the Portfolio through or with
the assistance of the issuer or dealers that make a market in the Section 4(2)
securities, thus providing liquidity. The Portfolio will not invest more than
15% of its net assets in Section 4(2) securities and illiquid securities unless
the applicable investment adviser determines, by continuous reference to the
appropriate trading markets and pursuant to guidelines approved by the AMR Trust
Board, that any Section 4(2) securities held by the Portfolio in excess of this
level are at all times liquid.
The AMR Trust Board and the applicable investment adviser, pursuant to the
guidelines approved by the AMR Trust Board, will carefully monitor the
Portfolio's investments in Section 4(2) securities offered and sold under Rule
144A, focusing on such important factors, among others, as: valuation,
liquidity, and availability of information. Investments in Section 4(2)
securities could have the effect of reducing the Portfolio's liquidity to the
extent that qualified institutional buyers no longer wish to purchase these
restricted securities.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
The Funds may enter into repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement is
an agreement under which securities are acquired from a securities dealer or
bank subject to resale at an agreed upon price on a later date. The acquiring
Fund bears a risk of loss in the event that the other party to a repurchase
agreement defaults on its obligations and the Fund is delayed or prevented from
exercising its rights to dispose of the collateral securities. However, to
minimize the risk, the Funds will enter into repurchase agreements only with
financial institutions which are deemed to be of good financial standing and
which have been approved by the Board or the AMR Trust Board. No more than 15%
of a Fund's assets may be subject to repurchase agreements maturing in more than
seven days.
SECURITIES LENDING
The Funds may lend securities to broker-dealers or other institutional
investors pursuant to agreements requiring that the loans be continuously
secured by any combination of cash, U.S. Government securities, and approved
bank letters of credit that at all times equal at least 100% of the market value
of the loaned securities. The Conseco 20 Fund, the Conseco High Yield Fund, and
the Conseco International Fund will not make such loans if, as a result, the
aggregate amount of all outstanding securities loans would exceed 33 1/3% of the
Fund's total assets. As a fundamental policy of Conseco Equity Fund, the Conseco
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Asset Allocation Fund, and the Conseco Fixed Income Fund, such loans will not be
made if, as a result, the aggregate amount of all outstanding securities loans
would exceed 15% of each Fund's total assets. A Fund continues to receive
interest on the securities loaned and simultaneously earns either interest on
the investment of the cash collateral or fee income if the loan is otherwise
collateralized. Should the borrower of the securities fail financially, there is
a risk of delay in recovery of the securities loaned or loss of rights in the
collateral. However, the Funds seek to minimize this risk by making loans only
to borrowers which are deemed by the Adviser or AMR, as appropriate, to be of
good financial standing and that have been approved by the Board or the AMR
Trust Board, respectively.
AMR will receive compensation for administrative and oversight functions
with respect to securities lending by the International Portfolio. The amount of
such compensation will depend on the income generated by the loan of the
Portfolio's securities. The SEC has granted exemptive relief that permits the
Portfolio to invest cash collateral received from securities lending
transactions in shares of one or more private investment companies managed by
AMR.
Subject to receipt of exemptive relief from the SEC, the Portfolio also may
invest cash collateral received from securities lending transactions in shares
of one or more registered investment companies managed by AMR.
BORROWING
The Funds (except the Conseco International Fund and the International
Portfolio) may borrow money to purchase securities, which is a form of leverage.
This leverage may exaggerate the gains and losses on a Fund's investments and
changes in the net asset value of that Fund's shares. Leverage also creates
interest expenses; if those expenses exceed the return on the transactions that
the borrowings facilitate, a Fund will be in a worse position than if it had not
borrowed. The use of derivatives in connection with leverage may create the
potential for significant losses. The Funds may pledge assets in connection with
permitted borrowings. Each Fund may borrow an amount up to 33 1/3 % of its
assets.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Funds do not have a predetermined rate of portfolio turnover since such
turnover will be incidental to transactions taken with a view to achieving their
respective objectives. It is anticipated that the annual turnover rate of the
Conseco High Yield Fund and Conseco 20 Fund normally will not exceed 400%. In
the last fiscal year, the portfolio turnover rate was 368% for the Conseco Fixed
Income Fund, 507% for the Conseco Asset Allocation Fund, and 199% for the
Conseco Equity Fund, and 15% for the International Portfolio. Turnover rates in
excess of 100% generally result in higher transaction costs and a possible
increase in realized short-term capital gains or losses. See "Dividends, Other
Distributions and Taxes."
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE MASTER-FEEDER STRUCTURE
The Conseco International Fund, unlike mutual funds that directly acquire
and manage their own portfolios of securities, seeks to achieve its investment
objective by investing all of its investable assets in the International
Portfolio of the AMR Trust, which is a separate investment company managed by
AMR. The AMR Trust is registered under the 1940 Act as an open-end diversified
management investment company and was organized as a New York common law trust
on June 27, 1995. The predecessor of the International Portfolio commenced
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operations on August 7, 1991 and transferred all of its investable assets to the
Portfolio on November 1, 1995. The AMR Trust currently issues eight separate
series of shares. The assets of the Portfolio belong only to, and the
liabilities of the Portfolio are borne solely by, the Portfolio and no other
series of the AMR Trust.
The Board believes that the Conseco International Fund will achieve
economies of scale by investing in the Portfolio, which could reduce the Fund's
expenses. In addition to selling its interests to the Conseco International
Fund, the Portfolio currently sells its interests to other investment companies
and/or other institutional investors. All institutional investors in the
Portfolio pay a proportionate share of the Portfolio's expenses and invest in
the Portfolio on the same terms and conditions. However, other investment
companies investing all of their assets in the Portfolio are not required to
sell their shares at the same public offering price as the Conseco International
Fund and are allowed to charge different sales commissions and to have different
fees and expenses. Therefore, investors in the Conseco International Fund may
experience different returns than investors in another investment company that
invests exclusively in the Portfolio. Information regarding other investment
companies that invest in the Portfolio is available by calling (800) 967-9009.
The Conseco International Fund's investment in the Portfolio may be
materially affected by the actions of large investors in the Portfolio. For
example, as with all open-end investment companies, if a large investor were to
redeem its interest in the Portfolio, the Portfolio's remaining investors could
experience higher pro rata operating expenses, thereby producing lower returns.
As a result, the Portfolio's security holdings also could become less diverse,
resulting in increased risk. Investors in the Portfolio that have a greater pro
rata ownership interest in the Portfolio could have effective voting control
over its operation.
The Conseco International Fund may withdraw its entire investment from the
Portfolio at any time if the Board determines that it is in the best interests
of the Conseco International Fund and its shareholders to do so. The Conseco
International Fund might withdraw, for example, if there were other investors in
the Portfolio with power to, and who did by a vote of the shareholders of all
investors (including the Conseco International Fund), change the investment
objective or policies of the Portfolio in a manner not acceptable to the Board.
A withdrawal could result in a distribution in kind of portfolio securities (as
opposed to a cash distribution) by the Portfolio. That distribution could result
in a less diversified portfolio of investments for the Conseco International
Fund and could affect adversely the liquidity of the Conseco International
Fund's portfolio. If the Conseco International Fund decided to convert those
securities to cash, it usually would incur brokerage fees or other transaction
costs. If the Conseco International Fund withdrew its investment from the
Portfolio, the Board would consider what action might be taken, including the
management of the Conseco International Fund's assets by the Adviser in
accordance with the Fund's investment objective and policies or the investment
of all of the Conseco International Fund's investable assets in another pooled
investment entity having substantially the same investment objective as the
Fund. In the event the Board determines not to have the Adviser manage the
Conseco International Fund's assets, the inability of the Fund to find a
suitable replacement investment could have a significant impact on shareholders
of the Conseco International Fund.
Each investor in the Portfolio, including the Conseco International Fund,
will be liable for all obligations of the Portfolio, but not of any other series
of the AMR Trust. The risk to an investor in the Portfolio of incurring
financial loss beyond the amount of its investment on account of such liability,
however, would be limited to the unlikely circumstance in which the Portfolio
was unable to meet its obligations. Upon liquidation of the Portfolio, investors
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would be entitled to share pro rata in the net assets of the Portfolio available
for distribution to investors. For additional information regarding liability of
shareholders of the Conseco International Fund, see "General" in the SAI.
MANAGEMENT
The Trustees of the Trust decide upon matters of general policy for the
Trust. In addition, the Trustees review the actions of the Adviser, as set forth
below. The Trust's officers supervise the daily business operations of the
Trust. For information about the Trust's Board of Trustees and the Trust's
officers, see "Management" in the SAI. The AMR Trust Board has general
supervisory responsibility over the AMR Trust's affairs.
THE ADVISER
Conseco Capital Management, Inc., 11825 N. Pennsylvania Street, Carmel,
Indiana 46032, has been retained under Investment Advisory Agreements with the
Trust to provide investment advice and in general to supervise the management
and investment program of the Trust and each Fund. The Adviser is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Conseco, Inc., a publicly-owned financial services company, the
principal operations of which are in development, marketing, and administration
of specialized annuity, life and health insurance products. The Adviser manages
and serves as sub-adviser to other registered investment companies and manages
all of the invested assets of its parent company, Conseco, Inc., which owns or
manages several life insurance subsidiaries, and provides investment and
servicing functions to the Conseco companies and affiliates. The Adviser also
manages foundations, endowments, public and corporate pension plans, and private
client accounts. As of December 31, 1997, the Adviser managed in excess of $32
billion in assets.
The Adviser generally manages the affairs of the Trust, subject to the
supervision of the Board. While the Conseco International Fund operates in a
"master-feeder" structure, the Adviser is responsible for selecting the
investment company in which that Fund invests. If the Adviser is not satisfied
with the performance of that investment company, the Adviser will recommend to
the Board other investment companies in which the Conseco International Fund may
invest, or recommend that the Adviser manage the Conseco International Fund
itself.
Under the Investment Advisory Agreements, the Adviser has contracted to
receive an investment advisory fee equal to an annual rate of .70% of the
average daily net asset value of the Conseco Equity Fund, Conseco Asset
Allocation Fund, Conseco 20 Fund, and Conseco High Yield Fund, 0.45% of the
average daily net asset value of the Conseco Fixed Income Fund, and 1.00% of the
average daily net asset value of the Conseco International Fund. The Adviser has
voluntarily undertaken to reduce its advisory fee with respect to the Conseco
Fixed Income Fund and the Conseco High Yield Fund until April 30, 1999. See "Fee
Table" for more information. The Adviser has voluntarily agreed to waive all of
its fees under the Conseco International Fund's Investment Advisory Agreement so
long as that Fund invests all of its investable assets in the International
Portfolio or another investment company with substantially the same investment
objective and policies as the Fund. For more information about the Portfolio's
management, see "AMR and the Investment Advisers to the International Equity
Portfolio" below.
The Adviser, the Administrator and the Distributor have voluntarily agreed
to waive their fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent that the ratio of
expenses to net assets on an annual basis for Class A shares of the Conseco
Equity and Conseco Asset Allocation Funds exceeds 1.50%, the Conseco Fixed
Income Fund exceeds 1.25%, the Conseco 20 Fund exceeds 1.75%, the Conseco High
Yield Fund exceeds 1.40%, and the Conseco International Fund exceeds 2.25%; and
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to the extent that the ratio of expenses to net assets on an annual basis for
Class B shares and Class C shares of the Conseco Equity and Conseco Asset
Allocation Funds exceeds 2.00%, the Conseco Fixed Income Fund exceeds 1.60%, the
Conseco High Yield Fund exceeds 1.90%, the Conseco 20 Fund exceeds 2.25% and the
Conseco International Fund exceeds 2.75%. These voluntary limits may be
discontinued at any time after April 30, 1999.
The investment professionals primarily responsible for the management of
the Funds (except the Conseco International Fund and the International
Portfolio) with the respective responsibilities and business experience for the
past five years are as follows:
CONSECO FIXED INCOME FUND: Gregory J. Hahn, CFA, Senior Vice President,
Portfolio Analytics, for the Adviser. He is responsible for the portfolio
analysis and management of the institutional client accounts and analytical
support for taxable portfolios. In addition, he has responsibility for SEC
registered investment products as well as investments in the insurance industry.
Mr. Hahn joined the Adviser in 1989.
CONSECO HIGH YIELD FUND: William F. Ficca, Vice President and Director of
Research of the Adviser, and Peter C. Andersen, CFA, Second Vice President,
Portfolio Analytics for the Adviser.
Mr. Andersen is responsible for fixed income management of institutional
client accounts. Mr. Andersen joined the Adviser in 1997. Prior to joining the
Adviser, he was a portfolio manager for Colonial Management Associates in
Boston, where he managed over $650 million in high yield, tax-free mutual funds.
Mr. Ficca oversees the Adviser's research efforts. In addition, he is the
portfolio manager of certain other investment products managed by the Adviser.
Mr. Ficca joined the Adviser in 1991. Previously, Mr. Ficca worked in investment
banking and traded corporate and government bonds.
CONSECO ASSET ALLOCATION FUND: Gregory J. Hahn, CFA, Portfolio Manager of
the fixed income portion of the Fund. See Mr. Hahn's business experience above.
Thomas J. Pence, Portfolio Manager of the equity portion of the Fund. See Mr.
Pence's business experience below.
CONSECO EQUITY FUND: Thomas J. Pence, CFA, Vice President for the Adviser.
He is responsible for the management of the Adviser's equity portfolios and
oversight of the equity investment process. Mr. Pence joined the Adviser in
1992. Previously, Mr. Pence worked for five years as a securities analyst in the
field of real estate acquisition and development in which he specialized in
residential development and construction finance and was responsible for
overseeing a project portfolio of $750 million in real estate assets.
CONSECO 20 FUND: Thomas J. Pence, Vice President for the Adviser, and Erik
J. Voss, Senior Securities Analyst for the Adviser. See Mr. Pence's business
experience above.
Mr. Voss assists in research and portfolio management for all of the
Adviser's equity portfolios. Mr. Voss joined the Adviser in 1996. Previously, he
worked as an equity analyst for another investment adviser.
29
<PAGE>
Like other financial and business organizations, the Funds could be
adversely affected if computer systems they rely on do not properly process
date-related information and data involving the years 2000 and after. The
Adviser is taking steps that it believes are reasonable to address this problem
in its own computer systems and to obtain assurances that comparable steps are
being taken by the Funds' other major service providers. The Adviser also
attempts to evaluate the potential impact of this problem on the issuers of
investment securities that the Funds purchase. However, there can be no
assurance that these steps will be sufficient to avoid any adverse impact on the
Funds.
AMR AND THE INVESTMENT ADVISERS TO THE INTERNATIONAL EQUITY PORTFOLIO
AMR has entered into a Management Agreement with the AMR Trust that
obligates AMR to provide or oversee all administrative, investment advisory and
portfolio management services for the AMR Trust, including the International
Portfolio. AMR, located at 4333 Amon Carter Boulevard, MD 5645, Fort Worth,
Texas 76155, is a wholly owned subsidiary of AMR Corporation, the parent company
of American Airlines, Inc., and was organized in 1986 to provide investment
management, advisory, administrative and asset management consulting services.
As of December 31, 1997, AMR had assets under management totaling approximately
$18.4 billion including approximately $6.1 billion under active management and
$12.3 billion as named fiduciary or fiduciary adviser. Of the total,
approximately $14.2 billion of assets are related to AMR Corporation.
AMR develops the investment program for the International Portfolio,
selects and changes investment advisers (subject to approval by the AMR Trust
Board), allocates assets among investment advisers, monitors their investment
programs and results, and coordinates the investment activities of the
investment advisers to ensure compliance with regulatory restrictions. For more
information about these matters, see the SAI. AMR also provides the Portfolio
with office space, office equipment and personnel necessary to manage and
administer its operations.
AMR oversees the Portfolio's participation in securities lending activities
and any action taken by securities lending agents in connection with those
activities to ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory and investment
guidelines.
AMR bears the expense of providing the above services and pays the fees of
the Portfolio's investment advisers. As compensation for doing so, AMR receives
from the Portfolio an annualized advisory fee that is calculated and accrued
daily, equal to the sum of (1) 0.10% of the net assets of the Portfolio, plus
(2) all fees payable by AMR to the Portfolio's investment advisers as described
below. The advisory fee is payable quarterly in arrears. AMR also receives
compensation in connection with securities lending activities. If the Portfolio
lends its portfolio securities and receives cash collateral from the borrower,
AMR may receive up to 25% of the net annual interest income (the gross interest
earned by the investment less the amount paid to the borrower as well as related
expenses) received from the investment of such cash. If a borrower posts
collateral other than cash, the borrower will pay to the Portfolio a loan fee.
AMR may receive up to 25% of the loan fees posted by borrowers. Currently, AMR
receives 10% of the net annual interest income from the investment of cash
collateral or 10% of the loan fees posted by borrowers.
William F. Quinn has served as President of AMR since it was founded in
1986 and Nancy A. Eckl serves as Vice President - Trust Investments of AMR. Ms.
Eckl previously served as Vice President - Finance and Compliance of AMR from
December 1990 to May 1995. In these capacities, Mr. Quinn and Ms. Eckl have
primary responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the Portfolio. These
30
<PAGE>
responsibilities include oversight of the investment advisers to the Portfolio,
regular review of each investment adviser's performance and asset allocations
among them.
The Portfolio's investment advisers are listed below. Each investment
adviser has entered into a separate investment advisory agreement with AMR to
provide investment advisory services to the Portfolio. AMR is permitted to enter
into new or modified advisory agreements with existing or new investment
advisers without approval of Conseco International Fund shareholders or
International Portfolio interest holders, but subject to approval of the AMR
Trust Board. The SEC issued an exemptive order which eliminates the need for
shareholder/interest holder approval, subject to compliance with certain
conditions. These conditions include the requirement that within 90 days of
hiring a new adviser or implementing a material change with respect to an
advisory contract, the Fund send a notice to shareholders containing information
about the change that would be included in a proxy statement. AMR recommends
investment advisers to the AMR Trust Board based upon its continuing
quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the investment advisers' skill in
managing assets using specific investment styles and strategies. The allocation
of assets among investment advisers may be changed at any time by AMR.
Allocations among investment advisers will vary based upon a variety of factors,
including the overall investment performance of each investment adviser, the
Portfolio's cash flow needs and market conditions. AMR need not allocate assets
to each investment adviser designated for the Portfolio. The investment advisers
can be terminated without penalty to the AMR Trust by AMR, the AMR Trust Board
or the interest holders of the Portfolio. Short-term investment performance, by
itself, is not a significant factor in selecting or terminating an investment
adviser, and AMR does not expect to recommend frequent changes of investment
advisers. The Prospectus will be supplemented if additional investment advisers
are retained or the contract with any existing investment adviser is terminated.
The investment advisers provide the Portfolio with portfolio investment
management and related recordkeeping services. Each investment adviser has
discretion to purchase and sell securities for its segment of the Portfolio's
assets in accordance with the Portfolio's objective, policies and restrictions
and the more specific strategies provided by AMR. As compensation for its
services, each investment adviser is paid a fee by AMR out of the proceeds of
the management fee received by AMR from the Portfolio.
Hotchkis and Wiley, 800 West Sixth Street, 5th Floor, Los Angeles,
California 90017, is a professional investment counseling firm which was founded
in 1980 by John F. Hotchkis and George Wiley. Hotchkis and Wiley is a division
of the Capital Management Group of Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P., a
wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. Assets under
management as of December 31, 1997 were approximately $12.3 billion, which
included approximately $1.1 billion of assets of AMR Corporation and its
subsidiaries and affiliated entities. The advisory contract provides for AMR to
pay Hotchkis and Wiley an annualized fee equal to .60% of the first $10 million
of assets under its discretionary management, .50% of the next $140 million of
assets, .30% of the next $50 million of assets, .20% of the next $800 million of
assets and .15% of all excess assets.
Morgan Stanley Asset Management Inc. ("MSAM"), 25 Cabot Square, London,
United Kingdom E14 4QA, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, Dean
Witter & Co. MSAM provides portfolio management and named fiduciary services to
taxable and nontaxable institutions, international organizations and individuals
investing in United States and international equity and debt securities. As of
September 30, 1997, MSAM, together with its other asset management affiliates,
had assets under management totaling approximately $142.5 billion, including
31
<PAGE>
approximately $112.3 billion under active management and $20.2 billion as named
fiduciary or fiduciary adviser. As of December 31, 1997, MSAM had investment
authority over approximately $561.9 million of assets of AMR Corporation and its
subsidiaries and affiliated entities. AMR pays MSAM an annual fee equal to .80%
of the first $25 million in assets under its discretionary management, .60% of
the next $25 million in assets, .50% of the next $25 million in assets and .40%
of all excess assets.
Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc. ("Templeton"), 500 East Broward Blvd.,
Suite 2100, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33394-3091, is a professional investment
counseling firm which has been providing investment services since 1979.
Templeton is indirectly owned by Franklin Resources, Inc. As of December 31,
1997, Templeton had discretionary investment management authority with respect
to approximately $21.7 billion of assets, including approximately $511.6 million
of assets of AMR Corporation and its subsidiaries and affiliated entities. AMR
pays Templeton an annualized fee equal to .50% of the first $100 million in
assets under its discretionary management, .35% of the next $50 million in
assets, .30% of the next $250 million in assets and .25% on assets over $400
million.
Solely for the purpose of determining the applicable percentage rates when
calculating the fees for each investment adviser other than MSAM, there shall be
included all other assets or trust assets of American Airlines, Inc. also under
management by each respective investment adviser. For the purpose of determining
the applicable percentage rates when calculating MSAM's fees, all equity account
assets managed by MSAM on behalf of American Airlines, Inc. shall be included.
The inclusion of any such assets will result in lower overall fee rates being
applied to the Portfolio.
ADMINISTRATIVE FEES
Pursuant to an administration agreement ("Administration Agreement"), the
Administrator supervises the overall administration of the Funds. These
administrative services include supervising the preparation and filing of all
documents required for compliance by the Funds with applicable laws and
regulations, supervising the maintenance of books and records, and other general
and administrative responsibilities. In addition, while the Conseco
International Fund operates in a "master-feeder" structure, the Administrator
will monitor the performance of the investment company in which the Conseco
International Fund invests, coordinate the Conseco International Fund's
relationship with that investment company and communicate with the Board and
shareholders regarding the performance of that investment company and the Fund's
master-feeder structure.
For providing these services, the Administrator receives a fee from each of
the Funds (except the Conseco International Fund) of .20% per annum of its
average daily net assets. The Administrator receives a fee from the Conseco
International Fund of .75% per annum of its average daily net assets. Pursuant
to the Administration Agreement, the Administrator reserves the right to employ
one or more sub-administrators to perform administrative services for the Funds.
The Bank of New York performs certain administrative services for each of the
Funds, and AMR and State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street") perform
services for the Conseco International Fund, pursuant to agreements with the
Administrator.
DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE PLANS
The Funds have adopted Distribution and Service Plans for Class A, Class B
and Class C shares to compensate the Distributor for distributing the shares and
servicing the accounts of shareholders of each such class. With respect to Class
A shares of each Fund except the Conseco Fixed Income Fund, the Plans authorize
payments to the Distributor of up to 0.50% annually of the average daily net
assets attributable to Class A shares. The Plan for Class A shares of the
32
<PAGE>
Conseco Fixed Income Fund authorizes payments to the Distributor of up to 0.65%
annually of the average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares. The
Plan for Class B and Class C shares of all the Funds authorizes payments to the
Distributor of up to 1.00% annually of each Fund's average daily net assets
attributable to Class B and Class C shares, respectively. The Plans further
provides for periodic payments by the Distributor to brokers, dealers, and other
financial intermediaries for providing shareholder services and for promotional
and other sales related costs. The portion of payments by Class A, Class B or
Class C of a Fund for shareholder servicing may not exceed an annual rate of
.25% of the average daily net asset value of the Fund's shares of that class
owned by clients of such broker, dealer or financial intermediary.
PURCHASE OF SHARES
HOW TO BUY SHARES
You may purchase Class A, Class B or Class C shares from any broker,
dealer, or other financial intermediary that has a selling agreement with the
Distributor. These firms may charge for their services in connection with your
purchase order. In addition, as discussed below, an account may be opened for
the purchase of shares of a Fund by mailing a completed account application and
a check payable to the appropriate Fund to the Conseco Fund Group, P.O. Box
8017, Boston, Massachusetts 02266-8017. Or you may telephone (800) 986-3384 to
obtain the number of an account to which you can wire or electronically transfer
funds and then send in a completed application. When placing purchase orders,
investors should specify whether the order is for Class A, Class B or Class C
shares.
Purchase orders for all Funds are accepted only on a business day as
defined below. Orders for shares received by the Funds' Transfer Agent on any
business day prior to the close of regular trading on the New York Stock
Exchange (the "NYSE") (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) will receive that day's
offering price. The offering price is net asset value plus, for shares of Class
A, a varying sales charge depending on the amount invested. For a discussion of
how the price of shares of each class is computed, see "Alternate Pricing
Arrangements." Orders received by the Transfer Agent after such time but prior
to the close of business on the next business day will receive the next business
day's offering price. A "business day" is any day on which the NYSE is open for
business. It is anticipated that the NYSE will be closed Saturdays and Sundays
and on days on which the NYSE observes New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr.
Day, President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Certain brokers, dealers, and other financial intermediaries may be
authorized to accept purchase orders on behalf of the Funds. A Fund will be
deemed to have received a purchase order when an authorized broker, dealer, or
other financial intermediary accepts the order. Orders placed through an
authorized broker, dealer, or other financial intermediary will receive the
offering price next calculated after the order has been accepted by such an
authorized firm. In all other cases, it is the responsibility of the broker,
dealer, or other financial intermediary to forward customer orders received
prior to the close of the NYSE to the Transfer Agent prior to its close of
business that same day (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time).
Brokers, dealers and other financial intermediaries are required to provide
payment within three business days after placing an order. WHEN MAKING PAYMENT
FOR CONFIRMED PURCHASES VIA FEDERAL FUNDS WIRE, SUCH FIRMS MUST REFERENCE THE
CONFIRMATION NUMBER TO ENSURE TIMELY CREDIT.
The minimum initial investment by a shareholder in Class A, Class B or
Class C shares of a Fund is $250 and the minimum subsequent investment is $50.
In the case of a salary reduction contribution under a retirement plan, both the
33
<PAGE>
minimum initial investment and subsequent investment amount is $10. A purchase
of Class B shares of a Fund may not exceed $500,000; however, purchases of Class
A shares exceeding $500,000 are eligible for a sales load waiver (see "Purchase
of Class A Shares" below). These requirements may be changed or waived at any
time at the discretion of a Fund's officers. Each Fund and the Distributor or
Transfer Agent reserves the right to reject any order for the purchase of shares
in whole or in part. The Trust reserves the right to cancel any purchase order
for which payment has not been received by the third business day following
placement of the order.
