China's history dates back more than 5,000 years. Today's global investors are
most interested in the growth potential created over the last twenty.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEWPORT GREATER CHINA FUND Semiannual Report
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February 29, 2000
[COVER GRAPHIC]
<PAGE>
President's Message
Dear Shareholder:
We are pleased to present the semiannual report for Newport Greater China Fund.
This report covers the six months ended February 29, 2000.
The stock markets of Greater China had a strong six-month period. We believe
this is evidence that the region's comeback is rooted in fundamental change as
well as renewed real growth. China continues along a path of modernization,
economic reform and privatization begun over 20 years ago. This move toward
modernization has provided an even greater opportunity for private investors.
Shareholders of Newport Greater China Fund benefited from the portfolio
managers' expertise. The Fund provided a total return of 36.37% on its Class A
shares without a sales charge for the six-month period compared to 8.30% for the
Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Pacific (ex-Japan) Index.
The following report provides more specifics about the Fund's performance and
the strategies that contributed to its strong performance for the period. As
always, we thank you for the opportunity to serve your investment needs.
Sincerely,
/s/ Stephen E. Gibson
Stephen E. Gibson
President
April 12, 2000
Because economic and market trends change frequently, there can be no assurance
that the trends described in this report will continue or come to pass.
- ------------------------------
Not FDIC May Lose Value
Insured No Bank Guarantee
- ------------------------------
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Highlights
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
o Chinese economic strength resulted from internal and external factors
The regional Asian recovery and ongoing strength in the global economy
supported export growth. In addition, the domestic economy showed signs of
life spurred by government fiscal policy and privatization.
o Technology stocks benefited from modernization trend
China has embraced productivity-enhancing technologies such as wireless
phones and the Internet, fast tracking modernization. Select Chinese
stocks, especially those involved in the technology, media, and
telecommunication sectors posted significant gains.
o Fund provided strong performance
We increased the Fund's holdings in consumer cyclicals, technology and
financial stocks during the period -- all sectors that performed well.
Within these sectors we were able to select stocks that outperformed their
peers. This stock selection enabled the Fund's Class A shares to attain
double-digit returns for the period, outperforming the MSCI Pacific
(ex-Japan) Index for the period.
Fund Performance vs. MSCI Pacific (ex-Japan) Index
8/31/99 - 2/29/00
Newport Greater MSCI Pacific
China Fund (ex-Japan) Index
--------------- ----------------
36.37% 8.30%
Source: Liberty Funds Group
Past performance cannot predict future investment results. Returns and value of
an investment will vary, resulting in a gain or loss on sale.
The performance of the Fund's Class A shares is compared to the performance of
the MSCI Pacific Region (ex-Japan Index), a broad-based, unmanaged index that
tracks the performance of stocks in Pacific Basin countries other than Japan.
Unlike mutual funds, indexes are not investments and do not incur fees or
expenses. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.
Returns do not include sales charges, but do include reinvestment of all
distributions. Performance for other share classes will vary.
Net asset value per share
on 2/29/00
Class A $19.01
- ---------------------------------------
Class B $18.87
- ---------------------------------------
Class C $19.15
- ---------------------------------------
Class Z $19.13
- ---------------------------------------
Net asset value per share
on 8/31/99
Class A $13.94
- ---------------------------------------
Class B $13.88
- ---------------------------------------
Class C $14.10
- ---------------------------------------
Class Z $14.01
- ---------------------------------------
Top Five sector breakdowns
2/29/00 vs. 8/31/99
Fund as of 2/29/00 Fund as of 8/31/99
------------------ ------------------
Telecoms 23.31% 14.99%
Tech: Hardware 11.91% 6.01%
Consumer/Retail 11.65% 10.90%
Real Estate 10.93% 5.50%
Wholesale Trade 9.85% 7.30%
Sector breakdowns are calculated as a percentage of equity holdings. Because the
Fund is actively managed, there can be no guarantee the Fund will continue to
maintain the same sector breakdown in the future.
1
<PAGE>
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Portfolio Managers' Report
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Top 10 Holdings as of 2/29/00
China Telecom Ltd. 14.98%
- ---------------------------------------
Li & Fung Ltd. 9.86%
- ---------------------------------------
Hutchison 7.97%
Whampoa Ltd.
- ---------------------------------------
Cheung Kong 6.58%
Holdings Ltd.
