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COMBINED PROSPECTUS
Metropolitan West Funds
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Metropolitan West Total Return Bond Fund
Metropolitan West Low Duration Bond Fund
Metropolitan West Short-Term Investment Fund
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<PAGE>
Rule 497(e)
333-18737 and 811-07989
PROSPECTUS
METROPOLITAN WEST FUNDS
METROPOLITAN WEST FUNDS (THE "TRUST"), IS AN OPEN-END, MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT
COMPANY CONSISTING OF THREE SEPARATE DIVERSIFIED PORTFOLIOS (THE "FUNDS"), EACH
OF WHICH IS A SEPARATE MUTUAL FUND.
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND
Seeks to maximize long-term total return. The Fund invests in a diversified
portfolio of fixed-income securities of varying maturities with a portfolio
duration of two to eight years. The Fund's dollar-weighted average maturity will
exceed its portfolio duration.
LOW DURATION BOND FUND
Seeks to maximize current income, consistent with preservation of capital.
Capital appreciation is a secondary consideration of the Fund. The Fund invests
in a diversified portfolio of fixed-income securities of varying maturities with
a portfolio duration of one to three years. The Fund's dollar-weighted average
maturity will exceed its portfolio duration.
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT FUND
Seeks to maximize current income, consistent with the preservation of capital.
Capital appreciation is a secondary consideration of the Fund. The Fund invests
in a diversified portfolio of fixed-income securities of varying maturities with
a portfolio duration of up to one year. The Fund's dollar-weighted average
maturity will exceed its portfolio duration.
This Prospectus provides you with the basic information you should know before
investing in any of the Funds. You should read it and keep it for future
reference. A Statement of Additional Information dated April 9, 1997, as may be
revised, containing additional information about the Trust and each Fund has
been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is incorporated by
reference in its entirety into this Prospectus. You may obtain a copy of the
Statement of Additional Information without charge by calling (800) 241-4671 or
writing to the Funds at 10880 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 2020, Los Angeles,
California 90024. If you are viewing the electronic version of this prospectus
through an online computer service, you may request a printed version free of
charge by calling (800) 241-4671.
The Internet address for the Metropolitan West Funds is [www.mws.com].
Shares of the Funds are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed or
endorsed by, any bank, nor are they federally insured by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other agency. Investment
in a Fund's shares involves risk, including the possible loss of principal.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
There can be no assurance that the investment objective of any Fund will be
achieved.
Metropolitan West Funds
10880 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 2020
Los Angeles, California 90024
(310) 446-7727
April 9, 1997
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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SUMMARY OF EXPENSES............................................................3
ADVISER INVESTMENT RETURNS.....................................................4
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY.............................................................5
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES.............................................6
SECURITIES AND TECHNIQUES USED BY THE FUNDS....................................9
INVESTMENT RISKS..............................................................13
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS.............................................14
ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT...................................................14
HOW TO PURCHASE SHARES........................................................16
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES..........................................................17
DIVIDENDS AND TAX STATUS......................................................18
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION.......................................................19
GENERAL INFORMATION ..........................................................20
APPENDIX -- DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS............................................20
The application for investing in the Metropolitan West Funds is included in this
prospectus.
2
<PAGE>
SUMMARY OF EXPENSES
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The following information is provided in order to assist you in understanding
the various costs and expenses that you will bear directly or indirectly as an
investor in the Funds. These are the expenses, including the estimated other
expenses, of each Fund for the first full year of operations.
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES*
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Purchases..............................None
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends...................None
Deferred Sales Load..............................................None
Redemption Fees .................................................None
Exchange Fees....................................................None
Investment dealers and other firms may independently charge additional fees for
shareholder transactions or for advisory services. Please see their materials
for details.
Shareholders effecting transactions via wire transfer may be required to pay
fees, including the wire fee and other fees, that will be deducted directly from
redemption proceeds.
<TABLE>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES*
(as a percentage of average net assets) Total Low Short-Term
- ---------------------------------------- Return Duration Investment
Bond Fund Bond Fund Fund
----------- ---------- ------------
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Management fees .55% .48% .40%
Rule 12b-1 expenses** None None None
Other expenses after expense reimbursement .10% .10% .10%
----------- ---------- ----------
Total Fund operating expenses after expense
reimbursement .65% .58% .50%
=========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
*Although not required to do so, Metropolitan West Asset Management, LLC (the
"Adviser"), has agreed to limit the annual operating expenses of the Total
Return Bond Fund to .65%, the Low Duration Bond Fund to .58% and the Short Term
Investment Fund to .50% of each Fund's respective average net assets. The ratios
of total operating expenses to average net assets for each Fund before the
Adviser's voluntary reimbursement are estimated as follows: Total Return Bond
Fund - 1.00% (.45% other expenses); Low Duration Bond Fund - 1.00% (.52% other
expenses); and Short Term Investment Fund - .90% (.50% other expenses). In
subsequent years, overall operating expenses for each Fund may not fall below
the applicable percentage limitation until the Adviser has been fully reimbursed
for fees foregone or expenses paid it under the Management Agreement. Each Fund
will reimburse the Adviser in the three following years if operating expenses
(before reimbursement) are less than the applicable percentage limitation
charged to the Fund.
** The Funds have adopted a Rule 12b-1 plan to pay for distribution expenses.
The Funds may charge up to an annual rate of .25% of average net assets.
Currently, the Board of Trustees of the Trust is waiving these fees for the
Funds and the Adviser is paying for distribution expenses out of its own
resources.
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EXAMPLE
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You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, assuming:
(1) 5% annual return; and
(2) redemption at the end of Total Low Short Term
each time period: Return Duration Investment
Bond Fund Bond Fund Fund
- ----------------------------------- --------- --------- ----------
One Year $ 7 $ 6 $ 5
Three Years $21 $19 $16
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The example assumes that the Adviser will limit the annual operating expenses of
each Fund to the total shown. The example should not be considered a
representation of past or future expenses; actual Fund expenses may be greater
or less than those shown. The assumption in the Example of a 5% annual return is
required by regulations of the Securities and Exchange
3
<PAGE>
Commission applicable to all mutual funds and does not represent, the projected
or actual performance of any Fund. See "Organization and Management."
ADVISER INVESTMENT RETURNS
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Set forth in the table below is certain performance data provided by the Adviser
relating to a performance record of the Adviser for at least six investment
advisory accounts (the "Low Duration Accounts"), during the period August 1,
1996 through December 31, 1996, utilizing the specific investment approach
specified for the Low Duration Bond Fund under "Investment Objectives and
Policies." The Low Duration Accounts constitute all of the accounts managed by
the Adviser that have an identical or similar investment objective or investment
approach as the Low Duration Bond Fund. The Low Duration Accounts are not
subject to the same types of expenses to which the Low Duration Bond Fund is
subject, nor to the diversification requirements, specific tax restrictions and
investment limitations imposed on the Low Duration Bond Fund by the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended. From May 18, 1993 through July 31, 1996
performance data is for the Hotchkis and Wiley Low Duration Bond Fund that Tad
Rivelle and Laird Landmann, now Managing Director-Chief Investment Officer and
Managing Director of the Adviser, respectively, personally managed in their
capacities as principals and Co-Directors of Fixed Income for Hotchkis and
Wiley. The Low Duration Accounts and the Hotchkis and Wiley Low Duration Bond
Fund are collectively called the "Low Duration Assets." The Low Duration Assets
have been managed with investment objectives and investment policies and
strategies substantially similar to those to be employed by Mr. Rivelle and Mr.
Landmann in managing the Low Duration Bond Fund. The results presented are not
intended to predict or suggest the return to be experienced by the Low Duration
Bond Fund or the return an investor might achieve by investing in the Low
Duration Bond Fund. Investors should not rely on the following performance data
as an indication of future performance of the Adviser or of the Low Duration
Bond Fund.
<TABLE>
TOTAL RETURN OF LOW DURATION ASSETS
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year Ended December 31,
----------------------------------------------------
August 1, January 1,
1996- 1996-
December 31, July 31,
1996* 1996 1995 1994 1993
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Low Duration Assets 3.89% 2.68% 12.75% 5.22% 7.14%*
Performance Record
Merrill Lynch 1-3 Year U.S. Treasury 3.19% 1.75% 11.00% 0.57% 2.62%*
Index
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<FN>
* Performance results, for this period are for Low Duration Accounts which Mr.
Rivelle and Mr. Landmann personally managed for Metropolitan West Securities,
Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser, while the Adviser was in formation.
** From May 18, 1993
</FN>
</TABLE>
Please read the following important notes concerning the Low Duration Assets.
1. Performance before August 1, 1996 was calculated using the standard total
return formula required by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for
all mutual funds.
2. The results for the Low Duration Accounts reflect both income and capital
appreciation or depreciation (total return). Returns are time-weighted and net
of all applicable fees and expenses.
3. Annual rate of return for the Low Duration Accounts is calculated using the
modified Dietz method, which is defined as the portfolio gain (including all
realized and unrealized gains and losses as well as all income) over the average
capital for the period. Average capital is the beginning market value plus/minus
weighted subscriptions/redemptions. Calculation is done monthly, but is subject
to revaluation during the month when there is a cash flow that exceeds 10% of
the beginning market value of the Low Duration Accounts.
4. Investors should note that the Low Duration Bond Fund will compute and
disclose its average annual compounded rate of return using the standard formula
set forth in SEC rules, which differs in certain respects from returns for the
Low Duration Accounts noted above. The SEC total return calculation method calls
for computation and disclosure of an average annual compounded rate of return
for one, five and ten year periods or shorter periods from inception. The SEC
formula provides a rate of return that equates a hypothetical initial investment
of $1,000 to an ending redeemable value. The returns shown for the Low Duration
Accounts are net of advisory fees in accordance with the SEC calculation
formula, which requires that returns be shown for the Low Duration Bond Fund be
net of advisory fees as well as all other applicable Fund operating expenses.
Performance was calculated on a trade date basis.
4
<PAGE>
5. The Merrill Lynch 1 to 3 year U.S. Treasury Index includes fixed-rate debt
issues rated investment grade or higher by Moody's, S&P or Fitch.
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
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INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
Each Fund has its own investment objective. See "Investment Objectives and
Policies" for a full discussion of the objectives of each Fund. The investment
objective of each Fund is fundamental and may not be changed without shareholder
approval.
THE INVESTMENT ADVISER
The Adviser, Metropolitan West Asset Management, LLC, is a registered investment
adviser organized as a California limited liability company in 1996. The Adviser
is owned in part by Metropolitan West Securities, Inc., a registered investment
adviser and broker-dealer. The Adviser is in the business of furnishing
investment advice to institutional and private clients and is commencing its
asset management business with the commencement of the Funds. The Adviser has
not previously managed a mutual fund. The Adviser's affiliate, Metropolitan West
Securities, Inc., has managed fixed-income investments since 1992 and currently
manages approximately $12.5 billion for its clients.
MANAGEMENT FEE
For its services, the Adviser receives a fee, accrued daily and paid monthly, at
the following annual percentages of average daily net assets: Total Return Bond
Fund--0.55%; Low Duration Bond Fund--0.48%; and Short-Term Investment
Fund--0.40%.
INVESTMENT RISKS
Like all investments, an investment in each Fund involves certain risks. The
securities held by the Funds and the value of the Funds' shares will fluctuate
with market and other economic conditions, so that investors' shares, when
redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. See "Investment
Risks" for a further discussion of certain risks.
MINIMUM PURCHASE
The minimum initial investment in a Fund is $5,000. For retirement plan
investments the minimum initial investment is $1,000.
OFFERING PRICE
Shares are offered at their net asset value without a sales charge and may be
redeemed at their net asset value on any business day. See "How To Purchase
Shares" and How To Redeem Shares."
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Each Fund expects to declare dividends daily and pay them monthly to
shareholders. Distributions of net capital gains, if any, will be made at least
annually. The Board of Trustees may determine to declare dividends and make
distributions more or less frequently.
Dividends and capital gain distributions (net of any required tax withholding)
are automatically reinvested in additional shares at the net asset value per
share on the reinvestment date unless the shareholder has previously requested
in writing to the Transfer Agent that payment be made in cash.
5
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL
The following descriptions are designed to help you choose the Fund that best
fits your investment objective. You may want to pursue more than one objective
by investing in more than one Fund. Each Fund's investment objective is a
fundamental policy, which cannot be changed without the approval of a majority
of the Fund's outstanding voting securities, as defined in the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). There can be no assurance that
any objective will be met. In addition, each Fund may use certain types of
investments and investing techniques that are described under the caption
"Securities and Techniques Used by the Funds." For a discussion of certain risks
associated with an investment in the Funds, including their use of derivatives,
see "Investment Risks."
Metropolitan West Asset Management, LLC (the "Adviser") acts as investment
adviser to each Fund.
THE TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND
The investment objective of the TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND is to maximize long-term
total return. The Fund invests in a diversified portfolio of fixed-income
securities of varying maturities with a portfolio duration of from two to eight
years. The meaning of "duration" is explained below under "Investment Policies
of the Funds." The dollar-weighted average maturity of the portfolio of the Fund
is expected to range from two to fifteen years. Portfolio holdings will be
concentrated in areas of the bond market (based on quality, sector, coupon or
maturity) which the Adviser believes to be relatively undervalued. The Adviser
views bonds to mean any interest-bearing security that obligates the issuer to
pay the holder specified sums of money on specified dates (or at maturity) and
generally requires the issuer to repay the principal amount of the loan at
maturity.
THE LOW DURATION BOND FUND
The investment objective of the LOW DURATION BOND FUND is to maximize current
income, consistent with preservation of capital. The Fund invests in a
diversified portfolio of fixed-income securities of varying maturities with a
portfolio duration of from one to three years. The meaning of "duration" is
explained below under "Investment Policies of the Funds." The dollar-weighted
average maturity of the portfolio of the Fund is expected to range from one to
five years. The total rate of return for this Fund is expected to exhibit less
volatility than that of a longer duration fixed-income fund such as the TOTAL
RETURN BOND FUND.
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT FUND
The investment objective of the SHORT TERM INVESTMENT FUND is to maximize
current income, consistent with preservation of capital. The Fund invests in a
portfolio of fixed-income securities of varying maturities with a portfolio
duration of up to one year. The meaning of "duration" is explained below under
"Investment Policies of the Funds." The Fund's dollar-weighted average maturity
will exceed its portfolio duration. The total rate of return for this Fund is
expected to exhibit less volatility than that of the longer duration TOTAL
RETURN BOND FUND or the LOW DURATION BOND FUND
INVESTMENT POLICIES OF THE FUNDS
Portfolio Securities. THE TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND, THE LOW DURATION BOND FUND and
THE SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT FUND (the "Funds") will attempt to achieve their
objectives by investing in the following types of securities that may be issued
by domestic or foreign entities: (i) U.S. Government securities; (ii) corporate
debt securities, including bonds, notes and debentures; (iii) corporate
commercial paper; (iv) mortgage- and other asset-backed securities, including
CMOs and REMICs; (v) variable and floating rate debt securities (including
inverse floaters); (vi) structured debentures, bonds and notes; (vii) bank
certificates of deposit; (viii) fixed time deposits and bankers' acceptances;
(ix) repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements; (x) debt
securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for equity securities
("convertible securities"); (xi) obligations of foreign governments or their
subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities; and (xii) obligations of
international agencies (such as the Agency for International Development) or
supranational entities. There is no limitation on the percentage of a Fund's
assets that may be committed to any of these types of securities, except to the
extent that a security may be deemed to be illiquid. See "Securities and
Techniques Used by the Funds."
Credit Ratings. Under normal circumstances, the TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND will
invest at least 80% of its net assets in debt instruments rated at least (i)
Baa3 by Moody's Investor's Service ("Moody's") or BBB- by Standard & Poor's
Rating Group ("S&P"), Fitch Investors Services, Inc. ("Fitch") or Duff & Phelps
Credit Rating Co. ("Duff & Phelps"), (ii) A-2 by S&P, P-2 by Moody's, F-2 by
Fitch or D-2 by Duff & Phelps for short-term debt obligations ("Investment Grade
Securities"), or (iii) of comparable quality to Investment Grade Securities as
determined by the Adviser in the case of unrated securities. Up to 20% of the
TOTAL RETURN BOND FUND'S net assets may be invested in securities rated below
Investment Grade Securities but rated B or higher by one of the nationally
recognized statistical rating organizations or, if unrated, of comparable
quality in the opinion of the Adviser.
6
<PAGE>
Under normal circumstances, the LOW DURATION BOND FUND and the SHORT-TERM
INVESTMENT FUND each will invest at least 70% of its net assets in securities
rated at least: (i) A by Moody's, S&P, Fitch or Duff & Phelps, (ii) A-2 by S&P,
P-2 by Moody's, F-2 by Fitch or D-2 by Duff & Phelps for short-term debt
obligations ("Highly Rated Securities"), or (iii) of comparable quality to
Highly Rated Securities as determined by the Adviser in the case of unrated
securities. Up to 20% of the LOW DURATION BOND FUND'S and the SHORT-TERM
INVESTMENT FUND'S net assets may be invested in securities rated below Highly
Rated Securities but with ratings equal at least to Investment Grade Securities
by one of the nationally recognized statistical rating organizations or, if
unrated, of comparable quality in the opinion of the Adviser. Up to 10% of the
LOW DURATION BOND FUND'S and the SHORT TERM INVESTMENT FUND'S net assets may be
invested in securities rated below Investment Grade Securities but rated B or
higher by one of the nationally recognized statistical rating organizations or,
if unrated, of comparable quality in the opinion of the Adviser.
Securities rated Baa are considered by Moody's to have speculative
characteristics. For Baa/BBB rated securities, changes in economic conditions or
other circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to make
principal and interest payments than is the case with higher grade securities.
Securities rated below BBB or Baa are judged to be predominantly speculative
with respect to their capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance
with the terms of their obligations and are commonly known as "junk bonds." See
"Investment Risks--Risks of Investing in Fixed-Income Securities."
After its purchase by one of the Funds, a security may be assigned a lower
rating or cease to be rated. This would not require the Fund to sell the
security, but the Adviser will consider such an event in determining whether the
Fund should continue to hold the security in the portfolio.
Each Fund may invest up to 10% of its net assets in emerging market foreign
securities, which are generally considered to be of a credit quality below
investment grade.
Each Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in securities of foreign
issuers that are denominated in U.S. dollars. Investment in securities of
foreign issuers that are not denominated in U.S. dollars by the Funds will be
limited to a maximum of 15% of each Fund's total assets.
Duration. The Funds each invest in a diversified portfolio of fixed-income
securities of varying maturities with a different portfolio "duration." Duration
is a measure of the expected life of a fixed-income security that was developed
as a more precise alternative to the concept of "term to maturity." Duration
incorporates a bond's yield, coupon interest payments, final maturity, call and
put features and prepayment exposure into one measure. Traditionally, a
fixed-income security's "term to maturity" has been used as a proxy for the
sensitivity of the security's price to changes in interest rates (which is the
"interest rate risk" or "volatility" of the security). However, "term to
maturity" measures only the time until a fixed-income security provides its
final payment, taking no account of the pattern of the security's payments prior
to maturity.