The Distributor may provide promotional incentives including cash
compensation to certain brokers, dealers, or financial intermediaries whose
representatives have sold or are expected to sell significant amounts of shares
of one or more of the Funds. Other programs may provide, subject to certain
conditions, additional compensation to brokers, dealers, or financial
intermediaries based on a combination of aggregate shares sold and increases of
assets under management. All of the above payments will be made by the
Distributor or its affiliates out of their own assets. These programs will not
change the price an investor will pay for shares or the amount that a Fund will
receive from such sale.
You will receive a confirmation of each new transaction in your account,
which will also show you the number of Fund shares you own and the number of
shares being held in safekeeping by the Transfer Agent for your account. You may
rely on these confirmations in lieu of certificates as evidence of your
ownership. Certificates representing shares of the Funds will not be issued.
PURCHASES BY WIRE
Purchases by wire transfer should be directed to the Transfer Agent. To
receive an account number call (800) 986-3384 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and
4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on a business day (as defined above) on which your bank
is open for business. The following information will be requested: your name,
address, tax identification number, dividend distribution election, amount being
wired and the wiring bank. Instructions should then be given by you to your bank
to transfer funds by wire to: ABA # 011000028, State Street Bank, Boston, MA,
Account # 9905-244-1. If you arrange for receipt by the Transfer Agent of
Federal funds prior to the close of regular trading (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern
Time) of the NYSE on a business day as defined above, you will receive that
day's offering price. Your bank may charge for these services.
PURCHASES BY CHECK
An initial investment made by check must be accompanied by an application,
completed in its entirety. Additional shares of the Funds may also be purchased
by sending a check payable to the applicable Fund, along with information
regarding your account, including the account number, to the Transfer Agent. All
checks should be drawn only on U.S. banks in U.S. funds, in order to avoid fees
and delays. A charge may be imposed if any check submitted for investment does
not clear. Third party checks will not be accepted. When purchases are made by
check, redemptions will not be allowed until the investment being redeemed has
been in the account for 15 business days.
PRE-AUTHORIZED INVESTMENT PLAN
For your convenience, a pre-authorized investment plan may be established
where your personal bank account is automatically debited and your Fund account
is automatically credited with additional full and fractional shares ($50
minimum monthly investment). For further information on pre-authorized
investment plans, please contact the Transfer Agent at (800) 986-3384. The
34
<PAGE>
minimum investment requirements may be waived by the Funds for purchases made
pursuant to certain programs such as payroll deduction plans and retirement
plans.
DOLLAR COST AVERAGING
The Dollar Cost Averaging ("DCA") program enables a shareholder to transfer
assets from the Federated money market fund to another investment option on a
predetermined and systematic basis. The DCA program is generally suitable for
shareholders making a substantial investment in the Funds and who desire to
control the risk of investing at the top of a market cycle. The DCA program
allows such investments to be made in equal installments over time in an effort
to reduce such risk.
If you have at least $5,000 invested in the Federated money market fund,
you may choose to have a specified dollar amount transferred from this fund to
other Fund(s) on a monthly basis. The main objective of DCA is to shield your
investment from short-term price fluctuations. Since the same dollar amount is
transferred to other Funds each month, more shares are purchased in a Fund if
the value per share is low and fewer shares are purchased if the value per share
is high. Therefore, a lower average cost per share may be achieved over the long
term. This plan of investing allows investors to take advantage of market
fluctuations but does not assure a profit or protect against a loss in declining
markets.
DCA may be elected on the application form or at a later date. The minimum
amount that may be transferred each month into any Fund is $250. The maximum
amount which may be transferred is equal to the amount invested in the Federated
money market fund when elected, divided by 12.
The transfer date will be the same calendar day each month. The dollar
amount will be allocated to the Funds in the proportions you specify on the
appropriate form, or, if none are specified, in accordance with your original
investment allocation. If, on any transfer date, the amount invested is equal to
or less than the amount you have elected to have transferred, the entire amount
will be transferred and the option will end. You may change the transfer amount
once each year or cancel this option by sending the appropriate form to the
Trust's Administrative Office, which must be received at least seven days before
the next transfer date.
ALTERNATIVE PRICING ARRANGEMENTS
Investors in the Funds may select Class A, Class B or Class C shares. The
primary difference between the classes lies in their initial sales charge and
contingent deferred sales charge structures and in their ongoing annual
expenses, including 12b-1 distribution and service fees. The decision as to
which class of shares is better suited to your needs depends on a number of
factors that you should discuss with your broker, dealer or other financial
intermediary. Generally, you should consider the amount you plan to invest and
the length of time you plan to hold your investment, the ongoing expenses plus
contingent deferred sales charges for Class B and Class C shares, the initial
sales charge plus ongoing expenses for Class A shares, the possibility that a
sales charge will be reduced or waived, the possibility that the return on Class
A shares which is anticipated to be higher due to lower ongoing expenses - will
offset the initial sales charge paid on such shares, and the automatic
conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares.
PURCHASE OF CLASS A SHARES
The offering price of Class A shares is net asset value plus a varying
sales charge depending on the amount invested. Although investors pay an initial
sales charge when they buy Class A shares, the ongoing expenses of this class
35
<PAGE>
are lower than the ongoing expenses of Class B or Class C shares. The sales
charge applicable to shares of Class A is determined as follows:
<TABLE>
SALES CHARGE - ALL FUNDS EXCEPT CONSECO FIXED INCOME FUND
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
ON PURCHASES OF: AS % OF PUBLIC AS % OF NET DEALER REALLOWANCE
OFFERING PRICE AMOUNT INVESTED AS % OF OFFERING
PRICE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Less than $50,000 5.75% 6.10% 5.00%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$50,000 to $99,999 4.50% 4.71% 3.75%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$100,000 to $249,999 3.50% 3.63% 2.75%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$250,000 to $499,999 2.50% 2.56% 2.00%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$500,000 or over None None 1.00%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
SALES CHARGE - CONSECO FIXED INCOME FUND
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
ON PURCHASES OF: AS % OF PUBLIC AS % OF NET DEALER REALLOWANCE
OFFERING PRICE AMOUNT INVESTED AS % OF OFFERING
PRICE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Less than $50,000 5.00% 5.56% 4.50%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$50,000 to $99,999 4.50% 4.71% 3.75%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$100,000 to $249,999 3.50% 3.63% 2.75%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$250,000 to $499,999 2.50% 2.56% 2.00%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$500,000 or over None None 1.00%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
The sales charge assessed upon the purchase of shares of Class A is not an
expense of Class A and has no effect on the net asset value of shares of Class
A. The Distributor may allow the selling broker, dealer or financial
intermediary to retain 100% of the sales charge. This may result in the selling
firm being considered an underwriter under the 1933 Act.
REDUCED SALES CHARGES FOR CLASS A SHARE PURCHASE
You may be eligible to buy Class A shares at reduced sales charge rates in
one or more of the following ways:
RIGHTS OF ACCUMULATION
The sales charge for new purchases of Class A shares of a Fund will be
determined by aggregating the net asset value of all shares of the Funds and
shares of the Federated money market fund owned by the shareholder at the time
of the new purchase. You must identify on the application all accounts to be
linked for Rights of Accumulation.
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<PAGE>
COMBINED PURCHASES
You may aggregate your purchases of shares of the Funds with the purchases
of the other persons listed below to achieve discounts in the applicable sales
charges. The sales charge applicable to a current purchase of Class A shares of
a Fund by a person listed below is determined by adding the value of Class A
shares to be purchased to the aggregate value (at current net asset value) of
all shares of any of the Funds in the Trust and shares of the Federated money
market fund previously purchased and then owned. In addition, if you own a Great
American Reserve Insurance Company variable annuity contract, the current cash
value of such contract will be aggregated with your shares to determine your
sales charge. The Transfer Agent must be notified by you or your broker, dealer
or financial intermediary each time a qualifying purchase is made.
Qualifying investments include those by you, your spouse and your children
under the age of 21, if all parties are purchasing Class A shares for their own
account(s), which may include tax qualified plans, such as an Individual
Retirement Account ("IRA," including a Roth IRA or Education IRA), or by a
company solely controlled (as defined in the 1940 Act) by such individuals.
Reduced sales charges also apply to purchases by a trustee or other fiduciary if
the investment is for a single trust, estate or fiduciary account, including
pension, profit-sharing or other employee benefit trust created pursuant to a
plan qualified under the Code. Reduced sales charges apply to combined purchases
by qualified employee benefit plans of a single corporation or of corporations
affiliated with each other in accordance with the 1940 Act. Purchases made for
nominee or street name accounts (securities held in the name of a broker or
another nominee such as a bank trust department instead of the customer) may not
be aggregated with those made for other accounts and may not be aggregated with
other nominee or street name accounts unless otherwise qualified as described
above.
LETTER OF INTENT
You may reduce your sales charge on all investments by meeting the terms of
a letter of intent, a non-binding commitment to invest a certain amount within a
13-month period. Your existing holdings in the Trust may also be combined with
the investment commitment set forth in the letter of intent to further reduce
your sales charge. Up to 5% of the letter amount will be held in escrow to cover
additional sales charges which may be due if your total investments over the
letter period are not sufficient to qualify for a sales charge reduction. See
the SAI and the application for further details.
WAIVER OF CLASS A INITIAL SALES CHARGE
No sales charge is imposed on sales of Class A shares to certain investors.
However, in order for the following sales charge waivers to be effective, the
Transfer Agent must be notified of the waiver when the purchase order is placed.
The Transfer Agent may require evidence of your qualification for the waiver. No
sales charge is imposed on the following investments:
o by current or retired officers, directors and employees (and their parents,
grandparents, spouse, and minor children) of the Trust, Conseco and its
affiliates and the Transfer Agent;
o by any participant in (i) a tax qualified retirement plan provided that the
initial amount invested by the plan totals $500,000 or more, the plan has
50 or more employees eligible to participate at the time of purchase, or
the plan certifies that it will have projected annual contributions of
$200,000 or more; or (ii) by one of a group of tax qualified employee
benefit plans that purchase through an omnibus account relationship with
the Funds maintained by a single service provider, provided that such plans
make an aggregated initial investment of $500,000 or more;
37
<PAGE>
o by brokers, dealers, and other financial intermediaries that have a selling
agreement with the Distributor, if they purchase shares for their own
accounts or for retirement plans for their employees;
o by employees and registered representatives (and their parents,
grandparents, spouses and minor children) of brokers, dealers, and other
financial intermediaries described above; the purchaser must certify to the
Distributor at the time of the purchase that the purchase is for the
purchaser's own account (or for the benefit of such employee's parents,
grandparents, spouse or minor children);
o by any charitable organization, state, county, city, or any
instrumentality, department, authority or agency thereof which has
determined that Class A is a legally permissible investment and which is
prohibited by applicable investment law from paying a sales charge or
commission in connection with the purchase of shares of any registered
management investment company;
o by one or more members of a group of at least 100 persons (and persons who
are retirees from such group) engaged in a common business, profession,
civic or charitable endeavor or other activity, and the spouses and minor
children of such persons, pursuant to a marketing program between the
Distributor and such group;
o (i) through an investment adviser who makes such purchases through a
broker, dealer, or other financial intermediary (each of which may impose
transaction fees on the purchase), or (ii) by an investment adviser for its
own account or for a bona fide advisory account over which the investment
adviser has investment discretion;
o through a broker, dealer or other financial intermediary which maintains a
net asset value purchase program that enables the Funds to realize certain
economies of scale;
o through bank trust departments or trust companies on behalf of bona fide
trust or fiduciary accounts by notifying the Distributor in advance of
purchase; a bona fide advisory, trust or fiduciary account is one which is
charged an asset-based fee and whose purpose is other than purchase of Fund
shares at net asset value;
o by purchasers in connection with investments related to a bona fide medical
savings account; or
o by an account established under a wrap fee or asset allocation program
where the accountholder pays the sponsor an asset-based fee.
Additionally, no sales charge is imposed on shares that are (a) issued in
plans of reorganization, such as mergers, asset acquisitions and exchange
offers, to which a Fund is a party, (b) purchased by the reinvestment of loan
repayments by participants in retirement plans, (c) purchased by the
reinvestment of dividends or other distributions from a Fund, or (d) purchased
and paid for with the proceeds of shares redeemed in the prior 60 days from a
mutual fund on which an initial sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge
was paid (other than a fund managed by the Adviser or any of its affiliates that
is subject to the exchange privilege described below); the purchaser must
certify to the Distributor at the time of purchase that the purchaser is a prior
load investor.
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<PAGE>
PURCHASE OF CLASS B SHARES
The offering price of Class B shares is net asset value without any initial
sales charge. As a result, the entire purchase amount is immediately invested.
However, the ongoing expenses of Class B shares are higher than those of Class A
shares. A purchase of Class B shares of a Fund may not exceed $500,000; however,
purchases of Class A shares exceeding $500,000 are eligible for a sales load
waiver (see "Purchase of Class A Shares" above). A contingent deferred sales
charge is imposed upon redemptions of Class B shares within six years of their
purchase. The contingent deferred sales charge is a percentage of (1) the net
asset value of the shares at the time of purchase or (2) the net asset value of
the shares at the time of redemption, whichever is less. The contingent deferred
sales charge is determined as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REDEMPTION DURING CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st year since purchase 5%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2nd year since purchase 4%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3rd year since purchase 3%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4th year since purchase 3%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5th year since purchase 2%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6th year since purchase 1%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7th year since purchase 0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8th year since purchase 0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The contingent deferred sales charge will not apply to shares acquired by the
reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions.
In determining the applicability and rate of any contingent deferred sales
charge, Class B shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends and capital
gains distributions will be redeemed first, followed by the Class B shares held
by the shareholder for the longest period of time. The contingent deferred sales
charge, if any, upon redemption of Class B shares acquired through an exchange
will be calculated based on the original purchase date of the Class B shares
exchanged.
The Distributor compensates brokers, dealers, and other financial
intermediaries who sell Class B shares. At the time a shareholder purchases
Class B shares, the Distributor pays the broker, dealer, or other financial
intermediary 4% of the purchase amount from the Distributor's own assets. The
proceeds of the contingent deferred sales charge and the 12b-1 fee, in part, are
used to defray these expenses.
AUTOMATIC CONVERSION OF CLASS B SHARES
Class B shares will automatically convert to a number of Class A shares of
equal dollar value eight years after purchase. This conversion feature benefits
shareholders because Class A shares have lower ongoing expenses than Class B
shares. No initial sales charge or other charge is imposed at conversion. When
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Class B shares convert, a pro rata amount of Class B shares that were acquired
by the reinvestment of dividends and capital gain distributions will also
convert to Class A shares.
PURCHASE OF CLASS C SHARES
The offering price of Class C shares is net asset value without any initial
sales charge. As a result, the entire purchase amount is immediately invested.
However, the ongoing expenses of Class C shares are higher than those of Class A
shares. Class C shares never convert to any other class of shares.
Class C shares held for less than one year are subject to a contingent
deferred sales charge on redemptions in an amount equal to 1% of the lower of
(1) the net asset value of the shares at the time of purchase or (2) the net
asset value of the shares at the time of redemption. Class C shares held one
year or longer are not subject to this contingent deferred sales charge. The
contingent deferred sales charge also will not apply to shares acquired by the
reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions. The order in which
Class C shares are redeemed will be determined as described for Class B shares
(see "Purchase of Class B Shares").
The contingent deferred sales charge, if any, upon redemption of Class C
shares acquired through an exchange and held less than one year will be
calculated based on the original purchase date of the Class C shares exchanged.
The Distributor compensates brokers, dealers, and other financial
intermediaries who sell Class C shares. At the time a shareholder purchases
Class C shares, the Distributor pays the broker, dealer, or other financial
intermediary 1% of the purchase amount from the Distributor's own assets. The
proceeds of the contingent deferred sales charge and the 12b-1 fee, in part, are
used to defray these expenses.
WAIVERS OF THE CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE FOR CLASS B AND CLASS C
To obtain a waiver of the contingent deferred sales charge, you must notify
the Transfer Agent, who may require evidence of your qualification. The
contingent deferred sales charge will not apply to:
o any partial or complete redemption in connection with a distribution
without federal tax income penalty under a tax-qualified retirement plan,
upon separation from service and attaining age 55;
o any partial or complete redemption in connection with a qualifying loan or
hardship withdrawal from a tax-qualified retirement plan, eligible 457
plan, or 403(b)(7) plan;
o any complete redemption in connection with a distribution from a
tax-qualified retirement plan, eligible 457 plan, or 403(b)(7) plan in
connection with termination of employment or termination of the employer's
plan;
o any redemption resulting from a tax-free return of an excess contribution
from a tax-qualified retirement plan, IRA, savings incentive match plan for
employees ("SIMPLE" plan), eligible 457 plan, or 403(b)(7) plan;
o mandated minimum distributions from a tax-qualified retirement plan, IRA,
SIMPLE plan, eligible 457 plan, or 403(b) plan;
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o substantially equal periodic payments as defined in Section 72(t) of the
Code;
o any partial or complete redemption following death or disability of a
shareholder (including one who owns the shares as joint tenant with his
spouse), provided the redemption is requested within one year of the death
or initial determination of disability (as defined in Section 72(m) of the
Code);
o redemptions under a Fund's Systematic Withdrawal Plan (investors may not
withdraw annually more than 12% of the value of their account under the
Systematic Withdrawal Plan);
o redemptions in connection with distributions from a Roth IRA or Roth
Conversion IRA that are qualified distributions under the Code;
o redemptions in connection with distributions from an Education IRA that are
used for qualified higher education expenses under the Code or which are
required by the Code to be distributed;
o redemptions in connection with investments related to a bona fide medical
savings account; and
o redemptions from an account established under a wrap fee or asset
allocation program where the accountholder pays the sponsor an asset-based
fee.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES OF THE FUNDS
Shares are redeemed at net asset value next determined after receipt of a
redemption request in good form on any business day, reduced, for shares of
Class B and Class C, by any applicable contingent deferred sales charge.
REDEMPTIONS BY MAIL
A written request for redemption must be received by the Transfer Agent to
constitute a valid tender for redemption. It will also be necessary for
corporate investors and other associations to have an appropriate certification
authorizing redemptions by a corporation or an association on file before a
redemption request will be considered in proper form. A suggested form of such
certification is provided on the application accompanying this Prospectus. A
signature guarantee is required for redemptions of $50,000 or more. A signature
guarantee may be obtained from most banks, brokers and dealers, credit unions,
savings associations and financial institutions, but not from a notary public.
REDEMPTIONS BY WIRE OR TELEPHONE
Brokers, dealers, or other financial intermediaries may communicate
redemption orders by wire or telephone. These firms may charge for their
services in connection with your redemption request but neither the Funds nor
the Distributor imposes any such charges.
The Funds and the Transfer Agent will not be responsible for the
authenticity of telephone instructions or losses, if any, resulting from
unauthorized shareholder transactions if the Funds or the Transfer Agent
reasonably believe that such instructions are genuine. The Funds and the
Transfer Agent have established procedures that the Funds believe are reasonably
appropriate to confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine.
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These procedures include: (i) recording telephone instructions for exchanges and
expedited redemptions; (ii) requiring the caller to give certain specific
identifying information; and (iii) providing written confirmations to
shareholders of record not later than five days following any such telephone
transactions. If the Funds and the Transfer Agent do not employ these
procedures, they may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent
telephone instructions.
REDEMPTIONS THROUGH BROKERS, DEALERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
Certain brokers, dealers, and other financial intermediaries may be
authorized to accept redemption orders on behalf of the Funds. A Fund will be
deemed to have received a redemption order when an authorized broker, dealer, or
other financial intermediary accepts the order. Orders placed through an
authorized broker, dealer, or other financial intermediary will receive the net
asset value next calculated after the order has been accepted by such an
authorized firm, minus any applicable contingent deferred sales charge. In all
other cases, it is the responsibility of the broker, dealer, or other financial
intermediary to forward customer redemption orders received prior to the close
of the NYSE to the Transfer Agent prior to its close of business that same day
(normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time).
EXPEDITED REDEMPTIONS
You may have the payment of redemption requests (of $250 or more) wired or
mailed directly to a domestic commercial bank account that you have previously
designated. Normally, such payments will be transmitted on the second business
day following receipt of the request (provided redemptions may be made). You may
request a wire redemption by telephone or written request sent to the Transfer
Agent. For telephone redemptions, call the Transfer Agent at (800) 986-3384. You
must complete the "Expedited Redemptions" section of the application for this
privilege to be applicable.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
You may elect to have regular monthly or quarterly payments in any fixed
amount in excess of $50 made to you, or to anyone else properly designated, as
long as the account has a value of at least $5,000 at the time of election. You
must determine the fixed payment amount for the systematic withdrawal plan.
There are no separate charges under this plan. A number of full and
fractional shares equal in value to the amount of the requested payment will be
redeemed. Such redemptions are normally processed on or about the 25th day of
each month or quarter. Checks are then mailed on or about the first of the
following month. If you elect to have a Systematic Withdrawal Plan, you must
have all dividends and capital gains reinvested. To establish systematic cash
withdrawals, please complete the systematic cash withdrawal section on the
application.
You may change the amount, frequency, and payee, or terminate this plan, by
giving written notice to the Transfer Agent. As shares of a Fund are redeemed
under the plan, you may realize a capital gain or loss to be reported for income
tax purposes. A Systematic Withdrawal Plan may be terminated or modified at any
time upon written notice by you or a Fund.
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GENERAL
Payment to shareholders for shares redeemed or repurchased will be made
within seven days after receipt by the Transfer Agent. A Fund may delay the
payment of redemption proceeds until the check used to purchase the shares being
redeemed has cleared, which may take up to 15 days or longer. To reduce such
delay, the Funds recommend that all purchases be made by bank wire Federal
funds. A Fund may suspend the right of redemption under certain extraordinary
circumstances in accordance with the rules of the SEC.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
Class A, Class B or Class C shares of a Fund may be exchanged for shares of
the same class of another Fund or for shares of the Federated money market fund
at the relative net asset values per share at the time of the exchange. Shares
of the Federated money market fund may be exchanged for any Class A shares at
relative net asset values per share at the time of the exchange to the extent
that the money market fund shares are attributable to Class A shares on which an
initial sales charge was previously payable and dividend reinvestments on such
Class A shares. An initial sales charge will be imposed on other exchanges of
shares of the Federated money market fund for Class A shares of the Funds.
No contingent deferred sales charge applies at the time Class B or Class C
shares of a Fund are exchanged for shares of the same class of another Fund or
series of the Trust, or for shares of the Federated money market fund. However,
upon redemption of shares acquired through such an exchange, a contingent
deferred sales charge may be deducted from the redemption proceeds based on the
original purchase date of the Class B or Class C shares exchanged.
Shares of the Federated money market fund that are attributable to an
exchange from Class B or Class C shares of a Fund may later be exchanged for
Fund shares of the same class without the imposition of a contingent deferred
sales charge. However, upon redemption of the Fund shares acquired through such
an exchange, a contingent deferred sales charge may be deducted from the
redemption proceeds based on the original purchase date of the Class B or Class
C shares.
The total value of shares of a fund purchased by exchange must at least
equal the fund's minimum investment requirement. Before exchanging shares, you
should consider the differences in investment objectives and expenses of the
fund into which the exchange would be made. Shares are normally redeemed from
one fund and purchased from the other fund in the exchange transaction on the
same business day on which the Transfer Agent receives an exchange request that
is in proper form by the close of the NYSE that day.
REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE
If you redeem any or all of your Class A shares of a Fund, you may reinvest
all or any portion of the redemption proceeds in Class A shares of any Fund at
net asset value without any initial sales charge, provided that you make such
reinvestment within 180 calendar days after the redemption date. If you redeem
any or all of your Class B or Class C shares of a Fund, and pay a contingent
deferred sales charge on those shares, you may reinvest all or any portion of
the redemption proceeds in Class B or Class C shares, respectively, of any Fund
and be reimbursed for the amount of the contingent deferred sales charge,
provided that you make such reinvestment within 180 calendar days of the
redemption date. The original purchase date of the Class B or Class C shares
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redeemed will be used for purposes of calculating the contingent deferred sales
charge, if any, upon redemption of the shares acquired with this privilege.
The reinstatement privilege may be utilized by a shareholder only once with
respect to a Fund and may be subject to other restrictions.
ELECTRONIC TRANSFERS THROUGH AUTOMATED CLEARING HOUSE
Electronic transfers through Automated Clearing House ("ACH") allow you to
initiate a purchase or redemption for as little as $50 or as much as $50,000
between your bank account and Fund account using the ACH network. Initial
purchase minimums apply. You must complete the "ACH" section of the application
for this privilege to be applicable.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value per share is determined for each class of shares for
each Fund as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m.
Eastern Time) on each business day (as previously defined) by dividing the value
of the Fund's net assets attributable to a class (the class' pro rata share of
the value of the Fund's assets minus the class' pro rata share of the value of
the Fund's liabilities) by the number of shares of that class outstanding.
For each of the Funds except the Conseco International Fund and the
International Portfolio, the assets of the Fund are valued as follows:
Securities that are traded on stock exchanges are valued at the last sale price
as of the close of business on the day the securities are being valued or,
lacking any sales, at the mean between the closing bid and asked prices.
Securities traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at the mean between
the bid and asked prices or yield equivalent as obtained from one or more
dealers that make markets in the securities. Fund securities which are traded
both in the over-the-counter market and on a stock exchange are valued according
to the broadest and most representative market, and it is expected that for debt
securities this ordinarily will be the over-the-counter market. Securities and
assets for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair
value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board.
Foreign securities are valued on the basis of quotations from the primary market
in which they are traded, and are translated from the local currency into U.S.
dollars using current exchange rates. Debt securities with maturities of sixty
(60) days or less are valued at amortized cost.
For the Conseco International Fund and the International Portfolio, equity
securities listed on securities exchanges, including all but United Kingdom
securities, are valued at the last quoted sales price on a designated exchange
prior to the close of trading on the NYSE or, lacking any sales, on the basis of
the last current bid price prior to the close of trading on the NYSE. Securities
of the United Kingdom held in the Portfolio are priced at the last jobber price
(mid of the bid and offer prices quoted by the leading stock jobber in the
security) prior to close of trading on the NYSE. Trading in foreign markets is
usually completed each day prior to the close of the NYSE. However, events may
occur which affect the values of such securities and the exchange rates between
the time of valuation and the close of the NYSE. Should events materially affect
the value of such securities during this period, the securities are priced at
fair value, as determined in good faith and pursuant to procedures approved by
the AMR Trust Board. Over-the-counter equity securities are valued on the basis
of the last bid price on that date prior to the close of trading. Debt
securities (other than short-term securities) will normally be valued on the
basis of prices provided by a pricing service and may take into account
appropriate factors such as institution-size trading in similar groups of
securities, yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading
characteristics and other market data. In some cases, the prices of debt
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<PAGE>
securities may be determined using quotes obtained from brokers. Securities for
which market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value, as
determined in good faith and pursuant to procedures approved by the AMR Trust
Board. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and forward
contracts are translated into U.S. dollar equivalents based on prevailing market
rates. Investment grade short-term obligations with 60 days or less to maturity
are valued using the amortized cost method.