- ---------------------------------------
Citic Pacific Ltd. 5.80%
- ---------------------------------------
Legend Holdings Ltd. 5.58%
- ---------------------------------------
Taiwan Semiconductor 4.73%
Manufacturing Co.
- ---------------------------------------
Johnson Electric 4.57%
Holdings Ltd.
- ---------------------------------------
Sun Hung Kai 4.37%
Properties Ltd.
- ---------------------------------------
President 4.34%
Chain Store Corp.
- ---------------------------------------
Holdings are calculated as a percentage of net assets. Because the Fund is
actively managed, there can be no guarantee the Fund will continue to hold these
securities in the future.
BOUGHT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Esprit Holdings Ltd. and Giordano International Ltd. (1.58% net assets and 1.99%
net assets, respectively), two major players in the casual apparel market, were
added to the portfolio as a play on rising consumer spending.
South China Morning Post Ltd. (1.58% net assets), a Hong Kong newspaper
publisher, was added on the expectation of sharply higher advertising revenues.
The Fund delivered strong performance for the period
During the six months ended February 29, 2000, the Newport Greater China Fund
Class A shares provided a total return of 36.37%, without a sales charge. By
comparison, the MSCI Pacific (ex-Japan) Index was up 8.30% for the same period.
Greater China export growth was robust
China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan's economic growth is strong, supported by Asia's
economic recovery and ongoing strong, global demand for its exports. Much of the
growth in exports is in information technology products, China's fastest growing
export segment. China continues to lobby for WTO entry and made a significant
step last year with the White House endorsement. Further endorsements from the
European union and the U.S. Congress are still necessary. Despite the lack of
WTO membership, China has become one of the United States' largest trading
partners based on its cost efficient, intelligent, and productive labor pool and
its need for the United States' modern technology.
Government accelerated development of the private sector
China's government has implemented several new policies focused on accelerating
privatization. In a recent 389-page report on the development of the national
economy, China's top economic planners have endorsed the free market economy.
The report emphasizes the need for a well-capitalized banking system, larger
stock markets and opening more industries to private companies.
Opportunities from productivity-enhancing technologies
Nowhere is privatization and the intensity of China's newfound entrepreneurship
more evident than in start-ups related to the TMT industries (technology, media,
and telecommunications). The opportunities seem endless when considering the
productivity-enhancing opportunities that the Internet provides to a country
with a relatively rudimentary social infrastructure and a large population
spread across such a massive geography. It is no fluke that when Chinese
consumers were recently polled on what durable good they would next purchase,
the overwhelming response was a personal computer. One notable portfolio holding
and a beneficiary of the rising sales of PCs was Legend Holdings (5.58% of net
assets), China's leading manufacturer and distributor of PCs, with a 27% market
share.
2
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio Managers' Report (continued)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taiwan
We added slightly to our Taiwan positions during the period, encouraged by
several exciting investments in the technology sector. Although there is
political uncertainty, our belief was that the Taiwanese presidential election
in March would go more smoothly than the 1995 election, when China fired
missiles over the Straits of Taiwan in protest of Taiwan's democracy. Today,
both countries seem to have a better appreciation of the economic ties that bind
them. However, despite our enthusiasm for the Taiwanese stock market, our
investment exposure will always be evaluated against potential political risks.
Our current exposure to Taiwan is 11.20% of net assets.
Looking ahead
Better export growth, increasing privatization, and government fiscal policies
have provided a much-needed shot in the arm for China's economic growth. Fiscal
policies that included interest rate cuts and income subsidies to rural workers,
civil servants, and the unemployed have spurred consumption. The investment
outlook for China has never been more exciting as she embraces a free market
economy and new technologies in order to fast-track her modernization.
We believe Newport Greater China Fund is strategically well-positioned to
benefit from these trends with investments in telecommunications, technology,
retail services, and infrastructure.
/s/ Tim Tuttle /s/ Chris Legallet
Tim Tuttle is managing director of Newport Fund Management and lead portfolio
manager of Newport Greater China Fund. Chris Legallet is Chief Investment
Officer of Newport Fund Management and co-portfolio manager of Newport Greater
China Fund.
International investing offers significant long-term growth potential, but also
involves special risks due to currency fluctuations, as well as political,
economic and social developments. A portfolio of stocks of a single region poses
additional risks due to its limited diversification.
SOLD
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zhejiang Southeast Power and Shanghai Dzahong Taxi were sold as the Fund
eliminated its holdings in relatively illiquid "B" shares traded on the Shanghai
Exchange.
