1933 Act No. 333-37453
1940 Act No. 811-08413
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [ ]
Pre-Effective Amendment No. [ ]
Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 [X]
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [ ]
Amendment No. 23 [X]
EVERGREEN EQUITY TRUST
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
200 Berkeley Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116-5034
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(617) 210-3200
(Registrant's Telephone Number)
The Corporation Trust Company
1209 Orange Street
Wilmington, Delaware 19801
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
It is proposed that this filing will become effective:
[ ] immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)
[X] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
[ ] 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485
If appropriate, check the following box:
[ ] this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
previously filed post-effective amendment
[ ] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(i)
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(i)
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN EQUITY TRUST
CONTENTS OF
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 22
to
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
This Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to Registrant's Registration Statement
No. 333-37453/811-08413 consists of the following pages, items of information
and documents:
The Facing Sheet
The Contents Page
PART A
------
Prospectus for Evergreen Capital Balanced Fund (formerly
Mentor Balanced Portfolio) is contained herein.
Prospectus for Evergreen Capital Growth Fund (formerly
Mentor Capital Growth Portfolio) and Evergreen Growth Fund (formerly
Mentor Growth Portfolio) is contained herein.
Prospectus for Evergreen Capital Income
and Growth Fund (formerly Mentor Income and Growth Portfolio)
is contained herein.
Prospectus for Evergreen Equity Income Fund, Evergreen Growth
and Income Fund, Evergreen Income and Growth Fund, Evergreen Small Cap
Value Fund, Evergreen Value Fund, Evergreen Utility Fund and
Evergreen Blue Chip Fund contained in Post-Effective
Amendment No. 21 to Registration Statement No. 333-37453/811-08413
filed on November 29, 1999 are incorporated by reference herein.
Prospectus for Evergreen Balanced Fund, Evergreen Foundation Fund and
Evergreen Tax Strategic Foundation Fund is contained in Post-Effective
Amendment No. 16 to Registration Statement No. 333-37453/811-08413 filed on
July 29, 1999 and is incorporated by reference herein.
Prospectus for Evergreen America's Utility Fund (formerly
America's Utility Fund, Inc.) contained in Post-Effective
Amendment No. 10 to Registration Statement of America's
Utility Fund, Inc. Registration Nos. 33-45437/811-6549 filed on
May 3, 1999 is incorporated by reference herein.
Prospectus for Evergreen Balanced Fund, Evergreen Foundation Fund and
Evergreen Tax Strategic Foundation Fund is contained in Post-Effective
Amendment No. 16 to Registration Statement No. 333-37453/811-08413 filed on
July 29, 1999 and is incorporated by reference herein.
Prospectuses for Evergreen Fund, Evergreen Aggressive Growth Fund,
Evergreen Omega Fund, Evergreen Small Company Growth Fund,
Evergreen Strategic Growth Fund, Evergreen Stock Selector Fund
and Evergreen Tax Strategic Equity Fund contained in Post-Effective
Amendment No. 12 to Registration Statement No. 333-37453/811-08413
filed on February 1, 1999 are incorporated by reference herein.
Prospectuses for Evergreen Masters Fund contained in Post-Effective
Amendment No. 11 to Registration Statement No.333-37453/811-08413
filed on December 29, 1998 are incorporated by
reference herein.
PART B
------
Statement of Additional Information for Evergreen Capital Balanced Fund
(formerly Mentor Balanced Portfolio) is contained herein.
Statement of Additional Information for Evergreen Capital Growth
Fund (formerly Mentor Capital Growth Portfolio) and Evergreen Growth Fund
(formerly Mentor Growth Portfolio) is contained herein.
Statement of Additional Information for Evergreen Capital Income
and Growth Fund (formerly Mentor Income and Growth Portfolio)
is contained herein.
Statement of Additional Information for Evergreen Equity Income Fund,
Evergreen Growth and Income Fund, Evergreen Income and Growth Fund,
Evergreen Small Cap Value Fund, Evergreen Value Fund,
Evergreen Utility Fund and Evergreen Blue Chip Fund contained in
Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 to Registration Statement
No. 333-37453/811-08413 filed on November 29, 1999
is incorporated by reference herein.
Statement of Additional Information for Evergreen Balanced Fund, Evergreen
Foundation Fund and Evergreen Tax Strategic Foundation Fund is contained in
Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to Registration Statement No.
333-37453/811-08413 filed on July 29, 1999 and is incorporated by reference
herein.
Statement of Additional Information for Evergreen
America's Utility Fund (formerly America's Utility Fund, Inc.)
contained in Post-Effective Amendment No. 10 to Registration Statement
of America's Utility Fund, Inc. Registration Nos. 33-45437/811-6549 filed on
May 3, 1999 is incorporated by reference herein.
Statement of Additional Information for Evergreen Fund,
Evergreen Aggressive Growth Fund, Evergreen Omega Fund, Evergreen Small
Company Growth Fund, Evergreen Strategic Growth Fund, Evergreen Stock Selector
Fund, Evergreen Tax Strategic Equity Fund and Evergreen Masters Fund
contained in Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 to Registration Statement
No. 333-37453/811-08413 filed on February 1, 1999 is incorporated
by reference herein.
PART C
------
Exhibits
Indemnification
Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser
Principal Underwriter
Location of Accounts and Records
Undertakings
Signatures
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN EQUITY TRUST
PART A
PROSPECTUS
<PAGE>
Evergreen Capital Income and Growth Fund
(formerly Mentor Income and Growth Portfolio)
A series of Evergreen Equity Trust
Evergreen Municipal Income Fund
(formerly Mentor Municipal Income Portfolio)
A series of Evergreen Municipal Trust
Evergreen Short-Duration Income Fund
(formerly Mentor Short-Duration Income Portfolio)
A series of Evergreen Fixed Income Trust
Class A
Class C
Class Y
Prospectus, February 1, 2000
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not determined that the information
in this prospectus is accurate or complete, nor has it approved or disapproved
these securities. Anyone who tells you otherwise is committing a crime.
o:\mentor\pros'dying mentorfds.doc
<PAGE>
FUND RISK/RETURN SUMMARIES:
Overview of Fund Risks........................1
Evergreen Capital Income and Growth
Fund.........................2
Evergreen Municipal Income Fund.....4
Evergreen Short -Duration Income Fund.......6
GENERAL INFORMATION:
The Funds' Investment Advisors......8
The Funds' Portfolio Managers.....8
Calculating the Share Price....8
How to Choose an Evergreen Fund..9
How to
Choose the Share Class
That Best Suits You.....9
How to Buy Shares..........12
How to Redeem Shares........13
Other Services..............14
The Tax Consequences of Investing
in the Funds.................14
Fees and Expenses of
the Funds.....................15
Financial Highlights..........16
Other Fund Practices.........22
In general, Funds included in this prospectus invest in a diversified portfolio
of equity or fixed-income securities which the investment advisor believes will
produce both income and growth of capital consistent with capital protection
(Capital Income and Growth Fund), high current income exempt from federal income
tax (Municipal Income Fund), and current income and preservation of capital
(Short-Duration Income Fund).
Fund Summaries Key
Each Fund's summary is organized around the following basic topics and
questions:
Investment Goal
What is the Fund's financial objective? You can find clarification on how the
Fund seeks to achieve its objective by looking at the Fund's strategy and
investment policies. The Fund's Board of Trustees can change the investment
objective without a shareholder vote.
Investment Strategy
How does the Fund go about trying to meet its goals? What types of investments
does it contain? What style of investing and investment philosophy does it
follow? Does it have limits on the amount invested in any particular type of
security?
Risk Factors
What are the specific risks for an investor in the Fund?
Performance
How well has the Fund performed in the past year? The past five years? The past
ten years?
Expenses
How much does it cost to invest in the Fund? What is the difference between
sales charges and expenses?
<PAGE>
OVERVIEW OF FUND RISKS
Evergreen Capital Income and Growth Fund
Evergreen Municipal Income Fund
Evergreen Short-Duration Income Fund
Following this overview, you will find information on each Fund's specific
investment strategies and risks.
Risk Factors For All Mutual Funds
Please remember that mutual fund shares are:
o not guaranteed to achieve their investment goal
o not a deposit with a bank
o not insured, endorsed or guaranteed by the FDIC or any government agency o
subject to investment risks, including possible loss of your original investment
Like most investments, your investment in an Evergreen Fund could fluctuate
significantly in value over time and could result in a loss of money.
Following are some of the most important factors that may affect the value of
your investment. Other factors may be described in the discussion following this
overview:
Stock Market Risk
Your investment will be affected by general economic
conditions such as prevailing economic growth, inflation and interest rates.
When economic growth slows, or interest or inflation rates increase, securities
tend to decline in value. Such events could also cause companies to decrease the
dividends they pay. If these events were to occur, the value of and dividend
yield and total return earned on your investment would likely decline. Even if
general economic conditions do not change, your investment may decline in value
if the particular industries, issuers or sectors your Fund invests in do not
perform well.
Interest Rate Risk
When interest rates go up, the value of debt
securities and certain dividend paying stocks tends to fall. If the Fund invests
a significant portion of its portfolio in either debt securities or stocks
purchased primarily for dividend income, if interest rates rise, then the value
of your investment may decline. When interest rates go down, interest earned by
the Fund on its debt securities may also decline, which could cause the Fund to
reduce the dividends it pays.
Credit Risk
The value of a debt security is
directly affected by the issuer's ability to repay principal and pay interest on
time. Since your Fund invests in debt securities, the value of your investment
may decline if an issuer fails to pay an obligation on a timely basis. Below
Investment Grade Bond Risk Below investment grade bonds are commonly referred to
as "junk bonds" because they are usually backed by issuers of less proven or
questionable financial strength. Such issuers are more vulnerable to financial
setbacks and less certain to pay interest and principal than issuers of bonds
offering lower yields and risk. Markets may react to unfavorable news about
issuers of below investment grade bonds, causing sudden and steep declines in
value.
Foreign Investment Risk
If your Fund invests in non-U.S. securities it
could be exposed to certain unique risks of foreign investing. For example,
political turmoil and economic instability in the countries in which the Fund
invests could adversely affect the value of your investment. In addition, if the
value of any foreign currency in which the Fund's investments are denominated
declines relative to the U.S. dollar, the value of your investment in the Fund
may decline as well. Certain foreign countries have less developed and less
regulated securities markets and accounting systems than the U.S. This may make
it harder to get accurate information about a security or company, and increase
the likelihood that an investment will not perform as well as expected.
Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk
Like other debt securities, changes in interest
rates generally affect the value of mortgage-backed securities. Additionally,
some mortgage-backed securities may be structured so that they may be
particularly sensitive to interest rates. Early repayment of mortgages
underlying these securities may expose the Fund to a lower rate of return when
it reinvests the principal.
Market Capitalization Risk
Stocks fall into three
broad market capitalization categories - large, medium and small. Investing
primarily in one category carries the risk that due to current market conditions
that category may be out of favor with investors. If valuations of large
capitalization companies appear to be greatly out of proportion to the
valuations of small or medium capitalization companies, investors may migrate to
the stocks of small and mid-sized companies causing a Fund that invests in these
companies to increase in value more rapidly than a Fund that invests in larger,
fully-valued companies. Investing in medium and small capitalization companies
may be subject to special risks associated with narrower product lines, more
limited financial resources, smaller management groups, and a more limited
trading market for their stocks as compared with larger companies. As a result,
stocks of small and medium capitalization companies may decline significantly in
market downturns.
Investment Style Risk
Securities with different
characteristics tend to shift in and out of favor depending upon market and
economic conditions as well as investor sentiment. A fund may outperform other
funds that employ a different style. A fund may also employ a combination of
styles that impact its risk characteristics. Examples of different styles
include growth and value investing. Growth stocks may be more volatile than
other stocks because they are more sensitive to investor perceptions of the
issuing company's growth potential. Growth oriented funds will typically
underperform when value investing is in favor. Value stocks are those which are
out of favor or undervalued in comparison to their peers due to adverse business
developments or other factors. Value oriented funds will typically underperform
when growth investing is in favor.
<PAGE>
CAPITAL INCOME AND GROWTH FUND
FUND FACTS:
Goals:
o Income
o Capital Growth
Principal Investments:
o Large-Cap Common Stocks
o Bonds
Classes of Shares Offered in this Prospectus:
o Class A
o Class C
o Class Y
Investment Advisor:
o Mentor Investment
Advisors, LLC
Portfolio Managers:
o John G. Davenport
o P. Michael Jones
NASDAQ Symbols:
o EIGRX (Class A)
o EIGTX (Class C)
Dividend Payment Schedule:
o Monthly
Investment Goal
The Fund seeks to provide a conservative combination of income and growth of
capital consistent with capital protection.
Investment Strategy
The Fund invests in a diversified portfolio of equity securities of companies
the investment advisor believes exhibit sound fundamental characteristics and in
investment grade fixed-income securities and U.S. government securities. The
investment advisor will manage the allocation of assets among asset classes
based upon its analysis of economic conditions, relative fundamental values and
the attractiveness of each asset class, and expected future returns of each
asset class. The Fund will normally have some portions of its assets invested in
each asset class at all times but may invest without limit in any asset class.
The Fund may invest in a wide variety of equity securities, such as common
stocks and preferred stocks, as well as debt securities convertible into equity
securities or that are accompanied by warrants or other equity securities. In
selecting equity investments, the investment advisor will attempt to identify
securities it believes are conservatively valued. Within the equity asset class,
the Fund seeks to achieve long-term appreciation of capital and a moderate
income level by selecting investments in out-of-favor companies with sound
fundamentals. These decisions are based primarily on the investment advisor's
fundamental research and security valuations.
Within the fixed-income asset class, the investment advisor seeks to invest in a
portfolio that provides as high a level of current income as is consistent with
prudent investment risk. The Fund may invest in debt securities of any maturity,
preferred stocks, and other fixed-income instruments, including, for example,
U.S. government securities, corporate debt securities (including zero-coupon
securities) and, with respect to up to 15% of its total assets, debt securities
issued by foreign governments and by companies located outside the United
States. The Fund will only invest in debt securities which are rated at the time
of purchase Baa or better by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or BBB
or better by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services ("S&P") or which, if unrated,
are deemed by the investment advisor to be of comparable quality. While
fixed-income securities rated Baa or BBB are considered to be of investment
grade, they have speculative characteristics as well.
The Fund may temporarily invest up to 100% of its assets in high quality money
market instruments in response to adverse economic, political or market
conditions. This strategy is inconsistent with the Fund's principal investment
strategy and investment goal, and if employed could result in a lower return and
loss of market opportunity.
Risk Factors
Your investment in the Fund is subject to the risks discussed in the "Overview
of Fund Risks" on page 1 under the headings:
o Stock Market Risk
o Interest Rate Risk
o Credit Risk
o Foreign Investment Risk
o Market Capitalization Risk
o Investment Style Risk
For further information regarding the Fund's investment
strategy and risk factors see "Other Fund Practices."
Performance
The following charts show how the Fund has performed in the past. Past
performance is not an indication of future results.
The chart below shows the percentage gain or loss for Class A shares of the Fund
in each calendar year since its inception on 5/24/1993. It should give you a
general idea of how the Fund's return has varied from year-to-year. This graph
includes the effects of Fund expenses but not sales charges. Returns would be
lower if sales charges were included.
Year-by-Year Total Return for Class A Shares (%)
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
- -6.42 23.71% 12.62% 25.27% -1.09% ____%
Best Quarter: 2nd Quarter 1997 +9.87%
Worst Quarter: 3rd Quarter 1999 -4.35%
This next table lists the Fund's average annual total return by class over the
past one and five years and since inception (through 12/31/1999), including
applicable sales charges. This table is intended to provide you with some
indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. At the bottom of the table you
can compare this performance with the Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index
(LBABI) and the S&P 500 Index. The LBABI is an unmanaged fixed-income index of
U.S. government, corporate and mortgage-backed securities. The S&P 500 is an
unmanaged index of 500 publicly traded U.S. stocks and is often used to indicate
the performance of the overall stock market. An index does not include
transaction costs associated with buying and selling securities nor any
management fees. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.
Average Annual Total Return
(for the period ended 12/31/1999)*
Inception Performance Since
Date of Class 1 year 5 year 10 year 5/24/1993
Class A 5/24/1993 ____% ____% N/A ____%
Class C 5/24/1993 ____% ____% N/A ____%
Class Y 11/19/1997 ____% ____% N/A ____%
LBABI ____% ____% N/A ____%
S&P 500 ____% ____% N/A ____%
*Historical performance shown for Class Y prior to its inception is based on the
performance of Class A, one of the original classes offered along with Class C.
This historical return for Class Y has not been adjusted to reflect the effect
of each Class' 12b-1 fees. These fees for Class A are 0.25% and for Class C are
1.00%. Class Y does not pay a 12b-1 fee. If these fees had been reflected,
returns for Class Y would have been higher.
EXPENSES
This section describes the fees and expenses you would pay if you bought and
held shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Shareholder Transaction Expenses Class A Class C Class Y
Maximum sales charge imposed on 4.75% None None
purchases (as a % of offering price)
Maximum deferred sales charge None(1) 1.00% None
(as a % of either the redemption
amount or initial investment whichever
is lower)
(1) Investments of $1 million or more are not subject to a front-end sales
charge, but may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% upon
redemption within one year after the month of purchase.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)+
Management 12b-1 Other Total Fund
Fees Fees Expenses Operating Expenses
Class A 0.75% 0.25% 0.36% 1.36%
Class C 0.75% 1.00% 0.36% 2.11%
Class Y 0.75% 0.00% 0.36% 1.11%
+Restated to reflect current fees for the fiscal year ended 9/30/1999.
The table below shows the total expenses you would pay on a $10,000 investment
over one-, three-, five- and ten-year periods. The example is intended to help
you compare the cost of investing in this Fund versus other mutual funds and is
for illustration only. The example assumes a 5% average annual return and that
you reinvest all of your dividends. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.
Example of Fund Expenses
Assuming Redemption at Assuming
End of Period No Redemption
Class A Class C Class Y Class C
After 1 year $607 $314 $113 $214
After 3 years $885 $661 $353 $661
After 5 years $1,184 $1,134 $612 $1,134
After 10 years $2,032 $2,441 $1,352 $2,441
<PAGE>
MUNICIPAL INCOME fund
FUND FACTS:
Goals:
o High Current Income
o Preservation of Capital
Principal Investment:
o Tax-Exempt Municipal Securities
Classes of Shares Offered in this Prospectus:
o Class A
o Class C
o Class Y
Investment Advisor:
o Mentor Investment
Advisors, LLC
Portfolio Managers:
o George J. Kimball
o James T. Colby III
NASDAQ Symbols:
o EMIXS (Class A)
o EMITX (Class C)
Dividend Payment Schedule:
o Monthly
Investment Goal
The Fund seeks to provide investors with a high level of current income exempt
from federal regular income tax, consistent with the preservation of capital.
Investment Strategy
The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in tax-exempt
municipal securities, rated investment grade (Baa or better by Moody's or BBB or
better by S&P), or deemed by the investment advisor to be of comparable quality.
These municipal securities include general obligation bonds and special revenue
bonds, variable rate securities and municipal notes.
The Fund may invest a substantial portion of its assets in municipal securities
that pay interest that is a tax preference item under the alternative minimum
tax ("AMT"). The Fund may not be a suitable investment for investors who are
already subject to the AMT or who would become subject to the AMT as a result of
an investment in the Fund.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in tax-exempt municipal securities
rated between BB and B- by S&P or between Ba and B3 by Moody's (or equivalently
rated short-term obligations) and unrated tax-exempt securities that the
investment advisor considers to be of comparable quality. The Fund will not
invest in securities rated below B- by S&P or below B3 by Moody's at the time of
purchase.
The investment advisor attempts to maintain an average duration of 5 to 10 years
and an average maturity of 15 to 25 years regarding the Fund's investment in
municipal securities.
The Fund generally will not invest more than 25% of its total assets in any one
industry. The Fund may invest more than 25% of its assets in a broader segment
of the municipal securities market, such as revenue obligations of hospitals and
other health care facilities, housing agency revenue obligations, or airport
revenue obligations, if the investment advisor believes it to be advisable. The
Fund reserves the right to invest more than 25% of its assets in industrial
development or private activity bonds or in issuers located in any individual
state, although the investment advisor has no present intention to invest more
than 25% of the Fund's assets in issuers located in the same state.
The Fund may temporarily invest up to 100% of its assets in high quality money
market instruments in response to adverse economic, political or market
conditions. This strategy is inconsistent with the Fund's principal investment
strategy and investment goal, and if employed could result in a lower return and
loss of market opportunity.
Risk Factors
Your investment in the Fund is subject to the risks discussed in the "Overview
of Fund Risks" on page 1 under the headings:
o Interest Rate Risk
o Credit Risk
o Below Investment Grade Bond Risk
In addition, the Fund is subject to the risks of concentration. A fund that
concentrates its investments in a single industry or state is more vulnerable to
any development in that industry or state that may weaken or jeopardize the
ability of the issuers to pay interest and prinicipal on their bonds. As a
result, the Fund's shares may fluctuate more widely in value than those of a
Fund investing in municipal bonds from a number of different industries or
states.
For further information regarding the Fund's investment strategy and risk
factors see "Other Fund Practices."
Performance
The following charts show how the Fund has performed in the past. Past
performance is not an indication of future results.
The chart below shows the percentage gain or loss for Class A shares of the Fund
in each calendar year since its inception on 4/29/1992. It should give you a
general idea of how the Fund's return has varied from year-to-year. This graph
includes the effects of Fund expenses but not sales charges. Returns would be
lower if sales charges were included.
Year-by-Year Total Return for Class A Shares (%)
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
15.62% -7.55% 16.84% 3.71% 9.55% 5.40% ____%
Best Quarter: 1st Quarter 1995 +6.26%
Worst Quarter: 1st Quarter 1994 -7.53%
This next table lists the Fund's average annual total return by class over the
past one and five years and since inception (through 12/31/1999), including
applicable sales charges. This table is intended to provide you with some
indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. At the bottom of the table you
can compare this performance with the Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index
(LBMBI), which is an unmanaged index which tracks the municipal bond market. An
index does not include transaction costs associated with buying and selling
securities nor any management fees. It is not possible to invest directly in an
index.
Average Annual Total Return
(for the period ended 12/31/1999)*
Inception Performance Since
Date of Class 1 year 5 year 10 year 4/29/1992
Class A 4/29/1992 ____% ____% N/A ____%
Class C 4/29/1992 ____% ____% N/A ____%
Class Y 11/19/1997 ____% ____% N/A ____%
LBMBI ____% ____% N/A ____%
*Historical performance shown for Class Y prior to its inception is based on the
performance of Class A, one of the original classes offered along with Class C.
These historical returns for Class Y have not been adjusted to reflect the
effect of each Class' 12b-1 fees. These fees for Class A are 0.25% and for Class
C are 1.00%. Class Y does not pay a 12b-1 fee. If these fees had been reflected,
returns for Class Y would have been higher.
EXPENSES
This section describes the fees and expenses you would pay if you bought and
held shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Shareholder Transaction Expenses Class A Class C Class Y
Maximum sales charge imposed on 4.75% None None
purchases (as a % of offering price)
Maximum deferred sales charge None(1) 1.00% None
(as a % of either the redemption
amount or initial investment whichever
is lower)
(1) Investments of $1 million or more are not subject to a front-end sales
charge, but may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% upon
redemption within one year after the month of purchase.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)+
Management 12b-1 Other Total Fund
Fees Fees Expenses Operating Expenses
Class A 0.60% 0.25% 0.31% 1.16%
Class C 0.60% 1.00% 0.31% 1.91%
Class Y 0.60% 0.00% 0.31% 0.91%
+Restated to reflect current fees for the fiscal year ended 9/30/1999.
The table below shows the total expenses you would pay on a $10,000 investment
over one-, three-, five- and ten-year periods. The example is intended to help
you compare the cost of investing in this Fund versus other mutual funds and is
for illustration only. The example assumes a 5% average annual return and that
you reinvest all of your dividends. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.
Example of Fund Expenses
Assuming Redemption at Assuming
End of Period No Redemption
Class A Class C Class Y Class C
After 1 year $588 $294 $93 $194
After 3 years $826 $600 $290 $600
After 5 years $1,083 $1,032 $504 $1,032
After 10 years $1,817 $2,233 $1,120 $2,233
<PAGE>
SHORT-DURATION INCOME FUND
FUND FACTS:
Goals:
o Current Income
o Preservation of Capital
Principal Investment:
o Investment Grade Debt Securities
Classes of Shares Offered in this
Prospectus:
o Class A
o Class C
o Class Y
Investment Advisor:
o Mentor Investment Advisors, LLC
Portfolio Managers:
o P. Michael Jones
o Timothy E. Anderson
o Jan J. Buskop
o Dennis L. Clary
o Todd C. Kuimjian
NASDAQ Symbols:
o ESDAX (Class A)
o ESDRX (Class C)
Dividend Payment Schedule:
o Monthly
Investment Goal
The Fund seeks current income. As a secondary objective, the Fund seeks
preservation of capital, to the extent consistent with its objective of current
income.
Investment Strategy
The Fund will invest at least 65% of its assets in debt securities with a
duration of three years or less. The Fund may invest in U.S. government
securities and debt obligations of private issuers and in preferred stocks and
dividend-paying common stocks, and may hold a portion of its assets in cash or
money market instruments.
The Fund may invest any portion of its assets in mortgage-backed certificates
and other securities representing ownership interests in mortgage pools,
including collateralized mortgage obligations and certain other stripped
mortgage-backed securities (including certain "residual" interests). The Fund
may also invest any portion of its assets in securities representing secured or
unsecured interests in other types of assets, such as automobile finance or
credit card receivables.
The investment advisor will estimate a security's duration using sophisticated
analytical techniques that take into account such factors as the expected
prepayment rate on the security and how the prepayment rate might change under
various market conditions, although there can be no assurance that any such
estimation will accurately predict actual prepayment rates or their effect on
the volatility or value of a security.
The Fund will invest primarily in debt securities and preferred stocks of
investment grade and, under normal market conditions, the Fund will seek to
maintain a portfolio of securities with a dollar-weighted average rating of Baa
or better by Moody's or BBB or better by S&P. A security will be considered to
be of "investment grade" if, at the time of investment, it is rated at least
Baa3 by Moody's or BBB- by S&P or the equivalent by another nationally
recognized rating organization or, if unrated, determined by the investment
advisor to be of comparable quality. Securities rated Baa or BBB lack
outstanding investment characteristics and have speculative characteristics and
are subject to greater credit and market risks than higher-rated securities.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in securities rated below investment
grade or, if unrated or rated under a different system, determined by the
investment advisor to be of comparable quality. The Fund will not invest more
than 10% of its assets in securities rated below Ca by Moody's or CC by S&P.
The Fund may temporarily invest up to 100% of its assets in high quality money
market instruments in response to adverse economic, political or market
conditions. This strategy is inconsistent with the Fund's principal investment
strategy and investment goal, and if employed could result in a lower return and
loss of market opportunity.
Risk Factors
Your investment in the Fund is subject to the risks discussed in the "Overview
of Fund Risks" on page 1 under the headings:
o Interest Rate Risk
o Credit Risk
o Below Investment Grade Bond Risk
o Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk For further
information regarding the Fund's investment strategy and risk factors see "Other
Fund Practices."
PERFORMANCE
The following charts show how the Fund has performed in the past. Past
performance is not an indication of future results.
The chart below shows the percentage gain or loss for
Class C shares of the Fund in each calendar year since its inception on
4/29/1994. It should give you a general idea of how the Fund's return has varied
from year-to-year. This graph includes the effects of Fund expenses but not
sales charges. Returns would be lower if sales charges were included.
Year-by-Year Total Return for Class C Shares (%)
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
12.54% 3.62% 5.65% 5.79% ____%
Best Quarter: 2nd Quarter 1995 +3.68%
Worst Quarter: 1st Quarter 1996 -0.73%
This next table lists the Fund's average annual total return by class over the
past one and five years and since inception (through 12/31/1999), including
applicable sales charges. This table is intended to provide you with some
indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. At the bottom of the table you
can compare this performance with the Merrill Lynch 1-3 year Treasury Index
(ML1-3YTI), which is a market capitalization weighted index including U.S.
Treasury notes and bonds with maturities greater than or equal to one year and
less than three years. An index does not include transaction costs associated
with buying and selling securities nor any management fees. It is not possible
to invest directly in an index.
Average Annual Total Return
(for the period ended 12/31/1999)*
Inception Performance Since
Date of Class 1 year 5 year 10 year 4/29/1994
Class A 6/16/1995 ____% ____% N/A ____%
Class C 4/29/1994 ____% ____% N/A ____%
Class Y 11/19/1997 ____% ____% N/A ____%
ML1-3YTI ____% ____% N/A ____%
*Historical performance shown for Classes A and Y prior to their inception is
based on the performance of Class C, the original class offered. These
historical returns for Classes A and Y have not been adjusted to reflect the
effect of each Class' 12b-1 fee. These fees for Class A are 0.25% and for Class
C are 1.00%. Class Y does not pay a 12b-1 fee. If these fees had been reflected,
returns for Classes A and Y would have been higher.
EXPENSES
This section describes the fees and expenses you would pay if you bought and
held shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Shareholder Transaction Expenses Class A Class C Class Y
Maximum sales charge imposed on 3.25% None None
purchases (as a % of offering price)
Maximum deferred sales charge None(1) 1.00% None
(as a % of either the redemption
amount or initial investment whichever
is lower)
(1) Investments of $1 million or more are not subject to a front-end sales
charge, but may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% upon
redemption within one year after the month of purchase.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)+
Management 12b-1 Other Total Fund
Fees Fees Expenses Operating Expenses++
Class A 0.50% 0.25% 0.26% 1.01%
Class C 0.50% 1.00% 0.26% 1.76%
Class Y 0.50% 0.00% 0.26% 0.76%
+Restated to reflect current fees for the fiscal year ended 9/30/1999
.
++From time to time, the Fund's investment advisor may, at its discretion,
reduce or waive its fees or reimburse a Fund for certain of its expenses in
order to reduce expense ratios. The Fund's investment advisor may cease these
waivers or reimbursements at any time. The Total Fund Operating Expenses do not
reflect fee waivers and expense reimbursements. Including current fee waivers
and expense reimbursements, and restating to reflect current fees, Total Fund
Operating Expenses would have been 0.93% for Class A, 1.68% for Class C, and
0.68% for Class Y.
The table below shows the total expenses you would pay on a $10,000 investment
over one-, three-, five- and ten-year periods. The example is intended to help
you compare the cost of investing in this Fund versus other mutual funds and is
for illustration only. The example assumes a 5% average annual return and that
you reinvest all of your dividends. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.
Example of Fund Expenses
Assuming Redemption at Assuming
End of Period No Redemption
Class A Class C Class Y Class C
After 1 year $425 $279 $78 $179
After 3 year s$636 $554 $243 $554
After 5 years $865 $954 $422 $954
After 10 years $1,521 $2,073 $942 $2,073
<PAGE>
THE FUNDS' INVESTMENT ADVISORS
The investment advisor manages a Fund's investments and supervises its daily
business affairs. All investment advisors for the Evergreen Funds are
subsidiaries of First Union Corporation, the sixth largest bank holding company
in the United States, with over $____ billion in consolidated assets as of
_/__/1999. First Union Corporation is located at 301 South College Street,
Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0013.
Mentor Investment Advisors, LLC (Mentor Advisors) is the investment advisor to
the Funds. Mentor Advisors serves as investment advisor to ___ funds and
currently has over $15 billion in assets under management. Mentor Advisors is
located at 901 East Byrd Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
For the fiscal year ended 9/30/1999, the aggregate advisory fee paid to Mentor
Advisors by each Fund was as follows:
% of the Fund's average
Fund daily net assets
Capital Income and
Growth Fund 0.75%
Municipal Income Fund 0.60%
Short-Duration Income Fund 0.47%
Year 2000 Compliance
The investment advisors and other service providers for the Evergreen Funds have
given representations of readiness and are continuing to take steps to address
any potential Year 2000-related computer problems. However, there is some risk
that these problems could disrupt the Funds' operations or financial markets
generally. In addition, issuers of securities, especially foreign issuers, in
which the Funds invest may be adversely affected by Year 2000 problems. Such
problems could negatively impact the value of the Funds' securities.
THE FUNDS' PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Capital Income and Growth Fund
John G. Davenport, CFA, and P. Michael Jones, CFA, have been the co-managers of
the Fund since July 1999. Mr. Davenport is Managing Director, portfolio manager
and Team Leader for the Large Cap Growth Team joining Mentor Advisors in 1992.
Mr. Jones joined Mentor Advisors in 1993 and is Managing Director, fixed-income
portfolio manager and Team Leader for the Fixed Income team.
Municipal Income Fund
George J. Kimball, CFA, and James T. Colby III have been the co-managers of the
Fund since June 1999. Mr. Kimball was an analyst at Evergreen Investment
Management Company (EIMC), a subsidiary of First Union Corporation, from July
1991 until December 1996, when he became a portfolio manager with EIMC. He has
been a Vice President at EIMC since December 1995. Mr. Colby is a Vice President
and portfolio manager at First Union National Bank and has been associated with
EIMC since 19___. Mr. Kimball and Mr. Colby have been affiliated with Mentor
Advisors as portfolio managers since June 1999.
Short-Duration Income Fund
P. Michael Jones, CFA, Timothy E. Anderson, CFA, Jan J. Buskop, CFA, Dennis L.
Clary, CFA, and Todd C. Kuimjian are the co-managers of the Fund. Mr. Jones
joined Mentor Advisors in 1993 and has been Managing Director, fixed-income
portfolio manager and Team Leader for the Fixed Income team since _____ 19__. He
has been a co-manager of the Fund since its inception in April 1994. Mr.
Anderson is Senior Vice President and portfolio manager on the Fixed Income Team
at Mentor Advisors since _______ 19___. He has been a co-manager of the Fund
since June 1998. Mr. Buskop has been a Senior Vice President and portfolio
manager at Mentor Advisors since ____ 19___, and a co-manager of the Fund since
March 1999. Mr. Clary is a Senior Vice President and portfolio manager at Mentor
Advisors since ________ 19__, and a co-manager of the Fund since May 1998. Mr.
Kuimjian is a portfolio manager at Mentor Advisors since _____ 19___ and a
co-manager of the Fund since January 1997.
Calculating The Share Price
The value of one share of a Fund, also known as the net asset value, or NAV, is
calculated on each day the New York Stock Exchange is open as of the time the
Exchange closes (normally 4 p.m. Eastern time). The Fund calculates its share
price for each share by adding up its total assets, subtracting all liabilities,
then dividing the result by the total number of shares outstanding. Each class
of shares is calculated separately. Each security held by a Fund is valued using
the most recent market data for that security. If no market data is available
for a given security, the Fund will price that security at fair value according
to policies established by the Fund's Board of Trustees. Short-term securities
with maturities of 60 days or less will be valued on the basis of amortized
cost.
The price per share you pay for a Fund purchase or the amount you receive for a
Fund redemption is based on the next price calculated after the order is
received and all required information is provided. The value of your account at
any given time is the latest share price multiplied by the number of shares you
own. Your account balance may change daily because the share price may change
daily.
Certain Funds may invest in foreign securities that are primarily listed on
foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the Fund does not
price its shares. As a result, the NAV of the Fund may change on days when
investors will not be able to purchase or redeem the Fund's shares.
How To Choose AN EVERGREEN Fund
When choosing an Evergreen Fund, you should:
o Most importantly, read the prospectus to see if the Fund is suitable for
you.
o Consider talking to an investment professional. He or she is qualified to
give you investment advice based on your investment goals and financial
situation and will be able to answer questions you may have after reading
the Fund's prospectus. He or she can also assist you through all phases of
opening your account.
o Request any additional information you want about the Fund, such as the
Statement of Additional Information, Annual Report or Semi-annual Report by
calling 1-800-343-2898. In addition, any of these documents, with the
exception of the Statement of Additional Information, may be downloaded
from our website at www.evergreen-funds.com.
How To Choose The Share
Class That Best Suits You
After choosing a Fund, you select a share class. Each Fund in this prospectus
offers three different share classes: Class A, Class C and Class Y. Each class
except Class Y has its own sales charge. Pay particularly close attention to the
fee structure of each class so you know how much you will be paying before you
invest.
Class A
If you select Class A shares, you may pay a front-end sales charge of up to
4.75% (except for Evergreen Short-Duration Income Fund which charges up to
3.25%) but you do not pay a deferred sales charge. In addition, Class A shares
are subject to a 12b-1 fee. The front-end sales charge is deducted from your
investment before it is invested. The actual charge depends on the amount
invested, as shown below:
As a % of As a % Dealer
Your NAV excluding of your commission
Investment sales charge investment as a % of NAV
Up to $49,999 4.75% 4.99% 4.25%
$50,000-$99,999 4.50% 4.71% 4.25%
$100,000-$249,999 3.75% 3.90% 3.25%
$250,000-$499,999 2.50% 2.56% 2.00%
$500,000-$999,999 2.00% 2.04% 1.75%
$1,000,000 and over 0% 0% 1.00 to .25%
Evergreen Short-Duration Income Fund only:
As a % of As a % Dealer
Your NAV excluding of your commission
Investment sales charge investment as a % of NAV
Up to $49,999 3.25% 3.36% 2.75%
$50,000-$99,999 3.00% 3.09% 2.75%
$100,000-$249,999 2.50% 2.56% 2.25%
$250,000-$499,999 2.00% 2.04% 1.75%
$500,000-$999,999 1.50% 1.52% 1.25%
$1,000,000 and over 0% 0% 1.00 to .25%
Although no front-end sales charge applies to purchases of $1,000,000 and over,
you will pay a 1% deferred sales charge if you redeem any such shares within 13
months of purchase.
Two ways you can reduce your Class A sales charges:
1.Rights of Accumulation allow you to combine your investment with all existing
investments in all your Evergreen Fund accounts when determining whether you
meet the threshold for a reduced Class A sales charge.
2.Letter of Intent. If you agree to purchase at least $50,000 over a 13-month
period, you pay the same sales charge as if you had invested the full amount
all at once. The Fund will hold a certain portion of your investment in escrow
until your commitment is met.
Contact your broker or the Evergreen Service Company at 1-800-343-2898 if you
think you may qualify for either of these services.
Each Fund may also sell Class A shares at net asset value without any initial or
contingent sales charge to the Directors, Trustees, officers and employees of
the Fund and the advisory affiliates of First Union Corporation, and to members
of their immediate families, to registered representatives of firms with dealer
agreements with Evergreen Distributor, Inc. (EDI), and to a bank or trust
company acting as trustee for a single account.
Class C
If you select Class C shares, you do not pay a front-end sales charge, so the
entire amount of your purchase is invested in the Fund. However, your shares are
subject to an expense known as the 12b-1 fee. In addition, you may pay a
deferred sales charge if you redeem your shares within the first year after the
month of purchase.
Time Held Deferred Sales Charge
Month of Purchase + Less than 1 year 1.00%
Month of Purchase + 1 year or more 0%
The deferred sales charge percentage is applied to the value of the shares when
purchased or when redeemed, whichever is less. No deferred sales charge is paid
on any gain in the value of your shares.
Waiver of Class C Deferred Sales Charges
You will not be assessed a deferred sales charge for Class C shares if you
redeem shares in the following situations: o When the shares were purchased
through reinvestment of dividends/capital gains o Death or disability o Lump-sum
distribution from a 401(k) plan or other benefit plan qualified under ERISA o
Automatic IRA withdrawals if your age is at least 59 1/2 o Automatic withdrawals
of up to 1.0% of the account balance per month o Loan proceeds and financial
hardship distributions from a retirement plan o Returns of excess contributions
or excess deferral amounts made to a retirement plan participant
If imposed, the Fund deducts the CDSC from the redemption proceeds you would
otherwise receive. The CDSC is a percentage of the lesser of (1) the net asset
value of the shares at the time of redemption or (2) the shareholder's original
net cost for such shares. Upon request for redemption, to keep the CDSC a
shareholder must pay as low as possible, the Fund will first seek to redeem
shares not subject to the CDSC. The CDSC on any redemption is, to the extent
permitted by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., paid to EDI
or its predecessor.
Class Y
Each Fund offers Class Y shares at net asset value without an initial sales
charge, deferred sales charge or 12b-1 fees. Class Y shares are only offered to
persons who owned shares in a Fund advised by Evergreen Asset Management Corp.
on or before December 31, 1994; certain institutional investors; and investment
advisory clients of an investment advisor of an Evergreen Fund (or the
investment advisor's affiliates).
<PAGE>
How To Buy Shares
Evergreen Funds' low investment minimums make investing easy. Once you decide on
an amount and a share class, simply fill out an application and send in your
payment, or talk to your investment professional. Minimum Investments
Initial Additional
Regular Accounts $1,000 None
IRAs $250 None
Systematic Investment Plan $50 $25
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Method Opening an Account Adding to an Account
<S> <C> <C>
By Mail or through o Complete and sign the account application. o Make your check payable to
an Investment o Make the check payable to Evergreen Funds. Evergreen Funds
Professional o Mail the application and your check to the address o Write a note specifying:
below: - The Fund name
Evergreen Service Company Overnight Address: - Share class
200 Berkeley St. Evergreen Service Company - Your account number
Boston, MA 02116-5039 P.O. Box 2121 - The name(s) in which the account is
Boston, MA 02106-2121 registered.
o Mail to the address to the left or
deliver to your investment
o Or deliver them to your investment representative representative
(provided he or she has a broker/dealer arrangement
with EDI.)
By Phone o Call 1-800-343-2898 to set up an account number o Call the Evergreen Express Line at
and get wiring instructions (call before 12 noon if 1-800-346-3858 24 hours a day or
you want wired funds to be credited that day). 1-800-343-2898 between 8 a.m. and 6
o Instruct your bank to wire or transfer your p.m. Eastern time, on any business
purchase (they may charge a wiring fee). day.
o Complete the account application and mail to: o If your bank account is set up on
Evergreen Service Company Overnight Address: file, you can request either:
200 Berkeley St. Evergreen Service Company - Federal Funds Wire (offers
Boston, MA 02116-5039 P.O. Box 2121 immediate access to funds) or
Boston, MA 02106-2121 - Electronic transfer through the
Automated Clearing House which avoids
wiring fees.
o Wires received after 4 p.m. Eastern time on market
trading days will receive the next market day's
closing price.*
By Exchange o You can make an additional investment by
exchange from an existing Evergreen Funds account by
contacting your investment representative or calling
the Evergreen Express Line at 1-800-346-3858.**
o You can only exchange shares within the same class.
o There is no sales charge or redemption fee when exchanging Funds within the Evergreen Funds
family.***
o Orders placed before 4 p.m. Eastern time on market
trading days will receive that day's closing share
price (if not, you will receive the next market
day's closing price).*
o Exchanges are limited to three per calendar quarter,
but in no event more than five per calendar year.
o Exchanges between accounts which do not have
identical ownership must be made in writing with a
signature guarantee (see below).
Systematic o You can transfer money automatically from your bank account o To establish automatic
Investment Plan into your Fund on a monthly basis. investing for an existing
(SIP) o Initial investment minimum is $50 if you invest at least $25 account, call
per month with this service. 1-800-343-2898 for an
o To enroll, check off the box on the account application and application.
provide: o The minimum is $25 per
- Your bank account information month or $75 per quarter.
- The amount and date of your monthly investment. o You can also establish
an investing program
through direct deposit
from your paycheck. Call
1-800-343-2898 for details.
</TABLE>
* The Fund's shares may be made available through financial service firms which
are also investment dealers and which have a service agreement with EDI. The
Fund has approved the acceptance of purchase and repurchase request orders
effective as of the time of their receipt by certain authorized financial
intermediaries.
** Once you have authorized either the telephone exchange or redemption service,
anyone with a Personal Identification Number (PIN) and the required account
information (including your broker) can request a telephone transaction in your
account. All calls are recorded or monitored for verification, recordkeeping and
quality-assurance purposes. The Evergreen Funds reserve the right to terminate
the exchange privilege of any shareholder who exceeds the listed maximum number
of exchanges, as well as to reject any large dollar exchange if placing it
would, in the judgment of the portfolio manager, adversely affect the price of
the Fund.
***This does not apply to exchanges from Class A of an Evergreen Money Market
Fund.
<PAGE>
How To Redeem Shares
We offer you several convenient ways to redeem your shares in any of the
Evergreen Funds:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Methods Requirements
<S> <C>
Call Us o Call the Evergreen Express Line at 1-800-346-3858 24 hours a day or 1-800-343-2898 between 8 a.m.
and 6 p.m. Eastern time, on any business day.
o This service must be authorized ahead of time, and is only
available for regular accounts.** o All authorized requests
made before 4 p.m. Eastern time on market trading days will be
processed at that day's closing price. Requests after 4 p.m. will be processed the following business day.*
o We can either:
- wire the proceeds into your bank account (service charges may apply)
- electronically transmit the proceeds to your bank
account via the Automated Clearing House service - mail
you a check.
o All telephone calls are recorded for your protection. We
are not responsible for acting on telephone orders we
believe are genuine.
o See exceptions list below for requests that must be made in writing.
Write Us o You can mail a redemption request to:
Evergreen Service Company Overnight Address:
P.O. Box 2121 Evergreen Service Company
Boston, MA 02106-2121 200 Berkeley St.
Boston, MA 02116-5039
o Your letter of instructions must:
- list the Fund name and the account number
- indicate the number of shares or dollar value you wish to redeem
- be signed by the registered owner(s)
o See exceptions list below for requests that must be signature guaranteed.
o To redeem from an IRA or other retirement account, call 1-800-343-2898 for a special application.
Redeem Your o You may also redeem your shares through participating broker-dealers by delivering a letter as
Shares in Person described above to your broker-dealer.
o A fee may be charged for this service.
Systematic o You can transfer money automatically from your Fund account on a monthly or quarterly basis
Withdrawal without redemption fees.
Plan (SWP) o The withdrawal can be mailed to you, or deposited directly to your bank account.
o The minimum is $75 per month.
o The maximum is 1% of your account per month or 3% per quarter.
o To enroll, call 1-800-343-2898 for an application.
</TABLE>
Timing of Proceeds
Normally, we will send your redemption proceeds on the next business day after
we receive your request; however, we reserve the right to wait up to seven
business days to redeem any investments made by check and five business days for
investments made by Automated Clearing House transfer. We also reserve the right
to redeem in kind by paying you the proceeds of a redemption in securities
rather than cash, and to redeem the remaining amount in the account if your
redemption brings the account balance below the initial minimum of $1,000.
Exceptions: Redemption Requests That Require A Signature Guarantee
To protect you and the Evergreen Funds against fraud, certain redemption
requests must be made in writing with your signature guaranteed. A signature
guarantee can be obtained at most banks and securities dealers. A notary public
is not authorized to provide a signature guarantee.
The following circumstances require signature guarantees:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
o You are redeeming more than $50,000.
o You want the proceeds transmitted to a bank account not listed on the account.
Who Can Provide A Signature
o You want the proceeds payable to anyone other than the registered Guarantee:
owner(s) of the account.
o Commercial Bank
o Either your address or the address of your bank account has been changed within o Trust Company
30 days. o Savings Association
o The account is registered in the name of a fiduciary corporation or any other o Credit Union
organization. o Member of a U.S. stock
In these cases, additional documentation is required: exchange
corporate accounts: certified copy of corporate resolution
fiduciary accounts: copy of the power of attorney or other governing document
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Other Services
Evergreen Express Line
Use our automated, 24-hour service to check the value of your investment in a
Fund; purchase, redeem or exchange Fund shares; find a Fund's price, yield or
total return; order a statement or duplicate tax form; or hear market commentary
from Evergreen portfolio managers.
Automatic Reinvestment of Dividends
For the convenience of investors, all dividends and capital gains distributions
are automatically reinvested, unless you request otherwise. Distributions can be
made by check or electronic transfer through the Automated Clearing House to
your bank account. The details of your dividends and other distributions will be
included on your statement.
Payroll Deduction (Class A and Class C only)
If you want to invest automatically through your paycheck, call us to find out
how you can set up direct payroll deductions. The amounts deducted will be
invested in your Fund account using the Electronic Funds Transfer System. We
will provide the Fund account number. Your payroll department will let you know
the date of the pay period when your investment begins.
Telephone Investment Plan
You may make additional investments electronically in an existing Fund account
at amounts of not less than $100 or more than $10,000 per investment. Telephone
requests received by 4 p.m. Eastern time will be invested the day the request is
received.
Dividend Exchange
You may elect on the application to reinvest capital gains and/or dividends
earned in one Evergreen Fund into an existing account in another Evergreen Fund
in the same share class -- automatically. Please indicate on the application the
Evergreen Fund(s) into which you want to invest the distributions.
Reinvestment Privileges
Under certain circumstances, shareholders may, within one year of redemption,
reinstate their accounts at the current price. This is the Fund's net asset
value, also sometimes referred to as the Fund's "NAV."
THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDS
You may be taxed in two ways:
o On Fund distributions (dividends and capital gains) o On any profit you make
when you sell any or all of your shares.
Fund Distributions
A mutual fund passes along to all of its shareholders the net income or profits
it receives from its investments. The shareholders of the fund then pay any
taxes due, whether they receive these distributions in cash or elect to have
them reinvested. Evergreen Municipal Income Fund expects that substantially all
of its regular dividends will be exempt from federal income tax, other than the
AMT. The Funds will distribute two types of taxable income to you:
oDividends. To the extent that the regular dividends are derived from interest
that is not tax exempt, or from short-term capital gains, you will have to
include them in your federal taxable income. Each Fund pays either a
quarterly or monthly dividend from the dividends, interest and other income
on the securities in which it invests. See the "Fund Facts" next to the
Fund's Risk/Return Summary to find out the payment schedule of a particular
Fund.
o Capital Gains. When a mutual fund sells a security it owns for a profit, the
result is a capital gain. The Funds generally distribute capital gains, if
any, at least once a year, near the end of the calendar year. Short-term
capital gains reflect securities held by the Fund for a year or less and are
considered ordinary income just like dividends. Profits on securities held
longer than 12 months are considered long-term capital gains and are taxed at
a special tax rate (20% for most taxpayers).
Dividend and Capital Gain Reinvestment
Unless you choose otherwise on the account application, all dividend and capital
gain payments will be reinvested to buy additional shares. Distribution checks
that are returned and distribution checks that are uncashed when the shareholder
has failed to respond to mailings from the shareholder servicing agent will
automatically be reinvested to buy additional shares. No interest will accrue on
amounts represented by uncashed distribution or redemption checks.
We will send you a statement each January with the federal tax status of
dividends and distributions paid by each Fund during the previous calendar year.
Profits You Realize When You Redeem Shares
When you sell shares in a mutual fund, whether by redeeming or exchanging, you
have created a taxable event. You must report any gain or loss on your tax
return unless the transaction was entered into by a tax-deferred retirement
plan. Investments in money market funds typically do not generate capital gains.
It is your responsibility to keep accurate records of your mutual fund
transactions. You will need this information when you file your income tax
return, since you must report any capital gains or losses you incur when you
sell shares. Remember, an exchange is a purchase and a sale for tax purposes.
Tax Reporting
Evergreen Service Company provides you with a tax statement of your dividend and
capital gains distributions for each calendar year on Form 1099 DIV. Proceeds
from a sale are reported on Form 1099B. You must report these on your tax
return. Since the IRS receives a copy as well, you could pay a penalty if you
neglect to report them.
Evergreen Service Company will send you a tax information guide each year during
tax season, which may include a cost basis statement detailing the gain or loss
on taxable transactions you had during the year. Please consult your own tax
advisor for further information regarding the federal, state and local tax
consequences of an investment in the Funds.
Retirement Plans
You may invest in each Fund through various retirement plans, including IRAs,
401(k) plans, Simplified Employee Plans, (SEPs), IRAs, 403(b) plans, 457 plans
and others. For special rules concerning these plans, including applications,
restrictions, tax advantages, and potential sales charge waivers, contact your
broker-dealer. To determine if a retirement plan may be appropriate for you,
consult your tax advisor.
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUNDS
Every mutual fund has fees and expenses that are assessed either directly or
indirectly. This section describes each of those fees.
Management Fee
The management fee pays for the normal expenses of managing the fund, including
portfolio manager salaries, research costs, corporate overhead expenses and
related expenses.
12b-1 Fee
The Trustees of the Evergreen Funds have approved a policy to assess 12b-1 fees
for Class A and Class C shares. Up to 0.75% of the average daily net assets of
Class A shares and up to 1.00% of the average daily net assets of Class C shares
are payable as a 12b-1 fee. However, currently the 12b-1 fee for Class A shares
is limited to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the class. These fees
increase the cost of your investment. The higher 12b-1 fees imposed on Class C
shares may, over time, cost more than the initial sales charge of Class A
shares. The purpose of the 12b-1 fee is to promote the sale of more shares of
the Funds to the public. The Funds might use this fee for advertising and
marketing and as a "service fee" to the broker-dealer for additional shareholder
services.
Other Expenses
Other expenses include miscellaneous fees from affiliated and outside service
providers. These may include legal, audit, custodial and safekeeping fees, the
printing and mailing of reports and statements, automatic reinvestment of
distributions and other conveniences for which the shareholder pays no
transaction fees.
Total Fund Operating Expenses
The total cost of running the Fund is called the expense ratio. As a
shareholder, you are not charged these fees directly; instead they are taken out
before the Fund's net asset value is calculated, and are expressed as a
percentage of the Fund's average daily net assets. The effect of these fees is
reflected in the performance results for that share class. Because these fees
are "invisible," investors should examine them closely in the prospectus,
especially when comparing one fund with another fund in the same investment
category. There are three things to remember about expense ratios: 1) your total
return in the Fund is reduced in direct proportion to the fees; 2) expense
ratios can vary greatly between funds and fund families, from under 0.25% to
over 3.0%; and 3) a Fund's advisor may waive a portion of the Fund's expenses
for a period of time, reducing its expense ratio.
<PAGE>
Financial Highlights
This section looks in detail at the results for one share in each share class of
the Funds -- how much income it earned, how much of this income was passed along
as a distribution and how much the return was reduced by expenses. The tables
have been derived from financial information audited by KPMG LLP, the Funds'
independent auditors. For a more complete picture of the Funds' financial
statements, please see the Funds' Annual Report as well as the Statement of
Additional Information.
<PAGE>
OTHER FUND PRACTICES
The Funds may invest in futures and options. Such practices are used to hedge a
Fund's portfolio to protect against changes in interest rates and to adjust the
portfolio's duration. Although this is intended to increase returns, these
practices may actually reduce returns or increase volatility.
If a Fund invests in foreign securities, which may include foreign currency
transactions, the value of the Fund's shares will be affected by changes in
exchange rates. To manage this risk, the Fund may enter into currency futures
contracts and forward currency exchange contracts. Although the Fund uses these
contracts to hedge the U.S. dollar value of a security it already owns, the Fund
could lose money if it fails to predict accurately the future exchange rates.
The Fund may engage in hedging and cross hedging with respect to foreign
currencies to protect itself against a possible decline in the value of another
foreign currency in which certain of the Fund's investments are denominated. A
cross hedge cannot protect against exchange rate risks perfectly, and if a Fund
is incorrect in its judgement of future exchange rate relationships, the Fund
could be in a less advantageous position than if such a hedge had not been
established.
Capital Income and Growth Fund may invest up to 10% of its assets in securities
secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies which invest
in real estate or interests in real estate. Such investments may involve many of
the risks of direct investment in real estate, such as declines in the value of
real estate, risks related to general and local economic conditions, and adverse
changes in interest rates.
Capital Income and Growth Fund may also invest in mortgage-backed securities.
See "Overview of Fund Risks" for an explanation of the risks associated with
this investment practice.
Municipal Income Fund may invest up to 5% of the its net assets in municipal
leases, and up to 10% of its assets in tax-exempt money market funds, which will
be considered tax-exempt municipal securities.
Please consult the Statement of Additional Information for more information
regarding these and other investment practices used by the Funds, including
risks.
<PAGE>
Evergreen Funds
Money Market
Florida Municipal Money Market Fund
Money Market Fund
Municipal Money Market Fund
New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund
Pennsylvania Municipal Money Market Fund Treasury Municipal Money Market Fund
U.S. Government Money Market Fund
Tax Advantaged Connecticut Municipal Bond Fund Florida High Income Municipal
Bond Fund Florida Municipal Bond Fund Georgia Municipal Bond Fund High Grade
Municipal Bond Fund Maryland Municipal Bond Fund Municipal Bond Fund Municipal
Income Fund New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund North Carolina Municipal Bond Fund
Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund Short-Intermediate Municipal Fund South
Carolina Municipal Bond Fund Virginia Municipal Bond Fund
Income
Capital Preservation and Income Fund
Diversified Bond Fund
High Income Fund
High Yield Bond Fund
Intermediate Term Bond Fund
Quality Income Fund
Short-Duration Income Fund
Short-Intermediate Bond Fund
Strategic Income Fund
U.S. Government Fund
Balanced
Balanced Fund
Capital Balanced Fund
Capital Income and Growth Fund
Foundation Fund
Tax Strategic Foundation Fund
Growth & Income
America's Utility Fund
Blue Chip Fund
Equity Income Fund
Growth and Income Fund
Income and Growth Fund
Small Cap Value Fund
Utility Fund
Value Fund
Domestic Growth Aggressive Growth Fund Capital Growth Fund Evergreen Fund Growth
Fund Masters Fund Omega Fund Small Company Growth Fund Stock Selector Fund
Strategic Growth Fund Tax Strategic Equity Fund Select Equity Index Fund Select
Special Equity Fund
Global International
Emerging Markets Growth Fund
Global Leaders Fund
Global Opportunities Fund
International Growth Fund
Latin America Fund
Perpetual Global Fund
Perpetual International Fund
Precious Metals Fund
Express Line
800.346.3858
Investor Services
800.343.2898
www.evergreen-funds.com
<PAGE>
1. Evergreen Express Line
Call 1-800-346-3858
24 hours a day to
o check your account
o order a statement
o get a Fund's current price, yield and
total return
o buy, redeem or exchange Fund shares
2. Non-retirement account holders
Call 1-800-343-2898
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time to
o buy, redeem or exchange shares
o order applications
o get assistance with your account
3. Information Line for Hearing and Speech Impaired (TTY/TDD) Call
1-800-343-2888 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time
4. Write us a letter
Evergreen Service Company
P.O. Box 2121
Boston, MA 02106-2121
o to buy, redeem or exchange shares
o to change the registration on your account
o for general correspondence
5. For express, registered or certified mail:
Evergreen Service Company
200 Berkeley Street
Boston, MA 02116-5039
6. Visit us on-line:
www.evergreen-funds.com
7. Regular communications you will receive:
Account Statements -- You will receive quarterly statements for each Fund
you own.
Confirmation Notices -- We send a confirmation of any transaction you make
within five days of the transaction.
Annual and Semi-annual reports -- You will receive a detailed financial
report on your Fund(s) twice a year.
Tax Forms -- Each January you will receive any tax forms you need to file
your taxes as well as the Evergreen Tax Information Guide.
<PAGE>
For More Information About the Funds, Ask for:
The Funds' most recent Annual or Semi-annual Report, which contains a
complete financial accounting for each Fund and a complete list of the
Fund's holdings as of a specific date, as well as commentary from the
Fund's portfolio manager. This Report discusses the market conditions and
investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund's performance
during the most recent fiscal year or period.
The Statement of Additional Information (SAI), which contains more detailed
information about the policies and procedures of the Funds. The SAI has
been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and its
contents are legally considered to be part of this prospectus.
For questions, other information, or to request a copy, without charge, of
any of the documents, call 1-800-343-2898 or ask your investment
representative. We will mail material within three business days. In
addition, any of these documents, with the exception of the SAI, may be
downloaded from our website at www.evergreen-funds.com.
Information about these Funds (including the SAI) is also available on the
SEC's Internet web site at http://www.sec.gov, or, for a duplication fee,
by writing the SEC Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-6009.
This material can also be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference
Room in Washington, DC. For more information, call the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330.
[LOGO OF EVERGREEN FUNDS APPEARS HERE]
Evergreen Distributor, Inc.
90 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10016
SEC File Nos.: 811-07246 (Evergreen Fixed Income Trust),
811-08367 (Evergreen Municipal Trust)
811-08413 (Evergreen Equity Trust)
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN EQUITY TRUST
PART A
PROSPECTUS
<PAGE>
Evergreen
Domestic Growth Funds
Evergreen Fund
Evergreen Aggressive Growth Fund
Evergreen Omega Fund
Evergreen Small Company Growth Fund
Evergreen Strategic Growth Fund
Evergreen Stock Selector Fund
Evergreen Tax Strategic Equity Fund
Evergreen Masters Fund
Evergreen Growth Fund
Evergreen Capital Growth Fund
Class A
Class B
Class C
Class Y
Prospectus, February 1, 2000 [LOGO OF EVERGREEN FUNDS(SM) APPEARS HERE]
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not determined that the information
in this prospectus is accurate or complete, nor has it approved or disapproved
these securities. Anyone who tells you otherwise is committing a crime.
<PAGE>
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T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
FUND SUMMARIES:
Evergreen Fund ...........................
Evergreen Aggressive Growth Fund .........
Evergreen Omega Fund .....................
Evergreen Small Company Growth Fund.......
Evergreen Strategic Growth Fund ..........
Evergreen Stock Selector Fund ............
Evergreen Tax Strategic Equity Fund ......
Evergreen Masters Fund....................
Evergreen Growth Fund.....................
Evergreen Capital Growth Fund.............
GENERAL INFORMATION:
The Funds' Investment Advisors ...........
The Funds' Portfolio Managers ............
Calculating the Share Price ..............
How to Choose an Evergreen Fund ..........
How to Choose the Share Class
That Best Suits You ....................
How to Buy Shares ........................
How to Redeem Shares .....................
Other Services ...........................
The Tax Consequences of
Investing in the Funds .................
Fees and Expenses of the Funds ...........
Financial Highlights .....................
Other Fund Practices .....................
In general, Funds included in this prospectus seek to provide investors with
capital growth. These Funds tend to have more growth potential, risk and
volatility than less aggressive funds.
Fund Summaries Key
Each Fund's summary is organized around the following basic topics and
questions:
INVESTMENT GOAL
What is the Fund's financial objective? You can find clarification on how the
Fund seeks to achieve its objective by looking at the Fund's strategy and
investment policies. The Fund's Board of Trustees can change the investment
objective without a shareholder vote.
INVESTMENT STRATEGY
How does the Fund go about trying to meet its goals? What types of investments
does it contain? What style of investing and investment philosophy does it
follow? Does it have limits on the amount invested in any particular type of
security?
RISK FACTORS
What are the specific risks for an investor in the Fund?
PERFORMANCE
How well has the Fund performed in the past year? The past five years? The past
ten years?
EXPENSES
How much does it cost to invest in the Fund? What is the difference between
sales charges and expenses?
<PAGE>
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O V E R V I E W O F F U N D R I S K S
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
Domestic
Growth
Funds
typically rely on a combination of the following strategies:
o investing primarily in common stocks;
o investing in companies expected to provide capital appreciation; and
o selling a portfolio investment when the value of the investment reaches or
exceeds its estimated fair value, when the issuer's investment fundamentals
begin to deteriorate, when the investment no longer appears to meet the
Fund's investment objective, when the Fund must meet redemptions, or for
other reasons which the portfolio manager deems necessary.
may be appropriate for investors who:
o seek an investment expected to grow over time;
o can tolerate substantial volatility in the value of their investment.
Following this overview, you will find information on each Domestic Growth
Fund's specific investment strategies and risks.
Risk Factors For All Mutual Funds
Please remember that mutual fund shares are:
o not guaranteed to achieve their investment goal
o not a deposit with a bank
o not insured, endorsed or guaranteed by the FDIC or any government
agency
o subject to investment risks, including possible loss of your original
investment
Like most investments, your investment in an Evergreen Domestic Growth Fund
could fluctuate significantly in value over time and could result in a loss of
money.
Following are some of the most important factors that may affect the value of
your investment. Other factors may be described in the discussion following this
overview:
Stock Market Risk
Your investment will be affected by general economic conditions such as
prevailing economic growth, inflation and interest rates. When economic growth
slows, or interest or inflation rates increase, securities tend to decline in
value. Such events could also cause companies to decrease the dividends they
pay. If these events were to occur, the value of and dividend yield and total
return earned on your investment would likely decline. Even if general economic
conditions do not change, your investment may decline in value if the particular
industries, issuers or sectors your Fund invests in do not perform well.
Market Capitalization Risk
Stocks fall into three broad market capitalization categories - large, medium
and small. Investing primarily in one category carries the risk that due to
current market conditions that category may be out of favor with investors. If
valuations of large capitalization companies appear to be greatly out of
proportion to the valuations of small or medium capitalization companies,
investors may migrate to the stocks of small and mid-sized companies causing a
Fund that invests in these companies to increase in value more rapidly than a
Fund that invests in larger, fully-valued companies. Investing in medium and
small capitalization companies may be subject to special risks associated with
narrower product lines, more limited financial resources, smaller management
groups, and a more limited trading market for their stocks as compared with
larger companies. As a result, stocks of small and medium capitalization
companies may decline significantly in market downturns.
DOMESTIC GROWTH FUNDS __
<PAGE>
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O V E R V I E W O F F U N D R I S K S
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<PAGE>
Investment Style Risk
Securities with different characteristics tend to shift in and out of favor
depending upon market and economic conditions as well as investor sentiment. A
fund may outperform other funds that employ a different style. A fund may also
employ a combination of styles that impact its risk characteristics. Examples of
different styles include growth and value investing. Growth stocks may be more
volatile than other stocks because they are more sensitive to investor
perceptions of the issuing company's growth potential. Growth oriented funds
will typically underperform when value investing is in favor. Value stocks are
those which are out of favor or undervalued in comparison to their peers due to
adverse business developments or other factors. Value oriented funds will
typically underperform when growth investing is in favor.
Interest Rate Risk
When interest rates go up, the value of debt securities and dividend-paying
stocks tends to fall. If your Fund invests a significant portion of its
portfolio in debt securities or stocks purchased primarily for dividend income
and interest rates rise, then the value of your investment may decline. When
interest rates go down, interest earned by your Fund on its debt investments may
also decline, which could cause the Fund to reduce the dividends it pays.
Credit Risk
The value of a debt security is directly affected by the issuer's ability to
repay principal and pay interest on time. If your Fund invests in debt
securities then the value of your investment may decline if an issuer fails to
pay an obligation on a timely basis.
Foreign Investment Risk
A Fund's investment in non-U.S. securities could expose it to certain unique
risks of foreign investing. For example, political turmoil and economic
instability in the countries in which the Fund invests could adversely affect
the value of your investment. In addition, if the value of any foreign currency
in which the Fund's investments are denominated declines relative to the U.S.
dollar, the value of your investment in the Fund may decline as well. Certain
foreign countries have less developed and less regulated securities markets and
accounting systems than the U.S. This may make it harder to get accurate
information about a security or company, and increase the likelihood that an
investment will not perform as well as expected.
DOMESTIC GROWTH FUNDS __
<PAGE>
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E V E R G R E E N
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<PAGE>
Evergreen Fund
FUND FACTS:
Goal:
o Capital Appreciation
Principal Investments:
o Common Stocks of Large
U.S. Companies
o Convertible Securities
Classes of Shares
Offered in this
Prospectus:
o Class A
o Class B
o Class C
o Class Y
Investment Advisor:
o Evergreen Asset
Management Corp.
Portfolio Managers:
o Jean Ledford
o Richard Welsh
NASDAQ Symbols:
EVRAX (Class A)
EVRBX (Class B)
EVRCX (Class C)
EVGRZ (Class Y)
Dividend Payment
Schedule:
Annually
___ DOMESTIC GROWTH FUNDS
INVESTMENT GOAL
The Fund seeks capital appreciation.
INVESTMENT STRATEGY
The following supplements the investment strategies discussed in the "Overview
of Fund Risks" on page 1.
The Fund invests primarily in the common stocks of large U.S. companies. The
Fund's manager selects stocks using a "growth-at-a-reasonable-price" method.
This style of diversified equity management is best defined as a blend between
growth and value stocks Other equity securities in which the Fund may invest
include preferred stocks and securities convertible into common stocks.
The Fund may temporarily invest up to 100% of its assets in high quality money
market instruments in response to adverse economic, political or market
conditions. This strategy is inconsistent with the Fund's principal investment
strategy and investment goal, and if employed could result in a lower return and
loss of market opportunity.
RISK FACTORS
Your investment in the Fund is subject to the risks discussed in the "Overview
of Fund Risks" on page 1 under the headings:
o Stock Market Risk
o Market Capitalization Risk
o Investment Style Risk
<PAGE>
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E V E R G R E E N
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE
The following charts show how the Fund has performed in the past. Past
performance is not an indication of future results.
The chart below shows the percentage gain or loss for Class Y shares of the Fund
in each of the last ten calendar years. It should give you a general idea of how
the Fund's return has varied from year-to-year. This graph includes the effects
of Fund expenses, but not sales charges. Returns would be lower if sales charges
were included.
Year-by-Year Total Return for Class Y Shares (%)
[BAR CHART APPEARS HERE]
1989 15.01
1990 -11.72
1991 40.05
1992 8.73
1993 6.27
1994 0.73
1995 37.19
1996 17.55
1997 30.34
1998 7.23
Best Quarter: 1st Quarter 1991 +19.63%
Worst Quarter: 3rd Quarter 1990 -21.34%
The next table lists the Fund's average year-by-year return by class over the
past one, five, and ten years and since inception (through 12/31/98), including
sales charges. This table is intended to provide you with some indication of the
risks of investing in the Fund. At the bottom of the table you can compare this
performance with the S&P 500 Index, which is an unmanaged index tracking the
performance of 500 publicly-traded U.S. stocks and is often used to indicate the
performance of the overall stock market. An index does not include transaction
costs associated with buying and selling securities nor any management fees. It
is not possible to invest in an index.
Average Annual Total Return
(for the period ended 12/31/1998)*
Inception Performance
Date 1 year 5 year 10 year Since
of Class 10/15/1971
Class A 1/3/1995 1.71% 16.38% 13.37% 16.24%
Class B 1/3/1995 1.19% 16.71% 13.62% 16.34%
Class C 1/3/1995 5.16% 16.87% 13.61% 16.33%
Class Y 10/15/1971 7.23% 17.82% 14.07% 16.50%
S&P 500 % % % %
*Historical performance shown for Classes A, B and C prior to their inception is
based on the performance of Class Y, the original class offered. These
historical returns for Classes A, B, and C have not been adjusted to reflect the
effect of each Class' 12b-1 fees. These fees for Class A are 0.25%, for Class B
are 1.00% and for Class C are 1.00%. Class Y does not pay a 12b-1 fee. If these
fees had been reflected, returns would have been lower.
EXPENSES
This section describes the fees and expenses you would pay if you bought and
held shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Shareholder Transaction
Expenses Class A Class B Class C Class Y
Maximum sales charge imposed
on purchases (as a % of offering price) 4.75% None None None
Maximum deferred sales charge
as a % of the redemption amount or
initial investment, whichever is lower) None* 5.00% 1.00% None
*Investments of $1 million or more are not subject to a front-end sales charge,
but may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% upon
redemption within one year after the month of purchase.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses+
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)
Management 12b-1 Other Total Fund
Fees Fees Expenses Operating Expenses
Class A 0.89% 0.25% 0.25% 1.39%
Class B 0.89% 1.00% 0.25% 2.14%
Class C 0.89% 1.00% 0.25% 2.14%
Class Y 0.89% 0.00% 0.25% 1.14%
+ Restated for the fiscal year ended 9/30/1999 to reflect current fees.
The table below shows the total expenses you would pay on a $10,000 investment
over one-, three-, five- and ten-year periods. The example is intended to help
you compare the cost of investing in this Fund versus other mutual funds and is
for illustration only. The example assumes a 5% average annual return and that
you reinvest all of your distributions. Your actual costs may be higher or
lower.
Example of Fund Expenses
Assuming Redemption at Assuming
End of Period No Redemption
After Class A Class B Class C Class Y Class B Class C
1 year $ 610 $ 717 $ 317 $ 116 $ 217 $ 217
3 years $ 894 $ 970 $ 670 $ 362 $ 670 $ 670
5 years $1,199 $1,349 $1,149 $ 628 $1,149 $1,149
10 years $2,064 $2,192 $2,472 $1,386 $2,192 $2,472
DOMESTIC GROWTH FUNDS ___
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
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E V E R G R E E N
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aggressive Growth Fund
FUND FACTS:
Goal:
o Long-term Capital Appreciation
Principal Investments:
o Common Stocks of
U.S. Companies of All
Market Caps
o Convertible Securities
Classes of Shares
Offered in this
Prospectus:
o Class A
o Class B
o Class C
o Class Y
Investment Advisor:
o Evergreen Investment Management Company
Portfolio Manager:
o Maureen E. Cullinane
NASDAQ Symbols:
EAGAX (Class A)
EAGBX (Class B)
EAGYX (Class Y)
Dividend Payment Schedule:
Annually
___ DOMESTIC GROWTH FUNDS
INVESTMENT GOAL
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
INVESTMENT STRATEGY
The following supplements the investment strategies discussed in the "Overview
of Fund Risks" on page 1.
The Fund seeks to achieve its goal by investing in the common stock of U.S.
companies across all market capitalizations ranging from emerging growth
companies to larger, more well-established companies, which are viewed by the
manager as having above-average appreciation potential. The Fund invests at
least 65% of its assets in common stocks, or securities convertible into common
stocks, of (1) companies that are in the less seasoned stage of development but
expected to grow over the long term, and/or (2) established companies that, in
the opinion of the Fund's manager, have growth potential similar to that of
companies in the less seasoned stage of development. The Fund may also invest up
to 35% of its assets in investment grade corporate bonds, U.S. government
securities, commercial paper, certificates of deposit and repurchase agreements.
The Fund may temporarily invest up to 100% of its assets in high quality money
market instruments in response to adverse economic, political or market
conditions. This strategy is inconsistent with the Fund's principal investment
strategy and investment goal, and if employed could result in a lower return and
loss of market opportunity.
RISK FACTORS
Your investment in the Fund is subject to the risks discussed in the "Overview
of Fund Risks" on page 1 under the headings:
o Stock Market Risk
o Market Capitalization Risk
o Investment Style Risk
o Interest Rate Risk
o Credit Risk
<PAGE>
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E V E R G R E E N
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PERFORMANCE
The following charts show how the Fund has performed in the past. Past
performance is not an indication of future results.
The chart below shows the percentage gain or loss for Class A shares of the Fund
in each of the last ten calendar years. It should give you a general idea of how
the Fund's return has varied from year-to-year. This graph includes the effects
of Fund expenses, but not sales charges. Returns would be lower if sales charges
were included.
Year-by-Year Total Return for Class A Shares (%)
[BAR CHART APPEARS HERE]
1989 33.87
1990 -4.51
1991 77.23
1992 13.90
1993 17.88
1994 -9.31
1995 34.34
1996 17.23
1997 7.66
1998 23.54
Best Quarter: 4th Quarter 1998 +22.90%
Worst Quarter: 3rd Quarter 1990 -19.85%
The next table lists the Fund's average year-by-year return by class over the
past one, five and ten years and since inception (through 12/31/1998), including
sales charges. This table is intended to provide you with some indication of the
risks of investing in the Fund. At the bottom of the table you can compare this
performance with the Russell 1000 Index which is an unmanaged index tracking the
performance of 1000 publicly-traded U.S. stocks and is often used to indicate
the performance of smaller company growth stocks. An index does not include
transaction costs associated with buying and selling securities nor any
management fees. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.
Average Annual Total Return
(For the period ended 12/31/1998)*
Inception Performance
Date 1 year 5 year 10 year Since
of Class 4/15/1983
Class A 4/15/1983 17.69% 12.59% 18.59% 13.92%
Class B 7/7/1995 17.51% 12.90% 18.89% 14.10%
Class C 8/3/1995 21.39% 13.11% 18.87% 14.09%
Class Y 7/11/1995 24.28% 13.93% 19.30% 14.35%
Russell 1000 -2.55% 11.87% 12.92% 10.90%
*Historical performance shown for Classes B, C, and Y prior to their inception
is based on the performance of Class A, the original class offered These
historical returns for Classes B, C, and Y have not been adjusted to reflect the
effect of each Class' 12b-1fees. These fees for Class A are 0.25%, for Class B
are 1.00%, and for Class C are 1.00% Class Y does not pay a 12b-1fee. If these
fees had been reflected, returns for Classes B and C would have been lower while
returns for Class Y would have been higher.
EXPENSES
This section describes the fees and expenses you would pay if you bought and
held shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Shareholder Transaction
Expenses
Class A Class B Class C Class Y
Maximum sales charge imposed on
Purchases (as a % of offering price) 4.75% None None None
Maximum deferred sales charge
(as a % of either the redemption
amount or initial investment,
whichever is lower None* 5.00% 1.00% None
investment, whichever is lower)
*Investments of $1 million or more are not subject to a front-end sales charge,
but may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% upon
redemption within one year after the month of purchase.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)+
Management 12b-1 Other Total Fund
Fees Fees Expenses Operating Expenses
Class A 0.60% 0.25% 0.33% 1.18%
Class B 0.60% 1.00% 0.33% 1.93%
Class C 0.60% 1.00% 0.33% 1.92%
Class Y 0.60% 0.00% 0.33% 0.93%
+ Actual for the fiscal year ended 9/30/1999.
The table below shows the total expenses you would pay on a $10,000 investment
over one-, three-, five- and ten-year periods. The example is intended to help
you compare the cost of investing in this Fund versus other mutual funds and is
for illustration only. The example assumes a 5% average annual return and that
you reinvest all of your distributions. Your actual costs may be higher or
lower.
Example of Fund Expenses
Assuming Redemption at Assuming
End of Period No Redemption
After: Class A Class B Class C Class Y Class B Class C
1 year $ 590 $ 696 $ 295 $ 95 $ 196 $ 195
3 years $ 832 $ 906 $ 603 $ 296 $ 606 $ 603
5 years $1,093 $1,242 $1,037 $ 515 $1,042 $1,037
10 years $1,839 $1,968 $2,243 $1,143 $1,968 $2,243
DOMESTIC GROWTH FUNDS ___
<PAGE>
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E V E R G R E E N
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Omega Fund
FUND FACTS:
Goal:
o Capital Growth
Principal Investments:
o Common Stocks
o Convertible Securities
Classes of Shares Offered in this Prospectus:
o Class A
o Class B
o Class C
o Class Y
Investment Advisor:
o Evergreen Investment
Management Company
Portfolio Manager:
o Maureen E. Cullinane
NASDAQ Symbol:
o EKOAX (Class A)
o EKOBX (Class B)
o EKOCX (Class C)
Dividend Payment Schedule:
Annually
___ DOMESTIC GROWTH FUNDS
INVESTMENT GOAL
The Fund seeks maximum capital growth.
INVESTMENT STRATEGY
The following supplements the investment strategies discussed in the "Overview
of Fund Risks" on page 1.
The Fund invests primarily in common stocks and securities convertible into
common stocks of U.S. companies across all market capitalizations. The Fund
utilizes the fully-managed investment concept whereby the Fund's manager will
continuously review the Fund's holdings in light of market conditions, business
developments and economic trends. During this review process, the Fund's manager
seeks to identify and invest in industries that are growing faster than the
economy. The Fund invests in companies of all sizes. The continuous review may
lead to high portfolio turnover, but that will not limit investment decisions.
The Fund may also invest up to 25% of its assets in foreign securities.
The Fund may temporarily invest up to 100% of its assets in high quality money
market instruments in response to adverse economic, political or market
conditions. This strategy is inconsistent with the Fund's principal investment
strategy and investment goal, and if employed could result in a lower return and
loss of market opportunity.
RISK FACTORS
Your investment in the Fund is subject to the risks discussed in the "Overview
of Fund Risks" on page 1 under the headings:
o Stock Market Risk
o Market Capitalization Risk
o Investment Style Risk
o Foreign Investment Risk
<PAGE>
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E V E R G R E E N
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<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE
The following charts show how the Fund has performed in the past. Past
performance is not an indication of future results.
The chart below shows the percentage gain or loss for Class A shares of the Fund
in each of the last ten calendar years. It should give you a general idea of how
the Fund's return has varied from year-to-year. This graph includes the effects
of Fund expenses, but not sales charges. Returns would be lower if sales charges
were included.
Year-by-Year Total Return for Class A Shares (%)
[BAR CHART APPEARS HERE]
1989 33.05
1990 -2.38
1991 54.49
1992 4.00
1993 19.33
1994 -5.66
1995 36.94
1996 11.31
1997 24.53
1998 27.30
Best Quarter: 1st Quarter 1991 +26.03%
Worst Quarter: 3rd Quarter 1990 -14.82%
The next table lists the Fund's average year-by-year return by class over the
past one, five and ten years and since inception (through 12/31/1998), including
sales charges. This table is intended to provide you with some indication of the
risks of investing in the Fund. At the bottom of the table you can compare this
performance with the Russell 1000 Growth Index and the S&P 500 Index. The
Russell 1000 Growth Index is an unmanaged index tracking the performance of
companies in the Russell 1000 Index that have higher price-to-book ratios and
forecasted growth values and is often used to indicate the performance of larger
company growth stocks. The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index tracking the
performance of 500 publicly-traded U.S. stocks and is often used to indicate the
performance of the overall stock market. An index does not include transaction
costs associated with buying and selling securities nor any management fees. It
is not possible to invest directly in an index.