DIVIDENDS, OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income are declared and distributed quarterly
by the Conseco Equity Fund, the Conseco Asset Allocation Fund and the Conseco 20
Fund, monthly by the Conseco Fixed Income Fund and the Conseco High Yield Fund,
and annually by the Conseco International Fund; however, the Trustees may decide
to declare dividends at other intervals. For dividend purposes, (1) net
investment income of each of the Funds except the Conseco International Fund
consists of all dividends and interest it receives, less its expenses (including
fees payable to the Adviser and its affiliates), and (2) the Conseco
International Fund's net investment income consists of its proportionate share
of the Portfolio's dividends and interest, less that Fund's expenses and its
proportionate share of the Portfolio's expenses. Distributions of each Fund's
net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term
capital loss), net short-term capital gains, and net realized gains from foreign
currency transactions - in the case of Conseco International Fund, its
proportionate share of the Portfolio's gains -- are declared and distributed to
its shareholders annually after the close of the Fund's fiscal year.
Dividends and other distributions paid on each class of shares of a Fund
are calculated at the same time and in the same manner. Dividends on Class A,
Class B, and Class C shares of a Fund are expected to be lower than those on its
Class Y shares because Class A, Class B, and Class C shares have higher expenses
resulting from their distribution and service fees. Dividends on each class also
might be affected differently by the allocation of other class-specific
expenses.
DISTRIBUTION OPTIONS. When you open your account, specify on your
application how you want to receive your distributions. For retirement accounts,
all Fund distributions are reinvested. For other accounts, you have the
following options:
REINVEST ALL DISTRIBUTIONS. You can elect to reinvest all dividends and
other distributions from a Fund in additional Fund shares of the same class.
REINVEST INCOME DIVIDENDS ONLY. You can elect to reinvest dividends from a
Fund in additional Fund shares of the same class while receiving other
distributions by check or sent to your bank account.
REINVEST OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS ONLY. You can elect to reinvest other
distributions from a Fund in additional Fund shares of the same class while
receiving dividends by check or sent to your bank account.
RECEIVE ALL DISTRIBUTIONS IN CASH. You can elect to receive a check for all
dividends and other distributions from a Fund or have them sent to your bank
account.
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TAXES
Each Fund is treated as a separate corporation, and intends to qualify as a
"regulated investment company" ("RIC"), under the Code. As such, and by
complying with the applicable Code provisions regarding the amount and timing of
its distributions, each Fund will be allowed a deduction for amounts distributed
to its shareholders from its investment company taxable income (generally, its
net investment income, net short-term capital gains and net gains from certain
foreign currency transactions) and net capital gain - in the case of the Conseco
International Fund, its share of the Portfolio's income and gain -- and will not
be subject to federal income tax on those amounts. To qualify for treatment as a
RIC, each Fund must, among other things, satisfy certain source of income and
diversification requirements described in the SAI.
Each Fund intends to distribute all its investment company taxable income
and net capital gain so as to avoid federal income and excise taxes. Dividends
from a Fund's investment company taxable income (whether paid in cash or
reinvested in additional shares) generally will be taxable to you as ordinary
income. The portion of those dividends that does not exceed the aggregate
dividends received by a Fund (in the case of the Conseco International Fund, its
share of the dividends received by the Portfolio) from U.S. corporations will be
eligible for the dividends-received deduction allowed to corporations; however,
dividends received by a corporate shareholder and deducted by it pursuant to the
dividends-received deduction are subject indirectly to the federal alternative
minimum tax.
Distributions of each Fund's net capital gain (whether paid in cash or
reinvested additional shares), when designated as such, will be taxable to you
as long-term capital gain, regardless of how long you have held your Fund
shares. Under the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, different maximum tax rates apply
to a non-corporate taxpayer's net capital gain depending on the taxpayer's
holding period and marginal rate of federal income tax -- generally, 28% for
gain recognized on capital assets held for more than one year but not more than
18 months and 20% (10% for taxpayers in the 15% marginal tax bracket) for gain
recognized on capital assets held for more than 18 months. Each Fund may divide
each net capital gain distribution into a 28% rate gain distribution and a 20%
rate gain distribution (in accordance with the Fund's holding periods for the
securities it sold that generated the distributed gain), in which event its
shareholders must treat those portions accordingly.
Shareholders who are not subject to tax on their income generally will not
be required to pay tax on distributions from the Funds.
Dividends and other distributions declared by a Fund in October, November,
or December, but received by you in January, generally are taxable to you in the
year in which declared. Each Fund will inform you after the end of each calendar
year as to the amount and nature of dividends and other distributions paid (or
deemed paid) to you for that year. The information regarding capital gain
distributions will designate the portions thereof subject to the different
maximum rates of tax applicable to non-corporate taxpayers' net capital gain
indicated above.
When you redeem (sell) shares, it may result in a taxable gain or loss to
you, depending on whether you receive more or less than your adjusted basis for
the shares. An exchange of any Fund's shares, as described under "Purchase and
Redemption of Shares -- Exchange Privilege," generally will have similar tax
consequences. Special rules apply when you dispose of Class A shares of a Fund
through a redemption or exchange within 90 days after your purchase thereof and
subsequently reacquire Class A shares of the same Fund or acquire Class A shares
of another Fund without paying a sales charge. In these cases, any gain on the
disposition of the original Class A shares will be increased, or any loss
decreased, by the amount of the sales charge paid when you acquired those
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shares, and that amount will increase the basis of the shares subsequently
acquired. In addition, if you purchase shares of a Fund (whether pursuant to the
reinstatement privilege or otherwise) within thirty days before or after
redeeming other shares of that Fund (regardless of class) at a loss, all or part
of that loss will not be deductible and will increase the basis of the newly
purchased shares.
No gain or loss will be recognized by a shareholder as a result of a
conversion of Class B shares into Class A shares.
Each Fund is required to withhold 31% of all dividends, capital gain
distributions, and redemption proceeds payable to any individuals and certain
other non-corporate shareholders who do not furnish the Fund with a correct
taxpayer identification number. Withholding at that rate also is required from
dividends and capital gain distributions payable to those shareholders who
otherwise are subject to backup withholding.
Some foreign countries may impose income or withholding taxes on certain
dividends and interest payable to the International Portfolio. The Conseco
International Fund's share of any such withheld taxes may either be treated by
that Fund as a deduction or, if it satisfies certain requirements, it may elect
to flow the tax through to its shareholders, who in turn may either treat it as
a deduction or use it in calculating a credit against their federal income tax.
The foregoing is only a summary of certain federal income tax
considerations affecting your investment in a Fund. More information is
contained in the SAI. You should consult with your tax adviser about the effect
of an investment in a Fund on your particular tax situation.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
CONSECO FIXED INCOME FUND, CONSECO ASSET ALLOCATION FUND, AND CONSECO EQUITY
FUND
The Conseco Fixed Income Fund, Conseco Asset Allocation Fund, and Conseco
Equity Fund commenced operations on January 2, 1997 and initially offered two
classes of shares, including Class A. The average annualized total returns for
Class A of those Funds for the period from January 2, 1997 to December 31, 1997
assuming the maximum initial sales charge were 3.20%, 10.45% and 15.83% for
Conseco Fixed Income Fund, Conseco Asset Allocation Fund, and Conseco Equity
Fund, respectively. The total returns for Class A of the Funds for that period
with no initial sales charge were 8.66%, 17.19%, and 22.90% for Conseco Fixed
Income Fund, Conseco Asset Allocation Fund, and Conseco Equity Fund,
respectively.
Although no Class B or Class C shares of any Fund had been issued as of
December 31, 1997, Class A shares of each Fund represent an interest in the same
portfolio of securities as Class B and C shares of that Fund. The average
annualized total returns for the Funds for the period from January 2, 1997 to
December 31, 1997 assuming Class A's expenses and the maximum contingent
deferred sales charge applicable to Class B shares were 3.20%, 11.29% and 16.71%
for Conseco Fixed Income Fund, Conseco Asset Allocation Fund, and Conseco Equity
Fund, respectively. The total returns for the Funds for that period with Class
A's expenses and the maximum contingent deferred sales charge applicable to
Class C shares were 7.59%, 16.03%, and 21.68% for Conseco Fixed Income Fund,
Conseco Asset Allocation Fund, and Conseco Equity Fund, respectively. Class B
and Class C shares have higher projected on-going expenses than Class A shares;
total returns of the Funds would have been lower had the higher expenses of the
new classes been reflected.
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Total returns of all classes would have been lower if the Adviser,
Administrator and/or Distributor had not waived fees and/or reimbursed expenses
of each Fund.
These Funds are modeled after previously existing funds of the Conseco
Series Trust (the "CST Funds") that are managed by the Adviser and have
investment objectives and policies substantially similar to the corresponding
Funds. The CST Funds are used as investment vehicles for the assets of variable
annuity and variable life insurance contracts issued by Conseco affiliates.
Below you will find information about the performance of the CST Funds.
Although the Conseco Fixed Income Fund, Conseco Asset Allocation Fund and
Conseco Equity Fund have substantially similar investment objectives and
policies, the same investment adviser and the same portfolio managers as the
corresponding CST Funds, you should not assume that the Funds will have the same
future performance as the CST Funds. For example, any Fund's future performance
may be greater or less than the performance of the corresponding CST Fund due
to, among other things, differences in expenses and cash flows between a Fund
and the corresponding CST Fund. Moreover, past performance information is based
on historical earnings and is not intended to indicate future performance.
The investment characteristics of each of these Funds will closely resemble
the investment characteristics of the corresponding CST Fund. Depending on the
Fund involved, similarity of investment characteristics may involve factors such
as industry diversification, portfolio beta, portfolio quality, average maturity
of fixed-income assets, equity/non-equity mixes, and individual holdings.
These Funds do have differences from the CST Funds, although the Adviser
does not believe these practices would cause a significant change in investment
results. Investors should note the following differences from the CST Funds: (1)
the Funds may invest in swaps, caps, floors and collars; (2) the Funds may lend
portfolio securities; and (3) the Funds may sell securities short. See the SAI
for further details about these practices.
The table below sets forth each Fund, its corresponding CST Fund, the date
the Adviser began managing the CST Fund (referred to as the "inception date")
and asset size as of December 31, 1997.
FUND Corresponding CST Fund
(INCEPTION DATE AND ASSET SIZE)
Fixed Income Fund Corporate Bond Portfolio (May 1, 1993)
$ 20,187,193
Asset Allocation Fund Asset Allocation Portfolio (November 20, 1991)
$ 27,265,057
Equity Fund Common Stock Portfolio (November 20, 1991)
$216,896,715
The following tables show the average annualized total returns for the CST
Funds for the one, three and five year periods ended December 31, 1997 and for
the periods from inception of the CST Funds to December 31, 1997. These figures
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are based on the gross investment performance of the CST Funds. Note that the
actual investment performance experienced by investors in variable annuity and
variable life insurance contracts issued by Conseco affiliates would be lower
than the gross investment performance of the CST Funds due to expenses at the
separate account level; these expenses typically are higher than those borne by
investors in the Funds. From the gross investment performance figures, the Total
Operating Expenses reflected in the fee table herein are deducted to arrive at
the net return. For each class, one table reflects the deduction of the
applicable sales charges, while another table reflects no deduction for sales
charges. Performance figures will be lower when sales charges are taken into
account. CST Fund performance does not represent the historical performance of
the Funds and should not be interpreted as indicative of the future performance
of the Funds.
ASSUMING CLASS A SHARE TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES AND THE MAXIMUM INITIAL SALES
CHARGE APPLICABLE TO CLASS A SHARES.
CST FUND 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS SINCE INCEPTION
- -------- ------ ------- ------- ---------------
Corporate Bond 4.37% 9.03% N/A 6.44%
Portfolio
Asset Allocation 10.88% 22.39% 17.91% 15.29%
Portfolio
Common Stock 11.45% 30.13% 19.53% 20.68%
Portfolio
ASSUMING CLASS A SHARE TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES WITH NO INITIAL SALES
CHARGE.
CST FUND 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS SINCE INCEPTION
- -------- ------ ------- ------- ---------------
Corporate Bond 9.81% 10.88% N/A 7.65%
Portfolio
Asset Allocation 17.63% 24.84% 18.32% 16.26%
Portfolio
Common Stock 18.23% 32.73% 20.96% 21.69%
Portfolio
ASSUMING CLASS B SHARE TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES AND THE SALES CHARGE APPLICABLE
TO CLASS B SHARES.
CST FUND 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS SINCE INCEPTION
- -------- ------ ------- ------- ---------------
Corporate Bond 4.34% 9.76% N/A 7.16%
Portfolio
Asset Allocation 11.62% 23.56% 18.82% 16.25%
Portfolio
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CST FUND 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS SINCE INCEPTION
- -------- ------ ------- ------- ---------------
Common Stock 12.19% 31.33% 20.46% 21.69%
Portfolio
ASSUMING CLASS C SHARE TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES AND THE SALES CHARGE APPLICABLE
TO CLASS C SHARES.
CST FUND 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS SINCE INCEPTION
- -------- ------ ------- ------- ---------------
Corporate Bond 8.69% 10.87% N/A 7.64%
Portfolio
Asset Allocation 16.38% 24.81% 19.31% 16.25%
Portfolio
Common Stock 16.91% 32.70% 20.94% 21.69%
Portfolio
ASSUMING CLASS B OR CLASS C SHARE TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES WITH NO SALES CHARGE.
CST FUND 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS SINCE INCEPTION
- -------- ------ ------- ------- ---------------
Corporate Bond 9.78% 10.87% N/A 7.64%
Portfolio
Asset Allocation 17.50% 24.81% 19.31% 16.25%
Portfolio
Common Stock 18.09% 32.70% 20.94% 21.69%
Portfolio
CONSECO INTERNATIONAL FUND
The Conseco International Fund commenced operations in January 1998.
However, the Conseco International Fund invests all of its investable assets in
the International Portfolio and, in accordance with SEC staff positions, has
adopted the Portfolio's performance as its own. The following table shows the
Fund's average annual total returns for the one- and five-year periods ended
October 31, 1997 and for the period from the inception of the International
Portfolio's predecessor (August 7, 1991) until October 31, 1997. This total
return information is presented on a class-by-class basis and reflects the
deduction of the maximum sales charge applicable to a class. For periods
following the conversion of the International Portfolio's predecessor into a
master/feeder structure on November 1, 1995, the total returns shown below
represent the actual investment performance of the Portfolio (the master fund)
50
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only and would have been lower if the fees and expenses typically imposed by a
feeder fund (such as the Conseco International Fund) also had been reflected.
Past results do not guarantee future performance.
Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended October 31, 1997
With Deduction of the Maximum Applicable Sales Charge
Since Inception
1 YEAR 5 YEARS (AUGUST 7, 1991)
------ ------- ----------------
Class A Shares 10.08% 16.75% 11.09%
Class B Shares 10.44% 17.58% 11.72%
Class C Shares 15.08% 18.15% 12.15%
GENERAL
Each of the Funds may from time to time advertise certain investment
performance information. Performance information may consist of yield and
average annual total return quotations reflecting the deduction of all
applicable charges over a period of time. A Fund also may use aggregate total
return figures for various periods, representing the cumulative change in value
of an investment in a Fund for the specific period. Performance information may
be shown in schedules, charts or graphs. These figures are based on historical
earnings and are not intended to indicate future performance.
The "yield" of a Fund refers to the annualized net income generated by an
investment in that Fund over a specified 30-day period, calculated by dividing
the net investment income per share earned during the period by the maximum
offering price per share on the last day of the period.
The "average annual total return" of a Fund refers to the total rate of
return of an investment in the Fund. The figure is computed by calculating
average annual compounded rates of return over the one-, five- and ten-year
periods that would equate to the initial amount invested to the ending
redeemable value, assuming reinvestment of all income dividends and capital gain
distributions. "Total return" quotations reflect the performance of the Fund and
include the effect of capital changes.
Further information about the performance of the Funds is contained in the
SAI and in the Funds' semi-annual and annual reports to shareholders, which you
may obtain without charge by writing the Funds' address or calling the telephone
number set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus.
51
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MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Report from the
Conseco Fixed Income Adviser
1997 was characterized by favorable market conditions throughout much of the
year. However, increased volatility brought dramatic changes to the fixed income
markets, especially in the fourth quarter.
The first three quarters of 1997 were distinguished by a strong, healthy
economy, low inflation levels and a general trend toward declining interest
rates. Relative value in the fixed income markets was difficult to distinguish
as spreads to Treasuries remained very narrow in many sectors, including
corporate and mortgage-backed securities. Investors typically demand larger
spreads over U.S. Treasury bonds in order to compensate for perceived higher
risk levels. Federal Reserve policy stayed tight as Alan Greenspan remained the
vigilant watchdog over inflation. The budget deficit continued to narrow as a
result of lower rates and fiscal discipline from Congress. However, the focus of
the financial markets shifted away from domestic economic fundamentals in the
fourth quarter.
In the fourth quarter, currencies in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia
deteriorated, throwing their financial markets into turmoil. Because the world's
economies are linked, the impact of this turmoil spread quickly throughout
Southeast Asia. As we move into 1998, we expect the crisis to have a significant
impact on economic growth in other countries, including the United States. This
phenomenon has already caused dramatic changes in the general fundamentals of
our domestic fixed income market, creating significantly larger spreads to
Treasuries in the Yankee sector which have, in turn, spilled over to the
corporate sector.
Because the Asian financial crisis has taken center stage, the fundamental
analysis of certain Yankee securities has less meaning in terms of short term
performance. Because our investment horizon is based on the long term, our plan
is to maintain a small exposure in the Yankee sector investing in securities
such as Hutchison Wampoa (A3/A+), a Hong Kong-based financial conglomerate with
significant operations in the United States. Our Yankee analyst, Upender Rao,
views Korea as having the best opportunity for credit improvement during 1998
given the support of the International Monetary Fund and their willingness to
implement changes in their financial system.
The level of interest rates declined because of the financial crisis: the
ten-year U.S. Treasury yield was 5.74% at year-end and the thirty-year U.S.
Treasury yield was 5.92%. With this dramatic decline in interest rates, we
reduced our exposure to mortgage-backed securities, due to the higher risk of
increased pre-payment activity. With higher pre-payments, the security returns
more principal, forcing the investor to reinvest the proceeds at lower interest
rates.
Nolan Smith, our municipal bond specialist, has recommended the taxable
municipal sector due to consistent spreads over U.S. Treasuries, which have
performed better than the corporate sector. We plan to direct proceeds to this
sector, given its performance relative to the rest of the market. At this point,
we have discovered only a few bonds meeting our investment criteria of offering
good relative value.
Our bank and finance analyst, Rob Cook, feels company fundamentals in the
Broker-Dealer sector are currently strong, making these bonds attractive
investments. Within this sector, we invested in Salomon Smith Barney (A2/A).
With the acquisition of Salomon Brothers by Travelers (A2/A), the credit has
been upgraded by the rating agencies and we expect operating fundamentals to
continue to improve.
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Our fixed income investment strategy continues to emphasize investing in those
securities we believe are undervalued. Most importantly, we conduct thorough
research before investing in any security. Our long-term strategies coupled with
our extensive knowledge of each investment we select enable us to look forward
with confidence as we continue to invest for the future.
Gregory J. Hahn, CFA
Senior Vice President
Portfolio Manager
Conseco Capital Management, Inc.
COMPARISON OF CHANGE IN VALUE OF $10,000 INVESTMENT IN THE CONSECO FIXED INCOME
FUND AND THE LEHMAN BROTHERS AGGREGATE BOND INDEX
----------------------
AVERAGE ANNUAL
TOTAL RETURN
----------------------
1 YEAR
----------------------
3.20%
----------------------
Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
- ------------------------------ -------------- --------------
1/2/97 12/31/97
- ------------------------------ -------------- --------------
Conseco Fixed Income Fund $9,497 $10,320
- ------------------------------ -------------- --------------
LB Aggregate Bond Index $10,000 $10,965
- ------------------------------ -------------- --------------
53
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================================================================================
Report from the
Conseco Asset Allocation Fund Adviser
The Asset Allocation Fund is a balanced portfolio which invests in a combination
of equity, fixed income and cash. The strategy of the Asset Allocation Fund
through 1997 continued to highlight our growth equity style, which represented
roughly 60% of the portfolio's assets.
The fourth quarter began with much anxiety about the strength in the market over
the summer, the sustainability of corporate profits and the increasing
volatility of Asian currency markets. All fears reached a fever pitch on October
27th when the Dow dropped 554 points (7.2%), recording the largest single point
decline ever on fears of asset deflation in Asian markets. The performance of
the market following the sell-off was typical of what we saw earlier in the
year, with the index stocks outperforming the broader market as hoards of
capital previously invested in Asia-Pacific markets sought safe haven in the
U.S. market. The result of all this was that the S&P 500 Index gained while
virtually everything else stayed at October 27th levels or drifted even lower.
In fact, because of its strong fourth quarter move relative to the broader
market, the S&P 500 finished the year up 33.36%, outstripping the returns of 90%
of all actively managed funds and the Russell 2000 Small Stock Index which
returned 22.36%. This is the fourth straight year that we have seen this kind of
divergence.
In terms of sector performance on the stock side, the strong returns were
realized in interest rate-sensitive areas (financial and utilities) and in
defensive stocks (food retailers and consumer staples). These sectors benefited
from the strong rally in the bond market and from the influx of invested dollars
coming from technology and energy sectors, which turned in some of the fourth
quarter's worst returns. Our underweighting in financials, utilities and staples
and our larger weightings in technology and energy explain why the fourth
quarter was a difficult one for us.
Going forward, we remain hopeful that 1998 will be rewarding to investors such
as us who utilize a bottom-up approach in finding good growth stories in stocks
that still trade at reasonable valuations. In fact, if 1998 earnings on S&P 500
companies ultimately grow in line with current expectations of 7 to 9%, then we
would expect to see an increase in multiples for stocks which can generate
earnings growth in the 18 to 20% range.
The balance of the portfolio, approximately 40%, consists of bonds and cash. At
year end, roughly 38.3% of this 40% was invested in securities with investment
grade ratings and 61.7% was invested in high yield. Our fixed income discipline
of investing in those securities which, through our own fundamental research, we
consider to be undervalued, resulted in several investment ideas. In the
industrial sector, our energy analyst, Upender Rao, recommended investing in
several oil drilling companies including Parker Drilling (B1/B+), the fourth
largest drilling company in the United States, and Pride Petroleum (Ba3/BB-),
the third largest. As rig rates doubled in 1997, earnings accelerated,
substantially improving the financial statements of both companies. Upender
expects to see an upgrade over a twelve to eighteen month time frame.
54
<PAGE>
Depending on valuation in the equity market, we may take the opportunity to
reallocate a portion of the portfolio to fixed income if we see pressure on
earnings or negative earnings surprises. Until the financial crisis in Asia
subsides, we expect to see sustained low levels of interest rates. Eventually,
as investors return their focus to economic fundamentals, we still expect to see
interest rates remain low, which should bode well for the valuation of financial
assets.
Thomas J. Pence, CFA Gregory J. Hahn, CFA
Vice President Senior Vice President
Portfolio Manager Portfolio Manager
Conseco Capital Management, Inc. Conseco Capital Management, Inc.
COMPARISON OF CHANGE IN VALUE OF $10,000 INVESTMENT IN THE CONSECO ASSET
ALLOCATION FUND, THE S&P MIDCAP 400 INDEX, AND THE LEHMAN BROTHERS AGGREGATE
BOND INDEX
----------------------
AVERAGE ANNUAL
TOTAL RETURN
----------------------
1 YEAR
----------------------
10.45%
----------------------
Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
- ------------------------------ -------------- --------------
1/2/97 12/31/97
- ------------------------------ -------------- --------------
Conseco Asset Allocation Fund $9,426 $11,045
- ------------------------------ -------------- --------------
S&P MidCap 400 Index $10,000 $13,225
- ------------------------------ -------------- --------------
LB Aggregate Bond Index $10,000 $10,965
- ------------------------------ -------------- --------------
55
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================================================================================
Report from the
Conseco Equity Fund Adviser
As we look back at 1997, we are able to draw a few insights on what is in store
for 1998. While the first three quarters exhibited strong growth and favorable
market conditions, the fourth quarter proved to be most eventful in terms of
future effects on market performance.
The fourth quarter began with much anxiety related to market strength,
sustainability of corporate profits, and increasing volatility in Asian currency
markets. Anxieties peaked on October 27th when the Dow Jones Industrial Average
dropped 554 points (7.2%), the largest single point decline ever, surrounding
fears of asset deflation in Asian markets. Despite a relatively good series of
earnings reports and economic releases throughout the balance of the quarter,
including low inflation and 25-year-low unemployment levels, concerns about the
Asian influence prevailed.
Following the market plunge, much of the capital previously invested in
Asia-Pacific markets sought safety in the U.S. market through purchases of S&P
500 futures contracts. As a result, the S&P 500 Index gained ground, with stocks
of the largest 20 companies in the marketplace outperforming nearly everything
in sight. However, virtually all other stocks remained at October 27th levels or
drifted even lower. Due to the strong fourth quarter move of the largest company
stocks, the S&P 500 finished the year up 33.36%, outperforming the returns of
90% of all actively managed funds, as well as the Russell 2000 Small Stock
Index, which returned 22.36%. This is the fourth straight year that the market
has seen this kind of divergence.
In terms of sector performance, strong returns were realized in interest
rate-sensitive areas (financial and utilities) and in defensive stocks (food
retailers and consumer staples). These sectors benefited from the strong rally
in the bond market and from the influx of invested dollars coming from
technology and energy sectors, which turned in some of the fourth quarter's
worst returns. Our underweighting in financial, utilities and staples and our
larger weightings in technology and energy explain why the fourth quarter was a
difficult one for us.
Despite these problems, many of our stocks enjoyed good earnings reports and
persevered during a time of high market volatility. Perhaps most rewarding was
the announcement that IBM/Tivoli bought Software Artistry for $24.50 per share
in cash. After establishing our position as Software Artistry's largest
shareholder, we were prematurely rewarded with a 200% return for our
shareholders over the holding period.
We expect a cautionary tone to prevail over the market in 1998; as such, we
intend to increase our focus on earnings stories with strong balance sheets and
cashflow generation. We will also look for yield as a component of total return
whenever possible. In addition, we will watch for opportunities in technology
and energy given the aggressive sell-off in these sectors in late 1997.
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<PAGE>
Our investment strategy continues to rely on a bottom-up approach to stock
selection. Through extensive research of the companies in which we invest, our
goal is to discover good growth stories in stocks that still trade at reasonable
valuations. We are committed to a long-term reliance on this strategy, and
remain hopeful that it will serve our shareholders well in the upcoming year.