Duration is a measure of the expected life of a fixed-income security on a
present value basis. Duration takes the length of time intervals between the
present time and the time that the interest and principal payments are scheduled
or, in the case of a mortgage-backed, asset-backed, or callable bond, expected
to be received, and weights them by the present values of the cash to be
received at each future point in time. For any fixed-income security with
interest payments occurring prior to the payment of principal, duration is
ordinarily less than maturity. In general, all other things being equal, the
lower the stated or coupon rate of interest of a fixed-income security, the
longer the duration of the security; conversely, the higher the stated or coupon
rate of interest of a fixed-income security, the shorter the duration of the
security. There are some situations where even the standard duration calculation
does not properly reflect the interest rate exposure of a security. In these and
other similar situations, the Adviser will use more sophisticated analytical
techniques that incorporate the economic life of a security into the
determination of its interest rate exposure. A Fund's computation of duration is
based on estimated rather than known factors. Thus, there can be no assurance
that a particular portfolio duration will at all times be achieved by a Fund.
Duration is used in the management of the Funds as a tool to measure interest
rate risk. For example, a Fund with a 2-year duration would be expected to
change in value 2% for every 1% move in interest rates. Assuming an expected
average duration of .75 years for the SHORT-TERM INVESTMENT FUND, a 1% decline
in interest rates would cause the Fund to gain .75% in value; likewise, a 1%
rise in interest would produce a decline of .75% in the Fund's value. Assuming
an expected average duration of 2 years for the LOW DURATION BOND FUND, a 1%
decline in interest rates would cause the Fund to gain 2% in value; likewise, a
1% rise in interest rates would produce a decline of 2% in the Fund's value.
Assuming an expected average duration of 4.5 years for the TOTAL RETURN BOND
FUND, a 1% decline in interest rates would cause the Fund to gain 4.5% in value;
likewise, a 1% rise in interest rates would produce a decline of 4.5% in the
Fund's value. Other factors such as changes in credit quality, prepayments, the
shape of the yield curve and liquidity affect the net asset value of the Funds
and may be correlated with changes in interest rates. These factors can
exacerbate swings in the Fund's share prices during periods of volatile interest
rate changes.
For a more detailed discussion of duration, see "Investment Objectives and
Policies--Duration" in the Statement of Additional Information.
7
<PAGE>
INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
8
<PAGE>
SECURITIES AND TECHNIQUES USED BY THE FUNDS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following provides a summary of the securities and techniques used by the
Funds. The Statement of Additional Information contains more detailed
information about these investments and the risks associated with them.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
The Funds may invest in U.S. Government securities. U.S. Government securities
include direct obligations issued by the United States Treasury, such as
Treasury bills, certificates of indebtedness, notes, bonds and component parts
of notes or bonds (including the principal of such obligations or the interest
payments scheduled to be paid on such obligations). U.S. Government securities
also include securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and
instrumentalities that issue or guarantee securities, including, but not limited
to, the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA"), Government National
Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Financing Bank,
and Student Loan Marketing Association.
Funds may also invest in Treasury Receipts. Treasury Receipts are not issued by
the United States Treasury and, therefore, they are not U.S. Government
securities.
All Treasury securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the United
States. Obligations of U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities may or may
not be supported by the full faith and credit of the United States. Some, such
as the Federal Home Loan Banks, are backed by the right of the agency or
instrumentality to borrow from the Treasury. Others, such as securities issued
by FNMA, are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality and not by the
Treasury. If the securities are not backed by the full faith and credit of the
United States, the owner of the securities must look principally to the agency
issuing the obligation for repayment and may not be able to assert a claim
against the United States if the agency or instrumentality does not meet its
commitment.
Among the U.S. Government securities that may be purchased by the Funds are
certain "mortgage-backed securities" of GNMA, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation ("FHLMC") and FNMA. See the discussion under "Mortgage-Related
Securities."
CORPORATE AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS
The Funds may invest in corporate debt securities, variable and floating rate
debt securities and corporate commercial paper in the rating categories
described above. Floating rate securities normally have a rate of interest which
is set as a specific percentage of a designated base rate, such as the rate on
Treasury bonds or bills or the prime rate at a major commercial bank. The
interest rate on floating rate securities changes periodically when there is a
change in the designated base rate. Variable rate securities provide for a
specified periodic adjustment in the interest rate based on prevailing market
rates.
The Funds may invest in corporate debt securities with contractual call
provisions that permit the seller of the security to repurchase the security at
a pre-determined price. The market price typically reflects the presence of a
call provision.
Structured debentures and structured notes are hybrid instruments with
characteristics of both bonds and swap agreements. Like a bond, these securities
make regular coupon payments and generally have fixed principal amounts.
However, the coupon payments are typically tied to a swap agreement which can be
affected by changes in a variety of factors such as exchange rates, the shape of
the yield curve and foreign interest rates. Because of these factors, structured
debentures and structured notes can display price behavior that is more volatile
than and often not correlated to other fixed-income securities.
The Funds may also invest in inverse floaters and tiered index bonds. An inverse
floater is a type of derivative that bears a floating or variable interest rate
that moves in the opposite direction to the interest rate on another security or
index level. Changes in the interest rate of the other security or index
inversely affect the residual interest rate paid on the inverse floater, with
the result that the inverse floater's price will be considerably more volatile
than that of a fixed-rate bond. Tiered index bonds are also a type of derivative
instrument. The interest rate on a tiered index bond is tied to a specified
index or market rate. So long as this index or market rate is below a
predetermined "strike" rate, the interest rate on the tiered index bond remains
fixed. If, however, the specified index or market rate rises above the "strike"
rate, the interest rate on the tiered index bond will decrease. In general, the
interest rates on tiered index bonds and inverse floaters move in the opposite
direction of prevailing interest rates. The market for inverse floaters and
tiered index bonds is relatively new. These corporate debt obligations may have
characteristics similar to those of mortgage-related securities, but corporate
debt obligations, unlike mortgage-related securities, are not subject to
prepayment risk other than through contractual call provisions which generally
impose a penalty for prepayment.
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES
The Funds may invest in securities with principal and interest payouts backed
by, or supported by, any of various types of assets. These assets typically
include receivables related to the purchase of automobiles, credit card loans,
and
9
<PAGE>
home equity loans. These securities generally take the form of a structured type
of security, including pass-through, pay-through, and stripped interest payout
structures.
FOREIGN SECURITIES
Each Fund has the right to invest in foreign securities. Foreign economies may
differ from the U.S. economy; individual foreign companies may differ from
domestic companies in the same industry; and foreign currencies may be stronger
or weaker than the U.S. dollar. The Adviser believes that the ability to invest
abroad will enable the Funds to take advantage of these differences when they
are favorable.
Fixed-income securities that may be purchased by the Funds include debt
obligations issued or guaranteed by foreign governments, their subdivisions,
agencies or instrumentalities, or by supranational entities that have been
constituted by the governments of several countries to promote economic
development, such as The World Bank and The Asian Development Bank. Foreign
investment in certain foreign government debt is restricted or controlled to
varying degrees.
The Funds may invest in fixed-income securities of issuers located in emerging
foreign markets. Such markets generally include every country in the world other
than the U.S., Canada, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Hong Kong,
Singapore, Korea and most Western European countries. From time to time,
emerging markets have offered the opportunity for higher returns but involve a
higher level of risk. Accordingly, the Adviser believes that the Funds' limited
ability to invest in emerging markets throughout the world may enable the Funds
to obtain a wider range of attractive investment opportunities. Emerging market
securities include securities issued or guaranteed by governments, their
agencies, instrumentalities or central banks ("sovereign debt"); securities of
issuers organized and operated to restructure the investment characteristics of
sovereign debt; securities of banks and other business entities; and securities
denominated in or indexed to currencies of emerging markets. These securities
include "Brady Bonds," which afford emerging market countries a means to
restructure their outstanding commercial bank debt. Foreign governmental issuers
of debt or the governmental authorities that control repayment of the debt may
be unable or unwilling to repay principal or pay interest when due and all or a
portion of the interest payments and/or principal repayment with respect to
Brady Bonds may be uncollateralized.
Emerging market securities are generally considered to be of a credit quality
below investment grade, even though they often are not rated by any nationally
recognized statistical rating organizations. The Adviser seeks to reduce the
risk associated with emerging market securities by limiting the amount of such
securities held by the Funds, by the depth of its own credit analysis, and
evaluation of political, economic, currency and other factors that may be
pertinent.
There are risks in investing in emerging market and other foreign securities.
See "Investment Risks--Risks of Investing in Emerging Market and Other Foreign
Securities."
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
Each Fund may enter into repurchase agreements involving U.S. Government
securities or other collateral including mortgage-related products or corporate
securities with commercial banks or broker-dealers, whereby the seller of a
security agrees to repurchase the security from the Fund on an agreed-upon date
in the future. While each Fund intends to be fully collateralized as to such
agreements, and the collateral will be marked to market daily, if the person
obligated to repurchase from the Fund defaults, there may be delays and expenses
in liquidating the securities subject to the repurchase agreement, a decline in
their value and a loss of interest income.
REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
The Funds may enter into reverse repurchase agreements, whereby a Fund sells
securities concurrently with entering into an agreement to repurchase those
securities at a later date at a fixed price. During the reverse repurchase
agreement period, the Fund continues to receive principal and interest payments
on those securities. Reverse repurchase agreements are speculative techniques
involving leverage and are considered borrowings by the Fund for purposes of the
percentage limitations applicable to borrowings.
BORROWING
As a fundamental policy, a Fund may borrow for temporary, emergency or
investment purposes up to 10% of its total assets. This borrowing may be
unsecured. Borrowing subjects a Fund to interest costs which may or may not be
recovered by appreciation of the securities purchased, and can exaggerate the
effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of a
Fund's portfolio. This is the speculative factor known as leverage.
LOANS OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
For the purpose of achieving income, a Fund may lend its portfolio securities,
provided: (i) the loan is secured continuously by collateral consisting of
short-term, high quality debt securities, including U.S. Government securities,
negotiable certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances or letters of credit,
maintained on a daily marked-to-market basis in an amount at least equal to the
current market value of the securities loaned; (ii) the Fund may at any time
call the loan and obtain the return of the securities loaned; (iii) the Fund
will receive any interest or dividends paid on the loaned securities; and (iv)
the
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aggregate market value of securities loaned will not at any time exceed
one-third of the total assets of the Fund.
WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES
The Funds may purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis,
generally in connection with an underwriting or other offering. When-issued and
delayed-delivery transactions occur when securities are bought with payment for
and delivery of the securities scheduled to take place at a future time, beyond
normal settlement dates, generally from 15 to 45 days after the transaction. The
price that the Fund is obligated to pay on the settlement date may be different
from the market value on that date. While securities may be sold prior to the
settlement date, the Funds intend to purchase such securities with the purpose
of actually acquiring them, unless a sale would be desirable for investment
reasons. At the time the Fund makes a commitment to purchase a security on a
when-issued basis, it will record the transaction and reflect the value of the
security each day in determining the Fund's net asset value. The Fund will also
establish a segregated account with its custodian in which it will hold cash,
U.S. Government securities, equity securities or other liquid, unencumbered
assets, marked-to-market daily, equal in value to its obligations for
when-issued securities.
SHORT SALES
If a Fund anticipates that the price of a security will decline, it may sell the
security "short" and borrow the same security from a broker or other institution
to complete the sale. The Fund may make a profit or loss depending upon whether
the market price of the security decreases or increases between the date of the
short sale and the date on which the Fund must replace the borrowed security.
Until the security is replaced, the Fund generally is required to pay to the
lender amounts equal to any interest which accrues during the period of the
loan. To borrow the security, the Fund also may be required to pay a premium,
which would also increase the cost of the security sold. The proceeds of the
short sale will be retained by the broker (or by the Fund's custodian in a
special custody account), to the extent necessary to meet the margin
requirements, until the short position is closed out.
Until the Fund closes its short position or replaces the borrowed security, the
Fund will: (a) maintain a segregated account containing cash or liquid
high-grade debt securities at such a level that (i) the amount deposited in the
account plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will equal the
current value of the security sold short and (ii) the amount deposited in the
segregated account plus the amount deposited with the broker as collateral will
not be less than the market value of the security at the time it was sold short.
A Fund may not make short sales of securities or maintain a short position if
more than 25% of the Fund's net assets (taken at current value) are held as
collateral for such sales at any one time.
MORTGAGE-RELATED SECURITIES
The Funds may invest in mortgage-related securities, including mortgage
pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations. Mortgage
pass-through securities are securities representing interests in pools of
mortgages in which payments of both interest and principal on the securities are
generally made monthly, in effect "passing through" monthly payments made by the
individual borrowers on the residential mortgage loans which underlie the
securities (net of fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of the securities). For
a discussion of certain risks associated with investment in mortgage-related
securities, including their volatility, see "Investment Risks--Risks of
Investing in Fixed Income Securities."
Payment of principal and interest on some mortgage-related securities (but not
the market value of the securities themselves) may be guaranteed by the full
faith and credit of the U.S. Government (in the case of securities guaranteed by
GNMA) or by agencies or instrumentalities of the U S. Government (in the case of
securities guaranteed by FNMA or the FHLMC, which are supported only by the
discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase the agency's
obligations). 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 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.
Collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs"), including CMOs that have elected
to be treated for federal income tax purposes as Real Estate Mortgage Investment
Conduits ("REMICs"), are hybrid instruments with characteristics of both bonds
and mortgage pass-through securities. Similar to a bond, interest and prepaid
principal on a CMO are paid, in most cases, monthly. CMOs may be collateralized
by whole mortgage loans but are more typically collateralized by portfolios of
securities guaranteed by GNMA, FHLMC or FNMA or of mortgage pass-through
securities created by non-governmental issuers. CMOs are structured into
multiple classes, with each class bearing a different stated maturity. Monthly
payments of principal, including prepayments, are first returned to investors
holding the shortest maturity class. Investors holding the longer maturity
classes receive principal only after earlier classes have been retired.
Other mortgage-related securities include those that directly or indirectly
represent a participation in or are secured by and payable from mortgage loans
on real property, such as
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CMO residuals, stripped mortgage-backed securities, variable rate securities
(including inverse floaters), or tiered index bonds and may be structured in
classes with rights to receive varying proportions of principal and interest.
Stripped mortgage-backed securities are derivative, multi-class mortgage
securities. The Funds may invest in stripped mortgage-backed securities issued
by the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities.
Stripped mortgage-backed securities are usually structured with two classes that
receive different proportions of the interest and principal distributions on a
pool of mortgage assets. In certain cases, one class will receive all of the
interest (the interest-only or "IO" class), while the other class will receive
all of the principal (the principal-only or "PO" class). The yields to maturity
on IOs and POs are sensitive to the rate of principal repayments (including
prepayments) on the related underlying mortgage assets, and principal payments
may have a material effect on yield to maturity. If the underlying mortgage
assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, a Fund may
not fully recoup its initial investment in IOs. Conversely, if the underlying
mortgage assets experience less than expected prepayments of principal, the
yield on POs could be materially adversely affected. Such securities will be
considered liquid only if so determined in accordance with guidelines
established by the Trustees. The Funds also may invest in stripped
mortgage-backed securities that are privately issued. These securities will be
considered illiquid for purposes of each Fund's limit on illiquid securities.
CMOs and other mortgage-related securities that are issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. Government or by any of its agencies or instrumentalities will be
considered U.S. Government securities for purposes of applying a Fund's
diversification tests. Generally, the entity that has the ultimate
responsibility for the payment of interest and principal on a security is deemed
to be the issuer of an obligation.
OTHER DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
In addition to the asset-backed securities and mortgage-related securities
(including tiered index bonds and inverse floaters) which may be purchased by
the Funds, the Funds may utilize certain other financial instruments with
performance derived from the performance of an underlying asset ("derivatives").
The Funds may purchase and write call and put options on securities, securities
indexes and on foreign currencies, and enter into futures contracts and use
options on futures contracts. The Funds also may enter into swap agreements with
other institutional investors with respect to foreign currencies, interest
rates, and securities indexes. The Funds may use these techniques to hedge
against changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates or securities
prices or as part of their overall investment strategies. Each Fund will
maintain segregated accounts consisting of cash, U.S. Government securities,
equity securities or other liquid, unencumbered assets, marked-to-market daily
(or, as permitted by applicable regulation, enter into certain offsetting
positions), to cover its obligations under options, futures contracts and swap
agreements to avoid leveraging of the Fund. See "Investment Risks--Risks of
Using Certain Derivatives."
The Funds may buy or sell interest rate futures contracts, options on interest
rate futures contracts and options on debt securities for the purpose of hedging
against changes in the value of securities which a Fund owns or anticipates
purchasing due to anticipated changes in interest rates. The Funds also may
engage in currency exchange transactions by means of buying or selling foreign
currency on a spot basis, entering into forward foreign currency exchange
contracts, and buying and selling foreign currency options, futures and options
on futures. Foreign currency exchange transactions may be entered into for the
purpose of hedging against foreign currency exchange risk arising from the
Funds' investment or anticipated investment in securities denominated in foreign
currencies.
A Fund will not enter into futures contracts or options thereon for non-hedging
purposes if, immediately thereafter, the aggregate initial margin deposits on
the Fund's futures positions and premiums paid for options thereon would exceed
5% of the liquidation value of the Fund's total assets. There is no other
percentage limitation on a Fund's use of options, futures and options thereon,
except for the limitation on foreign currency option contracts described below.
Also, the Funds may enter into interest rate, index and currency exchange rate
swap agreements to attempt to obtain a particular desired return at a lower cost
than if the Fund had invested directly in an instrument that yielded that
desired return. In a standard swap agreement, two parties agree to exchange the
returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on a particular
predetermined investment or investments. Swap agreements are subject to the
Funds' overall limit that no more than 15% of net assets may be invested in
illiquid securities, and a Fund will not enter into a swap agreement with any
single party if the net amount owed or to be received under existing contracts
with that party would exceed 5% of the Fund's assets.
The Funds may purchase foreign currency options or enter into forward foreign
currency exchange contracts for the purpose of hedging against the effect that
currency fluctuations will have on the value of Fund liabilities, such as known
or expected redemptions or the payment of any declared dividends. No Fund will
enter into foreign currency option contracts if the premiums on such options
exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets. See "Investment Objectives and
Policies--Derivative Instruments" in the Statement of Additional Information.
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INVESTMENT RISKS
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The investment practices described above involve certain risks. The net asset
value of any Funds may increase or decrease for many reasons. These include
changes in the market prices of portfolio securities, the success or failure
(and the associated costs) of investment strategies used by the Adviser in
seeking to achieve a Fund's investment objective, and the payment of dividends
and distributions to shareholders. The following provides a summary of the more
significant risks associated with investing in the Funds. The Statement of
Additional Information contains more detailed information about these
investments and the risks that are associated with them.
RISKS OF INVESTING IN EMERGING MARKET AND OTHER FOREIGN SECURITIES
Investments in emerging market and other foreign securities involve certain risk
considerations not typically associated with investing in securities of U.S.
issuers, including: (a) currency devaluations and other currency exchange rate
fluctuations; (b) political uncertainty and instability; (c) more substantial
government involvement in the economy; (d) higher rates of inflation; (e) less
government supervision and regulation of the securities markets and participants
in those markets; (f) controls on foreign investment and limitations on
repatriation of invested capital and on a Fund's ability to exchange local
currencies for U.S. dollars; (g) greater price volatility, substantially less
liquidity and significantly smaller capitalization of securities markets; (h)
absence of uniform accounting and auditing standards; (i) generally higher
commission expenses; (j) delay in settlement of securities transactions; and (k)
greater difficulty in enforcing shareholder rights and remedies.