Average Annual Total Return
(For the period ended 12/31/1998)*
Inception Performance
Date 1 year 5 year 10 year Since
of Class 4/29/1968
Class A 4/29/1968 21.27% 16.78% 18.39% 13.66%
Class B 8/2/1993 21.43% 16.69% 18.42% 13.67%
Class C 8/2/1993 25.43% 16.89% 18.43% 13.68%
Class Y 1/13/1997 27.64% 17.98% 18.99% 13.85%
S&P 500 26.27% 21.39% 16.04% 12.66%
Russell 1000 % % % %
*Historical performance shown for Classes B, C, and Y prior to their inception
is based on the performance of Class A, the original class offered. These
historical returns for Classes B, C, and Y have not been adjusted to reflect the
effect of each Class' 12b-1 fees. These fees for Class A are 0.25%, for Class B
are 1.00% and for Class C are 1.00%. Class Y does not pay a 12b-1 fee. If these
fees had been reflected, returns for Classes B and C would have been lower while
returns for Class Y would have been higher.
EXPENSES
This section describes the fees and expenses you would pay if you bought and
held shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Shareholder Transaction
Expenses
Class A Class B Class C Class Y
Maximum sales charge imposed on
Purchases (as a % of offering price) 4.75% None None None
Maximum deferred sales
charge (as a % of either the
redemption amount or initial
investment, whichever is lower) None* 5.00% 1.00% None
investment, whichever is lower)
*Investments of $1 million or more are not subject to a front-end sales charge,
but may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% upon
redemption within one year after the month of purchase.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)+
Management 12b-1 Other Total Fund
Fees Fees Expenses Operating Expenses
Class A 0.71% 0.25% 0.34% 1.30%
Class B 0.71% 1.00% 0.34% 2.05%
Class C 0.71% 1.00% 0.33% 2.04%
Class Y 0.71% 0.00% 0.34% 1.05%
+ Actual expenses for the fiscal year ended 9/30/1999.
The table below shows the total expenses you would pay on a $10,000 investment
over one-, three-, five- and ten-year periods. The example is intended to help
you compare the cost of investing in this Fund versus other mutual funds and is
for illustration only. The example assumes a 5% average annual return and that
you reinvest all of your dividends. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.
Example of Fund Expenses
Assuming Redemption at Assuming
End of Period No Redemption
After: Class A Class B Class C Class Y Class B Class C
1 year $ 601 $ 708 $ 307 $ 107 $ 208 $ 207
3 years $ 868 $ 943 $ 640 $ 334 $ 643 $ 640
5 years $1,154 $1,303 $1,098 $ 579 $1,103 $1,098
10 years $1,968 $2,097 $2,369 $1,283 $2,097 $2,369
DOMESTIC GROWTH FUNDS __
<PAGE>
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E V E R G R E E N
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Small Company Growth Fund
FUND FACTS:
Goal:
o Long-Term Capital Growth
Principal Investment:
o Common Stocks of
Small U.S. Companies
Classes of Shares
Offered in this
Prospectus:
o Class A
o Class B
o Class C
o Class Y
Investment Advisor:
o Evergreen Investment
Management Company
Portfolio Manager:
o J. Gary Craven
NASDAQ Symbol:
o EKAAX (Class A)
o EKABX (Class B)
Dividend Payment Schedule:
Annually
___ DOMESTIC GROWTH FUNDS
INVESTMENT GOAL
The Fund seeks long-term growth of capital.
INVESTMENT STRATEGY
The following supplements the investment strategies discussed in the "Overview
of Fund Risks" on page 1.
The Fund invests at least 65% of its assets in common stocks of U.S. companies
with small market capitalizations (less than $2.5 billion) at the time of the
Fund's investment. The Fund may also invest up to 35% of its assets in corporate
securities without regard to the market capitalization of the issuer, including
(1) common stocks of companies with large and medium market capitalizations (at
least $1 billion), (2) securities convertible into common stocks, and (3) rights
or warrants to purchase common stocks. The Fund's stock selection is based on a
growth-style of investing which emphasizes companies the Fund's manager believes
have anticipated earnings ranging from steady to accelerated earnings ranging
from steady to accelerated growth. While income is not a goal of the Fund,
securities with strong income potential may be included in the portfolio as long
as they do not conflict with the Fund's goal of long-term capital growth. The
Fund may also invest up to 25% of its assets in foreign securities.
The Fund may temporarily invest up to 100% of its assets in high quality money
market instruments in response to adverse economic, political or market
conditions. This strategy is inconsistent with the Fund's principal investment
strategy and investment goal, and if employed could result in a lower return and
loss of market opportunity.
RISK FACTORS
Your investment in the Fund is subject to the risks discussed in the "Overview
of Fund Risks" on page 1 under the headings:
o Stock Market Risk
o Market Capitalization Risk
o Investment Style Risk
o Foreign Investment Risk
<PAGE>
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E V E R G R E E N
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PERFORMANCE
The following charts show how the Fund has performed in the past. Past
performance is not an indication of future results.
The chart below shows the percentage gain or loss for Class B shares of the Fund
in each of the last ten calendar years. It should give you a general idea of how
the Fund's return has varied from year-to-year. This graph includes the effects
of Fund expenses, but not sales charges. Returns would be lower if sales charges
were included.
Year-by-Year Total Return for Class B Shares (%)
[BAR CHART APPEARS HERE]
1989 23.61
1990 -6.01
1991 72.90
1992 9.86
1993 25.34
1994 0.18
1995 36.27
1996 0.82
1997 13.39
1998 -17.00
Best Quarter: 1st Quarter 1991 +33.82%
Worst Quarter: 3rd Quarter 1998 -29.40%
The next table lists the Fund's average year-by-year return by class over the
past one, five and ten years and since inception (through 12/31/1998), including
sales charges. This table is intended to provide you with some indication of the
risks of investing in the Fund. At the bottom of the table you can compare this
performance with the Russell 2000 Index, which is an unmanaged index tracking
the performance of 2000 publicly-traded U.S. stocks and is often used to
indicate the performance of smaller company stocks. An index does not include
transaction costs associated with buying and selling securities nor any
management fees. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.
Average Annual Total Return
(For the period ended 12/31/1998)*
Inception Performance
Date 1 year 5 year 10 year Since
of Class 9/11/1935
Class A 1/20/1998 -20.33% 5.06% 13.74% 9.80%
Class B 9/11/1935 -20.35% 5.10% 13.61% 9.76%
Class C 1/26/1998 -17.55% 5.31% 13.38% 9.66%
Class Y 1/26/1998 -16.11% 6.35% 14.58% 9.95%
Russell 2000 -2.55% 11.87% 12.92% 14.91%**
*Historical performance shown for Classes A, C, and Y prior to their inception
is based on the performance of Class B, the original class offered. These
historical returns for Classes A and Y have been adjusted to eliminate the
higher 12b-1 fees applicable to Class B. The 12b-1 fees for Class A are 0.25%,
for Class B are 1.00% and for Class C are 1.00%. Class Y does not pay a 12b-1
fee. If these fees had not been eliminated, returns would have been lower.
EXPENSES
This section describes the fees and expenses you would pay if you bought and
held shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Shareholder Transaction
Expenses Class A Class B Class C Class Y
Maximum sales charge imposed on
Purchases (as a % of offering price) 4.75% None None None
Maximum deferred sales charge
(as a % of either the redemption
amount or intial investment
whichever is lower) None* 5.00% 1.00% None
*Investments of $1 million or more are not subject to a front-end sales charge,
but may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% upon
redemption within one year after the month of purchase.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)+
Management 12b-1 Other Total Fund
Fees Fees Expenses Operating Expenses
Class A 0.54% 0.25% 0.38% 1.17%
Class B 0.54% 1.00% 0.39% 1.93%
Class C 0.54% 1.00% 0.39% 1.93%
Class Y 0.54% 0.00 % 0.38% 0.92%
+ Actual for the fiscal year ended 9/30/1999.
The table below shows the total expenses you would pay on a $10,000 investment
over one-, three-, five- and ten-year periods. The example is intended to help
you compare the cost of investing in this Fund versus other mutual funds and is
for illustration only. The example assumes a 5% average annual return and that
you reinvest all of your distributions. Your actual costs may be higher or
lower.
Example of Fund Expenses
Assuming Redemption at Assuming
End of Period No Redemption
After: Class A Class B Class C Class Y Class B Class C
1 year $ 589 $ 696 $ 296 $ 94 $ 196 $ 196
3 years $ 829 $ 906 $ 606 $ 293 $ 606 $ 606
5 years $1,088 $1,242 $1,042 $ 509 $1,042 $1,042
10 years $1,828 $1,964 $2,254 $1,131 $1,964 $2,254
DOMESTIC GROWTH FUNDS ___
<PAGE>
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E V E R G R E E N
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Strategic Growth Fund
FUND FACTS:
Goal:
o Capital Growth
Principal Investments:
o Common Stocks of Large
U.S. Companies
Classes of Shares
Offered in this
Prospectus:
o Class A
o Class B
o Class C
o Class Y
Investment Advisor:
o Evergreen Investment
Management Company
Portfolio Manager:
o Maureen E. Cullinane
NASDAQ Symbols:
o EKJAX (Class A)
o EKJBX (Class B)
Dividend Payment Schedule:
o Annually
__ DOMESTIC GROWTH FUNDS
INVESTMENT GOAL
The Fund seeks growth of capital.
INVESTMENT STRATEGY
The following supplements the investment strategies discussed in the "Overview
of Fund Risks" on page 1.
The Fund seeks to achieve its goal by investing primarily in the common stocks
of large U.S. companies across a wide range of sectors and industries. The
equity securities in which the Fund may invest include common stocks and rights
or warrants to purchase common stocks. The Fund's manager seeks to purchase high
quality companies with anticipated earnings ranging from steady to accelerated
growth. Additionally, the Fund may purchase investment-grade fixed income
securities including bonds and convertible debentures which are convertible or
exchangeable for common stocks. The Fund may also invest a portion of its assets
in foreign securities.
The Fund may temporarily invest up to 100% of its assets in high quality money
market instruments in response to adverse economic, political or market
conditions. This strategy is inconsistent with the Fund's principal investment
strategy and investment goal, and if employed could result in a lower return and
loss of market opportunity.
RISK FACTORS
Your investment in the Fund is subject to the risks discussed in the "Overview
of Fund Risks" on page 1 under the headings:
o Stock Market Risk
o Market Capitalization Risk
o Investment Style Risk
o Foreign Investment Risk
o Interest Rate Risk
o Credit Risk
<PAGE>
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E V E R G R E E N
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PERFORMANCE
The following charts show how the Fund has performed in the past. Past
performance is not an indication of future results.
The chart below shows the percentage gain or loss for Class B shares of the Fund
in each of the last ten calendar years. It should give you a general idea of how
the Fund's return has varied from year-to-year. This graph includes the effects
of Fund expenses, but not sales charges. Returns would be lower if sales charges
were included.
Year-by-Year Total Return for Class B Shares (%)
[BAR CHART APPEARS HERE]
1989 24.09
1990 -6.99
1991 41.58
1992 8.36
1993 13.12
1994 -2.95
1995 28.51
1996 11.96
1997 31.71
1998 25.02
Best Quarter: 4th Quarter 1998 +20.73%
Worst Quarter: 3rd Quarter 1990 -15.05%
The next table lists the Fund's average year-by-year return by class over the
past one, five and ten years and since inception (through 12/31/1998), including
sales charges. This table is intended to provide you with some indication of the
risks of investing in the Fund. As of 12/31/1998, no Class Y shares had been
issued. At the bottom of the table you can compare this performance with the S&P
500 and Russell 1000 Growth Indices. The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index
tracking the performance of 500 publicly-traded U.S. stocks and is often used to
indicate the performance of the overall stock market. The Russell 1000 Growth
Index is an unmanaged index tracking the performance of companies in the Russell
1000 Index that have higher price-to-book ratios and forecasted growth values
and is often used to indicate the performance of larger company growth stocks..
An index does not include transaction costs associated with buying and selling
securities nor any management fees. It is not possible to invest directly in an
index.
Average Annual Total Return
(For the period ended 12/31/1998)*
Inception Performance
Date 1 year 5 year 10 year Since
of Class 9/11/1935
Class A 1/20/1998 19.95% 17.61% 16.46% 11.78%
Class B 9/11/1935 20.02% 17.91% 16.50% 11.74%
Class C 1/22/1998 24.02% 17.89% 16.06% 11.62%
S&P 500 26.67% 21.39% 16.04% 12.31%
*Historical performance shown for Classes A and C prior to their inception is
based on the performance of Class B, the original class offered. These
historical returns for Class A have been adjusted to eliminate the effect of the
higher 12b-1 fees applicable to Class B. The 12b-1 fees for Class A are 0.25%,
for Class B are 1.00% and for Class C are 1.00%. If these fees had not been
eliminated, Class A and Y returns would have been lower.
EXPENSES
This section describes the fees and expenses you would pay if you bought and
held shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Shareholder Transaction
Expenses Class A Class B Class C Class Y
Maximum sales charge imposed on
Purchases (as a % of offering price) 4.75% None None None
Maximum deferred sales charge
(as a % of either the redemption
amount or initial investment
whichever is lower) None* 5.00% 1.00% None
*Investments of $1 million or more are not subject to a front-end sales charge,
but may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% upon
redemption within one year after the month of purchase.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)+
Management 12b-1 Other Total Fund
Fees Fees Expenses Operating Expenses
Class A 0.53% 0.25% 0.22% 1.00%
Class B 0.53% 1.00% 0.22% 1.75%
Class C 0.53% 1.00% 0.22% 1.75%
Class Y 0.53% 0.00% 0.22% 0.75%
+ Actual for the fiscal year ended 9/30/1999.
The table below shows the total expenses you would pay on a $10,000 investment
over one-, three-, five- and ten-year periods. The example is intended to help
you compare the cost of investing in this Fund versus other mutual funds and is
for illustration only. The example assumes a 5% average annual return and that
you reinvest all of your distributions. Your actual costs may be higher or
lower.
Example of Fund Expenses
Assuming Redemption at Assuming
End of Period No Redemption
After: Class A Class B Class C Class Y Class B Class C
1 year $ 572 $ 678 $ 278 $ 77 $ 178 $ 178
3 years $ 778 $ 851 $ 551 $ 240 $ 551 $ 551
5 years $1,001 $1,149 $ 949 $ 417 $ 949 $ 949
10 years $1,641 $1,771 $2,062 $ 930 $1.771 $2,062
DOMESTIC GROWTH FUNDS ___
<PAGE>
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E V E R G R E E N
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<PAGE>
Stock Selector Fund
FUND FACTS:
Goal:
o Total Return
Principal Investments:
o Common Stocks
o Bonds
o Convertible Securities
Classes of Shares Offered in this Prospectus:
o Class A
o Class B
o Class C
o Class Y
Investment Advisor:
o Meridian Investment Company
Portfolio Managers:
o Jay Zelko
o Eric M. Teal
o Timothy M. Stevenson
NASDAQ Symbols:
o EVSAX (Class A)
o EVSYX (Class Y)
Dividend Payment Schedule:
Annually
___ DOMESTIC GROWTH FUNDS
INVESTMENT GOAL
The Fund seeks maximum total return.
INVESTMENT STRATEGY
The following supplements the investment strategies discussed in the "Overview
of Fund Risks" on page 1.
The Fund strives to provide a total return greater than that of the S&P 500
Index by investing primarily in the common stocks of large U.S. companies
expected to experience growth in earnings and price. Although the Fund focuses
on large-cap stocks, the Fund's manager will consider companies of any market
capitalization. The Fund may also invest up to 20% of its assets in preferred
stocks, securities convertible into common stock, corporate bonds and notes,
warrants, short term obligations and foreign securities.
The Fund may temporarily invest up to 100% of its assets in high quality money
market instruments in response to adverse economic, political or market
conditions. This strategy is inconsistent with the Fund's principal investment
strategy and investment goal, and if employed could result in a lower return and
loss of market opportunity.
RISK FACTORS
Your investment in the Fund is subject to the risks discussed in the "Overview
of Fund Risks" on page 1 under the headings:
o Stock Market Risk
o Market Capitalization Risk
o Investment Style Risk
o Interest Rate Risk
o Credit Risk
o Foreign Investment Risk
<PAGE>
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E V E R G R E E N
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PERFORMANCE
The following charts show how the Fund has performed in the past. Past
performance is not an indication of future results.
The chart below shows the percentage gain or loss for Class A shares of the Fund
in each calendar year since the Class A shares' inception on 2/28/1990. It
should give you a general idea of how the Fund's return has varied from
year-to-year. This graph includes the effects of Fund expenses, but not sales
charges. Returns would be lower if sales charges were included.
Year-by-Year Total Return for Class A Shares (%)
[BAR CHART APPEARS HERE]
1989
1990
1991 43.19
1992 9.18
1993 8.01
1994 -2.59
1995 35.43
1996 27.19
1997 30.43
1998 12.55
Best Quarter: 4th Quarter 1998 +26.52%
Worst Quarter: 3rd Quarter 1998 -18.28%
The next table lists the Fund's average year-by-year return by class over the
past one and five years and since inception (through 12/31/1998), including
sales charges. This table is intended to provide you with some indication of the
risks of investing in the Fund. At the bottom of the table you can compare this
performance with an index that tracks investments similar to the Fund's, the S&P
500 Index, which is an unmanaged index tracking the performance of 500
publicly-traded U.S. stocks and is often used to indicate the performance of the
overall stock market. An index does not include transaction costs associated
with buying and selling securities nor any management fees. It is not possible
to invest directly in an index.
Average Annual Total Return*
(For the period ended 12/31/1998)
Inception Performance
Date 1 year 5 year 10 year Since
of Class 2/28/1990
Class A 2/28/1990 7.19% 18.60% N/A 17.05%
Class B 11/7/1997 8.12% 17.28% N/A 16.44%
Class C 6/30/1999 11.64% 19.76% N/A 17.70%
Class Y 2/21/1995 12.76% 19.94% N/A 17.80%
S&P 500 26.67% 21.39% N/A 19.03%
*Historical performance shown for Classes B, C and Y prior to their inception is
based on the performance of Class A, the original class offered. These
historical returns for Classes B, C and Y have not been adjusted to reflect the
effect of each Class' 12b-1 fees. These fees for Class A are 0.25% , for Class B
are 1.00%. and for Class C are 1.00%. Class Y does not pay a 12b-1 fee. If these
fees had been reflected, returns for Classes B and C would have been lower while
returns for Class Y would have been higher.
EXPENSES
This section describes the fees and expenses you would pay if you bought and
held shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Shareholder Transaction
Expenses Class A Class B Class C Class Y
Maximum sales charge imposed on
Purchases (as a % of offering price) 4.75% None None None
Maximum deferred sales charge (as a %
of either the redemption amount or initial
investment, whichever is lower) None* 5.00% 1.00% None
*Investments of $1 million or more are not subject to a front-end sales charge,
but may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% upon
redemption within one year after the month of purchase.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)+
Management 12b-1 Other Total Fund
Fees Fees Expenses Operating Expenses
Class A 0.74% 0.25% 0.11% 1.10%
Class B 0.74% 1.00% 0.11% 1.85%
Class C 0.74% 1.00% 0.11% 1.85%
Class Y 0.74% 0.00% 0.11% 0.85%
+ Restated for the fiscal year ended 9/30/1999 to reflect current fees.
The table below shows the total expenses you would pay on a $10,000 investment
over one-, three-, five- and ten-year periods. The example is intended to help
you compare the cost of investing in this Fund versus other mutual funds and is
for illustration only. The example assumes a 5% average annual return and that
you reinvest all of your distributions. Your actual costs may be higher or
lower.
Example of Fund Expenses
Assuming Redemption at Assuming
End of Period No Redemption
After: Class A Class B Class C Class Y Class B Class C
1 year $ 582 $ 688 $ 288 $ 87 $ 188 $ 188
3 years $ 808 $ 882 $ 582 $ 271 $ 582 $ 582
5 years $1,052 $1,201 $1,001 $ 471 $1,001 $1,001
10 years $1,752 $1,881 $2,169 $1,049 $1,881 $2,169
DOMESTIC GROWTH FUNDS ___
<PAGE>
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E V E R G R E E N
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Tax Strategic Equity Fund
FUND FACTS:
Goal:
o Tax-Efficient Long-Term Capital Growth
Principal Investment:
o Common Stocks
Classes of Shares
Offered in this
Prospectus:
o Class A
o Class B
o Class C
o Class Y
Investment Advisor:
o Evergreen Asset
Management Corp.
Portfolio Manager:
o Jean Ledford
o Richard Welsh
NASDAQ Symbols:
o None
Dividend Payment Schedule:
Annually
__ DOMESTIC GROWTH FUNDS
INVESTMENT GOAL
The Fund seeks long-term capital growth within a tax-efficient strategy.
INVESTMENT STRATEGY
The following supplements the investment strategies discussed in the "Overview
of Fund Risks" on page 1.
The Fund invests at least 65% of assets in common stocks of companies with large
and medium market capitalizations (at least $1 billion). The Fund may also
invest up to 35% of its assets in (1) foreign securities, including foreign
securities represented by American Depository Receipts and (2) common stocks of
companies with small market capitalizations (less than $1 billion). The Fund
uses investment techniques that reduce the impact of taxes on shareholder
returns. One of these techniques is to buy stocks paying low or no dividends
which reduces the taxable dividends the Fund pays to shareholders. Another
technique is to purchase securities the Fund expects to hold for growth over the
long-term. This practice decreases the Fund's portfolio turnover rate, which in
turn lessens the taxable capital gain, if any, the Fund pays to shareholders. A
third technique, used when selling securities in the portfolio, involves selling
the securities with the highest cost basis in order to minimize realized capital
gain. This also lessens taxable distributions to shareholders.
The Fund may temporarily invest up to 100% of its assets in high quality money
market instruments in response to adverse economic, political or market
conditions. This strategy is inconsistent with the Fund's principal investment
strategy and investment goal, and if employed could result in a lower return and
loss of market opportunity.
RISK FACTORS
Your investment in the Fund is subject to the risks discussed in the "Overview
of Fund Risks" on page 1 under the headings:
o Stock Market Risk
o Market Capitalization Risk
o Investment Style Risk
o Foreign Investment Risk
<PAGE>
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E V E R G R E E N
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE
The following charts show how the Fund has performed in the past. Past
performance is not an indication of future results.
The chart below shows the percentage gain or loss for Class Y shares of the Fund
in each calendar year since the Class Y shares' inception on 9/1/1998. It should
give you a general idea of how the Fund's return has varied from year-to-year.
This graph includes the effects of Fund expenses, but not sales charges. Returns
would be lower if sales charges were included.
Year-by-Year Total Return for Class Y Shares (%)
[BAR CHART APPEARS HERE]
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
Best Quarter: ___ Quarter 1999 +______%
Worst Quarter: ____ Quarter 1999 -______%
The next table lists the Fund's average year-by-year return by class over the
past one year and since inception (through 12/31/1999), including sales charges.
This table is intended to provide you with some indication of the risks of
investing in the Fund. At the bottom of the table you can compare this
performance with an index that tracks investments similar to the Fund's, the S&P
500 Index, which is an unmanaged index tracking the performance of 500
publicly-traded U.S. stocks and is often used to indicate the performance of the
overall stock market. An index does not include transaction costs associated
with buying and selling securities nor any management fees. It is not possible
to invest directly in an index.
Average Annual Total Return*
(For the period ended 12/31/1999)
Inception Performance
Date 1 year 5 year 10 year Since
of Class 9/1/1998
Class A 9/4/1998 % N/A N/A %
Class B 10/14/1998 % N/A N/A %
Class C 11/4/1998 % N/A N/A %
Class Y 9/1/1998 % N/A N/A %
S&P 500 % N/A N/A %
*Historical performance shown for Classes A, B and C prior to their inception is
based on the performance of Class Y, the original class offered. These
historical returns for Classes A, B and C have not been adjusted to reflect the
effect of each class' 12b-1 fees. These fees for Class A are 0.25%, for Class B
are 1.00% and for Class C are 1.00%. Class Y does not pay a 12b-1 fee. If these
had been reflected, returns would have been lower.
EXPENSES
This section describes the fees and expenses you would pay if you bought and
held shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Shareholder Transaction
Expenses Class A Class B Class C Class Y Maximum sales charge imposed on
4.75% None None None Purchases (as a % of offering price) Maximum deferred sales
charge None* 5.00% 1.00% None (as a % of either the redemption amount or initial
investment, whichever is lower)
*Investments of $1 million or more are not subject to a front-end sales charge,
but may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% upon
redemption within one year after the month of purchase.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)*+
Management 12b-1 Other Total Fund
Fees Fees Expenses Operating Expenses
Class A 0.95% 0.25% 1.23% 2.43%
Class B 0.95% 1.00% 1.23% 3.18%
Class C 0.95% 1.00% 1.23% 3.18%
Class Y 0.95% 0.00% 1.23% 2.18%
* Restated for the fiscal year ended 9/30/1999 to reflect current fees.
++ From time to time the Fund's investment adviser may, at its discretion,
reduce or waive its fees or reimburse the Fund for certain of its expenses in
order to reduce its expense ratios. The Fund's investment adviser may cease
these waivers or reimbursements at any time. The Annual Operating Expenses do
not reflect fee waivers and expense reimbursements. Including fee waivers and
reimbursements (and restating to reflect current fees), Total Fund Operating
Expenses were 1.55% for Class A, 2.30% for Class B, 2.30% for Class C, and 1.30%
for Class Y.
The table below shows the total expenses you would pay on a $10,000 investment
over one-, three-, five- and ten-year periods. The example is intended to help
you compare the cost of investing in this Fund versus other mutual funds and is
for illustration only. The example assumes a 5% average annual return and that
you reinvest all of your distributions. Your actual costs may be higher or
lower.
Example of Fund Expenses
Assuming Redemption at Assuming
End of Period No Redemption
After: Class A Class B Class C Class Y Class B Class C
1 year $ 709 $ 821 $ 421 $ 221 $ 321 $ 321
3 years $1,197 $1,280 $ 980 $ 682 $ 980 $ 980
5 years $1,709 $1,864 $1,664 $1,170 $1,664 $1,664
10 years $3,110 $3,232 $3,485 $2,513 $3,232 $3,485
DOMESTIC GROWTH FUNDS ___
<PAGE>
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E V E R G R E E N
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Masters Fund
FUND FACTS:
Goal:
o Long-Term Capital
Appreciation
Principal Investment:
o Equity Securities
Classes of Shares
Offered in this
Prospectus:
o Class A
o Class B
o Class C
o Class Y
Investment Advisor:
o Evergreen Investment
Management
Portfolio Manager:
o By committee of
EIM Managers
NASDAQ Symbols:
o EMFAX (Class A)
o EMFBX (Class B)
Dividend Payment Schedule:
Annually
__ DOMESTIC GROWTH FUNDS
INVESTMENT GOAL
The Fund seeks long-term capital appreciation.
INVESTMENT STRATEGY
The Fund's investment program is based on the Manager of Managers strategy of
the investment advisor which allocates the Fund's portfolio assets on an
approximately equal basis among four investment management organizations or
sub-advisors - each of which employs a different investment style.
The Fund's current sub-advisors are:
Evergreen Asset Management Corp. (EAMC)
MFS Institutional Advisors, Inc. (MFS)
OppenheimerFunds, Inc. (Oppenheimer)
Putnam Investment Management, Inc. (Putnam)
The following investment styles will be applied by the sub-advisors to the
segment of the Fund's portfolio for which that sub-advisor is responsible.
EAMC's segment of the portfolio will primarily be invested in equity securities
of U.S. and foreign companies with market capitalizations between approximately
$500 million and $5 billion. EAMC invests in companies it believes the market
has temporarily undervalued in relation to such factors as the company's assets,
cash flow and earnings potential. EAMC will use a value-oriented investment
strategy.
MFS manages its segment of the portfolio by primarily investing in equity
securities of companies with market capitalizations between approximately $500
million and $5 billion. Such companies generally would be expected to show
earnings growth over time that is well above the growth rate of the overall
economy and the rate of inflation, and wold have the products, management and
market opportunities which are usually necessary to continue sustained growth.
MFS may invest up to 25% (and generally expects to invest between 0% and 10%) of
its segment of the Fund's assets in foreign securities (not including American
Depositary Receipts), including foreign growth securities, which are not traded
on a U.S. exchange. MFS will use a growth-oriented investment strategy.
Oppenheimer manages its segment of the portfolio by investing primarily in
equity securities of those companies with market capitalizations over $5
billion; however, Oppenheimer may, when it deems advisable, invest in the equity
securities of mid-cap and small-cap companies. In purchasing portfolio
securities, Oppenheimer may invest without limit in foreign securities and may,
to a limited degree, invest in non-convertible debt securities and preferred
stocks which have the potential for capital appreciation.
Oppenheimer will use a blended growth- and value-oriented investment strategy.
Putnam's segment of the portfolio will primarily be invested in equity
securities of U.S. and foreign issuers with market capitalizations of $2 billion
or more. Putnam may also purchase non-convertible debt securities which offer
the opportunity for capital appreciation. In the evaluation of a company, more
consideration is given to growth potential than to dividend income. Putnam will
use a growth-oriented investment strategy.
<PAGE>
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E V E R G R E E N
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<PAGE>
The Fund intends to sell a portfolio investment when the value of the investment
reaches or exceeds its estimated fair value, when the issuer's investment
fundamentals begin to deteriorate, when the investment no longer appears to meet
the Fund's investment objective, when the Fund must meet redemptions, or for
other investment reasons which the sub-advisor deems necessary.
The Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in high quality money market
instruments in response to adverse economic, political or market conditions.
This strategy is inconsistent with the Fund's principal investment strategy and
investment goal, and if employed could result in a lower return and loss of
market opportunity.
RISK FACTORS
Your investment in the Fund is subject to the risks discussed in the "Overview
of Fund Risks" on page 1 under the headings:
o Stock Market Risk
o Market Capitalization Risk
o Investment Style Risk
o Interest Rate Risk
o Credit Risk
o Foreign Investment Risk
For further information regarding the Fund's investment strategy and risk
factors see "Other Fund Practices."
<PAGE>
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E V E R G R E E N
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PERFORMANCE
The following charts show how the Fund has performed in the past. Past
performance is not an indication of future results.
The chart below shows the percentage gain or loss for Class A shares of the Fund
in each calendar year since the Class A shares' inception on 12/31/1998. It
should give you a general idea of how the Fund's return has varied from
year-to-year. This graph includes the effects of Fund expenses, but not sales
charges. Returns would be lower if sales charges were included.
Year-by-Year Total Return for Class A Shares (%)
[BAR CHART APPEARS HERE]
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
Best Quarter: ___ Quarter 1999 +______%*
Worst Quarter: ____ Quarter 1999 -______%*
The next table lists the Fund's average year-by-year return by class over the
past one year and since inception (through 12/31/1999), including sales charges.
This table is intended to provide you with some indication of the risks of
investing in the Fund. At the bottom of the table you can compare this
performance with the S&P 400 MidCap Index and the S&P 500 Index. The S&P 400
MidCap Index is an unmanaged index tracking the performance of 400
publicly-traded U.S. stocks and is often used to indicate the performance of
medium capitalization stocks. The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index tracking
the performance of 500 publicly-traded U.S. stocks and is often used to indicate
the performance of the overall stock market. An index does not include
transaction costs associated with buying and selling securities nor any
management fees. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.
Average Annual Total Return
(For the period ended 12/31/1999)
Inception Performance
Date 1 year 5 year 10 year Since
of Class 12/31/1998
Class A 12/31/1998 % N/A N/A %
Class B 12/31/1998 % N/A N/A %
Class C 12/31/1998 % N/A N/A %
Class Y 12/31/1998 % N/A N/A %
S&P 400 % N/A N/A %
S&P 500 % N/A N/A %
EXPENSES
This section describes the fees and expenses you would pay if you bought and
held shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Shareholder Transaction
Expenses Class A Class B Class C Class Y
Maximum sales charge imposed on
Purchases (as a % of offering price) 4.75% None None None
Maximum deferred sales charge
(as a % of either the redemption
amount or initial investment, whichever
is lower) None* 5.00% 1.00% None
*Investments of $1 million or more are not subject to a front-end sales charge,
but may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% upon
redemption within one year after the month of purchase.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)+
Management 12b-1 Other Total Fund
Fees Fees Expenses Operating Expenses
Class A 0.95% 0.25% 0.52% 1.72%
Class B 0.95% 1.00% 0.52% 2.47%
Class C 0.95% 1.00% 0.52% 2.47%
Class Y 0.95% 0.00% 0.52% 1.47%
+ Restated for the fiscal year ended 9/30/1999 to reflect current fees.
The table below shows the total expenses you would pay on a $10,000 investment
over one-, three-, five- and ten-year periods. The example is intended to help
you compare the cost of investing in this Fund versus other mutual funds and is
for illustration only. The example assumes a 5% average annual return and that
you reinvest all of your distributions. Your actual costs may be higher or
lower.
Example of Fund Expenses
Assuming Redemption at Assuming
End of Period No Redemption
After: Class A Class B Class C Class Y Class B Class C
1 year $ 642 $ 750 $ 350 $ 150 $ 250 $ 250
3 years $ 991 $1,070 $ 770 $ 465 $ 770 $ 770
5 years $1,364 $1,516 $1,316 $ 803 $1,316 $1,316
10 years $2,409 $2,535 $2,806 $1,757 $2,535 $2,806
DOMESTIC GROWTH FUNDS __
<PAGE>
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E V E R G R E E N
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Growth Fund
FUND FACTS:
Goal:
o Capital Growth
Principal Investments:
o Common Stocks of Small
and Medium Sized U.S.
Companies
Classes of Shares
Offered in this
Prospectus:
o Class A
o Class B
o Class C
o Class Y
Investment Advisor:
o Mentor Investment
Advisors, LLC
Portfolio Managers:
o Theodore W. Price
o Linda Ziglar
o Jeffrey S. Drummond
NASDAQ Symbols:
o EGWAX (Class A)
o EGRTX (Class C)
o EGRYX (Class Y)
Dividend Payment Schedule:
o Annually
__ DOMESTIC GROWTH FUNDS
INVESTMENT GOAL
The Fund seeks long-term capital growth.
INVESTMENT STRATEGY
The following supplements the investment strategies discussed in the "Overview
of Fund Risks" on page 1.
The Fund seeks to achieve its goal by investing at least 75% of its assets in
common stocks of small and medium sized U.S. companies but may invest in
companies of any size. The Fund's managers employ a growth-style of equity
management and will purchase stocks of companies which have demonstrated
earnings, asset values or growth potential which they believe are not yet
reflected in the stock's market price. A key indicator of undervaluation
considered by the managers would be a company whose earnings growth is above the
S&P 500 Index's performance. The managers will also consider companies with a
strong balance sheet and product leadership in niche markets.
The Fund may temporarily invest up to 100% of its assets in high quality money
market instruments in response to adverse economic, political or market
conditions. This strategy is inconsistent with the Fund's principal investment
strategy and investment goal, and if employed could result in a lower return and
loss of market opportunity.
RISK FACTORS
Your investment in the Fund is subject to the risks discussed in the "Overview
of Fund Risks" on page 1 under the headings:
o Stock Market Risk
o Market Capitalization Risk
o Investment Style Risk
<PAGE>
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E V E R G R E E N
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERFORMANCE
The following charts show how the Fund has performed in the past. Past
performance is not an indication of future results.
The chart below shows the percentage gain or loss for Class C shares of the Fund
in each of the last ten calendar years. It should give you a general idea of how
the Fund's return has varied from year-to-year. This graph includes the effects
of Fund expenses, but not sales charges. Returns would be lower if sales charges
were included.
Year-by-Year Total Return for Class C Shares (%)
[BAR CHART APPEARS HERE]
1989 17.34
1990 -11.27
1991 50.25
1992 15.56
1993 15.60
1994 -4.45
1995 39.42
1996 21.01
1997 17.70
1998 0.86
Best Quarter: 1st Quarter 1998 +24.62%
Worst Quarter: 2nd Quarter 1998 -22.68%
The next table lists the Fund's average year-by-year return by class over the
past one-, five- and ten years and since inception (through 12/31/1998),
including sales charges. This table is intended to provide you with some
indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. At the bottom of the table you
can compare this performance with an index that tracks investments similar to
the Fund's. The Russell 2000 Index, which is an unmanaged index tracking the
performance of 2000 publicly-traded U.S. stocks, is often used to indicate the
performance of smaller company stocks. An index does not include transaction
costs associated with buying and selling securities nor any management fees. It
is not possible to invest directly in an index.
Average Annual Total Return*
(For the period ended 12/31/1998)
Inception Performance
Date 1 year 5 years 10 years Since
of Class 4/15/1985
Class A 6/5/1995 -3.24% 13.38% 14.63% 17.55%
Class B 10/18/1999 -3.98% 13.62% 14.87% 13.25%
Class C 4/15/1985 -0.11% 13.86% 14.87% 13.25%
Class Y 11/19/1997 1.81% 13.89% 14.82% 13.19%
Russell 2000 % % % %
* Historical performance shown for Classes A, B and Y prior to their inception
is based on the performance of Class C, the original class offered. These
historical returns of Classes A and Y have not been adjusted to reflect the
effect of each Class' 12b-1 fees. These fees for Class A are 0.25%, for Class B
are 1.00% and for Class C are 1.00%. Class Y does not pay a 12b-1 fee. If these
fees had been reflected, returns for Classes A and Y would have been higher.
EXPENSES
This section describes the fees and expenses you would pay if you bought and
held shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Shareholder Transaction
Expenses Class A Class B Class C Class Y
Maximum sales charge imposed on
Purchases (as a % of offering price)4.75% None None None
Maximum deferred sales charge
(as a % of either the redemption
amount or intial investment,
whichever is lower) None* 5.00% 1.00% None
*Investments of $1 million or more are not subject to a front-end sales charge,
but may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% upon
redemption within one year after the month of purchase.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)+
Management 12b-1 Other Total Fund
Fees Fees Expenses Operating Expenses
Class A 0.70% 0.25% 0.35% 1.30%
Class B 0.70% 1.00% 0.35% 2.05%
Class C 0.70% 1.00% 0.35% 2.05%
Class Y 0.70% 0.00% 0.35% 1.05%
+ Actual for the fiscal year ended 9/30/1999.
The table below shows the total expenses you would pay on a $10,000 investment
over one-, three-, five- and ten-year periods. The example is intended to help
you compare the cost of investing in this Fund versus other mutual funds and is
for illustration only. The example assumes a 5% average annual return and that
you reinvest all of your distributions. Your actual costs may be higher or
lower.
Example of Fund Expenses
Assuming Redemption at Assuming
End of Period No Redemption
After: Class A Class B Class C Class Y Class B Class C
1 year $ 601 $ 708 $ 308 $ 107 $ 208 $ 208
3 years $ 868 $ 943 $ 643 $ 334 $ 643 $ 643
5 years $1,154 $1,303 $1,103 $ 579 $1,103 $1,103
10 years $1,968 $2,097 $2,379 $1,283 $2,097 $2,379
DOMESTIC GROWTH FUNDS __
<PAGE>
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E V E R G R E E N
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital Growth Fund
FUND FACTS:
Goal:
o Capital Appreciation
Principal Investments:
o Common Stocks of Large
U.S. Companies
Classes of Shares
Offered in this
Prospectus:
o Class A
o Class B
o Class C
o Class Y
Investment Advisor:
o Mentor Investment
Advisors, LLC
Portfolio Managers:
o John G. Davenport
o Richard H. Skeppstrom, II
o Steven A. Certo
o E. Craig Dauer
o John G. Jordan, III
NASDAQ Symbols:
o ECPGX (Class A)
o ECPTX (Class C)
Dividend Payment Schedule:
o Annually
__ DOMESTIC GROWTH FUNDS
INVESTMENT GOAL
The Fund seeks long-term appreciation of capital.
INVESTMENT STRATEGY
The following supplements the investment strategies discussed in the "Overview
of Fund Risks" on page 1.
The Fund seeks to achieve its goal by investing primarily in common stocks of
large U.S. companies which the managers believe have the potential for capital
appreciation over the intermediate- and long-term. The Fund may also invest
without limit in preferred stocks, investment grade bonds, convertible
securities and any other securities that the managers' believe may permit the
Fund to achieve its investment goal. In selecting investments, the managers will
attempt to purchase securities of companies which they believe will assist the
Fund in achieving its goal due to changes in a companies financial condition,
changes in financial conditions generally, or other factors.
The Fund may temporarily invest up to 100% of its assets in high quality money
market instruments in response to adverse economic, political or market
conditions. This strategy is inconsistent with the Fund's principal investment
strategy and investment goal, and if employed could result in a lower return and
loss of market opportunity.
RISK FACTORS
Your investment in the Fund is subject to the risks discussed in the "Overview
of Fund Risks" on page 1 under the headings:
o Stock Market Risk
o Market Capitalization Risk
o Investment Style Risk
o Interest Rate Risk
o Credit Risk
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E V E R G R E E N
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERFORMANCE
The following charts show how the Fund has performed in the past. Past
performance is not an indication of future results.
The chart below shows the percentage gain or loss for Class A shares of the Fund
in each calendar year since the Class A shares' inception on 4/29/1992. It
should give you a general idea of how the Fund's return has varied from
year-to-year. This graph includes the effects of Fund expenses, but not sales
charges. Returns would be lower if sales charges were included.
Year-by-Year Total Return for Class A Shares (%)
[BAR CHART APPEARS HERE]
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993 3.53
1994 -2.70
1995 26.41
1996 26.49
1997 33.14
1998 27.34
Best Quarter: 4th Quarter 1998 +20.55%
Worst Quarter: 3rd Quarter 1998 -11.37%
The next table lists the Fund's average year-by-year return by class over the
past one and five years and since inception (through 12/31/1998), including
sales charges. This table is intended to provide you with some indication of the
risks of investing in the Fund. At the bottom of the table you can compare this
performance with an index that tracks investments similar to the Fund's, the S&P
500 Index, which is an unmanaged index tracking the performance of 500
publicly-traded U.S. stocks and is often used to indicate the performance of the
overall stock market. An index does not include transaction costs associated
with buying and selling securities nor any management fees. It is not possible
to invest directly in an index.
Average Annual Total Return*
(For the period ended 12/31/1998)
Inception Performance
Date 1 year 5 year 10 year Since
of Class 4/29/1992
Class A 4/29/1992 21.30% 20.23% N/A 16.43%
Class B 10/25/1999 22.34% 21.11% N/A 16.43%
Class C 4/29/1992 25.43% 20.53% N/A 16.48%
Class Y 11/19/1997 27.58% 21.45% N/A 29.36%
S&P 500 % % N/A %
* Historical performance shown for Classes B and Y prior to their inception is
based on the performance of Class A, one of the original classes offered along
with Class C. These historical returns for Classes B and Y have not been
adjusted to reflect the effect of each Class' 12b-1 fees. These fees for Class A
are 0.25%, for Class B are 1.00% and for Class C are 1.00%. Class Y does not pay
a 12b-1 fee. If these fees had been reflected, returns for Class B would have
been lower while returns for Class Y would have been higher.
EXPENSES
This section describes the fees and expenses you would pay if you bought and
held shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Shareholder Transaction
Expenses Class A Class B Class C Class Y
Maximum sales charge imposed on
Purchases (as a % of offering price) 4.75% None None None
Maximum deferred sales charge
(as a % of either the redemption
amont or initial investment, whichever
is lower) None* 5.00% 1.00% None
*Investments of $1 million or more are not subject to a front-end sales charge,
but may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% upon
redemption within one year after the month of purchase.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)+
Management 12b-1 Other Total Fund
Fees Fees Expenses Operating Expenses
Class A 0.80% 0.25% 0.34% 1.39%
Class B 0.80% 1.00% 0.34% 2.14%
Class C 0.80% 1.00% 0.34% 2.14%
Class Y 0.80% 0.00% 0.34% 1.14%
+ Actual for the fiscal year ended 9/30/1999.
The table below shows the total expenses you would pay on a $10,000 investment
over one-, three-, five- and ten-year periods. The example is intended to help
you compare the cost of investing in this Fund versus other mutual funds and is
for illustration only. The example assumes a 5% average annual return and that
you reinvest all of your distributions. Your actual costs may be higher or
lower.
Example of Fund Expenses
Assuming Redemption at Assuming
End of Period No Redemption
After: Class A Class B Class C Class Y Class B Class C
1 year $ 610 $ 717 $ 317 $ 116 $ 217 $ 217
3 years $ 894 $ 970 $ 670 $ 362 $ 670 $ 670
5 years $1,199 $1,349 $1,149 $ 628 $1,149 $1,149
10 years $2,064 $2,192 $2,472 $1,386 $2,192 $2,472
DOMESTIC GROWTH FUNDS __
<PAGE>
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E V E R G R E E N
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The Funds' Investment Advisors
Each investment advisor manages a Fund's investments and supervises its daily
business affairs. There are three different investment advisors for the
Evergreen Domestic Growth Funds. All investment advisors for the Evergreen Funds
are subsidiaries of First Union Corporation, the sixth largest bank holding
company in the United States, with over $ billion in consolidated assets as of
December 31, 1999. First Union Corporation is located at 301 South College
Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0013.
Evergreen Asset Management Corporation (EAMC) is the investment advisor to:
o Evergreen Fund and
Tax Strategic Equity Fund
EAMC, with its predecessors, has served as investment advisor to the Evergreen
Funds since 1971, and currently manages over $22.3 billion in assets for 22 of
the Evergreen Funds. EAMC is located at 2500 Westchester Avenue, Purchase, New
York 10577. EAMC also sub-advises a portion of Masters Fund.
Evergreen Investment Management Company (EIMC) is the investment advisor to:
o Aggressive Growth,
o Omega Fund,
o Small Company Growth Fund,
o Strategic Growth Fund and
o Masters Fund
EIMC has been managing money for over 50 years and currently manages over $11
billion in assets for 28 of the Evergreen Funds. EIMC is located at 200 Berkeley
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116-5034.
Evergreen Investment Management (EIM) is the investment advisor to:
o Masters Fund.
EIM, (formerly known as the Capital Management Group, or CMG) a division of
First Union National Bank (FUNB), has been managing mutual funds and private
accounts since 1932 and currently manages over $27.4 billion in assets for 34 of
the Evergreen Funds. EIM is located at 201 South College Street, Charlotte,
North Carolina 28288-0630.
Meridian Investment Company (MIC) is the investment advisor to:
o Stock Selector Fund.
MIC has been managing money for over 15 years and currently manages over $4
billion in assets, including $651 million in assets for 3 of the Evergreen
Funds. MIC is located at 55 Valley Stream Parkway, Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355.
Mentor Investment Advisors, LLC (MIA) is the investment adviser to:
o Growth Fund and
o Capital Growth Fund
MIA has been managing money for over 15 years and currently manages over $15.6
billion in assets, including $14.1 in assets for 28 of the Evergreen Funds. MIA
is located at 901 East Byrd Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
For the fiscal year ended 09/30/1999, the aggregate advisory fee paid to their
advisor by the Funds was as follows:
% of the Funds
Fund average yearly net assets
Evergreen Fund 0.89%
Aggressive Growth Fund 0.60%
Omega Fund 0.71%
Small Company Growth Fund 0.54%
Strategic Growth Fund 0.53%
Tax Strategic Equity Fund 0.07%
Stock Selector Fund 0.74%
Masters Fund 0.95%
Growth Fund 0.70%
Capital Growth Fund 0.80%
Year 2000 Compliance
The investment advisors and other service providers for the Evergreen Funds have
given representations of readiness and are continuing to take steps to address
any potential Year 2000-related computer problems. However, there is some risk
that these problems could disrupt the Funds' operations or financial markets
generally.
European Currency Conversion Risk
Certain countries in Europe converted their different currencies to a single,
common currency on January 1, 1999. In connection with this change, investment
advisors, mutual funds and their service providers modified their accounting and
recordkeeping systems to handle the new currency. If a Fund invests in foreign
securities, your investment in the Fund may be adversely affected if these
technical modifications have not been implemented properly. Also, the conversion
to a single currency may impair the markets for securities denominated in the
currencies eliminated, which may also adversely impact your investment.
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E V E R G R E E N
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THE FUNDS' PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Evergreen Fund
Jean Ledford, CFA and Richard Welsh became Co-Managers of the Fund in August
1999. Ms. Ledford became President and Chief Executive Officer of EAMC in August
1999. From February 1997 until she joined EAMC, Ms. Ledford was employed as a
portfolio manager at American Century Investments (American Century). From 1980
until she joined American Century, Ms. Ledford was the investment director at
the State of Wisconsin Investment Board. Mr. Welsh joined EAMC as Senior Vice
President and portfolio manager in August 1999. Prior to joining EAMC, he was
employed for five years as a portfolio manager and analyst at American Century.
Aggressive Growth Fund
The day-to-day management of the Fund is handled by Maureen E. Cullinane. Ms.
Cullinane has been a Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager of EIMC
since 1995. Ms. Cullinane has been employed by EIMC since 1974 and has over 20
years of investment experience. Ms. Cullinane has managed the Fund since April
1999.
Omega Fund
The day-to-day management of the Fund has been handled by Maureen E. Cullinane
since 1989. Ms. Cullinane is a Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio
Manager of EIMC and has over 20 years of investment experience.
Small Company Growth Fund
The day-to-day management of the Fund has been handled by J. Gary Craven since
November 1996 when he joined EIMC. Mr. Craven is a Senior Vice President and
Chief Investment Officer of EIMC, as well as Group Leader for the small-cap
equity group. Prior to joining EIMC, Mr. Craven was a portfolio manager for 9
years at Invista Capital Management, Inc.
Strategic Growth Fund
The day-to-day management of the Fund has been handled by Maureen E. Cullinane
since 1995. Ms. Cullinane is a Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio
Manager of EIMC and has over 20 years of investment experience.
Stock Selector Fund
Jay Zelko, Eric M. Teal and Timothy M. Stevenson, CFA, have been Co-Managers of
the Fund since October 1999. Mr. Zelko joined FUNB in April 1994 and is an
equity portfolio manager within MIC who maintains sector analytical and
portfolio management responsibilities. Mr. Zelko has been affiliated with MIC as
a portfolio manager since June 1999. Mr. Teal joined FUNB in September 1993 as
an investment officer and has been Vice President and quantitative equity
analyst since September 1997. Currently, Mr. Teal heads the Quantitative
Analysis/Portfolio Management Unit within FUNB. He is also responsible for
equity quantitative management for the Evergreen Select Equity Funds. Mr. Teal
has been affiliated with MIC as a portfolio manager since October 1999. Mr.
Stevenson has been an investment professional since August 1981. Before joining
FUNB in November 1994 as a Senior Vice President and portfolio manager, Mr.
Stevenson served as research director and portfolio manager for Cedar Hill
Associates, Inc. from July 1989 to July 1994. Mr. Stevenson has been affiliated
with MIC as a portfolio manager since October 1999.
Tax Strategic Equity Fund
Jean Ledford and Richard Welsh became Co-Managers of the Fund in August 1999.
Ms. Ledford became President and Chief Executive Officer of EAMC in August 1999.
From February 1997 until she joined EAMC, Ms. Ledford was employed as a
portfolio manager at American Century. From 1980 until she joined American
Century, Ms. Ledford was the investment director at the State of Wisconsin
Investment Board. Mr. Welsh joined EAMC as Senior Vice President and portfolio
manager in August 1999. Prior to joining EAMC, he was employed for five years as
a portfolio manager and analyst at American Century.
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E V E R G R E E N
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Masters Fund
Subject to the supervision of EIM, each sub advisor listed below manages a
segment of the Fund's portfolio in accordance with the Fund's investment
objective and policies, make investment decisions for the segment, and places
orders to purchase and sell securities for the segment. The Fund pays no direct
fees to any of the sub-advisors. The four sub-advisors of the Fund are:
EAMC is described above.
MFS Institutional Advisors, Inc., 500 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts
02116, is America's oldest mutual fund organization. As of December 31, 1999,
MFS managed more than $___ billion on behalf of almost 4 million investor
accounts.
OppenheimerFunds, Inc., Two World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048, has
operated as an investment advisor since 1959. As of December 31, 1999,
Oppenheimer and its subsidiaries managed investment companies with assets of
more than $95 billion and with more than 4 million shareholder accounts.
Putnam Investment Management, Inc., One Post Office Square, Boston,
Massachusetts 02109, has been managing mutual funds since 1937. As of December
31, 1999, Putnam and its affiliates managed more than $___ billion of assets for
more than 10 million shareholder accounts.
Manager Oversight - EIM has appointed a committee of investment personnel which
is primarily responsible for overseeing the sub-advisors of the Masters Fund.
The investment advisor has ultimate responsibility for the investment
performance of the Fund.
The investment advisor continuously monitors the performance and investment
styles of the Fund's sub-advisors and from time to time may recommend changes of
sub-advisors based on factors such as changes in a sub-advisor's investment
style or a departure by a sub-advisor from the investment style for which it had
been selected, a deterioration in a sub-advisor's performance relative to that
of other investment management firms practicing a similar style, or adverse
changes in its ownership or personnel.
One segment may be larger or smaller at various times than other segments, but
the investment advisor will not reallocate assets among the segments to reduce
these differences in size until the assets allocated to one sub-advisor either
exceed 355 or are less than 15% of the Fund's average daily net assets for a
period of three consecutive months. In such event the investment advisor may,
but is not obligated to, reallocate assets among sub-advisors to provide for a
more equal distribution of the Fund's assets.
Growth Fund
Theodore W. Price, CFA, Linda Ziglar, CFA and Jeffrey S. Drummond, CFA are the
Co-Managers of the Fund. Mr. Price is a Managing Director, portfolio manager and
Leader of the Small Capitalization Growth Team of MIA and has 30 years of
investment management experience including ten years as vice chairman and
portfolio manager of Wheat Investment Advisors. Ms. Ziglar is a Managing
Director and portfolio manager who joined MIA in 1991. Mr. Drummond is a Senior
Vice President and portfolio manager who joined MIA in 1993.
Capital Growth Fund
John G. Davenport, CFA, Richard H. Skeppstrom, II, Steven A Certo, E. Craig
Dauer, and John G. Jordan, II, CFA are the Co-Managers of the Fund. Mr.
Davenport is Managing Director, portfolio manager and Team Leader for the Large
Capitalization Growth Team and joined MIA in 1992. Mr. Skeppstrom is Senior Vice
President and portfolio manager for the Large Capitalization Growth Team and
joined MIA in 1992. Mr. Certo is Vice President and portfolio manager for the
Large Capitalization Growth Team and joined MIA in 1997. Prior to joining MIA he
was a research analyst with the Equity Research department of Wheat First Union.
Mr. Dauer is an Assistant Vice President and portfolio manager with the Large
Capitalization Growth Team and joined MIA in 1999 after previous employment as
an equity research analyst at Wheat First Union. Mr. Jordan is a portfolio
manager with the Large Capitalization Growth Team of MIA and joined the team in
1999 after previous employment as a portfolio manager at Thompson Siegel &
Walmsey.
CALCULATING THE SHARE PRICE
The value of one share of a Fund, also known as the net asset value, or NAV, is
calculated on each day the New York Stock Exchange is open as of the time the
Exchange closes (normally 4 p.m. Eastern time). We calculate the share price for
each share by adding up the total assets of the Fund, subtracting all
liabilities, then dividing the result by the total number of shares outstanding.
Each class of shares is calculated separately. Each security held by a Fund is
valued using the most recent market data for that security. If no market data is
available for a given security, we will price that security at fair value
according to policies established by the Fund's' Board of Trustees. Short-term
securities with maturities of 60 days or less will be valued on the basis of
amortized cost.
The price per share you pay for a Fund purchase or the amount you receive for a
Fund redemption is based on the next price calculated after the order is
received and all required information is provided. The value of your account at
any given time is the latest share price multiplied by the number of shares you
own. Your account balance may change daily because the share price may change
daily.
Certain Funds may invest in foreign securities that are primarily listed on
foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the Fund does not
price its shares. As a result, the NAV of the Fund may change on days when
investors will not be able to purchase or redeem the Fund's shares.
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E V E R G R E E N
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HOW TO CHOOSE AN EVERGREEN FUND
When choosing an Evergreen Fund, you should:
o Most importantly, read the prospectus to see if the Fund is suitable for you.
o Consider talking to an investment professional. He or she is qualified to
give you investment advice based on your investment goals and financial
situation and will be able to answer questions you may have after reading
the Fund's prospectus.
He or she can also assist you through all phases of opening your account.
o Request any additional information you want about the Fund, such as the
Statement of Additional Information, Annual Report or Semi-Annual Report by
calling 1-800-343-2898. In addition, any of these documents, with the
exception of the SAI, may be downloaded of our website at
www.evergreen-funds.com.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE SHARE CLASS THAT BEST SUITS YOU
After choosing a Fund, you select a share class. The Evergreen Domestic Growth
Funds offer three different retail share classes. Each retail class of shares
has its own sales charge. Pay particularly close attention to this fee structure
so you know how much you will be paying before you invest.
Class A
If you select Class A shares, you may pay a front-end sales charge of up to
4.75%. This charge is deducted from your investment before it is invested. The
actual charge depends on the amount invested, as shown below:
As a % of As a % Dealer
Your NAV excluding of your commission
Investment sales charge investment as a % of NAV
Up to $49,999 4.75% 4.99% 4.25%
$50,000-$99,999 4.50% 4.71% 4.25%
$100,000-$249,999 3.75% 3.90% 3.25%
$250,000-$499,999 2.50% 2.56% 2.00%
$500,000-$999,999 2.00% 2.04% 1.75%
$1,000,000 and over 0% 0% 1.00% of the amount
invested up to $2,999,999;
.50% of the amount invested over $2,999,999,
up to $4,999,999; and .25% of the excess over $4,999,999.
Although no front-end sales charge applies to purchases of $1,000,000 and over,
you will pay a 1% deferred sales charge if you redeem any such shares within
thirteen months of purchase.
Two ways you can reduce your Class A sales charges:
1. Rights of Accumulation allow you to combine your investment with all
existing investments in all your Evergreen Fund accounts when determining
whether you meet the threshold for a reduced Class A sales charge.
2. Letter of Intent. If you agree to purchase at least $50,000 over a 13-month
period, you pay the same sales charge as if you had invested the full
amount all at once. The Fund will hold a certain portion of your investment
in escrow until your commitment is met.
Contact your broker or the Evergreen Service Company at 1-800-343-2898 if you
think you may qualify for either of these services.
Each Fund may also sell Class A shares at net asset value without any initial or
deferred sales charge to the Directors, Trustees, officers and employees of the
Fund and the advisory affiliates of First Union Corporation, and to members of
their immediate families, to registered representatives of firms with dealer
agreements with Evergreen Distributor, Inc. (EDI), and to a bank or trust
company acting as trustee for a single account.
Class B
If you select Class B shares, you do not pay a front-end sales charge, so the
entire amount of your purchase is invested in the Fund. However, your shares are
subject to an additional expense, known as the 12b-1 fee. In addition, you may
pay a deferred sales charge if you redeem your shares within six years after the
month of purchase. The amount of the deferred sales charge depends on the length
of time the shares are held, as shown below:
Time Held Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge
Month of Purchase + First 12 Month Period 5.00%
Month of Purchase + Second 12 Month Period 4.00%
Month of Purchase + Third 12 Month Period 3.00%
Month of Purchase + Fourth 12 Month Period 3.00%
Month of Purchase + Fifth 12 Month Period 2.00%
Month of Purchase + Sixth 12 Month Period 1.00%
Thereafter 0%
After 7 Years Converts to Class A
Dealer Allowance 4.00%
The deferred sales charge percentage is applied to the value of the shares when
purchased or when redeemed, whichever is less. No deferred sales charge is paid
on shares purchased through dividend or capital gain reinvestments or on any
gain in the value of your shares. Upon request for redemption, to keep the
deferred sales charge as low as possible, the Fund will first seek to redeem
shares not subject to the deferred sales charge and/or shares held the longest,
in that order. The deferred sales charge on any redemption is, to the extent
permitted by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., paid to EDI.
Class C
Class C Shares are similar to Class B Shares, except the deferred sales charge
is less and only applies if shares are redeemed within the first year after the
month of purchase. Also, these shares do not convert to Class A shares and so
the higher 12b-1 fee continues for the life of the account.
Time Held Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge
Month of Purchase + Less Than 1 Year 1.00%
Month of Purchase + 1 Year or More 0%
Waiver of Class B or Class C Deferred Sales Charges
You will not be assessed a deferred sales charge for Class B or Class C shares
if you redeem shares in the following situations:
o When the shares were purchased through reinvestment of dividends/capital gains
o Death or disability
o Lump-sum distribution from a 401(k) plan or other
benefit plan qualified under ERISA
o Automatic IRA withdrawals if your age is at least 59 1/2
o Automatic withdrawals of up to 1.0% of the account balance per month
o Loan proceeds and financial hardship distributions from a retirement plan
o Returns of excess contributions or excess deferral amounts made to a
retirement plan participant
Class Y
Each Fund offers Class Y shares at net asset value without an initial sales
charge, deferred sales charge or 12b-1 fees. Class Y shares are only offered to
persons who owned shares in an Evergreen Fund advised by Evergreen Asset
Management Corp. on or before December 31, 1994; certain institutional
investors; and investment advisory clients of an investment advisor of an
Evergreen Fund (or the investment advisor's affiliates).
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E V E R G R E E N
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HOW TO BUY SHARES
Evergreen Funds' low investment minimums make investing easy. Once you decide on
an amount and a share class, simply fill out an application and send in your
payment, or talk to your investment professional.
Minimum Investments
Initial Additional
Regular Accounts $1,000 None
IRAs $250 None
Systematic Investment Plan $50 $25
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Method Opening an Account Adding to an Account
<S> <C> <C>
By Mail or o Complete and sign the account application. o Make your check payable to Evergreen Funds.
through an o Make the check payable to Evergreen Funds. o Write a note specifying:
Investment o Mail the application and your check to the address below: - the Fund name
Professional Evergreen Service Company Overnight Address: - share class
P.O. Box 2121 Evergreen Service Company - your account number
Boston, MA 02106-2121 200 Berkeley St. - the name(s) in which the account is
Boston, MA 02116-5039 o Mail to the address below or deliver to your
o Or deliver them to your investment representative (provided investment representative.
he or she has a broker-dealer arrangement with EDI)
By Phone o Call 1-800-343-2898 to set up an account number and get o Call the Evergreen Express Line at
wiring instructions (call before 12 noon if you want wired 1-800-346-3858 24 hours a day or
funds to be credited that day). 1-800-343-2898 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
o Instruct your bank to wire or transfer your purchase (they Eastern time, on any business day.
may charge a wiring fee). o If your bank account is set up on file, you
o Complete the account application and mail to: can request either:
Evergreen Service Company Overnight Address: - Federal Funds Wire (offers immediate access
P.O. Box 2121 Evergreen Service Company to funds) or
Boston, MA 02106-2121 200 Berkeley St. - Electronic transfer through the Automated
Boston, MA 02116-5039 Clearing House which avoids wiring fees.
o Wires received after 4 p.m. Eastern time on market
trading days will receive the next market day's closing price.*
By Exchange o You can make an additional investment by exchange from an existing Evergreen Funds account by
contacting your investment representative or calling the Evergreen Express Line at 1-800-346-3858.**
o You can only exchange shares within the same class.
o There is no sales charge or redemption fee when exchanging funds within the Evergreen Funds family.***
o Orders placed before 4 p.m. Eastern time on market trading days will receive that day's closing share price
(if not, you will receive the next market day's closing price).*
o Exchanges are limited to three per calendar quarter, and five per calendar year.
o Exchanges between accounts which do not have identical ownership must be made in writing with a
signature guarantee (see below).
Systematic o You can transfer money automatically from your bank o To establish automatic investing for an
Investment account into your Fund on a monthly basis. existing account call 1-800-343-2898 for an
Plan (SIP) o Initial investment minimum is $50 if you invest at least application.
$25 per month with this service. o The minimum is $25 per month or $75 per
o To enroll, check off the box on the account application and quarter.
provide: o You can also establish an investing program
- your bank account information through direct deposit from your paycheck.
- the amount and date of your monthly investment. Call 1-800-343-2898 for details.
</TABLE>
* The Funds' shares may be made available through financial service firms which
are also investment dealers and which have a service agreement with EDI. The
Funds have approved the acceptance of purchase and repurchase request orders
effective as of the time of their receipt by certain authorized financial
intermediaries.
** Once you have authorized either the telephone exchange or redemption service,
anyone with a Personal Identification Number (PIN) and the required account
information (including your broker) can request a telephone transaction in your
account. All calls are recorded or monitored for verification, recordkeeping and
quality-assurance purposes. The Evergreen Funds reserve the right to terminate
the exchange privilege of any shareholder who exceeds the listed maximum number
of exchanges, as well as to reject any large dollar exchange if placing it
would, in the judgment of the portfolio manager, adversely affect the price of
the Fund.
*** This does not apply to exchanges from Class A shares of an Evergreen Money
Market Fund.
__ DOMESTIC GROWTH FUNDS
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E V E R G R E E N
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HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
We offer you several convenient ways to redeem your shares in any of the
Evergreen Funds:
Methods Requirements
Call Us o Call the Evergreen Express Line at 1-800-346-3858 24 hours a
day or 1-800-343-2898 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Eastern time, on any business day.
o This service must be authorized ahead of time, and is only
available for regular accounts.**
o All authorized requests made before 4 p.m. Eastern time on
market trading days will be processed at that day's closing
price. Requests after 4 p.m. will be processed the following
business day.*
o We can either:
- wire the proceeds into your bank account (service charges
may apply)
- electronically transmit the proceeds into your bank account
via the Automated Clearing House service - mail you a check.
o All telephone calls are recorded for your protection. We are
not responsible for acting on telephone orders we believe are
genuine.
o See exceptions list below for requests that must be made in
writing.
Write Us o You can mail a redemption request to:
Evergreen Service Company Overnight Address:
P.O. Box 2121 Evergreen Service Company
Boston, MA 02106-2121 200 Berkeley St.
Boston, MA 02116-5039
o Your letter of instructions must:
- list the Fund name and the account number
- indicate the number of shares or dollar value you wish to
redeem - be signed by the registered owner(s).
o See exceptions list below for requests that must be signature
guaranteed.
o To redeem from an IRA or other retirement account, call
1-800-346-3858 for a special application.
Sell Your o You may also redeem your shares through participating
Shares in broker-dealers by delivering a letter as described above to
Person your broker-dealer.
o A fee may be charged for this service.
Systematic o You can transfer money automatically from your Fund account on
Withdrawal a monthly or quarterly basis -- without redemption fees.
Plan (SWP) o The withdrawal can be mailed to you, or deposited directly to
your bank account.
o The minimum is $75 per month.
o The maximum is 1% of your account per month or 3% per quarter.
o To enroll, call 1-800-343-2898 for an application.
Timing of Proceeds
Normally, we will send your redemption proceeds on the next business day after
we receive your request; however, we reserve the right to wait up to seven
business days to redeem any investments made by check and five business days for
investments made by Automated Clearing House transfer.
We also reserve the right to redeem in kind by paying you the proceeds of a
redemption in securities rather than in cash, and to redeem the remaining amount
in the account if your redemption brings the account balance below the initial
minimum of $1,000.
Exceptions: Redemption Requests That Require A Signature Guarantee
To protect you and the Evergreen Funds against fraud, certain redemption
requests must be made in writing with your signature guaranteed. A signature
guarantee can be obtained at most banks and securities dealers. A notary public
is not authorized to provide a signature guarantee. The following circumstances
require signature guarantees: o You are redeeming more than $50,000. You want
the proceeds transmitted to a bank account not listed on the account o You want
the proceeds payable to anyone other than the registered owner(s) of the account
o Either your address or the address of your bank account has been changed
within 30 days o The account is registered in the name of a fiduciary
corporation or any other organization. In these cases, additional documentation
is required:
corporate accounts:certified copy of corporate resolution
fiduciary accounts:copy of the power of attorney or other governing document
Who Can Provide A Signature
Guarantee:
o Commercial Bank
o Trust Company
o Savings Association
o Credit Union
o Member of a U.S. stock exchange
DOMESTIC GROWTH FUNDS ___
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E V E R G R E E N
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OTHER SERVICES
Evergreen Express Line
Use our automated, 24-hour service to check the value of your investment in a
Fund; purchase, redeem or exchange Fund shares; find a Fund's price, yield or
total return; order a statement or duplicate tax form; or hear market commentary
from Evergreen portfolio managers.
Automatic Reinvestment of Dividends
For the convenience of investors, all dividends and capital gains distributions
are automatically reinvested, unless you request otherwise. Distributions can be
made by check or electronic transfer through the Automated Clearing House to
your bank account. The details of your dividends and other distributions will be
included on your statement.
Payroll Deduction
If you want to invest automatically through your paycheck, call us to find out
how you can set up direct payroll deductions. The amounts deducted will be
invested in your Fund account using the Electronic Funds Transfer System. We
will provide the Fund account number. Your payroll department will let you know
the date of the pay period when your investment begins.
Telephone Investment Plan
You may make additional investments electronically in an existing Fund account
at amounts of not less than $100 or more than $10,000 per investment. Telephone
requests received by 4:00 p.m. Eastern time will be invested the day the request
is received.
Dividend Exchange
You may elect on the application to reinvest capital gains and/or dividends
earned in one Evergreen Fund into an existing account in another Evergreen Fund
in the same share class -- automatically. Please indicate on the application the
Evergreen Fund(s) into which you want to invest the distributions.
Reinvestment Privileges
Under certain circumstances, shareholders may, within one year of redemption,
reinstate their accounts at the current price (net asset value).
__ DOMESTIC GROWTH FUNDS
THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDS
You may be taxed in two ways:
o On Fund distributions (capital gains and dividends)
o On any profit you make when you sell any or all of your shares.
Fund Distributions
A mutual fund passes along to all of its shareholders the net income or profits
it receives from its investments. The shareholders of the fund then pay any
taxes due, whether they receive these distributions in cash or elect to have
them reinvested. The Fund distributes two types of taxable income to you:
o Dividends. The Fund pays either a monthly, quarterly or yearly dividend
from the dividends, interest and other income on the securities in which it
invests. The frequency of dividends for each particular Evergreen Domestic
Growth Fund is listed under the Fund's Investment Strategy section in the
summary of each Fund previously presented.
o Capital Gains. When a mutual fund sells a security it owns for a profit,
the result is a capital gain. Evergreen Domestic Growth Funds generally
distribute capital gains at least once a year, near the end of the calendar
year. Short-term capital gains reflect securities held by the Fund for a
year or less and are considered ordinary income just like dividends.
Profits on securities held longer than 12 months are considered long-term
capital gains and are taxed at a special tax rate (20% for most taxpayers,
on sales made after January 1, 1998).
Dividend and Capital Gain Reinvestment
Unless you choose otherwise on the account application, all dividend and capital
gain payments will be reinvested to buy additional shares. Distribution checks
that are returned and distribution checks that are uncashed when the shareholder
has failed to respond to mailings from the shareholder servicing agent will
automatically be reinvested to buy additional shares.
No interest will accrue on amounts represented by uncashed distribution or
redemption checks.
We will send you a statement each January with the federal tax status of
dividends and distributions paid by each Fund during the previous calendar year.
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E V E R G R E E N
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Profits You Realize When You Redeem Shares
When you sell shares in a mutual fund, whether by redeeming or exchanging, you
have created a taxable event. You must report any gain or loss on your tax
return unless the transaction was entered into by a tax-deferred retirement plan
or occurred in a money market fund. It is your responsibility to keep accurate
records of your mutual fund transactions. You will need this information when
you file your income tax return, since you must report any capital gains or
losses you incur when you sell shares. Remember, an exchange is a purchase and a
sale for tax purposes.
Tax Reporting
Evergreen Service Company provides you with a tax statement of your dividend and
capital gains distributions for each calendar year on Form 1099 DIV. Proceeds
from a sale are reported on Form 1099B. You must report these on your tax
return. Since the IRS receives a copy as well, you could pay a penalty if you
neglect to report them.
Evergreen Service Company will send you a tax information guide each year during
tax season, which may include a cost basis statement detailing the gain or loss
on taxable transactions you had during the year. Please consult your own tax
advisor for further information regarding the federal, state and local tax
consequences of an investment in the Funds.
Retirement Plans
You may invest in each Fund through various retirement plans, including IRAs,
401(k) plans, Simplified Employee Plans (SEPs), IRAs, 403(b) plans, 457 plans
and others. For special rules concerning these plans, including applications,
restrictions, tax advantages, and potential sales charge waivers, contact your
broker-dealer. To determine if a retirement plan may be appropriate for you,
consult your tax advisor.
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUNDS
Every mutual fund has fees and expenses that are assessed either directly or
indirectly. This section describes each of those fees.
Management Fee
The management fee pays for the normal expenses of managing the Fund, including
portfolio manager salaries, research costs, corporate overhead expenses and
related expenses.
12b-1 Fees
The Trustees of the Evergreen Funds have approved a policy to assess 12b-1 fees
for Class A, Class B and Class C shares. Up to 0.75% of the average daily net
assets of Class A shares and up to 1.00% of the average daily net assets of
Class B shares and Class C shares are payable as 12b-1 fees. However, currently
the 12b-1 fees for Class A shares are limited to 0.25% of the average daily net
assets of the class. These fees increase the cost of your investment. The higher
12b-1 fees imposed on Class B and Class C shares may, over time, cost more than
the initial sales charge of Class A shares. The purpose of the 12b-1 fees is to
promote the sale of more shares of the Funds to the public. The Funds might use
this fee for advertising and marketing and as a "service fee" to the
broker-dealer for additional shareholder services.
Other Expenses
Other expenses include miscellaneous fees from outside service providers. These
may include legal, audit, custodial and safekeeping fees, the printing and
mailing of reports and statements, automatic reinvestment of distributions and
other conveniences for which the shareholder pays no transaction fees.
Total Fund Operating Expenses
The total cost of running the Fund is called the expense ratio. As a
shareholder, you are not charged these fees directly; instead they are taken out
before the Fund's net asset value is calculated, and are expressed as a
percentage of the Fund's average daily net assets. The effect of these fees is
reflected in the performance results for that share class. Because these fees
are "invisible," investors should examine them closely in the prospectus,
especially when comparing one fund with another fund in the same investment
category. There are three things to remember about expense ratios: 1) your total
return in the Fund is reduced in direct proportion to the fees; 2) expense
ratios can vary greatly between funds and fund families, from under 0.25% to
over 3.0%; and 3) a Fund's advisor may waive a portion of the Fund's expenses
for a period of time, reducing its expense ratio.
DOMESTIC GROWTH FUNDS ___
<PAGE>
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E V E R G R E E N
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
This section looks in detail at the results for one share in each share class of
the Funds--how much income it earned, how much of this income was passed along
as a distribution and how much the return was reduced by expenses. The following
tables have been derived from financial information audited by KPMG LLP: Omega
Fund, Small Company Growth Fund, Strategic Growth Fund, Tax Strategic Equity
Fund, Masters Fund, Growth Fund and Capital Growth Fund for each fiscal year or
period shown; and for the Evergreen Fund, Aggressive Growth Fund and Stock
Selector Fund for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999. The following tables
have been derived from financial information audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP: Evergreen Fund for each fiscal year or period of the four-year period ended
September 30,1998 ; Aggressive Growth Fund for each fiscal year or period ended
September 30, 1995 to September 30, 1998; and Stock Selector Fund for the fiscal
period ended September 30, 1998.
For a more complete picture of the Funds' financial statements, please see the
Funds' Annual Report as well as the Statement of Additional Information.
Financial Highlights to be provided by amendment.
<PAGE>
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E V E R G R E E N
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER FUND PRACTICES
The Funds may invest in futures and options. If a Fund invests in foreign
securities, it may also invest in foreign currencies. The Funds may also engage
in short sales. Such practices are used to hedge a Fund's portfolio to protect
against changes in interest rates and to adjust the portfolio's duration.
Although this is intended to increase returns, these practices may actually
reduce returns or increase volatility.
In addition, the Funds may borrow money and lend their securities. Borrowing is
a form of leverage, which may magnify a Fund's gain or loss. Lending securities
may cause the Fund to lose the opportunity to sell these securities at the most
desirable price and, therefore, lose money.
Please consult the Statement of Additional Information for more information
regarding these and other investment practices used by the Funds, including
risks.
___ DOMESTIC GROWTH FUNDS
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E V E R G R E E N
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes
DOMESTIC GROWTH FUNDS __
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E V E R G R E E N
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Evergreen Funds
<PAGE>
Money Market
Florida Municipal Money Market Fund
Money Market Fund
Municipal Money Market Fund
New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund
Pennsylvania Municipal Money Market Fund
Treasury Municipal Money Market Fund
U.S. Government Money Market Fund
Tax-Advantaged
Connecticut Municipal Bond Fund
Florida High Income Municipal Bond Fund
Florida Municipal Bond Fund
Georgia Municipal Bond Fund
High Grade Municipal Bond Fund
Maryland Municipal Bond Fund
Municipal Bond Fund New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund
North Carolina Municipal Bond Fund
Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund
Short Intermediate Municipal Fund
South Carolina Municipal Bond Fund
Virginia Municipal Bond Fund
Income
Capital Preservation and Income Fund
Diversified Bond Fund
High Income Fund
High Yield Bond Fund
Intermediate Term Bond Fund
Quality Income Fund
Short Intermediate Bond Fund
Strategic Income Fund
U.S. Government Fund
Balanced
Balanced Fund
Capital Balanced Fund
Foundation Fund
Tax Strategic Foundation Fund
Growth & Income
Blue Chip Fund
Equity Income Fund
Growth and Income Fund
Income and Growth Fund
Small Cap Value Fund
Utility Fund
Value Fund
Domestic Growth
Aggressive Growth Fund
Capital Growth Fund
Evergreen Fund
Growth Fund
Masters Fund
Omega Fund
Select Equity Index Fund
Select Special Equity Fund
Small Company Growth Fund
Stock Selector Fund
Strategic Growth Fund
Tax Strategic Equity Fund
Global International
Emerging Markets Growth Fund
Global Leaders Fund
Global Opportunities Fund
International Growth Fund
Latin America Fund
Perpetual Global Fund
Perpetual International Fund
Precious Metals Fund
Express Line
800.346.3858
Investor Services
800.343.2898
__ DOMESTIC GROWTH FUNDS
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q U I C K R E F E R E N C E G U I D E
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
1 Evergreen Express Line
Call 1-800-346-3858
24 hours a day to
o check your account
o order a statement
o get a Fund's current price, yield and total return
o buy, redeem or exchange Fund shares
2 Investor services
Call 1-800-343-2898
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time to
o buy, redeem or exchange shares
o order applications
o get assistance with your account
3 Information Line for Hearing and Speech
Impaired (TTY/TDD)
Call 1-800-343-2888
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time
4 Write us a letter
Evergreen Service Company
P.O. Box 2121
Boston, MA 02106-2121
o to buy, redeem or exchange shares
o to change the registration on your account
o for general correspondence
5 For express, registered or certified mail:
Evergreen Service Company
200 Berkeley Street
Boston, MA 02116-5039
6 Visit us on-line:
www.evergreen-funds.com
7 Regular communications you will receive: Account Statements --
You will receive quarterly statements for each fund
you own.
Confirmation Notices -- We send a confirmation of any transaction
you make within five days of the transaction.
Annual and Semiannual reports -- You will receive a detailed
financial report on your Fund(s) twice a year.
Tax Forms -- Each January you will receive any tax forms you need
to file your taxes as well as the Evergreen Tax Information
Guide.
<PAGE>
For More Information About the
Evergreen Domestic Growth Funds, Ask for:
The Funds' most recent Annual or Semi-annual Report, which contains a complete
financial accounting for each Fund and a complete list of the Fund's holdings as
of a specific date, as well as commentary from the Fund's portfolio manager.
This Report discusses the market conditions and investment strategies that
significantly affected the Fund's performance during the most recent fiscal year
or period.
The Statement of Additional Information (SAI), which contains more detailed
information about the policies and procedures of the Funds. The SAI has been
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and its contents are
legally considered to be part of this prospectus.
For questions, other information, or to request a copy, without charge, of any
of the documents, call 1-800-343-2898 or ask your investment representative. We
will mail material within three business days. In addition, any of these
documents, with the exception of the SAI, may be downloaded off our website at
www.evergreen-funds.com.
Information about these Funds (including the SAI) is also available on the SEC's
Internet web site at http://www.sec.gov, or, for a duplication fee, by writing
the SEC Public Reference Section, Washington DC 20549-6009. This material can
also be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington,
DC. For more information, call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.
Evergreen Distributor, Inc.
125 W. 55th Street
New York, New York 10019 (811-08413)
48811 536122 RV5
BULK RATE
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 19
HUDSON, MA
Evergreen Logo
Evergreen Funds
Since 1932
201 South College St.
Charlotte, NC 28288
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN EQUITY TRUST
PART A
PROSPECTUS
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN EQUITY AND INCOME FUNDS
Evergreen Capital Balanced Fund
(formerly Mentor Balanced Portfolio)
Evergreen High Income Fund
(formerly Mentor High Income Portfolio)
Evergreen Quality Income Fund
(formerly Mentor Quality Income Portfolio)
Evergreen Perpetual Global Fund
(formerly Mentor Perpetual Global Portfolio)
Class A
Class B
Class C
Class Y
Prospectus, February 1, 2000
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not determined that the information
in this prospectus is accurate or complete, nor has it approved or disapproved
these securities. Anyone who tells you otherwise is committing a crime.
FUND RISK/RETURN SUMMARIES:..........................