3
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Performance Information
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Annual Total Returns as of 2/29/00
Share Class A B C Z
Inception Date 05/16/97 05/16/97 05/16/97 05/16/97
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Without With Without With Without With Without
Sales Sales Sales Sales Sales Sales Sales
Charge Charge Charge Charge Charge Charge Charge
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Six Months 36.37% 28.53% 35.95% 30.95% 35.82% 34.82% 36.55%
(Cumulative)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Year 107.03 95.12 105.56 100.56 105.25 104.25 107.43
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life of Fund 14.03 11.64 13.41 12.55 14.02 14.02 14.40
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Annual Total Returns as of 12/31/99
Share Class A B C Z
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Without With Without With Without With Without
Sales Sales Sales Sales Sales Sales Sales
Charge Charge Charge Charge Charge Charge Charge
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Six Months 21.86% 14.85% 21.36% 16.36% 21.45% 20.45% 22.04%
(Cumulative)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Year 67.79 58.14 66.47 61.47 66.45 65.45 68.10
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life of Fund 11.29 8.81 10.66 9.69 11.35 11.35 11.64
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Past performance cannot predict future investment results. Returns and value of
an investment will vary resulting in a gain or a loss on sale. All results shown
assume reinvestment of distributions. The "with sales charge" returns include
the maximum 5.75% charge for Class A shares and the maximum CDSC of 5% for one
year and 3% for the life of Class B shares and 1% for one year for Class C
shares. Performance results reflect any voluntary waivers or reimbursement of
Fund expenses by the Advisor or its affiliates. Absent these waivers or
reimbursement arrangements, performance results would have been lower.
4
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 29, 2000 (Unaudited)
(In thousands)
COMMON STOCKS - 97.5% Country Shares Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSTRUCTION - 2.2%
Special Trade Contractors
Zhejiang Expressway Co., Ltd,
Class H HK 13,018 $ 1,622
-------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCE, INSURANCE & REAL ESTATE - 32.6%
Depository Institutions - 5.4%
Dah Sing Financial HK 215 701
HSBC Holdings PLC (a) HK 174 2,027
Hang Seng Bank Ltd. HK 139 1,255
-------
3,983
-------
Holding Companies - 13.8%
Citic Pacific Ltd. HK 843 4,246
Hutchison Whampoa Ltd. HK 372 5,831
-------
10,077
-------
Real Estate - 13.4%
Cheung Kong Holdings Ltd. HK 362 4,814
China Resources Enterprises Ltd. HK 1,388 1,792
Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd. HK 354 3,195
-------
9,801
-------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MANUFACTURING - 4.1%
Electronic Components - 1.6%
TCL International Holdings Ltd. (b) HK 928 489
United Microelectronics Corp., Ltd. Tw 188 689
-------
1,178
-------
Household Appliances - 0.5%
Guangdong Kelon Electric
Holdings, Class H HK 720 352
-------
Measuring & Analyzing Instruments - 0.4%
China Hong Kong Photo
Products Holdings, Ltd. HK 2,547 298
-------
Printing & Publishing - 1.6%
South China Morning Post Ltd. HK 1,158 1,153
-------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MINING & ENERGY - 0.4%
Coal Mining
Yanzhou Coal Mining Co.,
Ltd., Class H Ch 1,884 295
-------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL TRADE - 10.0%
Apparel & Accessory Stores - 5.1%
Esprit Holdings Ltd. HK 1,210 1,158
Giordano International Ltd. HK 1,301 1,454
Glorious Sun Enterprises HK 4,236 1,143
-------
3,755
-------
Food Stores - 4.3%
President Chain Store Corp. Tw 728 3,178
-------
Restaurants - 0.6%
Cafe de Coral Holdings Ltd. HK 1,220 400
-------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SERVICES - 11.5%
Business Services - 5.6%
Legend Holdings Ltd. HK 882 4,080
-------
Computer Related Services - 1.2%
Gigamedia ADR Tw 2 165
Synnex Technology International Corp. Tw 100 700
-------
865
-------
Computer Software - 4.7%
Taiwan Semiconductor
Manufacturing Co. (b) Tw 529 3,463
-------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNICATION,
ELECTRIC, GAS & SANITARY SERVICES - 21.6%
Air Transportation - 0.4%
Cheung Wah Development Co., Ltd. HK 212 327
-------
Electric Services - 0.7%