Thomas J. Pence, CFA
Vice President
Portfolio Manager
Conseco Capital Management, Inc.
COMPARISON OF CHANGE IN VALUE OF $10,000 INVESTMENT IN THE CONSECO EQUITY FUND,
THE S&P MIDCAP 400 INDEX AND THE S&P 500 INDEX
----------------------
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL
RETURN
----------------------
1 YEAR
----------------------
15.83%
----------------------
Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
- ------------------------------ -------------- --------------
1/2/97 12/31/97
- ------------------------------ -------------- --------------
Conseco Equity Fund $9,426 $11,583
- ------------------------------ -------------- --------------
S&P MidCap 400 Index $10,000 $13,225
- ------------------------------ -------------- --------------
S&P 500 Index $10,000 $13,336
- ------------------------------ -------------- --------------
57
<PAGE>
OTHER INFORMATION
BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS
Subject to the Conduct Rules of the NASD and to obtaining best prices and
executions, the Adviser may select brokers who provide research or other
services or who sell shares of the Funds to effect portfolio transactions. The
Adviser may also select an affiliated broker to execute transactions for the
Funds, provided that the commissions, fees or other remuneration paid to such
affiliated broker are reasonable and fair as compared to that paid to
non-affiliated brokers for comparable transactions.
Each of the International Portfolio's investment advisers will place its
own orders to execute securities transactions. In placing such orders, each
investment adviser will seek the best available price and most favorable
execution. The full range and quality of services offered by the executing
broker or dealer is considered when making these determinations. Pursuant to
written guidelines approved by the AMR Trust Board, an investment adviser of the
Portfolio, or its affiliated broker-dealer, may execute portfolio transactions
and receive usual and customary brokerage commissions (within the meaning of
Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act) for doing so.
SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
All shares of beneficial interest of the Trust are entitled to one vote,
and votes are generally on an aggregate basis. However, on matters where the
interests of the Funds (or classes of a Fund) differ (such as approval of an
investment advisory agreement or a change in fundamental investment policies),
the voting is on a Fund-by-Fund (or class-by-class) basis. The Trust does not
hold routine annual shareholders' meetings. The shares of each Fund issued are
fully paid and non-assessable, have no preference or similar rights, and are
freely transferable. In addition, each issued and outstanding share in a class
of a Fund is entitled to participate equally in dividends and distributions
declared by that class.
On most issues subjected to a vote of the Portfolio's interest holders, as
required by the 1940 Act, the Conseco International Fund will solicit proxies
from its shareholders and will vote its interest in the Portfolio in proportion
to the votes cast by the Fund's shareholders. The Fund will vote shares for
which it receives no voting instructions in the same proportion as the shares
for which it does receive voting instructions. Because each interest holder in
the Portfolio would vote in proportion to its relative beneficial interest in
the Portfolio, one or more other Portfolio investors could, in certain
instances, approve an action although a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Conseco International Fund had voted against it. This could
result in the Conseco International Fund's redeeming its investment in the
Portfolio, which could result in increased expenses for the Fund.
REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
Investors in the Funds will be informed of their progress through periodic
reports. Financial statements certified by independent public accountants will
be submitted to shareholders at least annually.
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<PAGE>
RETIREMENT PLANS AND MEDICAL SAVINGS ACCOUNTS
Class A, Class B and Class C shares are available for purchase by qualified
retirement plans of both corporations and self-employed individuals. The Trust
has available prototype IRA plans (for both individuals and employers),
Simplified Employee Pension ("SEP") plans, and savings incentive match plans for
employees ("SIMPLE" plans) as well as Section 403(b)(7) Tax-Sheltered Retirement
Plans which are designed for employees of public educational institutions and
certain non-profit, tax-exempt organizations. The Trust also has information
concerning prototype Medical Savings Accounts. For information, call or write
the Distributor.
CLASS Y SHARES
In order to buy Class Y shares you must be an institutional investor or a
qualifying individual investor. Institutional investors may include, but are not
limited to, the following: (i) tax qualified retirement plans which have (a) at
least $10 million in plan assets, or (b) 250 or more employees eligible to
participate at the time of purchase, (ii) banks and insurance companies
purchasing shares for their own account, (iii) investment companies not
affiliated with the Adviser, (iv) tax-qualified retirement plans of the Adviser
or brokers, dealers, and other financial intermediaries that have a selling
agreement with the Distributor and their affiliates, (v) endowments, foundations
and other charitable organizations or (vi) accounts established under wrap fee
or asset allocation programs where the accountholder pays the sponsor an
asset-based fee. A qualifying individual investor is an investor who is a client
of the Adviser and is making a purchase of over $500,000 or whose purchase
together with his current holdings of Class Y shares exceeds $500,000 or any
other individual who meets the minimum investment requirement.
Class Y shares are available to eligible institutional investors and
qualifying individual investors at net asset value without the imposition of an
initial or deferred sales charge and are not subject to ongoing distribution or
service fees imposed under a plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940
Act. The minimum initial investment in Class Y shares is $500,000, but this
requirement may be waived at the discretion of the Trust's officers.
The Systematic Withdrawal Plan and Pre-Authorized Investment Plan are not
available for Class Y shares.
If you are considering a purchase of Class Y shares of a Fund, please call
the Distributor at (800) 986-3384 to obtain information about eligibility and a
prospectus.
DISTRIBUTOR
Conseco Equity Sales, Inc., 11815 N. Pennsylvania Street, Carmel, Indiana
46032, serves as distributor of shares of the Trust.
TRANSFER AGENT
State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02110, serves as the Trust's transfer agent.
59
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CUSTODIAN
The Bank of New York, 90 Washington Street, 22nd Floor, New York, New York
10826, serves as custodian of the assets of each Fund (except the Conseco
International Fund). State Street serves as custodian of the assets of the
Conseco International Fund and of the International Portfolio.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS/AUDITORS
The Trust's independent accountants are Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., 2900 One
American Square, Box 82002, Indianapolis, Indiana 46282-0002. The independent
auditors of the International Portfolio are Ernst & Young LLP, Dallas, Texas.
LEGAL COUNSEL
Certain legal matters for the Funds are passed upon by Kirkpatrick &
Lockhart LLP, 1800 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036.
THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFERING OF THE SECURITIES HEREIN DESCRIBED IN
ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE. NO SALESMAN, DEALER
OR OTHER PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS, OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR THE SAI.
60
<PAGE>
If you would like a free copy of the Statement of Additional Information for
this Prospectus, please complete this form, detach, and mail to:
Conseco Fund Group
Attn: Administrative Offices
11815 N. Pennsylvania Street, Carmel, Indiana 46032
Gentlemen:
Please send me a free copy of the Statement of Additional Information for
the Conseco Fund Group at the following address:
Name:
Mailing Address:
Sincerely,
(Signature)
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APPENDIX A SECURITIES RATINGS
DESCRIPTION OF CORPORATE BOND RATINGS
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.'S CORPORATE BOND RATINGS:
Aaa - Bonds which are rated Aaa by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's")
are judged to be the best quality and carry the smallest degree of investment
risk. Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable
margin, and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are
likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair
the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa - Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards.
Together with the Aaa group, they comprise what are generally known as high
grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of
protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective
elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present
which make the long term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
A - Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are
to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving security to
principal and interest are considered adequate but elements may be present which
suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.
Baa - Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations;
i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments
and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
period of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in
fact have speculative characteristics as well.
Ba - Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their
future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of interest
and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded
during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.
B - Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of a desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Caa - Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or
interest.
Ca - Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a
high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.
C - Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds. Such issues can
be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real
investment standing.
A-1
<PAGE>
STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATE BOND RATINGS:
AAA - This is the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's ("S&P") to a debt
obligation and indicates an extremely strong capacity to pay principal and
interest.
AA - Bonds rated AA also qualify as high-quality debt obligations. Capacity to
pay principal and interest is very strong, and in the majority of instances they
differ from AAA issues only in small degree.
A - Bonds rated A have a strong capacity to pay principal and interest, although
they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions.
BBB - Bonds rated BBB are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
principal and interest. Whereas they normally exhibit adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to weakened capacity to pay principal and interest for bonds in
this category than for bonds in the A category.
BB/B/CCC/CC - Bonds rated BB, B, CCC, and CC are regarded, on balance, as
predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest
and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation.+ BB
indicates the lowest degree of speculation and CC the highest degree of
speculation. While such bonds will likely have some quality and protective
characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk
exposure to adverse conditions.
CI - The rating CI is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is being
paid.
D - Debt rated D is in default, and payment of interest and/or repayment of
principal is in arrears.
Plus (+) or Minus (-): The ratings from AA to B may be modified by the addition
of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating
categories.
PREFERRED STOCK RATINGS:
Both Moody's and S&P use the same designations for corporate bonds as they do
for preferred stock, except that in the case of Moody's preferred stock ratings,
the initial letter rating is not capitalized. While the descriptions are
tailored for preferred stocks and relative quality, distinctions are comparable
to those described above for corporate bonds.
A-2
<PAGE>
CONSECO FUND GROUP
CLASS Y SHARES
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE: 11815 N. PENNSYLVANIA STREET, CARMEL, INDIANA 46032
800-825-1530
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSECO FIXED INCOME FUND
CONSECO HIGH YIELD FUND
CONSECO ASSET ALLOCATION FUND
CONSECO EQUITY FUND
CONSECO INTERNATIONAL FUND
CONSECO 20 FUND
The Conseco Fund Group (the "Trust") is an open-end diversified management
investment company registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC") under the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("1940 Act"). The Trust was
organized as a Massachusetts business trust on September 24, 1996. The Trust is
a "series" type of mutual fund which issues separate series of shares, each of
which represents a separate portfolio of investments. This Prospectus offers
shares of six series ("Funds") of the Trust, each with its own investment
objective and investment policies. Each Fund offers four classes of shares. This
Prospectus relates solely to Class Y shares of the Funds. Class A, B and C
shares are offered to individual investors through a separate prospectus. Each
class may have different expenses, which may affect performance.
Conseco Capital Management, Inc. (the "Adviser") serves as the Trust's
investment adviser. The Adviser supervises the Trust's management and investment
program, performs a variety of administrative services on behalf of the Trust,
and pays all compensation of officers and Trustees of the Trust who are
affiliated persons of the Adviser or the Trust. The Trust pays all other
expenses incurred in its operations, including fees and expenses of Trustees who
are not affiliated persons of the Adviser or the Trust.
The Conseco International Fund invests all of its investable assets in the
International Equity Portfolio (the "Portfolio" or the "International
Portfolio") of AMR Investment Services Trust (the "AMR Trust"), which invests
primarily in equity securities of issuers based outside the United States. The
Portfolio invests in securities in accordance with an investment objective,
policies and limitations substantially similar to those of the Fund. The
investment experience of the Fund will correspond directly with the investment
experience of the Portfolio. Whenever the phrase "all of the Fund's investable
assets" is used, it means that the only investment securities that will be held
by the Conseco International Fund will be the Fund's interest in the Portfolio.
This "master-feeder" structure is different from that of many other investment
companies which directly acquire and manage their own portfolios of securities.
Accordingly, investors should carefully consider this investment approach. See
"Additional Information About the Master-Feeder Structure." AMR Investment
Services, Inc. ("AMR") provides investment management and administrative
services to the Portfolio.
The Conseco High Yield Fund may invest all of its assets in lower-rated
fixed income securities, commonly known as "junk bonds" or "high yield
securities." THESE SECURITIES ARE SUBJECT TO GREATER FLUCTUATIONS IN VALUE AND
GREATER RISK OF LOSS OF INCOME AND PRINCIPAL DUE TO DEFAULT BY THE ISSUER THAN
ARE HIGHER-RATED SECURITIES; THEREFORE, INVESTORS SHOULD CAREFULLY ASSESS THE
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH AN INVESTMENT IN THIS FUND.
* * * * *
<PAGE>
There is no assurance that any of the Funds will achieve its investment
objective. The various Funds may be used independently or in combination. You
may also purchase shares of a money market fund currently managed by Federated
Management ("Federated money market fund") through a separate prospectus. That
prospectus is available upon request by calling 800-986-3384.
This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information about the Trust and
the Funds that an investor should know before investing. A Statement of
Additional Information ("SAI") dated May 1, 1998 and revised June 5, 1998,
containing additional information about the Trust and the Funds, has been filed
with the SEC and is incorporated by reference in this Prospectus in its
entirety. You may obtain a copy of the SAI without charge by calling or writing
the Trust at the address and telephone number above.
INVESTORS SHOULD READ AND RETAIN THIS PROSPECTUS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY
OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The date of this Prospectus is May 1, 1998, as revised June 5, 1998.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OVERVIEW OF THE CONSECO FUND GROUP FUNDS..............................3
FEE TABLE.............................................................4
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS..................................................6
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES OF THE FUNDS.......................7
INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES AND OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES..................15
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE MASTER-FEEDER STRUCTURE.............25
MANAGEMENT...........................................................26
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES....................................31
DIVIDENDS, OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES.............................35
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION..............................................37
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS...................................40
OTHER INFORMATION....................................................40
APPENDIX A SECURITIES RATINGS........................................49
2
<PAGE>
OVERVIEW OF THE CONSECO FUND GROUP FUNDS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSECO FUND GROUP FUND INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE PRINCIPAL INVESTMENTS
<S> <C> <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSECO FIXED INCOME Seeks the highest The Fund invests primarily in
FUND level of income as is investment grade fixed income
consistent with securities.
preservation of
capital.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSECO HIGH YIELD FUND Seeks a high level of The Fund invests primarily in
current income, with lower-rated fixed income
a secondary objective securities, commonly known as
of capital "junk bonds" or "high yield
appreciation. securities."
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSECO ASSET Seeks a high total The Fund pursues an active asset
ALLOCATION FUND investment return, allocation strategy whereby
consistent with the investments are allocated, based
preservation of upon thorough investment research,
capital and prudent valuation and analysis of market
investment risk. trends and the anticipated
relative total return available,
among various asset classes,
including debt securities,
equity securities, and money
market instruments.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSECO EQUITY FUND Seeks to provide a The Fund seeks to achieve its
high equity total objective primarily by investing in
return consistent selected equity securities and
with preservation of other securities having investment
the capital and a characteristics of common stocks.
prudent level of
risk.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSECO INTERNATIONAL Seeks long-term The Fund invests all of its
FUND capital investable assets in the
appreciation. International Equity Portfolio
(the "Portfolio" or the
"International Portfolio") of AMR
Investment Services Trust (the
"AMR Trust"), which invests
primarily in equity securities of
issuers based outside the United
States.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSECO 20 FUND Seeks capital The Fund is "non-diversified"
appreciation. under the 1940 Act and normally
concentrates its investments in
a core position of approximately
20 common stocks believed to
have above-average growth
prospects.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
3
<PAGE>
FEE TABLE
The following fee tables are provided to assist investors in understanding
the various fees and expenses which may be borne directly or indirectly by an
investment in Class Y shares of the Funds.
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS Y
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchases
(as a percentage of offering price)
CONSECO FIXED INCOME FUND None
CONSECO HIGH YIELD FUND None
CONSECO ASSET ALLOCATION FUND None
CONSECO EQUITY FUND None
CONSECO INTERNATIONAL FUND None
CONSECO 20 FUND None
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Reinvested Dividends None
(as a percentage of offering price)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (as a None percentage of offering price
or net asset value at the time of sale, whichever is less)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
Redemption Fees None
- ------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS Y SHARES
- ---------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------ ----------------------------------
FUND MANAGEMENT FEES ADMINISTRATIVE 12B-1 FEES OTHER TOTAL
AFTER FEE RATE FEES EXPENSES2 OPERATING
REDUCTION1 EXPENSES3
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
AFTER FEE WAIVERS AND EXPENSE
REIMBURSEMENTS
- ---------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------ ----------------------------------
CONSECO FIXED INCOME FUND 0.40% 0.20% None 0.00% 0.60%
- ---------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------ ---------------- -----------------
CONSECO HIGH YIELD FUND 0.60% 0.20% None 0.10% 0.90%
- ---------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------ ---------------- -----------------
CONSECO ASSET ALLOCATION FUND 0.70% 0.20% None 0.10% 1.00%
- ---------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------ ---------------- -----------------
CONSECO EQUITY FUND 0.70% 0.20% None 0.10% 1.00%
- ---------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------ ---------------- -----------------
CONSECO INTERNATIONAL FUND 0.48% 0.75% None 0.52% 1.75%
- ---------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------ ---------------- -----------------
CONSECO 20 FUND 0.70% 0.20% None 0.35% 1.25%
- ---------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------ ---------------- -----------------
</TABLE>
4
<PAGE>
1 The Adviser has voluntarily undertaken to reduce its advisory fee with respect
to the Conseco Fixed Income Fund to 0.40% of the Fund's average daily net assets
until April 30, 1999. Absent such undertaking the advisory fee would be 0.45% of
the Fund's average daily net assets. The Adviser has voluntarily undertaken to
reduce its advisory fee with respect to the Conseco High Yield Fund to 0.60% of
the Fund's average daily net assets until April 30, 1999. Absent such
undertaking the advisory fee would be 0.70% of the Fund's average daily net
assets.
The Adviser has voluntarily agreed to waive all of its fees under the
Conseco International Fund's Investment Advisory Agreement so long as that Fund
invests all of its investable assets in the International Portfolio. Absent such
undertaking the advisory fee would be 1.00% of the Fund's average daily net
assets. Accordingly, Management Fees in the fee table reflect only the Conseco
International Fund's pro rata portion of the Portfolio's management fees.
Similarly, because of the master-feeder structure, Other Expenses in the fee
table combine the Conseco International Fund's expenses and that Fund's pro rata
portion of the Portfolio's expenses.
2 Other Expenses in the Fee Table for all Funds EXCEPT the Conseco Equity Fund,
Conseco Asset Allocation Fund and Conseco Fixed Income Fund are based on
estimated amounts for the current fiscal year. Other Expenses exclude taxes,
interest, brokerage and other transaction expenses, and any extraordinary
expenses.
3 The expense information set forth above reflects voluntary commitments of the
Adviser and Conseco Services, LLC (the "Administrator") to waive a portion of
their fees under each Fund's Investment Advisory Agreement and Administration
Agreement, respectively, and/or to reimburse a portion of the Fund's expenses
through April 30, 1999. The voluntary commitments provide that the Total
Operating Expenses for the Funds, on an annual basis, will not exceed the
amounts set forth above.
In the absence of such waivers and reimbursements (as well as the
Adviser's undertaking with respect to the Conseco Fixed Income Fund, as noted
above), Other Expenses for Class Y shares of the Conseco Fixed Income Fund,
Conseco Asset Allocation Fund, and Conseco Equity Fund would have been 0.79%,
1.24% and 0.34%, respectively, and Total Operating Expenses would have been
1.44%, 2.14% and 1.24%, respectively, of each Fund's average daily net assets.
In the absence of such waivers and reimbursements (as well as the
Adviser's undertakings with respect to the Conseco High Yield and International
Funds as noted above) it is estimated that Other Expenses for Class Y shares of
the Conseco High Yield Fund, Conseco International Fund and Conseco 20 Fund
would be 1.14%, 0.99% and 0.86%, and Total Operating Expenses would be 2.04%,
2.22% and 1.76%, respectively, of each Fund's average daily net assets.
EXAMPLE
Assuming a hypothetical investment of $1,000 and a 5% annual return, an
investor in Class Y shares of each of the Funds would pay transaction and
operating expenses at the end of each year as follows:
CLASS Y SHARES
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND 1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Conseco Fixed Income Fund $6 $19 $33 $73
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Conseco High Yield Fund $9 $28 N/A N/A
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Conseco Asset Allocation Fund $10 $31 $54 $120
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Conseco Equity Fund $10 $31 $54 $120
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Conseco International Fund $18 $54 N/A N/A
5
<PAGE>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Conseco 20 Fund $13 $39 N/A N/A
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
THESE EXAMPLES ILLUSTRATE THE EFFECT OF EXPENSES, BUT ARE NOT MEANT TO
SUGGEST ACTUAL OR EXPECTED COSTS OR RETURNS, ALL OF WHICH MAY VARY.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The financial highlights set forth on the following pages present certain
financial information and ratios as well as performance information for Class Y
of the Conseco Equity Fund, Conseco Asset Allocation Fund and Conseco Fixed
Income Fund. This information is derived from the December 31, 1997 Conseco Fund
Group Annual Report and has been audited by Coopers & Lybrand LLP, independent
accountants, whose report thereon is also included in the Annual Report. The
Annual Report is incorporated by reference in the Statement of Additional
Information and may be obtained without charge by calling (800) 984-3384.
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1997
--------------------------------
ASSET FIXED
EQUITY ALLOCATION INCOME
CLASS Y SHARES FUND FUND FUND
------ ---------- ------
Net asset value per share,
beginning of period..................... $10.00 $10.00 $10.00
Income from investment operations (a):
Net investment income.................. -- .19 .68
Net realized gains and change in
unrealized appreciation on investments 2.35 1.58 .21
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment operations .... 2.35 1.77 .89
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributions:
Dividends from net investment income .. -- (.28) (.61)
Distributions of net capital gains .... (1.22) (.71) (.13)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions...................... (1.22) (.99) (.74)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value per share, end of period $11.13 $10.78 $10.15
================================================================================
Total return (b)......................... 23.50% 17.87% 9.18%
================================================================================
Ratios/supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period................ $60,334,274 $12,037,150 $21,875,782
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (b) 1.00% 1.00% .60%
Ratio of net investment income to
average net assets (b).................. .03% 2.76% 6.28%
- ----------
(a) Per share amounts presented are based on an average of monthly shares
outstanding during the year ended December 31, 1997.
(b) The Adviser and Administrator have voluntarily agreed to waive their fees
and/or reimburse Fund expense to the extent that the ratio of expenses to
average net assets would exceed on an annual basis 1.00 percent for the
Equity and Asset Allocation Funds and .60 percent for the Fixed Income Fund.
These voluntary limits may be discontinued by the Advisor and Administrator
at any time after April 30, 1998. If the aforementioned agreements had not
been in effect during the period, the annualized ratio of expenses to
average net assets would have been 1.24 percent for the Equity Fund, 2.14
percent for the Asset Allocation Fund and 1.44 percent for the Fixed Income
Fund.
ASSET FIXED
EQUITY ALLOCATION INCOME
FUND FUND FUND
------ ---------- ------
Supplemental data for all classes:
Net assets, end of period....... $65,210,629 $13,112,655 $22,029,226
Portfolio turnover rate......... 199.12% 506.64% 367.82%
Average commission rate paid (a) $.0584 $.0584 --
6
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES OF THE FUNDS
Each of the Funds has a different investment objective as described below.
There can be no assurance that any of the Funds will achieve its investment
objective. Each Fund is subject to the risk of changing economic conditions, as
well as the risk inherent in the ability of its investment adviser to make
changes in investments in anticipation of changes in economic, business, and
financial conditions. The investment objectives of the Funds are not
fundamental, as defined below; the investment objective of the International
Portfolio is fundamental.
The different types of securities and investment techniques common to one
or more Funds all have attendant risks of varying degrees. For example, with
respect to equity securities, there can be no assurance of capital appreciation
and there is a substantial risk of decline. With respect to debt securities,
there can be no assurance that the issuer of such securities will be able to
meet its obligations on interest or principal payments in a timely manner. In
addition, the value of debt instruments generally rises and falls inversely with
interest rates. The investments and investment techniques common to one or more
Funds and their risks are described in greater detail in "Description of
Securities and Investment Techniques" in the SAI.
The Funds and the International Portfolio are subject to investment
restrictions that are described under "Investment Restrictions" in the SAI.
Those investment restrictions that are "fundamental policies" may not be changed
without a majority vote of the outstanding shares of the affected Fund or the
outstanding interests of the International Portfolio. Except as otherwise noted,
all investment policies and practices described in this Prospectus and in the
SAI are not fundamental, meaning that the Trust's Board of Trustees ("Board") or
the AMR Trust's Board of Trustees ("AMR Trust Board") may change them without
shareholder approval. See "Description of Securities and Investment Techniques"
and "Investment Restrictions" in the SAI for further information.
CONSECO FIXED INCOME FUND
In seeking its investment objective of providing the highest level of
income as is consistent with the preservation of capital, the Conseco Fixed
Income Fund invests primarily in investment grade debt securities. A debt
security will be considered "investment grade" if it is rated in one of the four
7
<PAGE>
highest rating categories by at least one nationally recognized statistical
rating organization ("NRSRO"), or, if unrated, is determined by the Adviser to
be of comparable quality. The Adviser seeks to reduce risk, increase income, and
preserve or enhance total return by actively managing the Fund in light of
market conditions and trends. The Adviser seeks to enhance total return
specifically through purchasing securities which the Adviser believes are
undervalued and selling, when appropriate, those securities the Adviser believes
are overvalued. In order to determine value, the Adviser utilizes independent
fundamental analysis of the issuer as well as an analysis of the specific
structure of the security. The Conseco Fixed Income Fund may invest in debt
securities issued by publicly and privately held U.S. and foreign companies, the
U.S. Government and agencies and instrumentalities thereof, states and their
political subdivisions, agencies, and instrumentalities ("municipal
securities"), and foreign governments and their agencies and instrumentalities.
The interest on the municipal securities in which the Fund invests typically is
not exempt from federal income tax. The Conseco Fixed Income Fund may also
invest in mortgage-related debt securities, asset-backed debt securities, and
other forms of debt securities. See "Debt Securities" and "Mortgage-Backed
Securities" below and in the SAI. In addition, up to 15% of the Fund's assets
may be invested directly in equity securities, including preferred and common
stocks, convertible debt securities and debt securities carrying warrants to
purchase equity securities, and up to 10% of the Fund's assets may be invested
in lower-rated fixed income securities, commonly known as "junk bonds" or "high
yield securities." Lower-rated fixed income securities are securities rated BB
or lower by Standard & Poor's ("S&P") or Ba or lower by Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), securities comparably rated by another NRSRO, or
unrated securities of equivalent quality. For information about the risks
associated with lower-rated fixed income securities, see "Risks Associated With
High Yield Debt Securities" below and "Description of Securities and Investment
Techniques" in the SAI.
Debt securities purchased by the Conseco Fixed Income Fund may be of any
maturity. It is anticipated that the dollar weighted average life of the debt
portfolio will be between seven and 15 years, but may be shorter or longer
depending on market conditions. While the Conseco Fixed Income Fund intends to
invest in debt securities in order to achieve its investment objective of
obtaining the highest level of income as is consistent with preservation of
capital, it may from time to time invest in debt securities which offer higher
capital appreciation potential. Such investments would be in addition to that
portion of the Fund which may be invested in common stocks and other types of
equity securities.
Fixed income securities will be affected by changes in interest rates.