Overview of Fund Risks..............................1
Evergreen Capital Balanced Fund.....................2
Evergreen High Income Fund..........................4
Evergreen Quality Income Fund.......................4
Evergreen Perpetual Global Fund.....................6
GENERAL INFORMATION:
The Funds' Investment Advisors......................8
The Funds' Portfolio Managers.......................8
Calculating the Share Price.........................8
How to Choose an Evergreen Fund.....................9
How to Choose the Share Class
That Best Suits You.................................9
How to Buy Shares..................................12
How to Redeem Shares...............................13
Other Services.....................................14
The Tax Consequences of
Investing in the Funds.............................14
Fees and Expenses of the Funds.....................15
Financial Highlights...............................16
Other Fund Practices...............................22
Fund Summaries Key
Each Fund's summary is organized around the following basic topics and
questions:
Investment Goal
What is the Fund's financial objective? You can find clarification on how the
Fund seeks to achieve its objective by looking at the Fund's strategy and
investment policies. The Fund's Board of Trustees can change the investment
objective without a shareholder vote.
Investment Strategy
How does the Fund go about trying to meet its goals? What types of investments
does it contain? What style of investing and investment philosophy does it
follow? Does it have limits on the amount invested in any particular type of
security?
Risk Factors
What are the specific risks for an investor in the Fund?
Performance
How well has the Fund performed in the past year? The past five years? The past
ten years?
Expenses
How much does it cost to invest in the Fund? What is the difference between
sales charges and expenses?
<PAGE>
OVERVIEW OF FUND RISKS
EVERGREEN EQUITY AND INCOME FUNDS
In general, Funds included in this prospectus invest in a diversified portfolio
of equity and fixed-income securities which the investment advisor believes will
produce capital growth and current income (Capital Balanced), high current
income (High Income, Quality Income) or long-term growth of capital (Perpetual
Global).
Following this overview, you will find information on each Fund's specific
investment strategies and risks.
Risk Factors For All Mutual Funds
Please remember that mutual fund shares are:
o not guaranteed to achieve their investment goal
o not a deposit with a bank
o not insured, endorsed or guaranteed by the FDIC or any government agency
o subject to investment risks, including possible loss of your original
investment
Like most investments, your investment in an Evergreen Fund could fluctuate
significantly in value over time and could result in a loss of money.
Following are some of the most important factors that may affect the value of
your investment. Other factors may be described in the discussion following this
overview:
Stock Market Risk
Your investment will be affected by general economic conditions such as
prevailing economic growth, inflation and interest rates. When economic growth
slows, or interest or inflation rates increase, securities tend to decline in
value. Such events could also cause companies to decrease the dividends they
pay. If these events were to occur, the value of and dividend yield and total
return earned on your investment would likely decline. Even if general economic
conditions do not change, your investment may decline in value if the particular
industries, issuers or sectors your Fund invests in do not perform well.
Interest Rate Risk
When interest rates go up, the value of debt securities and certain dividend
paying stocks tends to fall. If the Fund invests a significant portion of its
portfolio in either debt securities or stocks purchased primarily for dividend
income, if interest rates rise, then the value of your investment may decline.
When interest rates go down, interest earned by the Fund on its debt securities
may also decline, which could cause the Fund to reduce the dividends it pays.
Credit Risk
The value of a debt security is directly affected by the issuer's ability to
repay principal and pay interest on time. Since your Fund invests in debt
securities, the value of your investment may decline if an issuer fails to pay
an obligation on a timely basis.
Foreign Investment Risk
If your Fund invests in non-U.S. securities it could be exposed to certain
unique risks of foreign investing. For example, political turmoil and economic
instability in the countries in which the Fund invests could adversely affect
the value of your investment. In addition, if the value of any foreign currency
in which the Fund's investments are denominated declines relative to the U.S.
dollar, the value of your investment in the Fund may decline as well. Certain
foreign countries have less developed and less regulated securities markets and
accounting systems than the U.S. This may make it harder to get accurate
information about a security or company, and increase the likelihood that an
investment will not perform as well as expected.
Below Investment Grade Bond Risk
Below investment grade bonds are commonly referred to as "junk bonds" because
they are usually backed by issuers of less proven or questionable financial
strength. Such issuers are more vulnerable to financial setbacks and less
certain to pay interest and principal than issuers of bonds offering lower
yields and risk. Markets may react to unfavorable news about issuers of below
investment grade bonds, causing sudden and steep declines in value.
Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk
Like other debt securities, changes in interest rates generally affect the value
of mortgage-backed securities. Additionally, some mortgage-backed securities may
be structured so that they may be particularly sensitive to interest rates.
Early repayment of mortgages underlying these securities may expose the Fund to
a lower rate of return when it reinvests the principal.
Market Capitalization Risk
Stocks fall into three broad market capitalization categories - large, medium
and small. Investing primarily in one category carries the risk that due to
current market conditions that category may be out of favor with investors. If
valuations of large capitalization companies appear to be greatly out of
proportion to the valuations of small or medium capitalization companies,
investors may migrate to the stocks of small and mid-sized companies causing a
Fund that invests in these companies to increase in value more rapidly than a
Fund that invests in larger, fully-valued companies. Investing in medium and
small capitalization companies may be subject to special risks associated with
narrower product lines, more limited financial resources, smaller management
groups, and a more limited trading market for their stocks as compared with
larger companies. As a result, stocks of small and medium capitalization
companies may decline significantly in market downturns.
Investment Style Risk
Securities with different characteristics tend to shift in and out of favor
depending upon market and economic conditions as well as investor sentiment. A
fund may outperform other funds that employ a different style. A fund may also
employ a combination of styles that impact its risk characteristics. Examples of
different styles include growth and value investing. Growth stocks may be more
volatile than other stocks because they are more sensitive to investor
perceptions of the issuing company's growth potential. Growth oriented funds
will typically underperform when value investing is in favor. Value stocks are
those which are out of favor or undervalued in comparison to their peers due to
adverse business developments or other factors. Value oriented funds will
typically underperform when growth investing is in favor.
<PAGE>
CAPITAL BALANCED FUND
FUND FACTS:
Goal:
o Capital Growth
o Current Income
Principal Investments:
o Equity Securities of Large U.S. Companies
o Investment Grade Fixed-Income Securities
Classes of Shares Offered in this Prospectus:
o Class A
o Class B
o Class C
o Class Y
Investment Advisor:
o Mentor Investment
Advisors, LLC
Portfolio Managers:
o John G. Davenport
o P. Michael Jones
NASDAQ Symbols:
o EBLAX (Class A)
o EBATX (Class C)
Dividend Payment Schedule:
o Quarterly
Investment Goal
The Fund seeks capital growth and current income.
investment Strategy
The Fund invests in a diversified portfolio of equity and fixed-income
securities which the investment advisor believes will produce both capital
growth and current income. In order to achieve this objective, the Fund may
invest in almost any type of security and will consider such factors as growth
in value, current income and stability of principal when choosing securities.
The investment advisor will adjust the proportions of the Fund's assets invested
in the different types of securities in response to changing market conditions.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 25% of its assets in
fixed-income securities and 25% of its assets in equity securities.
The Fund will invest primarily in investment grade debt securities and preferred
stocks. Under normal market conditions the Fund will seek to maintain a
portfolio of such securities with a dollar-weighted average rating of A or
better. A security will be considered to be of "investment grade" quality if, at
the time of investment by the Fund, it is rated at least Baa3 by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. (Moody's) or BBB- or better by Standard & Poor's Ratings
Services (S&P) or which, if unrated, are deemed by the investment advisor to be
of comparable quality.
The Fund's equity portion is primarily invested in the securities of large U.S.
companies, including common and preferred stocks. The Fund's portfolio manager
employs a diversified style of equity management which allows for considering
both growth and value factors in choosing stocks. The Fund's portfolio manager
looks for high quality companies with strong growth levels at what the portfolio
managers believe are reasonable prices. Additionally, the Fund may invest in
foreign securities.
The Fund may temporarily invest up to 100% of its assets in high quality money
market instruments in response to adverse economic, political or market
conditions. This strategy is inconsistent with the Fund's principal investment
strategy and investment goal, and if employed could result in a lower return and
loss of market opportunity.
Risk Factors
Your investment in the Fund is subject to the risks discussed in the "Overview
of Fund Risks" on page 1 under the headings:
Stock Market Risk
Interest Rate Risk
Credit Risk
Foreign Investment Risk
Market Capitalization Risk
Investment Style Risk
For further information regarding the Fund's investment strategy and risk
factors see "Other Fund Practices."
<PAGE>
Performance
The following charts show how the Fund has performed in the past. Past
performance is not an indication of future results.
The chart below shows the percentage gain or loss for Class C shares of the Fund
in each calendar year since its inception on 6/21/1994. It should give you a
general idea of how the Fund's return has varied from year-to-year. This graph
includes the effects of Fund expenses but not sales charges. Returns would be
lower if sales charges were included.
Year-by-Year Total Return for Class C Shares (%)
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
24.52% 18.96% 25.43% 20.16% %
Best Quarter: 4th Quarter 1998 +11.78%
Worst Quarter: 3rd Quarter 1999 -4.63%
This next table lists the Fund's average annual total return by class over the
past one and five years and since inception (through 12/31/1999), including
applicable sales charges. This table is intended to provide you with some
indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. At the bottom of the table you
can compare this performance with the S&P 500 Index and the Lehman Brothers
Aggregate Bond Index (LBABI). The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged,
market-value-weighted index of 500 widely held domestic common stocks. LBABI is
an unmanaged fixed income index of U.S. government, corporate and
mortgage-backed securities. An index does not include transaction costs
associated with buying and selling securities nor any management fees. It is not
possible to invest directly in an index.
Average Annual Total Return
(for the period ended 12/31/1999)*
Performance
Inception Since
Date of Class 1 year 5 year 10 year 6/21/1994
Class A 9/16/1998 % % N/A %
Class B 10/18/1999 % % N/A %
Class C 6/21/1994 % % N/A %
Class Y 9/16/1998 % % N/A %
LBABI % % N/A %
S&P 500 % % N/A %
* Historical performance shown for Classes A, B and Y prior to their inception
is based on the performance of Class C, the original class offered. These
historical returns for Classes A and Y have not been adjusted to reflect the
effect of each Class' 12b-1 fees. These fees for Class A are 0.25%, for Class B
are 1.00% and for Class C are 1.00%. Class Y does not pay 12b-1 fees. If these
fees had been reflected, returns for Classes A and Y would have been higher.
EXPENSES
This section describes the fees and expenses you would pay if you bought and
held shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Shareholder Transaction Expenses Class A Class B Class C Class Y
Maximum sales charge imposed on 4.75% None None None
purchases (as a % of
offering price)
Maximum deferred sales charge None* 5.00% 1.00% None
(as a % of either the redemption
amount or initial investment whichever
is lower)
* Investments of $1 million or more are not subject to a front-end sales charge,
but may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% upon
redemption within one year after the month of purchase.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)+
Management 12b-1 Other Total Fund
Fees Fees Expenses Operating Expenses
Class A 0.75% 0.25% 0.48% 1.48%
Class B++ 0.75% 1.00% 0.48% 2.23%
Class C 0.75% 1.00% 0.48% 2.23%
Class Y 0.75% 0.00% 0.48% 1.23%
+Restated to reflect current fees for the fiscal year ended 9/30/1999.
++ Estimated for the fiscal year ending 9/30/2000.
The table below shows the total expenses you would pay on a $10,000 investment
over one-, three-, five- and ten-year periods. The example is intended to help
you compare the cost of investing in this Fund versus other mutual funds and is
for illustration only. The example assumes a 5% average annual return and that
you reinvest all of your dividends. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.
Example of Fund Expenses
Assuming Redemption at Assuming
End of Period No Redemption
After: Class AClass B Class C Class Y Class B Class C
1 year $618 $726 $326 $125 $226 $226
3 years $921 $997 $697 $390 $697 $697
5 years $1,245 $1,395 $1,195 $676 $1,195 $1,195
10 years $2,159 $2,287 $2,565 $1,489 $2,287 $2,565
<PAGE>
HIGH INCOME
FUND FACTS:
Goals:
o High Current Income
o Capital Growth
Principal Investment:
o Lower- and Higher-rated Fixed-Income Securities
Classes of Shares Offered in this Prospectus:
o Class A
o Class B
o Class C
o Class Y
Investment Advisor:
o Mentor Investment
Advisors, LLC
Portfolio Managers:
o Timothy Anderson
o P. Michael Jones
NASDAQ Symbols:
o EHIAX (Class A)
o EHBCX (Class C)
Dividend Payment Schedule:
o Monthly
Investment Goal
The Fund seeks a high level of current income. Capital growth is a secondary
objective when consistent with the objective of seeking high current income.
Investment Strategy
The Fund may invest in both lower-rated and higher-rated fixed-income
securities, including debt securities, convertible securities, and preferred
stocks that are consistent with its primary investment objective of high current
income. The Fund's remaining assets may be held in cash or money market
instruments, or invested in common stocks and other equity securities. The Fund
may at times hold a substantial portion of its assets in mortgage-backed and
other asset-backed securities. The Fund may invest in foreign securities.
The Fund may invest in securities of any maturity. The investment advisor will
adjust the expected average life of the investments held in the Fund from time
to time, depending on its assessment of relative yields and risks of securities
of different maturities and its expectations of future changes in interest
rates. At times when the expected average life of the investments held by the
Fund is longer, the values of the securities held by the Fund will generally
change more in response to changes in interest rates than at times when the
expected average life is shorter.
The Fund may invest any portion of its assets (and normally will invest at least
65% of its assets) in securities rated Baa or lower by Moody's or BBB or lower
by S&P, and in unrated securities determined by the investment advisor to be of
comparable quality, in an attempt to capture higher yields. The Fund may at
times invest up to 10% of its assets in securities rated in the lower grades (Ca
or C in the case of Moody's and CC, C or D in the case of S&P or in unrated
securities determined by the investment advisor to be of comparable quality), if
the investment advisor believes that there are prospects for an upgrade in a
security's rating or a favorable conversion of a security into other securities.
The Fund seeks its secondary objective of capital growth, when consistent with
its primary objective of seeking high current income, by investing in securities
which may be expected to appreciate in value as a result of declines in
long-term interest rates or of favorable developments affecting the business or
prospects of the issuer which may improve the issuer's financial condition and
credit rating.
The Fund may temporarily invest up to 100% of its assets in high quality money
market instruments in response to adverse economic, political or market
conditions. This strategy is inconsistent with the Fund's principal investment
strategy and investment goal, and if employed could result in a lower return and
loss of market opportunity.
Risk Factors
Your investment in the Fund is subject to the risks discussed in the "Overview
of Fund Risks" on page 1 under the headings:
Stock Market Risk
Interest Rate Risk
Credit Risk
Foreign Investment Risk
Below Investment Grade Bond Risk
Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk
For further information regarding the Fund's investment strategy and risk
factors see "Other Fund Practices."
<PAGE>
Performance
The following charts show how the Fund has performed in the past. Past
performance is not an indication of future results.
The chart below shows the percentage gain or loss for Class A shares of the Fund
in each calendar year since its inception on 6/23/1998. It should give you a
general idea of how the Fund's return has varied from year-to-year. This graph
includes the effects of Fund expenses but not sales charges. Returns would be
lower if sales charges were included.
Year-by-Year Total Return for Class A Shares (%)
1999
%
Best Quarter: 4th Quarter 1998 +3.77%
Worst Quarter: 3rd Quarter 1998 -7.61%
This next table lists the Fund's average annual total return by class over the
past year and since inception (through 12/31/1999), including applicable sales
charges. This table is intended to provide you with some indication of the risks
of investing in the Fund. At the bottom of the table you can compare this
performance with the Merrill Lynch High Yield Master Index II (MLHYM2), which
provides a broad-based measure of the performance of the non-investment grade
U.S. domestic bond market. An index does not include transaction costs
associated with buying and selling securities nor any management fees. It is not
possible to invest directly in an index.
Average Annual Total Return
(for the period ended 12/31/1999)*
Performance
Inception Since
Date of Class 1 year 5 year 10 year 6/23/1998
Class A 6/23/1998 % N/A N/A %
Class B 10/18/1999 % N/A N/A %
Class C 6/23/1998 % N/A N/A %
Class Y 10/18/1999 % N/A N/A %
MLHYM2 % N/A N/A %
*Historical performance shown for Classes B and Y prior to their inception is
based on the performance of Class A, one of the original classes offered along
with Class C. These historical returns for Classes B and Y have not been
adjusted to reflect the effect of each Class' 12b-1 fees. These fees for Class A
are 0.25%, for Class B are 1.00% and for Class C are 1.00%. Class Y does not pay
12b-1 fees. If these fees had been reflected, returns for Class B would have
been lower while returns for Class Y would have been higher.
EXPENSES
This section describes the fees and expenses you would pay if you bought and
held shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Shareholder Transaction Expenses Class A Class B Class C Class Y
Maximum sales charge imposed on 4.75% None None None
purchases (as a % of
offering price)
Maximum deferred sales charge None* 5.00% 1.00% None
(as a % of either the redemption
amount or initial investment whichever
is lower)
* Investments of $1 million or more are not subject to a front-end sales charge,
but may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% upon
redemption within one year after the month of purchase.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(expenses that are deducted from Fund assets)+
Management 12b-1 Other Total Fund
Fees Fees Expenses Operating Expenses
Class A 0.70% 0.25% 0.30% 1.25%
Class B++ 0.70% 1.00% 0.30% 2.00%
Class C 0.70% 1.00% 0.30% 2.00%
Class Y 0.70% 0.00% 0.30% 1.00%
+ Restated to reflect current fees for the fiscal year ended 9/30/1999.
++ Estimated for the fiscal year ending 9/30/2000.
The table below shows the total expenses you would pay on a $10,000 investment
over one-, three-, five- and ten-year periods. The example is intended to help
you compare the cost of investing in this Fund versus other mutual funds and is
for illustration only. The example assumes a 5% average annual return and that
you reinvest all of your dividends. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.
Example of Fund Expenses
Assuming Redemption at Assuming
End of Period No Redemption
After: Class AClass B Class C Class Y Class B Class C
1 year $596 $703 $303 $102 $203 $203
3 years $853 $927 $627 $318 $627 $627
5 years $1,129 $1,278 $1,078 $552 $1,078 $1,078
10 years $1,915 $2,043 $2,327 $1,225 $2,043 $2,327
<PAGE>
QUALITY INCOME
FUND FACTS:
Goals:
o High Current Income Consistent with Prudent Risk
Principal Investment:
o Higher-Rated Debt Securities
Classes of Shares
Offered in this
Prospectus:
o Class A
o Class B
o Class C
o Class Y
Investment Advisor:
o Mentor Investment Advisors, LLC
Portfolio Managers:
o Timothy Anderson
o Jan Buskop
o Dennis Clary
o P. Michael Jones
o Todd C. Kuimjian
NASDAQ Symbols:
o EQUAX (Class A)
o EQUTX (Class C)
Dividend Payment Schedule:
o Monthly
Investment Goal
The Fund seeks high current income consistent with what the investment advisor
believes to be prudent risk.
Investment Strategy
The Fund may invest in debt securities , including both U.S. government and
corporate obligations, and in other income-producing securities, including
preferred stocks and dividend-paying common stocks. Normally the Fund invests at
least 80% of its assets in U.S. government securities and in other securities
rated at least A by Moody's or S&P, or at a comparable rating by another
nationally recognized rating organization, or, if unrated, determined by the
investment advisor to be of comparable quality. The Fund may invest the
remaining 20% of its assets in lower-rated securities, including securities
rated below investment grade (or, if unrated, determined by the investment
advisor to be of comparable quality.) The Fund will not invest more than 10% of
its assets in securities rated Ca or below by Moody's or CC or below by S&P. The
Fund may invest in foreign securities.
The investment advisor may take full advantage of the entire range of maturities
of the securities in which the Fund may invest and may adjust the average
maturity of the Fund's securities from time to time, depending on its assessment
of relative yields on securities of different maturities and expectations of
future changes in interest rates. The Fund may invest any portion of its assets
in mortgage-backed certificates and other securities representing ownership
interests in mortgage pools, including collateralized mortgage obligations and
certain stripped mortgage-backed securities (including certain "residual"
interests), and in other asset-backed securities. The Fund may also invest any
portion of its assets in securities representing secured or unsecured interest
in other types of assets, such as automobile finance or credit card receivables.
The Fund may temporarily invest up to 100% of its assets in high quality money
market instruments in response to adverse economic, political or market
conditions. This strategy is inconsistent with the Fund's principal investment
strategy and investment goal, and if employed could result in a lower return and
loss of market opportunity.
Risk Factors
Your investment in the Fund is subject to the risks discussed in the "Overview
of Fund Risks" on page 1 under the headings:
Interest Rate Risk
Credit Risk
Foreign Investment Risk
Below Investment Grade Bond Risk
Mortgage-Backed Securities Risk
"Residual" interests represent the right to any excess cash flow remaining after
all other payments are made among the various tranches of interests issued by
structured mortgage-backed vehicles. The values of such interests are extremely
sensitive to changes in interest rates and in prepayment rates on the underlying
mortgages. In the event of a significant change in interest rates or other
market conditions, the value of an investment by the Fund in such interest could
be substantially reduced and the Fund may be unable to dispose of the interests
at prices approximating the values the Fund had previously assigned to them or
to recoup its initial investment in the interests.
For further information regarding the Fund's investment strategy and risk
factors see "Other Fund Practices."
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE
The following charts show how the Fund has performed in the past. Past
performance is not an indication of future results. The chart below shows the
percentage gain or loss for Class A shares of the Fund in each calendar year
since its inception on 4/29/1992. It should give you a general idea of how the
Fund's return has varied from year-to-year. This graph includes the effects of
Fund expenses but not the sales charges. Returns would be lower if sales charges
were included.
Year-by-Year Total Return for Class A Shares (%)
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
4.61% -4.26% 17.96% 2.60% 8.35% 6.65% %
Best Quarter: 2nd Quarter 1995 5.34%
Worst Quarter: 1st Quarter 1994 -3.62%
This next table lists the Fund's average annual total return by class over the
past one and five years and since inception (through 12/31/1999), including
applicable sales charges. This table is intended to provide you with some
indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. At the bottom of the table you
can compare this performance with the Merrill Lynch 5-7 Year Government Index
(ML5-7YGI), which is adjusted to reflect reinvestment of interest on securities
in the index. An index does not include transaction costs associated with buying
and selling securities nor any management fees. It is not possible to invest
directly in an index.
Average Annual Total Return
(for the period ended 12/31/1999)*
Performance
Inception Since
Date of Class 1 year 5 year 10 year 4/29/1992
Class A 4/29/1992 % % N/A %
Class B 10/18/1999 % % N/A %
Class C 4/29/1992 % % N/A %
Class Y 11/19/1997 % % N/A %
ML5-7YGI % % N/A %
*Historical performance shown for Classes B and Y prior to their inception is
based on the performance of Class A, one of the original classes offered along
with Class C. These historical returns for Classes B and Y have not been
adjusted to reflect the effect of each Class' 12b-1 fees. These fees for Class A
are 0.25%, for Class B are 1.00% and for Class C are 1.00%. Class Y does not pay
12b-1 fees. If these fees had been reflected, returns for Class B would have
been lower while returns for Class Y would have been higher. EXPENSES This
section describes the fees and expenses you would pay if you bought and held
shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Shareholder Transaction Expenses Class A Class B Class C Class Y
Maximum sales charge imposed on 4.75% None None None
purchases (as a % of
offering price)
Maximum deferred sales charge None* 5.00% 1.00% None
(as a % of either the redemption
amount or initial investment whichever
is lower)
* Investments of $1 million or more are not subject to a front-end sales charge,
but may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% upon
redemption within one year after the month of purchase.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets) +
Management 12b-1 Other Total Fund
Fees Fees Expenses Operating Expenses+++
Class A 0.60% 0.25% 0.32% 1.17%
Class B++ 0.60% 1.00% 0.32% 1.92%
Class C 0.60% 1.00% 0.32% 1.92%
Class Y 0.60% 0.00% 0.32% 0.92%
+Restated to reflect current fees for the fiscal year ended 9/30/1999.
++ Estimated for the fiscal year ending 9/30/2000.
+++From time to time, the Fund's investment advisor may, at its discretion,
reduce or waive its fees or reimburse a Fund for certain of its expenses in
order to reduce expense ratios. The Fund's investment advisor may cease these
waivers or reimbursements at any time. The Annual Fund Operating Expenses do not
reflect fee waivers and expense reimbursements. Including current fee waivers
and expense reimbursements and restating to reflect current fees, Total Fund
Operating Expenses would have been 1.05% for Class A, 1.80% for Class B, 1.80%
for Class C and 0.80% for Class Y.
The table below shows the total expenses you would pay on a $10,000 investment
over one-, three-, five- and ten-year periods. The example is intended to help
you compare the cost of investing in this Fund versus other mutual funds and is
for illustration only. The example assumes a 5% average annual return and that
you reinvest all of your dividends. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.
Example of Fund Expenses
Assuming Redemption at Assuming
End of Period No Redemption
After: Class AClass B Class C Class Y Class B Class C
1 year $589 $695 $295 $94 $195 $195
3 years $829 $903 $603 $293 $603 $603
5 years $1,088 $1,237 $1,037 $509 $1,037 $1,037
10 years $1,828 $1,957 $2,243 $1,131 $1,957 $2,243
<PAGE>
PERPETUAL GLOBAL
FUND FACTS:
Goals:
o Long-Term Growth of Capital
Principal Investment:
o Global Equity Securities
Classes of Shares
Offered in this
Prospectus:
o Class A
o Class B
o Class C
o Class Y
Investment Advisor:
o Mentor Perpetual Advisors, LLC
Portfolio Managers:
o Ian Brady
o Kathryn Langridge
o Scott McGlashan
o Margaret Roddan
o Stephen Whittaker
NASDAQ Symbols:
o EPGLLX (Class A)
o EPGTX (Class C)
Dividend Payment Schedule:
o Annually
PERPETUAL GLOBAL fund
Investment Goal
The Fund seeks long-term growth of capital.
Investment Strategy
The Fund invests in a diversified portfolio of marketable securities made up
primarily of equity securities, including common stocks, preferred stocks,
securities convertible into common stocks and warrants. The Fund's portfolio
managers choose equity securities across all market capitalizations. The Fund
may also invest in debt securities and other fixed-income securities of private
or governmental issuers (including zero-coupon securities) which the investment
advisor believes to be consistent with the Fund's objective. Except as described
below, debt and fixed-income securities in which the Fund may invest will be
investment grade securities or those of equivalent quality as determined by the
investment advisor. The Fund may invest up to 5% of its total assets in below
investment grade debt securities or securities deemed by the investment advisor
to be of comparable quality.
It is expected that the Fund's investments will normally be spread broadly
around the world, although (except as described in the next sentence) there is
no limit on the amount of the Fund's assets that may be invested in any single
country. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 65% of the
value of its total assets in securities of at least three countries, one of
which may be the U.S. The Fund may invest all of its assets in securities of
issuers outside the U.S., and for temporary defensive purposes may at times
invest all of its assets in securities of U.S. issuers. It is likely that, at
times, a portion of the Fund's assets will be invested in securities of issuers
in emerging markets, including under-developed and developing nations.
The Fund may temporarily invest up to 100% of its assets in high quality money
market instruments in response to adverse economic, political or market
conditions. This strategy is inconsistent with the Fund's principal investment
strategy and investment goal, and if employed could result in a lower return and
loss of market opportunity.
Risk Factors
Your investment in the Fund is subject to the risks discussed in the "Overview
of Fund Risks" on page 1 under the headings:
Stock Market Risk
Below Investment Grade Bond Risk
Foreign Investment Risk
Market Capitalization Risk
Investment Style Risk
In addition, the Fund may also be subject to an emerging markets risk. An
"emerging market" is any country considered to be emerging or developing, has a
relatively low gross national product, but the potential for rapid growth (which
can lead to instability). Investing in securities of emerging countries has a
diversity of risk. Emerging countries are generally small and rely heavily on
international trade and could be adversely effected by the economic conditions
in the countries with which they trade. There is also a possibility of a change
in the political climate, nationalization, diplomatic developments (including
war), and social instability. Such countries may experience high levels of
inflation or deflation and currency devaluation. Investments in emerging markets
are considered to be speculative.
For further information regarding the Fund's investment strategy and risk
factors see "Other Fund Practices."
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE
The following charts show how the Fund has performed in the past. Past
performance is not an indication of future results.
The chart below shows the percentage gain or loss for Class A shares of the Fund
in each calendar year since its inception on 3/29/1994. It should give you a
general idea of how the Fund's return has varied from year-to-year. This graph
includes the effects of Fund expenses but not sales charges. Returns would be
lower if sales charges were included.
Year-by-Year Total Return for Class A Shares (%)
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
22.11% 14.41% 13.22% 17.19% %
Best Quarter: 4th Quarter 1998 +18.43%
Worst Quarter: 3rd Quarter 1998 -13.13%
This next table lists the Fund's average annual total return by class over the
past one and five years and since inception (through 12/31/1999), including
applicable sales charges. This table is intended to provide you with some
indication of the risks of investing in the Fund. At the bottom of the table you
can compare this performance with the Morgan Stanley Capital International World
Index (MSCIWI), which is an arithmetic average, weighted by market value, of the
performance of approximately1,450 securities listed on the stock exchanges of 20
countries including the U.S., Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the Far
East. An index does not include transaction costs associated with buying and
selling securities nor any management fees. It is not possible to invest
directly in an index.
Average Annual Total Return
(for the period ended 12/31/1999)*
Performance
Inception Since
Date of Class 1 year 5 year 10 year 3/29/1994
Class A 3/29/1994 % % N/A %
Class B 10/18/1999 % % N/A %
Class C 3/29/1994 % % N/A %
Class Y 11/19/1997 % % N/A %
MSCIWI % % N/A %
* Historical performance shown for Classes B and Y prior to their inception is
based on the performance of Class A, one of the original classes offered along
with Class C. These historical returns for Classes B and Y have not been
adjusted to reflect the effect of each Class' 12b-1 fees. These fees for Class A
are 0.25%, for Class B are 1.00% and for Class C are 1.00%. Class Y does not pay
12b-1 fees. If these fees had been reflected, returns for Class B would have
been lower while returns for Class Y would have been higher.
EXPENSES
This section describes the fees and expenses you would pay if you bought and
held shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Shareholder Transaction Expenses Class A Class B Class C Class Y
Maximum sales charge imposed on 4.75% None None None
purchases (as a % of
offering price)
Maximum deferred sales charge None* 5.00% 1.00% None
(as a % of either the redemption
amount or initial investment whichever
is lower)
* Investments of $1 million or more are not subject to a front-end sales charge,
but may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% upon
redemption within one year after the month of purchase.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets) +
Management 12b-1 Other Total Fund
Fees Fees Expenses Operating Expenses
Class A 1.03% 0.25% 0.55% 1.83%
Class B++ 1.03% 1.00% 0.55% 2.58%
Class C 1.03% 1.00% 0.55% 2.58%
Class Y 1.03% 0.00% 0.55% 1.58%
+Restated to reflect current fees for the fiscal year ended 9/30/1999.
++ Estimated for the fiscal year ending 9/30/2000.
The table below shows the total expenses you would pay on a $10,000 investment
over one-, three-, five- and ten-year periods. The example is intended to help
you compare the cost of investing in this Fund versus other mutual funds and is
for illustration only. The example assumes a 5% average annual return and that
you reinvest all of your dividends. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.
Example of Fund Expenses
Assuming Redemption at Assuming
End of Period No Redemption
After: Class AClass B Class C Class Y Class B Class C
1 year $652 $761 $361 $161 $261 $261
3 years $1,023 $1,102 $802 $499 $802 $802
5 years $1,418 $1,570 $1,370 $860 $1,370 $1,370
10 years $2,521 $2,646 $2,915 $1,878 $2,646 $2,915
<PAGE>
The Funds' Investment Advisors
The investment advisor manages a Fund's investments and supervises its daily
business affairs. There are two investment advisors for the Funds. All
investment advisors for the Evergreen Funds are subsidiaries of First Union
Corporation, the sixth largest bank holding company in the United States, with
over $____billion in consolidated assets as of 12/31/1999. First Union
Corporation is located at 301 South College Street, Charlotte, North Carolina
28288-0630.
Mentor Investment Advisors, LLC (Mentor Advisors) is the investment advisor to:
o Evergreen Capital Balanced Fund
o Evergreen High Income Fund
o Evergreen Quality Income Fund
Mentor Advisors serves as investment advisor to __ of the Evergreen Funds and
currently has over $15 billion in assets under management. Mentor Advisors is
located at 901 East Byrd Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
Mentor Perpetual Advisors, LLC (Mentor Perpetual) is the investment advisor to:
Evergreen Perpetual Global Fund
Mentor Perpetual, an investment advisory firm organized in 1995, is owned
equally by Perpetual plc, a diversified financial services holding company, and
Mentor Advisors. The Perpetual organization currently serves as investment
advisor for assets of more than $14 billion. Its clients include 28 unit and
investment trusts and other public investment pools including private
individuals, charities, pension plans and life assurance companies. Mentor
Perpetual is located at 901 East Byrd Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
For the fiscal year ended 9/30/1999, aggregate advisory fees paid to Mentor
Advisors and Perpetual Advisors by the Funds were as follows:
% of the Fund's average
Fund daily net assets
Evergreen Capital Balanced Fund 0.75%
Evergreen High Income Fund 0.70%
Evergreen Quality Income Fund 0.44%
Evergreen Perpetual Global Fund 1.03%
Year 2000 Compliance
The investment advisors and other service providers for the Evergreen Funds have
given representations of readiness and are continuing to take steps to address
any potential Year 2000-related computer problems. However, there is some risk
that these problems could disrupt the Funds' operations or financial markets
generally. In addition, issuers of securities, especially foreign issuers, in
which the Funds invest may be adversely affected by Year 2000 problems. Such
problems could negatively impact the value of the Funds' securities.
THE FUNDS' PORTFOLIO MANAGERS
Capital Balanced Fund
John G. Davenport and P. Michael Jones have co-managed the Fund since June 1994.
Mr. Davenport, CFA, has been a Managing Director, portfolio manager and team
leader for the large capitalization growth team with Mentor Advisors since
[month] 1992.
Mr. Jones, CFA, has been a Managing Director, portfolio manager and team leader
for the fixed-income team since joining Mentor Advisors in [month] 1993.
High Income Fund
Timothy Anderson and P. Michael Jones have co-managed the Fund since June 1999.
Mr. Anderson, CFA, has been a Senior Vice President and portfolio manager
with Mentor Advisors since [month year]. Prior to joining Mentor Advisors, he
was a senior fixed income analyst at Investment Advisors, Inc. from [month year]
to [month year].
Mr. Jones, CFA, has been a Managing Director, portfolio manager and team leader
for the fixed-income team since joining Mentor Advisors in [month] 1993.
Quality Income Fund
The Fund is managed by a team of investment professionals.
Timothy Anderson, CFA, has been a Senior Vice President and portfolio manager
with Mentor Advisors since [month year]. Prior to joining Mentor Advisors, Mr.
Anderson was a senior fixed income analyst at Investment Advisors, Inc. from
[month year] to [month year].
Jan J. Buskop, CFA, has been a Senior Vice President and portfolio manager with
Mentor Advisors since March 1999. Prior to joining Mentor Advisors, Mr. Buskop
was a senior portfolio manager at Chase Bank of Texas.
Dennis L. Clary, CFA, has been a Senior Vice President and portfolio manager
with Mentor Advisors since [month year]. Prior to joining Mentor Advisors, Mr.
Clary was a senior portfolio manager at First America Investment Corporation.
P. Michael Jones, CFA, has been a Managing Director, portfolio manager and team
leader for the fixed-income team since joining Mentor Advisors in [month] 1993.
Todd C. Kuimjian has been a portfolio manager at Mentor Advisors since [month
year]. From [month year] until [month year] Mr. Kuimjian was a fixed income
research analyst with Mentor Advisors.
Perpetual Global Fund
The Fund is managed by a team of investment professionals.
Ian Brady is the American Team Leader for the Fund. Mr. Brady has been a
portfolio manager at Mentor Perpetual since [month year]. Prior to joining
Mentor Perpetual........
Kathryn Langridge is the Southeast Asia Team Leader for the Fund. Ms.
Langridge has been a portfolio manager with Mentor Perpetual since [month] 1990.
Scott McGlashan is the Far East Team Leader for the Fund. Mr. McGlashan has
been a portfolio manager with Mentor Perpetual since [month year].
Margaret Roddan is the Europe Team Leader for the Fund. Ms. Roddan has been
a portfolio manager with Mentor Perpetual since [month year].
Stephen Whittaker is the UK Team Leader for the Fund. Mr. Whittaker has
been a portfolio manager with Mentor Perpetual since [month year].
Calculating The Share Price
The value of one share of a Fund, also known as the net asset value, or NAV, is
calculated on each day the New York Stock Exchange is open as of the time the
Exchange closes (normally 4 p.m. Eastern time). The Fund calculates its share
price for each share by adding up its total assets, subtracting all liabilities,
then dividing the result by the total number of shares outstanding. Each class
of shares is calculated separately. Each security held by a Fund is valued using
the most recent market data for that security. If no market data is available
for a given security, the Fund will price that security at fair value according
to policies established by the Funds' Board of Trustees. Short-term securities
with maturities of 60 days or less will be valued on the basis of amortized
cost.
The price per share you pay for a Fund purchase or the amount you receive for a
Fund redemption is based on the next price calculated after the order is
received and all required information is provided. The value of your account at
any given time is the latest share price multiplied by the number of shares you
own. Your account balance may change daily because the share price may change
daily.
Certain Funds may invest in foreign securities that are primarily listed on
foreign exchanges that trade on weekends or other days when the Fund does not
price its shares. As a result, the NAV of the Fund may change on days when
investors will not be able to purchase or redeem the Fund's shares.
How To Choose AN EVERGREEN Fund
When choosing an Evergreen Fund, you should:
o Most importantly, read the prospectus to see if the Fund is suitable for
you.
o Consider talking to an investment professional. He or she is qualified to
give you investment advice based on your investment goals and financial
situation and will be able to answer questions you may have after reading
the Fund's prospectus.
He or she can also assist you through all phases of opening your account.
o Request any additional information you want about the Fund, such as the
Statement of Additional Information (SAI), Annual Report or Semi-annual
Report by calling 1-800-343-2898. In addition, any of these documents, with
the exception of the SAI, may be downloaded off our website at
www.evergreen-funds.com.
How To Choose The Share
Class That Best Suits You
After choosing a Fund, you select a share class. Each Fund in this prospectus
offers four different share classes: Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Y. Each
class except Class Y has its own sales charge. Pay particularly close attention
to the fee structure of each class so you know how much you will be paying
before you invest.
Class A
If you select Class A shares, you may pay a front-end sales charge of up to
4.75% but you do not pay a deferred sales charge. This charge is deducted from
your investment before it is invested. The actual charge depends on the amount
invested, as shown below:
As a % of As a % Dealer
Your NAV excluding of your commission
Investment sales charge investment as a % of NAV
Up to $49,999 4.75% 4.99% 4.25%
$50,000-$99,999 4.50% 4.71% 4.25%
$100,000-$249,999 3.75% 3.90% 3.25%
$250,000-$499,999 2.50% 2.56% 2.00%
$500,000-$999,999 2.00% 2.04% 1.75%
$1,000,000 and over 0% 0% 1.00 to .25%
Although no front-end sales charge applies to purchases of $1,000,000 and over,
you will pay a 1% deferred sales charge if you redeem any such shares within 13
months of purchase.
Two ways you can reduce your Class A sales charges:
1. Rights of Accumulation allow you to combine your investment with all
existing investments in all your Evergreen Fund accounts when determining
whether you meet the threshold for a reduced Class A sales charge.
2. Letter of Intent. If you agree to purchase at least $50,000 over a
13-month period, you pay the same sales charge as if you had invested the
full amount all at once. The Fund will hold a certain portion of your
investment in escrow until your commitment is met.
Contact your broker or the Evergreen Service Company at 1-800-343-2898 if you
think you may qualify for either of these services.
Each Fund may also sell Class A shares at net asset value without any initial or
contingent sales charge to the Directors, Trustees, officers and employees of
the Fund and the advisory affiliates of First Union Corporation, and to members
of their immediate families, to registered representatives of firms with dealer
agreements with Evergreen Distributor, Inc. ("EDI"), and to a bank or trust
company acting as trustee for a single account.
Class B
If you select Class B shares, you do not pay a front-end sales charge, so the
entire amount of your purchase is invested in the Fund. However, your shares are
subject to an additional expense, known as the 12b-1 fee. In addition, you may
pay a deferred sales charge if you redeem your shares within six years after the
month of purchase. The amount of the deferred sales charge depends on the length
of time the shares were held, as shown below:
The deferred sales charge percentage is applied to the value of the shares when
purchased or when redeemed, whichever is less.
Class C
Class C shares are similar to Class B shares, except the deferred sales charge
is less and only applies if shares are redeemed within the first year after the
month of purchase. Also, these shares do not convert to Class A shares and so
the higher 12b-1 fee continues for the life of the account.
Time Held Deferred Sales Charge
Month of Purchase + Less than 1 year 1.00%
Month of Purchase + 1 year or more 0%
Waiver of Class B or Class C Sales Charges
You will not be assessed a deferred sales charge for Class B or Class C shares
if you redeem shares in the following situations:
o When the shares were purchased through reinvestment of dividends/capital
gains
o Death or disability
o Lump-sum distribution from a 401(k) plan or other benefit plan qualified under
ERISA
o Automatic IRA withdrawals if your age is at least 59 1/2
o Automatic withdrawals of up to 1.0% of the account balance per month
o Loan proceeds and financial hardship distributions from a retirement plan
o Returns of excess contributions or excess deferral amounts made to a
retirement plan participant
If imposed, the Fund deducts the CDSC from the redemption proceeds you would
otherwise receive. The CDSC is a percentage of the lesser of (1) the net asset
value of the shares at the time of redemption or (2) the shareholder's original
net cost for such shares. Upon request for redemption, to keep the CDSC a
shareholder must pay as low as possible, the Fund will first seek to redeem
shares not subject to the CDSC and/or shares held the longest, in that order.
The CDSC on any redemption is, to the extent permitted by the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., paid to EDI or its predecessor.
Class Y
Each Fund offers Class Y shares at net asset value without an initial sales
charge, deferred sales charge or 12b-1 fees. Class Y shares are only offered to
persons who owned shares in an Evergreen Fund advised by Evergreen Asset
Management Corp. on or before December 31, 1994; certain institutional
investors; and investment advisory clients of an investment advisor of an
Evergreen Fund (or the investment advisor's affiliates).
<PAGE>
How To Buy Shares
Evergreen Funds' low investment minimums make investing easy. Once you decide on
an amount and a share class, simply fill out an application and send in your
payment, or talk to your investment professional. Minimum Investments
Initial Additional
Regular Accounts $1,000 None
IRAs $250 None
Systematic Investment Plan $50 $25
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Method Opening an Account Adding to an Account
<S> <C> <C>
By Mail or through o Complete and sign the account application. o Make your check payable to
an Investment o Make the check payable to Evergreen Funds. Evergreen Funds
Professional o Mail the application and your check to the address o Write a note specifying:
below: - The Fund name
Evergreen Service Company Overnight Address: - Share class
200 Berkeley St. Evergreen Service Company - Your account number
Boston, MA 02116-5039 P.O. Box 2121 - The name(s) in which the account is
Boston, MA 02106-2121 registered.
o Mail to the address to the left or
deliver to your investment
o Or deliver them to your investment representative representative
(provided he or she has a broker/dealer arrangement
with EDI.)
By Phone o Call 1-800-343-2898 to set up an account number o Call the Evergreen Express Line at
and get wiring instructions (call before 12 noon if 1-800-346-3858 24 hours a day or
you want wired funds to be credited that day). 1-800-343-2898 between 8 a.m. and 6
o Instruct your bank to wire or transfer your p.m. Eastern time, on any business
purchase (they may charge a wiring fee). day.
o Complete the account application and mail to: o If your bank account is set up on
Evergreen Service Company Overnight Address: file, you can request either:
200 Berkeley St. Evergreen Service Company - Federal Funds Wire (offers
Boston, MA 02116-5039 P.O. Box 2121 immediate access to funds) or
Boston, MA 02106-2121 - Electronic transfer through the
Automated Clearing House which avoids
wiring fees.
o Wires received after 4 p.m. Eastern time on market
trading days will receive the next market day's
closing price.*
By Exchange o You can make an additional investment by
exchange from an existing Evergreen Funds account by
contacting your investment representative or calling
the Evergreen Express Line at 1-800-346-3858.**
o You can only exchange shares within the same class.
o There is no sales charge or redemption fee when exchanging Funds within the Evergreen Funds
family.***
o Orders placed before 4 p.m. Eastern time on market
trading days will receive that day's closing share
price (if not, you will receive the next market
day's closing price).*
o Exchanges are limited to three per calendar quarter,
but in no event more than five per calendar year.
o Exchanges between accounts which do not have
identical ownership must be made in writing with a
signature guarantee (see below).
Systematic o You can transfer money automatically from your bank account o To establish automatic
Investment Plan into your Fund on a monthly basis. investing for an existing
(SIP) o Initial investment minimum is $50 if you invest at least $25 account, call
per month with this service. 1-800-343-2898 for an
o To enroll, check off the box on the account application and application.
provide: o The minimum is $25 per
- Your bank account information month or $75 per quarter.
- The amount and date of your monthly investment. o You can also establish
an investing program
through direct deposit
from your paycheck. Call
1-800-343-2898 for details.
</TABLE>
* The Fund's shares may be made available through financial service firms which
are also investment dealers and which have a service agreement with EDI. The
Fund has approved the acceptance of purchase and repurchase request orders
effective as of the time of their receipt by certain authorized financial
intermediaries.
** Once you have authorized either the telephone exchange or redemption service,
anyone with a Personal Identification Number (PIN) and the required account
information (including your broker) can request a telephone transaction in your
account. All calls are recorded or monitored for verification, recordkeeping and
quality-assurance purposes. The Evergreen Funds reserve the right to terminate
the exchange privilege of any shareholder who exceeds the listed maximum number
of exchanges, as well as to reject any large dollar exchange if placing it
would, in the judgment of the portfolio manager, adversely affect the price of
the Fund.
***This does not apply to exchanges from Class A of an Evergreen Money Market
Fund.
<PAGE>
How To Redeem Shares
We offer you several convenient ways to redeem your shares in any of the
Evergreen Funds:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Methods Requirements
<S> <C>
Call Us o Call the Evergreen Express Line at 1-800-346-3858 24 hours a day or 1-800-343-2898 between 8 a.m.
and 6 p.m. Eastern time, on any business day.
o This service must be authorized ahead of time, and is only
available for regular accounts.** o All authorized requests
made before 4 p.m. Eastern time on market trading days will be
processed at that day's closing price. Requests after 4 p.m. will be processed the following business day.*
o We can either:
- wire the proceeds into your bank account (service charges may apply)
- electronically transmit the proceeds to your bank
account via the Automated Clearing House service - mail
you a check.
o All telephone calls are recorded for your protection. We
are not responsible for acting on telephone orders we
believe are genuine.
o See exceptions list below for requests that must be made in writing.
Write Us o You can mail a redemption request to:
Evergreen Service Company Overnight Address:
P.O. Box 2121 Evergreen Service Company
Boston, MA 02106-2121 200 Berkeley St.
Boston, MA 02116-5039
o Your letter of instructions must:
- list the Fund name and the account number
- indicate the number of shares or dollar value you wish to redeem
- be signed by the registered owner(s)
o See exceptions list below for requests that must be signature guaranteed.
o To redeem from an IRA or other retirement account, call 1-800-343-2898 for a special application.
Redeem Your o You may also redeem your shares through participating broker-dealers by delivering a letter as
Shares in Person described above to your broker-dealer.
o A fee may be charged for this service.
Systematic o You can transfer money automatically from your Fund account on a monthly or quarterly basis
Withdrawal without redemption fees.
Plan (SWP) o The withdrawal can be mailed to you, or deposited directly to your bank account.
o The minimum is $75 per month.
o The maximum is 1% of your account per month or 3% per quarter.
o To enroll, call 1-800-343-2898 for an application.
</TABLE>
Timing of Proceeds
Normally, we will send your redemption proceeds on the next business day after
we receive your request; however, we reserve the right to wait up to seven
business days to redeem any investments made by check and five business days for
investments made by Automated Clearing House transfer. We also reserve the right
to redeem in kind by paying you the proceeds of a redemption in securities
rather than cash, and to redeem the remaining amount in the account if your
redemption brings the account balance below the initial minimum of $1,000.
Exceptions: Redemption Requests That Require A Signature Guarantee
To protect you and the Evergreen Funds against fraud, certain redemption
requests must be made in writing with your signature guaranteed. A signature
guarantee can be obtained at most banks and securities dealers. A notary public
is not authorized to provide a signature guarantee.
The following circumstances require signature guarantees:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
o You are redeeming more than $50,000.
o You want the proceeds transmitted to a bank account not listed on the account.
Who Can Provide A Signature
o You want the proceeds payable to anyone other than the registered Guarantee:
owner(s) of the account.
o Commercial Bank
o Either your address or the address of your bank account has been changed within o Trust Company
30 days. o Savings Association
o The account is registered in the name of a fiduciary corporation or any other o Credit Union
organization. o Member of a U.S. stock
In these cases, additional documentation is required: exchange
corporate accounts: certified copy of corporate resolution
fiduciary accounts: copy of the power of attorney or other governing document
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Other Services
Evergreen Express Line
Use our automated, 24-hour service to check the value of your investment in a
Fund; purchase, redeem or exchange Fund shares; find a Fund's price, yield or
total return; order a statement or duplicate tax form; or hear market commentary
from Evergreen portfolio managers.
Automatic Reinvestment of Dividends
For the convenience of investors, all dividends and capital gains distributions
are automatically reinvested, unless you request otherwise. Distributions can be
made by check or electronic transfer through the Automated Clearing House to
your bank account. The details of your dividends and other distributions will be
included on your statement.
Payroll Deduction (Class A, Class B and Class C only)
If you want to invest automatically through your paycheck, call us to find out
how you can set up direct payroll deductions. The amounts deducted will be
invested in your Fund account using the Electronic Funds Transfer System. We
will provide the Fund account number. Your payroll department will let you know
the date of the pay period when your investment begins.
Telephone Investment Plan
You may make additional investments electronically in an existing Fund account
at amounts of not less than $100 or more than $10,000 per investment. Telephone
requests received by 4 p.m. Eastern time will be invested the day the request is
received.
Dividend Exchange
You may elect on the application to reinvest capital gains and/or dividends
earned in one Evergreen Fund into an existing account in another Evergreen Fund
in the same share class -- automatically. Please indicate on the application the
Evergreen Fund(s) into which you want to invest the distributions.
Reinvestment Privileges
Under certain circumstances, shareholders may, within one year of redemption,
reinstate their accounts at the current price. This is the Fund's net asset
value, also sometimes referred to as the Fund's "NAV."
The Tax Consequences of Investing in the funds
You may be taxed in two ways:
o On Fund distributions (dividends and capital gains)
o On any profit you make when you sell any or all of your shares.
Fund Distributions
A mutual fund passes along to all of its shareholders the net income or profits
it receives from its investments. The shareholders of the fund then pay any
taxes due, whether they receive these distributions in cash or elect to have
them reinvested. The Funds will distribute two types of taxable income to you:
oDividends. To the extent that the regular dividends are derived from interest
that is not tax exempt, or from short-term capital gains, you will have to
include them in your federal taxable income. Each Fund pays either a monthly,
quarterly or annual dividend from the dividends, interest and other income on
the securities in which it invests. The frequency of dividends for each Fund
is listed under the Fund Facts section in the summary of each Fund previously
presented.
o Capital Gains. When a mutual fund sells a security it owns for a profit, the
result is a capital gain. The Funds generally distribute capital gains, if
any, at least once a year, near the end of the calendar year. Short-term
capital gains reflect securities held by the Fund for a year or less and are
considered ordinary income just like dividends. Profits on securities held
longer than 12 months are considered long-term capital gains and are taxed at
a special tax rate (20% for most taxpayers).
Dividend and Capital Gain Reinvestment
Unless you choose otherwise on the account application, all dividend and capital
gain payments will be reinvested to buy additional shares. Distribution checks
that are returned and distribution checks that are uncashed when the shareholder
has failed to respond to mailings from the shareholder servicing agent will
automatically be reinvested to buy additional shares. No interest will accrue on
amounts represented by uncashed distribution or redemption checks.
We will send you a statement each January with the federal tax status of
dividends and distributions paid by each Fund during the previous calendar year.
Profits You Realize When You Redeem Shares
When you sell shares in a mutual fund, whether by redeeming or exchanging, you
have created a taxable event. You must report any gain or loss on your tax
return unless the transaction was entered into by a tax-deferred retirement
plan. Investments in money market funds typically do not generate capital gains.
It is your responsibility to keep accurate records of your mutual fund
transactions. You will need this information when you file your income tax
return, since you must report any capital gains or losses you incur when you
sell shares. Remember, an exchange is a purchase and a sale for tax purposes.
Tax Reporting
Evergreen Service Company provides you with a tax statement of your dividend and
capital gains distributions for each calendar year on Form 1099 DIV. Proceeds
from a sale are reported on Form 1099B. You must report these on your tax
return. Since the IRS receives a copy as well, you could pay a penalty if you
neglect to report them.
Evergreen Service Company will send you a tax information guide each year during
tax season, which may include a cost basis statement detailing the gain or loss
on taxable transactions you had during the year. Please consult your own tax
advisor for further information regarding the federal, state and local tax
consequences of an investment in the Funds.
Retirement Plans
You may invest in each Fund through various retirement plans, including IRAs,
401(k) plans, Simplified Employee Plans, (SEPs), IRAs, 403(b) plans, 457 plans
and others. For special rules concerning these plans, including applications,
restrictions, tax advantages, and potential sales charge waivers, contact your
broker-dealer. To determine if a retirement plan may be appropriate for you,
consult your tax advisor.
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUNDS
Every mutual fund has fees and expenses that are assessed either directly or
indirectly. This section describes each of those fees.
Management Fee
The management fee pays for the normal expenses of managing the fund, including
portfolio manager salaries, research costs, corporate overhead expenses and
related expenses.
12b-1 Fee
The Trustees of the Evergreen Funds have approved a policy to assess 12b-1 fees
for Class A, Class B and Class C shares. Up to 0.25 % of the average daily net
assets of Class A and up to 1.00% of the average daily net assets of Class B and
Class C are payable as 12b-1 fees. These fees increase the cost of your
investment. The higher 12b-1 fees imposed on Class B and Class C shares may,
over time, cost more than the initial sales charge of Class A shares. The
purpose of the 12b-1 fee is to promote the sale of more shares of the Fund to
the public. The Fund might use this fee for advertising and marketing and as a
"service fee" to the broker-dealer for additional shareholder services.
Other Expenses
Other expenses include miscellaneous fees from affiliated and outside service
providers. These may include legal, audit, custodial and safekeeping fees, the
printing and mailing of reports and statements, automatic reinvestment of
distributions and other conveniences for which the shareholder pays no
transaction fees.
Total Fund Operating Expenses
The total cost of running the Fund is called the expense ratio. As a
shareholder, you are not charged these fees directly; instead they are taken out
before the Fund's net asset value is calculated, and are expressed as a
percentage of the Fund's average daily net assets. The effect of these fees is
reflected in the performance results for that share class. Because these fees
are "invisible," investors should examine them closely in the prospectus,
especially when comparing one fund with another fund in the same investment
category. There are three things to remember about expense ratios: 1) your total
return in the Fund is reduced in direct proportion to the fees; 2) expense
ratios can vary greatly between funds and fund families, from under 0.25% to
over 3.0%; and 3) a Fund's advisor may waive a portion of the Fund's expenses
for a period of time, reducing its expense ratio.
<PAGE>
Financial Highlights
This section looks in detail at the results for one share in each share class of
the Funds -- how much income it earned, how much of this income was passed along
as a distribution and how much the return was reduced by expenses. The tables
have been derived from financial information audited by KPMG LLP, the Funds'
independent auditors. For a more complete picture of the Funds' financial
statements, please see the Funds' Annual Report as well as the Statement of
Additional Information.
<PAGE>
OTHER FUND PRACTICES
The Funds may invest in futures and options. Such practices are used to hedge a
Fund's portfolio to protect against changes in interest rates and to adjust the
portfolio's duration. Although this is intended to increase returns, these
practices may actually reduce returns or increase volatility.
If a Fund invests in foreign securities, which may include foreign currency
transactions, the value of the Fund's shares will be affected by changes in
exchange rates. To manage this risk, the Fund may enter into currency futures
contracts and forward currency exchange contracts. Although the Fund uses these
contracts to hedge the U.S. dollar value of a security it already owns, the Fund
could lose money if it fails to predict accurately the future exchange rates.
The Fund may engage in hedging and cross hedging with respect to foreign
currencies to protect itself against a possible decline in the value of another
foreign currency in which certain of the Fund's investments are denominated. A
cross hedge cannot protect against exchange rate risks perfectly, and if a Fund
is incorrect in its judgement of future exchange rate relationships, the Fund
could be in a less advantageous position than if such a hedge had not been
established. Perpetual Global Fund may also invest in closed-end investment
companies holding foreign securities. See "Investment in Other Investment
Companies" in the Statement of Additional Information for more information.
In addition, the Funds may borrow money and lend their securities. Borrowing is
a form of leverage that may magnify a Fund's gain or loss. Lending securities
may cause the Fund to lose the opportunity to sell these securities at the most
desirable price and, therefore, lose money.
The Funds may enter into interest rate swaps and other interest rate
transactions, such as interest rate caps, floors, and collars, in order to
attempt to protect the value of its portfolio from interest rate fluctuations
and to adjust the interest-rate sensitivity of its portfolio. The Funds intend
to use the interest rate transactions as a hedge and not as a speculative
investment. A Fund's ability to engage in certain interest rate transactions may
be limited by tax considerations. The use of interest rate swaps and other
interest rate transactions is a highly specialized activity which involves
investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary
portfolio securities transactions. See "Swaps, Caps, Floors and Collars" in the
Statement of Additional Information for more information.
High Income Fund general does not take portfolio turnover into account in making
investment decisions. This means the Fund could experience a high rate of
portfolio turnover (100% or more) in any given fiscal year, resulting in greater
brokerage and other transaction costs which are borne by the Fund and its
shareholders. It may also result in the Fund realizing greater net short-term
capital gains, distributions from which are taxable to shareholders as ordinary
income. The portfolio turnover rate for High Income Fund is not expected to
exceed 200% for the current fiscal year.
Perpetual Global may invest in indexed securities, the values of which are
linked to currencies, interest rates, commodities, indices or other financial
indicators. Investments in indexed securities involves certain risks. See
"Indexed Securities" in the Statement of Additional Information for more
information.
Please consult the Statement of Additional Information for more information
regarding these and other investment practices used by the Funds, including
risks.
<PAGE>
Evergreen Funds
Money Market
Florida Municipal Money Market Fund
Money Market Fund
Municipal Money Market Fund
New Jersey Municipal Money Market Fund
Pennsylvania Municipal Money Market Fund
Treasury Municipal Money Market Fund
U.S. Government Money Market Fund
Municipal Bond
Connecticut Municipal Bond Fund
Florida High Income Municipal Bond Fund
Florida Municipal Bond Fund
Georgia Municipal Bond Fund
High Grade Municipal Bond Fund
Maryland Municipal Bond Fund
Municipal Bond Fund
New Jersey Municipal Bond Fund
North Carolina Municipal Bond Fund
Pennsylvania Municipal Bond Fund
Short-Intermediate Municipal Fund
South Carolina Municipal Bond Fund
Virginia Municipal Bond Fund
Income
Capital Preservation and Income Fund
Diversified Bond Fund
High Income Fund
High Yield Bond Fund
Intermediate Term Bond Fund
Quality Income Fund
Short-Intermediate Bond Fund
Strategic Income Fund
U.S. Government Fund
Balanced
Balanced Fund
Capital Balanced Fund
Foundation Fund
Tax Strategic Foundation Fund
Growth & Income
Blue Chip Fund
Equity Income Fund
Growth and Income Fund
Income and Growth Fund
Small Cap Value Fund
Utility Fund
Value Fund
Select Equity Index Fund
Domestic Growth
Aggressive Growth Fund
Capital Growth Fund
Evergreen Fund Growth Fund
Masters Fund
Omega Fund
Small Company Growth Fund
Stock Selector Fund
Strategic Growth Fund
Tax Strategic Equity Fund
Select Special Equity Fund
Global International
Emerging Markets Growth Fund
Global Leaders Fund
Global Opportunities Fund
International Growth Fund
Latin America Fund
Perpetual Global Fund
Perpetual International Fund
Precious Metals Fund
Express Line
800.346.3858
Investor Services
800.343.2898
www.evergreen-funds.com
<PAGE>
Evergreen Express Line
Call 1-800-346-3858
24 hours a day to
o check your account
o order a statement
o get a Fund's current price, yield and
total return
o buy, redeem or exchange Fund shares
Investor Services
Call 1-800-343-2898
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time to
o buy, redeem or exchange shares
o order applications
o get assistance with your account
Information Line for Hearing and Speech Impaired (TTY/TDD)
Call 1-800-343-2888
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time
Write us a letter
Evergreen Service Company
P.O. Box 2121
Boston, MA 02106-2121
o to buy, redeem or exchange shares
o to change the registration on your account
o for general correspondence
For express, registered or certified mail:
Evergreen Service Company
200 Berkeley Street
Boston, MA 02116-5039
Visit us on-line:
www.evergreen-funds.com
Regular communications you will receive:
Account Statements -- You will receive quarterly statements for each Fund
you own.
Confirmation Notices -- We send a confirmation of any transaction you make
within five days of the transaction.
Annual and Semi-annual reports -- You will receive a detailed financial
report on your Fund(s) twice a year.
Tax Forms -- Each January you will receive any tax forms you need to file
your taxes as well as the Evergreen Tax Information Guide.
<PAGE>
For More Information About the Funds, Ask for:
The Funds' most recent Annual or Semi-annual Report, which contains a
complete financial accounting for each Fund and a complete list of the
Fund's holdings as of a specific date, as well as commentary from the
Fund's portfolio manager. This Report discusses the market conditions and
investment strategies that significantly affected the Fund's performance
during the most recent fiscal year or period.
The Statement of Additional Information (SAI), which contains more detailed
information about the policies and procedures of the Funds. The SAI has
been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and its
contents are legally considered to be part of this prospectus.
For questions, other information, or to request a copy, without charge, of
any of the documents, call 1-800-343-2898 or ask your investment
representative. We will mail material within three business days. In
addition, any of these documents, with the exception of the SAI, may be
downloaded off our website at www.evergreen-funds.com.
Information about these Funds (including the SAI) is also available on the
SEC's Internet web site at http://www.sec.gov, or, for a duplication fee,
by writing the SEC Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-6009.
This material can also be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference
Room in Washington, DC. For more information, call the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330.
[LOGO OF EVERGREEN FUNDS APPEARS HERE]
Evergreen Distributor, Inc.
90 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10016
SEC File Nos.:
811-08413 (Evergreen Equity Trust)
811-07246 (Evergreen Fixed Income Trust)
811-08553 (Evergreen International Trust)
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN EQUITY TRUST
PART B
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN EQUITY TRUST
Evergreen Capital Income and Growth Fund ("Capital Income and Growth Fund")
EVERGREEN MUNICIPAL TRUST
Evergreen Municipal Income Fund ("Municipal Income Fund")
EVERGREEN FIXED INCOME TRUST
Evergreen Short-Duration Income Fund ("Short-Duration Fund")
(Each a "Fund," together, the "Funds")
200 Berkeley Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
(800) 633-2700
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
February 1, 2000
Each Fund is a series of an open-end management
investment company known as either
Evergreen Equity Trust, Evergreen
Municipal Trust
or Evergreen Fixed Income Trust (each a "Trust")
This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") pertains to all
classes of shares of the Funds listed above. It is not a prospectus but should
be read in conjunction with the prospectus dated February 1, 2000 for the Fund
in which you are interested. The Funds are offered through the prospectus
offering Class A, Class C and Class Y shares. You may obtain the prospectus by
calling (800) 343-2898. The information in Part 1 of this SAI is specific
information about the Funds in the prospectus. The information in Part 2 of this
SAI contains more general information that may or may not apply to the Fund or
Class of shares in which you are interested.
Certain information may be incorporated by reference to each Fund's
Annual Report dated September 30, 1999. You may obtain a copy of the Annual
Report without charge by calling (800) 343-2898 or downloading it off our
website at www.evergreen-funds.com.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART 1
TRUST HISTORY.........................................................
INVESTMENT POLICIES...................................................
OTHER SECURITIES AND PRACTICES........................................
PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF FUND SHARES......................................
EXPENSES..............................................................
PERFORMANCE...........................................................
COMPUTATION OF CLASS A OFFERING PRICE ................................
SERVICE PROVIDERS.....................................................
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS..................................................
PART 2
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON SECURITIES AND INVESTMENT PRACTICES.........
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES.....................................
SALES CHARGE WAIVERS AND REDUCTIONS...................................
PRICING OF SHARES.....................................................
PERFORMANCE CALCULATIONS..............................................
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER.................................................
DISTRIBUTION EXPENSES UNDER RULE 12b-1................................
TAX INFORMATION.......................................................
BROKERAGE.............................................................
ORGANIZATION..........................................................
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT.........................................
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUSTS..............................................
CORPORATE AND MUNICIPAL BOND RATINGS..................................
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION................................................
<PAGE>
PART 1
TRUST HISTORY
Each Trust is an open-end management investment company, which was
organized as a Delaware business trust on September 18, 1997. Each Fund is a
diversified series of its respective Trust. A copy of the Declaration of Trust
is on file as an exhibit to each Trust's Registration Statement, of which this
SAI is a part. Evergreen Capital Income and Growth Fund (formerly Mentor Income
and Growth Portfolio), Evergreen Municipal Income Fund (formerly Mentor
Municipal Income Portfolio) and Evergreen Short-Duration Income Fund (formerly
Mentor Short-Duration Income Fund) changed their names on October 15, 1999.
INVESTMENT POLICIES
Each Fund has adopted the fundamental investment restrictions set forth
below which may not be changed without the vote of a majority of the Fund's
outstanding shares, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the"1940
Act"). Where necessary, an explanation beneath a fundamental policy describes
the Fund's practices with respect to that policy, as allowed by current law. If
the law governing a policy changes, the Fund's practices may change accordingly
without a shareholder vote. Unless otherwise stated, all references to the
assets of the Fund are in terms of current market value.
1. Diversification
Each Fund may not make any investment that is inconsistent with its
classification as a diversified investment company under the 1940 Act.
Further Explanation of Diversified Funds:
To remain classified as a diversified investment company under the 1940
Act, each Fund must conform with the following: With respect 75% of its total
assets, a diversified investment company may not invest more that 5% of its
total assets, determined at market or other fair value at the time of purchase,
in the securities of any one issuer, or invest in more that 10% of the
outstanding voting securities of any one issuer, determined at the time of
purchase. These limitations do not apply to investments in securities issued or
guaranteed by the United States ("U.S.") government or its agencies or
instrumentalities.
2. Concentration
Each Fund may not concentrate its investments in the securities of
issuers primarily engaged in any particular industry (other than securities that
are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or
instrumentalities).
Further Explanation of Concentration Policy:
Each Fund, except Municipal Income Fund, may not invest more than 25%
of its total assets, taken at market value, in the securities of issuers
primarily engaged in any particular industry (other than securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities).
3. Issuing Senior Securities
Except as permitted under the 1940 Act, each Fund may not issue senior
securities.
4. Borrowing
Each Fund may not borrow money, except to the extent permitted by
applicable law.
Further Explanation of Borrowing Policy:
Each Fund may borrow from banks and enter into reverse repurchase
agreements in an amount up to 33 1/3% of its total assets, taken at market
value. Each Fund may also borrow up to an additional 5% of its total assets from
banks or others. A Fund may borrow only as a temporary measure for extraordinary
or emergency purposes such as the redemption of Fund shares. A Fund may purchase
additional securities so long as borrowings do not exceed 5% of its total
assets. Each Fund may obtain such short-term credit as may be necessary for the
clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities. Each Fund may purchase
securities on margin and engage in short sales to the extent permitted by
applicable law.
5. Underwriting
Each Fund may not underwrite securities of other issuers, except
insofar as a Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter in connection with the
disposition of its portfolio securities.
6. Real Estate
Each Fund may not purchase or sell real estate, except that, to the
extent permitted by applicable law, a Fund may invest in (a) securities that are
directly or indirectly secured by real estate, or (b) securities issued by
issuers that invest in real estate.
7. Commodities
Each Fund may not purchase or sell commodities or contracts on
commodities, except to the extent that a Fund may engage in financial futures
contracts and related options and currency contracts and related options and may
otherwise do so in accordance with applicable law and without registering as a
commodity pool operator under the Commodity Exchange Act.
8. Lending
Each Fund may not make loans to other persons, except that a Fund may
lend its portfolio securities in accordance with applicable law. The acquisition
of investment securities or other investment instruments shall not be deemed to
be the making of a loan.
Further Explanation of Lending Policy:
To generate income and offset expenses, a Fund may lend portfolio
securities to broker-dealers and other financial institutions in an amount up to
33 1/3% of its total assets, taken at market value. While securities are on
loan, the borrower will pay the Fund any income accruing on the security. The
Fund may invest any collateral it receives in additional portfolio securities,
such as U.S. Treasury notes, certificates of deposit, other high-grade,
short-term obligations or interest bearing cash equivalents. Gains or losses in
the market value of a security lent will affect the Fund and its shareholders.
When a Fund lends its securities, it will require the borrower to give
the Fund collateral in cash or government securities. The Fund will require
collateral in an amount equal to at least 100% of the current market value of
the securities lent, including accrued interest. The Fund has the right to call
a loan and obtain the securities lent any time on notice of not more than five
business days. The Fund may pay reasonable fees in connection with such loans.
9. Investment in Federally Tax Exempt Securities
Municipal Income Fund will, during periods of normal market conditions,
invest its assets in accordance with applicable guidelines issued by the
Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff concerning investment in
tax-exempt securities for funds with the words "tax exempt," "tax free" or
"municipal" in their names.
OTHER SECURITIES AND PRACTICES
For information regarding securities the Funds may purchase and
investment practices the Funds may use, see the various sections in Part 2 of
this SAI under "Additional Information on Securities and Investment Practices."
Information provided in the sections listed below expands upon and supplements
information provided in the Funds' prospectus. The list below applies to all
Funds unless otherwise noted.
Money Market Securities
U.S. Government Securities
When-Issued, Delayed-Delivery and Forward Commitment Transactions
Repurchase Agreements (excluding Municipal Income Fund)
Reverse Repurchase Agreements
Dollar Rolls (Capital Income and Growth Fund and Short-Duration Fund only)
Swaps, Caps, Floors and Collars (Short-Duration only)
Options
Futures Transactions
Foreign Securities (Capital Income and Growth Fund and
Short-Duration Fund only)
Foreign Currency Transactions (Capital Income and Growth Fund and Short-Duration
Fund only)
Premium Securities
High Yield, High Risk Bonds (Municipal Income Fund
and Short-Duration Fund only)
Illiquid and Restricted Securities
Investment in Other Investment Companies
Short Sales
Zero Coupon "Stripped" Bonds
Payment-in-kind Securities
Mortgage-Backed or Asset-Backed Securities (Capital Income and Growth Fund and
Short-Duration Fund only)
Real Estate Investment
Trusts (Capital Income and Growth Fund only)
PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF FUND SHARES
As of October 31, 1999, the officers and Trustees of the Trust owned as
a group less than 1% of the outstanding shares of any class of each Fund.
Set forth below is information with respect to each person who, to each
Fund's knowledge, owned beneficially or of record more than 5% of the
outstanding shares of any class of each Fund as of October 31, 1999.
------------------------------------------------------
Capital Income and Growth Fund Class A
------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------- ------------
None
----------------------------------------- ------------
------------------------------------------------------
Capital Income and Growth Fund Class C
------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------- ------------
None
----------------------------------------- ------------
------------------------------------------------------
Capital Income and Growth Fund Class Y
------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------- ------------
Daniel J. Ludeman 100%
5105 Stratford Crescent
Richmond, VA 23226-1615
----------------------------------------- ------------
------------------------------------------------------
Municipal Income Fund Class A
------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------- ------------
None
----------------------------------------- ------------
------------------------------------------------------
Municipal Income Fund Class C
------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------- ------------
None
----------------------------------------- ------------
------------------------------------------------------
Municipal Income Fund Class Y
------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------- ------------
Daniel J. Ludeman 100%
5105 Stratford Crescent
Richmond, VA 23226-1615
----------------------------------------- ------------
------------------------------------------------------
Short-Duration Fund Class A
------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------- ------------
Union Bank of California 11.74%
FTAO Partnership Healthplan of CA
421 Executive Ct Suite A
Suisin, CA 94585
----------------------------------------- ------------
----------------------------------------- ------------
First Union Securities Inc 6.67%
Calaveras County Water Dist.
111 East Kilbourn Avenue
Milwaukee, CA 95249-0846
----------------------------------------- ------------
------------------------------------------------------
Short-Duration Fund Class C
------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------- ------------
First Union Securities Inc. 6.99%
Valley Children's Hospital
111 East Kilbourn Avenue
Milwaukee, CA 93638-8761
----------------------------------------- ------------
------------------------------------------------------
Short-Duration Fund Class Y
------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------- ------------
Daniel J. Ludeman 100%
5105 Stratford Crescent
Richmond, VA 23226-1615
----------------------------------------- ------------
EXPENSES
Advisory Fees
Each Fund has its own investment advisor. For more information, see
"Investment Advisory Agreements" in Part 2 of this SAI.
Mentor Investment Advisors, LLC ("Mentor Advisors") is the investment
advisor to the Funds. Mentor Advisors is entitled to receive from Capital Income
and Growth Fund an annual fee equal to 0.75% of its average daily net assets,
from Municipal Income Fund an annual fee equal to 0.60% of its average daily net
assets, and from Short-Duration Fund an annual fee equal to 0.50% of its average
daily net assets.
Advisory Fees Paid
Below are the advisory fees paid by each Fund for the last three fiscal
periods.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Fund/Fiscal Year Advisory Fee Paid Advisory Fees Waived
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
===============================================================================================================
Year Ended 1999
===============================================================================================================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
<S> <C> <C>
Capital Income and Growth Fund $2,001,452 $0
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Municipal Income Fund $729,071 $0
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Short-Duration Fund $906,876 $49,357
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
===============================================================================================================
Year Ended 1998
===============================================================================================================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Capital Income and Growth Fund $1,638,729 $0
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Municipal Income Fund $557,332 $0
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Short-Duration Fund $504,097 $180,523
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
===============================================================================================================
Year Ended 1997
===============================================================================================================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Capital Income and Growth Fund $947,276 $0
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Municipal Income Fund $370,232 $0
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Short-Duration Fund $185,354 $55,521
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
</TABLE>
Brokerage Commissions
Below are the total amounts paid by each Fund in brokerage commissions
for the last three fiscal periods. For more information regarding brokerage
commissions, see "Brokerage" in Part 2 of this SAI.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
---------------------------------------------------------------- =============== =============== ==============
Fund 1999 1998 1997
---------------------------------------------------------------- =============== =============== ==============
---------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- ==============
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Capital Income and Growth Fund $ $920,105 $275,151
---------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- ==============
---------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- ==============
Municipal Income Fund $ $18,968 $5,044
---------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- ==============
---------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- ==============
Short-Duration Fund $ $0 $0
---------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- ==============
</TABLE>
The following table shows brokerage commissions paid by each Fund to
First Union Securities, Inc. (formerly known as Wheat First Union) for the
periods indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
---------------------------------------------------------------- =============== =============== ==============
Fiscal year
Fund Fiscal year 1997
1999 Fiscal year
1998
---------------------------------------------------------------- =============== =============== ==============
---------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- ==============
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Capital Income and Growth Fund $ $73,192 $101,434
---------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- ==============
---------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- ==============
Municipal Income Fund $ $0 $0
---------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- ==============
---------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- ==============
Short-Duration Fund $ $0 $0
---------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- ==============
</TABLE>
Underwriting Commissions
Below are the underwriting commissions retained by each Fund by the
principal underwriter for the last three fiscal periods. For more information,
see "Principal Underwriter" in Part 2 of this SAI.
- ------------------------------------------ ====================================
Underwriting Commissions Retained
Fund/Fiscal Year or Period
- ------------------------------------------ ====================================
===============================================================================
Year or Period Ended 1999
===============================================================================
- ------------------------------------------ ====================================
Capital Income and Growth Fund $
- ------------------------------------------ ====================================
- ------------------------------------------ ====================================
Municipal Income Fund $
- ------------------------------------------ ====================================
- ------------------------------------------ ====================================
Short-Duration Fund $
- ------------------------------------------ ====================================
===============================================================================
Year or Period Ended 1998
===============================================================================
- ------------------------------------------ ====================================
Capital Income and Growth Fund $169,108
- ------------------------------------------ ====================================
- ------------------------------------------ ====================================
Municipal Income Fund $80,007
- ------------------------------------------ ====================================
- ------------------------------------------ ====================================
Short-Duration Fund $4,833
- ------------------------------------------ ====================================
===============================================================================
Year or Period Ended 1997
===============================================================================
- ------------------------------------------ ====================================
Capital Income and Growth Fund $59,230
- ------------------------------------------ ====================================
- ------------------------------------------ ====================================
Municipal Income Fund $21,433
- ------------------------------------------ ====================================
- ------------------------------------------ ====================================
Short-Duration Fund $867
- ------------------------------------------ ====================================
12b-1 Fees
Below are the 12b-1 fees paid by each Fund with respect to the Class A
shares and Class C shares for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999. For more
information, see "Distribution Expenses Under Rule 12b-1" in Part 2 of this SAI.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------- ===================================== =======================================
Class A Class C
===================================== =======================================
------------------ ------------------ -------------------- ==================
Distribution Fees
Fund Distribution Service Fees
Fees Service Fees
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -------------------- ==================
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -------------------- ==================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Capital Income and Growth Fund $ $286,877 $1,140,812 $380,270
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -------------------- ==================
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -------------------- ==================
Municipal Income Fund $0 $157,398 $292,555 $146,277
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -------------------- ==================
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -------------------- ==================
Short-Duration Fund $0 $322,468 $157,161 $130,967
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ -------------------- ==================
</TABLE>
Trustee Compensation
Listed below is the Trustee compensation paid by each Trust
individually for the Trust's fiscal year end and by the Trust and the eight
other trusts in the Evergreen Fund Complex for the calendar year ended December
31, 1999. The Trustees do not receive pension or retirement benefits from the
Funds. For more information, see "Management of the Trust" in Part 2 of this
SAI.
- --------------------------------------------------- ===========================
Total Compensation from
Aggregate Compensation from Trust and Fund Complex
Fixed Income Trust for the Paid to Trustees for the
fiscal year ended 6/30/1999 calendar year ended
12/31/1999*
Trustee
- ------------------------------- --------------------- =========================
- ------------------------------- --------------------- =========================
$1,004 $
Laurence B. Ashkin
- ------------------------------- ------------------------ ======================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------ ======================
$1,004 $
Charles A. Austin, III
- ------------------------------- ------------------------ ======================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------ ======================
$976 $
K. Dun Gifford
- ------------------------------- ------------------------ ======================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------ ======================
$1,312 $
James S. Howell**
- ------------------------------- ------------------------ ======================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------ ======================
$976 $
Leroy Keith Jr.
- ------------------------------- ------------------------ ======================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------ ======================
$1,004 $
Gerald M. McDonnell
- ------------------------------- ------------------------ ======================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------ ======================
$1,173 $
Thomas L. McVerry
- ------------------------------- ------------------------ ======================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------ ======================
$976 $
William Walt Pettit
- ------------------------------- ------------------------ ======================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------ ======================
$976 $
David M. Richardson
- ------------------------------- ------------------------ ======================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------ ======================
$1,004 $
Russell A. Salton, III
- ------------------------------- ------------------------ ======================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------ ======================
$1,109 $
Michael S. Scofield
- ------------------------------- ------------------------ ======================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------ ======================
$976 $
Richard J. Shima
- ------------------------------- ------------------------ ======================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------ ======================
Total Compensation from
Aggregate Compensation from Trust and Fund Complex
Equity Trust for the fiscal Paid to Trustees for the
year ended 3/31/1999 calendar year ended
12/31/1999*
Trustee
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
$22,911 $
Laurence B. Ashkin
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
$22,911 $
Charles A. Austin, III
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
$22,141 $
K. Dun Gifford
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
$29,532 $
James S. Howell**
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
$22,141 $
Leroy Keith Jr.
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
$22,911 $
Gerald M. McDonnell
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
$26,295 $
Thomas L. McVerry
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
$22,141 $
William Walt Pettit
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
$22,928 $
David M. Richardson
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
$23,378 $
Russell A. Salton, III
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
$23,378 $
Michael S. Scofield
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
$22,141 $
Richard J. Shima
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
Total Compensation from
Aggregate Compensation from Trust and Fund Complex
Municipal Trust for the Paid to Trustees for
fiscal year ended 5/31/1999 the calendar year ended
12/31/1999*
Trustee
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
$4,763 $
Laurence B. Ashkin
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
$2,381 $
Charles A. Austin, III
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
$2,321 $
K. Dun Gifford
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
$3,046 $
James S. Howell**
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
$2,321 $
Leroy Keith Jr.