RISKS OF INVESTING IN FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES
The Funds are subject primarily to interest rate and credit risk. Interest rate
risk is the potential for a decline in bond prices due to rising interest rates.
In general, bond prices vary inversely with interest rates. The change in bond
price depends on several factors, including the bond's maturity date. In
general, bonds with longer maturities are more sensitive to changes in interest
rates than bonds with shorter maturities. Credit risk is the possibility that a
bond issuer will fail to make timely payments of interest or principal to a
Fund.
The Funds may invest in mortgage- and asset-backed securities. The yield
characteristics of mortgage-backed and asset backed securities differ from
traditional debt securities. Among the major differences are that interest and
principal payments are made more frequently, usually monthly, and that principal
may be prepaid at any time because the underlying mortgage loans or other assets
generally may be prepaid at any time. As a result, if a Fund purchases such a
security at a premium, a prepayment rate that is faster than expected will
reduce yield to maturity, while a prepayment rate that is slower than expected
will have the opposite effect of increasing yield to maturity. Alternatively, if
a Fund purchases these securities at a discount, faster than expected
prepayments will increase yield to maturity, while slower than expected
prepayments will reduce yield to maturity. Although the extent of prepayments on
a pool of mortgage loans depends on various economic and other factors, as a
general rule, prepayments on fixed-rate mortgage loans will increase during a
period of falling interest rates and decrease during a period of rising interest
rates. Asset-backed securities, although less likely to experience the same
prepayment rates as mortgage-backed securities, may respond to certain of the
same factors influencing prepayments, while at other times different factors
will predominate.
Mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities may decrease in value as
a result of increases in interest rates and may benefit less than other
fixed-income securities from declining interest rates because of the risk of
prepayment.
The Funds may invest in stripped mortgage- or asset-backed securities, which
receive differing proportions of the interest and principal payments from the
underlying assets. The market value of such securities generally is more
sensitive to changes in prepayment and interest rates than is the case with
traditional mortgage- and asset-backed securities, and in some cases the market
value may be extremely volatile. With respect to certain stripped securities,
such as IO and PO classes, a rate of prepayment that is faster or slower than
anticipated may result in a Fund failing to recover all or a portion of its
investment, even though the securities are rated investment grade. Certain of
the stripped mortgage- and asset-backed securities held by the Funds are
considered to be illiquid under guidelines established by the Trustees.
The Funds may invest a portion of their assets in non-investment grade debt
securities, commonly referred to as "junk bonds." Low-rated and comparable
unrated securities, while generally offering higher yields than investment grade
securities with similar maturities, involve greater risks, including the
possibility of default or bankruptcy. They are regarded as speculative with
respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and to repay principal. The
market values of certain of these securities tend to be more sensitive to
individual corporate development and changes in economic conditions than higher
quality bonds. In addition, low-rated and comparable unrated securities tend to
be less marketable than higher-quality debt securities because the market for
them is not as broad or active. The lack of a liquid secondary market may have
an adverse effect on market price and a Fund's ability to sell particular
securities.
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RISKS OF USING CERTAIN DERIVATIVES
Participation in the options or futures markets involves investment risks and
transaction costs to which a Fund would not be subject absent the use of these
strategies. If the Adviser's predictions of movements in the direction of the
securities and interest rate markets are inaccurate, the adverse consequences to
a Fund may leave the Fund in a worse position than if such strategies were not
used. Risks inherent in the use of options, futures contracts and options on
futures contracts include: (i) dependence on the Adviser's ability to predict
correctly movements in the direction of interest rates and securities prices;
(ii) imperfect correlation between the price of options and futures contracts
and options thereon and movements in the prices of the securities being hedged;
(iii) the fact that skills needed to use these strategies are different from
those needed to select portfolio securities; (iv) the absence of a liquid
secondary market for any particular instrument at any time; (v) the possible
need to defer closing out certain hedged positions to avoid adverse tax
consequences; and (vi) the possible inability of a Fund to purchase or sell a
portfolio security at a time that otherwise would be favorable for it to do so,
or the possible need for the Fund to sell the security at a disadvantageous
time, due to the requirement that the Fund maintain "cover" or segregate
securities in connection with hedging transactions. The loss from investing in
futures transactions and other derivatives is potentially unlimited. There also
is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for futures contracts
and options thereon in which a Fund may invest. See "Investment Objectives and
Policies--Derivative Instruments" in the Statement of Additional Information.
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PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
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Each Fund is subject to certain investment restrictions that are fundamental
policies. Fundamental policies are those that cannot be changed without the
approval of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of that Fund's outstanding
voting securities. Each Fund's investment objective is a fundamental policy.
Among its fundamental policies, a Fund may not (i) with respect to 75% of its
total assets, invest more than 5% of its total assets (determined at the time of
investment) in securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. Government
securities) (ii) with respect to 75% of its total assets, purchase more than 10%
of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer or (iii) invest more than
25% of its total assets (determined at the time of investment) in one or more
issuers having their principal business activities in a single industry.
Additional information about each Fund's investment restrictions is contained in
the Statement of Additional Information. As a matter of operating policy (though
not a fundamental policy), the Funds limit investments in illiquid securities to
no more than 15% of the value of their net assets. Illiquid securities include:
(i) securities for which there is no readily available market; (ii) securities
which may be subject to legal restrictions (so-called "restricted securities")
other than Rule 144A securities noted below; (iii) repurchase agreements having
more than seven days to maturity; (iv) fixed time deposits subject to withdrawal
penalties (other than those with a term of less than seven days); and (v)
foreign securities subject to repatriation restrictions on the sale proceeds
other than minor settlement procedures. Restricted securities do not include
those which meet the requirements of Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, and which the Trustees have determined to be liquid based on the
applicable trading markets and the availability of reliable price information.
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ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT
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ORGANIZATION AND VOTING RIGHTS
The Trust was organized on December 9, 1996 as a Delaware business trust.
Beneficial interests in the Trust shall at all times be divided into an
unlimited number of shares, with a par value of $.01 per share. The Trust is a
diversified open-end, management investment company currently consisting of
three separate series. The Trust's Board Of Trustees decides matters of general
policy and reviews the activities of the Adviser. The Trust's officers conduct
and supervise the daily business operations of the Trust. Each Fund is a series
of shares of the Trust, having separate assets and liabilities. The Board of
Trustees may, at its own discretion, create additional series of shares and
classes within series.
Generally, the Funds will not hold an annual meeting of shareholders unless
required by the 1940 Act. Shareholders have one vote per dollar net asset value
of shares owned. Matters submitted to shareholders must be approved by the
requisite vote of each Fund, unless it is clear that the interests of each Fund
in the matter are identical or the matter does not affect a Fund. At the request
of the holders of at least 10% of the shares, the Trust will hold a meeting to
vote on the removal of a Trustee, which can occur by a vote of more than
two-thirds of the outstanding shares. Shareholders holding the lesser of $25,000
worth or one percent of a Fund's shares may then advise the Trustees in writing
that they wish to communicate with other shareholders for the purpose of
requesting a meeting to remove a Trustee. The Trustees will then, if requested
by the applicants, mail at the applicants' expense the applicants'
communications to all other shareholders.
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THE ADVISER
General. The Adviser is located at 10880 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2020, Los
Angeles, California 90024, and acts as the investment adviser to the Funds and
generally administers the affairs of the Trust. Subject to the direction and
control of the Board of Trustees, the Adviser supervises and arranges the
purchase and sale of securities held in the portfolios of the Funds. The
Adviser, Metropolitan West Asset Management, LLC, is a registered investment
adviser organized as a California limited liability company in 1996. The Adviser
is owned in part by Metropolitan West Securities, Inc., a registered investment
adviser and broker-dealer. The Adviser is in the business of furnishing
investment advice to institutional and private clients and is commencing its
asset management business with the commencement of the Funds. The Adviser has
not previously managed a mutual fund. The Adviser's affiliate, Metropolitan West
Securities, Inc., has managed fixed-income investments since 1992 and currently
manages approximately $12.5 billion for its clients.
Advisory Fees. Under the Investment Advisory Agreement relating to the Total
Return Bond Fund, the Trust pays the Adviser a fee, computed daily and payable
monthly, at an annual rate of 0.55% of the Fund's average daily net assets.
Under the Investment Advisory Agreement relating to the Low Duration Bond Fund,
the Trust pays the Adviser a fee, computed daily and payable monthly, at an
annual rate of 0.48% of the Fund's average daily net assets.
Under the Investment Advisory Agreement relating to the Short-Term Investment
Fund, the Trust pays the Adviser a fee, computed daily and payable monthly, at
an annual rate of 0.40% of the Fund's average daily net assets.
Rule 12b-1 Fee. The Funds have a plan of distribution or "12b-1 Plan" under
which they may finance activities primarily intended to sell shares, provided
the categories of expenses are approved in advance by the board and the expenses
paid under the plan were incurred within the last 12 months and accrued while
the plan is in effect. Expenditures by a fund under the plan may not exceed
0.25% of its average net assets annually (all of which may be for service fees).
See "Summary of Expenses".
Other Expenses. In addition to the fee payable to the Adviser, each Fund is
responsible for its operating expenses including; (i) interest and taxes; (ii)
brokerage commissions; (iii) insurance premiums; (iv) compensation and expenses
of the Trust's Trustees other than those affiliated with the Adviser; (v) legal
and audit expenses; (vi) fees and expenses of the Fund's custodian and any
subcustodian, shareholder servicing or transfer agent and accounting services
agent; (vii) expenses incident to the issuance of its shares, including issuance
on the payment of, or reinvestment of, dividends; (viii) fees and expenses
incident to the registration under federal or state securities laws of the Trust
or its shares; (ix) expenses of preparing, printing and mailing reports and
notices and proxy material to shareholders of the Trust; (x) all other expenses
incident to holding meetings of the Trust's shareholders; (xi) dues or
assessments of or contributions to the Investment Company Institute or any
successor; and (xii) such non-recurring expenses as may arise, including
litigation affecting the Trust and the legal obligations which the Trust may
have to indemnify its officers and Trustees with respect thereto.
Compensation of Other Parties. The Adviser may in its discretion and out of its
own funds compensate third parties for the sale and marketing of the Funds. The
Advisor also may use its own funds to sponsor seminars and educational programs
on the Funds for financial intermediaries and shareholders.
Although not required to do so, the Adviser has voluntarily agreed to limit the
annual expenses of the Total Return Bond Fund to 0.65%, the Low Duration Bond
Fund to 0.58% and the Short-Term Investment Fund to 0.50% of those Funds'
respective average net assets. The Adviser will give shareholders at least 30
days' notice of any decision to change this policy.
The Adviser also manages individual investment advisory accounts. The Adviser
reduces the fees charged to individual advisory accounts by the amount of the
investment advisory fee and expenses charged to that portion of the client's
assets invested in any Fund.
The Investment Advisory Agreement permits the Adviser to allocate brokerage
based on sales of shares of Funds managed by the Adviser. No such allocation has
been made to date.
THE ADMINISTRATOR
FPS Services, Inc., 3200 Horizon Drive, P.O. Box 61503, King of Prussia,
Pennsylvania 19406-0903 serves as administrator to the Trust pursuant to a Fund
Administration Servicing Agreement.
THE DISTRIBUTOR
FPS Broker Services, Inc., 3200 Horizon Drive, P.O. Box 61503, King of Prussia,
Pennsylvania 19406-0903 serves as principal underwriter to the Trust pursuant to
an Underwriting Agreement.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
The portfolio managers who have day-to-day responsibility for the management of
the Funds' portfolios are listed below, together with their biographical
information for the past five years.
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Scott B. Dubchansky has been the Chief Executive Officer of the Adviser since
September 1996 and a Managing Director-Fixed Income of Metropolitan West
Securities, Inc., an affiliate of the Adviser, from August 1996 through December
1996 while the Adviser was in formation. From August 1992 through August 1996,
Mr. Dubchansky was a Senior Vice President of Donaldson Lufkin Jenrette in the
Fixed Income division. Prior to August 1992, Mr. Dubchansky was Senior Vice
President fixed income sales at Kidder Peabody and responsible for fixed income
sales to institutional clients. Mr. Dubchansky, together with Mr.
Rivelle, manages the Short-Term Investment Fund.
Stephen Kane has been a portfolio manager with the Adviser since September 1996
and a portfolio manager with Metropolitan West Securities, Inc. from August 1996
through December 1996 while the Adviser was in formation. From November 1995
until July 1996, Mr. Kane was a portfolio manager with Hotchkis and Wiley in Los
Angeles. From July 1992 until October 1995, he was an account manager with
Pacific Investment Management Co. ("PIMCO") in Newport Beach, California. Before
then, Mr. Kane was a Merchant Banking Associate with Union Bank in Los Angeles.
Mr. Kane, together with Messrs. Landmann and Rivelle, manages the Total Return
Bond Fund.
Laird R. Landmann has been a Managing Director of the Adviser since September
1996 and a Managing Director-Fixed Income of Metropolitan West Securities, Inc.
from August 1996 through December 1996 while the Adviser was in formation. From
November 1992 until July 1996, Mr. Landmann was a principal and Co-Director of
Fixed Income with Hotchkis and Wiley in Los Angeles. Before then, he was a
portfolio manager with PIMCO. Mr. Landmann, together with Messrs. Kane and
Rivelle, manages the Total Return Bond Fund and the Low Duration Bond Fund.
Tad Rivelle has been the Chief Investment Officer and a Managing Director of the
Adviser since September 1996 and a Managing Director-Fixed Income of
Metropolitan West Securities, Inc. from August 1996 through December 1996 while
the Adviser was in formation. From November 1992 until July 1996, Mr. Rivelle
was a principal and Co-Director of Fixed Income with Hotchkis and Wiley in Los
Angeles. Before then, he was a portfolio manager with PIMCO in Newport Beach,
California. Mr. Rivelle, together with Messrs. Kane and Landmann, manages the
Total Return Bond Fund and the Low Duration Bond Fund. Mr. Rivelle, together
with Mr. Dubchansky, also manages the Short-Term Investment Fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW TO PURCHASE SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The minimum initial investment in each Fund is $5,000. For retirement plan
investments the initial minimum is $1,000. The Trust and the Transfer Agent
reserve the right to reject any order and to waive its minimum investment
requirements.
Investors may invest in any Fund by wiring the amount to be invested to
Metropolitan West Funds. Wire to: UMB Bank, N.A.
ABA #10-10-00695 for FPS Services, Inc.
Account Number 98-7037-071-9
FBO (Name of Fund)
Shareholder name and account number
The shareholder's bank may impose a fee for investments by wire. The Fund or the
Transfer Agent will not be responsible for the consequences of delays, including
delays in the banking or Federal Reserve wire systems. Wires received after the
close of the New York Stock Exchange will be considered received by the next
business day.
Prior to wiring any funds, the shareholder should call 1-800-241-4671 to notify
us of the wire to insure proper credit when the wire is received. If the wire
represents an initial investment, the investor must mail an application form to
the Transfer Agent by regular mail to:
Metropolitan West Funds
c/o FPS Services, Inc.
3200 Horizon Drive
P.O. Box 61503
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406-0903
Investors may also purchase shares by sending a check payable to Metropolitan
West Funds, together with the application form to the address above.
Checks should be drawn on a U.S. bank and must be payable in U.S. dollars.
Shares of a Fund will be purchased for the account of the investor at the net
asset value next determined after receipt by the Transfer Agent, or an
authorized sub-agent, of the investor's wire or check. In the event a check is
not honored by the investor's bank, the investor will be liable for any loss
sustained by the Fund, as well as a $15 service charge imposed by the Transfer
Agent. Forms for additional contributions by check or change of address are
provided on account statements.
The Trust will only accept a check when the Trust is the primary payee. The
Trust may also accept orders from certain qualified institutions, with payment
made to the Fund at a later time. The Adviser is responsible for insuring that
such payment is made on a timely basis. Investors may be charged a fee if they
effect transactions through a broker or agent.
16
<PAGE>
The Adviser may make payments out of its own resources to dealers and other
persons who distribute shares of the Funds.
Shareholder inquiries should be directed to the Trust, c/o FPS Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 61583, King of Prussia, PA 19406-0903.
The Trust does not consider the U.S. Postal Service or other independent
delivery service to be its agent. Therefore, deposit in the mail or with such
service does not constitute receipt by the Transfer Agent.
NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value per share of each Fund is determined on each day that the
New York Stock Exchange is open for trading, as of the close of regular trading
on the New York Stock Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m., Eastern time). The net
asset value per share is the value of the Fund's assets, less its liabilities,
divided by the number of shares of the Fund outstanding. The value of a Fund's
portfolio securities is determined on the basis of the market value of such
securities or, if market quotations are not readily available, at fair value
under guidelines established by the Trustees. Short-term investments maturing in
less than 60 days are valued at amortized cost which the Board has determined to
equal fair value. See "Net Asset Value" in the Statement of Additional
Information for further information.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REGULAR REDEMPTION
A shareholder may redeem shares at any time by delivering instructions by
regular mail to the Transfer Agent. If you would like to send a package via
overnight mail to the Trust, c/o the Transfer Agent, the address is: 3200
Horizon Drive, P.O. Box 61503, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406-0903.
The redemption request should identify the Fund, specify the number of shares to
be redeemed and be signed by all registered owners exactly as the account is
registered, and it will not be accepted unless it contains all required
documents. The shares will be redeemed at the net asset value next determined
after receipt of the request by the Transfer Agent. A redemption of shares is a
sale of shares and a shareholder may realize a taxable gain or loss.
Redemptions will be processed only on a day during which the New York Stock
Exchange is open for business. Investors who purchase shares by check or money
order will not have redemption requests processed until there is reasonable
belief that the check or money order has cleared, which may take up to 15
calendar days after the purchase order.
TELEPHONE REDEMPTION
You may redeem shares by telephone and have the proceeds wired to the bank
account as stated on the Transfer Agent's records. In order to redeem by
telephone, you must select the appropriate box on the Account Application. In
order to arrange for telephone redemptions after an account has been opened or
to change the bank account or address designated to receive redemption proceeds,
a written request must be sent to the Trust. The request must be signed by each
shareholder of the account. Once this feature has been requested, shares may be
redeemed by calling [Investor Services] at 1-800-241-4671 and giving the account
name, account number, and amount of the redemption. Joint accounts require only
one shareholder to call. If redemption proceeds are to be mailed or wired to the
shareholder's bank account, the bank involved must be a commercial bank located
within the United States.
If an investor redeems shares by telephone and requests wire payment, payment of
the redemption proceeds will normally be made in federal funds on the next
business day provided that the redemption order is received by the Transfer
Agent before 3:00 p.m. (Eastern time). There will be a $10 charge for all wire
redemptions.
The Funds reserve the right to reject any redemption request and the redemption
privilege may be modified or terminated at any time on 30-days' notice to
shareholders. In an effort to prevent unauthorized or fraudulent redemption
requests by telephone, the Trust and the Transfer Agent employ reasonable
procedures specified by the Funds to confirm that such instructions are genuine.
Among the procedures used to determine authenticity, investors electing to
redeem or exchange by telephone will be required to provide their account number
or other identifying information. All such telephone transactions will be tape
recorded and confirmed in writing to the shareholder. The Trust may implement
other procedures from time to time. If reasonable procedures are not
implemented, the Trust and/or the Transfer Agent may be liable for any loss due
to unauthorized or fraudulent transactions. In all other cases, the shareholder
is liable for any loss for unauthorized transactions. In periods of severe
market or economic conditions, the telephone redemption of shares may be
difficult to implement and shareholders should redeem shares by writing to the
Transfer Agent at the address listed above. If for any other reason a
shareholder is unable to redeem by telephone, shareholders should redeem shares
by writing to the Transfer Agent at the address listed above.