When interest rates decline, the market value of a fund invested at higher
yields can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the market
value of a fund invested at lower yields can be expected to decline. Therefore,
the Conseco Fixed Income Fund may engage in portfolio trading to take advantage
of market developments and yield disparities; for example, shortening the
average maturity of the Fund in anticipation of a rise in interest rates so as
to minimize depreciation of principal, or lengthening the average maturity of
the Fund in anticipation of a decline in interest rates so as to maximize
appreciation of principal. For more information, see "Portfolio Turnover" below.
The Conseco Fixed Income Fund may use various investment strategies and
techniques when the Adviser determines that such use is appropriate in an effort
to meet the Fund's investment objective. Such strategies and techniques include,
but are not limited to, writing listed "covered" call and "secured" put options
and purchasing options; purchasing and selling, for hedging purposes, interest
rate and other futures contracts, and purchasing options on such futures
contracts; borrowing from banks to purchase securities; investing in securities
of other investment companies; entering into repurchase agreements and reverse
repurchase agreements; investing in when-issued or delayed delivery securities;
8
<PAGE>
and selling securities short. See "Description of Securities and Investment
Techniques" in the SAI for further information.
CONSECO HIGH YIELD FUND
The investment objective of the Conseco High Yield Fund is to provide
investors with a high level of current income, with a secondary objective of
capital appreciation. In seeking to achieve the Fund's objectives, the Adviser,
under normal circumstances, invests at least 65% of the Fund's total assets in
high yield, high risk lower-rated fixed income securities (as defined above in
the investment program of the Conseco Fixed Income Fund). The lower-rated fixed
income securities in which the Fund invests include corporate debt securities
and preferred stock, convertible securities, zero coupon securities, other
deferred interest securities, mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed
securities. The Fund may invest in securities rated as low as C by Moody's or D
by S&P, securities comparably rated by another NRSRO, or unrated securities of
equivalent quality. Such obligations are highly speculative and may be in
default or in danger of default as to principal and interest. For information
about the risks associated with lower-rated fixed income securities, see "Risks
Associated With High Yield Debt Securities" below and "Description of Securities
and Investment Techniques" in the SAI. The Appendix to this Prospectus describes
Moody's and S&P's rating categories.
The Fund may invest in high yield municipal securities. The interest on
the municipal securities in which the Fund invests typically is not exempt from
federal income tax. The Fund's remaining assets may be held in cash, money
market instruments, or securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government,
its agencies, authorities or instrumentalities ("U.S. Government securities"),
or may be invested in common stocks and other equity securities when these types
of investments are consistent with the objectives of the Fund or are acquired as
part of a unit consisting of a combination of fixed income securities and equity
investments. Such remaining assets may also be invested in investment grade debt
securities (as defined above in the investment program of the Conseco Fixed
Income Fund, and including municipal securities). Moreover, the Fund may hold
cash or money market instruments without limit for temporary defensive purposes
or pending investment.
The Fund may invest in zero coupon securities and payment-in-kind
securities. A zero coupon security pays no interest to its holders prior to
maturity, and a payment-in-kind security pays interest in the form of additional
securities. These securities will be subject to greater fluctuation in market
value in response to changing interest rates than securities of comparable
maturities that make periodic cash distributions of interest.
The Fund may also invest in equity and debt securities of foreign issuers,
including issuers based in emerging markets. As a non-fundamental policy, the
Fund may invest up to 50% of its total assets (measured at the time of
investment) in foreign securities; however, the Fund presently does not intend
to invest more than 25% of its total assets in such securities. In addition, the
Fund presently intends to invest in foreign securities only through depositary
receipts. See "Foreign Securities" below for further information.
The Fund may invest in private placements, securities traded pursuant to
Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 ("1933 Act") (Rule 144A permits
qualified institutional buyers to trade certain securities even though they are
not registered under the 1933 Act), or securities which, though not registered
at the time of their initial sale, are issued with registration rights. Some of
these securities may be deemed by the Adviser to be liquid under guidelines
adopted by the Board. As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund will not (1)
invest more than 5% of its total assets in any one issuer, except for U.S.
9
<PAGE>
Government securities or (2) invest 25% or more of its total assets in
securities of issuers having their principal business activities in the same
industry.
The Adviser does not rely solely on the ratings of rated securities in
making investment decisions but also evaluates other economic and business
factors affecting the issuer. Ratings are only the opinions of the agencies
issuing them and are not absolute standards as to quality. The Adviser seeks to
enhance total return specifically through purchasing securities which it
believes are undervalued and selling, when appropriate, those securities it
believes are overvalued. In order to determine value, the Adviser utilizes
independent fundamental analysis of the issuer as well as an analysis of the
specific structure of the security.
The Fund may use various investment strategies and techniques when the
Adviser determines that such use is appropriate in an effort to meet the Fund's
investment objectives. Such strategies and techniques include, but are not
limited to, writing listed "covered" call and "secured" put options and
purchasing options; purchasing and selling, for hedging purposes, interest rate
and other futures contracts, and purchasing options on such futures contracts;
entering into foreign currency futures contracts, forward foreign currency
contracts ("forward contracts") and options on foreign currencies; borrowing
from banks to purchase securities; investing in securities of other investment
companies; entering into repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements
and dollar rolls; investing in when-issued or delayed delivery securities;
selling securities short; and entering into swaps and other interest rate
transactions. See "Description of Securities and Investment Techniques" in the
SAI for further information.
CONSECO ASSET ALLOCATION FUND
The investment objective of the Conseco Asset Allocation Fund is to seek a
high total investment return consistent with the preservation of capital and
prudent investment risk. The Fund seeks to achieve this objective by pursuing an
active asset allocation strategy whereby investments are allocated, based upon
thorough investment research, valuation and analysis of market trends and the
anticipated relative total return available, among various asset classes,
including fixed income securities, equity securities and money market
instruments. Total investment return consists of current income, including
dividends, interest, and discount accruals, and capital appreciation. Achieving
this Fund's objective depends on the Adviser's ability to assess the effect of
economic and market trends on different sectors of the market. In seeking to
maximize total return, the Conseco Asset Allocation Fund follows an asset
allocation strategy contemplating shifts (which may be frequent) among a wide
range of investments and market sectors. These shifts may result in high
portfolio turnover. See "Portfolio Turnover" below for more information. The
Fund's investments will be designed to maximize total return during all economic
and financial environments, consistent with prudent risk as determined by the
Adviser.
The Conseco Asset Allocation Fund may invest in U.S. Government
securities, intermediate and long-term debt securities and equity securities of
domestic and foreign issuers, including common and preferred stocks, convertible
debt securities, and warrants. If the Adviser deems stock market conditions to
be favorable or debt market conditions to be uncertain or unfavorable, a
substantially higher percentage of the Fund's total assets may be invested in
equity securities. If, however, the Adviser believes that the equity environment
is uncertain or unfavorable, the Fund may decrease its investments in equity
securities and increase its investments in debt securities. Furthermore, if the
Adviser believes that inflationary or monetary conditions warrant a significant
investment in companies involved in precious metals, the Fund may invest up to
10% of its total assets in the equity securities of companies exploring, mining,
10
<PAGE>
developing, producing, or distributing gold or other precious metals.
Additionally, the Conseco Asset Allocation Fund may make temporary defensive
investments (i.e., money market instruments) without limit if it is believed
that market conditions warrant a more conservative investment strategy.
The Conseco Asset Allocation Fund may use various investment strategies
and techniques when the Adviser determines that such use is appropriate in an
effort to meet the Fund's investment objective, including but not limited to:
writing listed "covered" call and "secured" put options, including options on
stock indices, and purchasing such options; purchasing and selling, for hedging
purposes, stock index, interest rate, gold, and other futures contracts, and
purchasing options on such futures contracts; purchasing warrants and preferred
and convertible preferred stocks; purchasing foreign securities; entering into
foreign currency futures contracts, forward contracts and options on foreign
currencies; borrowing from banks to purchase securities; purchasing securities
of other investment companies; entering into repurchase agreements and reverse
repurchase agreements; purchasing restricted securities; investing in
when-issued or delayed delivery securities; and selling securities short. See
"Description of Securities and Investment Techniques" in the SAI for further
information.
The maturities of the debt securities in the Conseco Asset Allocation Fund
will vary based in large part on the Adviser's expectations as to future changes
in interest rates. However, the Adviser anticipates that the debt component of
the Fund will generally be invested primarily in intermediate and/or long-term
debt securities. The Adviser anticipates that the equity portion of the Fund
will be widely diversified by both industry and number of issuers. The Adviser's
stock selection methods will be based in part upon variables which it believes
significantly relate to the future market performance of a stock, such as recent
changes in earnings per share and their deviations from analysts' expectations,
past growth trends, price movement of the stock itself, publicly recorded
trading transactions by corporate insiders, and relative price-earnings ratios.
The Adviser anticipates that investment opportunities will often be sought among
securities of larger, established companies, although securities issued by
companies with small and medium capitalizations ("small- and mid-cap companies")
may also be selected. See "Small and Medium Capitalization Companies" below for
further information.
The Conseco Asset Allocation Fund may invest in high yield, high risk
lower-rated fixed income securities (as defined above in the investment program
of the Conseco Fixed Income Fund) which are not believed to involve undue risk
to income or principal. The Conseco Asset Allocation Fund does not intend to
invest more than 25% of its total assets (measured at the time of investment) in
lower-rated fixed income securities. The lowest rating categories in which the
Fund will invest are CCC/Caa. Securities in those categories are considered to
be of poor standing and are predominantly speculative. For information about the
risks associated with lower-rated fixed income securities, see "Risks Associated
With High Yield Debt Securities" below and "Description of Securities and
Investment Techniques" in the SAI. The Fund may also invest in investment grade
debt securities (as defined above in the investment program of the Conseco Fixed
Income Fund). The Adviser seeks to enhance total return specifically through
purchasing securities which the Adviser believes are undervalued and selling,
when appropriate, those securities the Adviser believes are overvalued. In order
to determine value, the Adviser utilizes independent fundamental analysis of the
issuer as well as an analysis of the specific structure of the security.
The Conseco Asset Allocation Fund may also invest in zero coupon
securities and payment-in-kind securities (see the discussion with respect to
the Conseco High Yield Fund, above).
11
<PAGE>
The Conseco Asset Allocation Fund may also invest in equity and debt
securities of foreign issuers, including non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities,
Eurodollar securities and securities issued, assumed or guaranteed by foreign
governments or political subdivisions or instrumentalities thereof. As a
non-fundamental operating policy, the Conseco Asset Allocation Fund will not
invest more than 50% of its total assets (measured at the time of investment) in
foreign securities. See "Foreign Securities" below and "Description of
Securities and Investment Techniques" in the SAI for further information.
CONSECO EQUITY FUND
In seeking its objective of providing a high equity total return
consistent with preservation of capital and a prudent level of risk, the Conseco
Equity Fund attempts to achieve a total return (i.e., price appreciation plus
potential dividend yield) primarily through investment in selected equities
(i.e., common stocks and other securities having the investment characteristics
of common stocks, such as convertible debentures and warrants). However, if
market conditions indicate their desirability, the Adviser may, for defensive
purposes, temporarily invest all or a part of the assets of the Conseco Equity
Fund in money market instruments.
The Adviser expects that the Fund's equity investments will be widely
diversified by both industry and number of issuers. The Adviser's stock
selection methods will be based in part upon the analysis of variables which it
believes significantly relate to the future market performance of a stock, such
as recent changes in earnings per share and their deviations from analysts'
expectations, past growth trends, price movement of the stock itself, publicly
recorded trading transactions by corporate insiders, and relative price-earnings
ratios. The Adviser expects that investment opportunities will often be sought
among securities of small- and mid-cap companies. See "Small and Medium
Capitalization Companies" below for further information. Securities issued by
larger, established companies may also be selected.
By investing in securities that are subject to market risk, the Conseco
Equity Fund is subject to greater fluctuations in its market value and involves
the assumption of a higher degree of risk as compared to a fund seeking
stability of principal, such as a money market fund, or a fund investing
primarily in U.S. Government securities. To maximize potential return, the
Adviser may utilize a variety of investment techniques and strategies including
but not limited to: writing listed "covered" call and "secured" put options,
including options on stock indices, and purchasing options; purchasing and
selling, for hedging purposes, stock index, interest rate, and other futures
contracts, and purchasing options on such futures contracts; purchasing warrants
and preferred and convertible preferred stocks; borrowing from banks to purchase
securities; purchasing foreign securities in the form of American Depository
Receipts ("ADRs"); purchasing securities of other investment companies; entering
into repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements; purchasing
restricted securities; investing in when-issued or delayed delivery securities;
and selling securities short. See "Description of Securities and Investment
Techniques" in the SAI for further information. The Conseco Equity Fund may also
invest up to 5% of its assets in lower-rated fixed income securities. The Fund
will not invest in rated fixed income securities which are rated below CCC/Caa.
See "Appendix A" to this Prospectus for further discussion regarding securities
ratings. For information about the risks associated with lower-rated fixed
income securities, see "Risks Associated With High Yield Debt Securities" below
and "Description of Securities and Investment Techniques" in the SAI.
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CONSECO INTERNATIONAL FUND
The investment objectives of the Conseco International Fund and the
International Portfolio are to realize long-term capital appreciation. The Fund
has a fundamental investment policy which allows, but does not require, it to
invest all of its investable assets in another investment company having
substantially the same investment objective and policies. All other fundamental
investment policies and the non-fundamental investment policies of the Fund and
the Portfolio are substantially similar (except with respect to borrowing, as
discussed in the SAI). The Fund invests only in the Portfolio. Therefore,
although the following discusses the investment policies of the Portfolio, it
applies equally to the Fund.
The Portfolio invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of equity
securities of issuers based outside the United States. AMR allocates the assets
of the Portfolio among one or more investment advisers designated for the
Portfolio. Hotchkis and Wiley, Morgan Stanley Asset Management Inc. and
Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc. currently serve as investment advisers to the
Portfolio. See "Management - AMR and the Investment Advisers to the
International Equity Portfolio."
Ordinarily the Portfolio will invest at least 65% of its assets in common
stocks and securities convertible into common stocks of issuers in at least
three different countries located outside the United States. However, excluding
collateral for securities loaned, the Portfolio generally invests in excess of
80% of its assets in such securities. The remainder of the Portfolio's assets
will be invested in non-U.S. debt securities which, at the time of purchase, are
rated in one of the three highest rating categories by any NRSRO or, if unrated,
are deemed to be of comparable quality by the applicable investment adviser and
traded publicly on a world market, or in cash or cash equivalents, including
investment grade short-term obligations, or in other investment companies.
However, when its investment advisers deem that market conditions warrant, the
Portfolio may, for temporary defensive purposes, invest up to 100% of its assets
in cash, cash equivalents, other investment companies and investment grade
short-term obligations.
The investment advisers select securities based upon a country's economic
outlook, market valuation and potential changes in currency exchange rates. When
purchasing equity securities, primary emphasis will be placed on undervalued
securities with above average growth expectations.
Overseas investing carries potential risks not associated with domestic
investments. These risks are often greater for investments in emerging or
developing countries. See "Investment Techniques and Other Investment Policies
Foreign Securities" below.
The Portfolio will limit its investments to those in countries which have
been recommended by AMR and which have been approved by the AMR Trust Board.
Countries may be added or deleted with AMR Trust Board approval. In determining
which countries will be approved, the AMR Trust Board will evaluate the risks of
investing in a country and will particularly focus on the ability to repatriate
funds, the size and liquidity aspects of the country's market and the investment
climate for foreign investors. The current countries in which the Portfolio may
invest are Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France,
Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New
Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
and the United Kingdom.
The Portfolio may trade forward contracts, which are derivatives, to hedge
currency fluctuations of underlying stock or bond positions or in other
circumstances permitted by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Forward
contracts to sell foreign currency may be used when the management of the
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Portfolio believes that the currency of a particular foreign country may suffer
a decline against the U.S. dollar. Forward contracts are also entered into to
set the exchange rate for a future transaction. In this manner, the Portfolio
may protect itself against a possible loss resulting from an adverse change in
the relationship between the U.S. dollar or other currency which is being used
for the security purchase and the foreign currency in which the security is
denominated during the period between the date on which the security is
purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or received. Forward
contracts involve certain risks which include, but are not limited to: (1)
imperfect correlation between the securities hedged and the contracts
themselves; and (2) possible decrease in the total return of the Portfolio.
Forward contracts are discussed in greater detail in the SAI.
The Portfolio also may trade currency futures for the same reasons as for
entering into forward contracts as set forth above. Currency futures are traded
on U.S. and foreign currency exchanges. The use of currency futures also entails
certain risks which include, but are not limited to: (1) less liquidity due to
daily limits on price fluctuation; (2) imperfect correlation between the
securities hedged and the contracts themselves; (3) possible decrease in the
total return of the Portfolio due to hedging; (4) possible reduction in value
for both the contracts and the securities being hedged; and (5) potential losses
in excess of the amounts invested in the currency futures contracts themselves.
The Portfolio may not enter into currency futures contracts if the purchase or
sale of such contract would cause the sum of the Portfolio's initial and any
variation margin deposits to exceed 5% of its total assets. Currency futures
contracts, which are derivatives, are discussed in greater detail in the SAI.
As a matter of fundamental policy, the Portfolio may not (1) invest more
than 5% of its total assets (taken at market value) in securities of any one
issuer, other than U.S. Government securities, or purchase more than 10% of the
voting securities of any one issuer, with respect to 75% of the Portfolio's
total assets, or (2) invest more than 25% of its total assets in the obligations
of companies primarily engaged in any one industry, provided that: (i) this
limitation does not apply to U.S. Government securities; (ii) municipalities and
their agencies and authorities are not deemed to be industries; and (iii)
financial service companies are classified according to the end users of their
services (for example, automobile finance, bank finance, and diversified finance
will be considered separate industries). In addition, as a non-fundamental
investment restriction, the Portfolio may not invest more than 15% of its net
assets in illiquid securities, including time deposits and repurchase agreements
that mature in more than seven days.
The above percentage limits are based upon asset values at the time of the
applicable transaction; accordingly, a subsequent change in asset values will
not affect a transaction which was in compliance with the investment
restrictions at the time such transaction was effected. See the SAI for other
investment limitations.
CONSECO 20 FUND
The investment objective of the Conseco 20 Fund is to seek capital
appreciation. The Fund invests primarily in common stocks of companies that the
Adviser believes have above average growth prospects. The Fund is
"non-diversified" (meaning that it is not limited under the 1940 Act in the
percentage of assets that it may invest in any one issuer) and normally
concentrates its investments in a core position of approximately 20 common
stocks. Because the Fund may invest a larger portion of its assets in the
securities of a single issuer than a "diversified" fund, an investment in the
Fund may be subject to greater fluctuations in value than an investment in a
"diversified" fund. However, the Fund intends to comply with the standards under
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the Code, that limit a regulated investment company's investments in any one
issuer's securities or in the securities (other than U. S. Government
securities) of a limited number of issuers. See "Taxes" in the SAI.
The Fund generally will invest in companies whose earnings are believed to
be in a relatively strong growth trend and, to a lesser extent, in companies in
which significant further growth is not anticipated but whose stocks are thought
to be undervalued by the market. In identifying companies with favorable growth
prospects, the Adviser ordinarily looks to certain characteristics, such as the
following:
o prospects for above-average sales and earnings growth
o high return on invested capital
o overall financial strength, including sound financial and
accounting policies and a strong balance sheet
o competitive advantages, including innovative products and service
o effective research, product development, and marketing
o stable, capable management.
Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 65% of its
total assets in common stocks. The Fund may invest a substantial portion of its
assets in securities issued by small- and mid-cap companies. See "Small and
Medium Capitalization Companies" below for further information. While the
emphasis of the Fund is on common stocks, the Fund may invest its remaining
assets in preferred stocks, convertible securities, and warrants, and in debt
obligations when the Adviser believes that they are more attractive than stocks
on a long-term basis. The debt obligations in which it invests will be primarily
investment grade debt securities, U.S. Government securities, or short-term debt
securities. However, the Fund may invest up to 5% of its total assets in
lower-rated fixed income securities. When the Adviser determines that market
conditions warrant a temporary defensive position, the Fund may invest without
limitation in cash and short-term debt securities.
The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in equity and debt
securities of foreign issuers. The Fund presently intends to invest in foreign
securities only through depositary receipts. See "Foreign Securities" below for
more information.
To maximize potential return, the Adviser may utilize a variety of
investment techniques and strategies, including but not limited to: writing
listed "covered" call and "secured" put options, including options on stock
indices, and purchasing options; purchasing and selling, for hedging purposes,
stock index, interest rate, and other futures contracts, and purchasing options
on such futures contracts; entering into foreign currency futures contracts,
forward contracts and options on foreign currencies; borrowing from banks to
purchase securities; purchasing securities of other investment companies;
entering into repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements; investing
in when-issued or delayed delivery securities; and selling securities short. See
"Description of Securities and Investment Techniques" in the SAI for further
information.
INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES AND OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES
References in this section to "a Fund," "the Funds" or "the Conseco
International Fund" include the International Portfolio, unless the context
otherwise requires.
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SMALL AND MEDIUM CAPITALIZATION COMPANIES
The Conseco 20 Fund may invest a substantial portion of its assets in
securities issued by small- and mid-cap companies. The Conseco Equity Fund and
Conseco Asset Allocation Fund also may invest in small- and mid-cap companies.
While these companies generally have potential for rapid growth, investments in
such companies often involve greater risks than investments in larger, more
established companies because small- and mid-cap companies may lack the
management experience, financial resources, product diversification, and
competitive strengths of companies with larger market capitalizations. In
addition, in many instances the securities of small- and mid-cap companies are
traded only over-the-counter or on a regional securities exchange, and the
frequency and volume of their trading is substantially less than is typical of
larger companies. Therefore, these securities may be subject to greater and more
abrupt price fluctuations. When making large sales, a Fund may have to sell
portfolio holdings at discounts from quoted prices or may have to make a series
of small sales over an extended period of time due to the trading volume of
small- and mid-cap company securities. As a result, an investment in any of
these Funds may be subject to greater price fluctuations than an investment in a
fund that invests primarily in larger, more established companies. The Adviser's
research efforts may also play a greater role in selecting securities for these
Funds than in a fund that invests in larger, more established companies.
PREFERRED STOCK
The Funds may invest in preferred stock. Preferred stock pays dividends at
a specified rate and generally has preference over common stock in the payment
of dividends and the liquidation of the issuer's assets but is junior to the
debt securities of the issuer in those same respects. Unlike interest payments
on debt securities, dividends on preferred stock are generally payable at the
discretion of the issuer's board of directors, and shareholders may suffer a
loss of value if dividends are not paid. Preferred shareholders generally have
no legal recourse against the issuer if dividends are not paid. The market
prices of preferred stocks are subject to changes in interest rates and are more
sensitive to changes in the issuer's creditworthiness than are the prices of
debt securities. Under ordinary circumstances, preferred stock does not carry
voting rights.
DEBT SECURITIES
The Funds (except the Conseco International Fund and the International
Portfolio) may invest in U.S. dollar-denominated corporate debt securities of
domestic issuers, and all of the Funds except the Conseco Equity Fund may invest
in debt securities of foreign issuers that may or may not be U.S.
dollar-denominated.
The investment return on a corporate debt security reflects interest
earnings and changes in the market value of the security. The market value of
corporate debt obligations may be expected to rise and fall inversely with
interest rates generally. There also exists the risk that the issuers of the
securities may not be able to meet their obligations on interest or principal
payments at the time called for by an instrument. Debt securities rated BBB or
Baa, which are considered medium-grade debt securities, do not provide the high
degree of security with respect to payment of principal and interest associated
with higher-rated debt securities, and generally have some speculative
characteristics. A debt security will be placed in this rating category when
interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present, but
economic characteristics that provide longer term protection may be lacking. Any
debt security, and particularly those rated BBB or Baa (or below), may be
susceptible to changing conditions, particularly to economic downturns, which
could lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and principal.
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Corporate debt securities may pay fixed or variable rates of interest, or
interest at a rate contingent upon some other factor, such as the price of some
commodity. These securities may be convertible into preferred or common stock
(see "Convertible Securities" below), or may be bought as part of a unit
containing common stock. A debt security may be subject to redemption at the
option of the issuer at a price set in the security's governing instrument.
In selecting corporate debt securities for the Funds (except the Conseco
International Fund and the International Portfolio), the Adviser reviews and
monitors the creditworthiness of each issuer and issue. The Adviser also
analyzes interest rate trends and specific developments which it believes may
affect individual issuers.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH HIGH YIELD DEBT SECURITIES. The Funds (except the
Conseco International Fund and the International Portfolio) may invest in high
yield, high risk, lower-rated fixed income securities. Lower-rated fixed income
securities are subject to all risks inherent in any investment in debt
securities. As discussed below, these risks are significantly greater in the
case of lower-rated fixed income securities.
Lower-rated fixed income securities generally offer a higher yield than
that available from higher-rated issues with similar maturities, as compensation
for holding a security that is subject to greater risk. Lower-rated fixed income
securities are deemed by rating agencies to be predominately speculative with
respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal and may
involve major risk or exposure to adverse conditions. Lower-rated securities
involve higher risks in that they are especially subject to (1) adverse changes
in general economic conditions and in the industries in which the issuers are
engaged, (2) adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuers, (3)
price fluctuation in response to changes in interest rates and (4) limited
liquidity and secondary market support.
An economic downturn affecting the issuer may result in a weakened
capacity to make principal and interest payments and an increased incidence of
default. In addition, a fund that invests in lower-rated securities may incur
additional expenses to the extent recovery is sought on defaulted securities.
Because of the many risks involved in investing in lower-rated fixed income
securities, the success of such investments is dependent upon the credit
analysis of the Adviser. Although the market for lower-rated fixed income
securities is not new, and the market has previously weathered economic
downturns, the past performance of the market for such securities may not be an
accurate indication of its performance during future economic downturns or
periods of rising interest rates. This market may be thinner and less active
than the market for higher quality securities, which may limit the ability to
sell such securities at their fair value in response to changes in the economy
or the financial markets. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or
not based on fundamental analysis, may also decrease the values and liquidity of
lower-rated securities, especially in a thinly traded market. Differing yields
on debt securities of the same maturity are a function of several factors,
including the relative financial strength of the issuers.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES
The Funds may invest in convertible securities. A convertible security is
a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock or other security that may be converted
into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a
different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or
formula. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or
accrued on debt or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible
security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion,
convertible securities ordinarily provide a stable stream of income with
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generally higher yields than those of common stocks of the same or similar
issuers, but lower than the yield on non-convertible debt. Convertible
securities are usually subordinated to comparable-tier non-convertible
securities but rank senior to common stock in a corporation's capital structure.
The value of a convertible security is a function of (1) its yield in
comparison with the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and
quality that do not have a conversion privilege and (2) its worth, at market
value, if converted into the underlying common stock. Convertible securities are
typically issued by smaller capitalized companies, whose stock prices may be
volatile. The price of a convertible security often reflects such variations in
the price of the underlying common stock in a way that non-convertible debt does
not. A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the
issuer at a price established in the convertible security's governing
instrument, which could have an adverse effect on a Fund's ability to achieve
its investment objective.