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
$2,381 $
Gerald M. McDonnell
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
$2,747 $
Thomas L. McVerry
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
$2,321 $
William Walt Pettit
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
$2,313 $
David M. Richardson
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
$2,381 $
Russell A. Salton, III
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
$2,608 $
Michael S. Scofield
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
$2,321 $
Richard J. Shima
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------ =================
*Certain Trustees have elected to defer all or part of their
total compensation for the twelve months ended December 31,
1999. The amounts listed below will be payable in later years
to the respective Trustees:
Austin $
Howell $
McDonnell $
McVerry $
Pettit $
Salton $
Scofield $
**Trustee Emeritus, retired 12/31/1999.
PERFORMANCE
Total Return
Below are the annual total returns for each class of shares of the
Funds (including applicable sales charges) as of September 30, 1999. For more
information, see "Total Return" under "Performance Calculations" in Part 2 of
this SAI.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ===================
Fund/Class One Year Five Years Ten Years or Since Inception Date
Inception of Class
- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ===================
=========================================================================================================
Capital Income and Growth Fund (a)
=========================================================================================================
- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ===================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A 2.75% 13.14% 12.23% 5/24/1993
- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ===================
- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ===================
Class C 6.06% 13.40% 12.28% 5/24/1993
- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ===================
- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ===================
Class Y 8.21% 13.86% 12.64% 11/19/1997
- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ===================
=========================================================================================================
Municipal Income Fund(a)
=========================================================================================================
- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ===================
Class A -8.19% 4.75% 5.33% 4/29/1992
- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ===================
- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ===================
Class C -5.49% 5.15% 5.42% 4/29/1992
- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ===================
- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ===================
Class Y -3.34% 5.80% 6.04% 11/19/1997
- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ===================
=========================================================================================================
Short-Duration Fund(b)
=========================================================================================================
- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ===================
Class A 1.38% 5.83% 5.65% 6/16/1995
- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ===================
- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ===================
Class C 0.03% 5.66% 5.37% 4/29/1994
- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ===================
- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ===================
Class Y 1.63% 5.80% 5.51% 11/19/1997
- --------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- ===================
</TABLE>
(a) Historical performance shown for Class Y prior to its inception is based on
the performance of Class A, one of the original classes offered along with Class
C. This historical return for Class Y has not been adjusted to reflect the
effect of each Class' 12b-1 fees. These fees for Class A are 0.25% and for Class
C are 1.00%. Class Y does not pay a 12b-1 fee. If these fees had been reflected,
returns for Class Y would have been higher.
(b) Historical performance shown for Classes A and Y prior to their inception is
based on the performance of Class C, the original class offered. These
historical returns for Classes A and Y have not been adjusted to reflect the
effect of each Class' 12b-1 fee. These fees for Class A are 0.25% and for Class
C are 1.00%. Class Y does not pay a 12b-1 fee. If these fees had been reflected,
returns for Classes A and Y would have been higher.
Yields
Below are the current yields of the Funds for the 30-day period ended
September 30, 1999. For more information, see "30-Day Yield" under "Performance
Calculations" in Part 2 of this SAI.
================================================================================
30-Day Yield
================================================================================
- ---------------------------------- -------------- ------------------ ===========
Fund Class A Class C Class Y
- ---------------------------------- -------------- ------------------ ===========
- ---------------------------------- -------------- ------------------ ===========
Capital Income and Growth Fund 2.18% 1.56% 2.68%
- ---------------------------------- -------------- ------------------ ===========
- ---------------------------------- -------------- ------------------ ===========
Municipal Income Fund 4.64% 4.38% 5.37%
- ---------------------------------- -------------- ------------------ ===========
- ---------------------------------- -------------- ------------------ ===========
Short-Duration Fund 5.73% 5.49% 6.24%
- ---------------------------------- -------------- ------------------ ===========
COMPUTATION OF CLASS A OFFERING PRICE
Class A shares are sold at the net asset value plus a sales charge.
Below is an example of the method of computing the offering price of Class A
shares of each Fund. The example assumes a purchase of Class A shares of each
Fund aggregating less than $100,000 based upon the NAV of each Fund's Class A
shares at September 30, 1999. For more information, see "Purchase and Redemption
of Shares" and "Pricing of Shares."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------- ==================
Net Asset Value Per Offering Price
Fund Share Sales Charge Per Share
- ----------------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------- ==================
- ----------------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------- ==================
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Capital Income and Growth Fund $19.54 4.75% $20.51
- ----------------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------- ==================
- ----------------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------- ==================
Municipal Income Fund $14.75 4.75% $15.49
- ----------------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------- ==================
- ----------------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------- ==================
Short-Duration Fund $12.20 3.25% $12.61
- ----------------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------- ==================
</TABLE>
SERVICE PROVIDERS
Administrator
Evergreen Investment Services, Inc. ("EIS") serves as administrator to
the Funds, subject to the supervision and control of each Trust's Board of
Trustees. EIS provides the Funds with facilities, equipment and personnel and is
entitled to receive a fee from each Fund at the annual rate of 0.10% of the
Fund's average daily net assets.
Transfer Agent
Evergreen Service Company ("ESC"), a subsidiary of First Union
Corporation, is the Fund's transfer agent. ESC issues and redeems shares, pays
dividends and performs other duties in connection with the maintenance of
shareholder accounts. The transfer agent's address is P.O. Box 2121, Boston,
Massachusetts 02106-2121. The Fund pays ESC annual fees as follows:
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
Fund Type Annual Fee Annual Fee
Per Open Per Closed
Account* Account**
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
Monthly Dividend Funds $25.50 $9.00
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
Quarterly Dividend Funds $24.50 $9.00
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
Semiannual Dividend Funds $23.50 $9.00
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
Annual Dividend Funds $23.50 $9.00
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
Money Market Funds $25.50 $9.00
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
*For shareholder accounts only. The Fund pays ESC cost plus 15% for
broker accounts.
**Closed accounts are maintained on the system in order to facilitate
historical and tax information.
Distributor
Evergreen Distributor, Inc. ("EDI") markets the Funds through
broker-dealers and other financial representatives. Its address is 90 Park
Avenue, New York, New York 10016.
Independent Auditors
KPMG LLP, 99 High Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, audits the
financial statements of each Fund.
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company keeps custody of each Fund's
securities and cash and performs other related duties. The custodian's address
is 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110.
Legal Counsel
Sullivan & Worcester LLP provides legal advice to the Funds. Its
address is 1025 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The audited financial statements and the reports thereon are hereby
incorporated by reference to the Funds' Annual Report, a copy of which may be
obtained without charge from ESC, P.O. Box 2121, Boston, Massachusetts
02106-2121.
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN FUNDS
Statement of Additional Information ("SAI")
PART 2
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON SECURITIES
AND INVESTMENT PRACTICES
The prospectus describes the Fund's investment objective and the
securities in which it primarily invests. The following describes other
securities the Fund may purchase and investment strategies it may use. Some of
the information below will not apply to the Fund or the Class in which you are
interested. See the list under Other Securities and Practices in Part 1 of this
SAI to determine which of the sections below are applicable.
Money Market Instruments
The Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in high quality money
market instruments, such as notes, certificates of deposit, commercial paper,
banker's acceptances, bank deposits or U.S. government securities if, in the
opinion of the investment advisor, market conditions warrant a temporary
defensive investment strategy. Evergreen Equity Income Fund may also invest in
debt securities and high grade preferred stocks for defensive purposes when its
investment advisor determines a temporary defensive strategy is warranted.
U.S. Government Securities
The Fund may invest in securities issued or guaranteed by U.S.
Government agencies or instrumentalities.
These securities are backed by (1) the discretionary authority of the
U.S. Government to purchase certain obligations of agencies or instrumentalities
or (2) the credit of the agency or instrumentality issuing the obligations.
Some government agencies and instrumentalities may not receive financial
support from the U.S. Government. Examples of such agencies are:
(i) Farm Credit System, including the National Bank for
Cooperatives, Farm Credit Banks and Banks for Cooperatives;
(ii) Farmers Home Administration;
(iii) Federal Home Loan Banks;
(iv) Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation;
(v) Federal National Mortgage Association; and
(vi) Student Loan Marketing Association.
Securities Issued by the Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"). The
Fund may invest in securities issued by the GNMA, a corporation wholly-owned by
the U.S. Government. GNMA securities or "certificates" represent ownership in a
pool of underlying mortgages. The timely payment of principal and interest due
on these securities is guaranteed.
Unlike conventional bonds, the principal on GNMA certificates is not
paid at maturity but over the life of the security in scheduled monthly
payments. While mortgages pooled in a GNMA certificate may have maturities of up
to 30 years, the certificate itself will have a shorter average maturity and
less principal volatility than a comparable 30-year bond.
The market value and interest yield of GNMA certificates can vary due
not only to market fluctuations, but also to early prepayments of mortgages
within the pool. Since prepayment rates vary widely, it is impossible to
accurately predict the average maturity of a GNMA pool. In addition to the
guaranteed principal payments, GNMA certificates may also make unscheduled
principal payments resulting from prepayments on the underlying mortgages.
Although GNMA certificates may offer yields higher than those available
from other types of U.S. Government securities, they may be less effective as a
means of locking in attractive long-term rates because of the prepayment
feature. For instance, when interest rates decline, prepayments are likely to
increase as the holders of the underlying mortgages seek refinancing. As a
result, the value of a GNMA certificate is not likely to rise as much as the
value of a comparable debt security would in response to same decline. In
addition, these prepayments can cause the price of a GNMA certificate originally
purchased at a premium to decline in price compared to its par value, which may
result in a loss.
When-Issued, Delayed-Delivery and Forward Commitment Transactions
The Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery
basis and may purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment basis.
Settlement of such transactions normally occurs within a month or more after the
purchase or sale commitment is made.
The Fund may purchase securities under such conditions only with the
intention of actually acquiring them, but may enter into a separate agreement to
sell the securities before the settlement date. Since the value of securities
purchased may fluctuate prior to settlement, the Fund may be required to pay
more at settlement than the security is worth. In addition, the purchaser is not
entitled to any of the interest earned prior to settlement.
Upon making a commitment to purchase a security on a when-issued,
delayed delivery or forward commitment basis the Fund will hold liquid assets
worth at least the equivalent of the amount due. The liquid assets will be
monitored on a daily basis and adjusted as necessary to maintain the necessary
value.
Purchases made under such conditions may involve the risk that yields
secured at the time of commitment may be lower than otherwise available by the
time settlement takes place, causing an unrealized loss to the Fund. In
addition, when the Fund engages in such purchases, it relies on the other party
to consummate the sale. If the other party fails to perform its obligations, the
Fund may miss the opportunity to obtain a security at a favorable price or
yield.
<PAGE>
Repurchase Agreements
The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with entities that are
registered as U.S. Government securities dealers, including member banks of the
Federal Reserve System having at least $1 billion in assets, primary dealers in
U.S. government securities or other financial institutions believed by the
investment advisor to be creditworthy. In a repurchase agreement the Fund
obtains a security and simultaneously commits to return the security to the
seller at a set price (including principal and interest) within a period of time
usually not exceeding seven days. The resale price reflects the purchase price
plus an agreed upon market rate of interest which is unrelated to the coupon
rate or maturity of the underlying security. A repurchase agreement involves the
obligation of the seller to pay the agreed upon price, which obligation is in
effect secured by the value of the underlying security.
The Fund's custodian or a third party will take possession of the
securities subject to repurchase agreements, and these securities will be marked
to market daily. To the extent that the original seller does not repurchase the
securities from the Fund, the Fund could receive less than the repurchase price
on any sale of such securities. In the event that such a defaulting seller filed
for bankruptcy or became insolvent, disposition of such securities by the Fund
might be delayed pending court action. The Fund's investment advisor believes
that under the regular procedures normally in effect for custody of the Fund's
portfolio securities subject to repurchase agreements, a court of competent
jurisdiction would rule in favor of the Fund and allow retention or disposition
of such securities. The Fund will only enter into repurchase agreements with
banks and other recognized financial institutions, such as broker-dealers, which
are deemed by the investment advisor to be creditworthy pursuant to guidelines
established by the Board of Trustees.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements
As described herein, the Fund may also enter into reverse repurchase
agreements. These transactions are similar to borrowing cash. In a reverse
repurchase agreement, the Fund transfers possession of a portfolio instrument to
another person, such as a financial institution, broker, or dealer, in return
for a percentage of the instrument's market value in cash, and agrees that on a
stipulated date in the future the Fund will repurchase the portfolio instrument
by remitting the original consideration plus interest at an agreed upon rate.
The use of reverse repurchase agreements may enable the Fund to avoid
selling portfolio instruments at a time when a sale may be deemed to be
disadvantageous, but the ability to enter into reverse repurchase agreements
does not ensure that the Fund will be able to avoid selling portfolio
instruments at a disadvantageous time.
When effecting reverse repurchase agreements, liquid assets of the
Fund, in a dollar amount sufficient to make payment for the obligations to be
purchased, are segregated at the trade date. These securities are marked to
market daily and maintained until the transaction is settled.
Dollar Roll Transactions
The Fund may enter into dollar rolls in which the Fund sells securities
and simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar securities on a
specified future date. In the case of dollar rolls involving mortgage-related
securities, the mortgage-related securities that are purchased typically will be
of the same type and will have the same or similar interest rate and maturity as
those sold, but will be supported by different pools of mortgages. The Fund
forgoes principal and interest paid during the roll period on the securities
sold in a dollar roll, but it is compensated by the difference between the
current sales price and the price for the future purchase as well as by any
interest earned on the proceeds of the securities sold. The Fund could also be
compensated through receipt of fee income.
Dollar rolls may be viewed as a borrowing by the Fund, secured by the security
which is the subject of the agreement. In addition to the general risks involved
in leveraging, dollar rolls are subject to the same risks as repurchase and
reverse repurchase agreements.
Securities Lending
The Fund may lend portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other
financial institutions to earn additional income for the Fund. These
transactions must be fully collateralized at all times with cash or short-term
debt obligations, but involve some risk to the Fund if the other party should
default on its obligation and the Fund is delayed or prevented from exercising
its rights in respect of the collateral. Any investment of collateral by the
Fund would be made in accordance with the Fund's investment objective and
policies described in the prospectus.
Convertible Securities
The Fund may invest in convertible securities. Convertible securities
include fixed-income securities that may be exchanged or converted into a
predetermined number of shares of the issuer's underlying common stock at the
option of the holder during a specified period. Convertible securities may take
the form of convertible preferred stock, convertible bonds or debentures, units
consisting of "usable" bonds and warrants or a combination of the features of
several of these securities. The investment characteristics of each convertible
security vary widely, which allow convertible securities to be employed for a
variety of investment strategies.
The Fund will exchange or convert convertible securities into shares of
underlying common stock when, in the opinion of its investment advisor, the
investment characteristics of the underlying common shares will assist the Fund
in achieving its investment objective. The Fund may also elect to hold or trade
convertible securities. In selecting convertible securities, the investment
advisor evaluates the investment characteristics of the convertible security as
a fixed-income instrument, and the investment potential of the underlying equity
security for capital appreciation. In evaluating these matters with respect to a
particular convertible security, the investment advisor considers numerous
factors, including the economic and political outlook, the value of the security
relative to other investment alternatives, trends in the determinants of the
issuer's profits, and the issuer's management capability and practices.
Warrants
The Fund may invest in warrants. Warrants are options to purchase
common stock at a specific price (usually at a premium above the market value of
the optioned common stock at issuance) valid for a specific period of time.
Warrants may have a life ranging from less than one year to twenty years, or
they may be perpetual. However, most warrants have expiration dates after which
they are worthless. In addition, a warrant is worthless if the market price of
the common stock does not exceed the warrant's exercise price during the life of
the warrant. Warrants have no voting rights, pay no dividends, and have no
rights with respect to the assets of the corporation issuing them. The
percentage increase or decrease in the market price of the warrant may tend to
be greater than the percentage increase or decrease in the market price of the
optioned common stock.
Swaps, Caps, Floors and Collars
The Fund may enter into interest rate, currency and index swaps and the
purchase or sale of related caps, floors and collars. The Fund expects to enter
into these transactions primarily to preserve a return or spread on a particular
investment or portion of its portfolio, to protect against currency
fluctuations, as a duration management technique or to protect against any
increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later
date. The Fund would use these transactions as hedges and not as speculative
investments and would not sell interest rate caps or floors where it does not
own securities or other instruments providing the income stream the Fund may be
obligated to pay. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with
another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, e.g.,
an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments with respect to a
notional amount of principal. A currency swap is an agreement to exchange cash
flows on a notional amount of two or more currencies based on the relative value
differential among them and an index swap is an agreement to swap cash flows on
a notional amount based on changes in the values of the reference indices. The
purchase of a cap entitles the purchaser to receive payments on a notional
principal amount from the party selling such cap to the extent that a specified
index exceeds a predetermined interest rate or amount. The purchase of a floor
entitles the purchaser to receive payments on a notional principal amount from
the party selling such floor to the extent that a specified index falls below a
predetermined interest rate or amount. A collar is a combination of a cap and a
floor that preserves a certain return within a predetermined range of interest
rates or values.
The Fund will usually enter into swaps on a net basis, i.e., the two
payment streams are netted out in a cash settlement on the payment date or dates
specified in the instrument, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may
be, only the net amount of the two payments. The Fund will not enter into any
swap, cap, floor or collar transaction unless, at the time of entering into such
transaction, the unsecured long-term debt of the counterparty, combined with any
credit enhancements, is rated at least A by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services
("S&P") or Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or has an equivalent
rating from another nationally recognized securities rating organization or is
determined to be of equivalent credit quality by the Fund's investment advisor.
If there is a default by the counterparty, the Fund may have contractual
remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction.
As a result, the swap market has become relatively liquid. Caps, floors and
collars are more recent innovations for which standardized documentation has not
yet been fully developed and, accordingly, they are less liquid than swaps.
Indexed Securities
The Fund may invest in indexed securities, the values of which are
linked to currencies, interest rates, commodities, indices or other financial
indicators ("reference instruments"). Most indexed securities have maturities of
three years or less.
Indexed securities differ from other types of debt securities in which
the Fund may invest in several respects. First, the interest rate or, unlike
other debt securities, the principal amount payable at maturity of an indexed
security may vary based on changes in one or more specified reference
instruments, such as an interest rate compared with a fixed interest rate or the
currency exchange rates between two currencies (neither of which need be the
currency in which the instrument is denominated). The reference instrument need
not be related to the terms of the indexed security. For example, the principal
amount of a U.S. dollar denominated indexed security may vary based on the
exchange rate of two foreign currencies. An indexed security may be positively
or negatively indexed; that is, its value may increase or decrease if the value
of the reference instrument increases. Further, the change in the principal
amount payable or the interest rate of an indexed security may be a multiple of
the percentage change (positive or negative) in the value of the underlying
reference instrument(s).
Investment in indexed securities involves certain risks. In addition to
the credit risk of the security's issuer and the normal risks of price changes
in response to changes in interest rates, the principal amount of indexed
securities may decrease as a result of changes in the value of reference
instruments. Further, in the case of certain indexed securities in which the
interest rate is linked to a reference instrument, the interest rate may be
reduced to zero, and any further declines in the value of the security may then
reduce the principal amount payable on maturity. Finally, indexed securities may
be more volatile than the reference instruments underlying indexed securities.
To reduce the effect of currency fluctuations on the value of existing
or anticipated holdings of portfolio securities, the Fund may also engage in
proxy hedging. Proxy hedging is often used when the currency to which the Fund
is exposed is difficult to hedge or to hedge against the dollar. Proxy hedging
entails entering into a forward contract to sell a currency whose changes in
value are generally considered to be linked to a currency or currencies in which
some or all of the Fund's securities are or are expected to be denominated, and
to buy U.S. dollars. The amount of the contract would not exceed the value of
the Fund's securities denominated in linked currencies. For example, if the
Fund's investment advisor considers that the Austrian schilling is linked to the
German deutschmark (the "D-mark"), the Fund holds securities denominated in
schillings and the investment advisor believes that the value of schillings will
decline against the U.S. dollar, the investment advisor may enter into a
contract to sell D-marks and buy dollars.
Options
An option is a right to buy or sell a security for a specified price
within a limited time period. The option buyer pays the option seller (known as
the "writer") for the right to buy, which is a "call" option, or the right to
sell, which is a "put" option. Unless the option is terminated, the option
seller must then buy or sell the security at the agreed-upon price when asked to
do so by the option buyer.
The Fund may buy or sell put and call options on securities it holds or
intends to acquire, and may purchase put and call options for the purpose of
offsetting previously written put and call options of the same series. The Fund
may also buy and sell options on financial futures contracts. The Fund will use
options as a hedge against decreases or increases in the value of securities it
holds or intends to acquire.
The Fund may write only covered options. With regard to a call option,
this means that the Fund will own, for the life of the option, the securities
subject to the call option. The Fund will cover put options by holding, in a
segregated account, liquid assets having a value equal to or greater than the
price of securities subject to the put option. If the Fund is unable to effect a
closing purchase transaction with respect to the covered options it has sold, it
will not be able to sell the underlying securities or dispose of assets held in
a segregated account until the options expire or are exercised, resulting in a
potential loss of value to the Fund.
Futures Transactions
The Fund may enter into financial futures contracts and write options
on such contracts. The Fund intends to enter into such contracts and related
options for hedging purposes. The Fund will enter into futures on securities or
index-based futures contracts in order to hedge against changes in interest or
exchange rates or securities prices. A futures contract on securities is an
agreement to buy or sell securities at a specified price during a designated
month. A futures contract on a securities index does not involve the actual
delivery of securities, but merely requires the payment of a cash settlement
based on changes in the securities index. The Fund does not make payment or
deliver securities upon entering into a futures contract. Instead, it puts down
a margin deposit, which is adjusted to reflect changes in the value of the
contract and which continues until the contract is terminated.
The Fund may sell or purchase futures contracts. When a futures
contract is sold by the Fund, the value of the contract will tend to rise when
the value of the underlying securities declines and to fall when the value of
such securities increases. Thus, the Fund sells futures contracts in order to
offset a possible decline in the value of its securities. If a futures contract
is purchased by the Fund, the value of the contract will tend to rise when the
value of the underlying securities increases and to fall when the value of such
securities declines. The Fund intends to purchase futures contracts in order to
establish what is believed by the investment advisor to be a favorable price or
rate of return for securities the Fund intends to purchase.
The Fund also intends to purchase put and call options on futures
contracts for hedging purposes. A put option purchased by the Fund would give it
the right to assume a position as the seller of a futures contract. A call
option purchased by the Fund would give it the right to assume a position as the
purchaser of a futures contract. The purchase of an option on a futures contract
requires the Fund to pay a premium. In exchange for the premium, the Fund
becomes entitled to exercise the benefits, if any, provided by the futures
contract, but is not required to take any action under the contract. If the
option cannot be exercised profitably before it expires, the Fund's loss will be
limited to the amount of the premium and any transaction costs.
The Fund may enter into closing purchase and sale transactions in order
to terminate a futures contract and may sell put and call options for the
purpose of closing out its options positions. The Fund's ability to enter into
closing transactions depends on the development and maintenance of a liquid
secondary market. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will
exist for any particular contract or at any particular time. As a result, there
can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to enter into an offsetting
transaction with respect to a particular contract at a particular time. If the
Fund is not able to enter into an offsetting transaction, the Fund will continue
to be required to maintain the margin deposits on the contract and to complete
the contract according to its terms, in which case it would continue to bear
market risk on the transaction.
Although futures and options transactions are intended to enable the
Fund to manage market, interest rate or exchange rate risk, unanticipated
changes in interest rates or market prices could result in poorer performance
than if it had not entered into these transactions. Even if the investment
advisor correctly predicts interest rate movements, a hedge could be
unsuccessful if changes in the value of the Fund's futures position did not
correspond to changes in the value of its investments. This lack of correlation
between the Fund's futures and securities positions may be caused by differences
between the futures and securities markets or by differences between the
securities underlying the Fund's futures position and the securities held by or
to be purchased for the Fund. The Fund's investment advisor will attempt to
minimize these risks through careful selection and monitoring of the Fund's
futures and options positions.
The Fund does not intend to use futures transactions for speculation or
leverage. The Fund has the ability to write options on futures, but currently
intends to write such options only to close out options purchased by the Fund.
The Fund will not change these policies without supplementing the information in
the prospectus and SAI.
The Fund will not maintain open positions in futures contracts it has
sold or call options it has written on futures contracts if, in the aggregate,
the value of the open positions (marked to market) exceeds the current market
value of its securities portfolio plus or minus the unrealized gain or loss on
those open positions, adjusted for the correlation of volatility between the
hedged securities and the futures contracts. If this limitation is exceeded at
any time, the Fund will take prompt action to close out a sufficient number of
open contracts to bring its open futures and options positions within this
limitation.
"Margin" in Futures Transactions. Unlike the purchase or sale of a security, the
Fund does not pay or receive money upon the purchase or sale of a futures
contract. Rather the Fund is required to deposit an amount of "initial margin"
in cash or U.S. Treasury bills with its custodian (or the broker, if legally
permitted). The nature of initial margin in futures transactions is different
from that of margin in securities transactions in that futures contract initial
margin does not involve the borrowing of funds by the Fund to finance the
transactions. Initial margin is in the nature of a performance bond or good
faith deposit on the contract which is returned to the Fund upon termination of
the futures contract, assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied.
A futures contract held by the 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 does not represent a borrowing or loan by the Fund but is instead
settlement between the Fund and the broker of the amount one would owe the other
if the futures contract expired. In computing its daily net asset value the Fund
will mark-to-market its open futures positions. The Fund is also required to
deposit and maintain margin when it writes call options on futures contracts.
Foreign Securities
The Fund may invest in foreign securities or U.S. securities traded in
foreign markets. In addition to securities issued by foreign companies,
permissible investments may also consist of obligations of foreign branches of
U.S. banks and of foreign banks, including European certificates of deposit,
European time deposits, Canadian time deposits and Yankee certificates of
deposit. The Fund may also invest in Canadian commercial paper and Europaper.
These instruments may subject the Fund to investment risks that differ in some
respects from those related to investments in obligations of U.S. issuers. Such
risks include the possibility of adverse political and economic developments;
imposition of withholding taxes on interest or other income; seizure,
nationalization, or expropriation of foreign deposits; establishment of exchange
controls or taxation at the source; greater fluctuations in value due to changes
in exchange rates, or the adoption of other foreign governmental restrictions
which might adversely affect the payment of principal and interest on such
obligations. Such investments may also entail higher custodial fees and sales
commissions than domestic investments. Foreign issuers of securities or
obligations are often subject to accounting treatment and engage in business
practices different from those respecting domestic issuers of similar securities
or obligations. Foreign branches of U.S. banks and foreign banks may be subject
to less stringent reserve requirements than those applicable to domestic
branches of U.S. banks.
The Fund may also invest in the stocks of companies located in emerging
markets. These countries generally have economic structures that are less
diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable than those of
developed countries. Emerging markets may be more volatile than the markets of
more mature economies, and the securities of companies located in emerging
markets are often subject to rapid and large price fluctuations; however, these
markets may also provide higher long-term rates of return.
Foreign Currency Transactions
As one way of managing exchange rate risk, the Fund may enter into
forward currency exchange contracts (agreements to purchase or sell currencies
at a specified price and date). The exchange rate for the transaction (the
amount of currency the Fund will deliver and receive when the contract is
completed) is fixed when the Fund enters into the contract. The Fund usually
will enter into these contracts to stabilize the U.S. dollar value of a security
it has agreed to buy or sell. The Fund intends to use these contracts to hedge
the U.S. dollar value of a security it already owns, particularly if the Fund
expects a decrease in the value of the currency in which the foreign security is
denominated. Although the Fund will attempt to benefit from using forward
contracts, the success of its hedging strategy will depend on the investment
advisor's ability to predict accurately the future exchange rates between
foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. The value of the Fund's investments
denominated in foreign currencies will depend on the relative strengths of those
currencies and the U.S. dollar, and the Fund may be affected favorably or
unfavorably by changes in the exchange rates or exchange control regulations
between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. Changes in foreign currency
exchange rates also may affect the value of dividends and interest earned, gains
and losses realized on the sale of securities and net investment income and
gains, if any, to be distributed to shareholders by the Fund. The Fund may also
purchase and sell options related to foreign currencies in connection with
hedging strategies.
Premium Securities
The Fund may at times invest in premium securities which are securities
bearing coupon rates higher than prevailing market rates. Such "premium"
securities are typically purchased at prices greater than the principal amount
payable on maturity. Although the Fund generally amortizes the amount of any
such premium into income, the Fund may recognize a capital loss if such premium
securities are called or sold prior to maturity and the call or sale price is
less than the purchase price. Additionally, the Fund may recognize a capital
loss if it holds such securities to maturity.
High Yield, High Risk Bonds
The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in lower rated bonds. Bonds
rated below BBB by S&P or Fitch IBCA, Inc. ("Fitch") or below Baa by Moody's,
commonly known as "junk bonds," offer high yields, but also high risk. While
investment in junk bonds provides opportunities to maximize return over time,
they are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the ability of the
issuer to meet principal and interest payments. Investors should be aware of the
following risks:
(1) The lower ratings of junk bonds reflect a greater possibility that
adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer or in general economic
conditions, or both, or an unanticipated rise in interest rates may impair the
ability of the issuer to make payments of interest and principal, especially if
the issuer is highly leveraged. Such issuer's ability to meet its debt
obligations may also be adversely affected by the issuer's inability to meet
specific forecasts or the unavailability of additional financing. Also, an
economic downturn or an increase in interest rates may increase the potential
for default by the issuers of these securities.
(2) The value of junk bonds may be more susceptible to real or
perceived adverse economic or political events than is the case for higher
quality bonds.
(3) The value of junk bonds, like those of other fixed income
securities, fluctuates in response to changes in interest rates, generally
rising when interest rates decline and falling when interest rates rise. For
example, if interest rates increase after a fixed income security is purchased,
the security, if sold prior to maturity, may return less than its cost. The
prices of junk bonds, however, are generally less sensitive to interest rate
changes than the prices of higher-rated bonds, but are more sensitive to news
about an issuer or the economy which is, or investors perceive as, negative.
(4) The secondary market for junk bonds may be less liquid at certain
times than the secondary market for higher quality bonds, which may adversely
effect (a) the bond's market price, (b) the Fund's ability to sell the bond and
the Fund's ability to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing
its assets.
For bond ratings descriptions, see "Corporate and Municipal Bond
Ratings" below.
Illiquid and Restricted Securities
The Fund may not invest more than 15% (10% for money market funds) of
its net assets in securities that are illiquid. A security is illiquid when the
Fund cannot dispose of it in the ordinary course of business within seven days
at approximately the value at which the Fund has the investment on its books.
The Fund may invest in "restricted" securities, i.e., securities
subject to restrictions on resale under federal securities laws. Rule 144A under
the Securities Act of 1933 ("Rule 144A") allows certain restricted securities to
trade freely among qualified institutional investors. Since Rule 144A securities
may have limited markets, the Board of Trustees will determine whether such
securities should be considered illiquid for the purpose of determining the
Fund's compliance with the limit on illiquid securities indicated above. In
determining the liquidity of Rule 144A securities, the Trustees will consider:
(1) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (2) the number of
dealers willing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other
potential buyers; (3) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; and
(4) the nature of the security and the nature of the marketplace trades.
Investment in Other Investment Companies
The Fund may purchase the shares of other investment companies to the
extent permitted under the 1940 Act. Currently, the Fund may not (1) own more
than 3% of the outstanding voting stocks of another investment company, (2)
invest more than 5% of its assets in any single investment company, and (3)
invest more than 10% of its assets in investment companies. However, the Fund
may invest all of its investable assets in securities of a single open-end
management investment company with substantially the same fundamental investment
objectives, policies and limitations as the Fund. Investing in other investment
companies may expose a Fund to duplicate expenses and lower its value.
Short Sales
A short sale is the sale of a security the Fund has borrowed. The Fund
expects to profit from a short sale by selling the borrowed security for more
than the cost of buying it to repay the lender. After a short sale is completed,
the value of the security sold short may rise. If that happens, the cost of
buying it to repay the lender may exceed the amount originally received for the
sale by the Fund.
The Fund may engage in short sales, but it may not 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 of securities
which, without payment of any further consideration, are convertible into or
exchangeable for securities of the same issue as, and equal in amount to, the
securities sold short. The Fund may effect a short sale in connection with an
underwriting in which the Fund is a participant.
Municipal Bonds
The Fund may invest in municipal bonds of any state, territory or
possession of the United States ("U.S."), including the District of Columbia.
The Fund may also invest in municipal bonds of any political subdivision, agency
or instrumentality (e.g., counties, cities, towns, villages, districts,
authorities) of the U.S. or its possessions. Municipal bonds are debt
instruments issued by or for a state or local government to support its general
financial needs or to pay for special projects such as airports, bridges,
highways, public transit, schools, hospitals, housing and water and sewer works.
Municipal bonds may also may be issued to refinance public debt.
Municipal bonds are mainly divided between "general obligation" and
"revenue" bonds. General obligation bonds are backed by the full faith and
credit of governmental issuers with the power to tax. They are repaid from the
issuer's general revenues. Payment, however, may be dependent upon legislative
approval and may be subject to limitations on the issuer's taxing power.
Enforcement of payments due under general obligation bonds varies according to
the law applicable to the issuer. In contrast, revenue bonds are supported only
by the revenues generated by the project or facility.
The Fund may also invest in industrial development bonds. Such bonds
are usually revenue bonds issued to pay for facilities with a public purpose
operated by private corporations. The credit quality of industrial development
bonds is usually directly related to the credit standing of the owner or user of
the facilities. To qualify as a municipal bond, the interest paid on an
industrial development bond must qualify as fully exempt from federal income
tax. However, the interest paid on an industrial development bond may be subject
to the federal alternative minimum tax.
The yields on municipal bonds depend on such factors as market
conditions, the financial condition of the issuer and the issue's size, maturity
date and rating. Municipal bonds are rated by S&P, Moody's and Fitch. Such
ratings, however, are opinions, not absolute standards of quality. Municipal
bonds with the same maturity, interest rates and rating may have different
yields, while municipal bonds with the same maturity and interest rate, but
different ratings, may have the same yield. Once purchased by the Fund, a
municipal bond may cease to be rated or receive a new rating below the minimum
required for purchase by the Fund. Neither event would require the Fund to sell
the bond, but the Fund's investment advisor would consider such events in
determining whether the Fund should continue to hold it.
The ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective depends
upon the continuing ability of issuers of municipal bonds to pay interest and
principal when due. Municipal bonds are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy,
insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors. Such
laws extend the time for payment of principal and/or interest, and may otherwise
restrict the Fund's ability to enforce its rights in the event of default. Since
there is generally less information available on the financial condition of
municipal bond issuers compared to other domestic issuers of securities, the
Fund's investment advisor may lack sufficient knowledge of an issue's
weaknesses. Other influences, such as litigation, may also materially affect the
ability of an issuer to pay principal and interest when due. In addition, the
market for municipal bonds is often thin and can be temporarily affected by
large purchases and sales, including those by the Fund.
From time to time, Congress has considered restricting or eliminating
the federal income tax exemption for interest on municipal bonds. Such actions
could materially affect the availability of municipal bonds and the value of
those already owned by the Fund. If such legislation were passed, the Trust's
Board of Trustees may recommend changes in the Fund's investment objectives and
policies or dissolution of the Fund.
Virgin Islands, Guam and Puerto Rico
The Fund may invest in obligations of the governments of the Virgin
Islands, Guam and Puerto Rico to the extent such obligations are exempt from the
income or intangibles taxes, as applicable, of the state for which the Fund is
named. The Fund does not presently intend to invest more than (a) 10% of its net
assets in the obligations of each of the Virgin Islands and Guam or (b) 25% of
its net assets in the obligations of Puerto Rico. Accordingly, the Fund may be
adversely affected by local political and economic conditions and developments
within the Virgin Islands, Guam and Puerto Rico affecting the issuers of such
obligations.
Master Demand Notes
The Fund may invest in master demand notes. These are unsecured
obligations that permit the investment of fluctuating amounts by the Fund at
varying rates of interest pursuant to direct arrangements between the Fund, as
lender, and the issuer, as borrower. Master demand notes may permit daily
fluctuations in the interest rate and daily changes in the amounts borrowed. The
Fund has the right to increase the amount under the note at any time up to the
full amount provided by the note agreement, or to decrease the amount. The
borrower may repay up to the full amount of the note without penalty. Master
demand notes permit the Fund to demand payment of principal and accrued interest
at any time (on not more than seven days' notice). Notes acquired by the Fund
may have maturities of more than one year, provided that (1) the Fund is
entitled to payment of principal and accrued interest upon not more than seven
days' notice, and (2) the rate of interest on such notes is adjusted
automatically at periodic intervals, which normally will not exceed 31 days, but
may extend up to one year. The notes are deemed to have a maturity equal to the
longer of the period remaining to the next interest rate adjustment or the
demand notice period. Because these types of notes are direct lending
arrangements between the lender and borrower, such instruments are not normally
traded and there is no secondary market for these notes, although they are
redeemable and thus repayable by the borrower at face value plus accrued
interest at any time. Accordingly, the Fund's right to redeem is dependent on
the ability of the borrower to pay principal and interest on demand. In
connection with master demand note arrangements, the Fund`s investment advisor
considers, under standards established by the Board of Trustees, earning power,
cash flow and other liquidity ratios of the borrower and will monitor the
ability of the borrower to pay principal and interest on demand. These notes are
not typically rated by credit rating agencies. Unless rated, the Fund may invest
in them only if at the time of an investment the issuer meets the criteria
established for high quality commercial paper, i.e., rated A-1 by S&P, Prime-1
by Moody's or F-1 by Fitch.
Brady Bonds
The Fund may also invest in Brady Bonds. Brady Bonds are created through
the exchange of existing commercial bank loans to foreign entities for new
obligations in connection with debt restructurings under a plan introduced by
former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, Nicholas F. Brady (the "Brady Plan").
Brady Bonds have been issued only recently, and, accordingly, do not have a long
payment history. They may be collateralized or uncollateralized and issued in
various currencies (although most are U.S. dollar-denominated) and they are
actively traded in the over-the-counter secondary market.
U.S. dollar-denominated, collateralized Brady Bonds, which may be
fixed-rate par bonds or floating rate discount bonds, are generally
collateralized in full as to principal due at maturity by U.S. Treasury zero
coupon obligations that have the same maturity as the Brady Bonds. Interest
payments on these Brady Bonds generally are collateralized by cash or securities
in an amount that, in the case of fixed rate bonds, is equal to at least one
year of rolling interest payments based on the applicable interest rate at that
time and is adjusted at regular intervals thereafter. Certain Brady Bonds are
entitled to "value recovery payments" in certain circumstances, which in effect
constitute supplemental interest payments, but generally are not collateralized.
Brady Bonds are often viewed as having up to four valuation components: (1)
collateralized repayment of principal at final maturity, (2) collateralized
interest payments, (3) uncollateralized interest payments, and (4) any
uncollateralized repayment of principal at maturity (these uncollateralized
amounts constitute the "residual risk"). In the event of a default with respect
to collateralized Brady Bonds as a result of which the payment obligations of
the issuer are accelerated, the U.S. Treasury zero coupon obligations held as
collateral for the payment of principal will not be distributed to investors,
nor will such obligations be sold and the proceeds distributed. The collateral
will be held by the collateral agent to the scheduled maturity of the defaulted
Brady Bonds, which will continue to be outstanding, at which time the face
amount of the collateral will equal the principal payments that would have then
been due on the Brady Bonds in the normal course. In addition, in light of the
residual risk of Brady Bonds and, among other factors, the history of defaults
with respect to commercial bank loans by public and private entities of
countries issuing Brady Bonds, investments in Brady Bonds are to be viewed as
speculative.
Obligations of Foreign Branches of United States Banks
The Fund may invest in obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks.
These may be general obligations of the parent bank in addition to the issuing
branch, or may be limited by the terms of a specific obligation and by
government regulation. Payment of interest and principal upon these obligations
may also be affected by governmental action in the country of domicile of the
branch (generally referred to as sovereign risk). In addition, evidences of
ownership of such securities may be held outside the U.S. and the Fund may be
subject to the risks associated with the holding of such property overseas.
Examples of governmental actions would be the imposition of currency controls,
interest limitations, withholding taxes, seizure of assets or the declaration of
a moratorium. Various provisions of federal law governing domestic branches do
not apply to foreign branches of domestic banks.
Obligations of United States Branches of Foreign Banks
The Fund may invest in obligations of U.S. branches of foreign banks.
These may be general obligations of the parent bank in addition to the issuing
branch, or may be limited by the terms of a specific obligation and by federal
and state regulation as well as by governmental action in the country in which
the foreign bank has its head office. In addition, there may be less publicly
available information about a U.S. branch of a foreign bank than about a
domestic bank.
Payment-in-kind Securities
The Fund may invest in payment-in-kind ("PIK") securities. PIKs pay
interest in either cash or additional securities, at the issuer's option, for a
specified period. The issuer's option to pay in additional securities typically
ranges from one to six years, compared to an average maturity for all PIK
securities of eleven years. Call protection and sinking fund features are
comparable to those offered on traditional debt issues.
PIKs, like zero coupon bonds, are designed to give an issuer
flexibility in managing cash flow. Several PIKs are senior debt. In other cases,
where PIKs are subordinated, most senior lenders view them as equity
equivalents.
An advantage of PIKs for the issuer -- as with zero coupon securities
- -- is that interest payments are automatically compounded (reinvested) at the
stated coupon rate, which is not the case with cash-paying securities. However,
PIKs are gaining popularity over zeros since interest payments in additional
securities can be monetized and are more tangible than accretion of a discount.
As a group, PIK bonds trade flat (i.e., without accrued interest).
Their price is expected to reflect an amount representing accredit interest
since the last payment. PIKs generally trade at higher yields than comparable
cash-paying securities of the same issuer. Their premium yield is the result of
the lesser desirability of non-cash interest, the more limited audience for
non-cash paying securities, and the fact that many PIKs have been issued to
equity investors who do not normally own or hold such securities.
Calculating the true yield on a PIK security requires a discounted cash
flow analysis if the security (ex interest) is trading at a premium or a
discount because the realizable value of additional payments is equal to the
current market value of the underlying security, not par.
Regardless of whether PIK securities are senior or deeply subordinated,
issuers are highly motivated to retire them because they are usually their most
costly form of capital.
Zero Coupon "Stripped" Bonds
The Fund may invest in zero coupon "stripped" bonds. These represent
ownership in serially maturing interest payments or principal payments on
specific underlying notes and bonds, including coupons relating to such notes
and bonds. The interest and principal payments are direct obligations of the
issuer. Interest zero coupon bonds of any series mature periodically from the
date of issue of such series through the maturity date of the securities related
to such series. Principal zero coupon bonds mature on the date specified
therein, which is the final maturity date of the related securities. Each zero
coupon bond entitles the holder to receive a single payment at maturity. There
are no periodic interest payments on a zero coupon bond. Zero coupon bonds are
offered at discounts from their face amounts.
In general, owners of zero coupon bonds have substantially all the
rights and privileges of owners of the underlying coupon obligations or
principal obligations. Owners of zero coupon bonds have the right upon default
on the underlying coupon obligations or principal obligations to proceed
directly and individually against the issuer and are not required to act in
concert with other holders of zero coupon bonds.
For federal income tax purposes, a purchaser of principal zero coupon
bonds or interest zero coupon bonds (either initially or in the secondary
market) is treated as if the buyer had purchased a corporate obligation issued
on the purchase date with an original issue discount equal to the excess of the
amount payable at maturity over the purchase price. The purchaser is required to
take into income each year as ordinary income an allocable portion of such
discounts determined on a "constant yield" method. Any such income increases the
holder's tax basis for the zero coupon bond, and any gain or loss on a sale of
the zero coupon bonds relative to the holder's basis, as so adjusted, is a
capital gain or loss. If the holder owns both principal zero coupon bonds and
interest zero coupon bonds representing an interest in the same underlying issue
of securities, a special basis allocation rule (requiring the aggregate basis to
be allocated among the items sold and retained based on their relative fair
market value at the time of sale) may apply to determine the gain or loss on a
sale of any such zero coupon bonds.
Mortgage-Backed or Asset-Backed Securities
The Fund may invest in mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed
securities. Two principal types of mortgage-backed securities are collateralized
mortgage obligations ("CMOs") and real estate mortgage investment conduits
("REMICs"). CMOs are securities collateralized by mortgages, mortgage
pass-throughs, mortgage pay-through bonds (bonds representing an interest in a
pool of mortgages where the cash flow generated from the mortgage collateral
pool is dedicated to bond repayment), and mortgage-backed bonds (general
obligations of the issuers payable out of the issuers' general funds and
additionally secured by a first lien on a pool of single family detached
properties). Many CMOs are issued with a number of classes or series which have
different maturities and are retired in sequence.
Investors purchasing CMOs in the shortest maturities receive or are
credited with their pro rata portion of the scheduled payments of interest and
principal on the underlying mortgages plus all unscheduled prepayments of
principal up to a predetermined portion of the total CMO obligation. Until that
portion of such CMO obligation is repaid, investors in the longer maturities
receive interest only. Accordingly, the CMOs in the longer maturity series are
less likely than other mortgage pass-throughs to be prepaid prior to their
stated maturity. Although some of the mortgages underlying CMOs may be supported
by various types of insurance, and some CMOs may be backed by GNMA certificates
or other mortgage pass-throughs issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies
or instrumentalities, the CMOs themselves are not generally guaranteed.
REMICs, which were authorized under the Tax Reform Act of 1986, are
private entities formed for the purpose of holding a fixed pool of mortgages
secured by an interest in real property. REMICs are similar to CMOs in that they
issue multiple classes of securities.
In addition to mortgage-backed securities, the Fund may invest in
securities secured by other assets including company receivables, truck and auto
loans, leases, and credit card receivables. These issues may be traded
over-the-counter and typically have a short-intermediate maturity structure
depending on the pay down characteristics of the underlying financial assets
which are passed through to the security holder.
Credit card receivables are generally unsecured and the debtors are
entitled to the protection of a number of state and federal consumer credit
laws, many of which give such debtors the right to set off certain amounts owed
on the credit cards, thereby reducing the balance due. Most issuers of
asset-backed securities backed by automobile receivables permit the servicers of
such receivables to retain possession of the underlying obligations. If the
servicers were to sell these obligations to another party, there is a risk that
the purchaser would acquire an interest superior to that of the holders of the
related asset-backed securities. In addition, because of the large number of
vehicles involved in a typical issuance and technical requirements under state
laws, the trustee for the holders of related asset-backed securities backed by
automobile receivables may not have a proper security interest in all of the
obligations backing such receivables. Therefore, there is the possibility that
recoveries on repossessed collateral may not, in some cases, be available to
support payments on these securities.
In general, issues of asset-backed securities are structured to include
additional collateral and/or additional credit support to protect against the
risk that a portion of the collateral supporting the asset-backed securities may
default and/or may suffer from these defects. In evaluating the strength of
particular issues of asset-backed securities, the investment advisor considers
the financial strength of the guarantor or other provider of credit support, the
type and extent of credit enhancement provided as well as the documentation and
structure of the issue itself and the credit support.
Variable or Floating Rate Instruments
The Fund may invest in variable or floating rate instruments which may
involve a demand feature and may include variable amount master demand notes
which may or may not be backed by bank letters of credit. Variable or floating
rate instruments bear interest at a rate which varies with changes in market
rates. The holder of an instrument with a demand feature may tender the
instrument back to the issuer at par prior to maturity. A variable amount master
demand note is issued pursuant to a written agreement between the issuer and the
holder, its amount may be increased by the holder or decreased by the holder or
issuer, it is payable on demand, and the rate of interest varies based upon an
agreed formula. The quality of the underlying credit must, in the opinion of the
investment advisor, be equivalent to the long-term bond or commercial paper
ratings applicable to permitted investments for the Fund. The investment advisor
will monitor, on an ongoing basis, the earning power, cash flow, and liquidity
ratios of the issuers of such instruments and will similarly monitor the ability
of an issuer of a demand instrument to pay principal and interest on demand.
Real Estate Investment Trusts
The Fund may invest in investments related to real estate including
real estate investment trusts ("REITs"). Risks associated with investments in
securities of companies in the real estate industry include: decline in the
value of real estate; risks related to general and local economic conditions,
overbuilding and increased competition; increases in property taxes and
operating expenses; changes in zoning laws; casualty or condemnation losses;
variations in rental income; changes in neighborhood values; the appeal of
properties to tenants; and increases in interest rates. In addition, equity
REITs may be affected by changes in the values of the underlying property owned
by the trusts, while mortgage real estate investment trusts may be affected by
the quality of credit extended. REITs are dependent upon management skills, may
not be diversified and are subject to the risks of financing projects. Such
REITs are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers,
self liquidation and the possibility of failing to qualify for tax-free
pass-through of income under the Code and to maintain exemption from the 1940
Act. In the event an issuer of debt securities collateralized by real estate
defaults, it is conceivable that the REITs could end up holding the underlying
real estate.
Limited Partnerships
The Fund may invest in limited and master limited partnerships. A
limited partnership is a partnership consisting of one or more general partners,
jointly and severally responsible as ordinary partners, and by whom the business
is conducted, and one or more limited partners who contribute cash as capital to
the partnership and who generally are not liable for the debts of the
partnership beyond the amounts contributed. Limited partners are not involved in
the day-to-day management of the partnership. They receive income, capital gains
and other tax benefits associated with the partnership project in accordance
with terms established in the partnership agreement. Typical limited
partnerships are in real estate, oil and gas and equipment leasing, but they
also finance movies, research and development, and other projects.
For an organization classified as a partnership under the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), each item of income, gain, loss,
deduction, and credit is not taxed at the partnership level but flows through to
the holder of the partnership unit. This allows the partnership to avoid double
taxation and to pass through income to the holder of the partnership unit at
lower individual rates.
A master limited partnership is a publicly traded limited partnership.
The partnership units are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC") and are freely exchanged on a securities exchange or in the
over-the-counter market.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
You may buy shares of the Fund through Evergreen Distributor, Inc.
("EDI"), broker-dealers that have entered into special agreements with EDI or
certain other financial institutions. With certain exceptions, the Fund may
offer up to four different classes of shares that differ primarily with respect
to sales charges and distribution fees. Depending upon the class of shares, you
will pay an initial sales charge when you buy the Fund's shares, a contingent
deferred sales charge (a "CDSC") when you redeem the Fund's shares or no sales
charges at all. Each Fund offers different classes of shares. Refer to the
prospectus to determine which classes of shares are offered by each Fund.
Class A Shares
With certain exceptions, when you purchase Class A shares you will pay
a maximum sales charge of 4.75%. The prospectus contains a complete table of
applicable sales charges and a discussion of sales charge reductions or waivers
that may apply to purchases. If you purchase Class A shares in the amount of $1
million or more, without an initial sales charge, the Fund will charge a CDSC of
1.00% if you redeem during the month of your purchase or the 12-month period
following the month of your purchase (see "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge"
below).
No front-end sales charges are imposed on Class A shares purchased by
(a) institutional investors, which may include bank trust departments and
registered investment advisors; (b) investment advisors, consultants or
financial planners who place trades for their own accounts or the accounts of
their clients and who charge such clients a management, consulting, advisory or
other fee; (c) clients of investment advisors or financial planners who place
trades for their own accounts if the accounts are linked to the master account
of such investment advisors or financial planners on the books of the
broker-dealer through whom shares are purchased; (d) institutional clients of
broker-dealers, including retirement and deferred compensation plans and the
trusts used to fund these plans, which place trades through an omnibus account
maintained with the Fund by the broker-dealer; (e) shareholders of record on
October 12, 1990 in any series of Evergreen Investment Trust in existence on
that date, and the members of their immediate families; (f) current and retired
employees of First Union National Bank ("FUNB") and its affiliates, EDI and any
broker-dealer with whom EDI has entered into an agreement to sell shares of the
Fund, and members of the immediate families of such employees; and (g) upon the
initial purchase of an Evergreen Fund by investors reinvesting the proceeds from
a redemption within the preceding 30 days of shares of other mutual funds,
provided such shares were initially purchased with a front-end sales charge or
subject to a CDSC.
Class B Shares
The Fund offers Class B shares at net asset value without an initial
sales charge. With certain exceptions, however, the Fund will charge a CDSC on
shares you redeem within 72 months after the month of your purchase, in
accordance with the following schedule:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
REDEMPTION TIME CDSC RATE
<S> <C>
Month of purchase and the first 12-month
period following the month of purchase........................................... 5.00%
Second 12-month period following the month of purchase........................... 4.00%
Third 12-month period following the month of purchase............................ 3.00%
Fourth 12-month period following the month of purchase........................... 3.00%
Fifth 12-month period following the month of purchase............................ 2.00%
Sixth 12-month period following the month of purchase............................ 1.00%
Thereafter....................................................................... 0.00%
</TABLE>
Class B shares that have been outstanding for seven years after the
month of purchase will automatically convert to Class A shares without
imposition of a front-end sales charge or exchange fee. Conversion of Class B
shares represented by stock certificates will require the return of the stock
certificate to ESC.
Class C Shares
Class C shares are available only through broker-dealers who have
entered into special distribution agreements with EDI. The Fund offers Class C
shares at net asset value without an initial sales charge. With certain
exceptions, however, the Fund will charge a CDSC of 1.00% on shares you redeem
within 12-months after the month of your purchase. See "Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge" below.
Class Y Shares
No CDSC is imposed on the redemption of Class Y shares. Class Y shares
are not offered to the general public and are available only to (1) persons who
at or prior to December 31, 1994 owned shares in a mutual fund advised by (2)
certain institutional investors and (3) investment advisory clients of an
investment advisor of an Evergreen Fund or the advisor's affiliates. Class Y
shares are offered at net asset value without a front-end or back-end sales
charge and do not bear any Rule 12b-1 distribution expenses.
INSTITUTIONAL SHARES, INSTITUTIONAL SERVICE SHARES
Each institutional class of shares is sold without a front-end sales
charge or contingent deferred sales charge. Institutional Service shares pay an
ongoing service fee. The minimum initial investment in any institutional class
of shares is $1 million, which may be waived in certain circumstances. There is
no minimum amount required for subsequent purchases.
<PAGE>
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
The Fund charges a CDSC as reimbursement for certain expenses, such as
commissions or shareholder servicing fees, that it has incurred in connection
with the sale of its shares (see "Distribution Expenses Under Rule 12b-1,"
below). Institutional and Institutional Service shares do not charge a CDSC. If
imposed, the Fund deducts the CDSC from the redemption proceeds you would
otherwise receive. The CDSC is a percentage of the lesser of (1) the net asset
value of the shares at the time of redemption or (2) the shareholder's original
net cost for such shares. Upon request for redemption, to keep the CDSC a
shareholder must pay as low as possible, the Fund will first seek to redeem
shares not subject to the CDSC and/or shares held the longest, in that order.
The CDSC on any redemption is, to the extent permitted by the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., paid to EDI or its predecessor.
SALES CHARGE WAIVERS AND REDUCTIONS
The following information is not applicable to Institutional and
Institutional Service shares.
If you making a large purchase, there are several ways you can combine
multiple purchases of Class A shares in Evergreen Funds and take advantage of
lower sales charges. These are described below.
Combined Purchases
You can reduce your sales charge by combining purchases of Class A
shares of multiple Evergreen Funds. For example, if you invested $75,000 in each
of two different Evergreen Funds, you would pay a sales charge based on a
$150,000 purchase (i.e., 3.75% of the offering price, rather than 4.75%).
Rights of Accumulation
You can reduce your sales charge by adding the value of Class A shares
of Evergreen Funds you already own to the amount of your next Class A
investment. For example, if you hold Class A shares valued at $99,999 and
purchase an additional $5,000, the sales charge for the $5,000 purchase would be
at the next lower sales charge of 3.75%, rather than 4.75%.
Your account, and therefore your rights of accumulation, can be linked
to immediate family members which includes father and mother, brothers and
sisters, and sons and daughters. The same rule applies with respect to
individual retirement plans. Please note, however, that retirement plans
involving employees stand alone and do not pass on rights of accumulation.
Letter of Intent
You can, by completing the "Letter of Intent" section of the
application, purchase Class A shares over a 13-month period and receive the same
sales charge as if you had invested all the money at once. All purchases of
Class A shares of an Evergreen Fund during the period will qualify as Letter of
Intent purchases.
<PAGE>
Waiver of Initial Sales Charges
The Fund may sell its shares at net asset value without an initial
sales charge to:
1. purchasers of shares in the amount of $1 million or more;
2. a corporate or certain other qualified retirement plan or a
non-qualified deferred compensation plan or a Title 1
tax-sheltered annuity or TSA plan sponsored by an organization
having 100 or more eligible employees (a "Qualifying Plan") or
a TSA plan sponsored by a public educational entity having
5,000 or more eligible employees (an "Educational TSA Plan");
3. institutional investors, which may include bank trust
departments and registered investment advisors;
4. investment advisors, consultants or financial planners who
place trades for their own accounts or the accounts of their
clients and who charge such clients a management, consulting,
advisory or other fee;
5. clients of investment advisors or financial planners who place
trades for their own accounts if the accounts are linked to a
master account of such investment advisors or financial
planners on the books of the broker-dealer through whom shares
are purchased;
6. institutional clients of broker-dealers, including retirement
and deferred compensation plans and the trusts used to fund
these plans, which place trades through an omnibus account
maintained with the Fund by the broker-dealer;
7. employees of FUNB, its affiliates, EDI, any broker-dealer with
whom EDI, has entered into an agreement to sell shares of the
Fund, and members of the immediate families of such employees;
8. certain Directors, Trustees, officers and employees of the
Evergreen Funds, EDI or their affiliates and to the immediate
families of such persons; or
9. a bank or trust company acting as trustee for a single account
in the name of such bank or trust company if the initial
investment in any of the Evergreen Funds made pursuant to this
waiver is at least $500,000 and any commission paid at the
time of such purchase is not more than 1% of the amount
invested.
With respect to items 8 and 9 above, the Fund will only sell shares to
these parties upon the purchasers written assurance that the purchase is for
their personal investment purposes only. Such purchasers may not resell the
securities except through redemption by the Fund. The Fund will not charge any
CDSC on redemptions by such purchasers.
<PAGE>
Waiver of CDSCs
The Fund does not impose a CDSC when the shares you are redeeming
represent:
1. an increase in the share value above the net cost of such
shares;
2. certain shares for which the Fund did not pay a commission on
issuance, including shares acquired through reinvestment of
dividend income and capital gains distributions;
3. shares that are in the accounts of a shareholder who has died
or become disabled;
4. a lump-sum distribution from a 401(k) plan or other benefit
plan qualified under the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act of 1974 ("ERISA");
5. an automatic withdrawal from the ERISA plan of a shareholder
who is a least 59 years old;
6. shares in an account that we have closed because the account
has an aggregate net asset value of less than $1,000;
7. an automatic withdrawal under an Systematic Income Plan of up
to 1.0% per month of your initial account balance;
8. a withdrawal consisting of loan proceeds to a retirement plan
participant;
9. a financial hardship withdrawal made by a retirement plan
participant;
10. a withdrawal consisting of returns of excess contributions or
excess deferral amounts made to a retirement plan; or
11. a redemption by an individual participant in a Qualifying Plan
that purchased Class C shares (this waiver is not available in
the event a Qualifying Plan, as a whole, redeems substantially
all of its assets).
Exchanges
Investors may exchange shares of the Fund for shares of the same class
of any other Evergreen Fund which offers the same class of shares. Shares of any
class of the Evergreen Select Funds may be exchanged for the same class of
shares of any other Evergreen Select Fund. See "By Exchange" under "How to Buy
Shares" in the prospectus. Before you make an exchange, you should read the
prospectus of the Evergreen Fund into which you want to exchange. The Trust's
Board of Trustees reserves the right to discontinue, alter or limit the exchange
privilege at any time.
Automatic Reinvestment
As described in the prospectus, a shareholder may elect to receive
dividends and capital gains distributions in cash instead of shares. However,
ESC will automatically reinvest all dividends and distributions in additional
shares when it learns that the postal or other delivery service is unable to
deliver checks or transaction confirmations to the shareholder's address of
record. When a check is returned, the Fund will hold the check amount in a
no-interest account in the shareholder's name until the shareholder updates his
or her address or automatic reinvestment begins. Uncashed or returned redemption
checks will also be handled in the manner described above.
PRICING OF SHARES
Calculation of Net Asset Value
The Fund calculates its net asset value ("NAV") once daily (or twice
daily, for Money Market Funds) on Monday through Friday, as described in the
prospectus. The Fund will not compute its NAV on the days the New York Stock
Exchange is closed: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents'
Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day
and Christmas Day.
The NAV of the Fund is calculated by dividing the value of the Fund's
net assets attributable to that class by all of the shares issued for that
class.
Valuation of Portfolio Securities
Current values for the Fund's portfolio securities are determined as
follows:
(1) Securities that are traded on an established securities exchange or
the over-the-counter National Market System ("NMS") are valued on the
basis of the last sales price on the exchange where primarily traded or
on the NMS prior to the time of the valuation, provided that a sale has
occurred.
(2) Securities traded on an established securities exchange or in the
over-the-counter market for which there has been no sale and other
securities traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at the mean
of the bid and asked prices at the time of valuation.
(3) Short-term investments maturing in more than 60 days, for which
market quotations are readily available, are valued at current market
value.
(4) Short-term investments maturing in sixty days or less are valued at
amortized cost, which approximates market.
(5) Securities, including restricted securities, for which market
quotations are not readily available; listed securities or those on NMS
if, in the investment advisor's opinion, the last sales price does not
reflect an accurate current market value; and other assets are valued
at prices deemed in good faith to be fair under procedures established
by the Board of Trustees.
(6) Municipal bonds are valued by an independent pricing service at
fair value using a variety of factors which may include yield,
liquidity, interest rate risk, credit quality, coupon, maturity and
type of issue.
Foreign securities are generally valued on the basis of valuations provided by a
pricing service, approved by the Fund's Board of Trustees, which uses
information with respect to transactions in such securities, quotations from
broker-dealers, market transactions in comparable securities, and various
relationships between securities and yield to maturity in determining value.
PERFORMANCE CALCULATIONS
Total Return
Total return quotations for a class of shares of the Fund as they may
appear from time to time in advertisements are calculated by finding the average
annual compounded rates of return over one, five and ten year periods, or the
time periods for which such class of shares has been effective, whichever is
relevant, on a hypothetical $1,000 investment that would equate the initial
amount invested in the class to the ending redeemable value. To the initial
investment all dividends and distributions are added, and all recurring fees
charged to all shareholder accounts are deducted. The ending redeemable value
assumes a complete redemption at the end of the relevant periods.
The following is the formula used to calculate average annual total
return:
P(1 + T)n = ERV
P = initial payment of $1,000
T = average annual total return
N = number of years
ERV = ending redeemable value of the initial $1,000
Yield
Described below are yield calculations the Fund may use. Yield
quotations are expressed in annualized terms and may be quoted on a compounded
basis. Yields based on these calculations do not represent the Fund's yield for
any future period.
30-Day Yield
If the Fund invests primarily in bonds, it may quote its 30-day yield
in advertisements or in reports or other communications to shareholders. It is
calculated by dividing the net investment income per share earned during the
period by the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period,
according to the following formula:
a-b
Yield = 2[(----- +1)6 - 1]
cd
Where:
a = Dividends and interest earned during the period
b = Expenses accrued for the period (net of reimbursements)
c = The average daily number of shares outstanding during the period
that were entitled to receive dividends
d = The maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period
7-Day Current and Effective Yield
If the Fund invests primarily in money market instruments, it may quote
its 7-day current yield or effective yield in advertisements or in reports or
other communications to shareholders.
The current yield is calculated by determining the net change,
excluding capital changes and income other than investment income, in the value
of a hypothetical, pre-existing account having a balance of one share at the
beginning of the 7-day base period, subtracting a hypothetical charge reflecting
deductions from shareholder accounts, and dividing the difference by the value
of the account at the beginning of the base period to obtain the base period
return, and then multiplying the base period return by (365/7).
The effective yield is based on a compounding of the current yield,
according to the following formula:
Tax Equivalent Yield
If the Fund invests primarily in municipal bonds, it may quote in
advertisements or in reports or other communications to shareholders a tax
equivalent yield, which is what an investor would generally need to earn from a
fully taxable investment in order to realize, after income taxes, a benefit
equal to the tax free yield provided by the Fund. Tax equivalent yield is
calculated using the following formula:
Yield
Tax Equivalent Yield = ---------------------
1 - Income Tax Rate
The quotient is then added to that portion, if any, of the
Fund's yield that is not tax exempt. Depending on the Fund's objective, the
income tax rate used in the formula above may be federal or a combination of
federal and state.
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
EDI is the principal underwriter for the Trust and with respect to each
class of shares of the Fund. The Trust has entered into a Principal Underwriting
Agreement ("Underwriting Agreement") with EDI with respect to each class of the
Fund. EDI is a subsidiary of The BISYS Group, Inc.
EDI, as agent, has agreed to use its best efforts to find purchasers
for the shares. EDI may retain and employ representatives to promote
distribution of the shares and may obtain orders from broker-dealers, and
others, acting as principals, for sales of shares to them. The Underwriting
Agreement provides that EDI will bear the expense of preparing, printing, and
distributing advertising and sales literature and prospectuses used by it.
All subscriptions and sales of shares by EDI are at the public offering
price of the shares, which is determined in accordance with the provisions of
the Trust's Declaration of Trust, By-Laws, current prospectuses and SAI. All
orders are subject to acceptance by the Fund and the Fund reserves the right, in
its sole discretion, to reject any order received. Under the Underwriting
Agreement, the Fund is not liable to anyone for failure to accept any order.
EDI has agreed that it will, in all respects, duly conform with all
state and federal laws applicable to the sale of the shares. EDI has also agreed
that it will indemnify and hold harmless the Trust and each person who has been,
is, or may be a Trustee or officer of the Trust against expenses reasonably
incurred by any of them in connection with any claim, action, suit, or
proceeding to which any of them may be a party that arises out of or is alleged
to arise out of any misrepresentation or omission to state a material fact on
the part of EDI or any other person for whose acts EDI is responsible or is
alleged to be responsible, unless such misrepresentation or omission was made in
reliance upon written information furnished by the Trust.
The Underwriting Agreement provides that it will remain in effect as
long as its terms and continuance are approved annually (i) by a vote of a
majority of the Trust's Trustees who are not interested persons of the Fund, as
defined in the 1940 Act (the "Independent Trustees"), and (ii) by vote of a
majority of the Trust's Trustees, in each case, cast in person at a meeting
called for that purpose.
The Underwriting Agreement may be terminated, without penalty, on 60
days' written notice by the Board of Trustees or by a vote of a majority of
outstanding shares subject to such agreement. The Underwriting Agreement will
terminate automatically upon its "assignment," as that term is defined in the
1940 Act.
From time to time, if, in EDI's judgment, it could benefit the sales of
shares, EDI may provide to selected broker-dealers promotional materials and
selling aids, including, but not limited to, personal computers, related
software, and data files.
DISTRIBUTION EXPENSES UNDER RULE 12b-1
The Fund bears some of the costs of selling its Class A, Class B, Class
C and Institutional Service shares, as applicable, including certain
advertising, marketing and shareholder service expenses, pursuant to Rule 12b-1
of the 1940 Act. These 12b-1 fees are indirectly paid by the shareholder, as
shown by the Fund's expense table in the prospectus.
Under the Distribution Plans (each a "Plan," together, the "Plans")
that the Fund has adopted for its Class A, Class B, Class C and Institutional
Service shares, as applicable, the Fund may incur expenses for 12b-1 fees up to
a maximum annual percentage of the average daily net assets attributable to a
class, as follows:
------------------------------- ---------------
Class A 0.75%*
------------------------------- ---------------
------------------------------- ---------------
Class B 1.00%
------------------------------- ---------------
------------------------------- ---------------
Class C 1.00%
------------------------------- ---------------
------------------------------- ---------------
Institutional Service 0.75%*
------------------------------- ---------------
* Currently limited to 0.25% or less to be used exclusively as
a shareholder service fee. See the expense table in the
prospectus of the Fund in which you are interested.
Of the amounts above, each class may pay under its Plan a maximum
service fee of 0.25% to compensate organizations, which may include the Fund's
investment advisor or its affiliates, for personal services provided to
shareholders and the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Fund may not,
during any fiscal period, pay distribution or service fees greater than the
amounts above.
Amounts paid under the Plans are used to compensate EDI pursuant to
Distribution Agreements (each an "Agreement," together, the "Agreements") that
the Fund has entered into with respect to its Class A, Class B, Class C and
Institutional Service shares, as applicable. The compensation is based on a
maximum annual percentage of the average daily net assets attributable to a
class, as follows:
----------------------------- -------------
Class A 0.25%*
----------------------------- -------------
----------------------------- -------------
Class B 1.00%
----------------------------- -------------
----------------------------- -------------
Class C 1.00%
----------------------------- -------------
----------------------------- -------------
Institutional Service 0.25%*
----------------------------- -------------
*May be lower. See the expense table in the prospectus of the
Fund in which you are interested.
The Agreements provide that EDI will use the distribution fees received
from the Fund for the following purposes:
(1) to compensate broker-dealers or other persons for distributing
Fund shares;
(2) to compensate broker-dealers, depository institutions and
other financial intermediaries for providing administrative,
accounting and other services with respect to the Fund's
shareholders; and
(3) to otherwise promote the sale of Fund shares.
The Agreements also provide that EDI may use distribution fees to make
interest and principal payments in respect of amounts that have been financed to
pay broker-dealers or other persons for distributing Fund shares. EDI may assign
its rights to receive compensation under the Plans to secure such financings.
FUNB or its affiliates may finance payments made by EDI to compensate
broker-dealers or other persons for distributing shares of the Fund.
In the event the Fund acquires the assets of another mutual fund,
compensation paid to EDI under the Agreements may be paid by the Fund's
Distributor to the acquired fund's distributor or its predecessor.
Since EDI's compensation under the Agreements is not directly tied to
the expenses incurred by EDI, the compensation received by it under the
Agreements during any fiscal year may be more or less than its actual expenses
and may result in a profit to EDI. Distribution expenses incurred by EDI in one
fiscal year that exceed the compensation paid to EDI for that year may be paid
from distribution fees received from the Fund in subsequent fiscal years.
Distribution fees are accrued daily and paid at least annually on Class
B and Class C shares and are charged as class expenses, as accrued. The
distribution fees attributable to the Class B and Class C shares are designed to
permit an investor to purchase such shares through broker-dealers without the
assessment of a front-end sales charge, while at the same time permitting EDI to
compensate broker-dealers in connection with the sale of such shares.
Service fees are accrued daily and paid at least annually on Class A,
Class B, Class C, and Institutional Service shares and are charged as class
expenses, as accrued.
Under the Plans, the Treasurer of the Trust reports the amounts
expended under the Plans and the purposes for which such expenditures were made
to the Trustees of the Trust for their review on a quarterly basis. Also, each
Plan provides that the selection and nomination of the Independent Trustees are
committed to the discretion of such Independent Trustees then in office.
The investment advisor may from time to time from its own funds or such
other resources as may be permitted by rules of the SEC make payments for
distribution services to EDI; the latter may in turn pay part or all of such
compensation to brokers or other persons for their distribution assistance.
Each Plan and the Agreement will continue in effect for successive
12-month periods provided, however, that such continuance is specifically
approved at least annually by the Trustees of the Trust or by vote of the
holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of that class and, in
either case, by a majority of the Independent Trustees of the Trust.
The Plans permit the payment of fees to brokers and others for
distribution and shareholder-related administrative services and to
broker-dealers, depository institutions, financial intermediaries and
administrators for administrative services as to Class A, Class B, Class C and
Institutional Service shares. The Plans are designed to (i) stimulate brokers to
provide distribution and administrative support services to the Fund and holders
of Class A, Class B, Class C and Institutional Service shares and (ii) stimulate
administrators to render administrative support services to the Fund and holders
of Class A, Class B, Class C and Institutional Service shares. The
administrative services are provided by a representative who has knowledge of
the shareholder's particular circumstances and goals, and include, but are not
limited to providing office space, equipment, telephone facilities, and various
personnel including clerical, supervisory, and computer, as necessary or
beneficial to establish and maintain shareholder accounts and records;
processing purchase and redemption transactions and automatic investments of
client account cash balances; answering routine client inquiries regarding Class
A, Class B, Class C and Institutional Service shares; assisting clients in
changing dividend options, account designations, and addresses; and providing
such other services as the Fund reasonably requests for its Class A, Class B,
Class C and Institutional Service shares.
In the event that the Plan or Distribution Agreement is terminated or
not continued with respect to one or more classes of the Fund, (i) no
distribution fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be
owed by the Fund to EDI with respect to that class or classes, and (ii) the Fund
would not be obligated to pay EDI for any amounts expended under the
Distribution Agreement not previously recovered by the EDI from distribution
services fees in respect of shares of such class or classes through deferred
sales charges.
All material amendments to any Plan or Agreement must be approved by a
vote of the Trustees of the Trust or the holders of the Fund's outstanding
voting securities, voting separately by class, and in either case, by a majority
of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose
of voting on such approval; and any Plan or Distribution Agreement may not be
amended in order to increase materially the costs that a particular class of
shares of the Fund may bear pursuant to the Plan or Distribution Agreement
without the approval of a majority of the holders of the outstanding voting
shares of the class affected. Any Plan or Distribution Agreement may be
terminated (i) by the Fund without penalty at any time by a majority vote of the
holders of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, voting separately by
class or by a majority vote of the Independent Trustees, or (ii) by EDI. To
terminate any Distribution Agreement, any party must give the other parties 60
days' written notice; to terminate a Plan only, the Fund need give no notice to
EDI. Any Distribution Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its
assignment. For more information about 12b-1 fees, see "Expenses" in the
prospectus and "12b-1 Fees" under "Expenses" in Part 1 of this SAI.
TAX INFORMATION
Requirements for Qualifications as a Regulated Investment Company
The Fund intends to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable
to regulated investment companies ("RIC") under Subchapter M of the Code, as
amended. (Such qualification does not involve supervision of management or
investment practices or policies by the Internal Revenue Service.) In order to
qualify as a RIC, the Fund must, among other things, (i) derive at least 90% of
its gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to proceeds
from securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of securities or
foreign currencies and other income (including gains from options, futures or
forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such
securities; and (ii) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter
of its taxable year, (a) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund's total
assets is represented by cash, U.S. government securities and other securities
limited in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the
Fund's total assets and 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer,
and (b) not more than 25% of the value of its total assets is invested in the
securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities and
securities of other regulated investment companies). By so qualifying, the Fund
is not subject to federal income tax if it timely distributes its investment
company taxable income and any net realized capital gains. A 4% nondeductible
excise tax will be imposed on the Fund to the extent it does not meet certain
distribution requirements by the end of each calendar year. The Fund anticipates
meeting such distribution requirements.
Taxes on Distributions
Unless the Fund is a municipal bond fund, distributions will be taxable
to shareholders whether made in shares or in cash. Shareholders electing to
receive distributions in the form of additional shares will have a cost basis
for federal income tax purposes in each share so received equal to the net asset
value of a share of the Fund on the reinvestment date.
To calculate ordinary income for federal income tax purposes,
shareholders must generally include dividends paid by the Fund from its
investment company taxable income (net taxable investment income plus net
realized short-term capital gains, if any). The Fund will include dividends it
receives from domestic corporations when the Fund calculates its gross
investment income. Unless the Fund is a municipal bond fund or U.S. Treasury or
U.S. Government money market fund, it anticipates that all or a portion of the
ordinary dividends which it pays will qualify for the 70% dividends-received
deduction for corporations. The Fund will inform shareholders of the amounts
that so qualify. If the Fund is a municipal bond fund or U.S. Treasury or U.S.
Government money market fund, none of its income will consist of corporate
dividends; therefore, none of its distributions will qualify for the 70%
dividends-received deduction for corporations.
From time to time, the Fund will distribute the excess of its net
long-term capital gains over its short-term capital loss to shareholders (i.e.,
capital gain dividends). For federal tax purposes, shareholders must include
such capital gain dividends when calculating their net long-term capital gains.
Capital gain dividends are taxable as net long-term capital gains to a
shareholder, no matter how long the shareholder has held the shares.
Distributions by the Fund reduce its NAV. A distribution that reduces
the Fund's NAV below a shareholder's cost basis is taxable as described above,
although from an investment standpoint, it is a return of capital. In
particular, if a shareholder buys Fund shares just before the Fund makes a
distribution, when the Fund makes the distribution the shareholder will receive
what is in effect a return of capital. Nevertheless, the shareholder may incur
taxes on the distribution. Therefore, shareholders should carefully consider the
tax consequences of buying Fund shares just before a distribution.
All distributions, whether received in shares or cash, must be reported
by each shareholder on his or her federal income tax return. Each shareholder
should consult a tax advisor to determine the state and local tax implications
of Fund distributions.
If more than 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets at the end of
a fiscal year is represented by securities of foreign corporations and the Fund
elects to make foreign tax credits available to its shareholders, a shareholder
will be required to include in his gross income both cash dividends and the
amount the Fund advises him is his pro rata portion of income taxes withheld by
foreign governments from interest and dividends paid on the Fund's investments.
The shareholder may be entitled, however, to take the amount of such foreign
taxes withheld as a credit against his U.S. income tax, or to treat the foreign
tax withheld as an itemized deduction from his gross income, if that should be
to his advantage. In substance, this policy enables the shareholder to benefit
from the same foreign tax credit or deduction that he would have received if he
had been the individual owner of foreign securities and had paid foreign income
tax on the income therefrom. As in the case of individuals receiving income
directly from foreign sources, the credit or deduction is subject to a number of
limitations.
Special Tax Information for Shareholders of Municipal Bond Funds
The Fund expects that substantially all of its dividends will be
"exempt interest dividends," which should be treated as excludable from federal
gross income. In order to pay exempt interest dividends, at least 50% of the
value of the Fund's assets must consist of federally tax-exempt obligations at
the close of each quarter. An exempt interest dividend is any dividend or part
thereof (other than a capital gain dividend) paid by the Fund with respect to
its net federally excludable municipal obligation interest and designated as an
exempt interest dividend in a written notice mailed to each shareholder not
later than 60 days after the close of its taxable year. The percentage of the
total dividends paid by the Fund with respect to any taxable year that qualifies
as exempt interest dividends will be the same for all shareholders of the Fund
receiving dividends with respect to such year. If a shareholder receives an
exempt interest dividend with respect to any share and such share has been held
for six months or less, any loss on the sale or exchange of such share will be
disallowed to the extent of the exempt interest dividend amount.
Any shareholder of the Fund who may be a "substantial user" (as defined
by the Code, as amended.) of a facility financed with an issue of tax-exempt
obligations or a "related person" to such a user should consult his tax advisor
concerning his qualification to receive exempt interest dividends should the
Fund hold obligations financing such facility.
Under regulations to be promulgated, to the extent attributable to
interest paid on certain private activity bonds, the Fund's exempt interest
dividends, while otherwise tax-exempt, will be treated as a tax preference item
for alternative minimum tax purposes. Corporate shareholders should also be
aware that the receipt of exempt interest dividends could subject them to
alternative minimum tax under the provisions of Section 56(g) of the Code
(relating to "adjusted current earnings").
Interest on indebtedness incurred or continued by shareholders to
purchase or carry shares of the Fund will not be deductible for federal income
tax purposes to the extent of the portion of the interest expense relating to
exempt interest dividends. Such portion is determined by multiplying the total
amount of interest paid or accrued on the indebtedness by a fraction, the
numerator of which is the exempt interest dividends received by a shareholder in
his taxable year and the denominator of which is the sum of the exempt interest
dividends and the taxable distributions out of the Fund's investment income and
long-term capital gains received by the shareholder.
Taxes on The Sale or Exchange of Fund Shares
Upon a sale or exchange of Fund shares, a shareholder will realize a
taxable gain or loss depending on his or her basis in the shares. A shareholder
must treat such gains or losses as a capital gain or loss if the shareholder
held the shares as capital assets. Capital gain on assets held for more than 12
months is generally subject to a maximum federal income tax rate of 20% for an
individual. Generally, the Code will not allow a shareholder to realize a loss
on shares he or she has sold or exchanged and replaced within a 61-day period
beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after he or she sold or exchanged
the shares. The Code will not allow a shareholder to realize a loss on the sale
of Fund shares held by the shareholder for six months or less to the extent the
shareholder received exempt interest dividends on such shares. Moreover, the
Code will treat a shareholder's loss on shares held for six months or less as a
long-term capital loss to the extent the shareholder received distributions of
net capital gains on such shares.
Shareholders who fail to furnish their taxpayer identification numbers
to the Fund and to certify as to its correctness and certain other shareholders
may be subject to a 31% federal income tax backup withholding requirement on
dividends, distributions of capital gains and redemption proceeds paid to them
by the Fund. If the withholding provisions are applicable, any such dividends or
capital gain distributions to these shareholders, whether taken in cash or
reinvested in additional shares, and any redemption proceeds will be reduced by
the amounts required to be withheld. Investors may wish to consult their own tax
advisors about the applicability of the backup withholding provisions.
Other Tax Considerations
The foregoing discussion relates solely to U.S. federal income tax law
as applicable to U.S. persons (i.e., U.S. citizens and residents and U.S.
domestic corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates). It does not reflect
the special tax consequences to certain taxpayers (e.g., banks, insurance
companies, tax exempt organizations and foreign persons). Shareholders are
encouraged to consult their own tax advisors regarding specific questions
relating to federal, state and local tax consequences of investing in shares of
the Fund.