TELEPHONE EXCHANGE
Shareholders are permitted to exchange their shares in a Fund for shares of
other Funds in the Trust, provided that such shares may legally be sold in the
state of the investor's residence, the shareholder has selected the appropriate
box on the Account Application, and shares are held in non-certificate form. In
order to arrange for telephone exchange after an account has been opened, a
written
17
<PAGE>
request must be sent to the Transfer Agent at its address listed above. The
request must be signed by each shareholder of the account, with the signatures
guaranteed as described above. Shares exchanged for shares of another Fund will
be priced at their respective net asset values. In order to request an exchange
by telephone, an investor must give the account name, account number and the
amount or number of shares to be exchanged. An exchange of shares is treated for
federal income tax purposes as a redemption (sale) of shares given in exchange
by the shareholder and an exchanging shareholder may, therefore, realize a
taxable gain or loss in connection with the exchange.
Exchange requests should be directed to the Transfer Agent at 1-800-241-4671.
Shares subject to an exchange must have a current value of at least $1,000.
The Funds reserve the right to reject any exchange request and the exchange
privilege may be modified or terminated at any time on 30-days' notice to
shareholders. In periods of severe market or economic conditions, the telephone
exchange of shares may be difficult to implement and shareholders should
exchange shares by writing to the Transfer Agent at the address listed above.
In an effort to prevent unauthorized or fraudulent exchange requests by
telephone, the Trust and the Transfer Agent employ reasonable procedures
specified by the Funds to confirm that such instructions are genuine. Among the
procedures used to determine authenticity, investors electing to exchange by
telephone will be required to provide their account number. All such telephone
transactions will be tape recorded and confirmed in writing to the shareholder.
The Trust may implement other procedures from time to time. If reasonable
procedures are not implemented, the Trust and/or the Transfer Agent may be
liable for any loss due to unauthorized or fraudulent transactions. In all other
cases, the shareholder is liable for any loss for unauthorized transactions.
PAYMENTS
After the Transfer Agent has received the redemption request and all proper
documents, payment for shares tendered will generally be made within three
business days. Payment may be delayed under unusual circumstances, as specified
in the 1940 Act.
REDEMPTION IN KIND
If the Board of Trustees determines that it would be detrimental to the best
interests of the remaining shareholders of any Fund to make payment wholly in
cash, the Fund may pay the redemption price in part by a distribution in kind of
readily marketable securities from the portfolio of that Fund, in lieu of cash.
The Trust has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act pursuant
to which each Fund is obligated to redeem shares solely in cash up to the lesser
of $250,000 or one percent of the net asset value of the Fund during any 90-day
period for any one shareholder. Should redemptions by any shareholder exceed
such limitation the Fund will have the option of redeeming the excess in cash or
in kind. If shares are redeemed in kind, the redeeming shareholder would incur
brokerage costs in converting the assets into cash.
REDEMPTIONS OF SMALL ACCOUNTS
A Fund may redeem all of the shares of any shareholder whose account has
declined to a net asset value of less than $500, as a result of a transfer or
redemption, at the net asset value determined as of the close of business on the
business day preceding the sending of the proceeds of such redemption. The Trust
would give shareholders whose shares were being redeemed 60-days' prior written
warning in which to purchase sufficient shares to avoid such redemption.
REPURCHASES
The Trust may accept orders for the repurchase of its shares from certain
qualified institutions. Such an institution may charge the shareholder a fee for
its services. The Trust may also waive or modify its requirements as to proper
form for such institutions.
WITHHOLDINGS; REPORTING
The Fund may be required to withhold federal income tax, at a rate of 31%, from
proceeds of redemptions, if the shareholder is subject to backup withholding.
Failure to provide a certified tax identification number at the time an account
is opened will cause tax to be withheld. A Fund also may be required to report
redemptions to the Internal Revenue Service.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIVIDENDS AND TAX STATUS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Funds expect to declare dividends daily and pay them monthly to
shareholders.
Distributions from net realized short-term gains, if any, and distributions from
any net capital gains (i.e., the excess of net long-term capital gains over net
short-term capital losses) realized through October 31st of each year and not
previously paid out will be paid out after that date; each Fund may also pay
supplemental distributions after the end of the Fund's fiscal year. Dividends
and distributions are
18
<PAGE>
paid in full and fractional shares of each Fund based on the net asset value per
share at the close of business on the ex-dividend date, unless the shareholder
requests, in writing to the Trust, payment in cash. The Trust will notify each
shareholder after the close of its fiscal year of both the dollar amount and the
tax status of that year's distributions.
Each Fund intends to elect and qualify to be treated as a regulated investment
company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1980, as amended (the
"Code"). Each Fund is taxed as a separate entity under Subchapter M and must
qualify on a separate basis. If so qualified, each Fund will not be subject to
federal income taxes on its net investment income and capital gains, if any,
realized during any fiscal year which it distributes to its shareholders
provided that at least 90% of its net investment income earned in the fiscal
year is distributed. All dividends from net investment income together with
distributions of short-term capital gains will be taxable as ordinary income to
the shareholders even though paid in additional shares. Any net capital gains
("capital gains distributions") distributed to shareholders are taxable as
long-term capital gains to the shareholders regardless of the length of time a
shareholder has owned his shares.
Any gain or loss realized upon a sale or redemption of Fund shares by a
shareholder who is not a dealer in securities will be treated as long-term
capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year, and
otherwise as short-term capital gain or loss. Any such loss, however, on shares
that are held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss
to the extent of any capital gain distributions received by the shareholder.
Dividends, interest and gains received by a Fund may be subject to withholding
and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax conventions between certain
countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate these foreign taxes.
Distributions will be taxable in the year in which they are received, except for
certain distributions received in January, which will be taxable as if received
the prior December. Shareholders of a Fund will be informed annually of the
amount and nature of the Fund's distributions, including the portions, if any,
that qualify for the dividends-received deduction, that are capital gain
distributions, and that are a return of capital.
Additional information about taxes is set forth in the Statement of Additional
Information. The foregoing discussion has been prepared by the management of the
Funds, and does not purport to be a complete description of all tax implications
of an investment in a Fund. Shareholders should consult their own advisors
concerning the application of federal, state and local tax laws to their
particular situations.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From time to time the Funds may quote average annual total return ("standardized
return") in advertisements or promotional materials. Advertisements and
promotional materials reflecting standardized return ("performance
advertisements") will show percentage rates reflecting the average annual change
in the value of an assumed initial investment in a Fund at the end of one-,
five- and ten-year periods. If such periods have not yet elapsed, data will be
given as of the end of a shorter period corresponding to the duration of the
Fund. Standardized return assumes the reinvestment of all dividends and capital
gain distributions.
The Funds also may refer in advertising and promotional materials to yield. A
Fund's yield shows the rate of income that a Fund earns on its investments,
expressed as a percentage of the net asset value of Fund shares. A Fund
calculates yield by determining the income it earned from its portfolio
investments for a specified 30-day period (net of expenses), dividing such
income by the average number of Fund shares outstanding, and expressing the
result as an annualized percentage based on the net asset value at the end of
that 30-day period. Yield accounting methods differ from the methods used for
other accounting purposes; accordingly, a Fund's yield may not equal the
dividend income actually paid to investors or the income reported in the Fund's
financial statements.
In addition to standardized return, performance advertisements also may include
other total return performance data ("non-standardized return").
Non-standardized return may be quoted for the same or different periods as those
for which standardized return is quoted and may consist of aggregate or average
annual percentage rate of return, actual year-by-year rates or any combination
thereof. Further performance information is contained in the Funds' annual
reports to shareholders, which may be obtained without cost.
All data included in performance advertisements will reflect past performance
and are not indicative of future results. The investment return and principal
value of an investment in a Fund will fluctuate, and an investor's proceeds upon
redeeming Fund shares may be more or less than the original cost of the shares.
19
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Statements. The Statements of Assets and Liabilities of the
Metropolitan West Total Return Bond Fund and the Metropolitan West Low Duration
Bond Fund as of March 27, 1997, which have been audited by Deloitte & Touche
LLP, are included in the Statement of Additional Information and incorporated by
reference herein.
Shareholder Report and Inquiries. Shareholders will receive annual financial
statements, which are examined by the Funds' independent auditors, Deloitte &
Touche LLP, as well as unaudited semi-annual financial statements. Unless
otherwise requested, only one copy of each shareholder report or other material
sent to shareholders will be sent to each household or address regardless of the
number of shareholders or accounts at that household or address. Shareholder
inquiries should be addressed to Metropolitan West Funds, 10880 Wilshire
Boulevard, Suite 2020, Los Angeles, California 90024, (800) 241-4671.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
APPENDIX -- DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE
BOND RATINGS:
"Aaa"--Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They
carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as
"gilt-edged." 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.
Moody's applies numerical modifiers "l", "2" and "3" in each generic rating
classification from Aa through B. The modifier "l" indicates that the obligation
ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier "2"
indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier "3" indicates that the company
ranks in the lower end of that generic rating category.
"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 some time 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
length 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 the 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.
SHORT-TERM DEBT RATINGS:
Moody's short-term debt ratings are opinions regarding the ability of issuers to
repay punctually senior debt obligations. These obligations have an original
maturity not exceeding one year, unless explicitly noted.
"P-1"--Issuers rated "Prime-l" or "P-1" (or supporting institutions) have a
superior ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations.
"P-2"--Issuers rated "Prime-2" or "P-2" (or supporting institutions) have a
strong ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations.
BOND RATINGS:
"AAA"--Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to pay
interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
"AA"--Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal and differs from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
"A"--Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal,
although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher-rated categories.
"BBB"--Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest
and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for
debt in this category than in higher-rated categories.
Debt rated BB and B is regarded as having predominantly speculative
characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
While such debt will likely have some quality and protective characteristics,
these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse
conditions.
20
<PAGE>
COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS:
An S&P commercial paper rating is a current assessment of the likelihood of
timely payment of debt considered short-term in the relevant market.
"A-1"--This highest category indicates that the degree of safety regarding
timely payment is strong. Those issues determined to possess extremely strong
safety characteristics are denoted with a plus (+) designation.
"A-2"--Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is
satisfactory. However, the relative degree of safety is not as high as for
issues designated A-1.
FITCH INVESTORS SERVICES, INC.
BOND RATINGS:
The following summarizes the ratings used by Fitch for corporate bonds:
"AAA"--Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit
quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest and
repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable
events.
"AA"--Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit quality.
The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is very strong,
although not quite as strong as bonds rated "AAA." Because bonds rated in the
"AAA" and "AA" categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable future
developments, short-term debt of these issuers is generally rated "F-1+."
"A"--Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality. The
obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be
strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and
circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
"BBB"--Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay is considered to be
adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances, however, are
more likely to have adverse impact on these bonds and, therefore, impair timely
payment. The likelihood that the ratings of these bonds will fall below
investment grade is higher than for bonds with higher ratings.
"BB"--Bonds are considered speculative. The obligor's ability to pay interest
and repay principal may be affected over time by adverse economic changes.
However, business and financial alternatives can be identified, which could
assist the obligor in satisfying its debt service requirements.
"B"--Bonds are considered highly speculative. While bonds in this class are
currently meeting debt service requirements, the probability of continued timely
payment of principal and interest reflects the obligor's limited margin of
safety and the need for reasonable business and economic activity throughout the
life of the issue.
Plus (+) Minus (-)--Plus and minus signs are used with a rating symbol to
indicate the relative position of a credit within the rating category. Plus and
minus signs, however, are not used in the "AAA" category.
SHORT-TERM DEBT RATINGS:
"F-1+"--Exceptionally Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating are
regarded as having the strongest degree of
assurance for timely payment.
"F-1"--Very Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating reflect an
assurance of timely payment only slightly less in degree than issues rated
"F-1+."
"F-2"--Good Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating have a satisfactory
degree of assurance for timely payment, but the margin of safety is not as great
as for issues assigned "F-1+" or "F-1" ratings.
DUFF & PHELPS CREDIT RATING CO.
BOND RATINGS:
The following summarizes the ratings used by Duff & Phelps for long-term debt:
"AAA"--Highest credit quality. The risk factors are negligible, being only
slightly more than for risk-free U.S. Treasury debt.
"AA+," "AA," "AA-"--High credit quality. Protection factors are strong. Risk is
modest but may vary slightly from time to time because of economic conditions.
"A+," "A," "A-"--Protection factors are average but adequate. However, risk
factors are more variable and greater in periods of economic stress.
"BBB+," "BBB," "BBB-"--Below average protection factors but still considered
sufficient for prudent investment. Considerable variability in risk during
economic cycles.
"BB+," "BB," "BB-"--Below investment grade but deemed likely to meet obligations
when due. Present or prospective financial protection factors fluctuate
according to industry conditions or company fortunes. Overall quality may move
up or down frequently within this category.
"B+," "B," "B-"--Below investment grade and possessing risk that obligations
will not be met when due. Financial protection factors will fluctuate widely
according to economic cycles, industry conditions and/or company fortunes.
Potential exists for frequent changes in the rating within this category or into
a higher or lower rating grade.
21
<PAGE>
SHORT-TERM DEBT RATINGS:
"D-1+"--Highest certainty of timely payment. Short-term liquidity, including
internal operating factors and/or access to alternative sources of funds, is
outstanding and safety is just below risk-free U.S. Treasury short-term
obligations.
"D-1"--Very high certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors are excellent
and supported by good fundamental protection factors. Risk factors are minor.
"D-1-"--High certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors are strong and
supported by good fundamental protection factors. Risk factors are very small.
"D-2"--Good certainty of timely payment. Liquidity factors and company
fundamentals are sound. Although ongoing funding needs may enlarge total
financing requirements, access to capital markets is good. Risk factors are
small.
22
<PAGE>
Adviser:
Metropolitan West Asset Management, LLC
10880 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 2020
Los Angeles, California 90024
(310) 446-7727
Custodian:
The Bank of New York
48 Wall Street
New York, New York 10286
Transfer Agent:
FPS Services, Inc.
3200 Horizon Drive
P.O. Box 61503
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406-0903
(800) 241-4671
Auditors:
Deloitte & Touche LLP
1000 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1500
Los Angeles, California 90017
Distributor:
FPS Broker Services, Inc.
3200 Horizon Drive
P.O. Box 61503
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406-0903
Legal Counsel:
Heller Ehrman White & McAuliffe
333 Bush Street
San Francisco, CA 94104
23
<PAGE>
------------------------------------------------------------
COMBINED STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Metropolitan West Funds
-----------------------
Metropolitan West Total Return Bond Fund
Metropolitan West Low Duration Bond Fund
Metropolitan West Short-Term Investment Fund
------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
Rule 497(e)
333-18737 and 811-07989
METROPOLITAN WEST FUNDS
Statement of Additional Information
April 9, 1997
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus, and it
should be read in conjunction with the prospectus dated April 9, 1997 of the
Total Return Bond Fund (the "Total Return Bond Fund"), the Low Duration Bond
Fund (the "Low Duration Bond Fund") and the Short-Term Investment Fund (the
"Short-Term Investment Fund"). Copies of the prospectus may be obtained at no
charge from the Trust by writing to Metropolitan West Funds, 10880 Wilshire
Boulevard, Suite 2020, Los Angeles, CA 90024. In this Statement of Additional
Information, the Total Return Bond Fund, the Low Duration Bond Fund and the
Short-Term Investment Fund may be referred to collectively as "the Funds" or
individually as "a Fund." Metropolitan West Asset Management, LLC (the
"Adviser") is the investment adviser to the Funds.
<TABLE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<CAPTION>
Cross reference
to page in the
prospectus for the Funds
------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Investment Objectives and Policies B-2 6
Investment Restrictions B-2 14
Repurchase Agreements B-3 10
U.S. Government Securities B-3 9
Corporate Debt Securities B-4 9
Convertible Securities B-4 6
Mortgage-Related Securities B-5 11
Asset-Backed Securities B-8 8
Risk Factors Relating to Investing in Mortgage-Related and B-8 13
Asset-Backed Securities
Duration B-9 7
Derivative Instruments B-10 12
Foreign Securities B-13 10
Foreign Currency Options and Related Risks B-14 12
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts B-15 12
Risk Factors Relating to Investing in High Yield Securities B-17 13
Illiquid Securities B-18 14
Management B-19 14
Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage B-21 15
Administrator B-21 15
Distributor B-21 14
Share Marketing Plan B-21 14
Net Asset Value B-22 16
Dividends and Tax Status B-23 18
Performance Information B-25 18
General Information About the Trust B-26 20
Additional Information B-27
Financial Statements B-27 20
</TABLE>
B-1
<PAGE>
Investment Objectives and Policies
The investment objective of the Total Return Bond Fund is to maximize
long-term total return.
The investment objective of the Low Duration Bond Fund is to maximize
current income, consistent with preservation of capital. Capital appreciation is
a secondary consideration of the Fund.
The investment objective of the Short-Term Investment Fund is to
maximize current income, consistent with the preservation of capital. Capital
appreciation is a secondary consideration of the Fund.
The portfolio, and strategies with respect to the composition of each
Fund, are described in the Funds' prospectus.
Investment Restrictions
Each Fund has adopted the following restrictions (in addition to those
indicated in the prospectus) as fundamental policies, which may not be changed
without the favorable vote of the holders of a "majority" of that Fund's
outstanding voting securities, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended (the "1940 Act"). Under the 1940 Act, the vote of the holders of a
"majority" of a Fund's outstanding voting securities means the vote of the
holders of the lesser of (i) 67% of the shares of the Fund represented at a
meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of its outstanding shares are
represented or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares.
Except as noted, no Fund may:
1. Purchase any security, other than obligations of the U.S.
Government, its agencies, or instrumentalities ("U.S.
Government securities"), if as a result: (i) with respect to
75% of its total assets, more than 5% of the Fund's total
assets (determined at the time of investment) would then be
invested in securities of a single issuer, or (ii) more than
25% of the Fund's total assets (determined at the time of
investment) would be invested in one or more issuers having
their principal business activities in a single industry.
2. Purchase securities on margin (but any Fund may obtain such
short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of
transactions), provided that the deposit or payment by a Fund
of initial or maintenance margin in connection with futures or
options is not considered the purchase of a security on
margin.
3. Make short sales of securities or maintain a short position,
unless at all times when a short position is open it owns an
equal amount of such securities or securities convertible into
or exchangeable, without payment of any further consideration,
for securities of the same issue as, and equal in amount to,
the securities sold short (short sale against-the-box), and
unless not more than 25% of the Fund's net assets (taken at
current value) is held as collateral for such sales at any one
time.
4. Issue senior securities, borrow money or pledge its assets,
except that any Fund may borrow from a bank for temporary or
emergency purposes in amounts not exceeding 10% (taken at the
lower of cost or current value) of its total assets (not
including the amount borrowed) and pledge its assets to secure
such borrowings. The Funds may borrow from banks or enter into
reverse repurchase agreements and pledge assets in connection
therewith, but only if immediately after each borrowing there
is asset coverage of at least 300%.
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5. Purchase any security (other than U.S. Government securities)
if as a result, with respect to 75% of the Fund's total
assets, the Fund would then hold more than 10% of the
outstanding voting securities of an issuer.
6. Act as an underwriter except to the extent that, in connection
with the disposition of portfolio securities, it may be deemed
to be an underwriter under certain federal securities laws.
7. Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or
management.