ZERO COUPON BONDS
The Conseco 20, Conseco Asset Allocation and Conseco High Yield Funds may
invest in zero coupon securities. Zero coupon bonds are debt obligations which
make no fixed interest payments but instead are issued at a significant discount
from face value. Like other debt securities, the market price can reflect a
premium or discount, in addition to the original issue discount, reflecting the
market's judgment as to the issuer's creditworthiness, the interest rate or
other similar factors. The original issue discount approximates the total amount
of interest the bonds will accrue and compound over the period until maturity
(or the first interest payment date) at a rate of interest reflecting the market
rate at the time of issuance. Because zero coupon bonds do not make periodic
interest payments, their prices can be very volatile when market interest rates
change.
The original issue discount on zero coupon bonds must be included in a
Fund's income ratably as it accrues. Accordingly, to qualify for tax treatment
as a regulated investment company and to avoid a certain excise tax, a Fund may
be required to distribute as a dividend an amount that is greater than the total
amount of cash it actually receives. These distributions must be made from the
Fund's cash assets or, if necessary, from the proceeds of sales of portfolio
securities. Such sales could occur at a time which would be disadvantageous to a
Fund and when the Fund would not otherwise choose to dispose of the assets.
PAY-IN-KIND BONDS
The Conseco High Yield and Conseco Asset Allocation Funds may invest in
pay-in-kind bonds. These bonds pay "interest" through the issuance of additional
bonds, thereby adding debt to the issuer's balance sheet. The market prices of
these securities are likely to respond to changes in interest rates to a greater
degree than the prices of securities paying interest currently. Pay-in-kind
bonds carry additional risk in that, unlike bonds that pay interest throughout
the period to maturity, a Fund will realize no cash until the cash payment date
and the Fund may obtain no return at all on its investment if the issuer
defaults.
The holder of a pay-in-kind bond must accrue income with respect to these
securities prior to the receipt of cash payments thereon. To avoid liability for
federal income and excise taxes, a Fund most likely will be required to
distribute income accrued with respect to these securities, even though the Fund
has not received that income in cash, and may be required to dispose of
portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances in order to generate
cash to satisfy these distribution requirements.
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MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES
The Funds (except the Conseco International Fund and the International
Portfolio) may invest in mortgage-backed securities. Mortgage-backed securities
are interests in "pools" of mortgage loans made to residential home buyers,
including mortgage loans made by savings and loan institutions, mortgage
bankers, commercial banks and others. Pools of mortgage loans are assembled as
securities for sale to investors by various governmental, government-related and
private organizations (see "Mortgage Pass-Through Securities," below). These
Funds may also invest in debt securities which are secured with collateral
consisting of mortgage-backed securities (see "Collateralized Mortgage
Obligations," below), and in other types of mortgage-related securities. The
Conseco 20 Fund presently does not intend to invest more than 5% of its assets
in mortgage-backed securities.
MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH SECURITIES. These are securities representing
interests in pools of mortgages in which periodic payments of both interest and
principal on the securities are made by "passing through" periodic payments made
by the individual borrowers on the residential mortgage loans underlying such
securities (net of fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of the securities and
possibly other costs). Early repayment of principal on mortgage pass-through
securities (arising from prepayments of principal due to sale of the underlying
property, refinancing, or foreclosure, net of fees and costs which may be
incurred) may expose a Fund to a lower rate of return upon reinvestment of
principal. Payment of principal and interest on some mortgage pass-through
securities may be guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government
(in the case of securities guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage
Association ("GNMA")), or guaranteed by agencies or instrumentalities of the
U.S. Government (in the case of securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae ("FNMA") or
Freddie Mac ("FHLMC")). Mortgage pass-through securities created by
non-governmental issuers (such as commercial banks, savings and loan
institutions, private mortgage insurance companies, mortgage bankers, and other
secondary market issuers) may be uninsured or may be supported by various forms
of insurance or guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool and hazard
insurance, and letters of credit, which may be issued by governmental entities,
private insurers, or the mortgage poolers.
GNMA CERTIFICATES. GNMA certificates are mortgage-backed securities
representing part ownership of a pool of mortgage loans on which timely payment
of interest and principal is guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
Government. As a result, GNMA certificates are considered to have a low risk of
default, although they are subject to the same market risk as comparable debt
securities. GNMA certificates differ from typical bonds because principal is
repaid monthly over the term of the loan rather than returned in a lump sum at
maturity. Although the mortgage loans in the pool will have maturities of up to
30 years, the actual average life of the GNMA certificates typically will be
substantially less because the mortgages may be purchased at any time prior to
maturity, will be subject to normal principal amortization, and may be prepaid
prior to maturity. Reinvestment of prepayments may occur at higher or lower
rates than the original yield on the certificates.
FNMA AND FHLMC MORTGAGE-BACKED OBLIGATIONS. FNMA, a federally chartered
and privately owned corporation, issues pass-through securities representing
interests in pools of conventional mortgage loans. FNMA guarantees the timely
payment of principal and interest, but this guarantee is not backed by the full
faith and credit of the U.S. Government. FNMA also issues REMIC certificates,
which represent interests in a trust funded with FNMA certificates. REMIC
certificates are guaranteed by FNMA and not by the full faith and credit of the
U.S. Government.
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FHLMC, a corporate instrumentality of the U.S. Government, issues
participation certificates which represent interests in pools of conventional
mortgage loans. FHLMC guarantees the timely payment of interest and the ultimate
collection of principal, and maintains reserves to protect holders against
losses due to default, but these securities are not backed by the full faith and
credit of the U.S. Government.
As is the case with GNMA certificates, the actual maturity of and realized
yield on particular FNMA and FHLMC pass-through securities will vary based on
the prepayment experience of the underlying pool of mortgages.
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS AND MORTGAGE-BACKED BONDS.
Mortgage-backed securities may be issued by financial institutions such as
commercial banks, savings and loan associations, mortgage banks, and securities
broker-dealers (or affiliates of such institutions established to issue these
securities) in the form of either collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs")
or mortgage-backed bonds. CMOs are obligations fully collateralized directly or
indirectly by a pool of mortgages on which payments of principal and interest
are dedicated to payment of principal and interest on the CMOs. Payments are
passed through to the holders on the same schedule as they are received,
although not necessarily on a pro rata basis. Mortgage-backed bonds are general
obligations of the issuer fully collateralized directly or indirectly by a pool
of mortgages. The mortgages serve as collateral for the issuer's payment
obligations on the bonds but interest and principal payments on the mortgages
are not passed through either directly (as with GNMA certificates and FNMA and
FHLMC pass-through securities) or on a modified basis (as with CMOs).
Accordingly, a change in the rate of prepayments on the pool of mortgages could
change the effective maturity of a CMO but not that of a mortgage-backed bond
(although, like many bonds, mortgage-backed bonds may be callable by the issuer
prior to maturity). Although the mortgage-related securities securing these
obligations may be subject to a government guarantee or third-party support, the
obligation itself is not so guaranteed. Therefore, if the collateral securing
the obligation is insufficient to make payment on the obligation, a Fund could
sustain a loss. If new types of mortgage-related securities are developed and
offered to investors, investments in such securities will be considered.
STRIPPED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. The Conseco High Yield Fund may
invest in stripped mortgage-backed securities, which are derivative securities
usually structured with two classes that receive different proportions of the
interest and principal distributions from an underlying pool of mortgage assets.
The Fund may purchase securities representing only the interest payment portion
of the underlying mortgage pools (commonly referred to as "IOs") or only the
principal portion of the underlying mortgage pools (commonly referred to as
"POs"). Stripped mortgage-backed securities are more sensitive to changes in
prepayment and interest rates and the market for such securities is less liquid
than is the case for traditional debt securities and mortgage-backed securities.
The yield on IOs is extremely sensitive to the rate of principal payments
(including prepayments) on the underlying mortgage assets, and a rapid rate of
repayment may have a material adverse effect on such securities' yield to
maturity. If the underlying mortgage assets experience greater than anticipated
prepayments of principal, the Fund will fail to recoup fully its initial
investment in these securities, even if they are rated high quality. Most IOs
and POs are regarded as illiquid and will be included in the Fund's limit on
illiquid securities.
RISKS OF MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. Mortgage pass-through securities,
such as GNMA certificates or FNMA and FHLMC mortgage-backed obligations, or
modified pass-through securities, such as CMOs issued by various financial
institutions and IOs and POs, are subject to early repayment of principal
arising from prepayments of principal on the underlying mortgage loans (due to
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the sale of the underlying property, the refinancing of the loan, or
foreclosure). Prepayment rates vary widely and may be affected by changes in
market interest rates and other economic trends and factors. In periods of
falling interest rates, the rate of prepayment tends to increase, thereby
shortening the actual average life of the mortgage-backed security. Conversely,
when interest rates are rising, the rate of prepayment tends to decrease,
thereby lengthening the actual average life of the mortgage-backed security.
Accordingly, it is not possible to accurately predict the average life of a
particular pool. Reinvestment of prepayments may occur at higher or lower rates
than the original yield on the securities. Therefore, the actual maturity and
realized yield on pass-through or modified pass-through mortgage-backed
securities will vary based upon the prepayment experience of the underlying pool
of mortgages.
TRUST ORIGINATED PREFERRED SECURITIES
The Conseco High Yield Fund may also invest in trust originated preferred
securities, a relatively new type of security issued by financial institutions
such as banks and insurance companies and other issuers. Trust originated
preferred securities represent interests in a trust formed by the issuer. The
trust sells preferred shares and invests the proceeds in notes issued by the
same entity. These notes may be subordinated and unsecured. Distributions on the
trust originated preferred securities match the interest payments on the notes;
if no interest is paid on the notes, the trust will not make current payments on
its preferred securities. Issuers of the notes currently enjoy favorable tax
treatment. If the tax characterization of these securities were to change
adversely, they could be redeemed by the issuers, which could result in a loss
to the Fund. In addition, some trust originated preferred securities are
available only to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A.
LOAN PARTICIPATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
The Conseco High Yield Fund may also invest in loan participations or
assignments. In purchasing a loan participation or assignment, the Fund acquires
some or all of the interest of a bank or other lending institution in a loan to
a corporate borrower. Many such loans are secured and most impose restrictive
covenants which must be met by the borrower and which are generally more
stringent than the covenants available in publicly traded debt securities.
However, interests in some loans may not be secured, and the Fund will be
exposed to a risk of loss if the borrower defaults. Loan participations may also
be purchased by the Fund when the borrowing company is already in default.
In purchasing a loan participation, the Fund may have less protection
under the federal securities laws than it has in purchasing traditional types of
securities. The Fund's ability to assert its rights against the borrower will
also depend on the particular terms of the loan agreement among the parties.
Many of the interests in loans purchased by the Fund will be illiquid and
therefore subject to the Fund's limit on illiquid investments.
COLLATERALIZED BOND OBLIGATIONS
A collateralized bond obligation ("CBO") is a type of asset-backed
security. Specifically, a CBO is an investment grade bond which is backed by a
diversified pool of high risk, high yield fixed income securities. The pool of
high yield securities is separated into "tiers" representing different degrees
of credit quality. The top tier of CBOs is backed by the pooled securities with
the highest degree of credit quality and pays the lowest interest rate.
Lower-tier CBOs represent lower degrees of credit quality and pay higher
interest rates to compensate for the attendant risk. The bottom tier typically
receives the residual interest payments (I.E. money that is left over after the
higher tiers have been paid) rather than a fixed interest rate. The return on
the bottom tier of CBOs is especially sensitive to the rate of defaults in the
collateral pool.
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FOREIGN SECURITIES
The Funds may invest in securities of foreign issuers. These securities
may be U.S. dollar denominated or non-U.S. dollar denominated. Foreign
securities include securities issued, assumed or guaranteed by foreign
governments or political subdivisions or instrumentalities thereof.
Investments in foreign securities may offer unique potential benefits such
as substantial growth in industries not yet developed in the particular country.
Such investments also permit a Fund to invest in foreign countries with economic
policies or business cycles different from those of the United States, or to
reduce fluctuations in portfolio value by taking advantage of foreign securities
markets that may not move in a manner parallel to U.S. markets.
Investments in securities of foreign issuers involve certain risks not
ordinarily associated with investments in securities of domestic issuers. Such
risks include fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, and the possible
imposition of exchange controls or other foreign governmental laws or
restrictions on foreign investments or repatriation of capital. In addition,
with respect to certain countries, there is the possibility of nationalization
or expropriation of assets; confiscatory taxation; political, social or
financial instability; and war or other diplomatic developments that could
adversely affect investments in those countries. Since a Fund may invest in
securities denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar,
changes in foreign currency exchange rates will affect the value of securities
held by the Fund and the unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments
so far as U.S. investors are concerned. A Fund generally will incur costs in
connection with conversion between various currencies.
There may be less publicly available information about a foreign company
than about a U.S. company, and foreign companies may not be subject to
accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards and requirements
comparable to or as uniform as those to which U.S. companies are subject.
Foreign securities markets, while growing in volume, have, for the most part,
substantially less volume than U.S. markets. Securities of many foreign
companies are less liquid and their prices more volatile than securities of
comparable U.S. companies. Transaction costs, custodial fees and management
costs in non-U.S. securities markets are generally higher than in U.S.
securities markets. There is generally less government supervision and
regulation of exchanges, brokers, and issuers than there is in the United
States. A Fund might have greater difficulty taking appropriate legal action
with respect to foreign investments in non-U.S. courts than with respect to
domestic issuers in U.S. courts. In addition, transactions in foreign securities
may involve longer time from the trade date until settlement than domestic
securities transactions and involve the risk of possible losses through the
holding of securities by custodians and securities depositories in foreign
countries.
All of the foregoing risks may be intensified in emerging markets.
Dividend and interest income from foreign securities may be subject to
withholding taxes by the country in which the issuer is located and may not be
recoverable by a Fund or its investors in all cases.
ADRs are certificates issued by a U.S. bank or trust company representing
an interest in securities of a foreign issuer deposited in a foreign subsidiary
or branch or a correspondent of that bank. Generally, ADRs are designed for use
in U.S. securities markets and may offer U.S. investors more liquidity than the
underlying securities. The Funds may invest in unsponsored ADRs. The issuers of
unsponsored ADRs are not obligated to disclose material information in the
United States and, therefore, there may not be a correlation between such
information and the market value of such ADRs. European Depositary Receipts
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("EDRs") are certificates issued by a European bank or trust company evidencing
its ownership of the underlying foreign securities. EDRs are designed for use in
European securities markets.
RESTRICTED SECURITIES, RULE 144A SECURITIES AND ILLIQUID SECURITIES
The Funds (except the Conseco International Fund and the International
Portfolio) may invest in restricted securities, such as private placements, and
in Rule 144A securities. Once acquired, restricted securities may be sold by a
Fund only in privately negotiated transactions or in a public offering with
respect to which a registration statement is in effect under the 1933 Act. If
sold in a privately negotiated transaction, a Fund may have difficulty finding a
buyer and may be required to sell at a price that is less than it had
anticipated. Where registration is required, a Fund may be obligated to pay all
or part of the registration expenses and a considerable period may elapse
between the time of the decision to sell and the time the Fund may be permitted
to sell a security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a
period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain a less
favorable price than prevailed when it decided to sell. Restricted securities
are generally considered illiquid.
Rule 144A securities, although not registered, may be resold to qualified
institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under the 1933 Act. The
Adviser, acting pursuant to guidelines established by the Board, may determine
that some Rule 144A securities are liquid.
A Fund may not invest in any security if, as a result, more than 15% of
the Fund's net assets would be invested in illiquid securities, which are
securities that cannot be expected to be sold within seven days at approximately
the price at which they are valued.
PRIVATE PLACEMENT OFFERINGS (CONSECO INTERNATIONAL FUND AND INTERNATIONAL
PORTFOLIO)
Investments in private placement offerings are made in reliance on the
"private placement" exemption from registration afforded by Section 4(2) of the
1933 Act, and resold to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A under the
1933 Act ("Section 4(2) securities"). Section 4(2) securities are restricted as
to disposition under the federal securities laws, and generally are sold to
institutional investors such as the Portfolio that agree they are purchasing the
securities for investment and not with an intention to distribute to the public.
Any resale by the purchaser must be pursuant to an exempt transaction and may be
accomplished in accordance with Rule 144A. Section 4(2) securities normally are
resold to other institutional investors such as the Portfolio through or with
the assistance of the issuer or dealers that make a market in the Section 4(2)
securities, thus providing liquidity. The Portfolio will not invest more than
15% of its net assets in Section 4(2) securities and illiquid securities unless
the applicable investment adviser determines, by continuous reference to the
appropriate trading markets and pursuant to guidelines approved by the AMR Trust
Board, that any Section 4(2) securities held by the Portfolio in excess of this
level are at all times liquid.
The AMR Trust Board and the applicable investment adviser, pursuant to the
guidelines approved by the AMR Trust Board, will carefully monitor the
Portfolio's investments in Section 4(2) securities offered and sold under Rule
144A, focusing on such important factors, among others, as: valuation,
liquidity, and availability of information. Investments in Section 4(2)
securities could have the effect of reducing the Portfolio's liquidity to the
extent that qualified institutional buyers no longer wish to purchase these
restricted securities.
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REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
The Funds may enter into repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement is
an agreement under which securities are acquired from a securities dealer or
bank subject to resale at an agreed upon price on a later date. The acquiring
Fund bears a risk of loss in the event that the other party to a repurchase
agreement defaults on its obligations and the Fund is delayed or prevented from
exercising its rights to dispose of the collateral securities. However, to
minimize the risk, the Funds will enter into repurchase agreements only with
financial institutions which are deemed to be of good financial standing and
which have been approved by the Board or the AMR Trust Board. No more than 15%
of a Fund's assets may be subject to repurchase agreements maturing in more than
seven days.
SECURITIES LENDING
The Funds may lend securities to broker-dealers or other institutional
investors pursuant to agreements requiring that the loans be continuously
secured by any combination of cash, U.S. Government securities, and approved
bank letters of credit that at all times equal at least 100% of the market value
of the loaned securities. The Conseco 20 Fund, the Conseco High Yield Fund, and
the Conseco International Fund will not make such loans if, as a result, the
aggregate amount of all outstanding securities loans would exceed 33 1/3% of the
Fund's total assets. As a fundamental policy of Conseco Equity Fund, the Conseco
Asset Allocation Fund, and the Conseco Fixed Income Fund, such loans will not be
made if, as a result, the aggregate amount of all outstanding securities loans
would exceed 15% of each Fund's total assets. A Fund continues to receive
interest on the securities loaned and simultaneously earns either interest on
the investment of the cash collateral or fee income if the loan is otherwise
collateralized. Should the borrower of the securities fail financially, there is
a risk of delay in recovery of the securities loaned or loss of rights in the
collateral. However, the Funds seek to minimize this risk by making loans only
to borrowers which are deemed by the Adviser or AMR, as appropriate, to be of
good financial standing and that have been approved by the Board or the AMR
Trust Board, respectively.
AMR will receive compensation for administrative and oversight functions
with respect to securities lending by the International Portfolio. The amount of
such compensation will depend on the income generated by the loan of the
Portfolio's securities. The SEC has granted exemptive relief that permits the
Portfolio to invest cash collateral received from securities lending
transactions in shares of one or more private investment companies managed by
AMR.
Subject to receipt of exemptive relief from the SEC, the Portfolio also
may invest cash collateral received from securities lending transactions in
shares of one or more registered investment companies managed by AMR.
BORROWING
The Funds (except the Conseco International Fund and the International
Portfolio) may borrow money to purchase securities, which is a form of leverage.
This leverage may exaggerate the gains and losses on a Fund's investments and
changes in the net asset value of that Fund's shares. Leverage also creates
interest expenses; if those expenses exceed the return on the transactions that
the borrowings facilitate, a Fund will be in a worse position than if it had not
borrowed. The use of derivatives in connection with leverage may create the
potential for significant losses. The Funds may pledge assets in connection with
permitted borrowings. Each Fund may borrow an amount up to 33 1/3 % of its
assets.
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PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Funds do not have a predetermined rate of portfolio turnover since
such turnover will be incidental to transactions taken with a view to achieving
their respective objectives. It is anticipated that the annual turnover rate of
the Conseco High Yield Fund and Conseco 20 Fund normally will not exceed 400%.
In the last fiscal year, the portfolio turnover rate was 368% for the Conseco
Fixed Income Fund, 507% for the Conseco Asset Allocation Fund, and 199% for the
Conseco Equity Fund, and 15% for the International Portfolio. Turnover rates in
excess of 100% generally result in higher transaction costs and a possible
increase in realized short-term capital gains or losses. See "Dividends, Other
Distributions and Taxes."
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE MASTER-FEEDER STRUCTURE
The Conseco International Fund, unlike mutual funds that directly acquire
and manage their own portfolios of securities, seeks to achieve its investment
objective by investing all of its investable assets in the International
Portfolio of the AMR Trust, which is a separate investment company managed by
AMR. The AMR Trust is registered under the 1940 Act as an open-end diversified
management investment company and was organized as a New York common law trust
on June 27, 1995. The predecessor of the International Portfolio commenced
operations on August 7, 1991 and transferred all of its investable assets to the
Portfolio on November 1, 1995. The AMR Trust currently issues eight separate
series of shares. The assets of the Portfolio belong only to, and the
liabilities of the Portfolio are borne solely by, the Portfolio and no other
series of the AMR Trust.
The Board believes that the Conseco International Fund will achieve
economies of scale by investing in the Portfolio, which could reduce the Fund's
expenses. In addition to selling its interests to the Conseco International
Fund, the Portfolio currently sells its interests to other investment companies
and/or other institutional investors. All institutional investors in the
Portfolio pay a proportionate share of the Portfolio's expenses and invest in
the Portfolio on the same terms and conditions. However, other investment
companies investing all of their assets in the Portfolio are not required to
sell their shares at the same public offering price as the Conseco International
Fund and are allowed to charge different sales commissions and to have different
fees and expenses. Therefore, investors in the Conseco International Fund may
experience different returns than investors in another investment company that
invests exclusively in the Portfolio. Information regarding other investment
companies that invest in the Portfolio is available by calling (800) 967-9009.
The Conseco International Fund's investment in the Portfolio may be
materially affected by the actions of large investors in the Portfolio. For
example, as with all open-end investment companies, if a large investor were to
redeem its interest in the Portfolio, the Portfolio's remaining investors could
experience higher pro rata operating expenses, thereby producing lower returns.
As a result, the Portfolio's security holdings also could become less diverse,
resulting in increased risk. Investors in the Portfolio that have a greater pro
rata ownership interest in the Portfolio could have effective voting control
over its operation.
The Conseco International Fund may withdraw its entire investment from the
Portfolio at any time if the Board determines that it is in the best interests
of the Conseco International Fund and its shareholders to do so. The Conseco
International Fund might withdraw, for example, if there were other investors in
the Portfolio with power to, and who did by a vote of the shareholders of all
investors (including the Conseco International Fund), change the investment
objective or policies of the Portfolio in a manner not acceptable to the Board.
A withdrawal could result in a distribution in kind of portfolio securities (as
opposed to a cash distribution) by the Portfolio. That distribution could result
in a less diversified portfolio of investments for the Conseco International
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Fund and could affect adversely the liquidity of the Conseco International
Fund's portfolio. If the Conseco International Fund decided to convert those
securities to cash, it usually would incur brokerage fees or other transaction
costs. If the Conseco International Fund withdrew its investment from the
Portfolio, the Board would consider what action might be taken, including the
management of the Conseco International Fund's assets by the Adviser in
accordance with the Fund's investment objective and policies or the investment
of all of the Conseco International Fund's investable assets in another pooled
investment entity having substantially the same investment objective as the
Fund. In the event the Board determines not to have the Adviser manage the
Conseco International Fund's assets, the inability of the Fund to find a
suitable replacement investment could have a significant impact on shareholders
of the Conseco International Fund.
Each investor in the Portfolio, including the Conseco International Fund,
will be liable for all obligations of the Portfolio, but not of any other series
of the AMR Trust. The risk to an investor in the Portfolio of incurring
financial loss beyond the amount of its investment on account of such liability,
however, would be limited to the unlikely circumstance in which the Portfolio
was unable to meet its obligations. Upon liquidation of the Portfolio, investors
would be entitled to share pro rata in the net assets of the Portfolio available
for distribution to investors. For additional information regarding liability of
shareholders of the Conseco International Fund, see "General" in the SAI.
MANAGEMENT
The Trustees of the Trust decide upon matters of general policy for the
Trust. In addition, the Trustees review the actions of the Adviser, as set forth
below. The Trust's officers supervise the daily business operations of the
Trust. For information about the Trust's Board of Trustees and the Trust's
officers, see "Management" in the SAI. The AMR Trust Board has general
supervisory responsibility over the AMR Trust's affairs.
THE ADVISER
Conseco Capital Management, Inc., 11825 N. Pennsylvania Street, Carmel,
Indiana 46032, has been retained under Investment Advisory Agreements with the
Trust to provide investment advice and in general to supervise the management
and investment program of the Trust and each Fund. The Adviser is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Conseco, Inc., a publicly-owned financial services company, the
principal operations of which are in development, marketing, and administration
of specialized annuity, life and health insurance products. The Adviser manages
and serves as sub-adviser to other registered investment companies and manages
all of the invested assets of its parent company, Conseco, Inc., which owns or
manages several life insurance subsidiaries, and provides investment and
servicing functions to the Conseco companies and affiliates. The Adviser also
manages foundations, endowments, public and corporate pension plans, and private
client accounts. As of December 31, 1997, the Adviser managed in excess of $32
billion in assets.
The Adviser generally manages the affairs of the Trust, subject to the
supervision of the Board. While the Conseco International Fund operates in a
"master-feeder" structure, the Adviser is responsible for selecting the
investment company in which that Fund invests. If the Adviser is not satisfied
with the performance of that investment company, the Adviser will recommend to
the Board other investment companies in which the Conseco International Fund may
invest, or recommend that the Adviser manage the Conseco International Fund
itself.
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Under the Investment Advisory Agreements, the Adviser has contracted to
receive an investment advisory fee equal to an annual rate of .70% of the
average daily net asset value of the Conseco Equity Fund, Conseco Asset
Allocation Fund, Conseco 20 Fund, and Conseco High Yield Fund, 0.45% of the
average daily net asset value of the Conseco Fixed Income Fund, and 1.00% of the
average daily net asset value of the Conseco International Fund. The Adviser has
voluntarily undertaken to reduce its advisory fee with respect to the Conseco
Fixed Income Fund and the Conseco High Yield Fund until April 30, 1997. See "Fee
Table" for more information. The Adviser has voluntarily agreed to waive all of
its fees under the Conseco International Fund's Investment Advisory Agreement so
long as that Fund invests all of its investable assets in the International
Portfolio or another investment company with substantially the same investment
objective and policies as the Fund. For more information about the Portfolio's
management, see "AMR and the Investment Advisers to the International Equity
Portfolio" below.