Each shareholder who is not a U.S. person should consult his or her
tax advisor regarding the U.S. and foreign tax consequences of ownership of
shares of the Fund, including the possibility that such a shareholder may be
subject to a U.S. withholding tax at a rate of 30% (or at a lower rate under
a tax treaty) on amounts treated as income from U.S. sources under the Code.
<PAGE>
BROKERAGE
Brokerage Commissions
If the Fund invests in equity securities, it expects to buy and sell
them through brokerage transactions for which commissions are payable. Purchases
from underwriters will include the underwriting commission or concession, and
purchases from dealers serving as market makers will include a dealer's mark-up
or reflect a dealer's mark-down. Where transactions are made in the
over-the-counter market, the Fund will deal with primary market makers unless
more favorable prices are otherwise obtainable.
If the Fund invests in fixed income securities, it expects to buy and
sell them directly from the issuer or an underwriter or market maker for the
securities. Generally, the Fund will not pay brokerage commissions for such
purchases. When the Fund buys a security from an underwriter, the purchase price
will usually include an underwriting commission or concession. The purchase
price for securities bought from dealers serving as market makers will similarly
include the dealer's mark up or reflect a dealer's mark down. When the Fund
executes transactions in the over-the-counter market, it will deal with primary
market makers unless more favorable prices are otherwise obtainable.
Selection of Brokers
When buying and selling portfolio securities, the advisor seeks brokers
who can provide the most benefit to the Fund. When selecting a broker, the
investment advisor will primarily look for the best price at the lowest
commission, but in the context of the broker's:
1. ability to provide the best net financial result to the Fund;
2. efficiency in handling trades;
3. ability to trade large blocks of securities;
4. readiness to handle difficult trades;
5. financial strength and stability; and
6. provision of "research services," defined as (a) reports and
analyses concerning issuers, industries, securities and
economic factors and (b) other information useful in making
investment decisions.
The Fund may pay higher brokerage commissions to a broker providing it
with research services, as defined in item 6, above. Pursuant to Section 28(e)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this practice is permitted if the
commission is reasonable in relation to the brokerage and research services
provided. Research services provided by a broker to the investment advisor do
not replace, but supplement, the services the investment advisor is required to
deliver to the Fund. It is impracticable for the investment advisor to allocate
the cost, value and specific application of such research services among its
clients because research services intended for one client may indirectly benefit
another.
When selecting a broker for portfolio trades, the investment advisor
may also consider the amount of Fund shares a broker has sold, subject to the
other requirements described above.
If the Fund is advised by Evergreen Asset Management Company ("EAMC"),
Lieber & Company, an affiliate of EAMC and a member of the New York and American
Stock Exchanges, will, to the extent practicable, effect substantially all of
the portfolio transactions effected on those exchanges for the Fund.
Simultaneous Transactions
The investment advisor makes investment decisions for the Fund
independently of decisions made for its other clients. When a security is
suitable for the investment objective of more than one client, it may be prudent
for the investment advisor to engage in a simultaneous transaction, that is, buy
or sell the same security for more than one client. The investment advisor
strives for an equitable result in such transactions by using an allocation
formula. The high volume involved in some simultaneous transactions can result
in greater value to the Fund, but the ideal price or trading volume may not
always be achieved for the Fund.
ORGANIZATION
The foregoing is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Trust's
Declaration of Trust.
Description of Shares
The Declaration of Trust authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number
of shares of beneficial interest of series and classes of shares. Each share of
the Fund represents an equal proportionate interest with each other share of
that series and/or class. Upon liquidation, shares are entitled to a pro rata
share of the Trust based on the relative net assets of each series and/or class.
Shareholders have no preemptive or conversion rights. Shares are redeemable and
transferable.
Voting Rights
Under the terms of the Declaration of Trust, the Trust is not required
to hold annual meetings. At meetings called for the initial election of Trustees
or to consider other matters, each share is entitled to one vote for each dollar
of "NAV"applicable to such share. Shares generally vote together as one class on
all matters. Classes of shares of the Fund have equal voting rights. No
amendment may be made to the Declaration of Trust that adversely affects any
class of shares without the approval of a majority of the votes applicable to
the shares of that class. Shares have non-cumulative voting rights, which means
that the holders of more than 50% of the votes applicable to shares voting for
the election of Trustees can elect 100% of the Trustees to be elected at a
meeting and, in such event, the holders of the remaining shares voting will not
be able to elect any Trustees.
After the initial meeting as described above, no further meetings of
shareholders for the purpose of electing Trustees will be held, unless required
by law (for such reasons as electing or removing Trustees, changing fundamental
policies, and approving advisory agreements or 12b-1 plans), unless and until
such time as less than a majority of the Trustees holding office have been
elected by shareholders, at which time, the Trustees then in office will call a
shareholders' meeting for the election of Trustees.
Limitation of Trustees' Liability
The Declaration of Trust provides that a Trustee 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 his duties involved in the conduct of his office.
Banking Laws
The Glass-Steagall Act and other banking laws and regulations presently
prohibit member banks of the Federal Reserve System ("Member Banks") or their
non-bank affiliates from sponsoring, organizing, controlling, or distributing
the shares of registered, open-end investment companies such as the Trust. Such
laws and regulations also prohibit banks from issuing, underwriting or
distributing securities in general. However, under the Glass-Steagall Act and
such other laws and regulations, a Member Bank or an affiliate thereof may act
as investment advisor, transfer agent or custodian to a registered open-end
investment company and may also act as agent in connection with the purchase of
shares of such an investment company upon the order of its customer. FUNB and
its affiliates are subject to, and in compliance with, the aforementioned laws
and regulations.
Changes to applicable laws and regulations or future judicial or
administrative decisions could result in FUNB and its affiliates being prevented
from continuing to perform the services required under the investment advisory
contract or from acting as agent in connection with the purchase of shares of
the Fund by its customers. If FUNB and its affiliates were prevented from
continuing to provide for services called for under the investment advisory
agreement, it is expected that the Trustees would identify, and call upon the
Fund's shareholders to approve a new investment advisor. If this were to occur,
it is not anticipated that the shareholders of the Fund would suffer any adverse
financial consequences.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
On behalf of the Fund, the Trust has entered into an investment
advisory agreement with the Fund's investment advisor (the "Advisory
Agreement"). Under the Advisory Agreement, and subject to the supervision of the
Trust's Board of Trustees, the investment advisor furnishes to the Fund (unless
the Fund is Evergreen Masters Fund) investment advisory, management and
administrative services, office facilities, and equipment in connection with its
services for managing the investment and reinvestment of the Fund's assets. The
investment advisor pays for all of the expenses incurred in connection with the
provision of its services.
If the Fund is Evergreen Masters Fund, the Advisory Agreement is
similar to the above except that the investment advisor selects sub-advisors
(hereinafter referred to as "Managers") for the Fund and monitors each Manager's
investment program and results. The investment advisor has primary
responsibility under the multi-manager strategy to oversee the Managers,
including making recommendations to the Trust regarding the hiring, termination
and replacement of Managers.
The Fund pays for all charges and expenses, other than those
specifically referred to as being borne by the investment advisor, including,
but not limited to, (1) custodian charges and expenses; (2) bookkeeping and
auditors' charges and expenses; (3) transfer agent charges and expenses; (4)
fees and expenses of Independent Trustees; (5) brokerage commissions, brokers'
fees and expenses; (6) issue and transfer taxes; (7) applicable costs and
expenses under the Distribution Plan (as described above) (8) taxes and trust
fees payable to governmental agencies; (9) the cost of share certificates; (10)
fees and expenses of the registration and qualification of the Fund and its
shares with the SEC or under state or other securities laws; (11) expenses of
preparing, printing and mailing prospectuses, SAIs, notices, reports and proxy
materials to shareholders of the Fund; (12) expenses of shareholders' and
Trustees' meetings; (13) charges and expenses of legal counsel for the Fund and
for the Independent Trustees on matters relating to the Fund; (14) charges and
expenses of filing annual and other reports with the SEC and other authorities;
and (15) all extraordinary charges and expenses of the Fund. For information on
advisory fees paid by the Fund, see "Expenses" in Part 1 of this SAI.
The Advisory Agreement continues in effect for two years from its
effective date and, thereafter, from year to year only if approved at least
annually by the Board of Trustees of the Trust or by a vote of a majority of the
Fund's outstanding shares. In either case, the terms of the Advisory Agreement
and continuance thereof must be approved by the vote of a majority of the
Independent Trustees cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting on such approval. The Advisory Agreement may be terminated, without
penalty, on 60 days' written notice by the Trust's Board of Trustees or by a
vote of a majority of outstanding shares. The Advisory Agreement will terminate
automatically upon its "assignment" as that term is defined in the 1940 Act.
Managers (Evergreen Masters Fund only)
Evergreen Masters Fund's investment program is based upon the
investment advisor's multi-manager concept. The investment advisor allocates the
Fund's portfolio assets on an equal basis among a number of investment
management organizations - currently four in number - each of which employs a
different investment style, and periodically rebalances the Fund's portfolio
among the Managers so as to maintain an approximate equal allocation of the
portfolio among them throughout all market cycles. Each Manager provides these
services under a Portfolio Management Agreement. Each Manager has discretion,
subject to oversight by the Trustees and the investment advisor, to purchase and
sell portfolio assets consistent with the Fund's investment objectives, policies
and restrictions and specific investment strategies developed by the investment
advisor. The Fund's current Managers are EAMC, MFS Institutional Advisors, Inc.,
OppenheimerFunds, Inc. and Putnam Investment Management, Inc.
The Trust and FUNB have received an order from the SEC that permits the
investment advisor to employ a "manager of managers" strategy in connection with
its management of the Fund. The exemptive order permits the investment advisor,
subject to certain conditions, and without shareholder approval, to: (a) select
new Managers who are unaffiliated with the investment advisor with the approval
of the Trust's Board of Trustees; (b) change the material terms of the Portfolio
Management Agreements with the Managers; and (c) continue the employment of a
Manager after an event which would otherwise cause the automatic termination of
a Portfolio Management Agreement. Shareholders would be notified of any Manager
changes. Shareholders have the right to terminate arrangements with a Manager by
vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. The order also permits
the Fund to disclose the Managers' fees only in the aggregate.
Transactions Among Advisory Affiliates
The Trust has adopted procedures pursuant to Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act
("Rule 17a-7 Procedures"). The Rule 17a-7 Procedures permit the Fund to buy or
sell securities from another investment company for which a subsidiary of First
Union Corporation is an investment advisor. The Rule 17a-7 Procedures also allow
the Fund to buy or sell securities from other advisory clients for whom a
subsidiary of First Union Corporation is an investment advisor. The Fund may
engage in such transaction if it is equitable to each participant and consistent
with each participant's investment objective.
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST
The Trust is supervised by a Board of Trustees that is responsible for
representing the interest of the shareholders. The Trustees meet periodically
throughout the year to oversee the Fund's activities, reviewing, among other
things, the Fund's performance and its contractual arrangements with various
service providers. Each Trustee is paid a fee for his or her services.
See "Expenses-Trustee Compensation" in Part 1 of this SAI.
The Trust has an Executive Committee which consists of the Chairman of
the Board, James Howell, the Vice Chairman of the Board, Michael Scofield, and
Russell Salton, each of whom is an Independent Trustee. Commencing January 1,
2000, the Trust's Executive Committee will consist of the Chairman of the Board,
Michael Scofield, K. Dunn Gifford and Russell Salton. The Executive Committee
recommends Trustees to fill vacancies, prepares the agenda for Board Meetings
and acts on routine matters between scheduled Board meetings.
Set forth below are the Trustees and officers of the Trust and their
principal occupations and affiliations over the last five years. Unless
otherwise indicated, the address for each Trustee and officer is 200 Berkeley
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116. Each Trustee is also a Trustee of each of
the other Trusts in the Evergreen Fund complex.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Position with Trust Principal Occupations for Last Five Years
<S> <C> <C>
Laurence B. Ashkin Trustee Real estate developer and construction consultant; and
(DOB: 2/2/28) President of Centrum Equities (real estate development) and
Centrum Properties, Inc.(real estate development).
Charles A. Austin III Trustee Investment Counselor to Appleton Partners, Inc.(investment
(DOB: 10/23/34) advice); former Director, Executive Vice President and
Treasurer, State Street Research & Management Company
(investment advice); Director, The Andover Companies
(insurance); and Trustee, Arthritis Foundation of New
England.
K. Dun Gifford Trustee Trustee, Treasurer and Chairman of the Finance Committee,
(DOB: 10/12/38) Cambridge College; Chairman Emeritus and Director, American
Institute of Food and Wine; Chairman and President, Oldways
Preservation and Exchange Trust (education); former Chairman
of the Board, Director, and Executive Vice President,
The London Harness Company (leather goods purveyor);
former Managing Partner, Roscommon Capital Corp.;
former Chief Executive Officer, Gifford Gifts of Fine
Foods; former Chairman, Gifford, Drescher & Associates
(environmental consulting).
James S. Howell* Chairman of the Board Former Chairman of the Distribution Committee, Foundation
(DOB: 8/13/24) of Trustees for the Carolinas; and former Vice President of Lance Inc.
(food manufacturing).
Leroy Keith, Jr. Trustee Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Carson
(DOB: 2/14/39) Products Company (manufacturing); Director of Phoenix Total
Return Fund and Equifax, Inc. (worldwide information
management); Trustee of Phoenix Series Fund, Phoenix
Multi-Portfolio Fund, and The Phoenix Big Edge Series Fund;
and former President, Morehouse College.
Gerald M. McDonnell Trustee Sales and Marketing Management with Nucor-Yamoto, Inc.
(DOB: 7/14/39) (steel producer).
Thomas L. McVerry Trustee Former Vice President and Director of Rexham Corporation
(DOB: 8/2/39) (manufacturing); and Director of Carolina Cooperative
Credit Union.
William Walt Pettit Trustee Partner in the law firm of William Walt Pettit, P.A.
(DOB: 8/26/55)
David M. Richardson Trustee Vice Chair and former Executive Vice President, DHR
(DOB: 9/14/41) International, Inc. (executive recruitment); former Senior
Vice President, Boyden International Inc. (executive
recruitment); and Director, Commerce and Industry
Association of New Jersey, 411 International, Inc.
(communications), and J&M Cumming Paper Co.
Russell A. Salton, III MD Trustee Medical Director, U.S. Health Care/Aetna Health Services;
(DOB: 6/2/47) former Managed Health Care Consultant; and former
President, Primary Physician Care.
Michael S. Scofield* Vice Chairman of the Attorney, Law Offices of Michael S. Scofield.
(DOB: 2/20/43) Board of Trustees
Richard J. Shima Trustee Independent Consultant; former Chairman, Environmental
(DOB: 8/11/39) Warranty, Inc. (insurance agency); former Executive
Consultant, Drake Beam Morin, Inc. (executive
outplacement); Director of CTG Resources, Inc. (natural
gas), Hartford Hospital, Old State House Association, and
Enhance Financial Services, Inc.; former Director Middlesex
Mutual Assurance Company; former Chairman, Board of
Trustees, Hartford Graduate Center; Trustee, Greater
Hartford YMCA.
Anthony J. Fischer** President and Treasurer Vice President/Client Services, BISYS Fund Services.
(DOB:2/10/59)
Nimish S. Bhatt*** Vice President and Vice President, Tax, BISYS Fund Services; former Assistant
(DOB: 6/6/63) Assistant Treasurer Vice President, EAMC/First Union National Bank; former
Senior Tax Consulting/Acting Manager, Investment Companies
Group, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, New York.
Bryan Haft*** Vice President Team Leader, Fund Administration, BISYS Fund Services.
(DOB: 1/23/65)
Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, First
Michael H. Koonce Secretary Union Corporation; former Senior Vice President and General
(DOB: 4/20/60) Counsel, Colonial Management Associates, Inc.
</TABLE>
* As of January 1, 2000, Michael S. Scofield will become Chairman of the
Board and James S. Howell will become Trustee Emeritis.
** Address: BISYS Fund Services, 90 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10016
*** Address: BISYS, 3435 Stelzer Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219-8001
CORPORATE AND MUNICIPAL BOND RATINGS
The Fund relies on ratings provided by independent rating services to
help determine the credit quality of bonds and other obligations the Fund
intends to purchase or already owns. A rating is an opinion of an issuer's
ability to pay interest and/or principal when due. Ratings reflect an issuer's
overall financial strength and whether it can meet its financial commitments
under various economic conditions.
If a security held by the Fund loses its rating or has its rating
reduced after the Fund has purchased it, the Fund is not required to sell or
otherwise dispose of the security, but may consider doing so.
The principal rating services, commonly used by the Fund and investors
generally, are S&P and Moody's. The Fund may also rely on ratings provided by
Fitch. Rating systems are similar among the different services. As an example,
the chart below compares basic ratings for long-term bonds. The "Credit Quality"
terms in the chart are for quick reference only. Following the chart are the
specific definitions each service provides for its ratings.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMPARISON OF LONG-TERM BOND RATINGS
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
MOODY'S S&P FITCH Credit Quality
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
Aaa AAA AAA Excellent Quality (lowest risk)
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
Aa AA AA Almost Excellent Quality (very low risk)
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
A A A Good Quality (low risk)
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
Baa BBB BBB Satisfactory Quality (some risk)
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
Ba BB BB Questionable Quality (definite risk)
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
B B B Low Quality (high risk)
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
Caa/Ca/C CCC/CC/C CCC/CC/C In or Near Default
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
D DDD/DD/D In Default
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
</TABLE>
CORPORATE BONDS
LONG-TERM RATINGS
Moody's Corporate Long-Term 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 risk appear somewhat larger than the Aaa securities.
A Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are
to be considered as upper-medium-grade obligations. Factors giving security to
principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present
which suggest a susceptibility to impairment 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.
Caa Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or
interest.
Ca Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a
high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.
C Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues so
rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any
real investment standing.
Note: Moody's applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2 and 3 in each generic rating
classification from Aa to Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the company ranks
in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a
mid-range raking and the modifier 3 indicates that the company ranks in the
lower end of its generic rating category.
S&P Corporate Long-Term Bond Ratings
AAA An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. The
obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is
extremely strong.
AA An obligation rated AA differs from the highest-rated obligations only in
small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation is very strong.
A An obligation rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in
higher-rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation is still strong.
BBB An obligation rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters. However,
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to
a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation.
BB, B, CCC, CC and C: As described below, obligations rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and
C are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. BB indicates
the least degree of speculation and C the highest. While such obligations will
likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed
by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.
BB An obligation rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other
speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to
adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, which could lead to the
obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation.
B An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated
BB, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment
on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will
likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet it financial
commitment on the obligation.
CCC An obligation rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is
dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the
obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of
adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely
to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
CC An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.
C The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has
been filed or similar action has been taken, but payments on this obligation are
being continued.
D The D rating, unlike other ratings, is not prospective; rather, it is used
only where a default has actually occurred--and not where a default is only
expected. S&P changes ratings to D either:
o On the day an interest and/or principal payment is due and is not paid.
An exception is made if there is a grace period and S&P believes that a
payment will be made, in which case the rating can be maintained; or
o Upon voluntary bankruptcy filing or similar action. An exception is
made if S&P expects that debt service payments will continue to be made
on a specific issue. In the absence of a payment default or bankruptcy
filing, a technical default (i.e., covenant violation) is not
sufficient for assigning a D rating.
Plus (+) or minus (-) The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition
of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating
categories.
Fitch Corporate Long-Term Bond Ratings
Investment Grade
AAA Highest credit quality. AAA ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit
risk. They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for timely
payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be
adversely affected by foreseeable events.
AA Very high credit quality. AA ratings denote a very low expectation of credit
risk. They indicate very strong capacity for timely payment of financial
commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable
events.
A High credit quality. A ratings denote a lower expectation of credit risk. The
capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This
capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in
economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.
BBB Good credit quality. BBB ratings indicate that there is currently a low
expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial
commitments is considered adequate, but adverse changes in circumstances and in
economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. This is the lowest
investment-grade category.
<PAGE>
Speculative Grade
BB Speculative. BB ratings indicate that there is a possibility of credit risk
developing, particularly as the result of adverse economic change over time;
however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial
commitments to be met.
Securities rated in this category are not investment grade.
B Highly speculative. B ratings indicate that significant credit risk is
present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are
currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is contingent upon
a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.
CCC, CC, C High default risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for
meeting financial commitment is solely reliant upon sustained, favorable
business or economic developments. A CC rating indicates that default of some
kind appears probable. C ratings signal imminent default.
DDD, DD, D Default. Securities are not meeting current obligations and
are extremely speculative. DDD designates the highest potential for recovery of
amounts outstanding on any securities involved. For U.S. corporates, for
example, DD indicates expected recovery of 50%-90% of such outstandings, and D
the lowest recovery potential, i.e. below 50%.
+ or - may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating
categories. Such suffixes are not added to the AAA rating category or to
categories below CCC.
CORPORATE SHORT-TERM RATINGS
Moody's Corporate Short-Term Issuer Ratings
Prime-1 Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior
ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment
ability will often be evidenced by many of the following characteristics.
- -- Leading market positions in well-established industries.
- -- High rates of return on funds employed.
- -- Conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on debt and
ample asset protection.
- -- Broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial changes and high
internal cash generation.
- -- Well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources
of alternate liquidity.
Prime-2 Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong ability
for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally be
evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree.
Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to
variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more
affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
Prime-3 Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable
ability for repayment of senior short-term obligations. The effect of industry
characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced. Variability in
earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt protection
measurements and may require relatively high financial leverage.
Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.
Not Prime Issuers rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating
categories.
S&P Corporate Short-Term Obligation Ratings
A-1 A short-term obligation rated A-1 is rated in the highest category by S&P.
The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is
strong. Within this category certain obligations are designated with a plus sign
(+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment
on these obligations is extremely strong.
A-2 A short-term obligation rated A-2 is somewhat more susceptible to the
adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than
obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet
its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.
A-3 A short-term obligation rated A-3 exhibits adequate protection parameters.
However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely
to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment
on the obligation.
B A short-term obligation rated B is regarded as having significant speculative
characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties
which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation.
C A short-term obligation rated C is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is
dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the
obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
D The D rating, unlike other ratings, is not prospective; rather, it is used
only where a default has actually occurred--and not where a default is only
expected. S&P changes ratings to D either:
o On the day an interest and/or principal payment is due and is not paid.
An exception is made if there is a grace period and S&P believes that a
payment will be made, in which case the rating can be maintained; or
o Upon voluntary bankruptcy filing or similar action, An exception is
made if S&P expects that debt service payments will continue to be made
on a specific issue. In the absence of a payment default or bankruptcy
filing, a technical default (i.e., covenant violation) is not
sufficient for assigning a D rating.
Fitch Corporate Short-Term Obligation Ratings
F1 Highest credit quality. Indicates the strongest capacity for timely payment
of financial commitments; may have an added "+" to denote any exceptionally
strong credit feature.
<PAGE>
F2 Good credit quality. A satisfactory capacity for timely payment of financial
commitments, but the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the
higher ratings.
F3 Fair credit quality. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments
is adequate; however, near-term adverse changes could result in a reduction to
non-investment grade.
B Speculative. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments,
plus vulnerability to near-term adverse changes in financial and economic
conditions.
C High default risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting
financial commitments is solely reliant upon a sustained, favorable business and
economic environment.
D Default. Denotes actual or imminent payment default.
MUNICIPAL BONDS
LONG-TERM RATINGS
Moody's Municipal Long-Term Bond Ratings
Aaa Bonds 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 edge."
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 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 risk appear somewhat larger than the Aaa securities.
A Bonds 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 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 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 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.
Caa Bonds rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in default or there
may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or interest.
Ca Bonds rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a high degree.
Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.
C Bonds rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues so rated can be
regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real
investment standing.
Note: Moody's applies numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 in each generic rating
classification from Aa to B. The modifier 1 indicates that the company ranks in
the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a
mid-range raking and the modifier 3 indicates that the company ranks in the
lower end of its generic rating category.
S&P Municipal Long-Term Bond Ratings
AAA An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. The
obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is
extremely strong.
AA An obligation rated AA differs from the highest-rated obligations only in
small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation is very strong.
A An obligation rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in
higher-rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation is still strong.
BBB An obligation rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters. However,
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to
a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation.
BB, B, CCC, CC and C: As described below, obligations rated BB, B, CCC,
CC, and C are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. BB
indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest. While such
obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these
may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse
conditions.
BB An obligation rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other
speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to
adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, which could lead to the
obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation.
B An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated
BB, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment
on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will
likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet it financial
commitment on the obligation.
<PAGE>
CCC An obligation rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is
dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the
obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of
adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely
to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
CC An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.
C The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has
been filed or similar action has been taken, but payments on this obligation are
being continued.
D An obligation rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used
when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the
applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that such payments
will be made during such grace period. The D rating also will be used upon the
filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on
an obligation are jeopardized.
Plus (+) or minus (-) The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition
of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating
categories.
Fitch Municipal Long-Term Bond Ratings
Investment Grade
AAA Highest credit quality. AAA ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit
risk. They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for timely
payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be
adversely affected by foreseeable events.
AA Very high credit quality. AA ratings denote a very low expectation of credit
risk. They indicate very strong capacity for timely payment of financial
commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable
events.
A High credit quality. A ratings denote a lower expectation of credit risk. The
capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This
capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in
economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.
BBB Good credit quality. BBB ratings indicate that there is currently a low
expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial
commitments is considered adequate, but adverse changes in circumstances and in
economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. This is the lowest
investment-grade category.
Speculative Grade
BB Speculative. BB ratings indicate that there is a possibility of credit risk
developing, particularly as the result of adverse economic change over time;
however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial
commitments to be met.
Securities rated in this category are not investment grade.
<PAGE>
B Highly speculative. B ratings indicate that significant credit risk is
present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are
currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is contingent upon
a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.
CCC, CC, C High default risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for
meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon sustained, favorable
business or economic developments. A CC rating indicates that default of some
kind appears probable. C ratings signal imminent default.
DDD, DD, D Default. Securities are not meeting current obligations and are
extremely speculative. DDD designates the highest potential for recovery of
amounts outstanding on any securities involved. DD designates lower recovery
potential and D the lowest.
+ or - may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating
categories. Such suffixes are not added to the AAA rating category or to
categories below CCC.
SHORT-TERM MUNICIPAL RATINGS
Moody's Municipal Short-Term Issuer Ratings
Prime-1 Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior
ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment
ability will often be evidence by many of the following characteristics.
- -- Leading market positions in well-established industries.
- -- High rates of return on funds employed.
- -- Conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on debt and
ample asset protection.
- -- Broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial changes and high
internal cash generation.
- -- Well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources
of alternate liquidity.
Prime-2 Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong ability
for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally be
evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree.
Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to
variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more
affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
Prime-3 Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable
ability for repayment of senior short-term obligations. The effect of industry
characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced. Variability in
earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt protection
measurements and may require relatively high financial leverage.
Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.
Not Prime Issuers rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating
categories.
Moody's Municipal Short-Term Loan Ratings
MIG 1 This designation denotes best quality. There is strong protection by
established cash flows, superior liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based
access to the market for refinancing.
MIG 2 This designation denotes high quality. Margins of protection are ample
although not so large as in the preceding group.
MIG 3 This designation denotes favorable quality. Liquidity and cash-flow
protection may be narrow and market access for refinancing is likely to be less
well established.
SG This designation denotes speculative quality. Debt instruments in this
category may lack margins of protection.
S&P Commercial Paper Ratings
A-1 This designation 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 sign (+) 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.
A-3 Issues carrying this designation have an adequate capacity for timely
payment. They are, however, more vulnerable to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances than obligations carrying the higher designations.
B Issues rated B are regarded as having only speculative capacity for timely
payment.
C This rating is assigned to short-term debt obligations with a doubtful
capacity for payment.
D Debt rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when
interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due, even if
the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes such payments
will be made during such grace period.
S&P Municipal Short-Term Obligation Ratings
SP-1 Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to
possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+)
designation.
SP-2 Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some
vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the
notes.
SP-3 Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
<PAGE>
Fitch Municipal Short-Term Obligation Ratings
F1 Highest credit quality. Indicates the strongest capacity for timely payment
of financial commitments; may have an added "+" to denote any exceptionally
strong credit feature.
F2 Good credit quality. A satisfactory capacity for timely payment of financial
commitments, but the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the
higher ratings.
F3 Fair credit quality. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments
is adequate; however, near-term adverse changes could result in a reduction to
non-investment grade.
B Speculative. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments,
plus vulnerability to near-term adverse changes in financial and economic
conditions.
C High default risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting
financial commitments is solely reliant upon a sustained, favorable business and
economic environment.
D Default. Denotes actual or imminent payment default.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Except as otherwise stated in its prospectus or required by law, the
Fund reserves the right to change the terms of the offer stated in its
prospectus without shareholder approval, including the right to impose or change
fees for services provided.
No dealer, salesman or other person is authorized to give any
information or to make any representation not contained in the Fund's
prospectus, SAI or in supplemental sales literature issued by the Fund or EDI,
and no person is entitled to rely on any information or representation not
contained therein.
The Fund's prospectus and SAI omit certain information contained in the
Trust's registration statement, which you may obtain for a fee from the SEC in
Washington, D.C.
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN EQUITY TRUST
PART B
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN EQUITY TRUST
200 Berkeley Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
(800) 633-2700
DOMESTIC GROWTH FUNDS
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
February 1, 2000
Evergreen Fund ("Evergreen")
Evergreen Aggressive Growth Fund ("Aggressive Growth")
Evergreen Omega Fund ("Omega")
Evergreen Small Company Growth Fund ("Small Company")
Evergreen Strategic Growth Fund ("Strategic Growth")
Evergreen Stock Selector Fund ("Stock Selector")
Evergreen Tax Strategic Equity Fund ("Tax Strategic")
Evergreen Masters Fund ("Masters")
Evergreen Growth Fund ("Growth")
Evergreen Capital Growth Fund ("Capital Growth")
(Each a "Fund"; together, the "Funds")
Each Fund is a series of Evergreen Equity Trust (the "Trust").
This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") pertains to all
classes of shares of the Funds listed above. It is not a prospectus but
should be read in conjunction with the prospectuses of the Funds dated
February 1, 2000. The Funds are offered through the prospectus offering
Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class Y shares. The information in Part 1 of
this SAI is specific information about the Funds in the prospectus. The
information in Part 2 of this SAI contains more general information that
may or may not apply to the Fund or Class of shares in which you are
interested.
Certain information may be incorporated by reference to the Funds'
Annual Report dated September 30, 1999. You may obtain a copy of the Annual
Report without charge by calling (800)-343-2898 or downloading it off our
website at www.evergreen-funds.com.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PART 1
<S> <C>
TRUST HISTORY...................................................................................................1-3
INVESTMENT POLICIES.............................................................................................1-3
OTHER SECURITIES AND PRACTICES..................................................................................1-5
PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF FUND SHARES................................................................................1-5
EXPENSES.......................................................................................................1-13
PERFORMANCE....................................................................................................1-20
COMPUTATION OF CLASS A OFFERING PRICE ........................................................................ 1-21
SERVICE PROVIDERS..............................................................................................1-22
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS...........................................................................................1-24
PART 2
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON SECURITIES AND INVESTMENT PRACTICES...................................................2-1
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES..............................................................................2-12
SALES CHARGE WAIVERS AND REDUCTIONS............................................................................2-14
PRICING OF SHARES..............................................................................................2-14
PERFORMANCE CALCULATIONS.......................................................................................2-17
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER..........................................................................................2-19
DISTRIBUTION EXPENSES UNDER RULE 12b-1.........................................................................2-20
TAX INFORMATION................................................................................................2-22
BROKERAGE......................................................................................................2-25
ORGANIZATION...................................................................................................2-26
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT..................................................................................2-27
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST........................................................................................2-29
CORPORATE AND MUNICIPAL BOND RATINGS...........................................................................2-31
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.........................................................................................2-41
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PART 1
TRUST HISTORY
The Evergreen Equity Trust is an open-end management investment
company, which was organized as a Delaware business trust on September 18, 1997.
A copy of the Declaration of Trust is on file as an exhibit to the Trust's
Registration Statement, of which this SAI is a part. The foregoing is qualified
in its entirety by reference to the Declaration of Trust.
INVESTMENT POLICIES
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
Each Fund has adopted the fundamental investment restrictions set forth
below which may not be changed without the vote of a majority of the Fund's
outstanding shares, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940
Act"). Where necessary, an explanation beneath a fundamental policy describes
the Fund's practices with respect to that policy, as allowed by current law. If
the law governing a policy changes, the Funds' practices may change accordingly
without a shareholder vote. Unless otherwise stated, all references to the
assets of the Fund are in terms of current market value.
1. Diversification
Each Fund may not make any investment that is inconsistent with its
classification as a diversified investment company under the 1940 Act.
Further Explanation of Diversification Policy:
To remain classified as a diversified investment company under the 1940
Act, each Fund must conform with the following: With respect to 75% of its total
assets, a diversified investment company may not invest more than 5% of its
total assets, determined at market or other fair value at the time of purchase,
in the securities of any one issuer, or invest in more than 10% of the
outstanding voting securities of any one issuer, determined at the time of
purchase. These limitations do not apply to investments in securities issued or
guaranteed by the United States ("U.S.") government or its agencies or
instrumentalities.
2. Concentration
Each Fund may not concentrate its investments in the securities of
issuers primarily engaged in any particular industry (other than securities that
are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or
instrumentalities).
Further Explanation of Concentration Policy:.
Each Fund may not invest more than 25% of its total assets, taken at
market value, in the securities of issuers primarily engaged in any particular
industry (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or
its agencies or instrumentalities).
<PAGE>
3. Issuing Senior Securities
Except as permitted under the 1940 Act, each Fund may not issue senior
securities.
4. Borrowing
Each Fund may not borrow money, except to the extent permitted by
applicable law.
Further Explanation of Borrowing Policy:
Each Fund may borrow from banks and enter into reverse repurchase
agreements in an amount up to 33 1/3% of its total assets, taken at market
value. Each Fund may also borrow up to an additional 5% of its total assets from
banks or others. A Fund may borrow only as a temporary measure for extraordinary
or emergency purposes such as the redemption of Fund shares. A Fund may purchase
additional securities so long as borrowings do not exceed 5% of its total
assets. Each Fund may obtain such short-term credit as may be necessary for the
clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities. Each Fund may purchase
securities on margin and engage in short sales to the extent permitted by
applicable law.
5. Underwriting
Each Fund may not underwrite securities of other issuers, except
insofar as a Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter in connection with the
disposition of its portfolio securities.
6. Real Estate
Each Fund may not purchase or sell real estate, except that, to the
extent permitted by applicable law, a Fund may invest in (a) securities that are
directly or indirectly secured by real estate, or (b) securities issued by
issuers that invest in real estate.
7. Commodities
Each Fund may not purchase or sell commodities or contracts on
commodities, except to the extent that a Fund may engage in financial futures
contracts and related options and currency contracts and related options and may
otherwise do so in accordance with applicable law and without registering as a
commodity pool operator under the Commodity Exchange Act.
8. Lending
Each Fund may not make loans to other persons, except that a Fund may
lend its portfolio securities in accordance with applicable law. The acquisition
of investment securities or other investment instruments shall not be deemed to
be the making of a loan.
Further Explanation of Lending Policy:
To generate income and offset expenses, a Fund may lend portfolio
securities to broker-dealers and other financial institutions in an amount up to
33 1/3% of its total assets, taken at market value. While securities are on
loan, the borrower will pay the Fund any income accruing on the security. The
Fund may invest any collateral it receives in additional portfolio securities,
such as U.S. Treasury notes, certificates of deposit, other high-grade,
short-term obligations or interest bearing cash equivalents. Gains or losses in
the market value of a security lent will affect the Fund and its shareholders.
<PAGE>
When a Fund lends its securities, it will require the borrower to give
the Fund collateral in cash or government securities. The Fund will require
collateral in an amount equal to at least 100% of the current market value of
the securities lent, including accrued interest. The Fund has the right to call
a loan and obtain the securities lent any time on notice of not more than five
business days. The Fund may pay reasonable fees in connection with such loans.
OTHER SECURITIES AND PRACTICES
For information regarding certain securities the Funds may purchase and
certain investment practices the Funds may use, see the following sections under
"Additional Information on Securities and Investment Practices" in Part 2 of
this SAI:
Defensive Investments
U.S. Government Securities
When-Issued, Delayed-Delivery and Forward Commitment Transactions
Repurchase Agreements
Reverse Repurchase Agreements (not applicable to Growth)
Options
Futures Transactions
Foreign Securities (not applicable to Evergreen, Growth or Aggressive Growth)
Foreign Currency Transactions (not applicable to Evergreen, Growth or
Aggressive Growth)
Illiquid and Restricted Securities
Investment in Other Investment Companies
Short Sales
PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF FUND SHARES
As of October 29, 1999, the officers and Trustees of the Trust owned
as a group less than 1% of the outstanding shares of any class of each Fund.
Set forth below is information with respect to each person who, to each
Fund's knowledge, owned beneficially or of record more than 5% of the
outstanding shares of any class of each Fund as of October 29, 1999.
Evergreen Class A:
None
Evergreen Class B:
None
Evergreen Class C:
None
<PAGE>
Evergreen Class Y:
First Union National Bank EB/INT 25.84%
Reinvest Account
Attn: Trust Operations Fund Group
401 S. Tryon Street, 3rd Floor CMG 1151
Charlotte, NC 28202-1911
Aggressive Growth Class A:
MLPF&S For the Sole Benefit of Its Customers 9.74%
Attn: Fund Administration #97212
4800 Deer Lake Drive E, 2nd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
Aggressive Growth Class B:
None
Aggressive Growth Class C:
MLPF&S For the Sole Benefit of Its Customers 13.73%
Attn: Fund Administration #97212
4800 Deer Lake Drive E, 2nd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
Lavedna Ellingson 7.30
Douglas Ellingson JT WROS
8510 McClintock
Tempe, AZ 85284-2527
First Clearing Corporation 6.36%
Donna F. Owen IRA
WFS As Custodian
2412 N. Quincy Street
Arlington, VA 22207-5000
Aggressive Growth Class Y:
First Union National Bank 53.08%
Trust Accounts
Attn: Ginny Batten
11th Floor CMG-1151
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28202-1915
First Union National Bank 19.36%
Trust Accounts
Attn: Ginny Batten
11th Floor CMG-1151
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28202-1915
Omega Class A:
None
Evergreen Omega Class B:
None
Omega Class C:
MLPF&S For the Sole Benefit of Its Customers 20.11%
Attn: Fund Administration #97212
4800 Deer Lake Drive E, 2nd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
Omega Class Y:
First Union National Bank 14.59%
Re-invest Account
Attn: Trust Operations Fund Group
401 S. Tryon Street, 3rd Floor
Charlotte, NC 28202-1915
<PAGE>
State Street Bank and Trust Company Cust. 7.35%
Gerald A. Baas PSRP FBO
Gerald A. Baas
3761 Pine Tree Terrace
Kalamazoo, MI 49024-1038
Small Company Class A:
Rofe & Co. 5.01%
C/O State Street Bank and Trust Company
For Sub Account
Kokusai Securities Co. LTD.
P.O. Box 5061
Boston, MA 02206-0001
Small Company Class B:
MLPF&S For the Sole Benefit of Its Customers 19.38%
Attn: Fund Administration #97212
4800 Deer Lake Drive E, 2nd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
Small Company Class C:
MLPF&S For the Sole Benefit of Its Customers 53.43%
Attn: Fund Administration #97212
4800 Deer Lake Drive E, 2nd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
Douglas M. Ellingson
1833 East Carver Street
Tempe, AZ 85284-2059
Small Company Class Y:
First Union National Bank 53.30%
Cash Account
Attn: Trust Operations Fund Group
401 S. Tryon Street, 3rd Floor
Charlotte, NC 28202-1915
Robert P. Geroch 41.21%
12325 Algonquin Road
Palos Park, IL 60464-1937
Strategic Growth Class A:
None
Strategic Growth Class B:
None
Strategic Growth Class C:
Albion Telephone Co. Inc. 5.16%
Box 98
Albion, ID 83311-0098
Strategic Growth Class Y
First Union National Bank 74.85%
Cash Account
Attn: Trust Operations Fund Group
401 S. Tryon Street, 3rd Floor
Charlotte, NC 28202-1915
First Union National Bank 14.77%
Trust Accounts
Attn: Ginny Batten
11th Floor CMG-1151
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28202-1915
Stock Selector Class A:
None
Stock Selector Class B:
MLPF&S For the Sole Benefit of Its Customers 8.99%
Attn: Fund Administration #97212
4800 Deer Lake Drive E, 2nd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
Stock Selector Class C:
First Union Securities Inc. 13.84%
FBO Gary L. Hildebrandt
111 East Kilbourn Avenue
Milwaukee, TX 76034-8689
Donaldson Lufkin Jenrette 13.32%
Securities Corporation Inc.
P.O. Box 2052
Jersey City, NJ 07303-9998
<PAGE>
Donaldson Lufkin Jenrette 12.65%
Securities Corporation Inc.
P.O. Box 2052
Jersey City, NJ 07303-9998
Donaldson Lufkin Jenrette 11.85%
Securities Corporation Inc.
P.O. Box 2052
Jersey City, NJ 07303-9998
Resources Trust Co. Cust. 11.61%
IRA FBO John G. Leckie
P.O. Box 5900
Denver, CO 80217-5900
First Clearing Corporation FBO 8.63%
Elizabeth Smith
1125 Highway A1A #602
Satellite Beach, FL 32937-2424
Resources Trust Corporation TR IRA 5.02
U/A 03/06/95
FBO William Robert Dailey Jr.
P.O. Box 5900
Denver, CO 80217-5900
Stock Selector Class Y:
First Union National Bank EB/INT 61.41%
Reinvest Account
Attn: Trust Operations Fund Group
401 S. Tryon Street, 3rd Floor CMG 1151
Charlotte, NC 28202-1911
First Union National Bank 35.54%
Cash Account
Attn: Trust Operations Fund Group
401 S. Tryon Street, 3rd Floor
Charlotte, NC 28202-1915
Tax Strategic Class A:
PaineWebber FBO 10.26%
James W. Garvey Charitable Remainder U/Ind
DTD 03/30/93 James W. Garvey TTEE
1081 S. Glendale
Wichita, KS 67218
First Clearing Corporation FBO 5.42%
Thomas K. Morton
961 Lew Blvd.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
First Clearing Corporation FBO 5.42%
William K. Morton and
Leslie H. Morton JT WROS
2 Viejo St.
St. Augustine, FL 32084
PaineWebber FBO 5.13%
Freedom Fund
C/O Builders Inc.
1081 S. Glendale
Wichita, KS 67218
Tax Strategic Class B:
MLPF&S For the Sole Benefit of Its 6.35%
Customers
Attn: Fund Admin
4800 Deer Lake Dr. E, 2nd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
Tax Strategic Class C:
MLPF&S For the Sole Benefit of Its 14.04%
Customers
Attn: Fund Admin
4800 Deer Lake Dr. E, 2nd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
NFSC FEBO 9.23%
Nancy J. Vandenput
1314 Orlando Drive
Green Bay, WI 54313
Lara Nehemiah & Associates FB 7.47%
Zelma Morrison TTEE JA Manfuso Trust
FBO Zelma Morrison
U/A DTD 01-08-1998
7705 Chatham Road
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
<PAGE>
Tax Strategic Class Y:
L. Charles Hilton Jr. 53.26%
Lela G. Hilton JT WROS
4116 North Highway 231
Panama City, FL 32404-9235
Nola Maddox Falcone 28.47%
70 Drake Road
Scarsdale, NY 10583-6447
Masters Class A:
MLPF&S For the Sole Benefit of Its 6.62%
Customers
Attn: Fund Admin
4800 Deer Lake Dr. E, 2nd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
Masters Class B:
None
Masters Class C:
MLPF&S For the Sole Benefit of Its 16.82%
Customers
Attn: Fund Admin
4800 Deer Lake Dr. E, 2nd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
Robert L. Farner Robert L. Farner 11.23
Assoc. Profit Sharing Plan U/A DTD
12/8/69
204 E. Santa Fe
Box 485
Toluca, IL 61369-0485
Masters Class Y:
First Union National Bank 85.38%
Trust Accounts
Attn: Ginny Batten
11th Floor CMG-1151
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28202-1915
Growth Class A:
None
Growth Class B:
First Clearing Corporation FBO 78.61%
Judith Druyanoff Kandel
12850 SW 4Court #205
Pembroke Pines, FL 33027
First Union Securities Inc. 11.13%
For Rachel D. Neumann
11 East Kilbourn Avenue
Milwaukee, IA 50021-5013
Growth Class C:
None
Growth Class Y:
None
Capital Growth Class A:
None
<PAGE>
Capital Growth Class B:
First Clearing Corporation FBO 12.75%
Harold Rossoff and Edith R.
Zimmerman JT WROS
220 Somerset L
West Palm Beach, FL 33417-2133
First Clearing Corporation FBO 7.31%
Benjamin Franklin Dial IRA
2009 Walhala Dr.
Richmond, VA 23236
First Clearing Corporation FBO 5.96%
Bernice Klosowski and John V.
Klosowski
42 Glenville Street
Greenwich, CT 06831
First Clearing Corporation FBO 5.10%
Bernice Klosowski IRA
42 Glenville St.
Greenwich, CT 06831
First Clearing Corporation FBO 5.10%
John V. Klosowski IRA
42 Glenville St.
Greenwich, CT 06831
Capital Growth Class C:
None
Capital Growth Class Y:
Daniel J. Ludeman 54.39%
5105 Stratford Crescent
Richmond, VA 23226-1615
EXPENSES
Advisory Fees
Each Fund has its own investment advisor. For more information, see
"Investment Advisory Agreements" in Part 2 of this SAI.
Evergreen Asset Management Corp. ("EAMC") is the investment advisor to
Evergreen . Lieber & Company acts as sub-advisor, and is reimbursed by EAMC for
the costs of providing sub-advisory services. EAMC is entitled to receive an
annual fee based on the Fund's average daily net assets, as follows:
---------------------------------- =================
Average Daily Net Assets Fee
---------------------------------- =================
---------------------------------- =================
first $750 million 1.00%
---------------------------------- =================
---------------------------------- =================
next $250 million 0.90%
---------------------------------- =================
---------------------------------- =================
Over $1 billion 0.80%
---------------------------------- =================
EAMC is also the investment advisor to Tax Strategic. EAMC is entitled
to receive from Tax Strategic an annual fee equal to 0.95% of the average daily
net assets of the Fund. Lieber & Company acts as sub-advisor to the Fund, and is
reimbursed by EAMC for the costs of providing sub-advisory services.
Evergreen Investment Management ("EIM"), formerly the Capital
Management Group of First Union National Bank, is the investment advisor to
Aggressive Growth. EIM is entitled to receive from Aggressive Growth an annual
fee equal to 0.60% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.
EIM is also the investment advisor to Masters. EIM is entitled to
receive from Masters an annual fee equal to 0.95% of the average daily net
assets of the Fund.
Evergreen Investment Management Company ("EIMC"), formerly Keystone
Investment Management Company, is the investment advisor to Omega. EIMC is
entitled to receive from Omega an annual fee based on the Fund's average daily
net assets, as follows:
<PAGE>
---------------------------------- =================
Average Daily Net Assets Fee
---------------------------------- =================
---------------------------------- =================
first $250 million 0.75%
---------------------------------- =================
---------------------------------- =================
next $250 million 0.675%
---------------------------------- =================
---------------------------------- =================
next $500 million 0.60%
---------------------------------- =================
---------------------------------- =================
over $1 billion 0.50%
---------------------------------- =================
EIMC is also the investment advisor to Small Company and Strategic
Growth. EIMC is entitled to receive from each of these Funds an annual fee based
on the Fund's average daily net assets, as follows:
---------------------------------- =================
Average Daily Net Assets Fee
---------------------------------- =================
---------------------------------- =================
first $100 million 0.70%
---------------------------------- =================
---------------------------------- =================
next $100 million 0.65%
---------------------------------- =================
---------------------------------- =================
next $100 million 0.60%
---------------------------------- =================
---------------------------------- =================
next $100 million 0.55%
---------------------------------- =================
---------------------------------- =================
next $100 million 0.50%
---------------------------------- =================
---------------------------------- =================
next $500 million 0.45%
---------------------------------- =================
---------------------------------- =================
next $500 million 0.40%
---------------------------------- =================
---------------------------------- =================
over $1.5 billion 0.35%
---------------------------------- =================
Meridian Investment Company ("MIC") is the investment advisor to Stock
Selector. MIC is entitled to receive from Stock Selector an annual fee equal to
0.74% of the average daily net assets of the Fund, MIC has agreed to limit the
expenses of the Fund until August 2000.
Mentor Investment Advisors, LLC ("Mentor Advisors") is the investment
advisor to Growth and Capital Growth. Mentor Advisors is entitled to receive
from Growth an annual fee equal to 0.70% of the average daily net assets of the
Fund and an annual fee equal to 0.80% of the average daily net assets of Capital
Growth.
<PAGE>
Advisory Fees Paid
Below are the advisory fees paid by each Fund for the last three fiscal
periods. Masters commenced operations on 1/4/99. Tax Strategic commenced
operations on 9/4/1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Fund/Fiscal Year or Period Advisory Fee Waiver
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
<S> <C> <C>
===============================================================================================================
Year or Period Ended 1999
===============================================================================================================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Evergreen (Year ended 9/30/99) $18,282,740 -0-
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Aggressive Growth (Year ended 9/30/99) $1,470,729 -0-
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Omega (Year ended 9/30/99) $3,375,183 -0-
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Small Company (Year ended 9/30/99) $4,527,512 -0-
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Strategic Growth (Year ended 9/30/99) $5,150,970 -0-
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Stock Selector (Year ended 9/30/99) $3,346,783 -0-
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Tax Strategic (Year ended 9/30/99) $137,638 $123,734
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Masters (Nine months ended 9/30/99) $1,762,332 -0-
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Growth (Year ended 9/30/99) $3,600,834 -0-
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Capital Growth (Year ended 9/30/99) $4,069,089 -0-
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
===============================================================================================================
<PAGE>
Year or Period Ended 1998
===============================================================================================================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Evergreen (Year ended 9/30/98) $17,536,054 -0-
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Aggressive Growth (Year ended 9/30/98) $1,390,081 -0-
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Omega (Year ended 9/30/98) $2,214,127 -0-
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Small Company (Year ended 9/30/98) $6,367,129 -0-
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Strategic Growth (Year ended 9/30/98) $4,870,007 -0-
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Stock Selector (Three months ended 9/30/98) $968,973 $85,492
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Stock Selector (Year ended 6/30/98) $4,270,615 -0-
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Tax Strategic (One month ended 9/30/98) $2,079 $2,079
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Growth (Year ended 9/30/98) $4,204,377 -0-
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Capital Growth (Year ended 9/30/98) $2,153,467 -0-
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
===============================================================================================================
Year or Period Ended 1997
===============================================================================================================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Evergreen (Year ended 9/30/97) $13,089,112 -0-
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Aggressive Growth (Year ended 9/30/97) $1,013,344 -0-
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Omega (Nine months ended 9/30/97) $1,480,178 -0-
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Small Company (Four months ended 9/30/97) $2, 387, 425 -0-
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Small Company (Year ended 5/31/97) $7,788,033 -0-
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Strategic Growth (Eleven months ended 9/30/97) $3,205,753 -0-
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Stock Selector (Year ended 6/30/97) $3,459,108 -0-
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Growth (Year ended 9/30/97) $3,238,498 -0-
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
Capital Growth (Year ended 9/30/97) $1,063,903 -0-
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------- ======================
===============================================================================================================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Brokerage Commissions
Below are the brokerage commissions paid by each Fund and brokerage
commissions paid by the applicable Funds to Lieber & Company ("Lieber"), or
Wheat, First Securities, Inc. ("Wheat") or Everen Securities, Inc. ("Everen"),
for the last three fiscal years or periods. For more information regarding
brokerage commissions, see "Brokerage" in Part 2 of this SAI. Masters commenced
operations on 1/4/99. Tax Strategic commenced operations on 9/4/98.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- --------------- ==============
Total Paid to Total Paid Total Paid to Total paid
Fund/Fiscal Year or Period All Brokers to Lieber Wheat to Everen
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- --------------- ==============
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
====================================================================================================================
Year or Period Ended 1999
====================================================================================================================
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ===========
Evergreen (Year ended 9/30/99) $1,518,844 $658,466 N/A N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ===========
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ===========
Aggressive Growth (Year ended 9/30/99) $348,579 N/A $4,512 N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ===========
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ===========
Omega (Year ended 9/30/99) $1,353,427 N/A $14,841 N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ===========
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ===========
Small Company (Year ended 9/30/99) $2,468,166 N/A $10,272 N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ===========
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ===========
Strategic Growth (Year ended 9/30/99) $2,423,266 N/A $19,356 N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ===========
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ===========
Stock Selector (Year ended 9/30/99) $800,984 N/A N/A N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ===========
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ===========
Tax Strategic (Year ended 9/30/99) $52,397 $45,122 N/A N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ===========
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ===========
Masters (Nine months ended 9/30/99) $83,062 $122,777 N/A $828
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ===========
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ===========
Growth (Year ended 9/30/99) $316,311 N/A $36,441 N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ===========
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ===========
Capital Growth (Year ended 9/30/99) $392,325 N/A $110,545 N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ===========
<PAGE>
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ============
Total paid
Total Paid to Total Paid Total Paid to to Everen
Fund/Fiscal Year or Period All Brokers to Lieber Wheat
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ============
=====================================================================================================================
Year or Period Ended 1998
=====================================================================================================================
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ============
Evergreen (Year ended 9/30/98) $507,457 $405,182 N/A N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ============
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ============
Aggressive Growth (Year ended 9/30/98) $127,761 N/A N/A N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ============
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ============
Omega (Year ended 9/30/98) $512,446 N/A N/A N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ============
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ============
Small Company (Year ended 9/30/98) $2,527,607 N/A N/A N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ============
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ============
Strategic Growth (Year ended 9/30/98) $162,350 N/A N/A N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ============
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ============
Stock Selector (Three months ended 9/30/98) $81,289 N/A N/A N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ============
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ============
Stock Selector (Year ended 6/30/98) $840,644 N/A N/A N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ============
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ============
Tax Strategic (One month ended 9/30/98) $5,853 $5,653 N/A N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ============
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ============
Growth (Year ended 9/30/98) $2,620,649 N/A $148,289 $20,738
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ============
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ============
Capital Growth (Year ended 9/30/98) $920,105 N/A $104,188 $63,266
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ------------------ ============
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ==============================================
Year or Period Ended 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ==============================================
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- --------------- ============
Evergreen (Year ended 9/30/97) $503,276 $416,953 N/A N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- --------------- ============
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- --------------- ============
Aggressive Growth (Year ended 9/30/97) $677,860 N/A N/A N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- --------------- ============
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- --------------- ============
Omega (Nine months ended 9/30/97) $403,294 N/A N/A N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- --------------- ============
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- --------------- ============
Small Company (Year ended 5/31/97) $1,891,397 N/A N/A N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- --------------- ============
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- --------------- ============
Strategic Growth (Eleven months ended 9/30/97) $1,144,065 N/A N/A N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- --------------- ============
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- --------------- ============
Stock Selector (Year ended 6/30/97) $1,026,435 N/A N/A N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- --------------- ============
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- --------------- ============
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- --------------- ============
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- --------------- ============
Growth (Year ended 9/30/98) $1,482,817 N/A $101,434 $2,331
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- --------------- ============
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- --------------- ============
Capital Growth (Year ended 9/30/98) $275,151 N/A $29,226 $9,793
- ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- --------------- ============
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Percentage of Brokerage Commissions Paid to Lieber, Wheat,
and Everen
The tables below show, for the fiscal year or period ended September
30, 1999, (1) the percentage of aggregate brokerage commissions paid by each
applicable Fund to Lieber, Wheat, and Everen and (2) the percentage of each
applicable Fund's aggregate dollar amount of commissionable transactions
effected through Lieber, Wheat, and Everen. For more information, see "Selection
of Brokers" under "Brokerage" in Part 2 of this SAI.
- ------------------------------ ---------------------------- ====================
Percentage of
Commissionable
Percentage of Commissions Transactions through
to Lieber & Company Lieber & Company
Fund
- ------------------------------ ---------------------------- ====================
- ------------------------------ ---------------------------- ====================
Evergreen 43.4% 1.6%
- ------------------------------ ---------------------------- ====================
- ------------------------------ ---------------------------- ====================
- ------------------------------ ---------------------------- ====================
- ------------------------------ ---------------------------- ====================
Masters
- ------------------------------ ---------------------------- ====================
- ------------------------------ ---------------------------- ====================
Tax Strategic 86.1% 11.0%
- ------------------------------ ---------------------------- ====================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Percentage of Percentage of
Percentage of Commissionable Percentage of Commissionable
Commissions to Transactions Commissions to Transactions
Fund Wheat through Wheat Everen through Everen
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
- ------------------------------ ------------------- --------------------- ===================== =====================
Aggressive Growth
- ------------------------------ ------------------- --------------------- ===================== =====================
Omega
- ------------------------------ ------------------- --------------------- ===================== =====================
Small Company
- ------------------------------ ------------------- --------------------- ===================== =====================
- ------------------------------ ------------------- --------------------- ===================== =====================
Strategic Growth
- ------------------------------ ------------------- --------------------- ===================== =====================
- ------------------------------ ------------------- --------------------- ===================== =====================
Masters
- ------------------------------ ------------------- --------------------- ===================== =====================
Growth 11.5% 0.4% N/A N/A
- ------------------------------ ------------------- --------------------- ===================== =====================
Capital Growth 28.2% 2.9% N/A N/A
- ------------------------------ ------------------- --------------------- ===================== =====================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Underwriting Commissions
Below are the underwriting commissions paid by each Fund and the
amounts retained by the principal underwriter for the last three fiscal years or
periods. For more information, see "Principal Underwriter" in Part 2 of this
SAI. Masters commenced operations on 1/4/99. Tax Strategic commenced operations
on 9/4/98.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
Total Underwriting Underwriting
Commissions Commissions
Fund/Fiscal Year or Period Retained
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
<S> <C> <C>
======================================================================================================
Year or Period Ended 1999
======================================================================================================
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
Evergreen (Year ended 9/30/99) $3,126,728 $34,013
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
Aggressive Growth (Year ended 9/30/99) $437,490 $7,010
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
Omega (Year ended 9/30/99) $10,103,331 $81,805
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
Small Company (Year ended 9/30/99) $447,699 -0-
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
Strategic Growth (Year ended 9/30/99) $554,207 $14,187
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
Stock Selector (Year ended 9/30/99) $63,918 $3,020
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
Tax Strategic (Year ended 9/30/99) $307,795 $6,430
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
Masters (Nine months ended 9/30/99) $4,354,040 -0-
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
Growth (Year ended 9/30/99) $614,858 $83,953
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
Capital Growth (Year ended 9/30/99) $404,779 $55,269
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
<PAGE>
======================================================================================================
Year or Period Ended 1998
======================================================================================================
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
Evergreen (Year ended 9/30/98) $10, 689,087 $233, 260
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
Aggressive Growth (Year ended 9/30/98) $414,138 $19,289
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
Omega (Year ended 9/30/98) $790,103 $25,765
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
Small Company (Year ended 9/30/98) $958,402 $2,569
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
Strategic Growth (Year ended 9/30/98) $883,936 $12,462
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
$110,148 $10,160
Stock Selector (Year Ended 6/30/98)
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
Stock Selector (Three months ended 9/30/98) $5,836 $324
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
Tax Strategic (One month ended 9/30/98) $477 $52
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
Growth (Year ended 9/30/98) N/A $231,016
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
Capital Growth (Year ended 9/30/98) N/A $320,153
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
======================================================================================================
Year or Period Ended 1997
======================================================================================================
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
Evergreen (Year ended 9/30/97) $1,464,361 $129,417
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
Aggressive Growth (Year ended 9/30/97) $278,145 $21,472
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
Omega (Nine months ended 9/30/97) $254,113 $19,806
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
Small Company (Four months ended 9/30/97) $878,274 $22,796
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
Small Company (Year ended 5/31/97) $17,885,604 $13,187,854
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
$646,769 $14,708
Strategic Growth (Eleven months ended 9/30/97)
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
Stock Selector (Year ended 6/30/97) $96,837 $4,819
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
N/A $116,796
Growth (Year ended 9/30/97)
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
N/A $132,159
Capital Growth (Year ended 9/30/97)
- -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ==================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
12b-1 Fees
Below are the 12b-1 fees paid by each Fund for the fiscal year or
period ended September 30, 1999. For more information, see "Distribution
Expenses Under Rule 12b-1" in Part 2 of this SAI.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------- ================================== ================================== ================================
Class A Class B Class C
Fund
================================== ================================== ================================
--------------- ------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- ==============
Distribution Service Fees Distribution Service Fees Distribution Service Fees
Fees Fees Fees
- --------------------------- --------------- ------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- ==============
- --------------------------- --------------- ------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- ==============
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Evergreen -0- $516,968 $5,171,528 $1,723,843 $103,327 $34,442
- --------------------------- --------------- ------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- ==============
- --------------------------- --------------- ------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- ==============
Aggressive Growth -0- $403,975 $364,688 $121,563 $30,977 $10,326
- --------------------------- --------------- ------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- ==============
- --------------------------- --------------- ------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- ==============
Omega -0- $592,955 $1,642,750 $547,583 $149,456 $49,819
- --------------------------- --------------- ------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- ==============
- --------------------------- --------------- ------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- ==============
Small Company -0- $1,737,875 $1,045,523 $348,507 $23,980 $7,993
- --------------------------- --------------- ------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- ==============
- --------------------------- --------------- ------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- ==============
Strategic Growth -0- $2,145,390 $895,009 $298,336 $14,778 $4,926
- --------------------------- --------------- ------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- ==============
- --------------------------- --------------- ------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- ==============
Stock Selector -0- $50,314 $8,744 $2,915 $52 -$17
- --------------------------- --------------- ------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- ==============
- --------------------------- --------------- ------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- ==============
Tax Strategic -0- $8,480 $36,807 $12,269 $8,911 $2,970
- --------------------------- --------------- ------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- ==============
- --------------------------- --------------- ------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- ==============
Masters -0- $330,910 $372,740 $124,247 $21,252 $7,084
- --------------------------- --------------- ------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- ==============
- --------------------------- --------------- ------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- ==============
Growth -0- $251,717 -0- -0- $2,854,377 $951,522
- --------------------------- --------------- ------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- ==============
- --------------------------- --------------- ------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- ==============
Capital Growth -0- $642,323 -0- -0- $1,887,791 $629,264
- --------------------------- --------------- ------------------ ---------------- ----------------- ----------------- ==============
</TABLE>
Trustee Compensation
Listed below is the Trustee compensation paid by the Trust individually
for the fiscla year ended September 30, 1999 and by the Trust and the eleven
other trusts in the Evergreen Fund Complex for the calendar year ended December
31, 1998. The Trustees do not receive pension or retirement benefits from the
Funds. For more information, see "Management of the Trust" in Part 2 of this
SAI.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
------------------------------- ------------------------------ =============================
Trustee Aggregate Compensation from Total Compensation from
Trust Trust and Fund Complex Paid
to Trustees**
------------------------------- ------------------------------ =============================
------------------------------- ------------------------------ =============================
<S> <C> <C>
Laurence B. Ashkin $5,448 $75,500
------------------------------- ------------------------------ =============================
------------------------------- ------------------------------ =============================
Charles A. Austin, III $5,458 $75,500
------------------------------- ------------------------------ =============================
------------------------------- ------------------------------ =============================
K. Dun Gifford $5,456 $73,000
------------------------------- ------------------------------ =============================
------------------------------- ------------------------------ =============================
James S. Howell $7,113 $99,500
------------------------------- ------------------------------ =============================
------------------------------- ------------------------------ =============================
Leroy Keith Jr. $5,434 $73,000
------------------------------- ------------------------------ =============================
------------------------------- ------------------------------ =============================
Gerald M. McDonnell $5,480 $75,500
------------------------------- ------------------------------ =============================
------------------------------- ------------------------------ =============================
Thomas L. McVerry $6,288 $86,500
------------------------------- ------------------------------ =============================
------------------------------- ------------------------------ =============================
William Walt Pettit $5,434 $68,000
------------------------------- ------------------------------ =============================
------------------------------- ------------------------------ =============================
David M. Richardson $5,465 $73,000
------------------------------- ------------------------------ =============================
------------------------------- ------------------------------ =============================
Russell A. Salton, III $5,669 $79,000
------------------------------- ------------------------------ =============================
------------------------------- ------------------------------ =============================
Michael S. Scofield* $7,003 $79,500
------------------------------- ------------------------------ =============================
------------------------------- ------------------------------ =============================
Richard J. Shima $5,465 $73,000
------------------------------- ------------------------------ =============================
------------------------------- ------------------------------ =============================
</TABLE>
*As of January 1, 2000, Michael S. Scofield will become Chairman of the Board
and James S. Howell will become Trustee Emeritus.
**Certain Trustees have elected to defer all or part of their total compensation
for the calendar year ended December 31, 1998. The amounts listed below will be
payable in later years to the respective Trustees:
Austin $11,325
McVerry $86,500
Howell $65,000
Salton $79,000
Petit $68,000
McDonnell $75,000
PERFORMANCE
Total Return
Below are the annual total returns for each class of shares of the
Funds (including applicable sales charges) as of September 30, 1999. The returns
for Masters are cumulative. For more information, see "Total Return" under
"Performance Calculations" in Part 2 of this SAI.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Ten Years or Since
Inception Inception Date
Fund/Class One Year Five Years Of Class of Class
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
=============================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Evergreen (1)
=============================================================================================================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class A 9.88% 15.67% 11.13% 1/3/95
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class B 9.65% 15.90% 11.33% 1/3/95
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class C 13.67% 16.08% 11.32% 1/3/95
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class Y 15.79% 17.17% 11.85% 10/15/71
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
=============================================================================================================
Aggressive Growth (2)
=============================================================================================================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class A 30.42% 17.12% 15.87% 4/15/83
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class B 31.00% 17.38% 16.10% 7/7/95
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class C 34.90% 17.54% 16.08% 8/3/95
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class Y 37.36% 18.57% 16.58% 7/11/95
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
=============================================================================================================
Omega (2)
=============================================================================================================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class A 32.95% 20.45% 16.54% 4/29/68
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class B 33.57% 20.42% 16.51% 8/2/93
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class C 37.52% 20.60% 16.52% 8/2/93
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class Y 39.99% 21.75% 17.17% 1/13/97
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
=============================================================================================================
Small Company (3)
=============================================================================================================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class A 32.99% 8.65% 12.66% 1/20/98
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class B 33.95% 8.73% 12.51% 9/11/35
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class C 37.65% 8.92% 12.30% 1/26/98
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class Y 40.01% 10.00% 13.50% 1/26/98
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
=============================================================================================================
Strategic Growth (3)
=============================================================================================================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class A 24.00% 19.12% 14.87% 1/20/98
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class B 24.15% 19.42% 14.88% 9/11/35
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class C 28.15% 19.42% 14.50% 1/22/98
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class Y 30.48% 20.60% 15.72% 6/30/99
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
=============================================================================================================
Stock Selector (2)
=============================================================================================================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class A 28.82% 20.01% 16.43% 2/28/90
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class B 29.25% 18.55% 15.80% 11/7/97
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class C 33.95% 21.13% 17.00% 6/30/99
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class Y 35.49% 21.40% 17.13% 2/21/95
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
=============================================================================================================
Tax Strategic (1)
=============================================================================================================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class A 25.44% N/A 30.75% 9/4/98
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class B 26.03% N/A 32.54% 10/14/98
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class C 30.22% N/A 36.35% 11/4/98
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class Y 32.34% N/A 37.43% 9/1/98
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
=============================================================================================================
Masters (4)
=============================================================================================================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class A N/A N/A 0.50% 12/31/98
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class B N/A N/A 0.10% 12/31/98
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class C N/A N/A 0.00% 12/31/98
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class Y N/A N/A 0.70% 12/31/98
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
<PAGE>
=============================================================================================================
Growth (5)
=============================================================================================================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class A 8.47% 12.06% 10.90% 6/5/95
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class B 8.01% 12.14% 11.07% 10/18/99
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class C 12.01% 12.40% 11.07% 4/15/85
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class Y 14.08% 12.59% 11.10% 11/19/97
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Capital Growth (6)
=============================================================================================================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class A 14.50% 20.68% 14.62% 4/29/92
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class B 15.21% 21.67% 15.36% 10/25/99
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class C 18.08% 20.89% 14.53% 4/29/92
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class Y 20.57% 21.96% 15.44% 11/19/97
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
</TABLE>
(1) Historical performance shown for Classes A, B and C prior to their inception
is based on the performance of Class Y, the original class offered. These
historical returns for Classes A, B, and C have not been adjusted to reflect the
effect of each Class' 12b-1 fees. These fees for Class A are 0.25%, for Class B
are 1.00% and for Class C are 1.00%. Class Y does not pay a 12b-1 fee. If these
fees had been reflected, returns would have been lower. Returns reflect expense
limits previously in effect, without which returns would have been lower.
(2) Historical performance shown for Classes B, C, Y prior to their inception
reflects is based on the performance of Class A, the original class offered
These historical returns for Classes B, C, and Y have not been adjusted to
reflect the effect of each Class' 12b-1 fees. These fees for Class A are 0.25%,
for Class B are 1.00%, and for Class C are 1.00% Class Y does not pay a 12b-1
fee. If these fees had been reflected, returns for these Classes B and C would
have been lower while returns for Class Y would have been higher.
(3) Historical performance shown for Classes A, C, and Y prior to their
inception is based on the performance of Class B, the original class offered.
These historical returns for Classes A and Y have been adjusted to eliminate the
higher 12b-1 fees applicable to Class B. The 12b-1 fees for Class A are 0.25%,
for Class B are 1.00% and for Class C are 1.00%. Class Y does not pay a 12b-1
fee. If these fees had not been eliminated, returns would have been lower.
(4) Performance shown for all classes are cumulative returns. Classes A, B, C
and Y have an inception date of 12/31/98. The returns reported are not
annualized returns due to the Fund's inception date.
(5) Historical performance shown for Classes A, B and Y prior to their inception
is based on the performance of Class C, the original class offered. These
historical returns of Classes A and Y have not been adjusted to reflect the
effect of each Class' 12b-1 fees. These fees for Class A are 0.25%, for Class B
are 1.00% and for Class C are 1.00%. Class Y does not pay a 12b-1 fee.
If these fees had been reflected, returns for Classes A and Y would have been
higher.
(6) Historical performance shown for Classes B and Y prior to their inception is
based on the performance of Class A, one of the original classes offered along
with Class C. These historical returns for Classes B and Y have not been
adjusted to reflect the effect of each Class' 12b-1 fees. These fees for Class A
are 0.25%, for Class B are 1.00% and for Class C are 1.00%. Class Y does not pay
a 12b-1 fee. If these fees had been reflected, returns for Class B would have
been lower while returns for Class Y would have been higher.
<PAGE>
COMPUTATION OF CLASS A OFFERING PRICE
Class A shares are sold at the NAV plus a sales charge. Below is an
example of the method of computing the offering price of Class A shares of each
Fund. The example assumes a purchase of Class A shares of each Fund aggregating
less than $50,000 based upon the NAV of each Fund's Class A shares at the end of
each Fund's latest fiscal year or period. For more information, see "Purchase,
Redemption and Pricing of Shares."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
------------------------ ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ================
Per Share Sales Offering Price
Net Asset Value Charge Per Share
Fund Date
------------------------ ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ================
------------------------ ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Evergreen 9/30/99 $24.24 4.75% $25.45
------------------------ ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ================
------------------------ ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ================
Aggressive Growth 9/30/99 $25.87 4.75% $27.16
------------------------ ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ================
------------------------ ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ================
Omega 9/30/99 $26.82 4.75% $28.16
------------------------ ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ================
------------------------ ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ================
Small Company 9/30/99 $6.47 4.75% $6.79
------------------------ ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ================
------------------------ ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ================
Strategic Growth 9/30/99 $11.03 4.75% $11.58
------------------------ ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ================
------------------------ ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ================
Stock Selector 9/30/99 $20.06 4.75% $21.06
------------------------ ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ================
------------------------ ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ================
Tax Strategic 9/30/99 $14.01 4.75% $14.71
------------------------ ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ================
------------------------ ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ================
Masters 9/30/99 $10.05 4.75% $10.55
------------------------ ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ================
------------------------ ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ================
Growth 9/30/99 $15.99 4.75% $16.79
------------------------ ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ================
------------------------ ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ================
Capital Growth 9/30/99 $24.38 4.75% $25.60
------------------------ ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ================
</TABLE>
SERVICE PROVIDERS
Administrator
Evergreen Investment Services, Inc. ("EIS") serves as administrator for
Aggressive Growth, Tax Strategic and Masters, subject to the supervision and
control of the Trust's Board of Trustees. EIS provides the Funds with
facilities, equipment and personnel and is entitled to receive a fee from the
Fund based on the total assets of all mutual funds for which EIS serves as
administrator and a First Union Corporation subsidiary serves as investment
advisor. The fee paid to EIS is calculated in accordance with the following
schedule:
<PAGE>
---------------------- =================
Assets Fee
---------------------- =================
---------------------- =================
first $7 billion 0.050%
---------------------- =================
---------------------- =================
next $3 billion 0.035%
---------------------- =================
---------------------- =================
next $5 billion 0.030%
---------------------- =================
---------------------- =================
next $10 billion 0.020%
---------------------- =================
---------------------- =================
next $5 billion 0.015%
---------------------- =================
---------------------- =================
Over $30 billion 0.010%
---------------------- =================
EIS serves as administrator for Growth and Capital Growth, subject to
the supervision and control of the Trust's Board of Trustees. EIS provides the
Funds with facilities, equipment and personnel and is entitled to receive a fee
from each Fund at the annual rate of 0.15% of the Fund's average daily net
assets.
EIS also provides facilities, equipment and personnel to Evergreen,
Omega, Small Company and Strategic Growth on behalf of the investment advisor.
Omega, Small Company and Strategic Growth reimburse EIS for providing such
services.
Transfer Agent
Evergreen Service Company ("ESC"), a subsidiary of First Union
Corporation, is the Funds' transfer agent. ESC issues and redeems shares, pays
dividends and performs other duties in connection with the maintenance of
shareholder accounts. The transfer agent's address is P.O. Box 2121, Boston,
Massachusetts 02106-2121. Each Fund pays ESC annual fees as follows:
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
Annual Fee Annual Fee
Per Open Per Closed
Account* Account**
Fund Type
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
Monthly Dividend Funds $25.50 $9.00
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
Quarterly Dividend Funds $24.50 $9.00
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
Semiannual Dividend Funds $23.50 $9.00
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
Annual Dividend Funds $23.50 $9.00
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
Money Market Funds $25.50 $9.00
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
*For shareholder accounts only. The Fund pays ESC cost plus 15% for broker
accounts.
*Closed accounts are maintained on the system in order to facilitate historical
and tax information.
Distributor
Evergreen Distributor, Inc. ( "EDI") markets the Funds through broker-
dealers and other financial representatives. Its address is 125 W. 55th Street,
New York, NY 10019.
Independent Auditors
KPMG LLP, 99 High Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, audits the
financial statements of each Fund.
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company is the Funds' custodian. The bank
keeps custody of each Fund's securities and cash and performs other related
duties. The custodian's address is 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts
02110.
Legal Counsel
Sullivan & Worcester LLP provides legal advice to the Funds. Its
address is 1025 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The audited financial statements and the reports thereon are
incorporated by reference to the Funds' Annual Report, a copy of which may be
obtained without charge from ESC, P.O. Box 2121, Boston, Massachusetts
02106-2121, or by calling ESC toll-free at 1-800-343-2898.
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN FUNDS
Statement of Additional Information ("SAI")
PART 2
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON SECURITIES
AND INVESTMENT PRACTICES
The prospectus describes the Fund's investment objective and the
securities in which it primarily invests. The following describes other
securities the Fund may purchase and investment strategies it may use. Some of
the information below will not apply to the Fund or the Class in which you are
interested. See the list under Other Securities and Practices in Part 1 of this
SAI to determine which of the sections below are applicable.
Money Market Instruments
The Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in high quality money
market instruments, such as notes, certificates of deposit, commercial paper,
banker's acceptances, bank deposits or U.S. government securities if, in the
opinion of the investment advisor, market conditions warrant a temporary
defensive investment strategy. Evergreen Equity Income Fund may also invest in
debt securities and high grade preferred stocks for defensive purposes when its
investment advisor determines a temporary defensive strategy is warranted.
U.S. Government Securities
The Fund may invest in securities issued or guaranteed by U.S.
Government agencies or instrumentalities.
These securities are backed by (1) the discretionary authority of the
U.S. Government to purchase certain obligations of agencies or instrumentalities
or (2) the credit of the agency or instrumentality issuing the obligations.
Some government agencies and instrumentalities may not receive financial
support from the U.S. Government. Examples of such agencies are:
(i) Farm Credit System, including the National Bank for
Cooperatives, Farm Credit Banks and Banks for Cooperatives;
(ii) Farmers Home Administration;
(iii) Federal Home Loan Banks;
(iv) Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation;
(v) Federal National Mortgage Association; and
(vi) Student Loan Marketing Association.
Securities Issued by the Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"). The
Fund may invest in securities issued by the GNMA, a corporation wholly-owned by
the U.S. Government. GNMA securities or "certificates" represent ownership in a
pool of underlying mortgages. The timely payment of principal and interest due
on these securities is guaranteed.
Unlike conventional bonds, the principal on GNMA certificates is not
paid at maturity but over the life of the security in scheduled monthly
payments. While mortgages pooled in a GNMA certificate may have maturities of up
to 30 years, the certificate itself will have a shorter average maturity and
less principal volatility than a comparable 30-year bond.
The market value and interest yield of GNMA certificates can vary due
not only to market fluctuations, but also to early prepayments of mortgages
within the pool. Since prepayment rates vary widely, it is impossible to
accurately predict the average maturity of a GNMA pool. In addition to the
guaranteed principal payments, GNMA certificates may also make unscheduled
principal payments resulting from prepayments on the underlying mortgages.
Although GNMA certificates may offer yields higher than those available
from other types of U.S. Government securities, they may be less effective as a
means of locking in attractive long-term rates because of the prepayment
feature. For instance, when interest rates decline, prepayments are likely to
increase as the holders of the underlying mortgages seek refinancing. As a
result, the value of a GNMA certificate is not likely to rise as much as the
value of a comparable debt security would in response to same decline. In
addition, these prepayments can cause the price of a GNMA certificate originally
purchased at a premium to decline in price compared to its par value, which may
result in a loss.
When-Issued, Delayed-Delivery and Forward Commitment Transactions
The Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery
basis and may purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment basis.
Settlement of such transactions normally occurs within a month or more after the
purchase or sale commitment is made.
The Fund may purchase securities under such conditions only with the
intention of actually acquiring them, but may enter into a separate agreement to
sell the securities before the settlement date. Since the value of securities
purchased may fluctuate prior to settlement, the Fund may be required to pay
more at settlement than the security is worth. In addition, the purchaser is not
entitled to any of the interest earned prior to settlement.
Upon making a commitment to purchase a security on a when-issued,
delayed delivery or forward commitment basis the Fund will hold liquid assets
worth at least the equivalent of the amount due. The liquid assets will be
monitored on a daily basis and adjusted as necessary to maintain the necessary
value.
Purchases made under such conditions may involve the risk that yields
secured at the time of commitment may be lower than otherwise available by the
time settlement takes place, causing an unrealized loss to the Fund. In
addition, when the Fund engages in such purchases, it relies on the other party
to consummate the sale. If the other party fails to perform its obligations, the
Fund may miss the opportunity to obtain a security at a favorable price or
yield.
<PAGE>
Repurchase Agreements
The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with entities that are
registered as U.S. Government securities dealers, including member banks of the
Federal Reserve System having at least $1 billion in assets, primary dealers in
U.S. government securities or other financial institutions believed by the
investment advisor to be creditworthy. In a repurchase agreement the Fund
obtains a security and simultaneously commits to return the security to the
seller at a set price (including principal and interest) within a period of time
usually not exceeding seven days. The resale price reflects the purchase price
plus an agreed upon market rate of interest which is unrelated to the coupon
rate or maturity of the underlying security. A repurchase agreement involves the
obligation of the seller to pay the agreed upon price, which obligation is in
effect secured by the value of the underlying security.
The Fund's custodian or a third party will take possession of the
securities subject to repurchase agreements, and these securities will be marked
to market daily. To the extent that the original seller does not repurchase the
securities from the Fund, the Fund could receive less than the repurchase price
on any sale of such securities. In the event that such a defaulting seller filed
for bankruptcy or became insolvent, disposition of such securities by the Fund
might be delayed pending court action. The Fund's investment advisor believes
that under the regular procedures normally in effect for custody of the Fund's
portfolio securities subject to repurchase agreements, a court of competent
jurisdiction would rule in favor of the Fund and allow retention or disposition
of such securities. The Fund will only enter into repurchase agreements with
banks and other recognized financial institutions, such as broker-dealers, which
are deemed by the investment advisor to be creditworthy pursuant to guidelines
established by the Board of Trustees.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements
As described herein, the Fund may also enter into reverse repurchase
agreements. These transactions are similar to borrowing cash. In a reverse
repurchase agreement, the Fund transfers possession of a portfolio instrument to
another person, such as a financial institution, broker, or dealer, in return
for a percentage of the instrument's market value in cash, and agrees that on a
stipulated date in the future the Fund will repurchase the portfolio instrument
by remitting the original consideration plus interest at an agreed upon rate.