8. Participate on a joint or joint and several basis in any
trading account in securities.
In addition, the Trust has adopted the following non-fundamental
policies so that no Fund will: (a) invest in securities of any issuer if, to the
knowledge of the Trust, any officer or Trustee of the Trust or managing director
of the Adviser owns more than 1/2 of 1% of the outstanding securities of such
issuer, and such Trustees and managing directors who own more than 1/2 of 1% own
in the aggregate more than 5% of the outstanding securities of such issuer; (b)
invest in interests in oil, gas, or other mineral leases or exploration of
development programs, although it may invest in the common stocks of companies
which invest in or sponsor such programs; (c) invest more than 15% of its total
assets in restricted securities, excluding restricted securities eligible for
resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
("Securities Act") that have been determined to be liquid pursuant to procedures
adopted by the Board of Trustees, provided that the total amount of Fund assets
invested in restricted securities will not exceed 15% of total assets; and (d)
purchase securities of other investment companies, except in connection with a
merger, consolidation, reorganization or other acquisition of assets, unless
immediately thereafter not more than (i) 3% of the total outstanding voting
stock of such company would be owned by the Fund, (ii) 5% of the Fund's total
assets would be invested in any one such company, and (iii) 10% of the Fund's
total assets would be invested in such securities.
Repurchase Agreements
A repurchase transaction occurs when, at the time a Fund purchases a
security, that Fund also resells it to a vendor (normally a commercial bank or
broker-dealer) and must deliver the security (and/or securities substituted for
them under the repurchase agreement) to the vendor on an agreed-upon date in the
future. Such securities, including any securities so substituted, are referred
to as the "Resold Securities." The resale price is in excess of the purchase
price in that it reflects an agreed-upon market interest rate effective for the
period of time during which the Fund's money is invested in the Resold
Securities. The majority of these transactions run from day to day, and the
delivery pursuant to the resale typically will occur within one to five days of
the purchase. The Fund's risk is limited to the ability of the vendor to pay the
agreed-upon sum at the delivery date; in the event of bankruptcy or other
default by the vendor, there may be possible delays and expenses in liquidating
the instrument purchased, decline in its value and loss of interest. The Adviser
will consider the creditworthiness of any vendor of repurchase agreements.
Repurchase agreements can be considered as loans "collateralized" by the Resold
Securities, and are defined as "loans" in the 1940 Act. The return on such
collateral may be more or less than that from the repurchase agreement. The
Resold Securities will be marked to market every business day so that the value
of the collateral is at least equal to the value of the loan, including the
accrued interest earned thereon. All Resold Securities will be held by the
Fund's custodian either directly or through a securities depository (tri-party
repurchase agreement) or the Federal Reserve book-entry system.
U.S. Government Securities
U.S. Government agencies or instrumentalities which issue or guarantee
securities include, but are not limited to, the Federal National Mortgage
Association, Government National Mortgage Association, Federal Home Loan Banks,
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks,
Federal Land Banks, Tennessee Valley Authority, Inter-American Development Bank,
Asian Development Bank, Student Loan Marketing Association and the International
Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
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Except for U.S. Treasury securities, obligations of U.S. Government
agencies and instrumentalities may or may not be supported by the full faith and
credit of the United States. Some are backed by the right of the issuer to
borrow from the Treasury; others by discretionary authority of the U.S.
Government to purchase the agencies' obligations; while still others, such as
the Student Loan Marketing Association, are supported only by the credit of the
instrumentality. In the case of securities not backed by the full faith and
credit of the United States, the investor must look principally to the agency or
instrumentality issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate repayment,
and may not be able to assert a claim against the United States itself in the
event the agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitment. Each Fund will
invest in securities of such instrumentality only when the Adviser is satisfied
that the credit risk with respect to that instrumentality is acceptable.
The Funds may invest in component parts of the U.S. Treasury notes or
bonds, namely, either the principal of such Treasury obligations or one of the
interest payments scheduled to be paid on such obligations. These obligations
may take the form of (i) Treasury obligations from which the interest coupons
have been stripped, (ii) the interest coupons that are stripped, (iii)
book-entries at a Federal Reserve member bank representing ownership of Treasury
obligation components, or (iv) receipts evidencing the component parts
(principal or interest) of Treasury obligations that have not actually been
stripped. Such receipts evidence ownership of component parts of Treasury
obligations (principal or interest) purchased by a third party (typically an
investment banking firm) and held on behalf of the third party in physical or
book-entry form by a major commercial bank or trust company pursuant to a
custody agreement with the third party. These custodial receipts are known by
various names, including "Treasury Receipts," "Treasury Investment Growth
Receipts" (TIGRs) and "Certificates of Accrual on Treasury Securities" (CATS),
and are not issued by the U.S. Treasury, therefore they are not U.S. Government
securities, although the underlying bonds represented by these receipts are debt
obligations of the U.S. Treasury.
Corporate Debt Securities
A Fund's investments in U.S. dollar or foreign currency-denominated
corporate debt securities of domestic or foreign issuers are limited to
corporate debt securities (corporate bonds, debentures, notes or other similar
corporate debt instruments) which meet the minimum ratings criteria set forth
for the Fund, or, if unrated, which are in the Adviser's opinion comparable in
quality to corporate debt securities in which the Fund may invest. The rate of
return or return of principal on some debt obligations may be linked or indexed
to the level of exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and a foreign currency or
currencies.
Convertible Securities
The Funds may invest in convertible securities of domestic or foreign
issuers, that meet the ratings criteria set forth in the Prospectus. A
convertible security is a fixed-income security (a bond or preferred stock)
which may be converted at a stated price within a specific period of time into a
certain quantity of common stock or other equity securities of the same or a
different issuer. Convertible securities rank senior to common stock in a
corporation's capital structure but are usually subordinated to similar
non-convertible securities. While providing a fixed-income stream (generally
higher in yield than the income derivable from common stock but lower than that
afforded by a similar non-convertible security), a convertible security also
offers an investor the opportunity, through its conversion feature, to
participate in the capital attendant upon a market price advance in the
convertible security's underlying common stock.
In general, the market value of a convertible security is at least the
higher of its "investment value" (i.e., its value as a fixed-income security) or
its "conversion value" (i.e., its value upon conversion into its underlying
stock). As a fixed-income security, a convertible security tends to increase in
market value when interest rates decline and tends to decrease in value when
interest rates rise. However, the price of a convertible security is also
influenced by the market value of the security's underlying stock. The price of
a convertible
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security tends to increase as the market value of the underlying stock rises,
whereas it tends to decrease as the market value of the underlying stock
declines. While no securities investment is without some risk, investments in
convertible securities generally entail less risk than investments in the stock
of the same issuer.
Mortgage-Related Securities
The Funds may invest in residential or commercial mortgage-related
securities, including mortgage pass-through securities, collateralized mortgage
obligations ("CMOs"), adjustable rate mortgage securities, CMO residuals,
stripped mortgage-related securities, floating and inverse floating rate
securities and tiered index bonds.
Mortgage Pass-Through Securities. Mortgage pass-through securities
represent interests in pools of mortgages in which payments of both principal
and interest on the securities are generally made monthly, in effect "passing
through" monthly payments made by borrowers on the residential or commercial
mortgage loans which underlie the securities (net of any fees paid to the issuer
or guarantor of the securities). Mortgage pass-through securities differ from
other forms of debt securities, which normally provide for periodic payment of
interest in fixed amounts with principal payments at maturity or specified call
dates. Early payment of principal on mortgage pass-through securities (arising
from prepayments of principal due to the sale of 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. Also, if
a security subject to repayment has been purchased at a premium, in the event of
prepayment, the value of the premium would be lost.
There are currently three types of mortgage pass-through securities,
(i) those issued by the U.S. Government or one of its agencies or
instrumentalities, such as the Government National Mortgage Association
("GNMA"), the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA") and the Federal
Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC"); (ii) those issued by private issuers
that represent an interest in or are collateralized by pass-through securities
issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or one of its agencies or
instrumentalities; and (iii) those issued by private issuers that represent an
interest in or are collateralized by whole mortgage loans or pass-through
securities without a government guarantee but usually having some form of
private credit enhancement.
GNMA is a wholly-owned United States Government corporation within the
Department of Housing and Urban Development. GNMA is authorized to guarantee,
with the full faith and credit of the United States Government, the timely
payment of principal and interest on securities issued by the institutions
approved by GNMA (such as savings and loan institutions, commercial banks and
mortgage banks), and backed by pools of FHA-insured or VA-guaranteed mortgages.
Obligations of FNMA and FHLMC are not backed by the full faith and
credit of the United States Government. In the case of obligations not backed by
the full faith and credit of the United States Government, a Fund must look
principally to the agency issuing or guaranteeing the obligation for ultimate
repayment. FNMA and FHLMC may borrow from the U.S. Treasury to meet their
obligations, but the U.S. Treasury is under no obligation to lend to FNMA or
FHLMC.
Private mortgage pass-through securities are structured similarly to
GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC mortgage pass-through securities and are issued by
originators of and investors in mortgage loans, including depository
institutions, mortgage banks, investment banks and special purpose subsidiaries
of the foregoing. Pools created by private mortgage pass-through issuers
generally offer a higher rate of interest than government and government-related
pools because there are no direct or indirect government or agency guarantees of
payments in the private pools. However, timely payment of interest and principal
of these pools may be supported by various forms of insurance or guarantees,
including individual loan, title, pool and hazard insurance and letters of
credit. The insurance and guarantees are issued by governmental entities,
private insurers and the mortgage poolers. The insurance and guarantees and the
credit worthiness of the issuers thereof
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will be considered in determining whether a mortgage-related security meets the
Funds' investment quality standards. There can be no assurance that the private
insurers or guarantors can meet their obligations under the insurance policies
or guarantee arrangements. Private mortgage pass-through securities may be
bought without insurance or guarantees if, through an examination of the loan
experience and practices of the originator/services and poolers, the Adviser
determines that the securities meet the Funds' quality standards.
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations. CMOs are debt obligations
collateralized by residential or commercial mortgage loans or residential or
commercial mortgage pass-through securities. Interest and prepaid principal are
generally paid monthly. CMOs may be collateralized by whole mortgage loans or
private mortgage pass-through securities but are more typically collateralized
by portfolios of mortgage-pass-through securities guaranteed by GNMA, FHLMC or
FNMA. The issuer of a series of CMOs may elect to be treated for tax purposes as
a Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit ("REMIC"). All future references to
CMOs shall also be deemed to include REMICs.
CMOs are structured into multiple classes, each bearing a different
stated maturity. Monthly payment of principal received from the pool of
underlying mortgages, including prepayments, is first returned to investors
holding the shortest maturity class. Investors holding the longer maturity
classes usually receive principal only after shorter classes have been retired.
An investor may be partially protected against a sooner than desired return of
principal because of the sequential payments.
Certain issuers of CMOs are not considered investment companies
pursuant to a rule recently adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC"), and the Funds may invest in the securities of such issuers without the
limitations imposed by the 1940 Act on investments by the Fund in other
investment companies. In addition, in reliance on an earlier SEC interpretation,
the Fund's investments in certain other qualifying CMOs, which cannot or do not
rely on the rule, are also not subject to the limitation of the 1940 Act on
acquiring interests in other investment companies. In order to be able to rely
on the SEC's interpretation, issuers of these CMOs must be unmanaged, fixed
asset issuers, that (a) invest primarily in mortgage-backed securities, (b) do
not issue redeemable securities, (c) operate under general exemptive orders
exempting them from all provisions of the 1940 Act and (d) are not registered or
regulated under the 1940 Act as investment companies. To the extent that the
Funds select CMOs that cannot rely on the rule or do not meet the above
requirements, the Funds may not invest more than 10% of their assets in all such
entities and may not acquire more than 3% of the voting securities of any single
entity.
The Funds also may invest in, among other things, parallel pay CMOs,
Planned Amortization Class CMOs ("PAC bonds"), sequential pay CMOs, and floating
rate CMOs. Parallel pay CMOs are structured to provide payments of principal on
each payment date to more than one class. PAC bonds generally require payments
of a specified amount of principal on each payment date. Sequential pay CMOs
generally pay principal to only one class while paying interest to several
classes. Floating rate CMOs are securities whose coupon rate fluctuates
according to some formula related to an existing mortgage index or rate. Typical
indices would include the eleventh district cost-of-funds index, the London
Interbank Offered Rate, one-year Treasury yields, and ten-year Treasury yields.
Adjustable Rate Mortgage Securities. Adjustable rate mortgage
securities ("ARMs") are pass-through securities collateralized by mortgages with
adjustable rather than fixed rates. ARMs eligible for inclusion in a mortgage
pool generally provide for a fixed initial mortgage interest rate for either the
first three, six, twelve, thirteen, 36, or 60 scheduled monthly payments.
Thereafter, the interest rates are subject to periodic adjustment based on
changes to a designated benchmark index.
The ARMs contain maximum and minimum rates beyond which the mortgage
interest rate may not vary over the lifetime of the security. In addition,
certain ARMs provide for additional limitations on the maximum amount by which
the mortgage interest may be adjusted for any single adjustment period. In the
event that market rates of interest rise more rapidly to levels above that of
the ARM's maximum rate, the ARM's coupon
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may represent a below market rate of interest. In these circumstances, the
market value of the ARM security will likely have fallen.
Some ARMs contain limitations on changes in the required monthly
payment. In the event that a monthly payment is not sufficient to pay the
interest accruing on an ARM, any such excess interest is added to the principal
balance of the mortgage loan, which is repaid through future monthly payments.
If the monthly payment for such an instrument exceeds the sum of the interest
accrued at the applicable mortgage interest rate and the principal payment
required at such point to amortize the outstanding principal balance over the
remaining term of the loan, the excess is then utilized to reduce the
outstanding principal balance of the ARM.
CMO Residuals. CMO residuals are derivative mortgage securities issued
by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government or by private
originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan
associations, homebuilders, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks,
and special purpose entities of the foregoing.
The cash flow generated by the mortgage assets underlying a series of
CMOs is applied first to make required payments of principal and interest on the
CMOs and second to pay the related administrative expenses of the issuer. The
residual in a CMO structure generally represents the interest in any excess cash
flow remaining after making the foregoing payments. Each payment of such excess
cash flow to a holder of the related CMO residual represents income and/or a
return of capital. The amount of residual cash flow resulting from a CMO will
depend on, among other things, the characteristics of the mortgage assets, the
coupon rate of each class of CMO, prevailing interest rates, the amount of
administrative expenses and the prepayment experience on the mortgage assets. In
part, the yield to maturity on the CMO residuals is extremely sensitive to
prepayments on the related underlying mortgage assets, in the same manner as an
interest-only ("IO") class of stripped mortgage-related securities. See
"Stripped Mortgage-Related Securities" below. In addition, if a series of a CMO
includes a class that bears interest at an adjustable rate, the yield to
maturity on the related CMO residual will also be extremely sensitive to changes
in the level of the index upon which interest rate adjustments are based. As
described below with respect to stripped mortgage-related securities, in certain
circumstances a Fund may fail to recoup its initial investment in a CMO
residual.
CMO residuals are generally purchased and sold by institutional
investors through several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers.
The CMO residual market has recently developed and CMO residuals currently may
not have the liquidity of other more established securities trading in other
markets. Transactions in CMO residuals are generally completed only after
careful review of the characteristics of the securities in question. In
addition, CMO residuals may or, pursuant to an exemption therefrom, may not have
been registered under the Securities Act. CMO residuals, whether or not
registered under the Securities Act, may be subject to certain restrictions on
transferability, and may be deemed "illiquid" and subject to a Fund's
limitations on investment in illiquid securities.
Stripped Mortgage-Related Securities. Stripped mortgage-related
securities ("SMBS") are derivative multi-class mortgage securities. SMBS may be
issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government, or by private
originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan
associations, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks, and special
purpose entities of the foregoing.
SMBS are usually structured with two classes that receive different
proportions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage
assets. A common type of SMBS will have one class receiving some of the interest
and most of the principal from the mortgage assets, while the other class will
receive most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. In the most
extreme case, one class will receive all of the interest, (the IO class), while
the other class will receive all of the principal (the principal-only or "PO"
class). The yield to maturity on an IO class is extremely sensitive to the rate
of principal payments (including prepayments) on the related underlying mortgage
assets, and a rapid rate of principal payments may have a material adverse
effect on a Fund's yield to maturity from these securities. If the underlying
mortgage assets
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experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, a Fund may fail to
fully recoup its initial investment in these securities even if the security is
in one of the highest rating categories.
Although SMBS are purchased and sold by institutional investors through
several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers, these securities
were only recently introduced. As a result, established trading markets have not
yet been fully developed and accordingly, these securities may be deemed
"illiquid" and subject to a Fund's limitations on investment in illiquid
securities. See "Securities and Techniques Used by the Funds-Mortgage-Related
Securities" in the Prospectus.
Inverse Floaters. An inverse floater is a debt instrument with a
floating or variable interest rate that moves in the opposite direction to the
interest rate on another security or index level. Changes in the interest rate
on the other security or index inversely affect the residual interest rate paid
on the inverse floater, with the result that the inverse floater's price will be
considerably more volatile than that of a fixed-rate bond. Inverse floaters may
experience gains when interest rates fall and may suffer losses in periods of
rising interest rates. The market for inverse floaters is relatively new.
Tiered Index Bonds. Tiered index bonds are relatively new forms of
mortgage-related securities. The interest rate on a tiered index bond is tied to
a specified index or market rate. So long as this index or market rate is below
a predetermined "strike" rate, the interest rate on the tiered index bond
remains fixed. If, however, the specified index or market rate rises above the
"strike" rate, the interest rate of the tiered index bond will decrease. Thus,
under these circumstances, the interest rate on a tiered index bond, like an
inverse floater, will move in the opposite direction of prevailing interest
rates, with the result that the price of the tiered index bond may be
considerably more volatile than that of a fixed-rate bond.
Asset-Backed Securities
The Funds may invest in various types of asset-backed securities.
Through the use of trusts and special purpose corporations, various types of
assets, primarily automobile and credit card receivables and home equity loans,
are being securitized in pass-through structures similar to the mortgage
pass-through or in a pay-through structure similar to the CMO structure.
Investments in these and other types of asset-backed securities must be
consistent with the investment objectives and policies of the Funds.
Risk Factors Relating to Investing in Mortgage-Related and Asset-Backed
Securities
The yield characteristics of mortgage-related and asset-backed
securities differ from traditional debt securities. Among the major differences
are that interest and principal payments are made more frequently, usually
monthly, and that principal may be prepaid at any time because the underlying
mortgage loans or other assets generally may be prepaid at any time. As a
result, if the Funds purchase such a security at a premium, a prepayment rate
that is faster than expected will reduce yield to maturity, while a prepayment
rate that is slower than expected will have the opposite effect of increasing
yield to maturity. Alternatively, if the Funds purchase these securities at a
discount, faster than expected prepayments will increase, while slower than
expected prepayments will reduce, yield to maturity. The Funds may invest a
portion of their assets in derivative mortgage-related securities which are
highly sensitive to changes in prepayment and interest rates. The Adviser will
seek to manage these risks (and potential benefits) by diversifying its
investments in such securities and through hedging techniques.
During periods of declining interest rates, prepayment of mortgages
underlying mortgage-related securities can be expected to accelerate.