The Adviser and the Administrator have voluntarily agreed to waive their
fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent that the ratio of expenses to net
assets on an annual basis for Class Y shares of the Conseco Equity and Conseco
Asset Allocation Funds exceeds 1.00%, the Conseco Fixed Income Fund exceeds
0.60%, the Conseco 20 Fund exceeds 1.25%, the Conseco High Yield Fund exceeds
0.90%, and the Conseco International Fund exceeds 1.75%. These voluntary limits
may be discontinued at any time after April 30, 1999.
The investment professionals primarily responsible for the management of
the Funds (except the Conseco International Fund and the International
Portfolio) with the respective responsibilities and business experience for the
past five years are as follows:
CONSECO FIXED INCOME FUND: Gregory J. Hahn, CFA, Senior Vice President,
Portfolio Analytics, for the Adviser. He is responsible for the portfolio
analysis and management of the institutional client accounts and analytical
support for taxable portfolios. In addition, he has responsibility for SEC
registered investment products as well as investments in the insurance industry.
Mr. Hahn joined the Adviser in 1989.
CONSECO HIGH YIELD FUND: William F. Ficca, Vice President and Director of
Research of the Adviser, and Peter C. Andersen, CFA, Second Vice President,
Portfolio Analytics for the Adviser.
Mr. Andersen is responsible for fixed income management of institutional
client accounts. Mr. Andersen joined the Adviser in 1997. Prior to joining the
Adviser, he was a portfolio manager for Colonial Management Associates in
Boston, where he managed over $650 million in high yield, tax-free mutual funds.
Mr. Ficca oversees the Adviser's research efforts. In addition, he is the
portfolio manager of certain other investment products managed by the Adviser.
Mr. Ficca joined the Adviser in 1991. Previously, Mr. Ficca worked in investment
banking and traded corporate and government bonds.
CONSECO ASSET ALLOCATION FUND: Gregory J. Hahn, CFA, Portfolio Manager of
the fixed income portion of the Fund. See Mr. Hahn's business experience above.
Thomas J. Pence, Portfolio Manager of the equity portion of the Fund. See Mr.
Pence's business experience below.
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CONSECO EQUITY FUND: Thomas J. Pence, CFA, Vice President for the Adviser.
He is responsible for the management of the Adviser's equity portfolios and
oversight of the equity investment process. Mr. Pence joined the Adviser in
1992. Previously, Mr. Pence worked for five years as a securities analyst in the
field of real estate acquisition and development in which he specialized in
residential development and construction finance and was responsible for
overseeing a project portfolio of $750 million in real estate assets.
CONSECO 20 FUND: Thomas J. Pence, Vice President for the Adviser, and Erik
J. Voss, Senior Securities Analyst for the Adviser. See Mr. Pence's business
experience above.
Mr. Voss assists in research and portfolio management for all of the
Adviser's equity portfolios. Mr. Voss joined the Adviser in 1996. Previously, he
worked as an equity analyst for another investment adviser.
Like other financial and business organizations, the Funds could be
adversely affected if computer systems they rely on do not properly process
date-related information and data involving the years 2000 and after. The
Adviser is taking steps that it believes are reasonable to address this problem
in its own computer systems and to obtain assurances that comparable steps are
being taken by the Funds' other major service providers. The Adviser also
attempts to evaluate the potential impact of this problem on the issuers of
investment securities that the Funds purchase. However, there can be no
assurance that these steps will be sufficient to avoid any adverse impact on the
Funds.
AMR AND THE INVESTMENT ADVISERS TO THE INTERNATIONAL EQUITY PORTFOLIO
AMR has entered into a Management Agreement with the AMR Trust that
obligates AMR to provide or oversee all administrative, investment advisory and
portfolio management services for the AMR Trust, including the International
Portfolio. AMR, located at 4333 Amon Carter Boulevard, MD 5645, Fort Worth,
Texas 76155, is a wholly owned subsidiary of AMR Corporation, the parent company
of American Airlines, Inc., and was organized in 1986 to provide investment
management, advisory, administrative and asset management consulting services.
As of December 31, 1997, AMR had assets under management totaling approximately
$18.4 billion including approximately $6.1 billion under active management and
$12.3 billion as named fiduciary or fiduciary adviser. Of the total,
approximately $14.2 billion of assets are related to AMR Corporation.
AMR develops the investment program for the International Portfolio,
selects and changes investment advisers (subject to approval by the AMR Trust
Board), allocates assets among investment advisers, monitors their investment
programs and results, and coordinates the investment activities of the
investment advisers to ensure compliance with regulatory restrictions. For more
information about these matters, see the SAI. AMR also provides the Portfolio
with office space, office equipment and personnel necessary to manage and
administer its operations.
AMR oversees the Portfolio's participation in securities lending
activities and any action taken by securities lending agents in connection with
those activities to ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory and
investment guidelines.
AMR bears the expense of providing the above services and pays the fees of
the Portfolio's investment advisers. As compensation for doing so, AMR receives
from the Portfolio an annualized advisory fee that is calculated and accrued
daily, equal to the sum of (1) 0.10% of the net assets of the Portfolio, plus
(2) all fees payable by AMR to the Portfolio's investment advisers as described
below. The advisory fee is payable quarterly in arrears. AMR also receives
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compensation in connection with securities lending activities. If the Portfolio
lends its portfolio securities and receives cash collateral from the borrower,
AMR may receive up to 25% of the net annual interest income (the gross interest
earned by the investment less the amount paid to the borrower as well as related
expenses) received from the investment of such cash. If a borrower posts
collateral other than cash, the borrower will pay to the Portfolio a loan fee.
AMR may receive up to 25% of the loan fees posted by borrowers. Currently, AMR
receives 10% of the net annual interest income from the investment of cash
collateral or 10% of the loan fees posted by borrowers.
William F. Quinn has served as President of AMR since it was founded in
1986 and Nancy A. Eckl serves as Vice President - Trust Investments of AMR. Ms.
Eckl previously served as Vice President - Finance and Compliance of AMR from
December 1990 to May 1995. In these capacities, Mr. Quinn and Ms. Eckl have
primary responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the Portfolio. These
responsibilities include oversight of the investment advisers to the Portfolio,
regular review of each investment adviser's performance and asset allocations
among them.
The Portfolio's investment advisers are listed below. Each investment
adviser has entered into a separate investment advisory agreement with AMR to
provide investment advisory services to the Portfolio. AMR is permitted to enter
into new or modified advisory agreements with existing or new investment
advisers without approval of Conseco International Fund shareholders or
International Portfolio interest holders, but subject to approval of the AMR
Trust Board. The SEC issued an exemptive order which eliminates the need for
shareholder/interest holder approval, subject to compliance with certain
conditions. These conditions include the requirement that within 90 days of
hiring a new adviser or implementing a material change with respect to an
advisory contract, the Fund send a notice to shareholders containing information
about the change that would be included in a proxy statement. AMR recommends
investment advisers to the AMR Trust Board based upon its continuing
quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the investment advisers' skill in
managing assets using specific investment styles and strategies. The allocation
of assets among investment advisers may be changed at any time by AMR.
Allocations among investment advisers will vary based upon a variety of factors,
including the overall investment performance of each investment adviser, the
Portfolio's cash flow needs and market conditions. AMR need not allocate assets
to each investment adviser designated for the Portfolio. The investment advisers
can be terminated without penalty to the AMR Trust by AMR, the AMR Trust Board
or the interest holders of the Portfolio. Short-term investment performance, by
itself, is not a significant factor in selecting or terminating an investment
adviser, and AMR does not expect to recommend frequent changes of investment
advisers. The Prospectus will be supplemented if additional investment advisers
are retained or the contract with any existing investment adviser is terminated.
The investment advisers provide the Portfolio with portfolio investment
management and related recordkeeping services. Each investment adviser has
discretion to purchase and sell securities for its segment of the Portfolio's
assets in accordance with the Portfolio's objective, policies and restrictions
and the more specific strategies provided by AMR. As compensation for its
services, each investment adviser is paid a fee by AMR out of the proceeds of
the management fee received by AMR from the Portfolio.
Hotchkis and Wiley, 800 West Sixth Street, 5th Floor, Los Angeles,
California 90017, is a professional investment counseling firm which was founded
in 1980 by John F. Hotchkis and George Wiley. Hotchkis and Wiley is a division
of the Capital Management Group of Merrill Lynch Asset Management, L.P., a
wholly owned indirect subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. Assets under
management as of December 31, 1997 were approximately $12.3 billion, which
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included approximately $1.1 billion of assets of AMR Corporation and its
subsidiaries and affiliated entities. The advisory contract provides for AMR to
pay Hotchkis and Wiley an annualized fee equal to .60% of the first $10 million
of assets under its discretionary management, .50% of the next $140 million of
assets, .30% of the next $50 million of assets, .20% of the next $800 million of
assets and .15% of all excess assets.
Morgan Stanley Asset Management Inc. ("MSAM"), 25 Cabot Square, London,
United Kingdom E14 4QA, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, Dean
Witter & Co. MSAM provides portfolio management and named fiduciary services to
taxable and nontaxable institutions, international organizations and individuals
investing in United States and international equity and debt securities. As of
September 30, 1997, MSAM, together with its other asset management affiliates,
had assets under management totaling approximately $142.5 billion, including
approximately $112.3 billion under active management and $20.2 billion as named
fiduciary or fiduciary adviser. As of December 31, 1997, MSAM had investment
authority over approximately $561.9 million of assets of AMR Corporation and its
subsidiaries and affiliated entities. AMR pays MSAM an annual fee equal to .80%
of the first $25 million in assets under its discretionary management, .60% of
the next $25 million in assets, .50% of the next $25 million in assets and .40%
of all excess assets.
Templeton Investment Counsel, Inc. ("Templeton"), 500 East Broward Blvd.,
Suite 2100, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33394-3091, is a professional investment
counseling firm which has been providing investment services since 1979.
Templeton is indirectly owned by Franklin Resources, Inc. As of December 31,
1997, Templeton had discretionary investment management authority with respect
to approximately $21.7 billion of assets, including approximately $511.6 million
of assets of AMR Corporation and its subsidiaries and affiliated entities. AMR
pays Templeton an annualized fee equal to .50% of the first $100 million in
assets under its discretionary management, .35% of the next $50 million in
assets, .30% of the next $250 million in assets and .25% on assets over $400
million.
Solely for the purpose of determining the applicable percentage rates when
calculating the fees for each investment adviser other than MSAM, there shall be
included all other assets or trust assets of American Airlines, Inc. also under
management by each respective investment adviser. For the purpose of determining
the applicable percentage rates when calculating MSAM's fees, all equity account
assets managed by MSAM on behalf of American Airlines, Inc. shall be included.
The inclusion of any such assets will result in lower overall fee rates being
applied to the Portfolio.
ADMINISTRATIVE FEES
Pursuant to an administration agreement ("Administration Agreement"), the
Administrator supervises the overall administration of the Funds. These
administrative services include supervising the preparation and filing of all
documents required for compliance by the Funds with applicable laws and
regulations, supervising the maintenance of books and records, and other general
and administrative responsibilities. In addition, while the Conseco
International Fund operates in a "master-feeder" structure, the Administrator
will monitor the performance of the investment company in which the Conseco
International Fund invests, coordinate the Conseco International Fund's
relationship with that investment company and communicate with the Board and
shareholders regarding the performance of that investment company and the Fund's
master-feeder structure.
For providing these services, the Administrator receives a fee from each
of the Funds (except the Conseco International Fund) of .20% per annum of its
average daily net assets. The Administrator receives a fee from the Conseco
International Fund of .75% per annum of its average daily net assets. Pursuant
to the Administration Agreement, the Administrator reserves the right to employ
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one or more sub-administrators to perform administrative services for the Funds.
The Bank of New York performs certain administrative services for each of the
Funds, and AMR and State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street") perform
services for the Conseco International Fund, pursuant to agreements with the
Administrator.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
HOW TO BUY SHARES
You may purchase shares from any broker, dealer, or other financial
intermediary that has a selling agreement with the Distributor. These firms may
charge for their services in connection with your purchase order. In addition,
as discussed below, an account may be opened for the purchase of shares of a
Fund by mailing a completed account application and a check payable to the
appropriate Fund to the Conseco Fund Group, P.O. Box 8017, Boston, Massachusetts
02266-8017. Or you may telephone (800) 986-3384 to obtain the number of an
account to which you can wire or electronically transfer funds and then send in
a completed application.
In order to buy Class Y shares you must be an institutional investor or a
qualifying individual investor. Institutional investors may include, but are not
limited to, the following: (i) tax qualified retirement plans which have (a) at
least $10 million in plan assets, or (b) 250 or more employees eligible to
participate at the time of purchase, (ii) banks and insurance companies
purchasing shares for their own account, (iii) investment companies not
affiliated with the Adviser, (iv) tax-qualified retirement plans of the Adviser
or brokers, dealers, and other financial intermediaries that have a selling
agreement with the Distributor and their affiliates, (v) endowments, foundations
and other charitable organizations or (vi) accounts established under wrap fee
or asset allocation programs where the accountholder pays the sponsor an
asset-based fee. A qualifying individual investor is an investor who is a client
of the Adviser and is making a purchase of over $500,000 or whose purchase
together with his current holdings of Class Y shares exceeds $500,000 or any
other individual who meets the minimum investment requirement.
Purchase orders for all Funds are accepted only on a business day as
defined below. Orders for shares received by the Funds' Transfer Agent on any
business day prior to the close of regular trading on the New York Stock
Exchange (the "NYSE") (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) will receive that day's
offering price. The offering price is net asset value. Orders received by the
Transfer Agent after such time but prior to the close of business on the next
business day will receive the next business day's offering price. A "business
day" is any day on which the NYSE is open for business. It is anticipated that
the NYSE will be closed Saturdays and Sundays and on days on which the NYSE
observes New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President's Day, Good
Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and
Christmas Day.
Certain brokers, dealers, and other financial intermediaries may be
authorized to accept purchase orders on behalf of the Funds. A Fund will be
deemed to have received a purchase order when an authorized broker, dealer, or
other financial intermediary accepts the order. Orders placed through an
authorized broker, dealer, or other financial intermediary will receive the
offering price next calculated after the order has been accepted by such an
authorized firm. In all other cases, it is the responsibility of the broker,
dealer, or other financial intermediary to forward customer orders received
prior to the close of the NYSE to the Transfer Agent prior to its close of
business that same day (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time).
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Brokers, dealers and other financial intermediaries are required to
provide payment within three business days after placing an order. WHEN MAKING
PAYMENT FOR CONFIRMED PURCHASES VIA FEDERAL FUNDS WIRE, SUCH FIRMS MUST
REFERENCE THE CONFIRMATION NUMBER TO ENSURE TIMELY CREDIT.
Your initial purchase amount must be at least $500,000. Each Fund and the
Distributor or Transfer Agent reserves the right to reject any order for the
purchase of shares in whole or in part. The Trust reserves the right to cancel
any purchase order for which payment has not been received by the third business
day following placement of the order.
The Distributor may provide promotional incentives including cash
compensation to certain brokers, dealers, or financial intermediaries whose
representatives have sold or are expected to sell significant amounts of shares
of one or more of the Funds. Other programs may provide, subject to certain
conditions, additional compensation to brokers, dealers, or financial
intermediaries based on a combination of aggregate shares sold and increases of
assets under management. All of the above payments will be made by the
Distributor or its affiliates out of their own assets. These programs will not
change the price an investor will pay for shares or the amount that a Fund will
receive from such sale.
You will receive a confirmation of each new transaction in your account,
which will also show you the number of Fund shares you own and the number of
shares being held in safekeeping by the Transfer Agent for your account. You may
rely on these confirmations in lieu of certificates as evidence of your
ownership. Certificates representing shares of the Funds will not be issued.
PURCHASES BY WIRE
Purchases by wire transfer should be directed to the Transfer Agent. To
receive an account number call (800) 986-3384 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and
4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on a business day (as defined above) on which your bank
is open for business. The following information will be requested: your name,
address, tax identification number, dividend distribution election, amount being
wired and the wiring bank. Instructions should then be given by you to your bank
to transfer funds by wire to: ABA # 011000028, State Street Bank, Boston, MA,
Account # 9905-244-1. If you arrange for receipt by the Transfer Agent of
Federal funds prior to the close of regular trading (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern
Time) of the NYSE on a business day as defined above, you will receive that
day's offering price. Your bank may charge for these services.
PURCHASES BY CHECK
An initial investment made by check must be accompanied by an application,
completed in its entirety. Additional shares of the Funds may also be purchased
by sending a check payable to the applicable Fund, along with information
regarding your account, including the account number, to the Transfer Agent. All
checks should be drawn only on U.S. banks in U.S. funds, in order to avoid fees
and delays. A charge may be imposed if any check submitted for investment does
not clear. Third party checks will not be accepted. When purchases are made by
check, redemptions will not be allowed until the investment being redeemed has
been in the account for 15 business days.
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES OF THE FUNDS
Shares are redeemed at net asset value next determined after receipt of a
redemption request in good form on any business day, reduced by the amount of
any federal income tax required to be withheld.
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REDEMPTIONS BY MAIL
A written request for redemption must be received by the Transfer Agent to
constitute a valid tender for redemption. It will also be necessary for
corporate investors and other associations to have an appropriate certification
authorizing redemptions by a corporation or an association on file before a
redemption request will be considered in proper form. A suggested form of such
certification is provided on the application accompanying this Prospectus. A
signature guarantee is required for redemptions of $50,000 or more. A signature
guarantee may be obtained from most banks, brokers and dealers, credit unions,
savings associations and financial institutions, but not from a notary public.
REDEMPTIONS BY WIRE OR TELEPHONE
Brokers, dealers, or other financial intermediaries may communicate
redemption orders by wire or telephone. These firms may charge for their
services in connection with your redemption request but neither the Funds nor
the Distributor imposes any such charges.
The Funds and the Transfer Agent will not be responsible for the
authenticity of telephone instructions or losses, if any, resulting from
unauthorized shareholder transactions if the Funds or the Transfer Agent
reasonably believe that such instructions are genuine. The Funds and the
Transfer Agent have established procedures that the Funds believe are reasonably
appropriate to confirm that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine.
These procedures include: (i) recording telephone instructions for exchanges and
expedited redemptions; (ii) requiring the caller to give certain specific
identifying information; and (iii) providing written confirmations to
shareholders of record not later than five days following any such telephone
transactions. If the Funds and the Transfer Agent do not employ these
procedures, they may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent
telephone instructions.
REDEMPTIONS THROUGH BROKERS, DEALERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES
Certain brokers, dealers, and other financial intermediaries may be
authorized to accept redemption orders on behalf of the Funds. A Fund will be
deemed to have received a redemption order when an authorized broker, dealer, or
other financial intermediary accepts the order. Orders placed through an
authorized broker, dealer, or other financial intermediary will receive the net
asset value next calculated after the order has been accepted by such an
authorized firm, minus any applicable contingent deferred sales charge. In all
other cases, it is the responsibility of the broker, dealer, or other financial
intermediary to forward customer redemption orders received prior to the close
of the NYSE to the Transfer Agent prior to its close of business that same day
(normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time).
EXPEDITED REDEMPTIONS
You may have the payment of redemption requests (of $250 or more) wired or
mailed directly to a domestic commercial bank account that you have previously
designated. Normally, such payments will be transmitted on the second business
day following receipt of the request (provided redemptions may be made). You may
request a wire redemption by telephone or written request sent to the Transfer
Agent. For telephone redemptions, call the Transfer Agent at (800) 986-3384. You
must complete the "Expedited Redemptions" section of the application for this
privilege to be applicable.
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GENERAL
Payment to shareholders for shares redeemed or repurchased will be made
within seven days after receipt by the Transfer Agent. A Fund may delay the
payment of redemption proceeds until the check used to purchase the shares being
redeemed has cleared, which may take up to 15 days or longer. To reduce such
delay, the Funds recommend that all purchases be made by bank wire Federal
funds. A Fund may suspend the right of redemption under certain extraordinary
circumstances in accordance with the rules of the SEC.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
Class Y shares of a Fund may be exchanged for shares of the same class of
another Fund at the relative net asset values per share at the time of the
exchange. The total value of shares of a fund purchased by exchange must at
least equal the fund's minimum investment requirement. Before exchanging shares,
you should consider the differences in investment objectives and expenses of the
fund into which the exchange would be made. Shares are normally redeemed from
one fund and purchased from the other fund in the exchange transaction on the
same business day on which the Transfer Agent receives an exchange request that
is in proper form by the close of the NYSE that day..
ELECTRONIC TRANSFERS THROUGH AUTOMATED CLEARING HOUSE
Electronic transfers through Automated Clearing House ("ACH") allow you to
initiate a purchase or redemption for as little as $50 or as much as $50,000
between your bank account and Fund account using the ACH network. Initial
purchase minimums apply. You must complete the "ACH" section of the application
for this privilege to be applicable.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value per share is determined for each class of shares for
each Fund as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m.
Eastern Time) on each business day (as previously defined) by dividing the value
of the Fund's net assets attributable to a class (the class' pro rata share of
the value of the Fund's assets minus the class' pro rata share of the value of
the Fund's liabilities) by the number of shares of that class outstanding.
For each of the Funds except the Conseco International Fund and the
International Portfolio, the assets of the Fund are valued as follows:
Securities that are traded on stock exchanges are valued at the last sale price
as of the close of business on the day the securities are being valued or,
lacking any sales, at the mean between the closing bid and asked prices.
Securities traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at the mean between
the bid and asked prices or yield equivalent as obtained from one or more
dealers that make markets in the securities. Fund securities which are traded
both in the over-the-counter market and on a stock exchange are valued according
to the broadest and most representative market, and it is expected that for debt
securities this ordinarily will be the over-the-counter market. Securities and
assets for which market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair
value as determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Board.
Foreign securities are valued on the basis of quotations from the primary market
in which they are traded, and are translated from the local currency into U.S.
dollars using current exchange rates. Debt securities with maturities of sixty
(60) days or less are valued at amortized cost.
For the Conseco International Fund and the International Portfolio, equity
securities listed on securities exchanges, including all but United Kingdom
securities, are valued at the last quoted sales price on a designated exchange
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prior to the close of trading on the NYSE or, lacking any sales, on the basis of
the last current bid price prior to the close of trading on the NYSE. Securities
of the United Kingdom held in the Portfolio are priced at the last jobber price
(mid of the bid and offer prices quoted by the leading stock jobber in the
security) prior to close of trading on the NYSE. Trading in foreign markets is
usually completed each day prior to the close of the NYSE. However, events may
occur which affect the values of such securities and the exchange rates between
the time of valuation and the close of the NYSE. Should events materially affect
the value of such securities during this period, the securities are priced at
fair value, as determined in good faith and pursuant to procedures approved by
the AMR Trust Board. Over-the-counter equity securities are valued on the basis
of the last bid price on that date prior to the close of trading. Debt
securities (other than short-term securities) will normally be valued on the
basis of prices provided by a pricing service and may take into account
appropriate factors such as institution-size trading in similar groups of
securities, yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading
characteristics and other market data. In some cases, the prices of debt
securities may be determined using quotes obtained from brokers. Securities for
which market quotations are not readily available are valued at fair value, as
determined in good faith and pursuant to procedures approved by the AMR Trust
Board. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies and forward
contracts are translated into U.S. dollar equivalents based on prevailing market
rates. Investment grade short-term obligations with 60 days or less to maturity
are valued using the amortized cost method.
DIVIDENDS, OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends from net investment income are declared and distributed
quarterly by the Conseco Equity Fund, the Conseco Asset Allocation Fund and the
Conseco 20 Fund, monthly by the Conseco Fixed Income Fund and the Conseco High
Yield Fund, and annually by the Conseco International Fund; however, the
Trustees may decide to declare dividends at other intervals. For dividend
purposes, (1) net investment income of each of the Funds except the Conseco
International Fund consists of all dividends and interest it receives, less its
expenses (including fees payable to the Adviser and its affiliates), and (2) the
Conseco International Fund's net investment income consists of its proportionate
share of the Portfolio's dividends and interest, less that Fund's expenses and
its proportionate share of the Portfolio's expenses. Distributions of each
Fund's net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital gain over net
short-term capital loss), net short-term capital gains, and net realized gains
from foreign currency transactions -- in the case of the Conseco International
Fund, its proportionate share of the Portfolio's gains -- are declared and
distributed to its shareholders annually after the close of the Fund's fiscal
year.
Dividends and other distributions paid on each class of shares of a Fund
are calculated at the same time and in the same manner. Dividends on Class A,
Class B, and Class C shares of a Fund are expected to be lower than those on its
Class Y shares because Class A, Class B, and Class C shares have higher expenses
resulting from their distribution and service fees. Dividends on each class also
might be affected differently by the allocation of other class-specific
expenses.
DISTRIBUTION OPTIONS. When you open your account, specify on your
application how you want to receive your distributions. For retirement accounts,
all Fund distributions are reinvested. For other accounts, you have the
following options:
REINVEST ALL DISTRIBUTIONS. You can elect to reinvest all dividends and
other distributions from a Fund in additional Fund shares of the same class.
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REINVEST INCOME DIVIDENDS ONLY. You can elect to reinvest dividends from a
Fund in additional Fund shares of the same class while receiving other
distributions by check or sent to your bank account.
REINVEST OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS ONLY. You can elect to reinvest other
distributions from a Fund in additional Fund shares of the same class while
receiving dividends by check or sent to your bank account.
RECEIVE ALL DISTRIBUTIONS IN CASH. You can elect to receive a check for
all dividends and other distributions from a Fund or have them sent to your bank
account.
TAXES
Each Fund is treated as a separate corporation, and intends to qualify as
a "regulated investment company" ("RIC"), under the Code. As such, and by
complying with the applicable Code provisions regarding the amount and timing of
its distributions, each Fund will be allowed a deduction for amounts distributed
to its shareholders from its investment company taxable income (generally, its
net investment income, net short-term capital gains and net gains from certain
foreign currency transactions) and net capital gain -- in the case of the
Conseco International Fund, its share of the Portfolio's income and gain -- and
will not be subject to federal income tax on those amounts. To qualify for
treatment as a RIC, each Fund must, among other things, satisfy certain source
of income and diversification requirements described in the SAI.
Each Fund intends to distribute all its investment company taxable income
and net capital gain so as to avoid federal income and excise taxes. Dividends
from a Fund's investment company taxable income (whether paid in cash or
reinvested in additional shares) generally will be taxable to you as ordinary
income. The portion of those dividends that does not exceed the aggregate
dividends received by a Fund (in the case of the Conseco International Fund, its
share of the dividends received by the Portfolio) from U.S. corporations will be
eligible for the dividends-received deduction allowed to corporations; however,
dividends received by a corporate shareholder and deducted by it pursuant to the
dividends-received deduction are subject indirectly to the federal alternative
minimum tax.