The use of reverse repurchase agreements may enable the Fund to avoid
selling portfolio instruments at a time when a sale may be deemed to be
disadvantageous, but the ability to enter into reverse repurchase agreements
does not ensure that the Fund will be able to avoid selling portfolio
instruments at a disadvantageous time.
When effecting reverse repurchase agreements, liquid assets of the
Fund, in a dollar amount sufficient to make payment for the obligations to be
purchased, are segregated at the trade date. These securities are marked to
market daily and maintained until the transaction is settled.
Dollar Roll Transactions
The Fund may enter into dollar rolls in which the Fund sells securities
and simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar securities on a
specified future date. In the case of dollar rolls involving mortgage-related
securities, the mortgage-related securities that are purchased typically will be
of the same type and will have the same or similar interest rate and maturity as
those sold, but will be supported by different pools of mortgages. The Fund
forgoes principal and interest paid during the roll period on the securities
sold in a dollar roll, but it is compensated by the difference between the
current sales price and the price for the future purchase as well as by any
interest earned on the proceeds of the securities sold. The Fund could also be
compensated through receipt of fee income.
Dollar rolls may be viewed as a borrowing by the Fund, secured by the security
which is the subject of the agreement. In addition to the general risks involved
in leveraging, dollar rolls are subject to the same risks as repurchase and
reverse repurchase agreements.
Securities Lending
The Fund may lend portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other
financial institutions to earn additional income for the Fund. These
transactions must be fully collateralized at all times with cash or short-term
debt obligations, but involve some risk to the Fund if the other party should
default on its obligation and the Fund is delayed or prevented from exercising
its rights in respect of the collateral. Any investment of collateral by the
Fund would be made in accordance with the Fund's investment objective and
policies described in the prospectus.
Convertible Securities
The Fund may invest in convertible securities. Convertible securities
include fixed-income securities that may be exchanged or converted into a
predetermined number of shares of the issuer's underlying common stock at the
option of the holder during a specified period. Convertible securities may take
the form of convertible preferred stock, convertible bonds or debentures, units
consisting of "usable" bonds and warrants or a combination of the features of
several of these securities. The investment characteristics of each convertible
security vary widely, which allow convertible securities to be employed for a
variety of investment strategies.
The Fund will exchange or convert convertible securities into shares of
underlying common stock when, in the opinion of its investment advisor, the
investment characteristics of the underlying common shares will assist the Fund
in achieving its investment objective. The Fund may also elect to hold or trade
convertible securities. In selecting convertible securities, the investment
advisor evaluates the investment characteristics of the convertible security as
a fixed-income instrument, and the investment potential of the underlying equity
security for capital appreciation. In evaluating these matters with respect to a
particular convertible security, the investment advisor considers numerous
factors, including the economic and political outlook, the value of the security
relative to other investment alternatives, trends in the determinants of the
issuer's profits, and the issuer's management capability and practices.
Warrants
The Fund may invest in warrants. Warrants are options to purchase
common stock at a specific price (usually at a premium above the market value of
the optioned common stock at issuance) valid for a specific period of time.
Warrants may have a life ranging from less than one year to twenty years, or
they may be perpetual. However, most warrants have expiration dates after which
they are worthless. In addition, a warrant is worthless if the market price of
the common stock does not exceed the warrant's exercise price during the life of
the warrant. Warrants have no voting rights, pay no dividends, and have no
rights with respect to the assets of the corporation issuing them. The
percentage increase or decrease in the market price of the warrant may tend to
be greater than the percentage increase or decrease in the market price of the
optioned common stock.
Swaps, Caps, Floors and Collars
The Fund may enter into interest rate, currency and index swaps and the
purchase or sale of related caps, floors and collars. The Fund expects to enter
into these transactions primarily to preserve a return or spread on a particular
investment or portion of its portfolio, to protect against currency
fluctuations, as a duration management technique or to protect against any
increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later
date. The Fund would use these transactions as hedges and not as speculative
investments and would not sell interest rate caps or floors where it does not
own securities or other instruments providing the income stream the Fund may be
obligated to pay. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with
another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, e.g.,
an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments with respect to a
notional amount of principal. A currency swap is an agreement to exchange cash
flows on a notional amount of two or more currencies based on the relative value
differential among them and an index swap is an agreement to swap cash flows on
a notional amount based on changes in the values of the reference indices. The
purchase of a cap entitles the purchaser to receive payments on a notional
principal amount from the party selling such cap to the extent that a specified
index exceeds a predetermined interest rate or amount. The purchase of a floor
entitles the purchaser to receive payments on a notional principal amount from
the party selling such floor to the extent that a specified index falls below a
predetermined interest rate or amount. A collar is a combination of a cap and a
floor that preserves a certain return within a predetermined range of interest
rates or values.
The Fund will usually enter into swaps on a net basis, i.e., the two
payment streams are netted out in a cash settlement on the payment date or dates
specified in the instrument, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may
be, only the net amount of the two payments. The Fund will not enter into any
swap, cap, floor or collar transaction unless, at the time of entering into such
transaction, the unsecured long-term debt of the counterparty, combined with any
credit enhancements, is rated at least A by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services
("S&P") or Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or has an equivalent
rating from another nationally recognized securities rating organization or is
determined to be of equivalent credit quality by the Fund's investment advisor.
If there is a default by the counterparty, the Fund may have contractual
remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction.
As a result, the swap market has become relatively liquid. Caps, floors and
collars are more recent innovations for which standardized documentation has not
yet been fully developed and, accordingly, they are less liquid than swaps.
Indexed Securities
The Fund may invest in indexed securities, the values of which are
linked to currencies, interest rates, commodities, indices or other financial
indicators ("reference instruments"). Most indexed securities have maturities of
three years or less.
Indexed securities differ from other types of debt securities in which
the Fund may invest in several respects. First, the interest rate or, unlike
other debt securities, the principal amount payable at maturity of an indexed
security may vary based on changes in one or more specified reference
instruments, such as an interest rate compared with a fixed interest rate or the
currency exchange rates between two currencies (neither of which need be the
currency in which the instrument is denominated). The reference instrument need
not be related to the terms of the indexed security. For example, the principal
amount of a U.S. dollar denominated indexed security may vary based on the
exchange rate of two foreign currencies. An indexed security may be positively
or negatively indexed; that is, its value may increase or decrease if the value
of the reference instrument increases. Further, the change in the principal
amount payable or the interest rate of an indexed security may be a multiple of
the percentage change (positive or negative) in the value of the underlying
reference instrument(s).
Investment in indexed securities involves certain risks. In addition to
the credit risk of the security's issuer and the normal risks of price changes
in response to changes in interest rates, the principal amount of indexed
securities may decrease as a result of changes in the value of reference
instruments. Further, in the case of certain indexed securities in which the
interest rate is linked to a reference instrument, the interest rate may be
reduced to zero, and any further declines in the value of the security may then
reduce the principal amount payable on maturity. Finally, indexed securities may
be more volatile than the reference instruments underlying indexed securities.
To reduce the effect of currency fluctuations on the value of existing
or anticipated holdings of portfolio securities, the Fund may also engage in
proxy hedging. Proxy hedging is often used when the currency to which the Fund
is exposed is difficult to hedge or to hedge against the dollar. Proxy hedging
entails entering into a forward contract to sell a currency whose changes in
value are generally considered to be linked to a currency or currencies in which
some or all of the Fund's securities are or are expected to be denominated, and
to buy U.S. dollars. The amount of the contract would not exceed the value of
the Fund's securities denominated in linked currencies. For example, if the
Fund's investment advisor considers that the Austrian schilling is linked to the
German deutschmark (the "D-mark"), the Fund holds securities denominated in
schillings and the investment advisor believes that the value of schillings will
decline against the U.S. dollar, the investment advisor may enter into a
contract to sell D-marks and buy dollars.
Options
An option is a right to buy or sell a security for a specified price
within a limited time period. The option buyer pays the option seller (known as
the "writer") for the right to buy, which is a "call" option, or the right to
sell, which is a "put" option. Unless the option is terminated, the option
seller must then buy or sell the security at the agreed-upon price when asked to
do so by the option buyer.
The Fund may buy or sell put and call options on securities it holds or
intends to acquire, and may purchase put and call options for the purpose of
offsetting previously written put and call options of the same series. The Fund
may also buy and sell options on financial futures contracts. The Fund will use
options as a hedge against decreases or increases in the value of securities it
holds or intends to acquire.
The Fund may write only covered options. With regard to a call option,
this means that the Fund will own, for the life of the option, the securities
subject to the call option. The Fund will cover put options by holding, in a
segregated account, liquid assets having a value equal to or greater than the
price of securities subject to the put option. If the Fund is unable to effect a
closing purchase transaction with respect to the covered options it has sold, it
will not be able to sell the underlying securities or dispose of assets held in
a segregated account until the options expire or are exercised, resulting in a
potential loss of value to the Fund.
Futures Transactions
The Fund may enter into financial futures contracts and write options
on such contracts. The Fund intends to enter into such contracts and related
options for hedging purposes. The Fund will enter into futures on securities or
index-based futures contracts in order to hedge against changes in interest or
exchange rates or securities prices. A futures contract on securities is an
agreement to buy or sell securities at a specified price during a designated
month. A futures contract on a securities index does not involve the actual
delivery of securities, but merely requires the payment of a cash settlement
based on changes in the securities index. The Fund does not make payment or
deliver securities upon entering into a futures contract. Instead, it puts down
a margin deposit, which is adjusted to reflect changes in the value of the
contract and which continues until the contract is terminated.
The Fund may sell or purchase futures contracts. When a futures
contract is sold by the Fund, the value of the contract will tend to rise when
the value of the underlying securities declines and to fall when the value of
such securities increases. Thus, the Fund sells futures contracts in order to
offset a possible decline in the value of its securities. If a futures contract
is purchased by the Fund, the value of the contract will tend to rise when the
value of the underlying securities increases and to fall when the value of such
securities declines. The Fund intends to purchase futures contracts in order to
establish what is believed by the investment advisor to be a favorable price or
rate of return for securities the Fund intends to purchase.
The Fund also intends to purchase put and call options on futures
contracts for hedging purposes. A put option purchased by the Fund would give it
the right to assume a position as the seller of a futures contract. A call
option purchased by the Fund would give it the right to assume a position as the
purchaser of a futures contract. The purchase of an option on a futures contract
requires the Fund to pay a premium. In exchange for the premium, the Fund
becomes entitled to exercise the benefits, if any, provided by the futures
contract, but is not required to take any action under the contract. If the
option cannot be exercised profitably before it expires, the Fund's loss will be
limited to the amount of the premium and any transaction costs.
The Fund may enter into closing purchase and sale transactions in order
to terminate a futures contract and may sell put and call options for the
purpose of closing out its options positions. The Fund's ability to enter into
closing transactions depends on the development and maintenance of a liquid
secondary market. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will
exist for any particular contract or at any particular time. As a result, there
can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to enter into an offsetting
transaction with respect to a particular contract at a particular time. If the
Fund is not able to enter into an offsetting transaction, the Fund will continue
to be required to maintain the margin deposits on the contract and to complete
the contract according to its terms, in which case it would continue to bear
market risk on the transaction.
Although futures and options transactions are intended to enable the
Fund to manage market, interest rate or exchange rate risk, unanticipated
changes in interest rates or market prices could result in poorer performance
than if it had not entered into these transactions. Even if the investment
advisor correctly predicts interest rate movements, a hedge could be
unsuccessful if changes in the value of the Fund's futures position did not
correspond to changes in the value of its investments. This lack of correlation
between the Fund's futures and securities positions may be caused by differences
between the futures and securities markets or by differences between the
securities underlying the Fund's futures position and the securities held by or
to be purchased for the Fund. The Fund's investment advisor will attempt to
minimize these risks through careful selection and monitoring of the Fund's
futures and options positions.
The Fund does not intend to use futures transactions for speculation or
leverage. The Fund has the ability to write options on futures, but currently
intends to write such options only to close out options purchased by the Fund.
The Fund will not change these policies without supplementing the information in
the prospectus and SAI.
The Fund will not maintain open positions in futures contracts it has
sold or call options it has written on futures contracts if, in the aggregate,
the value of the open positions (marked to market) exceeds the current market
value of its securities portfolio plus or minus the unrealized gain or loss on
those open positions, adjusted for the correlation of volatility between the
hedged securities and the futures contracts. If this limitation is exceeded at
any time, the Fund will take prompt action to close out a sufficient number of
open contracts to bring its open futures and options positions within this
limitation.
"Margin" in Futures Transactions. Unlike the purchase or sale of a security, the
Fund does not pay or receive money upon the purchase or sale of a futures
contract. Rather the Fund is required to deposit an amount of "initial margin"
in cash or U.S. Treasury bills with its custodian (or the broker, if legally
permitted). The nature of initial margin in futures transactions is different
from that of margin in securities transactions in that futures contract initial
margin does not involve the borrowing of funds by the Fund to finance the
transactions. Initial margin is in the nature of a performance bond or good
faith deposit on the contract which is returned to the Fund upon termination of
the futures contract, assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied.
A futures contract held by the 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 does not represent a borrowing or loan by the Fund but is instead
settlement between the Fund and the broker of the amount one would owe the other
if the futures contract expired. In computing its daily net asset value the Fund
will mark-to-market its open futures positions. The Fund is also required to
deposit and maintain margin when it writes call options on futures contracts.
Foreign Securities
The Fund may invest in foreign securities or U.S. securities traded in
foreign markets. In addition to securities issued by foreign companies,
permissible investments may also consist of obligations of foreign branches of
U.S. banks and of foreign banks, including European certificates of deposit,
European time deposits, Canadian time deposits and Yankee certificates of
deposit. The Fund may also invest in Canadian commercial paper and Europaper.
These instruments may subject the Fund to investment risks that differ in some
respects from those related to investments in obligations of U.S. issuers. Such
risks include the possibility of adverse political and economic developments;
imposition of withholding taxes on interest or other income; seizure,
nationalization, or expropriation of foreign deposits; establishment of exchange
controls or taxation at the source; greater fluctuations in value due to changes
in exchange rates, or the adoption of other foreign governmental restrictions
which might adversely affect the payment of principal and interest on such
obligations. Such investments may also entail higher custodial fees and sales
commissions than domestic investments. Foreign issuers of securities or
obligations are often subject to accounting treatment and engage in business
practices different from those respecting domestic issuers of similar securities
or obligations. Foreign branches of U.S. banks and foreign banks may be subject
to less stringent reserve requirements than those applicable to domestic
branches of U.S. banks.
The Fund may also invest in the stocks of companies located in emerging
markets. These countries generally have economic structures that are less
diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable than those of
developed countries. Emerging markets may be more volatile than the markets of
more mature economies, and the securities of companies located in emerging
markets are often subject to rapid and large price fluctuations; however, these
markets may also provide higher long-term rates of return.
Foreign Currency Transactions
As one way of managing exchange rate risk, the Fund may enter into
forward currency exchange contracts (agreements to purchase or sell currencies
at a specified price and date). The exchange rate for the transaction (the
amount of currency the Fund will deliver and receive when the contract is
completed) is fixed when the Fund enters into the contract. The Fund usually
will enter into these contracts to stabilize the U.S. dollar value of a security
it has agreed to buy or sell. The Fund intends to use these contracts to hedge
the U.S. dollar value of a security it already owns, particularly if the Fund
expects a decrease in the value of the currency in which the foreign security is
denominated. Although the Fund will attempt to benefit from using forward
contracts, the success of its hedging strategy will depend on the investment
advisor's ability to predict accurately the future exchange rates between
foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. The value of the Fund's investments
denominated in foreign currencies will depend on the relative strengths of those
currencies and the U.S. dollar, and the Fund may be affected favorably or
unfavorably by changes in the exchange rates or exchange control regulations
between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. Changes in foreign currency
exchange rates also may affect the value of dividends and interest earned, gains
and losses realized on the sale of securities and net investment income and
gains, if any, to be distributed to shareholders by the Fund. The Fund may also
purchase and sell options related to foreign currencies in connection with
hedging strategies.
Premium Securities
The Fund may at times invest in premium securities which are securities
bearing coupon rates higher than prevailing market rates. Such "premium"
securities are typically purchased at prices greater than the principal amount
payable on maturity. Although the Fund generally amortizes the amount of any
such premium into income, the Fund may recognize a capital loss if such premium
securities are called or sold prior to maturity and the call or sale price is
less than the purchase price. Additionally, the Fund may recognize a capital
loss if it holds such securities to maturity.
High Yield, High Risk Bonds
The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in lower rated bonds. Bonds
rated below BBB by S&P or Fitch IBCA, Inc. ("Fitch") or below Baa by Moody's,
commonly known as "junk bonds," offer high yields, but also high risk. While
investment in junk bonds provides opportunities to maximize return over time,
they are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the ability of the
issuer to meet principal and interest payments. Investors should be aware of the
following risks:
(1) The lower ratings of junk bonds reflect a greater possibility that
adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer or in general economic
conditions, or both, or an unanticipated rise in interest rates may impair the
ability of the issuer to make payments of interest and principal, especially if
the issuer is highly leveraged. Such issuer's ability to meet its debt
obligations may also be adversely affected by the issuer's inability to meet
specific forecasts or the unavailability of additional financing. Also, an
economic downturn or an increase in interest rates may increase the potential
for default by the issuers of these securities.
(2) The value of junk bonds may be more susceptible to real or
perceived adverse economic or political events than is the case for higher
quality bonds.
(3) The value of junk bonds, like those of other fixed income
securities, fluctuates in response to changes in interest rates, generally
rising when interest rates decline and falling when interest rates rise. For
example, if interest rates increase after a fixed income security is purchased,
the security, if sold prior to maturity, may return less than its cost. The
prices of junk bonds, however, are generally less sensitive to interest rate
changes than the prices of higher-rated bonds, but are more sensitive to news
about an issuer or the economy which is, or investors perceive as, negative.
(4) The secondary market for junk bonds may be less liquid at certain
times than the secondary market for higher quality bonds, which may adversely
effect (a) the bond's market price, (b) the Fund's ability to sell the bond and
the Fund's ability to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing
its assets.
For bond ratings descriptions, see "Corporate and Municipal Bond
Ratings" below.
Illiquid and Restricted Securities
The Fund may not invest more than 15% (10% for money market funds) of
its net assets in securities that are illiquid. A security is illiquid when the
Fund cannot dispose of it in the ordinary course of business within seven days
at approximately the value at which the Fund has the investment on its books.
The Fund may invest in "restricted" securities, i.e., securities
subject to restrictions on resale under federal securities laws. Rule 144A under
the Securities Act of 1933 ("Rule 144A") allows certain restricted securities to
trade freely among qualified institutional investors. Since Rule 144A securities
may have limited markets, the Board of Trustees will determine whether such
securities should be considered illiquid for the purpose of determining the
Fund's compliance with the limit on illiquid securities indicated above. In
determining the liquidity of Rule 144A securities, the Trustees will consider:
(1) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (2) the number of
dealers willing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other
potential buyers; (3) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; and
(4) the nature of the security and the nature of the marketplace trades.
Investment in Other Investment Companies
The Fund may purchase the shares of other investment companies to the
extent permitted under the 1940 Act. Currently, the Fund may not (1) own more
than 3% of the outstanding voting stocks of another investment company, (2)
invest more than 5% of its assets in any single investment company, and (3)
invest more than 10% of its assets in investment companies. However, the Fund
may invest all of its investable assets in securities of a single open-end
management investment company with substantially the same fundamental investment
objectives, policies and limitations as the Fund. Investing in other investment
companies may expose a Fund to duplicate expenses and lower its value.
Short Sales
A short sale is the sale of a security the Fund has borrowed. The Fund
expects to profit from a short sale by selling the borrowed security for more
than the cost of buying it to repay the lender. After a short sale is completed,
the value of the security sold short may rise. If that happens, the cost of
buying it to repay the lender may exceed the amount originally received for the
sale by the Fund.
The Fund may engage in short sales, but it may not 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 of securities
which, without payment of any further consideration, are convertible into or
exchangeable for securities of the same issue as, and equal in amount to, the
securities sold short. The Fund may effect a short sale in connection with an
underwriting in which the Fund is a participant.
Municipal Bonds
The Fund may invest in municipal bonds of any state, territory or
possession of the United States ("U.S."), including the District of Columbia.
The Fund may also invest in municipal bonds of any political subdivision, agency
or instrumentality (e.g., counties, cities, towns, villages, districts,
authorities) of the U.S. or its possessions. Municipal bonds are debt
instruments issued by or for a state or local government to support its general
financial needs or to pay for special projects such as airports, bridges,
highways, public transit, schools, hospitals, housing and water and sewer works.
Municipal bonds may also may be issued to refinance public debt.
Municipal bonds are mainly divided between "general obligation" and
"revenue" bonds. General obligation bonds are backed by the full faith and
credit of governmental issuers with the power to tax. They are repaid from the
issuer's general revenues. Payment, however, may be dependent upon legislative
approval and may be subject to limitations on the issuer's taxing power.
Enforcement of payments due under general obligation bonds varies according to
the law applicable to the issuer. In contrast, revenue bonds are supported only
by the revenues generated by the project or facility.
The Fund may also invest in industrial development bonds. Such bonds
are usually revenue bonds issued to pay for facilities with a public purpose
operated by private corporations. The credit quality of industrial development
bonds is usually directly related to the credit standing of the owner or user of
the facilities. To qualify as a municipal bond, the interest paid on an
industrial development bond must qualify as fully exempt from federal income
tax. However, the interest paid on an industrial development bond may be subject
to the federal alternative minimum tax.
The yields on municipal bonds depend on such factors as market
conditions, the financial condition of the issuer and the issue's size, maturity
date and rating. Municipal bonds are rated by S&P, Moody's and Fitch. Such
ratings, however, are opinions, not absolute standards of quality. Municipal
bonds with the same maturity, interest rates and rating may have different
yields, while municipal bonds with the same maturity and interest rate, but
different ratings, may have the same yield. Once purchased by the Fund, a
municipal bond may cease to be rated or receive a new rating below the minimum
required for purchase by the Fund. Neither event would require the Fund to sell
the bond, but the Fund's investment advisor would consider such events in
determining whether the Fund should continue to hold it.
The ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective depends
upon the continuing ability of issuers of municipal bonds to pay interest and
principal when due. Municipal bonds are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy,
insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors. Such
laws extend the time for payment of principal and/or interest, and may otherwise
restrict the Fund's ability to enforce its rights in the event of default. Since
there is generally less information available on the financial condition of
municipal bond issuers compared to other domestic issuers of securities, the
Fund's investment advisor may lack sufficient knowledge of an issue's
weaknesses. Other influences, such as litigation, may also materially affect the
ability of an issuer to pay principal and interest when due. In addition, the
market for municipal bonds is often thin and can be temporarily affected by
large purchases and sales, including those by the Fund.
From time to time, Congress has considered restricting or eliminating
the federal income tax exemption for interest on municipal bonds. Such actions
could materially affect the availability of municipal bonds and the value of
those already owned by the Fund. If such legislation were passed, the Trust's
Board of Trustees may recommend changes in the Fund's investment objectives and
policies or dissolution of the Fund.
Virgin Islands, Guam and Puerto Rico
The Fund may invest in obligations of the governments of the Virgin
Islands, Guam and Puerto Rico to the extent such obligations are exempt from the
income or intangibles taxes, as applicable, of the state for which the Fund is
named. The Fund does not presently intend to invest more than (a) 10% of its net
assets in the obligations of each of the Virgin Islands and Guam or (b) 25% of
its net assets in the obligations of Puerto Rico. Accordingly, the Fund may be
adversely affected by local political and economic conditions and developments
within the Virgin Islands, Guam and Puerto Rico affecting the issuers of such
obligations.
Master Demand Notes
The Fund may invest in master demand notes. These are unsecured
obligations that permit the investment of fluctuating amounts by the Fund at
varying rates of interest pursuant to direct arrangements between the Fund, as
lender, and the issuer, as borrower. Master demand notes may permit daily
fluctuations in the interest rate and daily changes in the amounts borrowed. The
Fund has the right to increase the amount under the note at any time up to the
full amount provided by the note agreement, or to decrease the amount. The
borrower may repay up to the full amount of the note without penalty. Master
demand notes permit the Fund to demand payment of principal and accrued interest
at any time (on not more than seven days' notice). Notes acquired by the Fund
may have maturities of more than one year, provided that (1) the Fund is
entitled to payment of principal and accrued interest upon not more than seven
days' notice, and (2) the rate of interest on such notes is adjusted
automatically at periodic intervals, which normally will not exceed 31 days, but
may extend up to one year. The notes are deemed to have a maturity equal to the
longer of the period remaining to the next interest rate adjustment or the
demand notice period. Because these types of notes are direct lending
arrangements between the lender and borrower, such instruments are not normally
traded and there is no secondary market for these notes, although they are
redeemable and thus repayable by the borrower at face value plus accrued
interest at any time. Accordingly, the Fund's right to redeem is dependent on
the ability of the borrower to pay principal and interest on demand. In
connection with master demand note arrangements, the Fund`s investment advisor
considers, under standards established by the Board of Trustees, earning power,
cash flow and other liquidity ratios of the borrower and will monitor the
ability of the borrower to pay principal and interest on demand. These notes are
not typically rated by credit rating agencies. Unless rated, the Fund may invest
in them only if at the time of an investment the issuer meets the criteria
established for high quality commercial paper, i.e., rated A-1 by S&P, Prime-1
by Moody's or F-1 by Fitch.
Brady Bonds
The Fund may also invest in Brady Bonds. Brady Bonds are created through
the exchange of existing commercial bank loans to foreign entities for new
obligations in connection with debt restructurings under a plan introduced by
former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, Nicholas F. Brady (the "Brady Plan").
Brady Bonds have been issued only recently, and, accordingly, do not have a long
payment history. They may be collateralized or uncollateralized and issued in
various currencies (although most are U.S. dollar-denominated) and they are
actively traded in the over-the-counter secondary market.
U.S. dollar-denominated, collateralized Brady Bonds, which may be
fixed-rate par bonds or floating rate discount bonds, are generally
collateralized in full as to principal due at maturity by U.S. Treasury zero
coupon obligations that have the same maturity as the Brady Bonds. Interest
payments on these Brady Bonds generally are collateralized by cash or securities
in an amount that, in the case of fixed rate bonds, is equal to at least one
year of rolling interest payments based on the applicable interest rate at that
time and is adjusted at regular intervals thereafter. Certain Brady Bonds are
entitled to "value recovery payments" in certain circumstances, which in effect
constitute supplemental interest payments, but generally are not collateralized.
Brady Bonds are often viewed as having up to four valuation components: (1)
collateralized repayment of principal at final maturity, (2) collateralized
interest payments, (3) uncollateralized interest payments, and (4) any
uncollateralized repayment of principal at maturity (these uncollateralized
amounts constitute the "residual risk"). In the event of a default with respect
to collateralized Brady Bonds as a result of which the payment obligations of
the issuer are accelerated, the U.S. Treasury zero coupon obligations held as
collateral for the payment of principal will not be distributed to investors,
nor will such obligations be sold and the proceeds distributed. The collateral
will be held by the collateral agent to the scheduled maturity of the defaulted
Brady Bonds, which will continue to be outstanding, at which time the face
amount of the collateral will equal the principal payments that would have then
been due on the Brady Bonds in the normal course. In addition, in light of the
residual risk of Brady Bonds and, among other factors, the history of defaults
with respect to commercial bank loans by public and private entities of
countries issuing Brady Bonds, investments in Brady Bonds are to be viewed as
speculative.
Obligations of Foreign Branches of United States Banks
The Fund may invest in obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks.
These may be general obligations of the parent bank in addition to the issuing
branch, or may be limited by the terms of a specific obligation and by
government regulation. Payment of interest and principal upon these obligations
may also be affected by governmental action in the country of domicile of the
branch (generally referred to as sovereign risk). In addition, evidences of
ownership of such securities may be held outside the U.S. and the Fund may be
subject to the risks associated with the holding of such property overseas.
Examples of governmental actions would be the imposition of currency controls,
interest limitations, withholding taxes, seizure of assets or the declaration of
a moratorium. Various provisions of federal law governing domestic branches do
not apply to foreign branches of domestic banks.
Obligations of United States Branches of Foreign Banks
The Fund may invest in obligations of U.S. branches of foreign banks.
These may be general obligations of the parent bank in addition to the issuing
branch, or may be limited by the terms of a specific obligation and by federal
and state regulation as well as by governmental action in the country in which
the foreign bank has its head office. In addition, there may be less publicly
available information about a U.S. branch of a foreign bank than about a
domestic bank.
Payment-in-kind Securities
The Fund may invest in payment-in-kind ("PIK") securities. PIKs pay
interest in either cash or additional securities, at the issuer's option, for a
specified period. The issuer's option to pay in additional securities typically
ranges from one to six years, compared to an average maturity for all PIK
securities of eleven years. Call protection and sinking fund features are
comparable to those offered on traditional debt issues.
PIKs, like zero coupon bonds, are designed to give an issuer
flexibility in managing cash flow. Several PIKs are senior debt. In other cases,
where PIKs are subordinated, most senior lenders view them as equity
equivalents.
An advantage of PIKs for the issuer -- as with zero coupon securities
- -- is that interest payments are automatically compounded (reinvested) at the
stated coupon rate, which is not the case with cash-paying securities. However,
PIKs are gaining popularity over zeros since interest payments in additional
securities can be monetized and are more tangible than accretion of a discount.
As a group, PIK bonds trade flat (i.e., without accrued interest).
Their price is expected to reflect an amount representing accredit interest
since the last payment. PIKs generally trade at higher yields than comparable
cash-paying securities of the same issuer. Their premium yield is the result of
the lesser desirability of non-cash interest, the more limited audience for
non-cash paying securities, and the fact that many PIKs have been issued to
equity investors who do not normally own or hold such securities.
Calculating the true yield on a PIK security requires a discounted cash
flow analysis if the security (ex interest) is trading at a premium or a
discount because the realizable value of additional payments is equal to the
current market value of the underlying security, not par.
Regardless of whether PIK securities are senior or deeply subordinated,
issuers are highly motivated to retire them because they are usually their most
costly form of capital.
Zero Coupon "Stripped" Bonds
The Fund may invest in zero coupon "stripped" bonds. These represent
ownership in serially maturing interest payments or principal payments on
specific underlying notes and bonds, including coupons relating to such notes
and bonds. The interest and principal payments are direct obligations of the
issuer. Interest zero coupon bonds of any series mature periodically from the
date of issue of such series through the maturity date of the securities related
to such series. Principal zero coupon bonds mature on the date specified
therein, which is the final maturity date of the related securities. Each zero
coupon bond entitles the holder to receive a single payment at maturity. There
are no periodic interest payments on a zero coupon bond. Zero coupon bonds are
offered at discounts from their face amounts.
In general, owners of zero coupon bonds have substantially all the
rights and privileges of owners of the underlying coupon obligations or
principal obligations. Owners of zero coupon bonds have the right upon default
on the underlying coupon obligations or principal obligations to proceed
directly and individually against the issuer and are not required to act in
concert with other holders of zero coupon bonds.
For federal income tax purposes, a purchaser of principal zero coupon
bonds or interest zero coupon bonds (either initially or in the secondary
market) is treated as if the buyer had purchased a corporate obligation issued
on the purchase date with an original issue discount equal to the excess of the
amount payable at maturity over the purchase price. The purchaser is required to
take into income each year as ordinary income an allocable portion of such
discounts determined on a "constant yield" method. Any such income increases the
holder's tax basis for the zero coupon bond, and any gain or loss on a sale of
the zero coupon bonds relative to the holder's basis, as so adjusted, is a
capital gain or loss. If the holder owns both principal zero coupon bonds and
interest zero coupon bonds representing an interest in the same underlying issue
of securities, a special basis allocation rule (requiring the aggregate basis to
be allocated among the items sold and retained based on their relative fair
market value at the time of sale) may apply to determine the gain or loss on a
sale of any such zero coupon bonds.
Mortgage-Backed or Asset-Backed Securities
The Fund may invest in mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed
securities. Two principal types of mortgage-backed securities are collateralized
mortgage obligations ("CMOs") and real estate mortgage investment conduits
("REMICs"). CMOs are securities collateralized by mortgages, mortgage
pass-throughs, mortgage pay-through bonds (bonds representing an interest in a
pool of mortgages where the cash flow generated from the mortgage collateral
pool is dedicated to bond repayment), and mortgage-backed bonds (general
obligations of the issuers payable out of the issuers' general funds and
additionally secured by a first lien on a pool of single family detached
properties). Many CMOs are issued with a number of classes or series which have
different maturities and are retired in sequence.
Investors purchasing CMOs in the shortest maturities receive or are
credited with their pro rata portion of the scheduled payments of interest and
principal on the underlying mortgages plus all unscheduled prepayments of
principal up to a predetermined portion of the total CMO obligation. Until that
portion of such CMO obligation is repaid, investors in the longer maturities
receive interest only. Accordingly, the CMOs in the longer maturity series are
less likely than other mortgage pass-throughs to be prepaid prior to their
stated maturity. Although some of the mortgages underlying CMOs may be supported
by various types of insurance, and some CMOs may be backed by GNMA certificates
or other mortgage pass-throughs issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies
or instrumentalities, the CMOs themselves are not generally guaranteed.
REMICs, which were authorized under the Tax Reform Act of 1986, are
private entities formed for the purpose of holding a fixed pool of mortgages
secured by an interest in real property. REMICs are similar to CMOs in that they
issue multiple classes of securities.
In addition to mortgage-backed securities, the Fund may invest in
securities secured by other assets including company receivables, truck and auto
loans, leases, and credit card receivables. These issues may be traded
over-the-counter and typically have a short-intermediate maturity structure
depending on the pay down characteristics of the underlying financial assets
which are passed through to the security holder.
Credit card receivables are generally unsecured and the debtors are
entitled to the protection of a number of state and federal consumer credit
laws, many of which give such debtors the right to set off certain amounts owed
on the credit cards, thereby reducing the balance due. Most issuers of
asset-backed securities backed by automobile receivables permit the servicers of
such receivables to retain possession of the underlying obligations. If the
servicers were to sell these obligations to another party, there is a risk that
the purchaser would acquire an interest superior to that of the holders of the
related asset-backed securities. In addition, because of the large number of
vehicles involved in a typical issuance and technical requirements under state
laws, the trustee for the holders of related asset-backed securities backed by
automobile receivables may not have a proper security interest in all of the
obligations backing such receivables. Therefore, there is the possibility that
recoveries on repossessed collateral may not, in some cases, be available to
support payments on these securities.
In general, issues of asset-backed securities are structured to include
additional collateral and/or additional credit support to protect against the
risk that a portion of the collateral supporting the asset-backed securities may
default and/or may suffer from these defects. In evaluating the strength of
particular issues of asset-backed securities, the investment advisor considers
the financial strength of the guarantor or other provider of credit support, the
type and extent of credit enhancement provided as well as the documentation and
structure of the issue itself and the credit support.
Variable or Floating Rate Instruments
The Fund may invest in variable or floating rate instruments which may
involve a demand feature and may include variable amount master demand notes
which may or may not be backed by bank letters of credit. Variable or floating
rate instruments bear interest at a rate which varies with changes in market
rates. The holder of an instrument with a demand feature may tender the
instrument back to the issuer at par prior to maturity. A variable amount master
demand note is issued pursuant to a written agreement between the issuer and the
holder, its amount may be increased by the holder or decreased by the holder or
issuer, it is payable on demand, and the rate of interest varies based upon an
agreed formula. The quality of the underlying credit must, in the opinion of the
investment advisor, be equivalent to the long-term bond or commercial paper
ratings applicable to permitted investments for the Fund. The investment advisor
will monitor, on an ongoing basis, the earning power, cash flow, and liquidity
ratios of the issuers of such instruments and will similarly monitor the ability
of an issuer of a demand instrument to pay principal and interest on demand.
Real Estate Investment Trusts
The Fund may invest in investments related to real estate including
real estate investment trusts ("REITs"). Risks associated with investments in
securities of companies in the real estate industry include: decline in the
value of real estate; risks related to general and local economic conditions,
overbuilding and increased competition; increases in property taxes and
operating expenses; changes in zoning laws; casualty or condemnation losses;
variations in rental income; changes in neighborhood values; the appeal of
properties to tenants; and increases in interest rates. In addition, equity
REITs may be affected by changes in the values of the underlying property owned
by the trusts, while mortgage real estate investment trusts may be affected by
the quality of credit extended. REITs are dependent upon management skills, may
not be diversified and are subject to the risks of financing projects. Such
REITs are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers,
self liquidation and the possibility of failing to qualify for tax-free
pass-through of income under the Code and to maintain exemption from the 1940
Act. In the event an issuer of debt securities collateralized by real estate
defaults, it is conceivable that the REITs could end up holding the underlying
real estate.
Limited Partnerships
The Fund may invest in limited and master limited partnerships. A
limited partnership is a partnership consisting of one or more general partners,
jointly and severally responsible as ordinary partners, and by whom the business
is conducted, and one or more limited partners who contribute cash as capital to
the partnership and who generally are not liable for the debts of the
partnership beyond the amounts contributed. Limited partners are not involved in
the day-to-day management of the partnership. They receive income, capital gains
and other tax benefits associated with the partnership project in accordance
with terms established in the partnership agreement. Typical limited
partnerships are in real estate, oil and gas and equipment leasing, but they
also finance movies, research and development, and other projects.
For an organization classified as a partnership under the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), each item of income, gain, loss,
deduction, and credit is not taxed at the partnership level but flows through to
the holder of the partnership unit. This allows the partnership to avoid double
taxation and to pass through income to the holder of the partnership unit at
lower individual rates.
A master limited partnership is a publicly traded limited partnership.
The partnership units are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC") and are freely exchanged on a securities exchange or in the
over-the-counter market.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
You may buy shares of the Fund through Evergreen Distributor, Inc.
("EDI"), broker-dealers that have entered into special agreements with EDI or
certain other financial institutions. With certain exceptions, the Fund may
offer up to four different classes of shares that differ primarily with respect
to sales charges and distribution fees. Depending upon the class of shares, you
will pay an initial sales charge when you buy the Fund's shares, a contingent
deferred sales charge (a "CDSC") when you redeem the Fund's shares or no sales
charges at all. Each Fund offers different classes of shares. Refer to the
prospectus to determine which classes of shares are offered by each Fund.
Class A Shares
With certain exceptions, when you purchase Class A shares you will pay
a maximum sales charge of 4.75%. The prospectus contains a complete table of
applicable sales charges and a discussion of sales charge reductions or waivers
that may apply to purchases. If you purchase Class A shares in the amount of $1
million or more, without an initial sales charge, the Fund will charge a CDSC of
1.00% if you redeem during the month of your purchase or the 12-month period
following the month of your purchase (see "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge"
below).
No front-end sales charges are imposed on Class A shares purchased by
(a) institutional investors, which may include bank trust departments and
registered investment advisors; (b) investment advisors, consultants or
financial planners who place trades for their own accounts or the accounts of
their clients and who charge such clients a management, consulting, advisory or
other fee; (c) clients of investment advisors or financial planners who place
trades for their own accounts if the accounts are linked to the master account
of such investment advisors or financial planners on the books of the
broker-dealer through whom shares are purchased; (d) institutional clients of
broker-dealers, including retirement and deferred compensation plans and the
trusts used to fund these plans, which place trades through an omnibus account
maintained with the Fund by the broker-dealer; (e) shareholders of record on
October 12, 1990 in any series of Evergreen Investment Trust in existence on
that date, and the members of their immediate families; (f) current and retired
employees of First Union National Bank ("FUNB") and its affiliates, EDI and any
broker-dealer with whom EDI has entered into an agreement to sell shares of the
Fund, and members of the immediate families of such employees; and (g) upon the
initial purchase of an Evergreen Fund by investors reinvesting the proceeds from
a redemption within the preceding 30 days of shares of other mutual funds,
provided such shares were initially purchased with a front-end sales charge or
subject to a CDSC.
Class B Shares
The Fund offers Class B shares at net asset value without an initial
sales charge. With certain exceptions, however, the Fund will charge a CDSC on
shares you redeem within 72 months after the month of your purchase, in
accordance with the following schedule:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
REDEMPTION TIME CDSC RATE
<S> <C>
Month of purchase and the first 12-month
period following the month of purchase........................................... 5.00%
Second 12-month period following the month of purchase........................... 4.00%
Third 12-month period following the month of purchase............................ 3.00%
Fourth 12-month period following the month of purchase........................... 3.00%
Fifth 12-month period following the month of purchase............................ 2.00%
Sixth 12-month period following the month of purchase............................ 1.00%
Thereafter....................................................................... 0.00%
</TABLE>
Class B shares that have been outstanding for seven years after the
month of purchase will automatically convert to Class A shares without
imposition of a front-end sales charge or exchange fee. Conversion of Class B
shares represented by stock certificates will require the return of the stock
certificate to ESC.
Class C Shares
Class C shares are available only through broker-dealers who have
entered into special distribution agreements with EDI. The Fund offers Class C
shares at net asset value without an initial sales charge. With certain
exceptions, however, the Fund will charge a CDSC of 1.00% on shares you redeem
within 12-months after the month of your purchase. See "Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge" below.
Class Y Shares
No CDSC is imposed on the redemption of Class Y shares. Class Y shares
are not offered to the general public and are available only to (1) persons who
at or prior to December 31, 1994 owned shares in a mutual fund advised by (2)
certain institutional investors and (3) investment advisory clients of an
investment advisor of an Evergreen Fund or the advisor's affiliates. Class Y
shares are offered at net asset value without a front-end or back-end sales
charge and do not bear any Rule 12b-1 distribution expenses.
INSTITUTIONAL SHARES, INSTITUTIONAL SERVICE SHARES
Each institutional class of shares is sold without a front-end sales
charge or contingent deferred sales charge. Institutional Service shares pay an
ongoing service fee. The minimum initial investment in any institutional class
of shares is $1 million, which may be waived in certain circumstances. There is
no minimum amount required for subsequent purchases.
<PAGE>
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
The Fund charges a CDSC as reimbursement for certain expenses, such as
commissions or shareholder servicing fees, that it has incurred in connection
with the sale of its shares (see "Distribution Expenses Under Rule 12b-1,"
below). Institutional and Institutional Service shares do not charge a CDSC. If
imposed, the Fund deducts the CDSC from the redemption proceeds you would
otherwise receive. The CDSC is a percentage of the lesser of (1) the net asset
value of the shares at the time of redemption or (2) the shareholder's original
net cost for such shares. Upon request for redemption, to keep the CDSC a
shareholder must pay as low as possible, the Fund will first seek to redeem
shares not subject to the CDSC and/or shares held the longest, in that order.
The CDSC on any redemption is, to the extent permitted by the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., paid to EDI or its predecessor.
SALES CHARGE WAIVERS AND REDUCTIONS
The following information is not applicable to Institutional and
Institutional Service shares.
If you making a large purchase, there are several ways you can combine
multiple purchases of Class A shares in Evergreen Funds and take advantage of
lower sales charges. These are described below.
Combined Purchases
You can reduce your sales charge by combining purchases of Class A
shares of multiple Evergreen Funds. For example, if you invested $75,000 in each
of two different Evergreen Funds, you would pay a sales charge based on a
$150,000 purchase (i.e., 3.75% of the offering price, rather than 4.75%).
Rights of Accumulation
You can reduce your sales charge by adding the value of Class A shares
of Evergreen Funds you already own to the amount of your next Class A
investment. For example, if you hold Class A shares valued at $99,999 and
purchase an additional $5,000, the sales charge for the $5,000 purchase would be
at the next lower sales charge of 3.75%, rather than 4.75%.
Your account, and therefore your rights of accumulation, can be linked
to immediate family members which includes father and mother, brothers and
sisters, and sons and daughters. The same rule applies with respect to
individual retirement plans. Please note, however, that retirement plans
involving employees stand alone and do not pass on rights of accumulation.
Letter of Intent
You can, by completing the "Letter of Intent" section of the
application, purchase Class A shares over a 13-month period and receive the same
sales charge as if you had invested all the money at once. All purchases of
Class A shares of an Evergreen Fund during the period will qualify as Letter of
Intent purchases.
<PAGE>
Waiver of Initial Sales Charges
The Fund may sell its shares at net asset value without an initial
sales charge to:
1. purchasers of shares in the amount of $1 million or more;
2. a corporate or certain other qualified retirement plan or a
non-qualified deferred compensation plan or a Title 1
tax-sheltered annuity or TSA plan sponsored by an organization
having 100 or more eligible employees (a "Qualifying Plan") or
a TSA plan sponsored by a public educational entity having
5,000 or more eligible employees (an "Educational TSA Plan");
3. institutional investors, which may include bank trust
departments and registered investment advisors;
4. investment advisors, consultants or financial planners who
place trades for their own accounts or the accounts of their
clients and who charge such clients a management, consulting,
advisory or other fee;
5. clients of investment advisors or financial planners who place
trades for their own accounts if the accounts are linked to a
master account of such investment advisors or financial
planners on the books of the broker-dealer through whom shares
are purchased;
6. institutional clients of broker-dealers, including retirement
and deferred compensation plans and the trusts used to fund
these plans, which place trades through an omnibus account
maintained with the Fund by the broker-dealer;
7. employees of FUNB, its affiliates, EDI, any broker-dealer with
whom EDI, has entered into an agreement to sell shares of the
Fund, and members of the immediate families of such employees;
8. certain Directors, Trustees, officers and employees of the
Evergreen Funds, EDI or their affiliates and to the immediate
families of such persons; or
9. a bank or trust company acting as trustee for a single account
in the name of such bank or trust company if the initial
investment in any of the Evergreen Funds made pursuant to this
waiver is at least $500,000 and any commission paid at the
time of such purchase is not more than 1% of the amount
invested.
With respect to items 8 and 9 above, the Fund will only sell shares to
these parties upon the purchasers written assurance that the purchase is for
their personal investment purposes only. Such purchasers may not resell the
securities except through redemption by the Fund. The Fund will not charge any
CDSC on redemptions by such purchasers.
<PAGE>
Waiver of CDSCs
The Fund does not impose a CDSC when the shares you are redeeming
represent:
1. an increase in the share value above the net cost of such
shares;
2. certain shares for which the Fund did not pay a commission on
issuance, including shares acquired through reinvestment of
dividend income and capital gains distributions;
3. shares that are in the accounts of a shareholder who has died
or become disabled;
4. a lump-sum distribution from a 401(k) plan or other benefit
plan qualified under the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act of 1974 ("ERISA");
5. an automatic withdrawal from the ERISA plan of a shareholder
who is a least 59 years old;
6. shares in an account that we have closed because the account
has an aggregate net asset value of less than $1,000;
7. an automatic withdrawal under an Systematic Income Plan of up
to 1.0% per month of your initial account balance;
8. a withdrawal consisting of loan proceeds to a retirement plan
participant;
9. a financial hardship withdrawal made by a retirement plan
participant;
10. a withdrawal consisting of returns of excess contributions or
excess deferral amounts made to a retirement plan; or
11. a redemption by an individual participant in a Qualifying Plan
that purchased Class C shares (this waiver is not available in
the event a Qualifying Plan, as a whole, redeems substantially
all of its assets).
Exchanges
Investors may exchange shares of the Fund for shares of the same class
of any other Evergreen Fund which offers the same class of shares. Shares of any
class of the Evergreen Select Funds may be exchanged for the same class of
shares of any other Evergreen Select Fund. See "By Exchange" under "How to Buy
Shares" in the prospectus. Before you make an exchange, you should read the
prospectus of the Evergreen Fund into which you want to exchange. The Trust's
Board of Trustees reserves the right to discontinue, alter or limit the exchange
privilege at any time.
Automatic Reinvestment
As described in the prospectus, a shareholder may elect to receive
dividends and capital gains distributions in cash instead of shares. However,
ESC will automatically reinvest all dividends and distributions in additional
shares when it learns that the postal or other delivery service is unable to
deliver checks or transaction confirmations to the shareholder's address of
record. When a check is returned, the Fund will hold the check amount in a
no-interest account in the shareholder's name until the shareholder updates his
or her address or automatic reinvestment begins. Uncashed or returned redemption
checks will also be handled in the manner described above.
PRICING OF SHARES
Calculation of Net Asset Value
The Fund calculates its net asset value ("NAV") once daily (or twice
daily, for Money Market Funds) on Monday through Friday, as described in the
prospectus. The Fund will not compute its NAV on the days the New York Stock
Exchange is closed: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents'
Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day
and Christmas Day.
The NAV of the Fund is calculated by dividing the value of the Fund's
net assets attributable to that class by all of the shares issued for that
class.
Valuation of Portfolio Securities
Current values for the Fund's portfolio securities are determined as
follows:
(1) Securities that are traded on an established securities exchange or
the over-the-counter National Market System ("NMS") are valued on the
basis of the last sales price on the exchange where primarily traded or
on the NMS prior to the time of the valuation, provided that a sale has
occurred.
(2) Securities traded on an established securities exchange or in the
over-the-counter market for which there has been no sale and other
securities traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at the mean
of the bid and asked prices at the time of valuation.
(3) Short-term investments maturing in more than 60 days, for which
market quotations are readily available, are valued at current market
value.
(4) Short-term investments maturing in sixty days or less are valued at
amortized cost, which approximates market.
(5) Securities, including restricted securities, for which market
quotations are not readily available; listed securities or those on NMS
if, in the investment advisor's opinion, the last sales price does not
reflect an accurate current market value; and other assets are valued
at prices deemed in good faith to be fair under procedures established
by the Board of Trustees.
(6) Municipal bonds are valued by an independent pricing service at
fair value using a variety of factors which may include yield,
liquidity, interest rate risk, credit quality, coupon, maturity and
type of issue.
Foreign securities are generally valued on the basis of valuations provided by a
pricing service, approved by the Fund's Board of Trustees, which uses
information with respect to transactions in such securities, quotations from
broker-dealers, market transactions in comparable securities, and various
relationships between securities and yield to maturity in determining value.
PERFORMANCE CALCULATIONS
Total Return
Total return quotations for a class of shares of the Fund as they may
appear from time to time in advertisements are calculated by finding the average
annual compounded rates of return over one, five and ten year periods, or the
time periods for which such class of shares has been effective, whichever is
relevant, on a hypothetical $1,000 investment that would equate the initial
amount invested in the class to the ending redeemable value. To the initial
investment all dividends and distributions are added, and all recurring fees
charged to all shareholder accounts are deducted. The ending redeemable value
assumes a complete redemption at the end of the relevant periods.
The following is the formula used to calculate average annual total
return:
P(1 + T)n = ERV
P = initial payment of $1,000
T = average annual total return
N = number of years
ERV = ending redeemable value of the initial $1,000
Yield
Described below are yield calculations the Fund may use. Yield
quotations are expressed in annualized terms and may be quoted on a compounded
basis. Yields based on these calculations do not represent the Fund's yield for
any future period.
30-Day Yield
If the Fund invests primarily in bonds, it may quote its 30-day yield
in advertisements or in reports or other communications to shareholders. It is
calculated by dividing the net investment income per share earned during the
period by the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period,
according to the following formula:
a-b
Yield = 2[(----- +1)6 - 1]
cd
Where:
a = Dividends and interest earned during the period
b = Expenses accrued for the period (net of reimbursements)
c = The average daily number of shares outstanding during the period
that were entitled to receive dividends
d = The maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period
7-Day Current and Effective Yield
If the Fund invests primarily in money market instruments, it may quote
its 7-day current yield or effective yield in advertisements or in reports or
other communications to shareholders.
The current yield is calculated by determining the net change,
excluding capital changes and income other than investment income, in the value
of a hypothetical, pre-existing account having a balance of one share at the
beginning of the 7-day base period, subtracting a hypothetical charge reflecting
deductions from shareholder accounts, and dividing the difference by the value
of the account at the beginning of the base period to obtain the base period
return, and then multiplying the base period return by (365/7).
The effective yield is based on a compounding of the current yield,
according to the following formula:
Tax Equivalent Yield
If the Fund invests primarily in municipal bonds, it may quote in
advertisements or in reports or other communications to shareholders a tax
equivalent yield, which is what an investor would generally need to earn from a
fully taxable investment in order to realize, after income taxes, a benefit
equal to the tax free yield provided by the Fund. Tax equivalent yield is
calculated using the following formula:
Yield
Tax Equivalent Yield = ---------------------
1 - Income Tax Rate
The quotient is then added to that portion, if any, of the
Fund's yield that is not tax exempt. Depending on the Fund's objective, the
income tax rate used in the formula above may be federal or a combination of
federal and state.
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
EDI is the principal underwriter for the Trust and with respect to each
class of shares of the Fund. The Trust has entered into a Principal Underwriting
Agreement ("Underwriting Agreement") with EDI with respect to each class of the
Fund. EDI is a subsidiary of The BISYS Group, Inc.
EDI, as agent, has agreed to use its best efforts to find purchasers
for the shares. EDI may retain and employ representatives to promote
distribution of the shares and may obtain orders from broker-dealers, and
others, acting as principals, for sales of shares to them. The Underwriting
Agreement provides that EDI will bear the expense of preparing, printing, and
distributing advertising and sales literature and prospectuses used by it.
All subscriptions and sales of shares by EDI are at the public offering
price of the shares, which is determined in accordance with the provisions of
the Trust's Declaration of Trust, By-Laws, current prospectuses and SAI. All
orders are subject to acceptance by the Fund and the Fund reserves the right, in
its sole discretion, to reject any order received. Under the Underwriting
Agreement, the Fund is not liable to anyone for failure to accept any order.
EDI has agreed that it will, in all respects, duly conform with all
state and federal laws applicable to the sale of the shares. EDI has also agreed
that it will indemnify and hold harmless the Trust and each person who has been,
is, or may be a Trustee or officer of the Trust against expenses reasonably
incurred by any of them in connection with any claim, action, suit, or
proceeding to which any of them may be a party that arises out of or is alleged
to arise out of any misrepresentation or omission to state a material fact on
the part of EDI or any other person for whose acts EDI is responsible or is
alleged to be responsible, unless such misrepresentation or omission was made in
reliance upon written information furnished by the Trust.
The Underwriting Agreement provides that it will remain in effect as
long as its terms and continuance are approved annually (i) by a vote of a
majority of the Trust's Trustees who are not interested persons of the Fund, as
defined in the 1940 Act (the "Independent Trustees"), and (ii) by vote of a
majority of the Trust's Trustees, in each case, cast in person at a meeting
called for that purpose.
The Underwriting Agreement may be terminated, without penalty, on 60
days' written notice by the Board of Trustees or by a vote of a majority of
outstanding shares subject to such agreement. The Underwriting Agreement will
terminate automatically upon its "assignment," as that term is defined in the
1940 Act.
From time to time, if, in EDI's judgment, it could benefit the sales of
shares, EDI may provide to selected broker-dealers promotional materials and
selling aids, including, but not limited to, personal computers, related
software, and data files.
DISTRIBUTION EXPENSES UNDER RULE 12b-1
The Fund bears some of the costs of selling its Class A, Class B, Class
C and Institutional Service shares, as applicable, including certain
advertising, marketing and shareholder service expenses, pursuant to Rule 12b-1
of the 1940 Act. These 12b-1 fees are indirectly paid by the shareholder, as
shown by the Fund's expense table in the prospectus.
Under the Distribution Plans (each a "Plan," together, the "Plans")
that the Fund has adopted for its Class A, Class B, Class C and Institutional
Service shares, as applicable, the Fund may incur expenses for 12b-1 fees up to
a maximum annual percentage of the average daily net assets attributable to a
class, as follows:
------------------------------- ---------------
Class A 0.75%*
------------------------------- ---------------
------------------------------- ---------------
Class B 1.00%
------------------------------- ---------------
------------------------------- ---------------
Class C 1.00%
------------------------------- ---------------
------------------------------- ---------------
Institutional Service 0.75%*
------------------------------- ---------------
* Currently limited to 0.25% or less to be used exclusively as
a shareholder service fee. See the expense table in the
prospectus of the Fund in which you are interested.
Of the amounts above, each class may pay under its Plan a maximum
service fee of 0.25% to compensate organizations, which may include the Fund's
investment advisor or its affiliates, for personal services provided to
shareholders and the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Fund may not,
during any fiscal period, pay distribution or service fees greater than the
amounts above.
Amounts paid under the Plans are used to compensate EDI pursuant to
Distribution Agreements (each an "Agreement," together, the "Agreements") that
the Fund has entered into with respect to its Class A, Class B, Class C and
Institutional Service shares, as applicable. The compensation is based on a
maximum annual percentage of the average daily net assets attributable to a
class, as follows:
----------------------------- -------------
Class A 0.25%*
----------------------------- -------------
----------------------------- -------------
Class B 1.00%
----------------------------- -------------
----------------------------- -------------
Class C 1.00%
----------------------------- -------------
----------------------------- -------------
Institutional Service 0.25%*
----------------------------- -------------
*May be lower. See the expense table in the prospectus of the
Fund in which you are interested.
The Agreements provide that EDI will use the distribution fees received
from the Fund for the following purposes:
(1) to compensate broker-dealers or other persons for distributing
Fund shares;
(2) to compensate broker-dealers, depository institutions and
other financial intermediaries for providing administrative,
accounting and other services with respect to the Fund's
shareholders; and
(3) to otherwise promote the sale of Fund shares.
The Agreements also provide that EDI may use distribution fees to make
interest and principal payments in respect of amounts that have been financed to
pay broker-dealers or other persons for distributing Fund shares. EDI may assign
its rights to receive compensation under the Plans to secure such financings.
FUNB or its affiliates may finance payments made by EDI to compensate
broker-dealers or other persons for distributing shares of the Fund.
In the event the Fund acquires the assets of another mutual fund,
compensation paid to EDI under the Agreements may be paid by the Fund's
Distributor to the acquired fund's distributor or its predecessor.
Since EDI's compensation under the Agreements is not directly tied to
the expenses incurred by EDI, the compensation received by it under the
Agreements during any fiscal year may be more or less than its actual expenses
and may result in a profit to EDI. Distribution expenses incurred by EDI in one
fiscal year that exceed the compensation paid to EDI for that year may be paid
from distribution fees received from the Fund in subsequent fiscal years.
Distribution fees are accrued daily and paid at least annually on Class
B and Class C shares and are charged as class expenses, as accrued. The
distribution fees attributable to the Class B and Class C shares are designed to
permit an investor to purchase such shares through broker-dealers without the
assessment of a front-end sales charge, while at the same time permitting EDI to
compensate broker-dealers in connection with the sale of such shares.
Service fees are accrued daily and paid at least annually on Class A,
Class B, Class C, and Institutional Service shares and are charged as class
expenses, as accrued.
Under the Plans, the Treasurer of the Trust reports the amounts
expended under the Plans and the purposes for which such expenditures were made
to the Trustees of the Trust for their review on a quarterly basis. Also, each
Plan provides that the selection and nomination of the Independent Trustees are
committed to the discretion of such Independent Trustees then in office.
The investment advisor may from time to time from its own funds or such
other resources as may be permitted by rules of the SEC make payments for
distribution services to EDI; the latter may in turn pay part or all of such
compensation to brokers or other persons for their distribution assistance.
Each Plan and the Agreement will continue in effect for successive
12-month periods provided, however, that such continuance is specifically
approved at least annually by the Trustees of the Trust or by vote of the
holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of that class and, in
either case, by a majority of the Independent Trustees of the Trust.
The Plans permit the payment of fees to brokers and others for
distribution and shareholder-related administrative services and to
broker-dealers, depository institutions, financial intermediaries and
administrators for administrative services as to Class A, Class B, Class C and
Institutional Service shares. The Plans are designed to (i) stimulate brokers to
provide distribution and administrative support services to the Fund and holders
of Class A, Class B, Class C and Institutional Service shares and (ii) stimulate
administrators to render administrative support services to the Fund and holders
of Class A, Class B, Class C and Institutional Service shares. The
administrative services are provided by a representative who has knowledge of
the shareholder's particular circumstances and goals, and include, but are not
limited to providing office space, equipment, telephone facilities, and various
personnel including clerical, supervisory, and computer, as necessary or
beneficial to establish and maintain shareholder accounts and records;
processing purchase and redemption transactions and automatic investments of
client account cash balances; answering routine client inquiries regarding Class
A, Class B, Class C and Institutional Service shares; assisting clients in
changing dividend options, account designations, and addresses; and providing
such other services as the Fund reasonably requests for its Class A, Class B,
Class C and Institutional Service shares.
In the event that the Plan or Distribution Agreement is terminated or
not continued with respect to one or more classes of the Fund, (i) no
distribution fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be
owed by the Fund to EDI with respect to that class or classes, and (ii) the Fund
would not be obligated to pay EDI for any amounts expended under the
Distribution Agreement not previously recovered by the EDI from distribution
services fees in respect of shares of such class or classes through deferred
sales charges.
All material amendments to any Plan or Agreement must be approved by a
vote of the Trustees of the Trust or the holders of the Fund's outstanding
voting securities, voting separately by class, and in either case, by a majority
of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose
of voting on such approval; and any Plan or Distribution Agreement may not be
amended in order to increase materially the costs that a particular class of
shares of the Fund may bear pursuant to the Plan or Distribution Agreement
without the approval of a majority of the holders of the outstanding voting
shares of the class affected. Any Plan or Distribution Agreement may be
terminated (i) by the Fund without penalty at any time by a majority vote of the
holders of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, voting separately by
class or by a majority vote of the Independent Trustees, or (ii) by EDI. To
terminate any Distribution Agreement, any party must give the other parties 60
days' written notice; to terminate a Plan only, the Fund need give no notice to
EDI. Any Distribution Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its
assignment. For more information about 12b-1 fees, see "Expenses" in the
prospectus and "12b-1 Fees" under "Expenses" in Part 1 of this SAI.
TAX INFORMATION
Requirements for Qualifications as a Regulated Investment Company
The Fund intends to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable
to regulated investment companies ("RIC") under Subchapter M of the Code, as
amended. (Such qualification does not involve supervision of management or
investment practices or policies by the Internal Revenue Service.) In order to
qualify as a RIC, the Fund must, among other things, (i) derive at least 90% of
its gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to proceeds
from securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of securities or
foreign currencies and other income (including gains from options, futures or
forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such
securities; and (ii) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter
of its taxable year, (a) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund's total
assets is represented by cash, U.S. government securities and other securities
limited in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the
Fund's total assets and 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer,
and (b) not more than 25% of the value of its total assets is invested in the
securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities and
securities of other regulated investment companies). By so qualifying, the Fund
is not subject to federal income tax if it timely distributes its investment
company taxable income and any net realized capital gains. A 4% nondeductible
excise tax will be imposed on the Fund to the extent it does not meet certain
distribution requirements by the end of each calendar year. The Fund anticipates
meeting such distribution requirements.
Taxes on Distributions
Unless the Fund is a municipal bond fund, distributions will be taxable
to shareholders whether made in shares or in cash. Shareholders electing to
receive distributions in the form of additional shares will have a cost basis
for federal income tax purposes in each share so received equal to the net asset
value of a share of the Fund on the reinvestment date.
To calculate ordinary income for federal income tax purposes,
shareholders must generally include dividends paid by the Fund from its
investment company taxable income (net taxable investment income plus net
realized short-term capital gains, if any). The Fund will include dividends it
receives from domestic corporations when the Fund calculates its gross
investment income. Unless the Fund is a municipal bond fund or U.S. Treasury or
U.S. Government money market fund, it anticipates that all or a portion of the
ordinary dividends which it pays will qualify for the 70% dividends-received
deduction for corporations. The Fund will inform shareholders of the amounts
that so qualify. If the Fund is a municipal bond fund or U.S. Treasury or U.S.
Government money market fund, none of its income will consist of corporate
dividends; therefore, none of its distributions will qualify for the 70%
dividends-received deduction for corporations.
From time to time, the Fund will distribute the excess of its net
long-term capital gains over its short-term capital loss to shareholders (i.e.,
capital gain dividends). For federal tax purposes, shareholders must include
such capital gain dividends when calculating their net long-term capital gains.
Capital gain dividends are taxable as net long-term capital gains to a
shareholder, no matter how long the shareholder has held the shares.
Distributions by the Fund reduce its NAV. A distribution that reduces
the Fund's NAV below a shareholder's cost basis is taxable as described above,
although from an investment standpoint, it is a return of capital. In
particular, if a shareholder buys Fund shares just before the Fund makes a
distribution, when the Fund makes the distribution the shareholder will receive
what is in effect a return of capital. Nevertheless, the shareholder may incur
taxes on the distribution. Therefore, shareholders should carefully consider the
tax consequences of buying Fund shares just before a distribution.
All distributions, whether received in shares or cash, must be reported
by each shareholder on his or her federal income tax return. Each shareholder
should consult a tax advisor to determine the state and local tax implications
of Fund distributions.
If more than 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets at the end of
a fiscal year is represented by securities of foreign corporations and the Fund
elects to make foreign tax credits available to its shareholders, a shareholder
will be required to include in his gross income both cash dividends and the
amount the Fund advises him is his pro rata portion of income taxes withheld by
foreign governments from interest and dividends paid on the Fund's investments.
The shareholder may be entitled, however, to take the amount of such foreign
taxes withheld as a credit against his U.S. income tax, or to treat the foreign
tax withheld as an itemized deduction from his gross income, if that should be
to his advantage. In substance, this policy enables the shareholder to benefit
from the same foreign tax credit or deduction that he would have received if he
had been the individual owner of foreign securities and had paid foreign income
tax on the income therefrom. As in the case of individuals receiving income
directly from foreign sources, the credit or deduction is subject to a number of
limitations.
Special Tax Information for Shareholders of Municipal Bond Funds
The Fund expects that substantially all of its dividends will be
"exempt interest dividends," which should be treated as excludable from federal
gross income. In order to pay exempt interest dividends, at least 50% of the
value of the Fund's assets must consist of federally tax-exempt obligations at
the close of each quarter. An exempt interest dividend is any dividend or part
thereof (other than a capital gain dividend) paid by the Fund with respect to
its net federally excludable municipal obligation interest and designated as an
exempt interest dividend in a written notice mailed to each shareholder not
later than 60 days after the close of its taxable year. The percentage of the
total dividends paid by the Fund with respect to any taxable year that qualifies
as exempt interest dividends will be the same for all shareholders of the Fund
receiving dividends with respect to such year. If a shareholder receives an
exempt interest dividend with respect to any share and such share has been held
for six months or less, any loss on the sale or exchange of such share will be
disallowed to the extent of the exempt interest dividend amount.
Any shareholder of the Fund who may be a "substantial user" (as defined
by the Code, as amended.) of a facility financed with an issue of tax-exempt
obligations or a "related person" to such a user should consult his tax advisor
concerning his qualification to receive exempt interest dividends should the
Fund hold obligations financing such facility.
Under regulations to be promulgated, to the extent attributable to
interest paid on certain private activity bonds, the Fund's exempt interest
dividends, while otherwise tax-exempt, will be treated as a tax preference item
for alternative minimum tax purposes. Corporate shareholders should also be
aware that the receipt of exempt interest dividends could subject them to
alternative minimum tax under the provisions of Section 56(g) of the Code
(relating to "adjusted current earnings").
Interest on indebtedness incurred or continued by shareholders to
purchase or carry shares of the Fund will not be deductible for federal income
tax purposes to the extent of the portion of the interest expense relating to
exempt interest dividends. Such portion is determined by multiplying the total
amount of interest paid or accrued on the indebtedness by a fraction, the
numerator of which is the exempt interest dividends received by a shareholder in
his taxable year and the denominator of which is the sum of the exempt interest
dividends and the taxable distributions out of the Fund's investment income and
long-term capital gains received by the shareholder.
Taxes on The Sale or Exchange of Fund Shares
Upon a sale or exchange of Fund shares, a shareholder will realize a
taxable gain or loss depending on his or her basis in the shares. A shareholder
must treat such gains or losses as a capital gain or loss if the shareholder
held the shares as capital assets. Capital gain on assets held for more than 12
months is generally subject to a maximum federal income tax rate of 20% for an
individual. Generally, the Code will not allow a shareholder to realize a loss
on shares he or she has sold or exchanged and replaced within a 61-day period
beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after he or she sold or exchanged
the shares. The Code will not allow a shareholder to realize a loss on the sale
of Fund shares held by the shareholder for six months or less to the extent the
shareholder received exempt interest dividends on such shares. Moreover, the
Code will treat a shareholder's loss on shares held for six months or less as a
long-term capital loss to the extent the shareholder received distributions of
net capital gains on such shares.
Shareholders who fail to furnish their taxpayer identification numbers
to the Fund and to certify as to its correctness and certain other shareholders
may be subject to a 31% federal income tax backup withholding requirement on
dividends, distributions of capital gains and redemption proceeds paid to them
by the Fund. If the withholding provisions are applicable, any such dividends or
capital gain distributions to these shareholders, whether taken in cash or
reinvested in additional shares, and any redemption proceeds will be reduced by
the amounts required to be withheld. Investors may wish to consult their own tax
advisors about the applicability of the backup withholding provisions.
Other Tax Considerations
The foregoing discussion relates solely to U.S. federal income tax law
as applicable to U.S. persons (i.e., U.S. citizens and residents and U.S.
domestic corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates). It does not reflect
the special tax consequences to certain taxpayers (e.g., banks, insurance
companies, tax exempt organizations and foreign persons). Shareholders are
encouraged to consult their own tax advisors regarding specific questions
relating to federal, state and local tax consequences of investing in shares of
the Fund.
Each shareholder who is not a U.S. person should consult his or her
tax advisor regarding the U.S. and foreign tax consequences of ownership of
shares of the Fund, including the possibility that such a shareholder may be
subject to a U.S. withholding tax at a rate of 30% (or at a lower rate under
a tax treaty) on amounts treated as income from U.S. sources under the Code.
<PAGE>
BROKERAGE
Brokerage Commissions
If the Fund invests in equity securities, it expects to buy and sell
them through brokerage transactions for which commissions are payable. Purchases
from underwriters will include the underwriting commission or concession, and
purchases from dealers serving as market makers will include a dealer's mark-up
or reflect a dealer's mark-down. Where transactions are made in the
over-the-counter market, the Fund will deal with primary market makers unless
more favorable prices are otherwise obtainable.
If the Fund invests in fixed income securities, it expects to buy and
sell them directly from the issuer or an underwriter or market maker for the
securities. Generally, the Fund will not pay brokerage commissions for such
purchases. When the Fund buys a security from an underwriter, the purchase price
will usually include an underwriting commission or concession. The purchase
price for securities bought from dealers serving as market makers will similarly
include the dealer's mark up or reflect a dealer's mark down. When the Fund
executes transactions in the over-the-counter market, it will deal with primary
market makers unless more favorable prices are otherwise obtainable.
Selection of Brokers
When buying and selling portfolio securities, the advisor seeks brokers
who can provide the most benefit to the Fund. When selecting a broker, the
investment advisor will primarily look for the best price at the lowest
commission, but in the context of the broker's:
1. ability to provide the best net financial result to the Fund;
2. efficiency in handling trades;
3. ability to trade large blocks of securities;
4. readiness to handle difficult trades;
5. financial strength and stability; and
6. provision of "research services," defined as (a) reports and
analyses concerning issuers, industries, securities and
economic factors and (b) other information useful in making
investment decisions.
The Fund may pay higher brokerage commissions to a broker providing it
with research services, as defined in item 6, above. Pursuant to Section 28(e)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this practice is permitted if the
commission is reasonable in relation to the brokerage and research services
provided. Research services provided by a broker to the investment advisor do
not replace, but supplement, the services the investment advisor is required to
deliver to the Fund. It is impracticable for the investment advisor to allocate
the cost, value and specific application of such research services among its
clients because research services intended for one client may indirectly benefit
another.
When selecting a broker for portfolio trades, the investment advisor
may also consider the amount of Fund shares a broker has sold, subject to the
other requirements described above.
If the Fund is advised by Evergreen Asset Management Company ("EAMC"),
Lieber & Company, an affiliate of EAMC and a member of the New York and American
Stock Exchanges, will, to the extent practicable, effect substantially all of
the portfolio transactions effected on those exchanges for the Fund.
Simultaneous Transactions
The investment advisor makes investment decisions for the Fund
independently of decisions made for its other clients. When a security is
suitable for the investment objective of more than one client, it may be prudent
for the investment advisor to engage in a simultaneous transaction, that is, buy
or sell the same security for more than one client. The investment advisor
strives for an equitable result in such transactions by using an allocation
formula. The high volume involved in some simultaneous transactions can result
in greater value to the Fund, but the ideal price or trading volume may not
always be achieved for the Fund.
ORGANIZATION
The foregoing is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Trust's
Declaration of Trust.
Description of Shares
The Declaration of Trust authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number
of shares of beneficial interest of series and classes of shares. Each share of
the Fund represents an equal proportionate interest with each other share of
that series and/or class. Upon liquidation, shares are entitled to a pro rata
share of the Trust based on the relative net assets of each series and/or class.
Shareholders have no preemptive or conversion rights. Shares are redeemable and
transferable.
Voting Rights
Under the terms of the Declaration of Trust, the Trust is not required
to hold annual meetings. At meetings called for the initial election of Trustees
or to consider other matters, each share is entitled to one vote for each dollar
of "NAV"applicable to such share. Shares generally vote together as one class on
all matters. Classes of shares of the Fund have equal voting rights. No
amendment may be made to the Declaration of Trust that adversely affects any
class of shares without the approval of a majority of the votes applicable to
the shares of that class. Shares have non-cumulative voting rights, which means
that the holders of more than 50% of the votes applicable to shares voting for
the election of Trustees can elect 100% of the Trustees to be elected at a
meeting and, in such event, the holders of the remaining shares voting will not
be able to elect any Trustees.
After the initial meeting as described above, no further meetings of
shareholders for the purpose of electing Trustees will be held, unless required
by law (for such reasons as electing or removing Trustees, changing fundamental
policies, and approving advisory agreements or 12b-1 plans), unless and until
such time as less than a majority of the Trustees holding office have been
elected by shareholders, at which time, the Trustees then in office will call a
shareholders' meeting for the election of Trustees.
Limitation of Trustees' Liability
The Declaration of Trust provides that a Trustee 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 his duties involved in the conduct of his office.
Banking Laws
The Glass-Steagall Act and other banking laws and regulations presently
prohibit member banks of the Federal Reserve System ("Member Banks") or their
non-bank affiliates from sponsoring, organizing, controlling, or distributing
the shares of registered, open-end investment companies such as the Trust. Such
laws and regulations also prohibit banks from issuing, underwriting or
distributing securities in general. However, under the Glass-Steagall Act and
such other laws and regulations, a Member Bank or an affiliate thereof may act
as investment advisor, transfer agent or custodian to a registered open-end
investment company and may also act as agent in connection with the purchase of
shares of such an investment company upon the order of its customer. FUNB and
its affiliates are subject to, and in compliance with, the aforementioned laws
and regulations.
Changes to applicable laws and regulations or future judicial or
administrative decisions could result in FUNB and its affiliates being prevented
from continuing to perform the services required under the investment advisory
contract or from acting as agent in connection with the purchase of shares of
the Fund by its customers. If FUNB and its affiliates were prevented from
continuing to provide for services called for under the investment advisory
agreement, it is expected that the Trustees would identify, and call upon the
Fund's shareholders to approve a new investment advisor. If this were to occur,
it is not anticipated that the shareholders of the Fund would suffer any adverse
financial consequences.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
On behalf of the Fund, the Trust has entered into an investment
advisory agreement with the Fund's investment advisor (the "Advisory
Agreement"). Under the Advisory Agreement, and subject to the supervision of the
Trust's Board of Trustees, the investment advisor furnishes to the Fund (unless
the Fund is Evergreen Masters Fund) investment advisory, management and
administrative services, office facilities, and equipment in connection with its
services for managing the investment and reinvestment of the Fund's assets. The
investment advisor pays for all of the expenses incurred in connection with the
provision of its services.
If the Fund is Evergreen Masters Fund, the Advisory Agreement is
similar to the above except that the investment advisor selects sub-advisors
(hereinafter referred to as "Managers") for the Fund and monitors each Manager's
investment program and results. The investment advisor has primary
responsibility under the multi-manager strategy to oversee the Managers,
including making recommendations to the Trust regarding the hiring, termination
and replacement of Managers.
The Fund pays for all charges and expenses, other than those
specifically referred to as being borne by the investment advisor, including,
but not limited to, (1) custodian charges and expenses; (2) bookkeeping and
auditors' charges and expenses; (3) transfer agent charges and expenses; (4)
fees and expenses of Independent Trustees; (5) brokerage commissions, brokers'
fees and expenses; (6) issue and transfer taxes; (7) applicable costs and
expenses under the Distribution Plan (as described above) (8) taxes and trust
fees payable to governmental agencies; (9) the cost of share certificates; (10)
fees and expenses of the registration and qualification of the Fund and its
shares with the SEC or under state or other securities laws; (11) expenses of
preparing, printing and mailing prospectuses, SAIs, notices, reports and proxy
materials to shareholders of the Fund; (12) expenses of shareholders' and
Trustees' meetings; (13) charges and expenses of legal counsel for the Fund and
for the Independent Trustees on matters relating to the Fund; (14) charges and
expenses of filing annual and other reports with the SEC and other authorities;
and (15) all extraordinary charges and expenses of the Fund. For information on
advisory fees paid by the Fund, see "Expenses" in Part 1 of this SAI.
The Advisory Agreement continues in effect for two years from its
effective date and, thereafter, from year to year only if approved at least
annually by the Board of Trustees of the Trust or by a vote of a majority of the
Fund's outstanding shares. In either case, the terms of the Advisory Agreement
and continuance thereof must be approved by the vote of a majority of the
Independent Trustees cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting on such approval. The Advisory Agreement may be terminated, without
penalty, on 60 days' written notice by the Trust's Board of Trustees or by a
vote of a majority of outstanding shares. The Advisory Agreement will terminate
automatically upon its "assignment" as that term is defined in the 1940 Act.
Managers (Evergreen Masters Fund only)
Evergreen Masters Fund's investment program is based upon the
investment advisor's multi-manager concept. The investment advisor allocates the
Fund's portfolio assets on an equal basis among a number of investment
management organizations - currently four in number - each of which employs a
different investment style, and periodically rebalances the Fund's portfolio
among the Managers so as to maintain an approximate equal allocation of the
portfolio among them throughout all market cycles. Each Manager provides these
services under a Portfolio Management Agreement. Each Manager has discretion,
subject to oversight by the Trustees and the investment advisor, to purchase and
sell portfolio assets consistent with the Fund's investment objectives, policies
and restrictions and specific investment strategies developed by the investment
advisor. The Fund's current Managers are EAMC, MFS Institutional Advisors, Inc.,
OppenheimerFunds, Inc. and Putnam Investment Management, Inc.
The Trust and FUNB have received an order from the SEC that permits the
investment advisor to employ a "manager of managers" strategy in connection with
its management of the Fund. The exemptive order permits the investment advisor,
subject to certain conditions, and without shareholder approval, to: (a) select
new Managers who are unaffiliated with the investment advisor with the approval
of the Trust's Board of Trustees; (b) change the material terms of the Portfolio
Management Agreements with the Managers; and (c) continue the employment of a
Manager after an event which would otherwise cause the automatic termination of
a Portfolio Management Agreement. Shareholders would be notified of any Manager
changes. Shareholders have the right to terminate arrangements with a Manager by
vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. The order also permits
the Fund to disclose the Managers' fees only in the aggregate.
Transactions Among Advisory Affiliates
The Trust has adopted procedures pursuant to Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act
("Rule 17a-7 Procedures"). The Rule 17a-7 Procedures permit the Fund to buy or
sell securities from another investment company for which a subsidiary of First
Union Corporation is an investment advisor. The Rule 17a-7 Procedures also allow
the Fund to buy or sell securities from other advisory clients for whom a
subsidiary of First Union Corporation is an investment advisor. The Fund may
engage in such transaction if it is equitable to each participant and consistent
with each participant's investment objective.
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST
The Trust is supervised by a Board of Trustees that is responsible for
representing the interest of the shareholders. The Trustees meet periodically
throughout the year to oversee the Fund's activities, reviewing, among other
things, the Fund's performance and its contractual arrangements with various
service providers. Each Trustee is paid a fee for his or her services.
See "Expenses-Trustee Compensation" in Part 1 of this SAI.
The Trust has an Executive Committee which consists of the Chairman of
the Board, James Howell, the Vice Chairman of the Board, Michael Scofield, and
Russell Salton, each of whom is an Independent Trustee. Commencing January 1,
2000, the Trust's Executive Committee will consist of the Chairman of the Board,
Michael Scofield, K. Dunn Gifford and Russell Salton. The Executive Committee
recommends Trustees to fill vacancies, prepares the agenda for Board Meetings
and acts on routine matters between scheduled Board meetings.
Set forth below are the Trustees and officers of the Trust and their
principal occupations and affiliations over the last five years. Unless
otherwise indicated, the address for each Trustee and officer is 200 Berkeley
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116. Each Trustee is also a Trustee of each of
the other Trusts in the Evergreen Fund complex.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Position with Trust Principal Occupations for Last Five Years
<S> <C> <C>
Laurence B. Ashkin Trustee Real estate developer and construction consultant; and
(DOB: 2/2/28) President of Centrum Equities (real estate development) and
Centrum Properties, Inc.(real estate development).
Charles A. Austin III Trustee Investment Counselor to Appleton Partners, Inc.(investment
(DOB: 10/23/34) advice); former Director, Executive Vice President and
Treasurer, State Street Research & Management Company
(investment advice); Director, The Andover Companies
(insurance); and Trustee, Arthritis Foundation of New
England.