Accordingly, a Fund's ability to maintain positions in high-yielding
mortgage-related securities will be affected by reductions in the principal
amount of such securities resulting from such prepayments, and its ability to
reinvest the returns of principal at comparable rates is subject to generally
prevailing interest rates at that time. Prepayments may also result in the
realization of capital losses
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with respect to higher yielding securities that had been bought at a premium or
the loss of opportunity to realize capital gains in the future from possible
future appreciation.
Asset-backed securities involve certain risks that are not posed by
mortgage-related securities, resulting mainly from the fact that asset-backed
securities do not usually contain the complete benefit of a security interest in
the related collateral. For example, credit card receivables generally are
unsecured and the debtors are entitled to the protection of a number of state
and federal consumer credit laws, some of which may reduce the ability to obtain
full payment. In the case of automobile receivables, due to various legal and
economic factors, proceeds from repossessed collateral may not always be
sufficient to support payments on these securities.
Duration
In selecting fixed-income securities for the Funds, the Adviser makes
use of the concept of duration. Duration is a measure of the expected life of a
fixed-income security that was developed as a more precise alternative to the
concept of "term to maturity." Duration incorporates a bond's yield, coupon
interest payments, final maturity and call features into one measure.
Most debt obligations provide interest ("coupon") payments in addition
to a final ("par") payment at maturity. Some obligations also have call
provisions. Depending on the relative magnitude of these payments, the market
values of debt obligations may respond differently to changes in the level and
structure of interest rates.
Traditionally, a debt security's "term to maturity" has been used as a
proxy for the sensitivity of the security's price to changes in interest rates
(which is the "interest rate risk" or "volatility" of the security). However,
"term to maturity" measures only the time until a debt security provides its
final payment, taking no account of the pattern of the security's payments prior
to maturity. Duration is a measure of the expected life of a fixed-income
security on a present value basis. Duration takes the length of the time
intervals between the present time and the time that the interest and principal
payments are scheduled or, in the case of a callable bond, expected to be
received, and weights them by the present values of the cash to be received at
each future point in time. For any fixed-income security with interest payments
occurring prior to the payment of principal, duration is always less than
maturity. In general, all other things being the same, the lower the stated or
coupon rate of interest of a fixed-income security, the longer the duration of
the security; conversely, the higher the stated or coupon rate of interest of a
fixed-income security, the shorter the duration of the security.
Futures, options and options on futures have durations, which, in
general, are closely related to the duration of the securities which underlie
them. Holding long futures or call option positions (backed by a segregated
account of cash and cash equivalents) will lengthen a Fund's duration by
approximately the same amount that holding an equivalent amount of the
underlying securities would.
Short futures or put option positions have durations roughly equal to
the negative of the duration of the securities that underlie those positions,
and have the effect of reducing portfolio duration by approximately the same
amount that selling an equivalent amount of the underlying securities would.
There are some situations where even the standard duration calculation
does not properly reflect the interest rate exposure of a security. For example,
floating and variable rate securities often have final maturities of ten or more
years; however, their interest rate exposure corresponds to the frequency that
coupon is reset. Another example where the interest rate exposure is not
properly captured by duration is the case of mortgage pass-through securities.
The stated final maturity of such securities is generally 30 years, but current
prepayment rates are more critical in determining the securities' interest rate
exposure. In these and other similar situations, the Adviser will use more
sophisticated analytical techniques that incorporate the economic life of a
security into the determination of its interest rate exposure.
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Derivative Instruments
As indicated in the Prospectus, to the extent consistent with their
investment objectives and policies, the Funds may purchase and write call and
put options on securities, securities indexes and on foreign currencies and
enter into futures contracts and use options on futures contracts. The Funds
also may enter into swap agreements with respect to foreign currencies, interest
rates and securities indexes. The Funds may use these techniques to hedge
against changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, or
securities prices or as part of their overall investment strategies. Each Fund
will maintain segregated accounts consisting of cash, U.S. Government
securities, or other high grade debt obligations (or, as permitted by applicable
regulation, enter into certain offsetting positions) to cover its obligations
under options and futures contracts to avoid leveraging of the Fund.
Options on Securities and on Securities Indexes. A Fund may purchase
put options on securities to protect holdings in an underlying or related
security against a substantial decline in market value. A Fund may purchase call
options on securities to protect against substantial increases in prices of
securities the Fund intends to purchase pending its ability to invest in such
securities in an orderly manner. A Fund may sell put or call options it has
previously purchased, which could result in a net gain or loss depending on
whether the amount realized on the sale is more or less than the premium and
other transaction costs paid on the put or call option which is sold. A Fund may
write a call or put option only if the option is "covered" by the Fund holding a
position in the underlying securities or by other means which would permit
immediate satisfaction of the Fund's obligation as writer of the option. Prior
to exercise or expiration, an option may be closed out by an offsetting purchase
or sale of an option of the same series.
The purchase and writing of options involves certain risks. During the
option period, the covered call writer has, in return for the premium on the
option, given up the opportunity to profit from a price increase in the
underlying securities above the sum of the premium and exercise price, but, as
long as its obligation as a writer continues, has retained the risk of loss
should the price of the underlying securities decline. The writer of an option
has no control over the time when it may be required to fulfill its obligation
as a writer of the option. Once an option writer has received an exercise
notice, it cannot effect a closing purchase transaction in order to terminate
its obligation under the option and must deliver the underlying securities at
the exercise price. If a put or call option purchased by the Fund is not sold
when it has remaining value, and if the market price of the underlying security,
in the case of a put, remains equal to or greater than the exercise price or, in
the case of a call, remains less than or equal to the exercise price, the Fund
will lose its entire investment in the option. Also, where a put or call option
on a particular security is purchased to hedge against price movements in a
related security, the price of the put or call option may move more or less than
the price of the related security. There can be no assurance that a liquid
market will exist when a Fund seeks to close out an option position.
Furthermore, if trading restrictions or suspensions are imposed on the options
markets, a Fund may be unable to close out a position.
As mentioned above, there are several risks associated with
transactions in options on securities and on indexes. For example, there are
significant differences between the securities and options markets that could
result in an imperfect correlation between these markets, causing a given
transaction not to achieve its objectives. A decision as to whether, when and
how to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a
well-conceived transaction may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market
behavior or unexpected events.
There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist when a Fund
seeks to close out an option position. If a Fund were unable to close out an
option that it had purchased on a security, it would have to exercise the option
in order to realize any profit or the option may expire worthless. If a Fund
were unable to close out a covered call option that it had written on a
security, it would not be able to sell the underlying security unless the option
expired without exercise.
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<PAGE>
If trading were suspended in an option purchased by a Fund, the Fund
would not be able to close out the option. If restrictions on exercise were
imposed, the Fund might be unable to exercise an option it had purchased. Except
to the extent that a call option on an index written by the Fund is covered by
an option on the same index purchased by the Fund, movements in the index may
result in a loss to the Fund; however, such losses may be mitigated by changes
in the value of the Fund's securities during the period the option was
outstanding.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. A Fund may use
interest rate, foreign currency or index futures contracts, as specified for
that Fund in the Prospectus. An interest rate, foreign currency or index futures
contract provides for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party
of a specified quantity of a financial instrument, foreign currency or the cash
value of an index at a specified price and time. A futures contract on an index
is an agreement pursuant to which two parties agree to take or make delivery of
an amount of cash equal to the difference between the value of the index at the
close of the last trading day of the contract and the price at which the index
contract was originally written. Although the value of an index might be a
function of the value of certain specified securities, no physical delivery of
these securities is made. A public market exists in futures contracts covering
several indexes as well as a number of financial instruments and foreign
currencies, including: the S & P 500; the S & P 100; the NYSE composite; U.S.
Treasury bonds; U.S. Treasury notes; GNMA Certificates; three-month U.S.
Treasury bills; 90-day commercial paper; bank certificates of deposit; the
Australian dollar; the Canadian dollar; the British pound; the German mark; the
Japanese yen; the French franc; the Swiss franc; the Mexican peso; and certain
multinational currencies, such as the European Currency Unit. It is expected
that other future contracts will be developed and traded in the future.
A Fund may purchase and write call and put options on futures. Options
on futures possess many of the same characteristics as options on securities and
indexes (discussed above). An option on a futures contract gives the holder the
right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a long position (call) or short
position (put) in a futures contract at a specified exercise price at any time
during the period of the option. Upon exercise of a call option, the holder
acquires a long position in the futures contract and the writer is assigned the
opposite short position. In the case of a put option, the opposite is true.
Each Fund will use futures contracts and options on futures contracts
in accordance with the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
("CFTC"). For example, a Fund might use futures contracts to hedge against
anticipated changes in interest rates that might adversely affect either the
value of the Fund's securities or the price of the securities which the Fund
intends to purchase. A Fund's hedging activities may include sales of futures
contracts as an offset against the effect of expected increases in interest
rates, and purchases of futures contracts as an offset against the effect of
expected declines in interest rates. Although other techniques could be used to
reduce a Fund's exposure to interest rate fluctuations, the Fund may be able to
hedge its exposure more effectively and perhaps at a lower cost by using futures
contracts and options on futures contracts.
A Fund will only enter into futures contracts and options on futures
contracts which are standardized and traded on a U.S. or foreign exchange, board
of trade, or similar entity, or quoted on an automated quotation system.
When a purchase or sale of a futures contract is made by a Fund, the
Fund is required to deposit with its custodian (or broker, if legally permitted)
a specified amount of cash or U.S. Government securities ("initial margin"). The
margin required for a futures contract is set by the exchange on which the
contract is traded and may be modified during the term of the contract. The
initial margin is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on
the futures contract which is returned to the Fund upon termination of the
contract, assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied. Each Fund
expects to earn interest income on its initial margin deposits. A futures
contract held by a Fund is valued daily at the official settlement price of the
exchange on which it is traded. Each day the Fund pays or receives cash, called
"variation margin," equal to the daily change in value of the futures contract.
This process is known as "marking to market." Variation margin
B-11
<PAGE>
does not represent a borrowing or loan by a Fund but is instead a settlement
between the Fund and the broker of the amount one would owe the other if the
futures contract expired. In computing daily net asset value, each Fund will
mark to market its open futures positions.
A Fund is also required to deposit and maintain margin with respect to
put and call options on futures contracts written by it. Such margin deposits
will vary depending on the nature of the underlying futures contract (and the
related margin requirements), the current market value of the option, and other
futures positions held by the Fund.
Although some futures contracts call for making or taking delivery of
the underlying securities, generally these obligations are closed out prior to
delivery by offsetting purchases or sales of matching futures contracts (same
exchange, underlying security or index and delivery month). If an offsetting
purchase price is less than the original sale price, the Fund realizes a capital
gain, or if it is more, the Fund realizes a capital loss. Conversely, if an
offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase price, the Fund
realizes a capital gain, or if it is less, the Fund realizes a capital loss. The
transaction costs must also be included in these calculations.
Limitations on Use of Futures and Options Thereon. When purchasing a
futures contract, a Fund will maintain with its custodian (and mark-to-market on
a daily basis) cash, U.S. Government securities, or other highly liquid debt
securities that, when added to the amounts deposited with a futures commission
merchant as margin, are equal to the market value of the futures contract.
Alternatively, the Fund may "cover" its position by purchasing a put option on
the same futures contract with a strike price as high or higher than the price
of the contract held by the Fund.
When selling a futures contract, a Fund will maintain with its
custodian (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) liquid assets that, when added
to the amount deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal
to the market value of the instruments underlying the contract. Alternatively,
the Fund may "cover" its position by owning the instruments underlying the
contract (or, in the case of an index futures contract, a portfolio with a
volatility substantially similar to that of the index on which the futures
contract is based), or by holding a call option permitting the Fund to purchase
the same futures contract at a price no higher than the price of the contract
written by the Fund (or at a higher price if the difference is maintained in
liquid assets with the Trust's custodian).
When selling a call option on a futures contract, a Fund will maintain
with its custodian (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) cash, U.S. Government
securities, or other highly liquid debt securities that, when added to the
amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, equal the total
market value of the futures contract underlying the call option. Alternatively,
the Fund may cover its position by entering into a long position in the same
futures contract at a price no higher than the strike price of the call option,
by owning the instruments underlying the futures contract, or by holding a
separate call option permitting the Fund to purchase the same futures contract
at a price not higher than the strike price of the call option sold by the Fund.
When selling a put option on a futures contract, a Fund will maintain
with its custodian (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) cash, U.S. Government
securities, or other highly liquid debt securities that equal the purchase price
of the futures contract, less any margin on deposit. Alternatively, the Fund may
cover the position either by entering into a short position in the same futures
contract, or by owning a separate put option permitting it to sell the same
futures contract so long as the strike price of the purchased put option is the
same or higher than the strike price of the put option sold by the Fund.
In order to comply with current applicable regulations of the CFTC
pursuant to which the Funds avoid being deemed a "commodity pool operator," the
Funds are limited in their futures trading activities to positions which
constitute "bona fide hedging" positions within the meaning and intent of
applicable CFTC rules, or to non-hedging positions for which the aggregate
initial margin and premiums will not exceed 5% of the liquidation value of the
Fund's assets.
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<PAGE>
The requirements for qualification for tax purposes as a regulated
investment company also may limit the extent to which a Fund may enter into
futures contracts, options thereon or forward contracts. See "Dividends and Tax
Status."
Risks Associated with Futures and Options on Futures Contracts. There
are several risks associated with the use of futures contracts and options on
futures contracts as hedging techniques. A purchase or sale of a futures
contract may result in losses in excess of the amount invested in the futures
contract. There can be no guarantee that there will be a correlation between
price movements in the hedging vehicle and in the Fund securities being hedged.
In addition, there are significant differences between the securities and
futures markets that could result in an imperfect correlation between the
markets, causing a given hedge not to achieve its objectives. The degree of
imperfection of correlation depends on circumstances such as variation in
speculative market demand for futures and options on futures, including
technical influences in futures trading and options on futures, and differences
between the financial instruments being hedged and the instruments underlying
the standard contracts available for trading in such respects as interest rate
levels, maturities, and creditworthiness of issuers. A decision as to whether,
when and how to hedge involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a
well-conceived hedge may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market
behavior or unexpected interest rate trends.
Futures exchanges may limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in
certain futures contract prices during a single trading day. The daily limit
establishes the maximum amount that the price of a futures contract may vary
either up or down from the previous day's settlement price at the end of the
current trading session. Once the daily limit has been reached in a futures
contract subject to the limit, no more trades may be made on that day at a price
beyond that limit. The daily limit governs only price movements during a
particular trading day and therefore does not limit potential losses because the
limit may work to prevent the liquidation of unfavorable positions. For example,
futures prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several
consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt
liquidation of positions and subjecting some holders of futures contracts to
substantial losses.
There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist when a Fund
seeks to close out a futures contract or an option on a futures position, and
that Fund would remain obligated to meet margin requirements until the position
is closed. In addition, many of the contracts discussed above are relatively new
instruments without a significant trading history. As a result, there can be no
assurance that an active secondary market will develop or continue to exist.
Additional Risks of Options on Securities, Futures Contracts, Options
on Futures Contracts, and Forward Currency Exchange Contracts and Options
Thereon. Options on securities, futures contracts, options on futures contracts,
forward currency exchange contracts and options may be traded on foreign
exchanges. These transactions may not be regulated as effectively as similar
transactions in the United States; may not involve a clearing mechanism and
related guarantees; and are subject to the risk of governmental actions
affecting trading in, or the prices of, foreign securities. The value of such
positions also could be adversely affected by (i) other complex foreign
political, legal and economic factors, (ii) lesser availability than in the
United States of data on which to make trading decisions, (iii) delays in the
Funds' ability to act upon economic events occurring in foreign markets during
non-business hours in the United States, and (iv) lesser trading volume.
Foreign Securities
The Funds may also invest in fixed-income securities of issuers located
in emerging foreign markets. Emerging markets generally include every country in
the world other than the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, New
Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore and most Western European countries. In
determining what countries constitute emerging markets, the Adviser will
consider, among other things, data,
B-13
<PAGE>
analysis and classification of countries published or disseminated by the
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the "World Bank") and the
International Financial Corporation. Currently, investing in many emerging
markets may not be desirable or feasible, because of the lack of adequate
custody arrangements for a Fund's assets, overly burdensome repatriation and
similar restrictions, the lack of organized and liquid securities markets,
unacceptable political risks or other reasons. As opportunities to invest in
securities in emerging markets develop, the Funds expect to expand and further
broaden the group of emerging markets in which they invest.
From time to time, emerging markets have offered the opportunity for
higher returns in exchange for a higher level of risk. Accordingly, the Adviser
believes that each Fund's ability to invest in emerging markets throughout the
world may enable the achievement of results superior to those produced by funds,
with similar objectives to those of the Funds, that invest solely in securities
in developed markets. There is no assurance that any Fund will achieve these
results.
The Funds may invest in the following types of emerging market
fixed-income securities: (a) fixed-income securities issued or guaranteed by
governments, their agencies, instrumentalities or political subdivisions, or by
government-owned, controlled or sponsored entities, including central banks
(collectively, "Sovereign Debt"), including Brady Bonds (described below); (b)
interests in issuers organized and operated for the purpose of restructuring the
investment characteristics of Sovereign Debt; (c) fixed-income securities issued
by banks and other business entities; and (d) fixed-income securities
denominated in or indexed to the currencies of emerging markets. Fixed-income
securities held by the Funds may take the form of bonds, notes, bills,
debentures, bank debt obligations, short-term paper, loan participations,
assignments and interests issued by entities organized and operated for the
purpose of restructuring the investment characteristics of any of the foregoing.
There is no requirement with respect to the maturity of fixed-income securities
in which the Funds may invest.
The Funds may invest in Brady Bonds and other Sovereign Debt of
countries that have restructured or are in the process of restructuring
Sovereign Debt pursuant to the Brady Plan. "Brady Bonds" are debt securities
issued under the framework of the Brady Plan, an initiative announced by former
U.S. Treasury Secretary Nicholas F. Brady in 1989 as a mechanism for debtor
nations to restructure their outstanding external commercial bank indebtedness.
In restructuring its external debt under the Brady Plan framework, a debtor
nation negotiates with its existing bank lenders as well as multilateral
institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund ("IMF").
The Brady Plan framework, as it has developed, contemplates the exchange of
commercial bank debt for newly issued Brady Bonds. Brady Bonds may also be
issued in respect of new money being advanced by existing lenders in connection
with the debt restructuring. The World Bank and/or the IMF support the
restructuring by providing funds pursuant to loan agreements or other agreements
which enable the debtor nation to collateralize the new Brady Bonds or to
repurchase outstanding bank debt at a discount.
Emerging market fixed-income securities generally are considered to be
of a credit quality below investment grade, even though they often are not rated
by any nationally recognized statistical rating organizations. Investment in
emerging market fixed-income securities will be allocated among various
countries based upon the Adviser's analysis of credit risk and its consideration
of a number of factors, including: prospects for relative economic growth among
the different countries in which the Funds may invest; expected levels of
inflation; government policies influencing business conditions; the outlook for
currency relationships; and the range of the individual investment opportunities
available to international investors. The Adviser's emerging market sovereign
credit analysis includes an evaluation of the issuing country's total debt
levels, currency reserve levels, net exports/imports, overall economic growth,
level of inflation, currency fluctuation, political and social climate and
payment history. Particular fixed-income securities will be selected based upon
credit risk analysis of potential issuers, the characteristics of the security
and interest rate sensitivity of the various debt issues available with respect
to a particular issuer, analysis of the anticipated volatility and liquidity
B-14
<PAGE>
of the particular debt instruments, and the tax implications to the Fund. The
emerging market fixed-income securities in which the Funds may invest are not
subject to any minimum credit quality standards.