Distributions of each Fund's net capital gain (whether paid in cash or
reinvested additional shares), when designated as such, will be taxable to you
as long-term capital gain, regardless of how long you have held your Fund
shares. Under the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, different maximum tax rates apply
to a non-corporate taxpayer's net capital gain depending on the taxpayer's
holding period and marginal rate of federal income tax -- generally, 28% for
gain recognized on capital assets held for more than one year but not more than
18 months and 20% (10% for taxpayers in the 15% marginal tax bracket) for gain
recognized on capital assets held for more than 18 months. Each Fund may divide
each net capital gain distribution into a 28% rate gain distribution and a 20%
rate gain distribution (in accordance with the Fund's holding periods for the
securities it sold that generated the distributed gain), in which event its
shareholders must treat those portions accordingly.
Shareholders who are not subject to tax on their income generally will not
be required to pay tax on distributions from the Funds.
Dividends and other distributions declared by a Fund in October, November,
or December, but received by you in January, generally are taxable to you in the
year in which declared. Each Fund will inform you after the end of each calendar
year as to the amount and nature of dividends and other distributions paid (or
deemed paid) to you for that year. The information regarding capital gain
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distributions will designate the portions thereof subject to the different
maximum rates of tax applicable to non-corporate taxpayers' net capital gain
indicated above.
When you redeem (sell) shares, it may result in a taxable gain or loss to
you, depending on whether you receive more or less than your adjusted basis for
the shares. An exchange of any Fund's shares, as described under "Purchase and
Redemption of Shares -- Exchange Privilege," generally will have similar tax
consequences. If you purchase shares of a Fund within thirty days before or
after redeeming other shares of that Fund (regardless of class) at a loss, all
or part of that loss will not be deductible and will increase the basis of the
newly purchased shares.
Each Fund is required to withhold 31% of all dividends, capital gain
distributions, and redemption proceeds payable to any individuals and certain
other non-corporate shareholders who do not furnish the Fund with a correct
taxpayer identification number. Withholding at that rate also is required from
dividends and capital gain distributions payable to those shareholders who
otherwise are subject to backup withholding.
Some foreign countries may impose income or withholding taxes on certain
dividends and interest payable to the International Portfolio. The Conseco
International Fund's share of any such withheld taxes may either be treated by
that Fund as a deduction or, if it satisfies certain requirements, it may elect
to flow the tax through to its shareholders, who in turn may either treat it as
a deduction or use it in calculating a credit against their federal income tax.
The foregoing is only a summary of certain federal income tax
considerations affecting your investment in a Fund. More information is
contained in the SAI. You should consult with your tax adviser about the effect
of an investment in a Fund on your particular tax situation.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
CONSECO FIXED INCOME FUND, CONSECO ASSET ALLOCATION FUND, AND CONSECO EQUITY
FUND
The Conseco Fixed Income Fund, Conseco Asset Allocation Fund, and Conseco
Equity Fund commenced operations on January 2, 1997. The average annualized
total returns for Class Y of those Funds for the period from January 2, 1997 to
December 31, 1997 were 9.18%, 17.87% and 23.50% for Conseco Fixed Income Fund,
Conseco Asset Allocation Fund, and Conseco Equity Fund, respectively. Total
returns would have been lower if the Adviser and Administrator had not waived
fees and/or reimbursed expenses of each Fund.
These Funds are modeled after previously existing funds of the Conseco
Series Trust (the "CST Funds") that are managed by the Adviser and have
investment objectives and policies substantially similar to the corresponding
Funds. The CST Funds are used as investment vehicles for the assets of variable
annuity and variable life insurance contracts issued by Conseco affiliates.
Below you will find information about the performance of the CST Funds.
Although the Conseco Fixed Income Fund, Conseco Asset Allocation Fund and
Conseco Equity Fund have substantially similar investment objectives and
policies, the same investment adviser and the same portfolio managers as the
corresponding CST Funds, you should not assume that the Funds will have the same
future performance as the CST Funds. For example, any Fund's future performance
may be greater or less than the performance of the corresponding CST Fund due
to, among other things, differences in expenses and cash flows between a Fund
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and the corresponding CST Fund. Moreover, past performance information is based
on historical earnings and is not intended to indicate future performance.
The investment characteristics of each of these Funds will closely
resemble the investment characteristics of the corresponding CST Fund. Depending
on the Fund involved, similarity of investment characteristics may involve
factors such as industry diversification, portfolio beta, portfolio quality,
average maturity of fixed-income assets, equity/non-equity mixes, and individual
holdings.
These Funds do have differences from the CST Funds, although the Adviser
does not believe these practices would cause a significant change in investment
results. Investors should note the following differences from the CST Funds: (1)
the Funds may invest in swaps, caps, floors and collars; (2) the Funds may lend
portfolio securities; and (3) the Funds may sell securities short. See the SAI
for further details about these practices.
The table below sets forth each Fund, its corresponding CST Fund, the date
the Adviser began managing the CST Fund (referred to as the "inception date")
and asset size as of December 31, 1997.
FUND Corresponding CST Fund
(INCEPTION DATE AND ASSET SIZE)
Fixed Income Fund Corporate Bond Portfolio (May 1, 1993)
$ 20,187,193
Asset Allocation Fund Asset Allocation Portfolio (November 20,
1991)
$ 27,265,057
Equity Fund Common Stock Portfolio (November 20, 1991)
$216,896,715
The following table shows the average annualized total returns for the CST
Funds for the one, three and five year periods ended December 31, 1997 and for
the periods from inception of the CST Funds to December 31, 1997. These figures
are based on the gross investment performance of the CST Funds. Note that the
actual investment performance experienced by investors in variable annuity and
variable life insurance contracts issued by Conseco affiliates would be lower
than the gross investment performance of the CST Funds due to expenses at the
separate account level; these expenses typically are higher than those borne by
investors in the Funds. From the gross investment performance figures, the Total
Operating Expenses reflected in the fee table herein are deducted to arrive at
the net return. CST Fund performance does not represent the historical
performance of the Funds and should not be interpreted as indicative of the
future performance of the Funds.
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ASSUMING CLASS Y SHARE TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES.
Cst Fund 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years Since Inception
- -------- ------ ------- ------- ---------------
Corporate Bond 9.86% 10.89% N/A 7.66%
Portfolio
Asset Allocation 17.77% 24.87% 19.33% 16.27%
Portfolio
Common Stock 18.37% 32.76% 20.97% 21.70%
Portfolio
CONSECO INTERNATIONAL FUND
The Conseco International Fund commenced operations in January 1998.
However, the Conseco International Fund invests all of its investable assets in
the International Portfolio and, in accordance with SEC staff positions, has
adopted the Portfolio's performance as its own. The following table shows the
Fund's average annual total returns for the one- and five-year periods ended
October 31, 1997 and for the period from the inception of the International
Portfolio's predecessor (August 7, 1991) until October 31, 1997. For periods
following the conversion of the International Portfolio's predecessor into a
master/feeder structure on November 1, 1995, the total returns shown below
represent the actual investment performance of the Portfolio (the master fund)
only and would have been lower if the fees and expenses typically imposed by a
feeder fund (such as the Conseco International Fund) also had been reflected.
Past results do not guarantee future performance.
Average Annual Total Returns for Periods Ended October 31, 1997
Since Inception
1 YEAR 5 YEARS (AUGUST 7, 1991)
------ ------- ----------------
19.40% 18.27% 12.33%
GENERAL
Each of the Funds may from time to time advertise certain investment
performance information. Performance information may consist of yield and
average annual total return quotations reflecting the deduction of all
applicable charges over a period of time. A Fund also may use aggregate total
return figures for various periods, representing the cumulative change in value
of an investment in a Fund for the specific period. Performance information may
be shown in schedules, charts or graphs. These figures are based on historical
earnings and are not intended to indicate future performance.
The "yield" of a Fund refers to the annualized net income generated by an
investment in that Fund over a specified 30-day period, calculated by dividing
the net investment income per share earned during the period by the maximum
offering price per share on the last day of the period.
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The "average annual total return" of a Fund refers to the total rate of
return of an investment in the Fund. The figure is computed by calculating
average annual compounded rates of return over the one-, five- and ten-year
periods that would equate to the initial amount invested to the ending
redeemable value, assuming reinvestment of all income dividends and capital gain
distributions. "Total return" quotations reflect the performance of the Fund and
include the effect of capital changes.
Further information about the performance of the Funds is contained in the
SAI and in the Funds' semi-annual and annual reports to shareholders, which you
may obtain without charge by writing the Funds' address or calling the telephone
number set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
================================================================================
Report from the
Conseco Fixed Income Adviser
1997 was characterized by favorable market conditions throughout much of the
year. However, increased volatility brought dramatic changes to the fixed income
markets, especially in the fourth quarter.
The first three quarters of 1997 were distinguished by a strong, healthy
economy, low inflation levels and a general trend toward declining interest
rates. Relative value in the fixed income markets was difficult to distinguish
as spreads to Treasuries remained very narrow in many sectors, including
corporate and mortgage-backed securities. Investors typically demand larger
spreads over U.S. Treasury bonds in order to compensate for perceived higher
risk levels. Federal Reserve policy stayed tight as Alan Greenspan remained the
vigilant watchdog over inflation. The budget deficit continued to narrow as a
result of lower rates and fiscal discipline from Congress. However, the focus of
the financial markets shifted away from domestic economic fundamentals in the
fourth quarter.
In the fourth quarter, currencies in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia
deteriorated, throwing their financial markets into turmoil. Because the world's
economies are linked, the impact of this turmoil spread quickly throughout
Southeast Asia. As we move into 1998, we expect the crisis to have a significant
impact on economic growth in other countries, including the United States. This
phenomenon has already caused dramatic changes in the general fundamentals of
our domestic fixed income market, creating significantly larger spreads to
Treasuries in the Yankee sector which have, in turn, spilled over to the
corporate sector.
Because the Asian financial crisis has taken center stage, the fundamental
analysis of certain Yankee securities has less meaning in terms of short term
performance. Because our investment horizon is based on the long term, our plan
is to maintain a small exposure in the Yankee sector investing in securities
such as Hutchison Wampoa (A3/A+), a Hong Kong-based financial conglomerate with
significant operations in the United States. Our Yankee analyst, Upender Rao,
views Korea as having the best opportunity for credit improvement during 1998
given the support of the International Monetary Fund and their willingness to
implement changes in their financial system.
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The level of interest rates declined because of the financial crisis: the
ten-year U.S. Treasury yield was 5.74% at year-end and the thirty-year U.S.
Treasury yield was 5.92%. With this dramatic decline in interest rates, we
reduced our exposure to mortgage-backed securities, due to the higher risk of
increased pre-payment activity. With higher pre-payments, the security returns
more principal, forcing the investor to reinvest the proceeds at lower interest
rates.
Nolan Smith, our municipal bond specialist, has recommended the taxable
municipal sector due to consistent spreads over U.S. Treasuries, which have
performed better than the corporate sector. We plan to direct proceeds to this
sector, given its performance relative to the rest of the market. At this point,
we have discovered only a few bonds meeting our investment criteria of offering
good relative value.
Our bank and finance analyst, Rob Cook, feels company fundamentals in the
Broker-Dealer sector are currently strong, making these bonds attractive
investments. Within this sector, we invested in Salomon Smith Barney (A2/A).
With the acquisition of Salomon Brothers by Travelers (A2/A), the credit has
been upgraded by the rating agencies and we expect operating fundamentals to
continue to improve.
Our fixed income investment strategy continues to emphasize investing in those
securities we believe are undervalued. Most importantly, we conduct thorough
research before investing in any security. Our long-term strategies coupled with
our extensive knowledge of each investment we select enable us to look forward
with confidence as we continue to invest for the future.
Gregory J. Hahn, CFA
Senior Vice President
Portfolio Manager
Conseco Capital Management, Inc.
COMPARISON OF CHANGE IN VALUE OF $10,000 INVESTMENT IN THE CONSECO FIXED INCOME
FUND AND THE LEHMAN BROTHERS AGGREGATE BOND INDEX
----------------------
AVERAGE ANNUAL
TOTAL RETURN
----------------------
1 YEAR
----------------------
9.14%
----------------------
Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
- ------------------------------ -------------- --------------
1/2/97 12/31/97
- ------------------------------ -------------- --------------
Conseco Fixed Income Fund $10,000 $10,914
- ------------------------------ -------------- --------------
LB Aggregate Bond Index $10,000 $10,965
- ------------------------------ -------------- --------------
41
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================================================================================
Report from the
Conseco Asset Allocation Fund Adviser
The Asset Allocation Fund is a balanced portfolio which invests in a combination
of equity, fixed income and cash. The strategy of the Asset Allocation Fund
through 1997 continued to highlight our growth equity style, which represented
roughly 60% of the portfolio's assets.
The fourth quarter began with much anxiety about the strength in the market over
the summer, the sustainability of corporate profits and the increasing
volatility of Asian currency markets. All fears reached a fever pitch on October
27th when the Dow dropped 554 points (7.2%), recording the largest single point
decline ever on fears of asset deflation in Asian markets. The performance of
the market following the sell-off was typical of what we saw earlier in the
year, with the index stocks outperforming the broader market as hoards of
capital previously invested in Asia-Pacific markets sought safe haven in the
U.S. market. The result of all this was that the S&P 500 Index gained while
virtually everything else stayed at October 27th levels or drifted even lower.
In fact, because of its strong fourth quarter move relative to the broader
market, the S&P 500 finished the year up 33.36%, outstripping the returns of 90%
of all actively managed funds and the Russell 2000 Small Stock Index which
returned 22.36%. This is the fourth straight year that we have seen this kind of
divergence.
In terms of sector performance on the stock side, the strong returns were
realized in interest rate-sensitive areas (financial and utilities) and in
defensive stocks (food retailers and consumer staples). These sectors benefited
from the strong rally in the bond market and from the influx of invested dollars
coming from technology and energy sectors, which turned in some of the fourth
quarter's worst returns. Our underweighting in financials, utilities and staples
and our larger weightings in technology and energy explain why the fourth
quarter was a difficult one for us.
Going forward, we remain hopeful that 1998 will be rewarding to investors such
as us who utilize a bottom-up approach in finding good growth stories in stocks
that still trade at reasonable valuations. In fact, if 1998 earnings on S&P 500
companies ultimately grow in line with current expectations of 7 to 9%, then we
would expect to see an increase in multiples for stocks which can generate
earnings growth in the 18 to 20% range.
The balance of the portfolio, approximately 40%, consists of bonds and cash. At
year end, roughly 38.3% of this 40% was invested in securities with investment
grade ratings and 61.7% was invested in high yield. Our fixed income discipline
of investing in those securities which, through our own fundamental research, we
consider to be undervalued, resulted in several investment ideas. In the
industrial sector, our energy analyst, Upender Rao, recommended investing in
several oil drilling companies including Parker Drilling (B1/B+), the fourth
largest drilling company in the United States, and Pride Petroleum (Ba3/BB-),
the third largest. As rig rates doubled in 1997, earnings accelerated,
substantially improving the financial statements of both companies. Upender
expects to see an upgrade over a twelve to eighteen month time frame.
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Depending on valuation in the equity market, we may take the opportunity to
reallocate a portion of the portfolio to fixed income if we see pressure on
earnings or negative earnings surprises. Until the financial crisis in Asia
subsides, we expect to see sustained low levels of interest rates. Eventually,
as investors return their focus to economic fundamentals, we still expect to see
interest rates remain low, which should bode well for the valuation of financial
assets.
Thomas J. Pence, CFA Gregory J. Hahn, CFA
Vice President Senior Vice President
Portfolio Manager Portfolio Manager
Conseco Capital Management, Inc. Conseco Capital Management, Inc.
COMPARISON OF CHANGE IN VALUE OF $10,000 INVESTMENT IN THE CONSECO ASSET
ALLOCATION FUND, THE S&P MIDCAP 400 INDEX, AND THE LEHMAN BROTHERS AGGREGATE
BOND INDEX
----------------------
AVERAGE ANNUAL
TOTAL RETURN
----------------------
1 YEAR
----------------------
17.87%
----------------------
Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
- ------------------------------ -------------- --------------
1/2/97 12/31/97
- ------------------------------ -------------- --------------
Conseco Asset Allocation Fund $10,000 $11,787
- ------------------------------ -------------- --------------
S&P MidCap 400 Index $10,000 $13,225
- ------------------------------ -------------- --------------
LB Aggregate Bond Index $10,000 $10,965
- ------------------------------ -------------- --------------
43
<PAGE>
================================================================================
Report from the
Conseco Equity Fund Adviser
As we look back at 1997, we are able to draw a few insights on what is in store
for 1998. While the first three quarters exhibited strong growth and favorable
market conditions, the fourth quarter proved to be most eventful in terms of
future effects on market performance.
The fourth quarter began with much anxiety related to market strength,
sustainability of corporate profits, and increasing volatility in Asian currency
markets. Anxieties peaked on October 27th when the Dow Jones Industrial Average
dropped 554 points (7.2%), the largest single point decline ever, surrounding
fears of asset deflation in Asian markets. Despite a relatively good series of
earnings reports and economic releases throughout the balance of the quarter,
including low inflation and 25-year-low unemployment levels, concerns about the
Asian influence prevailed.
Following the market plunge, much of the capital previously invested in
Asia-Pacific markets sought safety in the U.S. market through purchases of S&P
500 futures contracts. As a result, the S&P 500 Index gained ground, with stocks
of the largest 20 companies in the marketplace outperforming nearly everything
in sight. However, virtually all other stocks remained at October 27th levels or
drifted even lower. Due to the strong fourth quarter move of the largest company
stocks, the S&P 500 finished the year up 33.36%, outperforming the returns of
90% of all actively managed funds, as well as the Russell 2000 Small Stock
Index, which returned 22.36%. This is the fourth straight year that the market
has seen this kind of divergence.
In terms of sector performance, strong returns were realized in interest
rate-sensitive areas (financial and utilities) and in defensive stocks (food
retailers and consumer staples). These sectors benefited from the strong rally
in the bond market and from the influx of invested dollars coming from
technology and energy sectors, which turned in some of the fourth quarter's
worst returns. Our underweighting in financial, utilities and staples and our
larger weightings in technology and energy explain why the fourth quarter was a
difficult one for us.
Despite these problems, many of our stocks enjoyed good earnings reports and
persevered during a time of high market volatility. Perhaps most rewarding was
the announcement that IBM/Tivoli bought Software Artistry for $24.50 per share
in cash. After establishing our position as Software Artistry's largest
shareholder, we were prematurely rewarded with a 200% return for our
shareholders over the holding period.
We expect a cautionary tone to prevail over the market in 1998; as such, we
intend to increase our focus on earnings stories with strong balance sheets and
cashflow generation. We will also look for yield as a component of total return
whenever possible. In addition, we will watch for opportunities in technology
and energy given the aggressive sell-off in these sectors in late 1997.
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<PAGE>
Our investment strategy continues to rely on a bottom-up approach to stock
selection. Through extensive research of the companies in which we invest, our
goal is to discover good growth stories in stocks that still trade at reasonable
valuations. We are committed to a long-term reliance on this strategy, and
remain hopeful that it will serve our shareholders well in the upcoming year.
Thomas J. Pence, CFA
Vice President
Portfolio Manager
Conseco Capital Management, Inc.
COMPARISON OF CHANGE IN VALUE OF $10,000 INVESTMENT IN THE CONSECO EQUITY FUND,
THE S&P MIDCAP 400 INDEX AND THE S&P 500 INDEX
----------------------
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL
RETURN
----------------------
1 YEAR
----------------------
23.50%
----------------------
Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
- ------------------------------ -------------- --------------
1/2/97 12/31/97
- ------------------------------ -------------- --------------
Conseco Equity Fund $10,000 $12,350
- ------------------------------ -------------- --------------
S&P MidCap 400 Index $10,000 $13,225
- ------------------------------ -------------- --------------
S&P 500 Index $10,000 $13,336
- ------------------------------ -------------- --------------
45
<PAGE>
OTHER INFORMATION
BROKERAGE COMMISSIONS
Subject to the Conduct Rules of the NASD and to obtaining best prices and
executions, the Adviser may select brokers who provide research or other
services or who sell shares of the Funds to effect portfolio transactions. The
Adviser may also select an affiliated broker to execute transactions for the
Funds, provided that the commissions, fees or other remuneration paid to such
affiliated broker are reasonable and fair as compared to that paid to
non-affiliated brokers for comparable transactions.
Each of the International Portfolio's investment advisers will place its
own orders to execute securities transactions. In placing such orders, each
investment adviser will seek the best available price and most favorable
execution. The full range and quality of services offered by the executing
broker or dealer is considered when making these determinations. Pursuant to
written guidelines approved by the AMR Trust Board, an investment adviser of the
Portfolio, or its affiliated broker-dealer, may execute portfolio transactions
and receive usual and customary brokerage commissions (within the meaning of
Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act) for doing so.
SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
All shares of beneficial interest of the Trust are entitled to one vote,
and votes are generally on an aggregate basis. However, on matters where the
interests of the Funds (or classes of a Fund) differ (such as approval of an
investment advisory agreement or a change in fundamental investment policies),
the voting is on a Fund-by-Fund (or class-by-class) basis. The Trust does not
hold routine annual shareholders' meetings. The shares of each Fund issued are
fully paid and non-assessable, have no preference or similar rights, and are
freely transferable. In addition, each issued and outstanding share in a class
of a Fund is entitled to participate equally in dividends and distributions
declared by that class.
On most issues subjected to a vote of the Portfolio's interest holders, as
required by the 1940 Act, the Conseco International Fund will solicit proxies
from its shareholders and will vote its interest in the Portfolio in proportion
to the votes cast by the Fund's shareholders. The Fund will vote shares for
which it receives no voting instructions in the same proportion as the shares
for which it does receive voting instructions. Because each interest holder in
the Portfolio would vote in proportion to its relative beneficial interest in
the Portfolio, one or more other Portfolio investors could, in certain
instances, approve an action although a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Conseco International Fund had voted against it. This could
46
<PAGE>
result in the Conseco International Fund's redeeming its investment in the
Portfolio, which could result in increased expenses for the Fund.
REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
Investors in the Funds will be informed of their progress through periodic
reports. Financial statements certified by independent public accountants will
be submitted to shareholders at least annually.
RETIREMENT PLANS AND MEDICAL SAVINGS ACCOUNTS
Class Y shares are available for purchase by qualified retirement plans of
both corporations and self-employed individuals. The Trust has available
prototype IRA plans (for both individuals and employers), Simplified Employee
Pension ("SEP") plans, and savings incentive match plans for employees ("SIMPLE"
plans) as well as Section 403(b)(7) Tax-Sheltered Retirement Plans which are
designed for employees of public educational institutions and certain
non-profit, tax-exempt organizations. The Trust also has information concerning
prototype Medical Savings Accounts. For information, call or write the
Distributor.
CLASS A, CLASS B AND CLASS C SHARES
In addition to Class Y Shares, the Trust also offers Class A, Class B and
Class C shares. These shares are available to individual investors. Class A,
Class B and Class C shares generally have higher operating expenses resulting
from their distribution and service fees and are subject to certain sales
charges. Please call the Distributor at (800) 986-3384 for additional
information on the purchase of Class A, Class B and Class C shares.
DISTRIBUTOR
Conseco Equity Sales, Inc., 11815 N. Pennsylvania Street, Carmel, Indiana
46032, serves as distributor of shares of the Trust.
TRANSFER AGENT
State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02110, serves as the Trust's transfer agent.
CUSTODIAN
The Bank of New York, 90 Washington Street, 22nd Floor, New York, New York
10826, serves as custodian of the assets of each Fund (except the Conseco
International Fund). State Street serves as custodian of the assets of the
Conseco International Fund and of the International Portfolio.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS/AUDITORS
The Trust's independent accountants are Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P., 2900
One American Square, Box 82002, Indianapolis, Indiana 46282-0002. The
independent auditors of the International Portfolio are Ernst & Young LLP,
Dallas, Texas.
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<PAGE>
LEGAL COUNSEL
Certain legal matters for the Funds are passed upon by Kirkpatrick &
Lockhart LLP, 1800 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036.
THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFERING OF THE SECURITIES HEREIN DESCRIBED IN
ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE. NO SALESMAN, DEALER
OR OTHER PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS, OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR THE SAI.
If you would like a free copy of the Statement of Additional Information for
this Prospectus, please complete this form, detach, and mail to:
Conseco Fund Group
Attn: Administrative Offices
11815 N. Pennsylvania Street, Carmel, Indiana 46032
Gentlemen:
Please send me a free copy of the Statement of Additional Information for
the Conseco Fund Group at the following address:
Name:
Mailing Address:
Sincerely,
(Signature)
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<PAGE>
APPENDIX A SECURITIES RATINGS
DESCRIPTION OF CORPORATE BOND RATINGS
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.'S CORPORATE BOND RATINGS:
Aaa - Bonds which are rated Aaa by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's")
are judged to be the best quality and carry the smallest degree of investment
risk. Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable
margin, and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are
likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair
the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa - Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards.
Together with the Aaa group, they comprise what are generally known as high
grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of
protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective
elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present
which make the long term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
A - Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are
to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving security to
principal and interest are considered adequate but elements may be present which
suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.
Baa - Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations;
i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments
and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
period of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in
fact have speculative characteristics as well.
Ba - Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their
future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of interest
and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded
during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.
B - Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of a desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Caa - Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or
interest.
Ca - Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a
high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.
C - Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds. Such issues can
be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real
investment standing.
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<PAGE>
STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATE BOND RATINGS:
AAA - This is the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's ("S&P") to a debt
obligation and indicates an extremely strong capacity to pay principal and
interest.
AA - Bonds rated AA also qualify as high-quality debt obligations. Capacity to
pay principal and interest is very strong, and in the majority of instances they
differ from AAA issues only in small degree.
A - Bonds rated A have a strong capacity to pay principal and interest, although
they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions.
BBB - Bonds rated BBB are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
principal and interest. Whereas they normally exhibit adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to weakened capacity to pay principal and interest for bonds in
this category than for bonds in the A category.
BB/B/CCC/CC - Bonds rated BB, B, CCC, and CC are regarded, on balance, as
predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest
and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation.+ BB
indicates the lowest degree of speculation and CC the highest degree of
speculation. While such bonds will likely have some quality and protective
characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk
exposure to adverse conditions.
CI - The rating CI is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is being
paid.
D - Debt rated D is in default, and payment of interest and/or repayment of
principal is in arrears.
Plus (+) or Minus (-): The ratings from AA to B may be modified by the addition
of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating
categories.
PREFERRED STOCK RATINGS:
Both Moody's and S&P use the same designations for corporate bonds as they do
for preferred stock, except that in the case of Moody's preferred stock ratings,
the initial letter rating is not capitalized. While the descriptions are
tailored for preferred stocks and relative quality, distinctions are comparable
to those described above for corporate bonds.
50