K. Dun Gifford Trustee Trustee, Treasurer and Chairman of the Finance Committee,
(DOB: 10/12/38) Cambridge College; Chairman Emeritus and Director, American
Institute of Food and Wine; Chairman and President, Oldways
Preservation and Exchange Trust (education); former Chairman
of the Board, Director, and Executive Vice President,
The London Harness Company (leather goods purveyor);
former Managing Partner, Roscommon Capital Corp.;
former Chief Executive Officer, Gifford Gifts of Fine
Foods; former Chairman, Gifford, Drescher & Associates
(environmental consulting).
James S. Howell* Chairman of the Board Former Chairman of the Distribution Committee, Foundation
(DOB: 8/13/24) of Trustees for the Carolinas; and former Vice President of Lance Inc.
(food manufacturing).
Leroy Keith, Jr. Trustee Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Carson
(DOB: 2/14/39) Products Company (manufacturing); Director of Phoenix Total
Return Fund and Equifax, Inc. (worldwide information
management); Trustee of Phoenix Series Fund, Phoenix
Multi-Portfolio Fund, and The Phoenix Big Edge Series Fund;
and former President, Morehouse College.
Gerald M. McDonnell Trustee Sales and Marketing Management with Nucor-Yamoto, Inc.
(DOB: 7/14/39) (steel producer).
Thomas L. McVerry Trustee Former Vice President and Director of Rexham Corporation
(DOB: 8/2/39) (manufacturing); and Director of Carolina Cooperative
Credit Union.
William Walt Pettit Trustee Partner in the law firm of William Walt Pettit, P.A.
(DOB: 8/26/55)
David M. Richardson Trustee Vice Chair and former Executive Vice President, DHR
(DOB: 9/14/41) International, Inc. (executive recruitment); former Senior
Vice President, Boyden International Inc. (executive
recruitment); and Director, Commerce and Industry
Association of New Jersey, 411 International, Inc.
(communications), and J&M Cumming Paper Co.
Russell A. Salton, III MD Trustee Medical Director, U.S. Health Care/Aetna Health Services;
(DOB: 6/2/47) former Managed Health Care Consultant; and former
President, Primary Physician Care.
Michael S. Scofield* Vice Chairman of the Attorney, Law Offices of Michael S. Scofield.
(DOB: 2/20/43) Board of Trustees
Richard J. Shima Trustee Independent Consultant; former Chairman, Environmental
(DOB: 8/11/39) Warranty, Inc. (insurance agency); former Executive
Consultant, Drake Beam Morin, Inc. (executive
outplacement); Director of CTG Resources, Inc. (natural
gas), Hartford Hospital, Old State House Association, and
Enhance Financial Services, Inc.; former Director Middlesex
Mutual Assurance Company; former Chairman, Board of
Trustees, Hartford Graduate Center; Trustee, Greater
Hartford YMCA.
Anthony J. Fischer** President and Treasurer Vice President/Client Services, BISYS Fund Services.
(DOB:2/10/59)
Nimish S. Bhatt*** Vice President and Vice President, Tax, BISYS Fund Services; former Assistant
(DOB: 6/6/63) Assistant Treasurer Vice President, EAMC/First Union National Bank; former
Senior Tax Consulting/Acting Manager, Investment Companies
Group, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, New York.
Bryan Haft*** Vice President Team Leader, Fund Administration, BISYS Fund Services.
(DOB: 1/23/65)
Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, First
Michael H. Koonce Secretary Union Corporation; former Senior Vice President and General
(DOB: 4/20/60) Counsel, Colonial Management Associates, Inc.
</TABLE>
* As of January 1, 2000, Michael S. Scofield will become Chairman of the
Board and James S. Howell will become Trustee Emeritis.
** Address: BISYS Fund Services, 90 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10016
*** Address: BISYS, 3435 Stelzer Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219-8001
CORPORATE AND MUNICIPAL BOND RATINGS
The Fund relies on ratings provided by independent rating services to
help determine the credit quality of bonds and other obligations the Fund
intends to purchase or already owns. A rating is an opinion of an issuer's
ability to pay interest and/or principal when due. Ratings reflect an issuer's
overall financial strength and whether it can meet its financial commitments
under various economic conditions.
If a security held by the Fund loses its rating or has its rating
reduced after the Fund has purchased it, the Fund is not required to sell or
otherwise dispose of the security, but may consider doing so.
The principal rating services, commonly used by the Fund and investors
generally, are S&P and Moody's. The Fund may also rely on ratings provided by
Fitch. Rating systems are similar among the different services. As an example,
the chart below compares basic ratings for long-term bonds. The "Credit Quality"
terms in the chart are for quick reference only. Following the chart are the
specific definitions each service provides for its ratings.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMPARISON OF LONG-TERM BOND RATINGS
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
MOODY'S S&P FITCH Credit Quality
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
Aaa AAA AAA Excellent Quality (lowest risk)
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
Aa AA AA Almost Excellent Quality (very low risk)
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
A A A Good Quality (low risk)
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
Baa BBB BBB Satisfactory Quality (some risk)
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
Ba BB BB Questionable Quality (definite risk)
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
B B B Low Quality (high risk)
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
Caa/Ca/C CCC/CC/C CCC/CC/C In or Near Default
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
D DDD/DD/D In Default
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
</TABLE>
CORPORATE BONDS
LONG-TERM RATINGS
Moody's Corporate Long-Term 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 risk appear somewhat larger than the Aaa securities.
A Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are
to be considered as upper-medium-grade obligations. Factors giving security to
principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present
which suggest a susceptibility to impairment 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.
Caa Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or
interest.
Ca Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a
high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.
C Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues so
rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any
real investment standing.
Note: Moody's applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2 and 3 in each generic rating
classification from Aa to Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the company ranks
in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a
mid-range raking and the modifier 3 indicates that the company ranks in the
lower end of its generic rating category.
S&P Corporate Long-Term Bond Ratings
AAA An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. The
obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is
extremely strong.
AA An obligation rated AA differs from the highest-rated obligations only in
small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation is very strong.
A An obligation rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in
higher-rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation is still strong.
BBB An obligation rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters. However,
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to
a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation.
BB, B, CCC, CC and C: As described below, obligations rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and
C are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. BB indicates
the least degree of speculation and C the highest. While such obligations will
likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed
by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.
BB An obligation rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other
speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to
adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, which could lead to the
obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation.
B An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated
BB, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment
on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will
likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet it financial
commitment on the obligation.
CCC An obligation rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is
dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the
obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of
adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely
to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
CC An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.
C The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has
been filed or similar action has been taken, but payments on this obligation are
being continued.
D The D rating, unlike other ratings, is not prospective; rather, it is used
only where a default has actually occurred--and not where a default is only
expected. S&P changes ratings to D either:
o On the day an interest and/or principal payment is due and is not paid.
An exception is made if there is a grace period and S&P believes that a
payment will be made, in which case the rating can be maintained; or
o Upon voluntary bankruptcy filing or similar action. An exception is
made if S&P expects that debt service payments will continue to be made
on a specific issue. In the absence of a payment default or bankruptcy
filing, a technical default (i.e., covenant violation) is not
sufficient for assigning a D rating.
Plus (+) or minus (-) The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition
of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating
categories.
Fitch Corporate Long-Term Bond Ratings
Investment Grade
AAA Highest credit quality. AAA ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit
risk. They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for timely
payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be
adversely affected by foreseeable events.
AA Very high credit quality. AA ratings denote a very low expectation of credit
risk. They indicate very strong capacity for timely payment of financial
commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable
events.
A High credit quality. A ratings denote a lower expectation of credit risk. The
capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This
capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in
economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.
BBB Good credit quality. BBB ratings indicate that there is currently a low
expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial
commitments is considered adequate, but adverse changes in circumstances and in
economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. This is the lowest
investment-grade category.
<PAGE>
Speculative Grade
BB Speculative. BB ratings indicate that there is a possibility of credit risk
developing, particularly as the result of adverse economic change over time;
however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial
commitments to be met.
Securities rated in this category are not investment grade.
B Highly speculative. B ratings indicate that significant credit risk is
present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are
currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is contingent upon
a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.
CCC, CC, C High default risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for
meeting financial commitment is solely reliant upon sustained, favorable
business or economic developments. A CC rating indicates that default of some
kind appears probable. C ratings signal imminent default.
DDD, DD, D Default. Securities are not meeting current obligations and
are extremely speculative. DDD designates the highest potential for recovery of
amounts outstanding on any securities involved. For U.S. corporates, for
example, DD indicates expected recovery of 50%-90% of such outstandings, and D
the lowest recovery potential, i.e. below 50%.
+ or - may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating
categories. Such suffixes are not added to the AAA rating category or to
categories below CCC.
CORPORATE SHORT-TERM RATINGS
Moody's Corporate Short-Term Issuer Ratings
Prime-1 Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior
ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment
ability will often be evidenced by many of the following characteristics.
- -- Leading market positions in well-established industries.
- -- High rates of return on funds employed.
- -- Conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on debt and
ample asset protection.
- -- Broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial changes and high
internal cash generation.
- -- Well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources
of alternate liquidity.
Prime-2 Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong ability
for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally be
evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree.
Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to
variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more
affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
Prime-3 Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable
ability for repayment of senior short-term obligations. The effect of industry
characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced. Variability in
earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt protection
measurements and may require relatively high financial leverage.
Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.
Not Prime Issuers rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating
categories.
S&P Corporate Short-Term Obligation Ratings
A-1 A short-term obligation rated A-1 is rated in the highest category by S&P.
The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is
strong. Within this category certain obligations are designated with a plus sign
(+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment
on these obligations is extremely strong.
A-2 A short-term obligation rated A-2 is somewhat more susceptible to the
adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than
obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet
its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.
A-3 A short-term obligation rated A-3 exhibits adequate protection parameters.
However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely
to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment
on the obligation.
B A short-term obligation rated B is regarded as having significant speculative
characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties
which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation.
C A short-term obligation rated C is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is
dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the
obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
D The D rating, unlike other ratings, is not prospective; rather, it is used
only where a default has actually occurred--and not where a default is only
expected. S&P changes ratings to D either:
o On the day an interest and/or principal payment is due and is not paid.
An exception is made if there is a grace period and S&P believes that a
payment will be made, in which case the rating can be maintained; or
o Upon voluntary bankruptcy filing or similar action, An exception is
made if S&P expects that debt service payments will continue to be made
on a specific issue. In the absence of a payment default or bankruptcy
filing, a technical default (i.e., covenant violation) is not
sufficient for assigning a D rating.
Fitch Corporate Short-Term Obligation Ratings
F1 Highest credit quality. Indicates the strongest capacity for timely payment
of financial commitments; may have an added "+" to denote any exceptionally
strong credit feature.
<PAGE>
F2 Good credit quality. A satisfactory capacity for timely payment of financial
commitments, but the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the
higher ratings.
F3 Fair credit quality. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments
is adequate; however, near-term adverse changes could result in a reduction to
non-investment grade.
B Speculative. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments,
plus vulnerability to near-term adverse changes in financial and economic
conditions.
C High default risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting
financial commitments is solely reliant upon a sustained, favorable business and
economic environment.
D Default. Denotes actual or imminent payment default.
MUNICIPAL BONDS
LONG-TERM RATINGS
Moody's Municipal Long-Term Bond Ratings
Aaa Bonds 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 edge."
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 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 risk appear somewhat larger than the Aaa securities.
A Bonds 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 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 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 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.
Caa Bonds rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in default or there
may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or interest.
Ca Bonds rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a high degree.
Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.
C Bonds rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues so rated can be
regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real
investment standing.
Note: Moody's applies numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 in each generic rating
classification from Aa to B. The modifier 1 indicates that the company ranks in
the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a
mid-range raking and the modifier 3 indicates that the company ranks in the
lower end of its generic rating category.
S&P Municipal Long-Term Bond Ratings
AAA An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. The
obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is
extremely strong.
AA An obligation rated AA differs from the highest-rated obligations only in
small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation is very strong.
A An obligation rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in
higher-rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation is still strong.
BBB An obligation rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters. However,
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to
a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation.
BB, B, CCC, CC and C: As described below, obligations rated BB, B, CCC,
CC, and C are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. BB
indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest. While such
obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these
may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse
conditions.
BB An obligation rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other
speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to
adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, which could lead to the
obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation.
B An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated
BB, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment
on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will
likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet it financial
commitment on the obligation.
<PAGE>
CCC An obligation rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is
dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the
obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of
adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely
to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
CC An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.
C The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has
been filed or similar action has been taken, but payments on this obligation are
being continued.
D An obligation rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used
when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the
applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that such payments
will be made during such grace period. The D rating also will be used upon the
filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on
an obligation are jeopardized.
Plus (+) or minus (-) The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition
of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating
categories.
Fitch Municipal Long-Term Bond Ratings
Investment Grade
AAA Highest credit quality. AAA ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit
risk. They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for timely
payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be
adversely affected by foreseeable events.
AA Very high credit quality. AA ratings denote a very low expectation of credit
risk. They indicate very strong capacity for timely payment of financial
commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable
events.
A High credit quality. A ratings denote a lower expectation of credit risk. The
capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This
capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in
economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.
BBB Good credit quality. BBB ratings indicate that there is currently a low
expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial
commitments is considered adequate, but adverse changes in circumstances and in
economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. This is the lowest
investment-grade category.
Speculative Grade
BB Speculative. BB ratings indicate that there is a possibility of credit risk
developing, particularly as the result of adverse economic change over time;
however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial
commitments to be met.
Securities rated in this category are not investment grade.
<PAGE>
B Highly speculative. B ratings indicate that significant credit risk is
present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are
currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is contingent upon
a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.
CCC, CC, C High default risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for
meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon sustained, favorable
business or economic developments. A CC rating indicates that default of some
kind appears probable. C ratings signal imminent default.
DDD, DD, D Default. Securities are not meeting current obligations and are
extremely speculative. DDD designates the highest potential for recovery of
amounts outstanding on any securities involved. DD designates lower recovery
potential and D the lowest.
+ or - may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating
categories. Such suffixes are not added to the AAA rating category or to
categories below CCC.
SHORT-TERM MUNICIPAL RATINGS
Moody's Municipal Short-Term Issuer Ratings
Prime-1 Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior
ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment
ability will often be evidence by many of the following characteristics.
- -- Leading market positions in well-established industries.
- -- High rates of return on funds employed.
- -- Conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on debt and
ample asset protection.
- -- Broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial changes and high
internal cash generation.
- -- Well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources
of alternate liquidity.
Prime-2 Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong ability
for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally be
evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree.
Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to
variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more
affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
Prime-3 Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable
ability for repayment of senior short-term obligations. The effect of industry
characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced. Variability in
earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt protection
measurements and may require relatively high financial leverage.
Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.
Not Prime Issuers rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating
categories.
Moody's Municipal Short-Term Loan Ratings
MIG 1 This designation denotes best quality. There is strong protection by
established cash flows, superior liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based
access to the market for refinancing.
MIG 2 This designation denotes high quality. Margins of protection are ample
although not so large as in the preceding group.
MIG 3 This designation denotes favorable quality. Liquidity and cash-flow
protection may be narrow and market access for refinancing is likely to be less
well established.
SG This designation denotes speculative quality. Debt instruments in this
category may lack margins of protection.
S&P Commercial Paper Ratings
A-1 This designation 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 sign (+) 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.
A-3 Issues carrying this designation have an adequate capacity for timely
payment. They are, however, more vulnerable to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances than obligations carrying the higher designations.
B Issues rated B are regarded as having only speculative capacity for timely
payment.
C This rating is assigned to short-term debt obligations with a doubtful
capacity for payment.
D Debt rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when
interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due, even if
the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes such payments
will be made during such grace period.
S&P Municipal Short-Term Obligation Ratings
SP-1 Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to
possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+)
designation.
SP-2 Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some
vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the
notes.
SP-3 Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
<PAGE>
Fitch Municipal Short-Term Obligation Ratings
F1 Highest credit quality. Indicates the strongest capacity for timely payment
of financial commitments; may have an added "+" to denote any exceptionally
strong credit feature.
F2 Good credit quality. A satisfactory capacity for timely payment of financial
commitments, but the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the
higher ratings.
F3 Fair credit quality. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments
is adequate; however, near-term adverse changes could result in a reduction to
non-investment grade.
B Speculative. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments,
plus vulnerability to near-term adverse changes in financial and economic
conditions.
C High default risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting
financial commitments is solely reliant upon a sustained, favorable business and
economic environment.
D Default. Denotes actual or imminent payment default.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Except as otherwise stated in its prospectus or required by law, the
Fund reserves the right to change the terms of the offer stated in its
prospectus without shareholder approval, including the right to impose or change
fees for services provided.
No dealer, salesman or other person is authorized to give any
information or to make any representation not contained in the Fund's
prospectus, SAI or in supplemental sales literature issued by the Fund or EDI,
and no person is entitled to rely on any information or representation not
contained therein.
The Fund's prospectus and SAI omit certain information contained in the
Trust's registration statement, which you may obtain for a fee from the SEC in
Washington, D.C.
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN EQUITY TRUST
PART B
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN EQUITY AND INCOME FUNDS
200 Berkeley Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
(800) 633-2700
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
February 1, 2000
Evergreen Capital Balanced Fund ("Capital Balanced Fund")
Evergreen High Income Fund ("High Income Fund")
Evergreen Quality Income Fund ("Quality Income Fund")
Evergreen Perpetual Global Fund ("Perpetual Global Fund")
(Each a "Fund," together, the "Funds")
Each Fund is a series of an open-end management investment company known as
either Evergreen Equity Trust, Evergreen Fixed Income Trust or Evergreen
International Trust (each a "Trust" or together the "Trusts")
This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") pertains to all classes of
shares of the Funds listed above. It is not a prospectus but should be read in
conjunction with the prospectus dated February 1, 2000 for the Fund in which you
are interested. The Funds are offered through a single prospectus offering Class
A, Class C, Class B and Class Y shares. You may obtain a copy of the Prospectus
without charge by calling (800) 343-2898 or downloading it off our website at
www.evergreen-funds.com. The information in Part 1 of this SAI is specific
information about the Funds in the prospectus. The information in Part 2 of this
SAI contains more general information that may or may not apply to the Fund or
Class of shares in which you are interested.
Certain information may be incorporated by reference to the Funds' Annual
Report dated September 30, 1999. You may obtain a copy of the Annual Report
without charge by calling (800) 343-2898 or downloading it off our website at
www.evergreen-funds.com.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART 1
TRUST HISTORY.............................................................1-1
INVESTMENT POLICIES.......................................................1-1
OTHER SECURITIES AND PRACTICES............................................1-3
PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF FUND SHARES..........................................1-3
EXPENSES..................................................................1-6
PERFORMANCE...............................................................1-9
COMPUTATION OF CLASS A OFFERING PRICE ...................................1-11
SERVICE PROVIDERS........................................................1-11
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.....................................................1-13
PART 2
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON SECURITIES AND INVESTMENT PRACTICES.............2-1
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES........................................2-14
SALES CHARGE WAIVERS AND REDUCTIONS......................................2-16
PRICING OF SHARES........................................................2-17
PERFORMANCE CALCULATIONS.................................................2-19
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER....................................................2-21
DISTRIBUTION EXPENSES UNDER RULE 12b-1...................................2-22
TAX INFORMATION..........................................................2-25
BROKERAGE................................................................2-28
ORGANIZATION.............................................................2-29
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT............................................2-30
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUSTS.................................................2-32
CORPORATE AND MUNICIPAL BOND RATINGS.....................................2-34
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...................................................2-46
<PAGE>
PART 1
TRUST HISTORY
Each Trust is an open-end management investment company, which was
organized as a Delaware business trust on September 18, 1997. A copy of the
Declaration of Trust is on file as an exhibit to each Trust's Registration
Statement, of which this SAI is a part.
On October 15, 1999, Evergreen Capital Balanced Fund (formerly known as
Mentor Balanced Portfolio), Evergreen High Income Fund (formerly known as Mentor
High Income Portfolio), Evergreen Quality Income Fund (formerly known as Mentor
Quality Income Portfolio), and Evergreen Perpetual Global Fund (formerly known
as Mentor Perpetual Global Portfolio) were reorganized into a separate
diversified series of an Evergreen Trust. In connection with this
reorganization, the shares which were designated "Class B" under the separate
Mentor portfolios were redesignated "Class C" under an Evergreen Trust,
effective October 15, 1999. In addition, on this same day each Fund added a new
class of shares designated Class B.
INVESTMENT POLICIES
Each Fund has adopted the fundamental investment restrictions set forth
below which may not be changed without the vote of a majority of the Fund's
outstanding shares, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the"1940
Act"). Where necessary, an explanation beneath a fundamental policy describes
the Fund's practices with respect to that policy, as allowed by current law. If
the law governing a policy changes, the Fund's practices may change accordingly
without a shareholder vote. Unless otherwise stated, all references to the
assets of the Fund are in terms of current market value.
1. Diversification
Each Fund may not make any investment that is inconsistent with its
classification as a diversified investment company under the 1940 Act.
Further Explanation of Diversified Funds:
To remain classified as a diversified investment company under the 1940
Act, each Fund must conform with the following: With respect 75% of its total
assets, a diversified investment company may not invest more that 5% of its
total assets, determined at market or other fair value at the time of purchase,
in the securities of any one issuer, or invest in more that 10% of the
outstanding voting securities securities of any one issuer, determined at the
time of purchase. These limitations do not apply to investments in securities
issued or guaranteed by the United States ("U.S.") government or its agencies or
instrumentalities.
2. Concentration
Each Fund may not concentrate its investments in the securities of
issuers primarily engaged in any particular industry (other than securities that
are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or
instrumentalities).
<PAGE>
Further Explanation of Concentration Policy:
Each Fund may not invest more than 25% of its total assets, taken at
market value, in the securities of issuers primarily engaged in any particular
industry (other than securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or
its agencies or instrumentalities).
3. Issuing Senior Securities
Except as permitted under the 1940 Act, each Fund may not issue senior
securities.
4. Borrowing
Each Fund may not borrow money, except to the extent permitted by
applicable law.
Further Explanation of Borrowing Policy:
Each Fund may borrow from banks and enter into reverse repurchase
agreements in an amount up to 33 1/3% of its total assets, taken at market
value. Each Fund may also borrow up to an additional 5% of its total assets from
banks or others. A Fund may borrow only as a temporary measure for extraordinary
or emergency purposes such as the redemption of Fund shares. A Fund may purchase
additional securities so long as borrowings do not exceed 5% of its total
assets. Each Fund may obtain such short-term credit as may be necessary for the
clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities. Each Fund may purchase
securities on margin and engage in short sales to the extent permitted by
applicable law.
5. Underwriting
Each Fund may not underwrite securities of other issuers, except
insofar as a Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter in connection with the
disposition of its portfolio securities.
6. Real Estate
Each Fund may not purchase or sell real estate, except that, to the
extent permitted by applicable law, a Fund may invest in (a) securities that are
directly or indirectly secured by real estate, or (b) securities issued by
issuers that invest in real estate.
7. Commodities
Each Fund may not purchase or sell commodities or contracts on
commodities, except to the extent that a Fund may engage in financial futures
contracts and related options and currency contracts and related options and may
otherwise do so in accordance with applicable law and without registering as a
commodity pool operator under the Commodity Exchange Act.
8. Lending
Each Fund may not make loans to other persons, except that a Fund may
lend its portfolio securities in accordance with applicable law. The acquisition
of investment securities or other investment instruments shall not be deemed to
be the making of a loan.
<PAGE>
Further Explanation of Lending Policy:
To generate income and offset expenses, a Fund may lend portfolio
securities to broker-dealers and other financial institutions in an amount up to
33 1/3% of its total assets, taken at market value. While securities are on
loan, the borrower will pay the Fund any income accruing on the security. The
Fund may invest any collateral it receives in additional portfolio securities,
such as U.S. Treasury notes, certificates of deposit, other high-grade,
short-term obligations or interest bearing cash equivalents. Gains or losses in
the market value of a security lent will affect the Fund and its shareholders.
When a Fund lends its securities, it will require the borrower to give
the Fund collateral in cash or government securities. The Fund will require
collateral in an amount equal to at least 100% of the current market value of
the securities lent, including accrued interest. The Fund has the right to call
a loan and obtain the securities lent any time on notice of not more than five
business days. The Fund may pay reasonable fees in connection with such loans.
OTHER SECURITIES AND PRACTICES
For information regarding securities the Funds may purchase and investment
practices the Funds may use, see the following sections in Part 2 of this SAI
under "Additional Information on Securities and Investment Practices."
Information provided in the sections listed below expands upon and supplements
information provided in the Funds' prospectus. The list below applies to all
Funds unless otherwise noted.
Money Market Securities
When-Issued, Delayed-Delivery and Forward Commitment Transactions
Repurchase Agreements
Reverse Repurchase Agreements
Dollar Roll Transactions
Swaps, Caps, Floors and Collars
Indexed Securities (Perpetual Global Fund)
Options
Futures Transactions
Foreign Securities
Foreign Currency Transactions
Premium Securities
High Yield, High Risk Bonds (High Income Fund, Quality Income Fund and
Perpetual Global Fund)
Illiquid and Restricted Securities (High Income Fund)
Zero Coupon "Stripped" Bonds
Mortgage-Backed or
Asset-Backed Securities (Capital Balanced Fund, High Income Fund and
Quality Income Fund)
<PAGE>
PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF FUND SHARES
As of January 1, 2000, the officers and Trustees of the Trust owned as a
group less than 1% of the outstanding shares of any class of each Fund. [To be
confirmed in January.]
Set forth below is information with respect to each person who, to each
Fund's knowledge, owned beneficially or of record more than 5% of the
outstanding shares of any class of each Fund as of January 1, 2000.
Capital Balanced Fund Class A
Capital Balanced Fund Class B
Capital Balanced Fund Class C
Capital Balanced Fund Class Y
High Income Fund Class A
High Income Fund Class B
High Income Fund Class C
High Income Fund Class Y
Quality Income Fund Class A
Quality Income Fund Class B
Quality Income Fund Class C
Quality Income Fund Class Y
Perpetual Global Fund Class A
Perpetual Global Fund Class B
Perpetual Global Fund Class C
Perpetual Global Fund Class Y
EXPENSES
Advisory Fees
Each Fund has its own investment advisor. For more information, see
"Investment Advisory Agreements" in Part 2 of this SAI.
Mentor Investment Advisors, LLC ("Mentor Advisors") is the investment
advisor to Capital Balanced Fund, High Income Fund and Quality Income Fund. The
Funds have agreed to pay Mentor Advisors an annual fee for its services,
expressed as a percentage of average daily net assets, as set forth:
Fund Fee
Capital Balanced 0.75%
High Income 0.70%
Quality Income 0.60%
Mentor Perpetual Advisors, LLC ("Mentor Perpetual") is the investment
advisor to Perpetual Global Fund. Mentor Perpetual is entitled to receive a fee
from the Fund at the following annual rate of the Fund's average daily net
assets:
1.10% on assets up to $75 million
1.00% on assets over $75 million
Advisory Fees Paid
Below are the advisory fees paid by each Fund for the last three fiscal
years or periods.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- ============================
<S> <C> <C>
Fund/Fiscal Year or Period Advisory Fee Paid Advisory Fees Waived
------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- ============================
===============================================================================================================
Year Ended September 30, 1999
===============================================================================================================
------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- ============================
Capital Balanced Fund $2,216,232 $0
------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- ============================
------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- ============================
High Income Fund $1,635,473 $269,733
------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- ============================
------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- ============================
Quality Income Fund $1,258,891 $312,164
------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- ============================
------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- ============================
Perpetual Global Fund $2,082,585 $0
------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- ============================
===============================================================================================================
Year or Period Ended September 30, 1998
===============================================================================================================
------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- ============================
Capital Balanced Fund $31,721 $20,856
------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- ============================
------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- ============================
High Income Fund(a) $175,891 $175,891
------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- ============================
------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- ============================
Quality Income Fund $1,025,941 $204,530
------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- ============================
------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- ============================
Perpetual Global Fund $1,612,495 $0
------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- ============================
===============================================================================================================
Year Ended September 30, 1997
===============================================================================================================
------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- ============================
Capital Balanced Fund $28,926 $20,072
------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- ============================
------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- ============================
High Income Fund N/A N/A
------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- ============================
Quality Income Fund $572,539 $123,214
------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- ============================
Perpetual Global Fund $998,592 $0
------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- ============================
</TABLE>
(a) For the period from 6/23/1998 (commencement of operations) through
9/30/1998.
Brokerage Commissions
Below are the total amounts paid by each Fund in brokerage commissions
for the last three fiscal years or periods. For more information regarding
brokerage commissions, see "Brokerage" in Part II of the SAI.
==================================================
September 30
========================= ==================================================
Fund 1999 1998 1997
- ------------------------- ------------- ------------------ =================
Capital Balanced Fund $ $12,356 $4,752
- ------------------------- ------------- ------------------ =================
- ------------------------- ------------- ------------------ =================
High Income Fund $ $0(a) N/A
- ------------------------- ------------- ------------------ =================
Quality Income Fund $ $0 $900
- ------------------------- ------------- ------------------ =================
Perpetual Global Fund $1,367,379 $1,272,077 $838,045
- ------------------------- ------------- ------------------ =================
(a) For the period from 6/23/1998 (commencement of operations) through
9/30/1998.
For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999, Capital Balanced Fund
paid First Union Securities, Inc. (formerly known as Wheat First Union)
brokerage commissions totaling $________.
Percentage of Brokerage Commissions Paid to First Union Securities, Inc.
The table below shows, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999,
(1) the percentage of aggregate brokerage commissions paid by Capital Balanced
Fund to First Union Securities, Inc.; and (2) the percentage of the Fund's
aggregate dollar amount of commissionable transactions effected through First
Union Securities, Inc. For more information, see "Selection of Brokers" under
"Brokerage" in Part 2 of this SAI.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------ --------------------------------- =======================================
<S> <C> <C>
Percentage of Commissionable
Percentage of Commissions to Transactions through First Union
Fund First Union Securities, Inc. Securities, Inc.
- ------------------------------ --------------------------------- =======================================
- ------------------------------ --------------------------------- =======================================
Capital Balanced Fund % %
- ------------------------------ --------------------------------- =======================================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Underwriting Commissions
Below are the underwriting commissions paid by each Fund and the
amounts retained by the principal underwriter for the last three fiscal years or
periods. For more information, see "Principal Underwriter" in Part 2 of this
SAI.
- -------------------------------==============================================
Total Underwriting Total Underwriting
Fund/Fiscal Year or Period Commissions Paid Commissions Retained
=============================================================================
Year or Period Ended 1999
=============================================================================
Capital Balanced Fund $ $48,765
- ------------------------------- ---------------- ============================
- ------------------------------- ---------------- ============================
High Income Fund $ $14,687
- ------------------------------- ---------------- ============================
- ------------------------------- ---------------- ============================
Quality Income Fund $ $15,390
- ------------------------------- ---------------- ============================
Perpetual Global Fund $ $25,596
- ------------------------------- ---------------- ============================
=============================================================================
Year or Period Ended 1998
=============================================================================
Capital Balanced Fund $ N/A
- ------------------------------- ---------------- ============================
- ------------------------------- ---------------- ============================
High Income Fund (a) $ $56,138
- ------------------------------- ---------------- ============================
- ------------------------------- ---------------- ============================
Quality Income Fund $ $104,891
- ------------------------------- ---------------- ============================
Perpetual Global Fund $ $113,331
- ------------------------------- ---------------- ============================
=============================================================================
Year or Period Ended 1997
=============================================================================
Capital Balanced Fund $ N/A
- ------------------------------- ---------------- ============================
- ------------------------------- ---------------- ============================
High Income Fund $ N/A
- ------------------------------- ---------------- ============================
Quality Income Fund $ $37,516
- ------------------------------- ---------------- ============================
Perpetual Global Fund $ $66,416
- ------------------------------- ---------------- ============================
(a) For the period from 6/23/1998 (commencement of operations) through
9/30/1998.
12b-1 Fees
Below are the 12b-1 fees paid by each Fund with respect to the Class A and
Class C shares of the Funds for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1999. For
more information, see "Distribution Expenses Under Rule 12b-1" in Part 2 of this
SAI.
- ------------------------- =============== ====================================
Class A Class C
=============== ====================================
--------------- ------------------- ================
Fund Service Fees Distribution Fees Service Fees
- ------------------------- --------------- ------------------- ================
- ------------------------- --------------- ------------------- ================
Capital Balanced Fund $240,418 $1,486,146 $495,382
- ------------------------- --------------- ------------------- ================
- ------------------------- --------------- ------------------- ================
High Income Fund $340,268 $494,725 $243,829
- ------------------------- --------------- ------------------- ================
Quality Income Fund $257,763 $533,574 $266,787
- ------------------------- --------------- ------------------- ================
Perpetual Global Fund $203,547 $894,651 $298,217
- ------------------------- --------------- ------------------- ================
Trustee Compensation
Listed below is the Trustee compensation paid by each Trust individually
for the Trust's fiscal year end and by the Trust and the eleven other trusts in
the Evergreen Fund Complex for the calendar year ended December 31, 1999. The
Trustees do not receive pension or retirement benefits from the Funds. For more
information, see "Management of the Trust" in Part 2 of this SAI.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
<S> <C> <C>
Total Compensation from Trust and
Aggregate Compensation from Fixed Fund Complex Paid to Trustees for
Income Trust for the fiscal year the calendar year ended 12/31/1999*
Trustee ended 4/30/1999
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
Laurence B. Ashkin $2,414 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
Charles A. Austin, III $2,414 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
Arnold H. Dreyfuss N/A $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
K. Dun Gifford $2,345 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
James S. Howell** $3,040 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
Leroy Keith Jr. $2,345 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
Gerald M. McDonnell $2,414 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
Thomas L. McVerry $2,758 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
Louis W. Moelchert, Jr. N/A $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
William Walt Pettit $2,523 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
David M. Richardson $2,150 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
Russell A. Salton, III $2,414 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
Michael S. Scofield $2,500 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
Richard J. Shima $2,345 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
Total Compensation from Trust and
Aggregate Compensation from Equity Fund Complex Paid to Trustees for
Trust for the fiscal year ended the calendar year ended 12/31/1999*
Trustee 3/31/1999
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
Laurence B. Ashkin $22,911 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
Charles A. Austin, III $22,911 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
Arnold H. Dreyfuss N/A $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
K. Dun Gifford $22,141 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
James S. Howell** $29,532 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
Leroy Keith Jr. $22,141 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
Gerald M. McDonnell $22,911 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
Thomas L. McVerry $26,295 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
Louis W. Moelchert, Jr. N/A $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
William Walt Pettit $22,141 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
David M. Richardson $22,928 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
Russell A. Salton, III $23,378 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
Michael S. Scofield $23,378 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
Richard J. Shima $22,141 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
Total Compensation from Trust and
Aggregate Compensation from Fund Complex Paid to Trustees for
International Trust for the fiscal the calendar year ended 12/31/1999*
Trustee year ended 10/31/1999
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
Laurence B. Ashkin $2,284 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
Charles A. Austin, III $2,200 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
Arnold H. Dreyfuss N/A $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
K. Dun Gifford $2,140 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
James S. Howell** $2,984 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
Leroy Keith Jr. $2,140 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
Gerald M. McDonnell $2,454 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
Thomas L. McVerry $2,728 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
Louis W. Moelchert, Jr. N/A $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
William Walt Pettit $2,292 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
David M. Richardson $2,122 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
Russell A. Salton, III $2,465 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
Michael S. Scofield $2,465 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
Richard J. Shima $2,258 $
- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------- ======================================
</TABLE>
*Certain Trustees have elected to defer all or part of their total
compensation for the twelve months ended December 31, 1999. The amounts listed
below will be payable in later years to the respective Trustees:
Austin $
Howell $
McDonnell $
McVerry $
Pettit $
Salton $
Scofield $
**Trustee Emeritus, retired 12/31/1999.
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE
Total Return
Below are the annual total returns for each class of shares of the Funds
(including applicable sales charges) as of September 30, 1999. For more
information, see "Total Return" under "Performance Calculations" in Part 2 of
this SAI.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ten Years or Since Inception Date of
Fund/Class One Year Five Years Inception Class
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
=============================================================================================================
Capital Balanced Fund (a)
=============================================================================================================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class A 7.34% 16.27% 15.79% 09/16/1998
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class B 6.87% 17.04% 16.58% 10/18/1999
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class C 10.87% 17.25% 16.70% 06/21/1994
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class Y 12.91% 16.93% 16.90% 09/16/1998
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
=============================================================================================================
High Income Fund (b)
=============================================================================================================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class A -0.80% N/A -5.99% 06/23/1998
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class B -0.61% N/A -5.07% 10/18/1999
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class C 2.69% N/A -2.82% 06/23/1998
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class Y % N/A % 10/18/1999
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
=============================================================================================================
Quality Income Fund (b)
=============================================================================================================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class A -7.51% 5.40% 4.34% 04/29/1992
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class B -7.46% 6.12% 5.03% 10/18/1999
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class C -4.25% 5.93% 4.52% 04/29/1992
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class Y -2.64% 6.45% 5.04% 11/19/1997
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Perpetual Global Fund (b)
=============================================================================================================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class A 26.16% 14.00% 12.70% 03/29/1994
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class B 27.42% 14.89% 13.60% 10/18/1999
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class C 30.62% 14.28% 12.84% 03/29/1994
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class Y 32.94% 15.23% 13.81% 11/19/1997
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
</TABLE>
(a) Historical performance shown for Classes A, B and Y prior to their
inception is based on the performance of Class C, the original class
offered. These historical returns for Classes A and Y have not been
adjusted to reflect the effect of each Class' 12b-1 fees. These fees for
Class A are 0.25%, for Class B are 1.00% and for Class C are 1.00%. Class Y
does not pay 12b-1 fees. If these fees had been reflected, returns for
Classes A and Y would have been higher.
(b) Historical performance shown for Classes B and Y prior to their inception
is based on the performance of Class A, one of the original classes offered
along with Class C. These historical returns for Classes B and Y have not
been adjusted to reflect the effect of each Class' 12b-1 fees. These fees
for Class A are 0.25%, for Class B are 1.00% and for Class C are 1.00%.
Class Y does not pay 12b-1 fees. If these fees had been reflected, returns
for Class B would have been lower while returns for Class Y would have been
higher.
<PAGE>
Below are the annual total returns for each Class of shares of the
Perpetual Global Fund as of October 31, 1999. Perpetual Global changed its
fiscal year end from September 30 to October 31 on October 15, 1999.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Ten Years or Since Inception Date of
Fund/Class One Year Five Years Inception Class
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
=============================================================================================================
Perpetual Global Fund
=============================================================================================================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class A 19.00% 14.39% 13.16% 03/29/1994
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class B 19.97% 15.29% 14.06% 10/18/1999
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class C 23.10% 14.68% 13.28% 03/29/1994
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
Class Y 25.34% 15.62% 14.26% 11/19/1997
- ----------------------- -------------------- --------------------- -------------------- =====================
</TABLE>
Yields
Below are the current yields of the Funds for the 30-day period ended
September 30, 1999. For more information, see "30-Day Yield" under "Performance
Calculations" in Part 2 of this SAI.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
===================================== ================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
30-Day Yield
===================================== ================================================================
- ------------------------------------- --------------- -------------- ----------------- ===============
Fund Class A Class B Class C Class Y
- ------------------------------------- --------------- -------------- ----------------- ===============
- ------------------------------------- --------------- -------------- ----------------- ===============
Capital Balanced Fund 1.72% N/A 1.08% 1.94%
- ------------------------------------- --------------- -------------- ----------------- ===============
- ------------------------------------- --------------- -------------- ----------------- ===============
High Income Fund 8.02% N/A 7.91% N/A
- ------------------------------------- --------------- -------------- ----------------- ===============
Quality Income Fund 5.52% N/A 5.30% 6.11%
- ------------------------------------- --------------- -------------- ----------------- ===============
Perpetual Global Fund N/A N/A N/A N/A
- ------------------------------------- --------------- -------------- ----------------- ===============
</TABLE>
Current yields of Perpetual Global for the 30-day period ended October 31,
1999 were not available for Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Y shares.
COMPUTATION OF CLASS A OFFERING PRICE
Class A shares are sold at the net asset value plus a sales charge. Below
is an example of the method of computing the offering price of Class A shares of
each Fund. The example assumes a purchase of Class A shares of each Fund
aggregating less than $100,000 based upon the net asset value of each Fund's
Class A shares at September 30, 1999. For more information, see "Purchase,
Redemption and Pricing of Shares."
- ------------------------- --------------- -------------- =================
Net Asset Value Offering Price
Fund Per Share Sales Charge Per Share
- ------------------------- --------------- -------------- =================
- ------------------------- --------------- -------------- =================
Capital Balanced Fund $15.15 4.75% $15.91
- ------------------------- --------------- -------------- =================
- ------------------------- --------------- -------------- =================
High Income Fund $10.29 4.75% $10.80
- ------------------------- --------------- -------------- =================
Quality Income Fund $12.43 4.75% $13.05
- ------------------------- --------------- -------------- =================
Perpetual Global Fund $23.09 4.75% $24.24
- ------------------------- --------------- -------------- =================
Purchases of Class A shares of Perpetual Global aggregating less than
$100,000 based upon the net asset value of Perpetual Global's Class A shares at
October 31, 1999.
- -------------------------- ---------------- -------------- =================
Net Asset Value Offering Price
Fund Per Share Sales Charge Per Share
- -------------------------- --------------- --------------- =================
Perpetual Global Fund $23.86 4.75% $25.05
- -------------------------- --------------- --------------- =================
SERVICE PROVIDERS
Administrator
Evergreen Investment Services, Inc. ("EIS") serves as administrator to the
Funds, subject to the supervision and control of the Trust's Board of Trustees.
EIS provides the Fund with facilities, equipment and personnel and is entitled
to receive a fee from each Fund at the annual rate of 0.10% for of the Fund's
average daily net assets.
Below are the administrative fees paid by each Fund for the last three
fiscal years or periods.
--------------------------- --------------- ==================
Fund/Fiscal Year or Period Administrative Administrative Fee
Fee Paid Waived
------------------------------------- --------------- ==================
===========================================================================
Year Ended September 30, 1999
===========================================================================
------------------------------------- -------------- ====================
Capital Balanced Fund $ $
------------------------------------- -------------- ====================
------------------------------------- -------------- ====================
High Income Fund $ $
------------------------------------- -------------- ====================
------------------------------------- -------------- ====================
Quality Income Fund $ $
------------------------------------- -------------- ====================
------------------------------------- -------------- ====================
Perpetual Global Fund $ $
------------------------------------- -------------- ====================
===========================================================================
Year or Period Ended September 30, 1998
===========================================================================
--------------------------------- ------------------ ====================
Capital Balanced Fund $0 $8,127
--------------------------------- ----------------- ====================
--------------------------------- ----------------- ====================
High Income Fund(a) $24,979 $0
--------------------------------- ----------------- ====================
--------------------------------- ----------------- ====================
Quality Income Fund $174,343 $0
--------------------------------- ----------------- ====================
--------------------------------- ----------------- ====================
Perpetual Global Fund $153,750 $0
--------------------------------- ----------------- ====================
===========================================================================
Year Ended September 30, 1997
===========================================================================
--------------------------- ---------------------- ====================
Capital Balanced Fund $0 $0
--------------------------- --------------------- ====================
--------------------------- --------------------- ====================
High Income Fund N/A N/A
--------------------------- -------------------- ====================
Quality Income Fund $95,423 $0
--------------------------- -------------------- ====================
Perpetual Global Fund $92,753 $0
--------------------------- -------------------- ====================
(a) For the period from 6/23/1998 (commencement of operations) through
9/30/1998.
<PAGE>
Transfer Agent
Evergreen Service Company ("ESC"), a subsidiary of First Union Corporation,
is the Funds' transfer agent. ESC issues and redeems shares, pays dividends and
performs other duties in connection with the maintenance of shareholder
accounts. The transfer agent's address is P.O. Box 2121, Boston, Massachusetts
02106-2121. The Fund pays ESC annual fees as follows:
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
Fund Type Annual Fee Annual Fee
Per Open Per Closed
Account* Account**
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
Monthly Dividend Funds $25.50 $9.00
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
Quarterly Dividend Funds $24.50 $9.00
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
Semiannual Dividend Funds $23.50 $9.00
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
Annual Dividend Funds $23.50 $9.00
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
Money Market Funds $25.50 $9.00
----------------------------- --------------- ==============
*For shareholder accounts only. The Fund pays ESC cost plus 15% for broker
accounts.
**Closed accounts are maintained on the system in order to facilitate
historical and tax information.
Distributor
Evergreen Distributor, Inc. (the "Distributor") markets the Funds through
broker-dealers and other financial representatives. Its address is 90 Park
Avenue, New York, New York 10016.
Independent Auditors
KPMG LLP, 99 High Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, audits the financial
statements of each Fund.
Custodian
State Street Bank and Trust Company keeps custody of each Fund's securities
and cash and performs other related duties. The custodian's address is 225
Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110.
Legal Counsel
Sullivan & Worcester LLP provides legal advice to the Funds. Its address is
1025 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The audited financial statements and the reports thereon are hereby
incorporated by reference to the Funds' Annual Report, a copy of which may be
obtained without charge from ESC, P.O. Box 2121, Boston, Massachusetts
02106-2121
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN FUNDS
Statement of Additional Information ("SAI")
PART 2
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON SECURITIES
AND INVESTMENT PRACTICES
The prospectus describes the Fund's investment objective and the
securities in which it primarily invests. The following describes other
securities the Fund may purchase and investment strategies it may use. Some of
the information below will not apply to the Fund or the Class in which you are
interested. See the list under Other Securities and Practices in Part 1 of this
SAI to determine which of the sections below are applicable.
Money Market Instruments
The Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in high quality money
market instruments, such as notes, certificates of deposit, commercial paper,
banker's acceptances, bank deposits or U.S. government securities if, in the
opinion of the investment advisor, market conditions warrant a temporary
defensive investment strategy. Evergreen Equity Income Fund may also invest in
debt securities and high grade preferred stocks for defensive purposes when its
investment advisor determines a temporary defensive strategy is warranted.
U.S. Government Securities
The Fund may invest in securities issued or guaranteed by U.S.
Government agencies or instrumentalities.
These securities are backed by (1) the discretionary authority of the
U.S. Government to purchase certain obligations of agencies or instrumentalities
or (2) the credit of the agency or instrumentality issuing the obligations.
Some government agencies and instrumentalities may not receive financial
support from the U.S. Government. Examples of such agencies are:
(i) Farm Credit System, including the National Bank for
Cooperatives, Farm Credit Banks and Banks for Cooperatives;
(ii) Farmers Home Administration;
(iii) Federal Home Loan Banks;
(iv) Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation;
(v) Federal National Mortgage Association; and
(vi) Student Loan Marketing Association.
Securities Issued by the Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"). The
Fund may invest in securities issued by the GNMA, a corporation wholly-owned by
the U.S. Government. GNMA securities or "certificates" represent ownership in a
pool of underlying mortgages. The timely payment of principal and interest due
on these securities is guaranteed.
Unlike conventional bonds, the principal on GNMA certificates is not
paid at maturity but over the life of the security in scheduled monthly
payments. While mortgages pooled in a GNMA certificate may have maturities of up
to 30 years, the certificate itself will have a shorter average maturity and
less principal volatility than a comparable 30-year bond.
The market value and interest yield of GNMA certificates can vary due
not only to market fluctuations, but also to early prepayments of mortgages
within the pool. Since prepayment rates vary widely, it is impossible to
accurately predict the average maturity of a GNMA pool. In addition to the
guaranteed principal payments, GNMA certificates may also make unscheduled
principal payments resulting from prepayments on the underlying mortgages.
Although GNMA certificates may offer yields higher than those available
from other types of U.S. Government securities, they may be less effective as a
means of locking in attractive long-term rates because of the prepayment
feature. For instance, when interest rates decline, prepayments are likely to
increase as the holders of the underlying mortgages seek refinancing. As a
result, the value of a GNMA certificate is not likely to rise as much as the
value of a comparable debt security would in response to same decline. In
addition, these prepayments can cause the price of a GNMA certificate originally
purchased at a premium to decline in price compared to its par value, which may
result in a loss.
When-Issued, Delayed-Delivery and Forward Commitment Transactions
The Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery
basis and may purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment basis.
Settlement of such transactions normally occurs within a month or more after the
purchase or sale commitment is made.
The Fund may purchase securities under such conditions only with the
intention of actually acquiring them, but may enter into a separate agreement to
sell the securities before the settlement date. Since the value of securities
purchased may fluctuate prior to settlement, the Fund may be required to pay
more at settlement than the security is worth. In addition, the purchaser is not
entitled to any of the interest earned prior to settlement.
Upon making a commitment to purchase a security on a when-issued,
delayed delivery or forward commitment basis the Fund will hold liquid assets
worth at least the equivalent of the amount due. The liquid assets will be
monitored on a daily basis and adjusted as necessary to maintain the necessary
value.
Purchases made under such conditions may involve the risk that yields
secured at the time of commitment may be lower than otherwise available by the
time settlement takes place, causing an unrealized loss to the Fund. In
addition, when the Fund engages in such purchases, it relies on the other party
to consummate the sale. If the other party fails to perform its obligations, the
Fund may miss the opportunity to obtain a security at a favorable price or
yield.
<PAGE>
Repurchase Agreements
The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with entities that are
registered as U.S. Government securities dealers, including member banks of the
Federal Reserve System having at least $1 billion in assets, primary dealers in
U.S. government securities or other financial institutions believed by the
investment advisor to be creditworthy. In a repurchase agreement the Fund
obtains a security and simultaneously commits to return the security to the
seller at a set price (including principal and interest) within a period of time
usually not exceeding seven days. The resale price reflects the purchase price
plus an agreed upon market rate of interest which is unrelated to the coupon
rate or maturity of the underlying security. A repurchase agreement involves the
obligation of the seller to pay the agreed upon price, which obligation is in
effect secured by the value of the underlying security.
The Fund's custodian or a third party will take possession of the
securities subject to repurchase agreements, and these securities will be marked
to market daily. To the extent that the original seller does not repurchase the
securities from the Fund, the Fund could receive less than the repurchase price
on any sale of such securities. In the event that such a defaulting seller filed
for bankruptcy or became insolvent, disposition of such securities by the Fund
might be delayed pending court action. The Fund's investment advisor believes
that under the regular procedures normally in effect for custody of the Fund's
portfolio securities subject to repurchase agreements, a court of competent
jurisdiction would rule in favor of the Fund and allow retention or disposition
of such securities. The Fund will only enter into repurchase agreements with
banks and other recognized financial institutions, such as broker-dealers, which
are deemed by the investment advisor to be creditworthy pursuant to guidelines
established by the Board of Trustees.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements
As described herein, the Fund may also enter into reverse repurchase
agreements. These transactions are similar to borrowing cash. In a reverse
repurchase agreement, the Fund transfers possession of a portfolio instrument to
another person, such as a financial institution, broker, or dealer, in return
for a percentage of the instrument's market value in cash, and agrees that on a
stipulated date in the future the Fund will repurchase the portfolio instrument
by remitting the original consideration plus interest at an agreed upon rate.
The use of reverse repurchase agreements may enable the Fund to avoid
selling portfolio instruments at a time when a sale may be deemed to be
disadvantageous, but the ability to enter into reverse repurchase agreements
does not ensure that the Fund will be able to avoid selling portfolio
instruments at a disadvantageous time.
When effecting reverse repurchase agreements, liquid assets of the
Fund, in a dollar amount sufficient to make payment for the obligations to be
purchased, are segregated at the trade date. These securities are marked to
market daily and maintained until the transaction is settled.
Dollar Roll Transactions
The Fund may enter into dollar rolls in which the Fund sells securities
and simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar securities on a
specified future date. In the case of dollar rolls involving mortgage-related
securities, the mortgage-related securities that are purchased typically will be
of the same type and will have the same or similar interest rate and maturity as
those sold, but will be supported by different pools of mortgages. The Fund
forgoes principal and interest paid during the roll period on the securities
sold in a dollar roll, but it is compensated by the difference between the
current sales price and the price for the future purchase as well as by any
interest earned on the proceeds of the securities sold. The Fund could also be
compensated through receipt of fee income.
Dollar rolls may be viewed as a borrowing by the Fund, secured by the security
which is the subject of the agreement. In addition to the general risks involved
in leveraging, dollar rolls are subject to the same risks as repurchase and
reverse repurchase agreements.
Securities Lending
The Fund may lend portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and other
financial institutions to earn additional income for the Fund. These
transactions must be fully collateralized at all times with cash or short-term
debt obligations, but involve some risk to the Fund if the other party should
default on its obligation and the Fund is delayed or prevented from exercising
its rights in respect of the collateral. Any investment of collateral by the
Fund would be made in accordance with the Fund's investment objective and
policies described in the prospectus.
Convertible Securities
The Fund may invest in convertible securities. Convertible securities
include fixed-income securities that may be exchanged or converted into a
predetermined number of shares of the issuer's underlying common stock at the
option of the holder during a specified period. Convertible securities may take
the form of convertible preferred stock, convertible bonds or debentures, units
consisting of "usable" bonds and warrants or a combination of the features of
several of these securities. The investment characteristics of each convertible
security vary widely, which allow convertible securities to be employed for a
variety of investment strategies.
The Fund will exchange or convert convertible securities into shares of
underlying common stock when, in the opinion of its investment advisor, the
investment characteristics of the underlying common shares will assist the Fund
in achieving its investment objective. The Fund may also elect to hold or trade
convertible securities. In selecting convertible securities, the investment
advisor evaluates the investment characteristics of the convertible security as
a fixed-income instrument, and the investment potential of the underlying equity
security for capital appreciation. In evaluating these matters with respect to a
particular convertible security, the investment advisor considers numerous
factors, including the economic and political outlook, the value of the security
relative to other investment alternatives, trends in the determinants of the
issuer's profits, and the issuer's management capability and practices.
Warrants
The Fund may invest in warrants. Warrants are options to purchase
common stock at a specific price (usually at a premium above the market value of
the optioned common stock at issuance) valid for a specific period of time.
Warrants may have a life ranging from less than one year to twenty years, or
they may be perpetual. However, most warrants have expiration dates after which
they are worthless. In addition, a warrant is worthless if the market price of
the common stock does not exceed the warrant's exercise price during the life of
the warrant. Warrants have no voting rights, pay no dividends, and have no
rights with respect to the assets of the corporation issuing them. The
percentage increase or decrease in the market price of the warrant may tend to
be greater than the percentage increase or decrease in the market price of the
optioned common stock.
Swaps, Caps, Floors and Collars
The Fund may enter into interest rate, currency and index swaps and the
purchase or sale of related caps, floors and collars. The Fund expects to enter
into these transactions primarily to preserve a return or spread on a particular
investment or portion of its portfolio, to protect against currency
fluctuations, as a duration management technique or to protect against any
increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later
date. The Fund would use these transactions as hedges and not as speculative
investments and would not sell interest rate caps or floors where it does not
own securities or other instruments providing the income stream the Fund may be
obligated to pay. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with
another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, e.g.,
an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments with respect to a
notional amount of principal. A currency swap is an agreement to exchange cash
flows on a notional amount of two or more currencies based on the relative value
differential among them and an index swap is an agreement to swap cash flows on
a notional amount based on changes in the values of the reference indices. The
purchase of a cap entitles the purchaser to receive payments on a notional
principal amount from the party selling such cap to the extent that a specified
index exceeds a predetermined interest rate or amount. The purchase of a floor
entitles the purchaser to receive payments on a notional principal amount from
the party selling such floor to the extent that a specified index falls below a
predetermined interest rate or amount. A collar is a combination of a cap and a
floor that preserves a certain return within a predetermined range of interest
rates or values.
The Fund will usually enter into swaps on a net basis, i.e., the two
payment streams are netted out in a cash settlement on the payment date or dates
specified in the instrument, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may
be, only the net amount of the two payments. The Fund will not enter into any
swap, cap, floor or collar transaction unless, at the time of entering into such
transaction, the unsecured long-term debt of the counterparty, combined with any
credit enhancements, is rated at least A by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services
("S&P") or Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or has an equivalent
rating from another nationally recognized securities rating organization or is
determined to be of equivalent credit quality by the Fund's investment advisor.
If there is a default by the counterparty, the Fund may have contractual
remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction.
As a result, the swap market has become relatively liquid. Caps, floors and
collars are more recent innovations for which standardized documentation has not
yet been fully developed and, accordingly, they are less liquid than swaps.
Indexed Securities
The Fund may invest in indexed securities, the values of which are
linked to currencies, interest rates, commodities, indices or other financial
indicators ("reference instruments"). Most indexed securities have maturities of
three years or less.
Indexed securities differ from other types of debt securities in which
the Fund may invest in several respects. First, the interest rate or, unlike
other debt securities, the principal amount payable at maturity of an indexed
security may vary based on changes in one or more specified reference
instruments, such as an interest rate compared with a fixed interest rate or the
currency exchange rates between two currencies (neither of which need be the
currency in which the instrument is denominated). The reference instrument need
not be related to the terms of the indexed security. For example, the principal
amount of a U.S. dollar denominated indexed security may vary based on the
exchange rate of two foreign currencies. An indexed security may be positively
or negatively indexed; that is, its value may increase or decrease if the value
of the reference instrument increases. Further, the change in the principal
amount payable or the interest rate of an indexed security may be a multiple of
the percentage change (positive or negative) in the value of the underlying
reference instrument(s).
Investment in indexed securities involves certain risks. In addition to
the credit risk of the security's issuer and the normal risks of price changes
in response to changes in interest rates, the principal amount of indexed
securities may decrease as a result of changes in the value of reference
instruments. Further, in the case of certain indexed securities in which the
interest rate is linked to a reference instrument, the interest rate may be
reduced to zero, and any further declines in the value of the security may then
reduce the principal amount payable on maturity. Finally, indexed securities may
be more volatile than the reference instruments underlying indexed securities.
To reduce the effect of currency fluctuations on the value of existing
or anticipated holdings of portfolio securities, the Fund may also engage in
proxy hedging. Proxy hedging is often used when the currency to which the Fund
is exposed is difficult to hedge or to hedge against the dollar. Proxy hedging
entails entering into a forward contract to sell a currency whose changes in
value are generally considered to be linked to a currency or currencies in which
some or all of the Fund's securities are or are expected to be denominated, and
to buy U.S. dollars. The amount of the contract would not exceed the value of
the Fund's securities denominated in linked currencies. For example, if the
Fund's investment advisor considers that the Austrian schilling is linked to the
German deutschmark (the "D-mark"), the Fund holds securities denominated in
schillings and the investment advisor believes that the value of schillings will
decline against the U.S. dollar, the investment advisor may enter into a
contract to sell D-marks and buy dollars.
Options
An option is a right to buy or sell a security for a specified price
within a limited time period. The option buyer pays the option seller (known as
the "writer") for the right to buy, which is a "call" option, or the right to
sell, which is a "put" option. Unless the option is terminated, the option
seller must then buy or sell the security at the agreed-upon price when asked to
do so by the option buyer.
The Fund may buy or sell put and call options on securities it holds or
intends to acquire, and may purchase put and call options for the purpose of
offsetting previously written put and call options of the same series. The Fund
may also buy and sell options on financial futures contracts. The Fund will use
options as a hedge against decreases or increases in the value of securities it
holds or intends to acquire.
The Fund may write only covered options. With regard to a call option,
this means that the Fund will own, for the life of the option, the securities
subject to the call option. The Fund will cover put options by holding, in a
segregated account, liquid assets having a value equal to or greater than the
price of securities subject to the put option. If the Fund is unable to effect a
closing purchase transaction with respect to the covered options it has sold, it
will not be able to sell the underlying securities or dispose of assets held in
a segregated account until the options expire or are exercised, resulting in a
potential loss of value to the Fund.
Futures Transactions
The Fund may enter into financial futures contracts and write options
on such contracts. The Fund intends to enter into such contracts and related
options for hedging purposes. The Fund will enter into futures on securities or
index-based futures contracts in order to hedge against changes in interest or
exchange rates or securities prices. A futures contract on securities is an
agreement to buy or sell securities at a specified price during a designated
month. A futures contract on a securities index does not involve the actual
delivery of securities, but merely requires the payment of a cash settlement
based on changes in the securities index. The Fund does not make payment or
deliver securities upon entering into a futures contract. Instead, it puts down
a margin deposit, which is adjusted to reflect changes in the value of the
contract and which continues until the contract is terminated.
The Fund may sell or purchase futures contracts. When a futures
contract is sold by the Fund, the value of the contract will tend to rise when
the value of the underlying securities declines and to fall when the value of
such securities increases. Thus, the Fund sells futures contracts in order to
offset a possible decline in the value of its securities. If a futures contract
is purchased by the Fund, the value of the contract will tend to rise when the
value of the underlying securities increases and to fall when the value of such
securities declines. The Fund intends to purchase futures contracts in order to
establish what is believed by the investment advisor to be a favorable price or
rate of return for securities the Fund intends to purchase.
The Fund also intends to purchase put and call options on futures
contracts for hedging purposes. A put option purchased by the Fund would give it
the right to assume a position as the seller of a futures contract. A call
option purchased by the Fund would give it the right to assume a position as the
purchaser of a futures contract. The purchase of an option on a futures contract
requires the Fund to pay a premium. In exchange for the premium, the Fund
becomes entitled to exercise the benefits, if any, provided by the futures
contract, but is not required to take any action under the contract. If the
option cannot be exercised profitably before it expires, the Fund's loss will be
limited to the amount of the premium and any transaction costs.
The Fund may enter into closing purchase and sale transactions in order
to terminate a futures contract and may sell put and call options for the
purpose of closing out its options positions. The Fund's ability to enter into
closing transactions depends on the development and maintenance of a liquid
secondary market. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will
exist for any particular contract or at any particular time. As a result, there
can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to enter into an offsetting
transaction with respect to a particular contract at a particular time. If the
Fund is not able to enter into an offsetting transaction, the Fund will continue
to be required to maintain the margin deposits on the contract and to complete
the contract according to its terms, in which case it would continue to bear
market risk on the transaction.
Although futures and options transactions are intended to enable the
Fund to manage market, interest rate or exchange rate risk, unanticipated
changes in interest rates or market prices could result in poorer performance
than if it had not entered into these transactions. Even if the investment
advisor correctly predicts interest rate movements, a hedge could be
unsuccessful if changes in the value of the Fund's futures position did not
correspond to changes in the value of its investments. This lack of correlation
between the Fund's futures and securities positions may be caused by differences
between the futures and securities markets or by differences between the
securities underlying the Fund's futures position and the securities held by or
to be purchased for the Fund. The Fund's investment advisor will attempt to
minimize these risks through careful selection and monitoring of the Fund's
futures and options positions.
The Fund does not intend to use futures transactions for speculation or
leverage. The Fund has the ability to write options on futures, but currently
intends to write such options only to close out options purchased by the Fund.
The Fund will not change these policies without supplementing the information in
the prospectus and SAI.
The Fund will not maintain open positions in futures contracts it has
sold or call options it has written on futures contracts if, in the aggregate,
the value of the open positions (marked to market) exceeds the current market
value of its securities portfolio plus or minus the unrealized gain or loss on
those open positions, adjusted for the correlation of volatility between the
hedged securities and the futures contracts. If this limitation is exceeded at
any time, the Fund will take prompt action to close out a sufficient number of
open contracts to bring its open futures and options positions within this
limitation.
"Margin" in Futures Transactions. Unlike the purchase or sale of a security, the
Fund does not pay or receive money upon the purchase or sale of a futures
contract. Rather the Fund is required to deposit an amount of "initial margin"
in cash or U.S. Treasury bills with its custodian (or the broker, if legally
permitted). The nature of initial margin in futures transactions is different
from that of margin in securities transactions in that futures contract initial
margin does not involve the borrowing of funds by the Fund to finance the
transactions. Initial margin is in the nature of a performance bond or good
faith deposit on the contract which is returned to the Fund upon termination of
the futures contract, assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied.
A futures contract held by the 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 does not represent a borrowing or loan by the Fund but is instead
settlement between the Fund and the broker of the amount one would owe the other
if the futures contract expired. In computing its daily net asset value the Fund
will mark-to-market its open futures positions. The Fund is also required to
deposit and maintain margin when it writes call options on futures contracts.
Foreign Securities
The Fund may invest in foreign securities or U.S. securities traded in
foreign markets. In addition to securities issued by foreign companies,
permissible investments may also consist of obligations of foreign branches of
U.S. banks and of foreign banks, including European certificates of deposit,
European time deposits, Canadian time deposits and Yankee certificates of
deposit. The Fund may also invest in Canadian commercial paper and Europaper.
These instruments may subject the Fund to investment risks that differ in some
respects from those related to investments in obligations of U.S. issuers. Such
risks include the possibility of adverse political and economic developments;
imposition of withholding taxes on interest or other income; seizure,
nationalization, or expropriation of foreign deposits; establishment of exchange
controls or taxation at the source; greater fluctuations in value due to changes
in exchange rates, or the adoption of other foreign governmental restrictions
which might adversely affect the payment of principal and interest on such
obligations. Such investments may also entail higher custodial fees and sales
commissions than domestic investments. Foreign issuers of securities or
obligations are often subject to accounting treatment and engage in business
practices different from those respecting domestic issuers of similar securities
or obligations. Foreign branches of U.S. banks and foreign banks may be subject
to less stringent reserve requirements than those applicable to domestic
branches of U.S. banks.
The Fund may also invest in the stocks of companies located in emerging
markets. These countries generally have economic structures that are less
diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable than those of
developed countries. Emerging markets may be more volatile than the markets of
more mature economies, and the securities of companies located in emerging
markets are often subject to rapid and large price fluctuations; however, these
markets may also provide higher long-term rates of return.
Foreign Currency Transactions
As one way of managing exchange rate risk, the Fund may enter into
forward currency exchange contracts (agreements to purchase or sell currencies
at a specified price and date). The exchange rate for the transaction (the
amount of currency the Fund will deliver and receive when the contract is
completed) is fixed when the Fund enters into the contract. The Fund usually
will enter into these contracts to stabilize the U.S. dollar value of a security
it has agreed to buy or sell. The Fund intends to use these contracts to hedge
the U.S. dollar value of a security it already owns, particularly if the Fund
expects a decrease in the value of the currency in which the foreign security is
denominated. Although the Fund will attempt to benefit from using forward
contracts, the success of its hedging strategy will depend on the investment
advisor's ability to predict accurately the future exchange rates between
foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. The value of the Fund's investments
denominated in foreign currencies will depend on the relative strengths of those
currencies and the U.S. dollar, and the Fund may be affected favorably or
unfavorably by changes in the exchange rates or exchange control regulations
between foreign currencies and the U.S. dollar. Changes in foreign currency
exchange rates also may affect the value of dividends and interest earned, gains
and losses realized on the sale of securities and net investment income and
gains, if any, to be distributed to shareholders by the Fund. The Fund may also
purchase and sell options related to foreign currencies in connection with
hedging strategies.
Premium Securities
The Fund may at times invest in premium securities which are securities
bearing coupon rates higher than prevailing market rates. Such "premium"
securities are typically purchased at prices greater than the principal amount
payable on maturity. Although the Fund generally amortizes the amount of any
such premium into income, the Fund may recognize a capital loss if such premium
securities are called or sold prior to maturity and the call or sale price is
less than the purchase price. Additionally, the Fund may recognize a capital
loss if it holds such securities to maturity.
High Yield, High Risk Bonds
The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in lower rated bonds. Bonds
rated below BBB by S&P or Fitch IBCA, Inc. ("Fitch") or below Baa by Moody's,
commonly known as "junk bonds," offer high yields, but also high risk. While
investment in junk bonds provides opportunities to maximize return over time,
they are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the ability of the
issuer to meet principal and interest payments. Investors should be aware of the
following risks:
(1) The lower ratings of junk bonds reflect a greater possibility that
adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuer or in general economic
conditions, or both, or an unanticipated rise in interest rates may impair the
ability of the issuer to make payments of interest and principal, especially if
the issuer is highly leveraged. Such issuer's ability to meet its debt
obligations may also be adversely affected by the issuer's inability to meet
specific forecasts or the unavailability of additional financing. Also, an
economic downturn or an increase in interest rates may increase the potential
for default by the issuers of these securities.
(2) The value of junk bonds may be more susceptible to real or
perceived adverse economic or political events than is the case for higher
quality bonds.
(3) The value of junk bonds, like those of other fixed income
securities, fluctuates in response to changes in interest rates, generally
rising when interest rates decline and falling when interest rates rise. For
example, if interest rates increase after a fixed income security is purchased,
the security, if sold prior to maturity, may return less than its cost. The
prices of junk bonds, however, are generally less sensitive to interest rate
changes than the prices of higher-rated bonds, but are more sensitive to news
about an issuer or the economy which is, or investors perceive as, negative.
(4) The secondary market for junk bonds may be less liquid at certain
times than the secondary market for higher quality bonds, which may adversely
effect (a) the bond's market price, (b) the Fund's ability to sell the bond and
the Fund's ability to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing
its assets.
For bond ratings descriptions, see "Corporate and Municipal Bond
Ratings" below.
Illiquid and Restricted Securities
The Fund may not invest more than 15% (10% for money market funds) of
its net assets in securities that are illiquid. A security is illiquid when the
Fund cannot dispose of it in the ordinary course of business within seven days
at approximately the value at which the Fund has the investment on its books.
The Fund may invest in "restricted" securities, i.e., securities
subject to restrictions on resale under federal securities laws. Rule 144A under
the Securities Act of 1933 ("Rule 144A") allows certain restricted securities to
trade freely among qualified institutional investors. Since Rule 144A securities
may have limited markets, the Board of Trustees will determine whether such
securities should be considered illiquid for the purpose of determining the
Fund's compliance with the limit on illiquid securities indicated above. In
determining the liquidity of Rule 144A securities, the Trustees will consider:
(1) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (2) the number of
dealers willing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other
potential buyers; (3) dealer undertakings to make a market in the security; and
(4) the nature of the security and the nature of the marketplace trades.
Investment in Other Investment Companies
The Fund may purchase the shares of other investment companies to the
extent permitted under the 1940 Act. Currently, the Fund may not (1) own more
than 3% of the outstanding voting stocks of another investment company, (2)
invest more than 5% of its assets in any single investment company, and (3)
invest more than 10% of its assets in investment companies. However, the Fund
may invest all of its investable assets in securities of a single open-end
management investment company with substantially the same fundamental investment
objectives, policies and limitations as the Fund. Investing in other investment
companies may expose a Fund to duplicate expenses and lower its value.
Short Sales
A short sale is the sale of a security the Fund has borrowed. The Fund
expects to profit from a short sale by selling the borrowed security for more
than the cost of buying it to repay the lender. After a short sale is completed,
the value of the security sold short may rise. If that happens, the cost of
buying it to repay the lender may exceed the amount originally received for the
sale by the Fund.
The Fund may engage in short sales, but it may not 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 of securities
which, without payment of any further consideration, are convertible into or
exchangeable for securities of the same issue as, and equal in amount to, the
securities sold short. The Fund may effect a short sale in connection with an
underwriting in which the Fund is a participant.
Municipal Bonds
The Fund may invest in municipal bonds of any state, territory or
possession of the United States ("U.S."), including the District of Columbia.
The Fund may also invest in municipal bonds of any political subdivision, agency
or instrumentality (e.g., counties, cities, towns, villages, districts,
authorities) of the U.S. or its possessions. Municipal bonds are debt
instruments issued by or for a state or local government to support its general
financial needs or to pay for special projects such as airports, bridges,
highways, public transit, schools, hospitals, housing and water and sewer works.
Municipal bonds may also may be issued to refinance public debt.
Municipal bonds are mainly divided between "general obligation" and
"revenue" bonds. General obligation bonds are backed by the full faith and
credit of governmental issuers with the power to tax. They are repaid from the
issuer's general revenues. Payment, however, may be dependent upon legislative
approval and may be subject to limitations on the issuer's taxing power.
Enforcement of payments due under general obligation bonds varies according to
the law applicable to the issuer. In contrast, revenue bonds are supported only
by the revenues generated by the project or facility.
The Fund may also invest in industrial development bonds. Such bonds
are usually revenue bonds issued to pay for facilities with a public purpose
operated by private corporations. The credit quality of industrial development
bonds is usually directly related to the credit standing of the owner or user of
the facilities. To qualify as a municipal bond, the interest paid on an
industrial development bond must qualify as fully exempt from federal income
tax. However, the interest paid on an industrial development bond may be subject
to the federal alternative minimum tax.
The yields on municipal bonds depend on such factors as market
conditions, the financial condition of the issuer and the issue's size, maturity
date and rating. Municipal bonds are rated by S&P, Moody's and Fitch. Such
ratings, however, are opinions, not absolute standards of quality. Municipal
bonds with the same maturity, interest rates and rating may have different
yields, while municipal bonds with the same maturity and interest rate, but
different ratings, may have the same yield. Once purchased by the Fund, a
municipal bond may cease to be rated or receive a new rating below the minimum
required for purchase by the Fund. Neither event would require the Fund to sell
the bond, but the Fund's investment advisor would consider such events in
determining whether the Fund should continue to hold it.
The ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective depends
upon the continuing ability of issuers of municipal bonds to pay interest and
principal when due. Municipal bonds are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy,
insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors. Such
laws extend the time for payment of principal and/or interest, and may otherwise
restrict the Fund's ability to enforce its rights in the event of default. Since
there is generally less information available on the financial condition of
municipal bond issuers compared to other domestic issuers of securities, the
Fund's investment advisor may lack sufficient knowledge of an issue's
weaknesses. Other influences, such as litigation, may also materially affect the
ability of an issuer to pay principal and interest when due. In addition, the
market for municipal bonds is often thin and can be temporarily affected by
large purchases and sales, including those by the Fund.
From time to time, Congress has considered restricting or eliminating
the federal income tax exemption for interest on municipal bonds. Such actions
could materially affect the availability of municipal bonds and the value of
those already owned by the Fund. If such legislation were passed, the Trust's
Board of Trustees may recommend changes in the Fund's investment objectives and
policies or dissolution of the Fund.
Virgin Islands, Guam and Puerto Rico
The Fund may invest in obligations of the governments of the Virgin
Islands, Guam and Puerto Rico to the extent such obligations are exempt from the
income or intangibles taxes, as applicable, of the state for which the Fund is
named. The Fund does not presently intend to invest more than (a) 10% of its net
assets in the obligations of each of the Virgin Islands and Guam or (b) 25% of
its net assets in the obligations of Puerto Rico. Accordingly, the Fund may be
adversely affected by local political and economic conditions and developments
within the Virgin Islands, Guam and Puerto Rico affecting the issuers of such
obligations.
Master Demand Notes
The Fund may invest in master demand notes. These are unsecured
obligations that permit the investment of fluctuating amounts by the Fund at
varying rates of interest pursuant to direct arrangements between the Fund, as
lender, and the issuer, as borrower. Master demand notes may permit daily
fluctuations in the interest rate and daily changes in the amounts borrowed. The
Fund has the right to increase the amount under the note at any time up to the
full amount provided by the note agreement, or to decrease the amount. The
borrower may repay up to the full amount of the note without penalty. Master
demand notes permit the Fund to demand payment of principal and accrued interest
at any time (on not more than seven days' notice). Notes acquired by the Fund
may have maturities of more than one year, provided that (1) the Fund is
entitled to payment of principal and accrued interest upon not more than seven
days' notice, and (2) the rate of interest on such notes is adjusted
automatically at periodic intervals, which normally will not exceed 31 days, but
may extend up to one year. The notes are deemed to have a maturity equal to the
longer of the period remaining to the next interest rate adjustment or the
demand notice period. Because these types of notes are direct lending
arrangements between the lender and borrower, such instruments are not normally
traded and there is no secondary market for these notes, although they are
redeemable and thus repayable by the borrower at face value plus accrued
interest at any time. Accordingly, the Fund's right to redeem is dependent on
the ability of the borrower to pay principal and interest on demand. In
connection with master demand note arrangements, the Fund`s investment advisor
considers, under standards established by the Board of Trustees, earning power,
cash flow and other liquidity ratios of the borrower and will monitor the
ability of the borrower to pay principal and interest on demand. These notes are
not typically rated by credit rating agencies. Unless rated, the Fund may invest
in them only if at the time of an investment the issuer meets the criteria
established for high quality commercial paper, i.e., rated A-1 by S&P, Prime-1
by Moody's or F-1 by Fitch.
Brady Bonds
The Fund may also invest in Brady Bonds. Brady Bonds are created through
the exchange of existing commercial bank loans to foreign entities for new
obligations in connection with debt restructurings under a plan introduced by
former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, Nicholas F. Brady (the "Brady Plan").
Brady Bonds have been issued only recently, and, accordingly, do not have a long
payment history. They may be collateralized or uncollateralized and issued in
various currencies (although most are U.S. dollar-denominated) and they are
actively traded in the over-the-counter secondary market.
U.S. dollar-denominated, collateralized Brady Bonds, which may be
fixed-rate par bonds or floating rate discount bonds, are generally
collateralized in full as to principal due at maturity by U.S. Treasury zero
coupon obligations that have the same maturity as the Brady Bonds. Interest
payments on these Brady Bonds generally are collateralized by cash or securities
in an amount that, in the case of fixed rate bonds, is equal to at least one
year of rolling interest payments based on the applicable interest rate at that
time and is adjusted at regular intervals thereafter. Certain Brady Bonds are
entitled to "value recovery payments" in certain circumstances, which in effect
constitute supplemental interest payments, but generally are not collateralized.
Brady Bonds are often viewed as having up to four valuation components: (1)
collateralized repayment of principal at final maturity, (2) collateralized
interest payments, (3) uncollateralized interest payments, and (4) any
uncollateralized repayment of principal at maturity (these uncollateralized
amounts constitute the "residual risk"). In the event of a default with respect
to collateralized Brady Bonds as a result of which the payment obligations of
the issuer are accelerated, the U.S. Treasury zero coupon obligations held as
collateral for the payment of principal will not be distributed to investors,
nor will such obligations be sold and the proceeds distributed. The collateral
will be held by the collateral agent to the scheduled maturity of the defaulted
Brady Bonds, which will continue to be outstanding, at which time the face
amount of the collateral will equal the principal payments that would have then
been due on the Brady Bonds in the normal course. In addition, in light of the
residual risk of Brady Bonds and, among other factors, the history of defaults
with respect to commercial bank loans by public and private entities of
countries issuing Brady Bonds, investments in Brady Bonds are to be viewed as
speculative.
Obligations of Foreign Branches of United States Banks
The Fund may invest in obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks.
These may be general obligations of the parent bank in addition to the issuing
branch, or may be limited by the terms of a specific obligation and by
government regulation. Payment of interest and principal upon these obligations
may also be affected by governmental action in the country of domicile of the
branch (generally referred to as sovereign risk). In addition, evidences of
ownership of such securities may be held outside the U.S. and the Fund may be
subject to the risks associated with the holding of such property overseas.
Examples of governmental actions would be the imposition of currency controls,
interest limitations, withholding taxes, seizure of assets or the declaration of
a moratorium. Various provisions of federal law governing domestic branches do
not apply to foreign branches of domestic banks.
Obligations of United States Branches of Foreign Banks
The Fund may invest in obligations of U.S. branches of foreign banks.
These may be general obligations of the parent bank in addition to the issuing
branch, or may be limited by the terms of a specific obligation and by federal
and state regulation as well as by governmental action in the country in which
the foreign bank has its head office. In addition, there may be less publicly
available information about a U.S. branch of a foreign bank than about a
domestic bank.
Payment-in-kind Securities
The Fund may invest in payment-in-kind ("PIK") securities. PIKs pay
interest in either cash or additional securities, at the issuer's option, for a
specified period. The issuer's option to pay in additional securities typically
ranges from one to six years, compared to an average maturity for all PIK
securities of eleven years. Call protection and sinking fund features are
comparable to those offered on traditional debt issues.
PIKs, like zero coupon bonds, are designed to give an issuer
flexibility in managing cash flow. Several PIKs are senior debt. In other cases,
where PIKs are subordinated, most senior lenders view them as equity
equivalents.
An advantage of PIKs for the issuer -- as with zero coupon securities
- -- is that interest payments are automatically compounded (reinvested) at the
stated coupon rate, which is not the case with cash-paying securities. However,
PIKs are gaining popularity over zeros since interest payments in additional
securities can be monetized and are more tangible than accretion of a discount.
As a group, PIK bonds trade flat (i.e., without accrued interest).
Their price is expected to reflect an amount representing accredit interest
since the last payment. PIKs generally trade at higher yields than comparable
cash-paying securities of the same issuer. Their premium yield is the result of
the lesser desirability of non-cash interest, the more limited audience for
non-cash paying securities, and the fact that many PIKs have been issued to
equity investors who do not normally own or hold such securities.
Calculating the true yield on a PIK security requires a discounted cash
flow analysis if the security (ex interest) is trading at a premium or a
discount because the realizable value of additional payments is equal to the
current market value of the underlying security, not par.
Regardless of whether PIK securities are senior or deeply subordinated,
issuers are highly motivated to retire them because they are usually their most
costly form of capital.