Foreign Currency Options and Related Risks
The Funds may take positions in options on foreign currencies to hedge
against the risk of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on foreign securities the
Funds hold in their portfolios or intend to purchase. For example, if a Fund
were to enter into a contract to purchase securities denominated in a foreign
currency, it could effectively fix the maximum U.S. dollar cost of the
securities by purchasing call options on that foreign currency. Similarly, if a
Fund held securities denominated in a foreign currency and anticipated a decline
in the value of that currency against the U.S. dollar, it could hedge against
such a decline by purchasing a put option on the currency involved. The markets
in foreign currency options are relatively new, and a Fund's ability to
establish and close out positions in such options is subject to the maintenance
of a liquid secondary market. There can be no assurance that a liquid secondary
market will exist for a particular option at any specific time. In addition,
options on foreign currencies are affected by all of those factors that
influence foreign exchange rates and investments generally.
The quantities of currencies underlying option contracts represent odd
lots in a market dominated by transactions between banks, and as a result extra
transaction costs may be incurred upon exercise of an option.
There is no systematic reporting of last sale information for foreign
currencies or any regulatory requirement that quotations be firm or revised on a
timely basis. Quotation information is generally representative of very large
transactions in the interbank market and may not reflect smaller transactions
where rates may be less favorable. Option markets may be closed while
round-the-clock interbank currency markets are open, and this can create price
and rate discrepancies.
Risks of Options Trading. The Funds may effectively terminate their
rights or obligations under options by entering into closing transactions.
Closing transactions permit a Fund to realize profits or limit losses on its
options positions prior to the exercise or expiration of the option. The value
of a foreign currency option depends on the value of the underlying currency
relative to the U.S. dollar. Other factors affecting the value of an option are
the time remaining until expiration, the relationship of the exercise price to
market price, the historical price volatility of the underlying currency and
general market conditions. As a result, changes in the value of an option
position may have no relationship to the investment merit of a foreign security.
Whether a profit or loss is realized on a closing transaction depends on the
price movement of the underlying currency and the market value of the option.
Options normally have expiration dates of up to nine months. The
exercise price may be below, equal to or above the current market value of the
underlying currency. Options that expire unexercised have no value, and a Fund
will realize a loss of any premium paid and any transaction costs. Closing
transactions may be effected only by negotiating directly with the other party
to the option contract, unless a secondary market for the options develops.
Although the Funds intend to enter into foreign currency options only with
dealers which agree to enter into, and which are expected to be capable of
entering into, closing transactions with the Funds, there can be no assurance
that a Fund will be able to liquidate an option at a favorable price at any time
prior to expiration. In the event of insolvency of the counter-party, a Fund may
be unable to liquidate a foreign currency option. Accordingly, it may not be
possible to effect closing transactions with respect to certain options, with
the result that a Fund would have to exercise those options that it had
purchased in order to realize any profit.
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts
The Funds may use forward contracts to protect against uncertainty in
the level of future exchange rates. The Funds will not speculate with forward
contracts or foreign currency exchange rates.
B-15
<PAGE>
A Fund may enter into forward contracts with respect to specific
transactions. For example, when a Fund enters into a contract for the purchase
or sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency, or when a Fund
anticipates the receipt in a foreign currency of dividend or interest payments
on a security that it holds, the Fund may desire to "lock" in the U.S. dollar
price of the security or the U.S. dollar equivalent of the payment, by entering
into a forward contract for the purchase or sale, for a fixed amount of U.S.
dollars or foreign currency, of the amount of foreign currency involved in the
underlying transaction. A Fund will thereby be able to protect itself against a
possible loss resulting from an adverse change in the relationship between the
currency exchange rates during the period between the date on which the security
is purchased or sold, or on which the payment is declared, and the date on which
such payments are made or received.
A Fund also may use forward contracts in connection with portfolio
positions to lock in the U.S. dollar value of those positions, to increase the
Fund's exposure to foreign currencies that the Adviser believes may rise in
value relative to the U.S. dollar or to shift the Fund's exposure to foreign
currency fluctuations from one country to another. For example, when the Adviser
believes that the currency of a particular foreign country may suffer a
substantial decline relative to the U.S. dollar or another currency, it may
enter into a forward contract to sell the amount of the former foreign currency
approximating the value of some or all of the Funds' portfolio securities
denominated in such foreign currency. This investment practice generally is
referred to as "cross-hedging" when another foreign currency is used.
The precise matching of the forward contract amounts and the value of
the securities involved will not generally be possible because the future value
of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market
movements in the value of those securities between the date the forward contract
is entered into and the date it matures. Accordingly, it may be necessary for a
Fund to purchase additional foreign currency on the spot (i.e., cash) market
(and bear the expense of such purchase) if the market value of the security is
less than the amount of foreign currency the Fund is obligated to deliver and if
a decision is made to sell the security and make delivery of the foreign
currency. Conversely, it may be necessary to sell on the spot market some of the
foreign currency received upon the sale of the portfolio security if its market
value exceeds the amount of foreign currency the Fund is obligated to deliver.
The projection of short-term currency market movements is extremely difficult,
and the successful execution of a short-term hedging strategy is highly
uncertain. Forward contracts involve the risk that anticipated currency
movements will not be accurately predicted, causing the Fund to sustain losses
on these contracts and transaction costs. A Fund may enter into forward
contracts or maintain a net exposure to such contracts only if (1) the
consummation of the contracts would not obligate the Fund to deliver an amount
of foreign currency in excess of the value of the Fund's portfolio securities or
other assets denominated in that currency or (2) the Fund maintains cash, U.S.
Government securities or liquid, high-quality debt securities in a segregated
account in an amount not less than the value of the Fund's total assets
committed to the consummation of the contracts. Under normal circumstances,
consideration of the prospect for currency parities will be incorporated into
the longer term investment decisions made with regard to overall diversification
strategies. However, the Adviser believes it is important to have the
flexibility to enter into such forward contracts when it determines that the
best interests of a Fund will be served.
At or before the maturity date of a forward contract that requires a
Fund to sell a currency, the Fund may either sell a portfolio security and use
the sale proceeds to make delivery of the currency or retain the security and
offset its contractual obligation to deliver the currency by purchasing a second
contract pursuant to which the Fund will obtain, on the same maturity date, the
same amount of the currency that it is obligated to deliver. Similarly, a Fund
may close out a forward contract requiring it to purchase a specified currency
by entering into a second contract entitling it to sell the same amount of the
same currency on the maturity date of the first contract. The Fund would realize
a gain or loss as a result of entering into such an offsetting forward contract
under either circumstance to the extent the exchange rate between the currencies
involved moved between the execution dates of the first and second contracts.
B-16
<PAGE>
The cost to the Fund of engaging in forward contracts varies with
factors such as the currencies involved, the length of the contract period and
the market conditions then prevailing. Because forward contracts are usually
entered into on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved. The use
of forward contracts does not eliminate fluctuations in the prices of the
underlying securities the Fund owns or intends to acquire, but it does fix a
rate of exchange in advance. In addition, although forward contracts limit the
risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currencies, at the same
time they limit any potential gain that might result should the value of the
currencies increase.
Although the Funds value their assets daily in terms of U.S. dollars,
they do not intend to convert holdings of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars
on a daily basis. The Funds may convert foreign currency from time to time, and
investors should be aware of the costs of currency conversion. Although foreign
exchange dealers do not charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit
based on the difference between the prices at which they are buying and selling
various currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency to a
Fund at one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the Fund
desire to resell that currency to the dealer.
Swap Agreements. The Funds may enter into interest rate, index and
currency exchange rate swap agreements for purposes of attempting to obtain a
particular desired return at a lower cost to the Fund than if the Fund had
invested directly in an instrument that yielded the desired return. Swap
agreements are two party contracts entered into primarily by institutional
investors for periods ranging from a few weeks to more than one year. In a
standard "swap" transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or
differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined
investments or instruments. The gross returns to be exchanged or "swapped"
between the parties are calculated with respect to a "notional amount," i.e.,
the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a
particular interest rate, in a particular foreign currency, or in a "basket" of
securities representing a particular index. The "notional amount" of the swap
agreement is only a fictive basis on which to calculate the obligations which
the parties to a swap agreement have agreed to exchange. A Fund's obligations
(or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the net
amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values
of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the "net amount"). A
Fund's obligations under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against
any amounts owing to the Fund) and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to a
swap counter-party will be covered by the maintenance of a segregated account
consisting of cash, U.S. Government securities, or high grade debt obligations,
to avoid any potential leveraging of the Fund's portfolio. A Fund will not enter
into a swap agreement with any single party if the net amount owed or to be
received under existing contracts with that party would exceed 5% of the Fund's
assets.
Whether a Fund's use of swap agreements will be successful in
furthering its investment objective of total return will depend on the Adviser's
ability correctly to predict whether certain types of investments are likely to
produce greater returns than other investments. Because they are two party
contracts and because they may have terms exceeding seven days, swap agreements
may be considered to be illiquid. Moreover, a Fund bears the risk of loss of the
amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the
default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counter-party. The Adviser will cause
a Fund to enter into swap agreements only with counter-parties that would be
eligible for consideration as repurchase agreement counter-parties. Restrictions
imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") may limit
the Funds' ability to use swap agreements. The swaps market is a relatively new
market and is largely unregulated. It is possible that developments in the swaps
market, including potential government regulation, could adversely affect a
Fund's ability to terminate existing swap agreements or to realize amounts to be
received under such agreements.
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Risk Factors Relating to Investing in High Yield Securities
Lower-rated or unrated (i.e. high yield) securities are more likely to
react to developments affecting market risk (such as interest rate sensitivity,
market perception of creditworthiness of the issuer and general market
liquidity) and credit risk (such as the issuer's inability to meet its
obligations) than are more highly rated securities, which react primarily to
movements in the general level of interest rates. The Adviser considers both
credit risk and market risk in making investment decisions for the Funds.
Investors should carefully consider the relative risk of investing in high yield
securities and understand that such securities are not generally meant for
short-term trading.
The amount of high-yield securities outstanding proliferated in the
1980's in conjunction with the increase in merger and acquisition and leveraged
buyout activity. Under adverse economic conditions, there is a risk that highly
leveraged issuers may be unable to service their debt obligations upon maturity.
In addition, the secondary market for high-yield securities, which is
concentrated in relatively few market makers, may not be as liquid as the
secondary market for more highly rated securities. Under adverse market or
economic conditions, the secondary market for high-yield securities could
contract further, independent of any specific adverse changes in the condition
of a particular issuer. As a result, the Adviser could find it more difficult to
sell these securities or may be able to sell the securities only at prices lower
than if such securities were widely traded. Prices realized upon the sale of
such lower-rated or unrated securities, under these circumstances, may be less
than the prices used in calculating the Funds' net asset value.
Lower-rated or unrated debt obligations present risks based on payment
expectations. If an issuer calls the obligation for redemption, a Fund may have
to replace the security with a lower yielding security, resulting in a decreased
return for investors. If a Fund experiences unexpected net redemptions, it may
be forced to sell its higher-rated securities, resulting in a decline in the
overall credit quality of the Fund's portfolio and increasing the exposure of
the Fund to the risks of high-yield securities.
Illiquid Securities
A Fund may not invest more than 15% of its net assets in repurchase
agreements which have a maturity of longer than seven days or in other illiquid
securities, including securities that are illiquid by virtue of the absence of a
readily available market (either within or outside of the United States) or
legal or contractual restrictions of resale. Historically, illiquid securities
have included securities subject to contractual or legal restrictions on resale
because they have not been registered under the Securities Act, securities which
are otherwise not readily marketable and repurchase agreements have a maturity
of longer than seven days. Securities which have not been registered under the
Securities Act are referred to as private placements or restricted securities
and are purchased directly from the issuer or in the secondary market. Mutual
funds do not typically hold a significant amount of these restricted or other
illiquid securities because of the potential for delays on resale and
uncertainty in valuation. Limitations on resale may have an adverse effect on
the marketability of portfolio securities and a mutual fund might be unable to
dispose of restricted or other illegal securities promptly or at reasonable
prices and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying redemptions within
seven days. A mutual fund might also have to register such restricted securities
in order to dispose of them resulting in additional expense and delay. Adverse
market conditions could impede such a public offering of securities.
Currently the Funds may invest in securities issued in private placements.
In recent years, however, a large institutional market has developed
for certain securities that are not registered under the Securities Act,
including repurchase agreements, commercial paper, foreign securities, municipal
securities, convertible securities and corporate bonds and notes. Institutional
investors depend on an efficient institutional market in which the unregistered
security can be readily resold or on an issuer's ability to honor a demand for
repayment. The fact that there are contractual or legal restrictions on resale
to the general public or to certain institutions may not be indicative of the
liquidity of such investments.
B-18
<PAGE>
Rule 144A under the Securities Act allows for a broader institutional
trading market for securities otherwise subject to restriction on resale to the
general public. Rule 144A established a "safe harbor" from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act for resales of certain securities to
qualified institutional buyers. The Adviser anticipates that the market for
certain restricted securities such as institutional commercial paper and foreign
securities will expand further as a result of this rule and the development of
automated systems for the trading, clearance and settlement of unregistered
securities of domestic and foreign issuers, such as the PORTAL System sponsored
by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
Restricted securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under
the Securities Act and commercial paper for which there is a readily available
market will not be deemed to be illiquid. The Adviser will monitor the liquidity
of such restricted securities subject to the supervision of the Trustees. In
reaching liquidity decisions, the Adviser will consider, inter alia, the
following factors: (1) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (2)
the number of dealers wishing to purchase or sell the security and the number of
other potential purchasers; (3) dealer undertakings to make a market in the
security; and (4) the nature of the security and the nature of the marketplace
trades (e.g. the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of
soliciting offers and the mechanics of the transfer). In addition, in order for
commercial paper that is issued in reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities
Act to be considered liquid, (i) it must be rated in one or two of the highest
rating categories by at least two nationally recognized statistical rating
organizations ("NRSRO"), or if only one NRSRO rates the securities, by that
NRSRO, or, if unrated, be of comparable quality in the view of the Adviser, and
(ii) it must not be "traded flat" (i.e., without accrued interest) or in default
as to principal or interest. Investing in Rule 144A securities could have the
effect of increasing the level of Fund illiquidity to the extent that qualified
institutional buyers become, for a time, uninterested in purchasing these
securities. Repurchase agreements subject to demand are deemed to have a
maturity equal to the notice period.
<TABLE>
Management
<CAPTION>
The Trustees and officers of the Trust are:
Name, Address Age Position with the Trust Principal Occupations During Past Five Years
- ------------- --- ----------------------- --------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Scott B. Dubchansky* 36 Chief Executive Officer Mr. Dubchansk served as Managing Director-Fixed Income of
10880 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2020 and Trustee Metropolitan West Securities, Inc. from August, 1996 through
Los Angeles, CA 90024 December, 1996 while the Adviser was in formation. From August,
1992 through August, 1996, Mr. Dubchansky was a Senior Vice
President of Donaldson Lufkin Jenrette in the Fixed Income
division. Prior to August, 1992, Mr. Dubchansky was Senior Vice
President fixed income sales at Kidder Peabody and responsible
for fixed income sales to institutional clients.
Keith T. Holmes* 44 Trustee Mr. Holmes has been a partner of the law firm King, Purtich,
2121 Avenue of the Stars, Holmes, Paterio & Berliner (and its predecessor firm King,
22nd Floor Purtich & Holmes) since 1992. Mr Holmes practices corporate
Los Angeles, CA 90067 finance and real estate law. Mr. Holmes' firm has performed
legal services for the Adviser and its affiliates.
Martin Luther King III 39 Trustee Since 1980, Mr. King has been engaged as an independent
P.O. Box 50608 motivational lecturer. From January 1987 until November 1993,
Atlanta, GA 30314 Mr. King was County Commissioner for Fulton County in Atlanta,
Georgia.
Daniel D. Villanueva 59 Trustee Mr. Villanueva is the Chairman and Managing Director of Bastion
1999 Avenue of the Stars, Capital Corporation.
Los Angeles, CA 90067
James Michael Lippman 39 Trustee Since 1990, Mr. Lippman has been the President of JRK Asset
11766 Wilshire Boulevard Management, Inc., a real estate firm that is primarily engaged
Los Angeles, CA 90025 in owning and operating multi-family and hotel properties. From
1990 to 1993, Mr. Lippman was Managing Director of The
Signature Group, a real estate investment fund.
- -------------------
<FN>
* "Interested" Trustee, as defined in the 1940 Act, due to the relationship
indicated with the Adviser.
</FN>
</TABLE>
The Trust does not pay salaries to any of its officers or fees to any
of its Trustees affiliated with the Adviser.
B-19
<PAGE>
For information as to ownership of shares by officers and Trustees of
the Trust, see below under "General Information About the Trust."
Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage
The Investment Advisory Agreement states that in connection with its
duties to arrange for the purchase and sale of securities held in the portfolio
of each Fund by placing purchase and sale orders for that Fund, the Adviser
shall select such broker-dealers ("brokers") as shall, in the Adviser's
judgment, implement the policy of the Trust to achieve "best execution", i.e.,
prompt and efficient execution at the most favorable securities price. In making
such selection, the Adviser is authorized in the Agreement to consider the
reliability, integrity and financial condition of the broker. (It is the
Adviser's current practice generally to pay brokerage commissions at rates
determined by the Adviser, based on the Adviser's assessment of the difficulty
of execution.) The Adviser is also authorized by the Agreement to consider
whether the broker provides brokerage and/or research services to the Funds
and/or other accounts of the Adviser. The Agreement states that the commissions
paid to brokers may be higher than another broker would have charged if a good
faith determination is made by the Adviser that the commission is reasonable in
relation to the services provided, viewed in terms of either that particular
transaction or the Adviser's overall responsibilities as to the accounts as to
which it exercises investment discretion and that the Adviser shall use its
judgment in determining that the amount of commissions paid are reasonable in
relation to the value of brokerage and research services provided and need not
place or attempt to place a specific dollar value on such services or on the
portion of commission rates reflecting such services. The Agreement provides
that to demonstrate that such determinations were in good faith, and to show the
overall reasonableness of commissions paid, the Adviser shall be prepared to
show that commissions paid (i) were for purposes contemplated by the Agreement;
(ii) were for products or services which provide lawful and appropriate
assistance to the Adviser's decision-making process; and (iii) were within a
reasonable range as compared to the rates charged by brokers to other
institutional investors as such rates may become known from available
information. The Adviser is also authorized to consider sales of shares of each
Fund and/or of any other investment companies for which the Adviser acts as
Adviser as a factor in the selection of brokers to execute brokerage and
principal transactions, subject to the requirements of "best execution," as
defined above.
The research services discussed above may be in written form or through
direct contact with individuals and may include information as to particular
companies and securities as well as market, economic, or institutional areas and
information assisting the Trust in the valuation of the Funds' investments. The
research which the Adviser receives for the Funds' brokerage commissions,
whether or not useful to a Fund, may be useful to the Adviser in managing the
accounts of the Adviser's other advisory clients. Similarly, the research
received for the commissions of such accounts may be useful to any Fund.
In the over-the-counter market, securities are generally traded on a
"net" basis with dealers acting as principal for their own accounts without a
stated commission although the price of the security usually includes a profit
to the dealer. Money market instruments usually trade on a "net" basis as well.