Zero Coupon "Stripped" Bonds
The Fund may invest in zero coupon "stripped" bonds. These represent
ownership in serially maturing interest payments or principal payments on
specific underlying notes and bonds, including coupons relating to such notes
and bonds. The interest and principal payments are direct obligations of the
issuer. Interest zero coupon bonds of any series mature periodically from the
date of issue of such series through the maturity date of the securities related
to such series. Principal zero coupon bonds mature on the date specified
therein, which is the final maturity date of the related securities. Each zero
coupon bond entitles the holder to receive a single payment at maturity. There
are no periodic interest payments on a zero coupon bond. Zero coupon bonds are
offered at discounts from their face amounts.
In general, owners of zero coupon bonds have substantially all the
rights and privileges of owners of the underlying coupon obligations or
principal obligations. Owners of zero coupon bonds have the right upon default
on the underlying coupon obligations or principal obligations to proceed
directly and individually against the issuer and are not required to act in
concert with other holders of zero coupon bonds.
For federal income tax purposes, a purchaser of principal zero coupon
bonds or interest zero coupon bonds (either initially or in the secondary
market) is treated as if the buyer had purchased a corporate obligation issued
on the purchase date with an original issue discount equal to the excess of the
amount payable at maturity over the purchase price. The purchaser is required to
take into income each year as ordinary income an allocable portion of such
discounts determined on a "constant yield" method. Any such income increases the
holder's tax basis for the zero coupon bond, and any gain or loss on a sale of
the zero coupon bonds relative to the holder's basis, as so adjusted, is a
capital gain or loss. If the holder owns both principal zero coupon bonds and
interest zero coupon bonds representing an interest in the same underlying issue
of securities, a special basis allocation rule (requiring the aggregate basis to
be allocated among the items sold and retained based on their relative fair
market value at the time of sale) may apply to determine the gain or loss on a
sale of any such zero coupon bonds.
Mortgage-Backed or Asset-Backed Securities
The Fund may invest in mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed
securities. Two principal types of mortgage-backed securities are collateralized
mortgage obligations ("CMOs") and real estate mortgage investment conduits
("REMICs"). CMOs are securities collateralized by mortgages, mortgage
pass-throughs, mortgage pay-through bonds (bonds representing an interest in a
pool of mortgages where the cash flow generated from the mortgage collateral
pool is dedicated to bond repayment), and mortgage-backed bonds (general
obligations of the issuers payable out of the issuers' general funds and
additionally secured by a first lien on a pool of single family detached
properties). Many CMOs are issued with a number of classes or series which have
different maturities and are retired in sequence.
Investors purchasing CMOs in the shortest maturities receive or are
credited with their pro rata portion of the scheduled payments of interest and
principal on the underlying mortgages plus all unscheduled prepayments of
principal up to a predetermined portion of the total CMO obligation. Until that
portion of such CMO obligation is repaid, investors in the longer maturities
receive interest only. Accordingly, the CMOs in the longer maturity series are
less likely than other mortgage pass-throughs to be prepaid prior to their
stated maturity. Although some of the mortgages underlying CMOs may be supported
by various types of insurance, and some CMOs may be backed by GNMA certificates
or other mortgage pass-throughs issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies
or instrumentalities, the CMOs themselves are not generally guaranteed.
REMICs, which were authorized under the Tax Reform Act of 1986, are
private entities formed for the purpose of holding a fixed pool of mortgages
secured by an interest in real property. REMICs are similar to CMOs in that they
issue multiple classes of securities.
In addition to mortgage-backed securities, the Fund may invest in
securities secured by other assets including company receivables, truck and auto
loans, leases, and credit card receivables. These issues may be traded
over-the-counter and typically have a short-intermediate maturity structure
depending on the pay down characteristics of the underlying financial assets
which are passed through to the security holder.
Credit card receivables are generally unsecured and the debtors are
entitled to the protection of a number of state and federal consumer credit
laws, many of which give such debtors the right to set off certain amounts owed
on the credit cards, thereby reducing the balance due. Most issuers of
asset-backed securities backed by automobile receivables permit the servicers of
such receivables to retain possession of the underlying obligations. If the
servicers were to sell these obligations to another party, there is a risk that
the purchaser would acquire an interest superior to that of the holders of the
related asset-backed securities. In addition, because of the large number of
vehicles involved in a typical issuance and technical requirements under state
laws, the trustee for the holders of related asset-backed securities backed by
automobile receivables may not have a proper security interest in all of the
obligations backing such receivables. Therefore, there is the possibility that
recoveries on repossessed collateral may not, in some cases, be available to
support payments on these securities.
In general, issues of asset-backed securities are structured to include
additional collateral and/or additional credit support to protect against the
risk that a portion of the collateral supporting the asset-backed securities may
default and/or may suffer from these defects. In evaluating the strength of
particular issues of asset-backed securities, the investment advisor considers
the financial strength of the guarantor or other provider of credit support, the
type and extent of credit enhancement provided as well as the documentation and
structure of the issue itself and the credit support.
Variable or Floating Rate Instruments
The Fund may invest in variable or floating rate instruments which may
involve a demand feature and may include variable amount master demand notes
which may or may not be backed by bank letters of credit. Variable or floating
rate instruments bear interest at a rate which varies with changes in market
rates. The holder of an instrument with a demand feature may tender the
instrument back to the issuer at par prior to maturity. A variable amount master
demand note is issued pursuant to a written agreement between the issuer and the
holder, its amount may be increased by the holder or decreased by the holder or
issuer, it is payable on demand, and the rate of interest varies based upon an
agreed formula. The quality of the underlying credit must, in the opinion of the
investment advisor, be equivalent to the long-term bond or commercial paper
ratings applicable to permitted investments for the Fund. The investment advisor
will monitor, on an ongoing basis, the earning power, cash flow, and liquidity
ratios of the issuers of such instruments and will similarly monitor the ability
of an issuer of a demand instrument to pay principal and interest on demand.
Real Estate Investment Trusts
The Fund may invest in investments related to real estate including
real estate investment trusts ("REITs"). Risks associated with investments in
securities of companies in the real estate industry include: decline in the
value of real estate; risks related to general and local economic conditions,
overbuilding and increased competition; increases in property taxes and
operating expenses; changes in zoning laws; casualty or condemnation losses;
variations in rental income; changes in neighborhood values; the appeal of
properties to tenants; and increases in interest rates. In addition, equity
REITs may be affected by changes in the values of the underlying property owned
by the trusts, while mortgage real estate investment trusts may be affected by
the quality of credit extended. REITs are dependent upon management skills, may
not be diversified and are subject to the risks of financing projects. Such
REITs are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers,
self liquidation and the possibility of failing to qualify for tax-free
pass-through of income under the Code and to maintain exemption from the 1940
Act. In the event an issuer of debt securities collateralized by real estate
defaults, it is conceivable that the REITs could end up holding the underlying
real estate.
Limited Partnerships
The Fund may invest in limited and master limited partnerships. A
limited partnership is a partnership consisting of one or more general partners,
jointly and severally responsible as ordinary partners, and by whom the business
is conducted, and one or more limited partners who contribute cash as capital to
the partnership and who generally are not liable for the debts of the
partnership beyond the amounts contributed. Limited partners are not involved in
the day-to-day management of the partnership. They receive income, capital gains
and other tax benefits associated with the partnership project in accordance
with terms established in the partnership agreement. Typical limited
partnerships are in real estate, oil and gas and equipment leasing, but they
also finance movies, research and development, and other projects.
For an organization classified as a partnership under the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), each item of income, gain, loss,
deduction, and credit is not taxed at the partnership level but flows through to
the holder of the partnership unit. This allows the partnership to avoid double
taxation and to pass through income to the holder of the partnership unit at
lower individual rates.
A master limited partnership is a publicly traded limited partnership.
The partnership units are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC") and are freely exchanged on a securities exchange or in the
over-the-counter market.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
You may buy shares of the Fund through Evergreen Distributor, Inc.
("EDI"), broker-dealers that have entered into special agreements with EDI or
certain other financial institutions. With certain exceptions, the Fund may
offer up to four different classes of shares that differ primarily with respect
to sales charges and distribution fees. Depending upon the class of shares, you
will pay an initial sales charge when you buy the Fund's shares, a contingent
deferred sales charge (a "CDSC") when you redeem the Fund's shares or no sales
charges at all. Each Fund offers different classes of shares. Refer to the
prospectus to determine which classes of shares are offered by each Fund.
Class A Shares
With certain exceptions, when you purchase Class A shares you will pay
a maximum sales charge of 4.75%. The prospectus contains a complete table of
applicable sales charges and a discussion of sales charge reductions or waivers
that may apply to purchases. If you purchase Class A shares in the amount of $1
million or more, without an initial sales charge, the Fund will charge a CDSC of
1.00% if you redeem during the month of your purchase or the 12-month period
following the month of your purchase (see "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge"
below).
No front-end sales charges are imposed on Class A shares purchased by
(a) institutional investors, which may include bank trust departments and
registered investment advisors; (b) investment advisors, consultants or
financial planners who place trades for their own accounts or the accounts of
their clients and who charge such clients a management, consulting, advisory or
other fee; (c) clients of investment advisors or financial planners who place
trades for their own accounts if the accounts are linked to the master account
of such investment advisors or financial planners on the books of the
broker-dealer through whom shares are purchased; (d) institutional clients of
broker-dealers, including retirement and deferred compensation plans and the
trusts used to fund these plans, which place trades through an omnibus account
maintained with the Fund by the broker-dealer; (e) shareholders of record on
October 12, 1990 in any series of Evergreen Investment Trust in existence on
that date, and the members of their immediate families; (f) current and retired
employees of First Union National Bank ("FUNB") and its affiliates, EDI and any
broker-dealer with whom EDI has entered into an agreement to sell shares of the
Fund, and members of the immediate families of such employees; and (g) upon the
initial purchase of an Evergreen Fund by investors reinvesting the proceeds from
a redemption within the preceding 30 days of shares of other mutual funds,
provided such shares were initially purchased with a front-end sales charge or
subject to a CDSC.
Class B Shares
The Fund offers Class B shares at net asset value without an initial
sales charge. With certain exceptions, however, the Fund will charge a CDSC on
shares you redeem within 72 months after the month of your purchase, in
accordance with the following schedule:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
REDEMPTION TIME CDSC RATE
<S> <C>
Month of purchase and the first 12-month
period following the month of purchase........................................... 5.00%
Second 12-month period following the month of purchase........................... 4.00%
Third 12-month period following the month of purchase............................ 3.00%
Fourth 12-month period following the month of purchase........................... 3.00%
Fifth 12-month period following the month of purchase............................ 2.00%
Sixth 12-month period following the month of purchase............................ 1.00%
Thereafter....................................................................... 0.00%
</TABLE>
Class B shares that have been outstanding for seven years after the
month of purchase will automatically convert to Class A shares without
imposition of a front-end sales charge or exchange fee. Conversion of Class B
shares represented by stock certificates will require the return of the stock
certificate to ESC.
Class C Shares
Class C shares are available only through broker-dealers who have
entered into special distribution agreements with EDI. The Fund offers Class C
shares at net asset value without an initial sales charge. With certain
exceptions, however, the Fund will charge a CDSC of 1.00% on shares you redeem
within 12-months after the month of your purchase. See "Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge" below.
Class Y Shares
No CDSC is imposed on the redemption of Class Y shares. Class Y shares
are not offered to the general public and are available only to (1) persons who
at or prior to December 31, 1994 owned shares in a mutual fund advised by (2)
certain institutional investors and (3) investment advisory clients of an
investment advisor of an Evergreen Fund or the advisor's affiliates. Class Y
shares are offered at net asset value without a front-end or back-end sales
charge and do not bear any Rule 12b-1 distribution expenses.
INSTITUTIONAL SHARES, INSTITUTIONAL SERVICE SHARES
Each institutional class of shares is sold without a front-end sales
charge or contingent deferred sales charge. Institutional Service shares pay an
ongoing service fee. The minimum initial investment in any institutional class
of shares is $1 million, which may be waived in certain circumstances. There is
no minimum amount required for subsequent purchases.
<PAGE>
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
The Fund charges a CDSC as reimbursement for certain expenses, such as
commissions or shareholder servicing fees, that it has incurred in connection
with the sale of its shares (see "Distribution Expenses Under Rule 12b-1,"
below). Institutional and Institutional Service shares do not charge a CDSC. If
imposed, the Fund deducts the CDSC from the redemption proceeds you would
otherwise receive. The CDSC is a percentage of the lesser of (1) the net asset
value of the shares at the time of redemption or (2) the shareholder's original
net cost for such shares. Upon request for redemption, to keep the CDSC a
shareholder must pay as low as possible, the Fund will first seek to redeem
shares not subject to the CDSC and/or shares held the longest, in that order.
The CDSC on any redemption is, to the extent permitted by the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., paid to EDI or its predecessor.
SALES CHARGE WAIVERS AND REDUCTIONS
The following information is not applicable to Institutional and
Institutional Service shares.
If you making a large purchase, there are several ways you can combine
multiple purchases of Class A shares in Evergreen Funds and take advantage of
lower sales charges. These are described below.
Combined Purchases
You can reduce your sales charge by combining purchases of Class A
shares of multiple Evergreen Funds. For example, if you invested $75,000 in each
of two different Evergreen Funds, you would pay a sales charge based on a
$150,000 purchase (i.e., 3.75% of the offering price, rather than 4.75%).
Rights of Accumulation
You can reduce your sales charge by adding the value of Class A shares
of Evergreen Funds you already own to the amount of your next Class A
investment. For example, if you hold Class A shares valued at $99,999 and
purchase an additional $5,000, the sales charge for the $5,000 purchase would be
at the next lower sales charge of 3.75%, rather than 4.75%.
Your account, and therefore your rights of accumulation, can be linked
to immediate family members which includes father and mother, brothers and
sisters, and sons and daughters. The same rule applies with respect to
individual retirement plans. Please note, however, that retirement plans
involving employees stand alone and do not pass on rights of accumulation.
Letter of Intent
You can, by completing the "Letter of Intent" section of the
application, purchase Class A shares over a 13-month period and receive the same
sales charge as if you had invested all the money at once. All purchases of
Class A shares of an Evergreen Fund during the period will qualify as Letter of
Intent purchases.
<PAGE>
Waiver of Initial Sales Charges
The Fund may sell its shares at net asset value without an initial
sales charge to:
1. purchasers of shares in the amount of $1 million or more;
2. a corporate or certain other qualified retirement plan or a
non-qualified deferred compensation plan or a Title 1
tax-sheltered annuity or TSA plan sponsored by an organization
having 100 or more eligible employees (a "Qualifying Plan") or
a TSA plan sponsored by a public educational entity having
5,000 or more eligible employees (an "Educational TSA Plan");
3. institutional investors, which may include bank trust
departments and registered investment advisors;
4. investment advisors, consultants or financial planners who
place trades for their own accounts or the accounts of their
clients and who charge such clients a management, consulting,
advisory or other fee;
5. clients of investment advisors or financial planners who place
trades for their own accounts if the accounts are linked to a
master account of such investment advisors or financial
planners on the books of the broker-dealer through whom shares
are purchased;
6. institutional clients of broker-dealers, including retirement
and deferred compensation plans and the trusts used to fund
these plans, which place trades through an omnibus account
maintained with the Fund by the broker-dealer;
7. employees of FUNB, its affiliates, EDI, any broker-dealer with
whom EDI, has entered into an agreement to sell shares of the
Fund, and members of the immediate families of such employees;
8. certain Directors, Trustees, officers and employees of the
Evergreen Funds, EDI or their affiliates and to the immediate
families of such persons; or
9. a bank or trust company acting as trustee for a single account
in the name of such bank or trust company if the initial
investment in any of the Evergreen Funds made pursuant to this
waiver is at least $500,000 and any commission paid at the
time of such purchase is not more than 1% of the amount
invested.
With respect to items 8 and 9 above, the Fund will only sell shares to
these parties upon the purchasers written assurance that the purchase is for
their personal investment purposes only. Such purchasers may not resell the
securities except through redemption by the Fund. The Fund will not charge any
CDSC on redemptions by such purchasers.
<PAGE>
Waiver of CDSCs
The Fund does not impose a CDSC when the shares you are redeeming
represent:
1. an increase in the share value above the net cost of such
shares;
2. certain shares for which the Fund did not pay a commission on
issuance, including shares acquired through reinvestment of
dividend income and capital gains distributions;
3. shares that are in the accounts of a shareholder who has died
or become disabled;
4. a lump-sum distribution from a 401(k) plan or other benefit
plan qualified under the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act of 1974 ("ERISA");
5. an automatic withdrawal from the ERISA plan of a shareholder
who is a least 59 years old;
6. shares in an account that we have closed because the account
has an aggregate net asset value of less than $1,000;
7. an automatic withdrawal under an Systematic Income Plan of up
to 1.0% per month of your initial account balance;
8. a withdrawal consisting of loan proceeds to a retirement plan
participant;
9. a financial hardship withdrawal made by a retirement plan
participant;
10. a withdrawal consisting of returns of excess contributions or
excess deferral amounts made to a retirement plan; or
11. a redemption by an individual participant in a Qualifying Plan
that purchased Class C shares (this waiver is not available in
the event a Qualifying Plan, as a whole, redeems substantially
all of its assets).
Exchanges
Investors may exchange shares of the Fund for shares of the same class
of any other Evergreen Fund which offers the same class of shares. Shares of any
class of the Evergreen Select Funds may be exchanged for the same class of
shares of any other Evergreen Select Fund. See "By Exchange" under "How to Buy
Shares" in the prospectus. Before you make an exchange, you should read the
prospectus of the Evergreen Fund into which you want to exchange. The Trust's
Board of Trustees reserves the right to discontinue, alter or limit the exchange
privilege at any time.
Automatic Reinvestment
As described in the prospectus, a shareholder may elect to receive
dividends and capital gains distributions in cash instead of shares. However,
ESC will automatically reinvest all dividends and distributions in additional
shares when it learns that the postal or other delivery service is unable to
deliver checks or transaction confirmations to the shareholder's address of
record. When a check is returned, the Fund will hold the check amount in a
no-interest account in the shareholder's name until the shareholder updates his
or her address or automatic reinvestment begins. Uncashed or returned redemption
checks will also be handled in the manner described above.
PRICING OF SHARES
Calculation of Net Asset Value
The Fund calculates its net asset value ("NAV") once daily (or twice
daily, for Money Market Funds) on Monday through Friday, as described in the
prospectus. The Fund will not compute its NAV on the days the New York Stock
Exchange is closed: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents'
Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day
and Christmas Day.
The NAV of the Fund is calculated by dividing the value of the Fund's
net assets attributable to that class by all of the shares issued for that
class.
Valuation of Portfolio Securities
Current values for the Fund's portfolio securities are determined as
follows:
(1) Securities that are traded on an established securities exchange or
the over-the-counter National Market System ("NMS") are valued on the
basis of the last sales price on the exchange where primarily traded or
on the NMS prior to the time of the valuation, provided that a sale has
occurred.
(2) Securities traded on an established securities exchange or in the
over-the-counter market for which there has been no sale and other
securities traded in the over-the-counter market are valued at the mean
of the bid and asked prices at the time of valuation.
(3) Short-term investments maturing in more than 60 days, for which
market quotations are readily available, are valued at current market
value.
(4) Short-term investments maturing in sixty days or less are valued at
amortized cost, which approximates market.
(5) Securities, including restricted securities, for which market
quotations are not readily available; listed securities or those on NMS
if, in the investment advisor's opinion, the last sales price does not
reflect an accurate current market value; and other assets are valued
at prices deemed in good faith to be fair under procedures established
by the Board of Trustees.
(6) Municipal bonds are valued by an independent pricing service at
fair value using a variety of factors which may include yield,
liquidity, interest rate risk, credit quality, coupon, maturity and
type of issue.
Foreign securities are generally valued on the basis of valuations provided by a
pricing service, approved by the Fund's Board of Trustees, which uses
information with respect to transactions in such securities, quotations from
broker-dealers, market transactions in comparable securities, and various
relationships between securities and yield to maturity in determining value.
PERFORMANCE CALCULATIONS
Total Return
Total return quotations for a class of shares of the Fund as they may
appear from time to time in advertisements are calculated by finding the average
annual compounded rates of return over one, five and ten year periods, or the
time periods for which such class of shares has been effective, whichever is
relevant, on a hypothetical $1,000 investment that would equate the initial
amount invested in the class to the ending redeemable value. To the initial
investment all dividends and distributions are added, and all recurring fees
charged to all shareholder accounts are deducted. The ending redeemable value
assumes a complete redemption at the end of the relevant periods.
The following is the formula used to calculate average annual total
return:
P(1 + T)n = ERV
P = initial payment of $1,000
T = average annual total return
N = number of years
ERV = ending redeemable value of the initial $1,000
Yield
Described below are yield calculations the Fund may use. Yield
quotations are expressed in annualized terms and may be quoted on a compounded
basis. Yields based on these calculations do not represent the Fund's yield for
any future period.
30-Day Yield
If the Fund invests primarily in bonds, it may quote its 30-day yield
in advertisements or in reports or other communications to shareholders. It is
calculated by dividing the net investment income per share earned during the
period by the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period,
according to the following formula:
a-b
Yield = 2[(----- +1)6 - 1]
cd
Where:
a = Dividends and interest earned during the period
b = Expenses accrued for the period (net of reimbursements)
c = The average daily number of shares outstanding during the period
that were entitled to receive dividends
d = The maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period
7-Day Current and Effective Yield
If the Fund invests primarily in money market instruments, it may quote
its 7-day current yield or effective yield in advertisements or in reports or
other communications to shareholders.
The current yield is calculated by determining the net change,
excluding capital changes and income other than investment income, in the value
of a hypothetical, pre-existing account having a balance of one share at the
beginning of the 7-day base period, subtracting a hypothetical charge reflecting
deductions from shareholder accounts, and dividing the difference by the value
of the account at the beginning of the base period to obtain the base period
return, and then multiplying the base period return by (365/7).
The effective yield is based on a compounding of the current yield,
according to the following formula:
Tax Equivalent Yield
If the Fund invests primarily in municipal bonds, it may quote in
advertisements or in reports or other communications to shareholders a tax
equivalent yield, which is what an investor would generally need to earn from a
fully taxable investment in order to realize, after income taxes, a benefit
equal to the tax free yield provided by the Fund. Tax equivalent yield is
calculated using the following formula:
Yield
Tax Equivalent Yield = ---------------------
1 - Income Tax Rate
The quotient is then added to that portion, if any, of the
Fund's yield that is not tax exempt. Depending on the Fund's objective, the
income tax rate used in the formula above may be federal or a combination of
federal and state.
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
EDI is the principal underwriter for the Trust and with respect to each
class of shares of the Fund. The Trust has entered into a Principal Underwriting
Agreement ("Underwriting Agreement") with EDI with respect to each class of the
Fund. EDI is a subsidiary of The BISYS Group, Inc.
EDI, as agent, has agreed to use its best efforts to find purchasers
for the shares. EDI may retain and employ representatives to promote
distribution of the shares and may obtain orders from broker-dealers, and
others, acting as principals, for sales of shares to them. The Underwriting
Agreement provides that EDI will bear the expense of preparing, printing, and
distributing advertising and sales literature and prospectuses used by it.
All subscriptions and sales of shares by EDI are at the public offering
price of the shares, which is determined in accordance with the provisions of
the Trust's Declaration of Trust, By-Laws, current prospectuses and SAI. All
orders are subject to acceptance by the Fund and the Fund reserves the right, in
its sole discretion, to reject any order received. Under the Underwriting
Agreement, the Fund is not liable to anyone for failure to accept any order.
EDI has agreed that it will, in all respects, duly conform with all
state and federal laws applicable to the sale of the shares. EDI has also agreed
that it will indemnify and hold harmless the Trust and each person who has been,
is, or may be a Trustee or officer of the Trust against expenses reasonably
incurred by any of them in connection with any claim, action, suit, or
proceeding to which any of them may be a party that arises out of or is alleged
to arise out of any misrepresentation or omission to state a material fact on
the part of EDI or any other person for whose acts EDI is responsible or is
alleged to be responsible, unless such misrepresentation or omission was made in
reliance upon written information furnished by the Trust.
The Underwriting Agreement provides that it will remain in effect as
long as its terms and continuance are approved annually (i) by a vote of a
majority of the Trust's Trustees who are not interested persons of the Fund, as
defined in the 1940 Act (the "Independent Trustees"), and (ii) by vote of a
majority of the Trust's Trustees, in each case, cast in person at a meeting
called for that purpose.
The Underwriting Agreement may be terminated, without penalty, on 60
days' written notice by the Board of Trustees or by a vote of a majority of
outstanding shares subject to such agreement. The Underwriting Agreement will
terminate automatically upon its "assignment," as that term is defined in the
1940 Act.
From time to time, if, in EDI's judgment, it could benefit the sales of
shares, EDI may provide to selected broker-dealers promotional materials and
selling aids, including, but not limited to, personal computers, related
software, and data files.
DISTRIBUTION EXPENSES UNDER RULE 12b-1
The Fund bears some of the costs of selling its Class A, Class B, Class
C and Institutional Service shares, as applicable, including certain
advertising, marketing and shareholder service expenses, pursuant to Rule 12b-1
of the 1940 Act. These 12b-1 fees are indirectly paid by the shareholder, as
shown by the Fund's expense table in the prospectus.
Under the Distribution Plans (each a "Plan," together, the "Plans")
that the Fund has adopted for its Class A, Class B, Class C and Institutional
Service shares, as applicable, the Fund may incur expenses for 12b-1 fees up to
a maximum annual percentage of the average daily net assets attributable to a
class, as follows:
------------------------------- ---------------
Class A 0.75%*
------------------------------- ---------------
------------------------------- ---------------
Class B 1.00%
------------------------------- ---------------
------------------------------- ---------------
Class C 1.00%
------------------------------- ---------------
------------------------------- ---------------
Institutional Service 0.75%*
------------------------------- ---------------
* Currently limited to 0.25% or less to be used exclusively as
a shareholder service fee. See the expense table in the
prospectus of the Fund in which you are interested.
Of the amounts above, each class may pay under its Plan a maximum
service fee of 0.25% to compensate organizations, which may include the Fund's
investment advisor or its affiliates, for personal services provided to
shareholders and the maintenance of shareholder accounts. The Fund may not,
during any fiscal period, pay distribution or service fees greater than the
amounts above.
Amounts paid under the Plans are used to compensate EDI pursuant to
Distribution Agreements (each an "Agreement," together, the "Agreements") that
the Fund has entered into with respect to its Class A, Class B, Class C and
Institutional Service shares, as applicable. The compensation is based on a
maximum annual percentage of the average daily net assets attributable to a
class, as follows:
----------------------------- -------------
Class A 0.25%*
----------------------------- -------------
----------------------------- -------------
Class B 1.00%
----------------------------- -------------
----------------------------- -------------
Class C 1.00%
----------------------------- -------------
----------------------------- -------------
Institutional Service 0.25%*
----------------------------- -------------
*May be lower. See the expense table in the prospectus of the
Fund in which you are interested.
The Agreements provide that EDI will use the distribution fees received
from the Fund for the following purposes:
(1) to compensate broker-dealers or other persons for distributing
Fund shares;
(2) to compensate broker-dealers, depository institutions and
other financial intermediaries for providing administrative,
accounting and other services with respect to the Fund's
shareholders; and
(3) to otherwise promote the sale of Fund shares.
The Agreements also provide that EDI may use distribution fees to make
interest and principal payments in respect of amounts that have been financed to
pay broker-dealers or other persons for distributing Fund shares. EDI may assign
its rights to receive compensation under the Plans to secure such financings.
FUNB or its affiliates may finance payments made by EDI to compensate
broker-dealers or other persons for distributing shares of the Fund.
In the event the Fund acquires the assets of another mutual fund,
compensation paid to EDI under the Agreements may be paid by the Fund's
Distributor to the acquired fund's distributor or its predecessor.
Since EDI's compensation under the Agreements is not directly tied to
the expenses incurred by EDI, the compensation received by it under the
Agreements during any fiscal year may be more or less than its actual expenses
and may result in a profit to EDI. Distribution expenses incurred by EDI in one
fiscal year that exceed the compensation paid to EDI for that year may be paid
from distribution fees received from the Fund in subsequent fiscal years.
Distribution fees are accrued daily and paid at least annually on Class
B and Class C shares and are charged as class expenses, as accrued. The
distribution fees attributable to the Class B and Class C shares are designed to
permit an investor to purchase such shares through broker-dealers without the
assessment of a front-end sales charge, while at the same time permitting EDI to
compensate broker-dealers in connection with the sale of such shares.
Service fees are accrued daily and paid at least annually on Class A,
Class B, Class C, and Institutional Service shares and are charged as class
expenses, as accrued.
Under the Plans, the Treasurer of the Trust reports the amounts
expended under the Plans and the purposes for which such expenditures were made
to the Trustees of the Trust for their review on a quarterly basis. Also, each
Plan provides that the selection and nomination of the Independent Trustees are
committed to the discretion of such Independent Trustees then in office.
The investment advisor may from time to time from its own funds or such
other resources as may be permitted by rules of the SEC make payments for
distribution services to EDI; the latter may in turn pay part or all of such
compensation to brokers or other persons for their distribution assistance.
Each Plan and the Agreement will continue in effect for successive
12-month periods provided, however, that such continuance is specifically
approved at least annually by the Trustees of the Trust or by vote of the
holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of that class and, in
either case, by a majority of the Independent Trustees of the Trust.
The Plans permit the payment of fees to brokers and others for
distribution and shareholder-related administrative services and to
broker-dealers, depository institutions, financial intermediaries and
administrators for administrative services as to Class A, Class B, Class C and
Institutional Service shares. The Plans are designed to (i) stimulate brokers to
provide distribution and administrative support services to the Fund and holders
of Class A, Class B, Class C and Institutional Service shares and (ii) stimulate
administrators to render administrative support services to the Fund and holders
of Class A, Class B, Class C and Institutional Service shares. The
administrative services are provided by a representative who has knowledge of
the shareholder's particular circumstances and goals, and include, but are not
limited to providing office space, equipment, telephone facilities, and various
personnel including clerical, supervisory, and computer, as necessary or
beneficial to establish and maintain shareholder accounts and records;
processing purchase and redemption transactions and automatic investments of
client account cash balances; answering routine client inquiries regarding Class
A, Class B, Class C and Institutional Service shares; assisting clients in
changing dividend options, account designations, and addresses; and providing
such other services as the Fund reasonably requests for its Class A, Class B,
Class C and Institutional Service shares.
In the event that the Plan or Distribution Agreement is terminated or
not continued with respect to one or more classes of the Fund, (i) no
distribution fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be
owed by the Fund to EDI with respect to that class or classes, and (ii) the Fund
would not be obligated to pay EDI for any amounts expended under the
Distribution Agreement not previously recovered by the EDI from distribution
services fees in respect of shares of such class or classes through deferred
sales charges.
All material amendments to any Plan or Agreement must be approved by a
vote of the Trustees of the Trust or the holders of the Fund's outstanding
voting securities, voting separately by class, and in either case, by a majority
of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose
of voting on such approval; and any Plan or Distribution Agreement may not be
amended in order to increase materially the costs that a particular class of
shares of the Fund may bear pursuant to the Plan or Distribution Agreement
without the approval of a majority of the holders of the outstanding voting
shares of the class affected. Any Plan or Distribution Agreement may be
terminated (i) by the Fund without penalty at any time by a majority vote of the
holders of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, voting separately by
class or by a majority vote of the Independent Trustees, or (ii) by EDI. To
terminate any Distribution Agreement, any party must give the other parties 60
days' written notice; to terminate a Plan only, the Fund need give no notice to
EDI. Any Distribution Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its
assignment. For more information about 12b-1 fees, see "Expenses" in the
prospectus and "12b-1 Fees" under "Expenses" in Part 1 of this SAI.
TAX INFORMATION
Requirements for Qualifications as a Regulated Investment Company
The Fund intends to qualify for and elect the tax treatment applicable
to regulated investment companies ("RIC") under Subchapter M of the Code, as
amended. (Such qualification does not involve supervision of management or
investment practices or policies by the Internal Revenue Service.) In order to
qualify as a RIC, the Fund must, among other things, (i) derive at least 90% of
its gross income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to proceeds
from securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of securities or
foreign currencies and other income (including gains from options, futures or
forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such
securities; and (ii) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter
of its taxable year, (a) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund's total
assets is represented by cash, U.S. government securities and other securities
limited in respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the
Fund's total assets and 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer,
and (b) not more than 25% of the value of its total assets is invested in the
securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities and
securities of other regulated investment companies). By so qualifying, the Fund
is not subject to federal income tax if it timely distributes its investment
company taxable income and any net realized capital gains. A 4% nondeductible
excise tax will be imposed on the Fund to the extent it does not meet certain
distribution requirements by the end of each calendar year. The Fund anticipates
meeting such distribution requirements.
Taxes on Distributions
Unless the Fund is a municipal bond fund, distributions will be taxable
to shareholders whether made in shares or in cash. Shareholders electing to
receive distributions in the form of additional shares will have a cost basis
for federal income tax purposes in each share so received equal to the net asset
value of a share of the Fund on the reinvestment date.
To calculate ordinary income for federal income tax purposes,
shareholders must generally include dividends paid by the Fund from its
investment company taxable income (net taxable investment income plus net
realized short-term capital gains, if any). The Fund will include dividends it
receives from domestic corporations when the Fund calculates its gross
investment income. Unless the Fund is a municipal bond fund or U.S. Treasury or
U.S. Government money market fund, it anticipates that all or a portion of the
ordinary dividends which it pays will qualify for the 70% dividends-received
deduction for corporations. The Fund will inform shareholders of the amounts
that so qualify. If the Fund is a municipal bond fund or U.S. Treasury or U.S.
Government money market fund, none of its income will consist of corporate
dividends; therefore, none of its distributions will qualify for the 70%
dividends-received deduction for corporations.
From time to time, the Fund will distribute the excess of its net
long-term capital gains over its short-term capital loss to shareholders (i.e.,
capital gain dividends). For federal tax purposes, shareholders must include
such capital gain dividends when calculating their net long-term capital gains.
Capital gain dividends are taxable as net long-term capital gains to a
shareholder, no matter how long the shareholder has held the shares.
Distributions by the Fund reduce its NAV. A distribution that reduces
the Fund's NAV below a shareholder's cost basis is taxable as described above,
although from an investment standpoint, it is a return of capital. In
particular, if a shareholder buys Fund shares just before the Fund makes a
distribution, when the Fund makes the distribution the shareholder will receive
what is in effect a return of capital. Nevertheless, the shareholder may incur
taxes on the distribution. Therefore, shareholders should carefully consider the
tax consequences of buying Fund shares just before a distribution.
All distributions, whether received in shares or cash, must be reported
by each shareholder on his or her federal income tax return. Each shareholder
should consult a tax advisor to determine the state and local tax implications
of Fund distributions.
If more than 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets at the end of
a fiscal year is represented by securities of foreign corporations and the Fund
elects to make foreign tax credits available to its shareholders, a shareholder
will be required to include in his gross income both cash dividends and the
amount the Fund advises him is his pro rata portion of income taxes withheld by
foreign governments from interest and dividends paid on the Fund's investments.
The shareholder may be entitled, however, to take the amount of such foreign
taxes withheld as a credit against his U.S. income tax, or to treat the foreign
tax withheld as an itemized deduction from his gross income, if that should be
to his advantage. In substance, this policy enables the shareholder to benefit
from the same foreign tax credit or deduction that he would have received if he
had been the individual owner of foreign securities and had paid foreign income
tax on the income therefrom. As in the case of individuals receiving income
directly from foreign sources, the credit or deduction is subject to a number of
limitations.
Special Tax Information for Shareholders of Municipal Bond Funds
The Fund expects that substantially all of its dividends will be
"exempt interest dividends," which should be treated as excludable from federal
gross income. In order to pay exempt interest dividends, at least 50% of the
value of the Fund's assets must consist of federally tax-exempt obligations at
the close of each quarter. An exempt interest dividend is any dividend or part
thereof (other than a capital gain dividend) paid by the Fund with respect to
its net federally excludable municipal obligation interest and designated as an
exempt interest dividend in a written notice mailed to each shareholder not
later than 60 days after the close of its taxable year. The percentage of the
total dividends paid by the Fund with respect to any taxable year that qualifies
as exempt interest dividends will be the same for all shareholders of the Fund
receiving dividends with respect to such year. If a shareholder receives an
exempt interest dividend with respect to any share and such share has been held
for six months or less, any loss on the sale or exchange of such share will be
disallowed to the extent of the exempt interest dividend amount.
Any shareholder of the Fund who may be a "substantial user" (as defined
by the Code, as amended.) of a facility financed with an issue of tax-exempt
obligations or a "related person" to such a user should consult his tax advisor
concerning his qualification to receive exempt interest dividends should the
Fund hold obligations financing such facility.
Under regulations to be promulgated, to the extent attributable to
interest paid on certain private activity bonds, the Fund's exempt interest
dividends, while otherwise tax-exempt, will be treated as a tax preference item
for alternative minimum tax purposes. Corporate shareholders should also be
aware that the receipt of exempt interest dividends could subject them to
alternative minimum tax under the provisions of Section 56(g) of the Code
(relating to "adjusted current earnings").
Interest on indebtedness incurred or continued by shareholders to
purchase or carry shares of the Fund will not be deductible for federal income
tax purposes to the extent of the portion of the interest expense relating to
exempt interest dividends. Such portion is determined by multiplying the total
amount of interest paid or accrued on the indebtedness by a fraction, the
numerator of which is the exempt interest dividends received by a shareholder in
his taxable year and the denominator of which is the sum of the exempt interest
dividends and the taxable distributions out of the Fund's investment income and
long-term capital gains received by the shareholder.
Taxes on The Sale or Exchange of Fund Shares
Upon a sale or exchange of Fund shares, a shareholder will realize a
taxable gain or loss depending on his or her basis in the shares. A shareholder
must treat such gains or losses as a capital gain or loss if the shareholder
held the shares as capital assets. Capital gain on assets held for more than 12
months is generally subject to a maximum federal income tax rate of 20% for an
individual. Generally, the Code will not allow a shareholder to realize a loss
on shares he or she has sold or exchanged and replaced within a 61-day period
beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days after he or she sold or exchanged
the shares. The Code will not allow a shareholder to realize a loss on the sale
of Fund shares held by the shareholder for six months or less to the extent the
shareholder received exempt interest dividends on such shares. Moreover, the
Code will treat a shareholder's loss on shares held for six months or less as a
long-term capital loss to the extent the shareholder received distributions of
net capital gains on such shares.
Shareholders who fail to furnish their taxpayer identification numbers
to the Fund and to certify as to its correctness and certain other shareholders
may be subject to a 31% federal income tax backup withholding requirement on
dividends, distributions of capital gains and redemption proceeds paid to them
by the Fund. If the withholding provisions are applicable, any such dividends or
capital gain distributions to these shareholders, whether taken in cash or
reinvested in additional shares, and any redemption proceeds will be reduced by
the amounts required to be withheld. Investors may wish to consult their own tax
advisors about the applicability of the backup withholding provisions.
Other Tax Considerations
The foregoing discussion relates solely to U.S. federal income tax law
as applicable to U.S. persons (i.e., U.S. citizens and residents and U.S.
domestic corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates). It does not reflect
the special tax consequences to certain taxpayers (e.g., banks, insurance
companies, tax exempt organizations and foreign persons). Shareholders are
encouraged to consult their own tax advisors regarding specific questions
relating to federal, state and local tax consequences of investing in shares of
the Fund.
Each shareholder who is not a U.S. person should consult his or her
tax advisor regarding the U.S. and foreign tax consequences of ownership of
shares of the Fund, including the possibility that such a shareholder may be
subject to a U.S. withholding tax at a rate of 30% (or at a lower rate under
a tax treaty) on amounts treated as income from U.S. sources under the Code.
<PAGE>
BROKERAGE
Brokerage Commissions
If the Fund invests in equity securities, it expects to buy and sell
them through brokerage transactions for which commissions are payable. Purchases
from underwriters will include the underwriting commission or concession, and
purchases from dealers serving as market makers will include a dealer's mark-up
or reflect a dealer's mark-down. Where transactions are made in the
over-the-counter market, the Fund will deal with primary market makers unless
more favorable prices are otherwise obtainable.
If the Fund invests in fixed income securities, it expects to buy and
sell them directly from the issuer or an underwriter or market maker for the
securities. Generally, the Fund will not pay brokerage commissions for such
purchases. When the Fund buys a security from an underwriter, the purchase price
will usually include an underwriting commission or concession. The purchase
price for securities bought from dealers serving as market makers will similarly
include the dealer's mark up or reflect a dealer's mark down. When the Fund
executes transactions in the over-the-counter market, it will deal with primary
market makers unless more favorable prices are otherwise obtainable.
Selection of Brokers
When buying and selling portfolio securities, the advisor seeks brokers
who can provide the most benefit to the Fund. When selecting a broker, the
investment advisor will primarily look for the best price at the lowest
commission, but in the context of the broker's:
1. ability to provide the best net financial result to the Fund;
2. efficiency in handling trades;
3. ability to trade large blocks of securities;
4. readiness to handle difficult trades;
5. financial strength and stability; and
6. provision of "research services," defined as (a) reports and
analyses concerning issuers, industries, securities and
economic factors and (b) other information useful in making
investment decisions.
The Fund may pay higher brokerage commissions to a broker providing it
with research services, as defined in item 6, above. Pursuant to Section 28(e)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this practice is permitted if the
commission is reasonable in relation to the brokerage and research services
provided. Research services provided by a broker to the investment advisor do
not replace, but supplement, the services the investment advisor is required to
deliver to the Fund. It is impracticable for the investment advisor to allocate
the cost, value and specific application of such research services among its
clients because research services intended for one client may indirectly benefit
another.
When selecting a broker for portfolio trades, the investment advisor
may also consider the amount of Fund shares a broker has sold, subject to the
other requirements described above.
If the Fund is advised by Evergreen Asset Management Company ("EAMC"),
Lieber & Company, an affiliate of EAMC and a member of the New York and American
Stock Exchanges, will, to the extent practicable, effect substantially all of
the portfolio transactions effected on those exchanges for the Fund.
Simultaneous Transactions
The investment advisor makes investment decisions for the Fund
independently of decisions made for its other clients. When a security is
suitable for the investment objective of more than one client, it may be prudent
for the investment advisor to engage in a simultaneous transaction, that is, buy
or sell the same security for more than one client. The investment advisor
strives for an equitable result in such transactions by using an allocation
formula. The high volume involved in some simultaneous transactions can result
in greater value to the Fund, but the ideal price or trading volume may not
always be achieved for the Fund.
ORGANIZATION
The foregoing is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Trust's
Declaration of Trust.
Description of Shares
The Declaration of Trust authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number
of shares of beneficial interest of series and classes of shares. Each share of
the Fund represents an equal proportionate interest with each other share of
that series and/or class. Upon liquidation, shares are entitled to a pro rata
share of the Trust based on the relative net assets of each series and/or class.
Shareholders have no preemptive or conversion rights. Shares are redeemable and
transferable.
Voting Rights
Under the terms of the Declaration of Trust, the Trust is not required
to hold annual meetings. At meetings called for the initial election of Trustees
or to consider other matters, each share is entitled to one vote for each dollar
of "NAV"applicable to such share. Shares generally vote together as one class on
all matters. Classes of shares of the Fund have equal voting rights. No
amendment may be made to the Declaration of Trust that adversely affects any
class of shares without the approval of a majority of the votes applicable to
the shares of that class. Shares have non-cumulative voting rights, which means
that the holders of more than 50% of the votes applicable to shares voting for
the election of Trustees can elect 100% of the Trustees to be elected at a
meeting and, in such event, the holders of the remaining shares voting will not
be able to elect any Trustees.
After the initial meeting as described above, no further meetings of
shareholders for the purpose of electing Trustees will be held, unless required
by law (for such reasons as electing or removing Trustees, changing fundamental
policies, and approving advisory agreements or 12b-1 plans), unless and until
such time as less than a majority of the Trustees holding office have been
elected by shareholders, at which time, the Trustees then in office will call a
shareholders' meeting for the election of Trustees.
Limitation of Trustees' Liability
The Declaration of Trust provides that a Trustee 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 his duties involved in the conduct of his office.
Banking Laws
The Glass-Steagall Act and other banking laws and regulations presently
prohibit member banks of the Federal Reserve System ("Member Banks") or their
non-bank affiliates from sponsoring, organizing, controlling, or distributing
the shares of registered, open-end investment companies such as the Trust. Such
laws and regulations also prohibit banks from issuing, underwriting or
distributing securities in general. However, under the Glass-Steagall Act and
such other laws and regulations, a Member Bank or an affiliate thereof may act
as investment advisor, transfer agent or custodian to a registered open-end
investment company and may also act as agent in connection with the purchase of
shares of such an investment company upon the order of its customer. FUNB and
its affiliates are subject to, and in compliance with, the aforementioned laws
and regulations.
Changes to applicable laws and regulations or future judicial or
administrative decisions could result in FUNB and its affiliates being prevented
from continuing to perform the services required under the investment advisory
contract or from acting as agent in connection with the purchase of shares of
the Fund by its customers. If FUNB and its affiliates were prevented from
continuing to provide for services called for under the investment advisory
agreement, it is expected that the Trustees would identify, and call upon the
Fund's shareholders to approve a new investment advisor. If this were to occur,
it is not anticipated that the shareholders of the Fund would suffer any adverse
financial consequences.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
On behalf of the Fund, the Trust has entered into an investment
advisory agreement with the Fund's investment advisor (the "Advisory
Agreement"). Under the Advisory Agreement, and subject to the supervision of the
Trust's Board of Trustees, the investment advisor furnishes to the Fund (unless
the Fund is Evergreen Masters Fund) investment advisory, management and
administrative services, office facilities, and equipment in connection with its
services for managing the investment and reinvestment of the Fund's assets. The
investment advisor pays for all of the expenses incurred in connection with the
provision of its services.
If the Fund is Evergreen Masters Fund, the Advisory Agreement is
similar to the above except that the investment advisor selects sub-advisors
(hereinafter referred to as "Managers") for the Fund and monitors each Manager's
investment program and results. The investment advisor has primary
responsibility under the multi-manager strategy to oversee the Managers,
including making recommendations to the Trust regarding the hiring, termination
and replacement of Managers.
The Fund pays for all charges and expenses, other than those
specifically referred to as being borne by the investment advisor, including,
but not limited to, (1) custodian charges and expenses; (2) bookkeeping and
auditors' charges and expenses; (3) transfer agent charges and expenses; (4)
fees and expenses of Independent Trustees; (5) brokerage commissions, brokers'
fees and expenses; (6) issue and transfer taxes; (7) applicable costs and
expenses under the Distribution Plan (as described above) (8) taxes and trust
fees payable to governmental agencies; (9) the cost of share certificates; (10)
fees and expenses of the registration and qualification of the Fund and its
shares with the SEC or under state or other securities laws; (11) expenses of
preparing, printing and mailing prospectuses, SAIs, notices, reports and proxy
materials to shareholders of the Fund; (12) expenses of shareholders' and
Trustees' meetings; (13) charges and expenses of legal counsel for the Fund and
for the Independent Trustees on matters relating to the Fund; (14) charges and
expenses of filing annual and other reports with the SEC and other authorities;
and (15) all extraordinary charges and expenses of the Fund. For information on
advisory fees paid by the Fund, see "Expenses" in Part 1 of this SAI.
The Advisory Agreement continues in effect for two years from its
effective date and, thereafter, from year to year only if approved at least
annually by the Board of Trustees of the Trust or by a vote of a majority of the
Fund's outstanding shares. In either case, the terms of the Advisory Agreement
and continuance thereof must be approved by the vote of a majority of the
Independent Trustees cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting on such approval. The Advisory Agreement may be terminated, without
penalty, on 60 days' written notice by the Trust's Board of Trustees or by a
vote of a majority of outstanding shares. The Advisory Agreement will terminate
automatically upon its "assignment" as that term is defined in the 1940 Act.
Managers (Evergreen Masters Fund only)
Evergreen Masters Fund's investment program is based upon the
investment advisor's multi-manager concept. The investment advisor allocates the
Fund's portfolio assets on an equal basis among a number of investment
management organizations - currently four in number - each of which employs a
different investment style, and periodically rebalances the Fund's portfolio
among the Managers so as to maintain an approximate equal allocation of the
portfolio among them throughout all market cycles. Each Manager provides these
services under a Portfolio Management Agreement. Each Manager has discretion,
subject to oversight by the Trustees and the investment advisor, to purchase and
sell portfolio assets consistent with the Fund's investment objectives, policies
and restrictions and specific investment strategies developed by the investment
advisor. The Fund's current Managers are EAMC, MFS Institutional Advisors, Inc.,
OppenheimerFunds, Inc. and Putnam Investment Management, Inc.
The Trust and FUNB have received an order from the SEC that permits the
investment advisor to employ a "manager of managers" strategy in connection with
its management of the Fund. The exemptive order permits the investment advisor,
subject to certain conditions, and without shareholder approval, to: (a) select
new Managers who are unaffiliated with the investment advisor with the approval
of the Trust's Board of Trustees; (b) change the material terms of the Portfolio
Management Agreements with the Managers; and (c) continue the employment of a
Manager after an event which would otherwise cause the automatic termination of
a Portfolio Management Agreement. Shareholders would be notified of any Manager
changes. Shareholders have the right to terminate arrangements with a Manager by
vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. The order also permits
the Fund to disclose the Managers' fees only in the aggregate.
Transactions Among Advisory Affiliates
The Trust has adopted procedures pursuant to Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act
("Rule 17a-7 Procedures"). The Rule 17a-7 Procedures permit the Fund to buy or
sell securities from another investment company for which a subsidiary of First
Union Corporation is an investment advisor. The Rule 17a-7 Procedures also allow
the Fund to buy or sell securities from other advisory clients for whom a
subsidiary of First Union Corporation is an investment advisor. The Fund may
engage in such transaction if it is equitable to each participant and consistent
with each participant's investment objective.
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST
The Trust is supervised by a Board of Trustees that is responsible for
representing the interest of the shareholders. The Trustees meet periodically
throughout the year to oversee the Fund's activities, reviewing, among other
things, the Fund's performance and its contractual arrangements with various
service providers. Each Trustee is paid a fee for his or her services.
See "Expenses-Trustee Compensation" in Part 1 of this SAI.
The Trust has an Executive Committee which consists of the Chairman of
the Board, James Howell, the Vice Chairman of the Board, Michael Scofield, and
Russell Salton, each of whom is an Independent Trustee. Commencing January 1,
2000, the Trust's Executive Committee will consist of the Chairman of the Board,
Michael Scofield, K. Dunn Gifford and Russell Salton. The Executive Committee
recommends Trustees to fill vacancies, prepares the agenda for Board Meetings
and acts on routine matters between scheduled Board meetings.
Set forth below are the Trustees and officers of the Trust and their
principal occupations and affiliations over the last five years. Unless
otherwise indicated, the address for each Trustee and officer is 200 Berkeley
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02116. Each Trustee is also a Trustee of each of
the other Trusts in the Evergreen Fund complex.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Position with Trust Principal Occupations for Last Five Years
<S> <C> <C>
Laurence B. Ashkin Trustee Real estate developer and construction consultant; and
(DOB: 2/2/28) President of Centrum Equities (real estate development) and
Centrum Properties, Inc.(real estate development).
Charles A. Austin III Trustee Investment Counselor to Appleton Partners, Inc.(investment
(DOB: 10/23/34) advice); former Director, Executive Vice President and
Treasurer, State Street Research & Management Company
(investment advice); Director, The Andover Companies
(insurance); and Trustee, Arthritis Foundation of New
England.
K. Dun Gifford Trustee Trustee, Treasurer and Chairman of the Finance Committee,
(DOB: 10/12/38) Cambridge College; Chairman Emeritus and Director, American
Institute of Food and Wine; Chairman and President, Oldways
Preservation and Exchange Trust (education); former Chairman
of the Board, Director, and Executive Vice President,
The London Harness Company (leather goods purveyor);
former Managing Partner, Roscommon Capital Corp.;
former Chief Executive Officer, Gifford Gifts of Fine
Foods; former Chairman, Gifford, Drescher & Associates
(environmental consulting).
James S. Howell* Chairman of the Board Former Chairman of the Distribution Committee, Foundation
(DOB: 8/13/24) of Trustees for the Carolinas; and former Vice President of Lance Inc.
(food manufacturing).
Leroy Keith, Jr. Trustee Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Carson
(DOB: 2/14/39) Products Company (manufacturing); Director of Phoenix Total
Return Fund and Equifax, Inc. (worldwide information
management); Trustee of Phoenix Series Fund, Phoenix
Multi-Portfolio Fund, and The Phoenix Big Edge Series Fund;
and former President, Morehouse College.
Gerald M. McDonnell Trustee Sales and Marketing Management with Nucor-Yamoto, Inc.
(DOB: 7/14/39) (steel producer).
Thomas L. McVerry Trustee Former Vice President and Director of Rexham Corporation
(DOB: 8/2/39) (manufacturing); and Director of Carolina Cooperative
Credit Union.
William Walt Pettit Trustee Partner in the law firm of William Walt Pettit, P.A.
(DOB: 8/26/55)
David M. Richardson Trustee Vice Chair and former Executive Vice President, DHR
(DOB: 9/14/41) International, Inc. (executive recruitment); former Senior
Vice President, Boyden International Inc. (executive
recruitment); and Director, Commerce and Industry
Association of New Jersey, 411 International, Inc.
(communications), and J&M Cumming Paper Co.
Russell A. Salton, III MD Trustee Medical Director, U.S. Health Care/Aetna Health Services;
(DOB: 6/2/47) former Managed Health Care Consultant; and former
President, Primary Physician Care.
Michael S. Scofield* Vice Chairman of the Attorney, Law Offices of Michael S. Scofield.
(DOB: 2/20/43) Board of Trustees
Richard J. Shima Trustee Independent Consultant; former Chairman, Environmental
(DOB: 8/11/39) Warranty, Inc. (insurance agency); former Executive
Consultant, Drake Beam Morin, Inc. (executive
outplacement); Director of CTG Resources, Inc. (natural
gas), Hartford Hospital, Old State House Association, and
Enhance Financial Services, Inc.; former Director Middlesex
Mutual Assurance Company; former Chairman, Board of
Trustees, Hartford Graduate Center; Trustee, Greater
Hartford YMCA.
Anthony J. Fischer** President and Treasurer Vice President/Client Services, BISYS Fund Services.
(DOB:2/10/59)
Nimish S. Bhatt*** Vice President and Vice President, Tax, BISYS Fund Services; former Assistant
(DOB: 6/6/63) Assistant Treasurer Vice President, EAMC/First Union National Bank; former
Senior Tax Consulting/Acting Manager, Investment Companies
Group, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, New York.
Bryan Haft*** Vice President Team Leader, Fund Administration, BISYS Fund Services.
(DOB: 1/23/65)
Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, First
Michael H. Koonce Secretary Union Corporation; former Senior Vice President and General
(DOB: 4/20/60) Counsel, Colonial Management Associates, Inc.
</TABLE>
* As of January 1, 2000, Michael S. Scofield will become Chairman of the
Board and James S. Howell will become Trustee Emeritis.
** Address: BISYS Fund Services, 90 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10016
*** Address: BISYS, 3435 Stelzer Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219-8001
CORPORATE AND MUNICIPAL BOND RATINGS
The Fund relies on ratings provided by independent rating services to
help determine the credit quality of bonds and other obligations the Fund
intends to purchase or already owns. A rating is an opinion of an issuer's
ability to pay interest and/or principal when due. Ratings reflect an issuer's
overall financial strength and whether it can meet its financial commitments
under various economic conditions.
If a security held by the Fund loses its rating or has its rating
reduced after the Fund has purchased it, the Fund is not required to sell or
otherwise dispose of the security, but may consider doing so.
The principal rating services, commonly used by the Fund and investors
generally, are S&P and Moody's. The Fund may also rely on ratings provided by
Fitch. Rating systems are similar among the different services. As an example,
the chart below compares basic ratings for long-term bonds. The "Credit Quality"
terms in the chart are for quick reference only. Following the chart are the
specific definitions each service provides for its ratings.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMPARISON OF LONG-TERM BOND RATINGS
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
MOODY'S S&P FITCH Credit Quality
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
Aaa AAA AAA Excellent Quality (lowest risk)
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
Aa AA AA Almost Excellent Quality (very low risk)
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
A A A Good Quality (low risk)
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
Baa BBB BBB Satisfactory Quality (some risk)
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
Ba BB BB Questionable Quality (definite risk)
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
B B B Low Quality (high risk)
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
Caa/Ca/C CCC/CC/C CCC/CC/C In or Near Default
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
D DDD/DD/D In Default
----------------- ---------------- --------------- =================================================
</TABLE>
CORPORATE BONDS
LONG-TERM RATINGS
Moody's Corporate Long-Term 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 risk appear somewhat larger than the Aaa securities.
A Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are
to be considered as upper-medium-grade obligations. Factors giving security to
principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be present
which suggest a susceptibility to impairment 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.
Caa Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or
interest.
Ca Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a
high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.
C Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues so
rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any
real investment standing.
Note: Moody's applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2 and 3 in each generic rating
classification from Aa to Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the company ranks
in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a
mid-range raking and the modifier 3 indicates that the company ranks in the
lower end of its generic rating category.
S&P Corporate Long-Term Bond Ratings
AAA An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. The
obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is
extremely strong.
AA An obligation rated AA differs from the highest-rated obligations only in
small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation is very strong.
A An obligation rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in
higher-rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation is still strong.
BBB An obligation rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters. However,
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to
a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation.
BB, B, CCC, CC and C: As described below, obligations rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and
C are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. BB indicates
the least degree of speculation and C the highest. While such obligations will
likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed
by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.
BB An obligation rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other
speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to
adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, which could lead to the
obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation.
B An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated
BB, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment
on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will
likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet it financial
commitment on the obligation.
CCC An obligation rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is
dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the
obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of
adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely
to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
CC An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.
C The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has
been filed or similar action has been taken, but payments on this obligation are
being continued.
D The D rating, unlike other ratings, is not prospective; rather, it is used
only where a default has actually occurred--and not where a default is only
expected. S&P changes ratings to D either:
o On the day an interest and/or principal payment is due and is not paid.
An exception is made if there is a grace period and S&P believes that a
payment will be made, in which case the rating can be maintained; or
o Upon voluntary bankruptcy filing or similar action. An exception is
made if S&P expects that debt service payments will continue to be made
on a specific issue. In the absence of a payment default or bankruptcy
filing, a technical default (i.e., covenant violation) is not
sufficient for assigning a D rating.
Plus (+) or minus (-) The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition
of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating
categories.
Fitch Corporate Long-Term Bond Ratings
Investment Grade
AAA Highest credit quality. AAA ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit
risk. They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for timely
payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be
adversely affected by foreseeable events.
AA Very high credit quality. AA ratings denote a very low expectation of credit
risk. They indicate very strong capacity for timely payment of financial
commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable
events.
A High credit quality. A ratings denote a lower expectation of credit risk. The
capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This
capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in
economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.
BBB Good credit quality. BBB ratings indicate that there is currently a low
expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial
commitments is considered adequate, but adverse changes in circumstances and in
economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. This is the lowest
investment-grade category.
<PAGE>
Speculative Grade
BB Speculative. BB ratings indicate that there is a possibility of credit risk
developing, particularly as the result of adverse economic change over time;
however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial
commitments to be met.
Securities rated in this category are not investment grade.
B Highly speculative. B ratings indicate that significant credit risk is
present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are
currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is contingent upon
a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.
CCC, CC, C High default risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for
meeting financial commitment is solely reliant upon sustained, favorable
business or economic developments. A CC rating indicates that default of some
kind appears probable. C ratings signal imminent default.
DDD, DD, D Default. Securities are not meeting current obligations and
are extremely speculative. DDD designates the highest potential for recovery of
amounts outstanding on any securities involved. For U.S. corporates, for
example, DD indicates expected recovery of 50%-90% of such outstandings, and D
the lowest recovery potential, i.e. below 50%.
+ or - may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating
categories. Such suffixes are not added to the AAA rating category or to
categories below CCC.
CORPORATE SHORT-TERM RATINGS
Moody's Corporate Short-Term Issuer Ratings
Prime-1 Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior
ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment
ability will often be evidenced by many of the following characteristics.
- -- Leading market positions in well-established industries.
- -- High rates of return on funds employed.
- -- Conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on debt and
ample asset protection.
- -- Broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial changes and high
internal cash generation.
- -- Well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources
of alternate liquidity.
Prime-2 Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong ability
for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally be
evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree.
Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to
variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more
affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
Prime-3 Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable
ability for repayment of senior short-term obligations. The effect of industry
characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced. Variability in
earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt protection
measurements and may require relatively high financial leverage.
Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.
Not Prime Issuers rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating
categories.
S&P Corporate Short-Term Obligation Ratings
A-1 A short-term obligation rated A-1 is rated in the highest category by S&P.
The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is
strong. Within this category certain obligations are designated with a plus sign
(+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment
on these obligations is extremely strong.
A-2 A short-term obligation rated A-2 is somewhat more susceptible to the
adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than
obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet
its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.
A-3 A short-term obligation rated A-3 exhibits adequate protection parameters.
However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely
to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment
on the obligation.
B A short-term obligation rated B is regarded as having significant speculative
characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties
which could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation.
C A short-term obligation rated C is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is
dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the
obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
D The D rating, unlike other ratings, is not prospective; rather, it is used
only where a default has actually occurred--and not where a default is only
expected. S&P changes ratings to D either:
o On the day an interest and/or principal payment is due and is not paid.
An exception is made if there is a grace period and S&P believes that a
payment will be made, in which case the rating can be maintained; or
o Upon voluntary bankruptcy filing or similar action, An exception is
made if S&P expects that debt service payments will continue to be made
on a specific issue. In the absence of a payment default or bankruptcy
filing, a technical default (i.e., covenant violation) is not
sufficient for assigning a D rating.
Fitch Corporate Short-Term Obligation Ratings
F1 Highest credit quality. Indicates the strongest capacity for timely payment
of financial commitments; may have an added "+" to denote any exceptionally
strong credit feature.
<PAGE>
F2 Good credit quality. A satisfactory capacity for timely payment of financial
commitments, but the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the
higher ratings.
F3 Fair credit quality. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments
is adequate; however, near-term adverse changes could result in a reduction to
non-investment grade.
B Speculative. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments,
plus vulnerability to near-term adverse changes in financial and economic
conditions.
C High default risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting
financial commitments is solely reliant upon a sustained, favorable business and
economic environment.
D Default. Denotes actual or imminent payment default.
MUNICIPAL BONDS
LONG-TERM RATINGS
Moody's Municipal Long-Term Bond Ratings
Aaa Bonds 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 edge."
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 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 risk appear somewhat larger than the Aaa securities.
A Bonds 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 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 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 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.
Caa Bonds rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in default or there
may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or interest.
Ca Bonds rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a high degree.
Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.
C Bonds rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues so rated can be
regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real
investment standing.
Note: Moody's applies numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 in each generic rating
classification from Aa to B. The modifier 1 indicates that the company ranks in
the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a
mid-range raking and the modifier 3 indicates that the company ranks in the
lower end of its generic rating category.
S&P Municipal Long-Term Bond Ratings
AAA An obligation rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. The
obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is
extremely strong.
AA An obligation rated AA differs from the highest-rated obligations only in
small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation is very strong.
A An obligation rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in
higher-rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation is still strong.
BBB An obligation rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters. However,
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to
a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation.
BB, B, CCC, CC and C: As described below, obligations rated BB, B, CCC,
CC, and C are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. BB
indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest. While such
obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these
may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse
conditions.
BB An obligation rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other
speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to
adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, which could lead to the
obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation.
B An obligation rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated
BB, but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment
on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will
likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet it financial
commitment on the obligation.
<PAGE>
CCC An obligation rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is
dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the
obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of
adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely
to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
CC An obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.
C The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has
been filed or similar action has been taken, but payments on this obligation are
being continued.
D An obligation rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used
when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the
applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that such payments
will be made during such grace period. The D rating also will be used upon the
filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on
an obligation are jeopardized.
Plus (+) or minus (-) The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition
of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating
categories.
Fitch Municipal Long-Term Bond Ratings
Investment Grade
AAA Highest credit quality. AAA ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit
risk. They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for timely
payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be
adversely affected by foreseeable events.
AA Very high credit quality. AA ratings denote a very low expectation of credit
risk. They indicate very strong capacity for timely payment of financial
commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable
events.
A High credit quality. A ratings denote a lower expectation of credit risk. The
capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This
capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in
economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.
BBB Good credit quality. BBB ratings indicate that there is currently a low
expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial
commitments is considered adequate, but adverse changes in circumstances and in
economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. This is the lowest
investment-grade category.
Speculative Grade
BB Speculative. BB ratings indicate that there is a possibility of credit risk
developing, particularly as the result of adverse economic change over time;
however, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow financial
commitments to be met.
Securities rated in this category are not investment grade.
<PAGE>
B Highly speculative. B ratings indicate that significant credit risk is
present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are
currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is contingent upon
a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.
CCC, CC, C High default risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for
meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon sustained, favorable
business or economic developments. A CC rating indicates that default of some
kind appears probable. C ratings signal imminent default.
DDD, DD, D Default. Securities are not meeting current obligations and are
extremely speculative. DDD designates the highest potential for recovery of
amounts outstanding on any securities involved. DD designates lower recovery
potential and D the lowest.
+ or - may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating
categories. Such suffixes are not added to the AAA rating category or to
categories below CCC.
SHORT-TERM MUNICIPAL RATINGS
Moody's Municipal Short-Term Issuer Ratings
Prime-1 Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior
ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment
ability will often be evidence by many of the following characteristics.
- -- Leading market positions in well-established industries.
- -- High rates of return on funds employed.
- -- Conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on debt and
ample asset protection.
- -- Broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial changes and high
internal cash generation.
- -- Well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured sources
of alternate liquidity.
Prime-2 Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong ability
for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally be
evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree.
Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to
variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more
affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
Prime-3 Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable
ability for repayment of senior short-term obligations. The effect of industry
characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced. Variability in
earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt protection
measurements and may require relatively high financial leverage.
Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.
Not Prime Issuers rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating
categories.
Moody's Municipal Short-Term Loan Ratings
MIG 1 This designation denotes best quality. There is strong protection by
established cash flows, superior liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based
access to the market for refinancing.
MIG 2 This designation denotes high quality. Margins of protection are ample
although not so large as in the preceding group.
MIG 3 This designation denotes favorable quality. Liquidity and cash-flow
protection may be narrow and market access for refinancing is likely to be less
well established.
SG This designation denotes speculative quality. Debt instruments in this
category may lack margins of protection.
S&P Commercial Paper Ratings
A-1 This designation 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 sign (+) 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.
A-3 Issues carrying this designation have an adequate capacity for timely
payment. They are, however, more vulnerable to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances than obligations carrying the higher designations.
B Issues rated B are regarded as having only speculative capacity for timely
payment.
C This rating is assigned to short-term debt obligations with a doubtful
capacity for payment.
D Debt rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when
interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due, even if
the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes such payments
will be made during such grace period.
S&P Municipal Short-Term Obligation Ratings
SP-1 Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to
possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a plus (+)
designation.
SP-2 Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some
vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the
notes.
SP-3 Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
<PAGE>
Fitch Municipal Short-Term Obligation Ratings
F1 Highest credit quality. Indicates the strongest capacity for timely payment
of financial commitments; may have an added "+" to denote any exceptionally
strong credit feature.
F2 Good credit quality. A satisfactory capacity for timely payment of financial
commitments, but the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of the
higher ratings.
F3 Fair credit quality. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments
is adequate; however, near-term adverse changes could result in a reduction to
non-investment grade.
B Speculative. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments,
plus vulnerability to near-term adverse changes in financial and economic
conditions.
C High default risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting
financial commitments is solely reliant upon a sustained, favorable business and
economic environment.
D Default. Denotes actual or imminent payment default.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Except as otherwise stated in its prospectus or required by law, the
Fund reserves the right to change the terms of the offer stated in its
prospectus without shareholder approval, including the right to impose or change
fees for services provided.
No dealer, salesman or other person is authorized to give any
information or to make any representation not contained in the Fund's
prospectus, SAI or in supplemental sales literature issued by the Fund or EDI,
and no person is entitled to rely on any information or representation not
contained therein.
The Fund's prospectus and SAI omit certain information contained in the
Trust's registration statement, which you may obtain for a fee from the SEC in
Washington, D.C.
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN EQUITY TRUST
PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 23. Exhibits
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number Description Location
- ------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
(a) Declaration of Trust Incorporated by reference to
Registrant's Registration Statement
Filed on October 8, 1997
(b) By-laws Incorporated by reference to
Registrant's Registration Statement
Filed on October 8, 1997
(c) Provisions of instruments defining the rights Incorporated by reference to Exhibits I and II
of holders of the securities being registered of Registrant's Registration Statement
are contained in the Declaration of Trust Filed on October 8, 1997
Articles II, III.(6)(c), VI.(3), IV.(8), V, VI,
VII, VIII and By-laws Articles II, III and VIII.
(d)(1) Investment Advisory and Management Incorporated by reference to
Agreement between the Registrant and First Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to
Union National Bank Registrant's Registration Statement
Filed on March 12, 1998
(d)(2) Investment Advisory and Management Incorporated by reference to
Agreement between the Registrant and Evergreen Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to
Asset Management Corp. Registrant's Registration Statement
Filed on March 12, 1998
(d)(3) Investment Advisory and Management Incorporated by reference to
Agreement between the Registrant and Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to
Evergreen Investment Management Company Registrant's Registration Statement
(formerly Keystone Investment Management Filed on March 12, 1998
Company)
(d)(4) Investment Advisory and Management Incorporated by reference to
Agreement between the Registrant and Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 to
Meridian Investment Company Registrant's Registration Statement
Filed on February 1, 1999
(d)(5) Sub-advisory Agreement between Evergreen Asset Incorporated by reference to
Management Corp. and Lieber & Company Post-Effective Amendment No.9 to
Registrant's Registrant Statement
Filed on October 1, 1998
(d)(6) Portfolio Management Agreement between Incorporated by reference to
OppenheimerFunds, Inc. and First Union Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 to
National Bank Registrant's Registration Statement
Filed on February 1, 1999
(d)(7) Portfolio Management Agreement between Incorporated by reference to
MFS Institutional Advisors, Inc. and First Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 to
Union National Bank Registrant's Registration Statement
Filed on February 1, 1999
(d)(8) Portfolio Management Agreement between Incorporated by reference to
Putnam Investment Management, Inc. and First Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 to
Union National Bank Registrant's Registration Statement
Filed on February 1, 1999
(d)(9) Form of Investment Advisory and Management Incorporated by reference to
Agreement between the Registrant and Mentor Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 to
Investment Advisors, LLC Registrant's Registration Statement
Filed on October 14, 1999
(e)(1) Class A and Class C Principal Underwriting Incorporated by reference to
Agreement between the Registrant and Evergreen Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to
Distributor, Inc. Registrant's Registration Statement
Filed on March 12, 1998
(e)(2) Class B Principal Underwriting Agreement Incorporated by reference to
between the Registrant and Evergreen Investment Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to
Services, Inc. (B-1) Registrant's Registration Statement
Filed on March 12, 1998
(e)(3) Class B Principal Underwriting Agreement Incorporated by reference to
between the Registrant and Evergreen Distributor, Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to
Inc. (B-2) Registrant's Registration Statement
Filed on March 12, 1998
(e)(4) Class B Principal Underwriting Agreement Incorporated by reference to
between the Registrant and Evergreen Distributor, Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to
Inc. (Evergreen/KCF) Registrant's Registration Statement
Filed on March 12, 1998
(e)(5) Class Y Principal Underwriting Agreement Incorporated by reference to
between the Registrant and Evergreen Distributor, Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to
Inc. Registrant's Registration Statement
Filed on March 12, 1998
(e)(6) Principal Underwriting Agreement between Incorporated by reference to
the Registrant and Kokusai Securities Company Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to
Limited Registrant's Registration Statement
Filed on July 31, 1998
(e)(7) Specimen Copy of Dealer Agreement used by Incorporated by reference to
Evergreen Distributor, Inc. Registrant's Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1
Filed on November 10, 1997
(e)(8) Principal Underwriting Agreement between Incorporated by reference to
the Registrant and Nomura Securities Company Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to
Registrant's Registration Statement
Filed on July 31, 1998
(f) Deferred Compensation Plan Incorporated by reference to
Registrant's Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1
Filed on November 10, 1997
(g) Custodian Agreement between the Registrant Incorporated by reference to
and State Street Bank and Trust Company Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to
Registrant's Registration Statement
Filed on March 12, 1998
(h)(1) Administration Agreement between the Incorporated by reference to
Registrant and Evergreen Investment Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to
Services, Inc. Registrant's Registration Statement
Filed on March 12, 1998
(h)(2) Transfer Agent Agreement between the Incorporated by reference to
Registrant and Evergreen Service Company Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to
Registrant's Registration Statement
Filed on March 12, 1998
(h)(3) Form of Administration Agreement between Incorporated by reference to
the Registrant and Evergeen Investment Post-Effective Amendment No. 19
Service, Inc. (10/15/99 Agreement) Registrant's Registration Statement
Filed on October 14, 1999
(i)(1) Opinion and Consent of Sullivan & Worcester LLP Incorporated by reference to
Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 2
Filed on December 12, 1997
(i)(2) Opinion and Consent of Sullivan & Worcester LLP Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 19
Registrant's Registration Statement
Filed on October 14, 1999
(j)(1) Consent of KPMG LLP Incorporated by reference to
Domestic Growth Funds Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 12
Filed on February 1, 1999
(j)(2) Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Incorporated by reference to Registrant's
Domestic Growth Funds Post-Effective Amendment No. 12
Filed on February 1, 1999
(j)(3) Consent of Ernst & Young LLP Incorporated by reference to Registrant's
Domestic Growth Funds Post-Effective Amendment No. 12
Filed on February 1, 1999
(j)(4) Consent of KPMG LLP Incorporated by reference to Registrant's
Balanced Fund Post-Effective Amendment No. 16
Filed on July 29, 1999
(j)(5) Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Incorporated by reference to Registrant's
Growth and Income Funds Post-Effective Amendment No. 21
Filed on November 29, 1999
(j)(6) Consent of KPMG LLP Incorporated by reference to Registrant's
Growth and Income Funds Post-Effective Amendment No. 21
Filed on November 29, 1999
(j)(7) Consent of KPMG LLP To be filed by amendment
Mentor Funds on or about January 26, 2000
(k) Not applicable
(l) Not applicable
(m)(1) 12b-1 Distribution Plan for Class A Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to
Registrant's Registration Statement
Filed on March 12, 1998
(m)(2) 12b-1 Distribution Plan for Class B Incorporated by reference to
(KAF B-1) Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to
Registrant's Registration Statement
Filed on March 12, 1998
(m)(3) 12b-1 Distribution Plan for Class B Incorporated by reference to
(KAF B-2) Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to
Registrant's Registration Statement
Filed on March 12, 1998
(m)(4) 12b-1 Distribution Plan for Class B Incorporated by reference to
(KCF/Evergreen) Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to
Registrant's Registration Statement
Filed on March 12, 1998
(m)(5) 12b-1 Distribution Plan for Class C Incorporated by reference to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to
Registrant's Registration Statement
Filed on March 12, 1998
(n) Not applicable
(o) Multiple Class Plan Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 13 to Registrants's Registration
Statement filed on April 30, 1999
</TABLE>
Item 24. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with Registrant.
None
Item 25. Indemnification.
Registrant has obtained from a major insurance carrier a trustees and
officers liability policy covering certain types of errors and omissions.
Provisions for the indemnification of the Registrant's Trustees and
officers are also contained in the Registrant's Declaration of Trust.
Provisions for the indemnification of the Registrant's Investment Advisors
are contained in their respective Investment Advisory and Management Agreements.
Provisions for the indemnification of Evergreen Distributor, Inc., the
Registrant's principal underwriter, are contained in each Principal Underwriting
Agreement between Evergreen Distributor, Inc. and the Registrant.
Provisions for the indemnification of Evergreen Service Company, the
Registrant's transfer agent, are contained in the Master Transfer and
Recordkeeping Agreement between Evergreen Service Company and the Registrant.
Provisions for the indemnification of State Street Bank and Trust Company,
the Registrant's custodian, are contained in the Custodian Agreement between
State Street Bank and Trust Company and the Registrant.
Item 26. Business or Other Connections of Investment Adviser.
The Directors and principal executive officers of First Union National Bank
are:
Edward E. Crutchfield, Jr. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
First Union Corporation; Chief Executive
Officer and Chairman, First Union National
Bank
John R. Georgius President, Chief Operating Officer and
Director, First Union Corporation;
President, First Union National Bank
Mark C. Treanor Executive Vice President, Secretary &
General Counsel, First Union Corporation;
Secretary and Executive Vice President,
First Union National Bank
Robert T. Atwood Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer, First Union Corporation; Chief
Financial Officer and Executive Vice
President, First Union National Bank
All of the above persons are located at the following address: First Union
National Bank, One First Union Center, Charlotte, NC 28288.
The information required by this item with respect to Evergreen Asset
Management Corp. is incorporated by reference to the Form ADV (File No.
801-46522) of Evergreen Asset Management Corp.
The information required by this item with respect to Evergreen Investment
Management Company (formerly Keystone Investment Management Company) is
incorporated by reference to the Form ADV (File No. 801-8327) of Evergreen
Investment Management Company.
The information required by this item with respect to Meridian Investment
Company is incorporated by reference to the Form ADV (File No. 801-8327) of
Meridian Investment Company.
The information required by this item with respect to Mentor Investment
Advisors, LLC is incorporated by reference to the Form ADV (File No. 801-40384)
of Mentor Investment Advisors, LLC.
Item 27. Principal Underwriters.
Evergreen Distributor, Inc. acts as principal underwriter for each
registered investment company or series thereof that is a part of the Evergreen
"fund complex" as such term is defined in Item 22(a) of Schedule 14A under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
The Directors and principal executive officers of Evergreen Distributor,
Inc. are:
Maryann Bruce Director, Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer
Dennis Sheehan Director, Chief Financial Officer
J. David Huber President
Kevin J. Dell Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Messrs. Sheehan, Huber and Dell are located at the following address:
Evergreen Distributor, Inc., 90 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10019.
Ms. Bruce is located at 201 South College Street, Charlotte, NC 28288.
The Registrant has not paid, directly or indirectly, any commissions or
other compensation to the Principal Underwriter in the last fiscal year.
Item 28. Location of Accounts and Records.
All accounts and records required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rules 31a-1 through 31a-3
promulgated thereunder are maintained at one of the following locations:
Evergreen Investment Services, Inc., Evergreen Service Company and
Evergreen Investment Management Company (formerly Keystone Investment
Management Company), all located at 200 Berkeley Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02110
First Union National Bank, One First Union Center, 301 S. College Street,
Charlotte, North Carolina 28288
Evergreen Asset Management Corp., 2500 Westchester Avenue, Purchase,
New York 10577
Mentor Investment Advisors, LLC, 901 East Byrd Street, Richmond, Virginia
23219
Iron Mountain, 3431 Sharp Slot Road, Swansea, Massachusetts 02777
State Street Bank and Trust Company, 2 Heritage Drive, North Quincy,
Massachusetts 02171
Meridian Investment Co., 55 Valley Stream Parkway, Malvern, Pennsylvania
19355
Item 29. Management Services.
Not Applicable
Item 30. Undertakings.
The Registrant hereby undertakes to furnish each person to whom a
prospectus is delivered with a copy of the Registrant's latest annual
report to shareholders, upon request and without charge.
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940 the Registrant has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly
authorized, in the City of New York, and State of New York, on the 29th day of
November, 1999.
EVERGREEN EQUITY TRUST
By: /s/ Anthony J. Fischer
-----------------------------
Name: Anthony J. Fischer
Title: President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on the 29th day of November, 1999.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
/s/Anthony J. Fischer /s/ Laurence B. Ashkin /s/ Charles A. Austin, III
- ------------------------- ----------------------------- --------------------------------
Anthony J. Fischer Laurence B. Ashkin* Charles A. Austin III*
President and Treasurer (Principal Trustee Trustee
Financial and Accounting Officer)
/s/ K. Dun Gifford /s/ James S. Howell /s/ William Walt Pettit
- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- --------------------------------
K. Dun Gifford* James S. Howell* William Walt Pettit*
Trustee Chairman of the Board Trustee
and Trustee
/s/Gerald M. McDonnell /s/ Thomas L. McVerry /s/ Michael S. Scofield
- ------------------------------- ----------------------------- --------------------------------
Gerald M. McDonell* Thomas L. McVerry* Michael S. Scofield*
Trustee Trustee Vice Chairman of the Board
and Trustee
/s/ David M. Richardson /s/ Russell A. Salton, III MD /s/ Leroy Keith, Jr.
- ------------------------------ ------------------------------- --------------------------------
David M. Richardson* Russell A. Salton, III MD* Leroy Keith, Jr.*
Trustee Trustee Trustee
/s/ Richard J. Shima
- ------------------------------
Richard J. Shima*
Trustee
</TABLE>
*By: /s/ Maureen E. Towle
- -------------------------------
Maureen E. Towle
Attorney-in-Fact
*Maureen E. Towle, by signing her name hereto, does hereby sign this
document on behalf of each of the above-named individuals pursuant to powers of
attorney duly executed by such persons.
<PAGE>
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit Letter Exhibit
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