On occasion, certain money market instruments may be purchased by the Funds
directly from an issuer in which case no commissions or discounts are paid. In
underwritten offerings, securities are purchased at a fixed price which includes
an amount of compensation to the underwriter, generally referred to as the
underwriter's concession or discount.
Administrator
The Funds have an Administration Agreement with FPS Services, Inc. (the
"Administrator"), with offices at 3200 Horizon Drive, P.O. Box 61503, King of
Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406-0903. The Administration Agreement provides that the
Administrator will prepare and coordinate reports and other materials supplied
to the Trustees; prepare and/or supervise the preparation and filing of all
securities filings, periodic financial reports, prospectuses, statements of
additional information, marketing materials, tax returns, shareholder reports
and other regulatory reports or filings required of the Funds; prepare all
required filings necessary to maintain the Funds' qualifications and/or
registrations to sell shares in all states where each Fund
B-20
<PAGE>
currently does, or intends to do, business; coordinate the preparation, printing
and mailing of all materials (e.g., Annual Reports) required to be sent to
shareholders; coordinate the preparation and payment of Fund-related expenses;
monitor and oversee the activities of the Funds' servicing agents (i.e.,
transfer agent, custodian, fund accountants, etc.); review and adjust as
necessary each Fund's daily expense accruals; and perform such additional
services as may be agreed upon by the Funds and the Administrator. For its
services, the Administrator receives an annual fee of .0015% of the first $50
million of the Trust's average daily net assets, .0010 % of the next $50 million
and .0005% over $100 million, subject to a minimum annual fee of $50,000.
Distributor
FPS Broker Services, Inc. (the "Distributor"), a broker-dealer
affiliated with the Administrator, acts as each Fund's principal underwriter in
a continuous public offering of the Fund's shares. After its initial term of two
years, the Underwriting Agreement between the Funds and the Adviser continues in
effect for periods not exceeding one year if approved at least annually by (i)
the Board of Trustees or the vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of
each Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act) and (ii) a majority of the Trustees who
are not parties to such agreement or interested persons of any such party, in
each case cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such
approval. The Distribution Agreement may be terminated without penalty by the
parties thereto upon 60-days' written notice, and is automatically terminated in
the event of its assignment as defined in the 1940 Act.
Share Marketing Plan
The Trust has adopted has adopted a Share Marketing Plan (or Rule 12b-1
Plan) (the "12-b-1 Plan") with respect to the Funds Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under
the 1940 Act. The Adviser serves as the distribution coordinator under the 12b-1
Plan and, as such, receives for disbursement any fees paid by the Funds pursuant
to the 12b-1 Plan.
On April 1, 1997, the Board of Trustees of the Trust, including a
majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust and who
have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the 12b-1 Plan
or in any agreement related to the 12b-1 Plan (the "Independent Trustees")
adopted the 12b-1 Plan.
Under the 12b-1 Plan, each Funds pays distribution fees to the Adviser
at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the Fund's aggregate average daily net
assets to reimburse the Adviser for its expenses in connection with the
promotion and distribution of the shares. The Funds and the Adviser presently
are waiving all Rule 12b-1 fees. The Funds would notify shareholders in writing
at least 30 days before rescinding that waiver.
The 12b-1 Plan provides that the Adviser may use the Rule 12b-1
distribution fees received from a Fund only to pay for the distribution expenses
of that Fund. Distribution fees are accrued daily and paid monthly, and are
charged as expenses of the shares as accrued.
A Fund's shares are not obligated under the 12b-1 Plan to pay any
distribution expense in excess of the distribution fee. Thus, if the 12b-1 Plan
were terminated or otherwise not continued, no amounts (other than current
amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed to the Adviser.
The 12b-1 Plan provides that it shall continue in effect from year to
year provided that a majority of the Board of Trustees of the Trust, including a
majority of the Independent Trustees, vote annually to continue the 12b-1 Plan.
The 12b-1 Plan (and any distribution agreement between the Trust, the
Distributor or the Adviser and a selling agent) may be terminated without
penalty upon at least 60-days' notice by the Distributor or the Adviser, or by
the Trust by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees, or by vote of a
majority of the outstanding shares (as defined in the 1940 Act).
All distribution fees paid by the Funds under the 12b-1 Plan will be
paid in accordance with Conduct Rule 2830 of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc., as such Rule may change from time to time. Pursuant to
the 12b-1 Plan, the Board of Trustees will review at least quarterly a written
report of the
B-21
<PAGE>
distribution expenses incurred by the Adviser on behalf of each Fund. In
addition, as long as the 12b-1 Plan remains in effect, the selection and
nomination of Trustees who are not interested persons (as defined in the
Investment Company Act) of the Trust shall be made by the Trustees then in
office who are not interested persons of the Trust.
Net Asset Value
As indicated in the Prospectus, the net asset value per share of each
Fund's shares will be determined at the close of the New York Stock Exchange
(the "NYSE") (currently 4:00 p.m. New York time) on each day that the NYSE is
open for trading. The NYSE annually announces the days on which it will not be
open for trading; the most recent announcement indicates that it will not be
open on the following days: New Year's Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday,
Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
However, the NYSE may close on days not included in that announcement. Also, no
Fund is required to compute its net asset value on any day on which no order to
purchase or redeem its shares is received.
Fixed-income securities which are traded on a national securities
exchange will be valued at the last sale price or, if there was no sale on such
day, at the average of readily available closing bid and asked prices on such
exchange. However, securities with a demand feature exercisable within one to
seven days are valued at par. Prices for fixed-income securities may be based on
quotations received from one or more market-makers in the securities, or on
evaluations from pricing services. Debt securities which mature in less than 60
days are valued at amortized cost (unless the Board of Trustees determines that
this method does not represent fair value), if their original maturity was 60
days or less or by amortizing the value as of the 61st day prior to maturity, if
their original term to maturity exceeded 60 days.
In determining the net asset value of each Fund's shares, equity
securities that are listed on a securities exchange (whether domestic or
foreign) or quoted by the Nasdaq Stock Market are valued at the last sale price
on that day as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE (which is currently
4:00 p.m., New York time), or, in the absence of recorded sales, at the average
of readily closing bid and asked prices on the NYSE or Nasdaq. Unlisted equity
securities that are not included on Nasdaq are valued at the average of the
quoted bid and asked prices in the over-the-counter market.
Options, futures contracts and options thereon which are traded on
exchanges are valued at their last sale or settlement price as of the close of
the exchanges or, if no sales are reported, at the average of the quoted bid and
asked prices as of the close of the exchange.
Trading in securities listed on foreign securities exchanges or
over-the-counter markets is normally completed before the close of regular
trading on the NYSE. In addition, foreign securities trading may not take place
on all business days in New York and may occur on days on which the NYSE is not
open. In addition, foreign currency exchange rates are generally determined
prior to the close of trading on the NYSE. Events affecting the value of foreign
securities and currencies will not be reflected in the determination of net
asset value unless the Board of Trustees determines that the particular event
would materially affect net asset value, in which case an adjustment will be
made. Investments quoted in foreign currency are valued daily in U.S. dollars on
the basis of the foreign currency exchange rate prevailing at the time of
valuation. Foreign currency exchange transactions conducted on a spot basis are
valued at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign exchange market.
Securities and other assets for which market quotations are not readily
available are valued at their fair value as determined by the Adviser under
guidelines established by and under the general supervision and responsibility
of the Board of Trustees.
Dividends and Tax Status
B-22
<PAGE>
Each Fund intends to elect and qualify to be treated as a regulated
investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. Qualification as a regulated
investment company requires, among other things, that (a) at least 90% of a
Fund's annual gross income, without offset for losses from the sale or other
disposition of securities, be derived from interest, dividends, payments with
respect to securities loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of
securities, foreign currencies or options (including forward contracts) thereon;
(b) a Fund derive less than 30% of its annual gross income from gains (without
offset for losses) from the sale or other disposition of securities or options
thereon held for less than three months; and (c) a Fund diversify its holdings
so that, at the end of each quarter of the taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the
market value of the Fund's assets is represented by cash, U.S. Government
securities, securities of other regulated investment companies and other
securities limited in respect of any one issuer to an amount not greater than 5%
of the Fund's assets and 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such
issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of its assets is invested in the
securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. Government securities). In
addition, in order to qualify as a regulated investment company a Fund must
distribute to its shareholders at least 90% of its net investment income, other
than net capital gains, earned in each year. As such, and by complying with the
applicable provisions of the Code, a Fund will not be subject to federal income
tax on taxable income (including realized capital gains) that it distributes to
shareholders in accordance with the timing requirements of the Code.
A Fund must pay an excise tax to the extent it does not distribute to
its shareholders during each calendar year at least 98% of its ordinary income
for that calendar year, 98% of its capital gains over capital losses for the
one-year period ending October 31 in such calendar year, and all undistributed
ordinary income and capital gains for the preceding respective one-year period.
The Funds intend to meet these distribution requirements to avoid excise tax
liability. The Funds also intend to continue distributing to shareholders all of
the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss on
sales of securities. If the net asset value of shares of a Fund should, by
reason of a distribution of realized capital gains, be reduced below a
shareholder's cost, such distribution would to that extent be a return of
capital to that shareholder even though taxable to the shareholder, and a sale
of shares by a shareholder at net asset value at that time would establish a
capital loss for federal income tax purposes.
In determining the extent to which a Fund's dividends may be eligible
for the 70% dividends received deduction by corporate shareholders, interest
income, capital gain net income, gain or loss from Section 1256 contracts
(described below), dividend income from foreign corporations and income from
other sources will not constitute qualified dividends. Corporate shareholders
should consult their tax advisers regarding other requirements applicable to the
dividends received deduction.
The use of hedging strategies, such as entering into futures contracts
and forward contracts and purchasing options, involves complex rules that will
determine the character and timing of recognition of the income received in
connection therewith by the Funds. Income from foreign currencies (except
certain gains therefrom that may be excluded by future regulations) and income
from transactions in options, futures contracts and forward contracts derived by
a Fund with respect to its business of investing in securities or foreign
currencies will qualify as permissible income under Subchapter M of the Code.
For accounting purposes, when a Fund purchases an option, the premium
paid by the Fund is recorded as an asset and is subsequently adjusted to the
current market value of the option. Any gain or loss realized by a Fund upon the
expiration or sale of such options held by the Fund generally will be capital
gain or loss.
Any security, option, or other position entered into or held by a Fund
that substantially diminishes the Fund's risk of loss from any other position
held by the Fund may constitute a "straddle" for federal income tax purposes. In
general, straddles are subject to certain rules that may affect the amount,
character and timing of a Fund's gains and losses with respect to straddle
positions by requiring, among other things, that the loss realized on
disposition of one position of a straddle be deferred until gain is realized on
disposition of the offsetting position; that the Fund's holding period in
certain straddle positions not begin until the straddle is terminated
B-23
<PAGE>
(possibly resulting in the gain being treated as short-term capital gain rather
than long-term capital gain); and that losses recognized with respect to certain
straddle positions, which would otherwise constitute short-term capital losses,
be treated as long-term capital losses. Different elections are available to a
Fund that may mitigate the effects of the straddle rules.
Certain options, futures contracts and forward contracts that are
subject to Section 1256 of the Code ("Section 1256 Contracts") and that are held
by a Fund at the end of its taxable year generally will be required to be
"marked to market" for federal income tax purposes, that is, deemed to have been
sold at market value. Sixty percent of any net gain or loss recognized on these
deemed sales and 60% of any net gain or loss realized from any actual sales of
Section 1256 Contracts will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss, and
the balance will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss.
A Fund may be subject to foreign withholding taxes on dividends and
interest earned with respect to securities of foreign corporations. A Fund may
invest in the stock of foreign investment companies that may be treated as
"passive foreign investment companies" ("PFICs") under the Code. Certain other
foreign corporations, not operated as investment companies, may nevertheless
satisfy the PFIC definition. A portion of the income and gains that a Fund
derives from PFIC stock may be subject to a non-deductible federal income tax at
the Fund level. In some cases, a Fund may be able to avoid this tax by electing
to be taxed currently on its share of the PFIC's income, whether or not such
income is actually distributed by the PFIC. Each Fund will endeavor to limit its
exposure to the PFIC tax by investing in PFICs only where the election to be
taxed currently will be made. Because it is not always possible to identify a
foreign issuer as a PFIC in advance of making the investment, a Fund may incur
the PFIC tax in some instances.
Under Section 988 of the Code, gains or losses attributable to
fluctuations in exchange rates which occur between the time a Fund accrues
interest or other receivables or accrues expenses or other liabilities
denominated in a foreign currency and the time the Fund actually collects such
receivables or pays such liabilities are treated as ordinary income or loss.
Similarly, gains or losses on forward foreign currency exchange contracts (other
than forward foreign currency exchange contracts that are governed by Section
1256 of the Code and for which no election is made) or dispositions of debt
securities denominated in a foreign currency attributable to fluctuations in the
value of the foreign currency between the date of acquisition of the security
and the date of disposition are also treated as ordinary gain or loss. These
gains and losses, referred to as "Section 988" gains or losses, increase or
decrease the amount of a Fund's investment company taxable income available to
be distributed to its shareholders as ordinary income, rather than increasing or
decreasing the Fund's net capital gain. If a Fund's Section 988 losses exceed
other investment company taxable income during a taxable year, the Fund would
not be able to make any ordinary dividend distributions, or distributions made
before the losses were realized would be recharacterized as a return of capital
to shareholders, rather than as an ordinary dividend, reducing the basis of each
shareholder's shares.
Any loss realized on a sale, redemption or exchange of shares of a Fund
by a shareholder will be disallowed to the extent the shares are replaced within
a 61-day period (beginning 30 days before the disposition of shares). Shares
received in connection with the payment of a dividend by a Fund constitute a
replacement of shares.
The above discussion and the related discussion in the prospectus are
not intended to be complete discussions of all applicable federal tax
consequences of an investment in a Fund. Heller Ehrman White & McAuliffe has
expressed no opinion in respect thereof. Nonresident aliens and other foreign
persons are subject to different tax rules, and may be subject to United States
federal income tax withholding of up to 30% on certain payments received from a
Fund. Shareholders are advised to consult with their own tax advisers concerning
the application of federal, state, local, and foreign taxes to an investment in
a Fund.
B-24
<PAGE>
Performance Information
Total Return. Average annual total return quotations used in the Funds'
advertising and promotional materials are calculated according to the following
formula:
P(1 + T)n = ERV
where P equals a hypothetical initial payment of $1000; T equals average annual
total return; n equals the number of years; and ERV equals the ending redeemable
value at the end of the period of a hypothetical $1000 payment made at the
beginning of the period.
Under the foregoing formula, the time periods used in advertising will
be based on rolling calendar quarters, updated to the last day of the most
recent quarter prior to submission of the advertising for publication. Average
annual total return, or "T" in the above formula, is computed by finding the
average annual compounded rates of return over the period that would equate the
initial amount invested to the ending redeemable value. Average annual total
return assumes the reinvestment of all dividends and distributions.
Yield. Annualized yield quotations used in a Fund's advertising and
promotional materials are calculated by dividing the Fund's income for a
specified 30-day period, net of expenses, by the average number of shares
outstanding during the period, and expressing the result as an annualized
percentage (assuming semi-annual compounding) of the net asset value per share
at the end of the period. Yield quotations are calculated according to the
following formula:
YIELD = 2 [ (a-b + 1)6 - 1]
cd
where a equals dividends and interest earned during the period; b equals
expenses accrued for the period, net of reimbursements; c equals the average
daily number of shares outstanding during the period that are entitled to
receive dividends; and d equals the maximum offering price per share on the last
day of the period.
Except as noted below, in determining net investment income earned
during the period ("a" in the above formula), a Fund calculates interest earned
on each debt obligation held by it during the period by (1) computing the
obligation's yield to maturity, based on the market value of the obligation
(including actual accrued interest) on the last business day of the period or,
if the obligation was purchased during the period, the purchase price plus
accrued interest; (2) dividing the yield to maturity by 360; and (3) multiplying
the resulting quotient by the market value of the obligation (including actual
accrued interest). Once interest earned is calculated in this fashion for each
debt obligation held by the Fund, net investment income is then determined by
totaling all such interest earned.
For purposes of these calculations, the maturity of an obligation with
one or more call provisions is assumed to be the next date on which the
obligation reasonably can be expected to be called or, if none, the maturity
date.
Other information. Each Fund's performance data quoted in advertising
and other promotional materials represents past performance and is not intended
to predict or indicate future results. The return and principal value of an
investment in a Fund will fluctuate, and an investor's redemption proceeds may
be more or less than the original investment amount. In advertising and
promotional materials a Fund may compare its performance with data published by
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. ("Lipper") or CDA Investment Technologies, Inc.
("CDA"). The Fund also may refer in such materials to mutual fund performance
rankings and other data, such as comparative asset, expense and fee levels,
published by Lipper or CDA. Advertising and promotional materials also may refer
to discussions of the Fund and comparative mutual fund data and
B-25
<PAGE>
ratings reported in independent periodicals including, but not limited to, The
Wall Street Journal, Money Magazine, Forbes, Business Week, Financial World and
Barron's.
General Information About the Trust
The Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited
number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest and to divide or
combine the shares into a greater or lesser number of shares without thereby
changing the proportionate beneficial interest in each Fund. Each share
represents an interest in a Fund proportionately equal to the interest of each
other share. Upon the Trust's liquidation, all shareholders would share pro rata
in the net assets of the Fund in question available for distribution to
shareholders. If they deem it advisable and in the best interest of
shareholders, the Board of Trustees may create additional classes of shares
which differ from each other only as to dividends. Each of such classes has or
will have a designation including the word "Series." Income and operating
expenses not specifically attributable to a particular Fund are allocated fairly
among the Funds by the Trustees, generally on the basis of the relative net
assets of each Fund.
The Declaration of Trust provides that the Trustees will not be liable
for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law, but nothing in the
Declaration of Trust protects a Trustee against any liability to which he would
otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his
office. The Declaration of Trust also provides that the Trust shall, upon
request, assume the defense of any claim made against any shareholder for any
act or obligation of the Trust and satisfy any judgment thereon.
The Trust's custodian is responsible for holding the Funds' assets and
acts as the Trust's accounting services agent. Subcustodians provide custodial
services for assets of the Trust held outside the U.S. The Trust's independent
accountants examine the Trust's financial statements and assist in the
preparation of certain reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Additional Information
Legal Opinion
The validity of the shares offered by the Prospectus will be passed
upon by Heller, Ehrman, White & McAuliffe, 333 Bush Street, San Francisco,
California 94104.
Auditors
The annual financial statements of the Funds will be audited by
Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent public accountant for the Funds.
License to Use Name
Metropolitan West Securities, Inc. has granted the Trust and each Fund
the right to use the designation "Metropolitan West" in its name, and has
reserved the right to withdraw its consent to the use of such designation under
certain conditions, including the termination of the Adviser as the Funds'
investment adviser. Metropolitan West also has reserved the right to license
others to use this designation, including any other investment company.
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Other Information
The Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information, together,
do not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement of
Metropolitan West Funds filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Certain information is omitted in accordance with rules and regulations of the
Commission. The Registration Statement may be inspected at the Public Reference
Room of the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Judiciary Plaza,
Washington, D.C. 20549, and copies thereof may be obtained from the Commission
at prescribed rates.
Financial Statements
Statements of Assets and Liabilities for the Metropolitan West Total
Return Bond Fund and the Metropolitan West Low Duration Bond Fund, as of March
31, 1997 and accompanying notes, together with the Independent Auditor's Report
dated March 31, 1997, are attached to this Statement of Additional Information.
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