Beijing Datang Power
Generation Co., Ltd., Class H HK 3,898 476
-------
Gas Services - 3.2%
Hong Kong & China Gas Co., Ltd. HK 1,987 2,323
-------
Railroad - 1.0%
Guangshen Railway Co., Ltd., Class H HK 6,889 708
-------
Telecommunications - 15.4%
China Telecom Ltd. (a)(b) HK 1,178 10,955
Smartone Telecommunications
Holdings Ltd. HK 75 290
-------
11,245
-------
Transportation Services - 0.9%
Jiangsu Expressway Co., Ltd., Class H HK 3,608 422
Shenzhen Expressway Co., Ltd., Class H Ch 2,100 235
-------
657
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHOLESALE TRADE - 15.1%
Durable Goods - 14.4%
Johnson Electric Holdings Ltd. HK 508 3,345
Li & Fung Ltd. HK 1,853 7,214
-------
10,559
-------
Nondurable Goods - 0.7%
Ng Fung Hong Ltd. HK 1,380 545
-------
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS
(cost of $55,151) (c) 71,340
-------
5
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment Portfolio (continued)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 29, 2000 (Unaudited)
(In thousands)
SHORT-TERM OBLIGATIONS - 2.4% Par Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repurchase Agreement with SBC Warburg
Ltd., dated 02/29/00, due 03/01/00 at
5.770%, collateralized by U.S. Treasury
bonds and /or notes with various
maturities to 2021, market value $1,590
(repurchase proceeds $1,768) $1,768 $ 1,768
-------
OTHER ASSETS & LIABILITIES, NET - 0.0% 45
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSETS - 100.0% $73,153
-------
Notes to Investment Portfolio:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) The value of this security represents fair value as determined in good faith
under the direction of the Trustees.
(b) Non-income producing.
(c) Cost for federal income tax purposes is the same.
Summary of
Securities by Country Country Value % of Total
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hong Kong HK $62,615 87.8
Taiwan Tw 8,195 11.5
China Ch 530 0.7
------- -----
$71,340 100.0
------- -----
Certain securities are listed by country of underlying exposure but may trade
predominantly on other exchanges.
Acronym Name
------- ---------------------------
ADR American Depositary Receipt
See notes to financial statements.
6
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 29, 2000 (Unaudited)
(In thousands except for per share amounts and footnotes)
Assets
Investments at value (cost $55,151) $ 71,340
Short-term obligations 1,768
--------
73,108
Cash including foreign currencies
(cost $54) $ 55
Receivable for:
Investments sold 226
Fund shares sold 231
Expense reimbursement due from
Advisor/Administrator 23
Deferred organization expenses 5
Other 5 545
-------- --------
Total Assets 73,653
Liabilities
Cash including foreign currencies
(cost $48) 48
Payable for:
Fund shares repurchased 291
Accrued:
Management fee 72
Administration fee 15
Transfer agent fee 14
Bookkeeping fee 3
Deferred Trustees fees 1
Other 56
--------
Total Liabilities 500
--------
Net Assets $ 73,153
========
Net asset value & redemption price per share -
Class A ($66,350/3,491) $ 19.01 (a)
========
Maximum offering price per share -
Class A ($19.01/0.9425) $ 20.17 (b)
========
Net asset value & offering price per share -
Class B ($5,423/287) $ 18.87 (a)
========
Net asset value & offering price per share -
Class C ($1,226/64) $ 19.15 (a)
========
Net asset value, offering & redemption price
per share - Class Z ($154/8) $ 19.13
========
Composition of Net Assets
Capital paid in $ 98,395
Accumulated net investment loss (280)
Accumulated net realized loss (41,151)
Net unrealized appreciation on:
Investments 16,189
--------
Foreign currency transactions (c) $ 73,153
========
(a) Redemption price per share is equal to net asset value less any applicable
contingent deferred sales charge.
(b) On sales of $50,000 or more the offering price is reduced.
(c) Rounds to less than one.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statement of Operations
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the Six Months Ended February 29, 2000 (Unaudited)
(In thousands)
Investment Income
Dividends $ 560
Interest 35
--------
Total Investment Income (net of nonreclaimable
foreign taxes withheld at source which
amounted to $2) 595
Expenses
Management fee $ 364
Administration fee 78
Service fee - Class A, Class B, Class C 79
Distribution fee - Class B 16
Distribution fee - Class C 3
Transfer agent fee 103
Bookkeeping fee 16
Trustees fee 5
Custodian fee 24
Audit fee 11
Legal fee 3
Registration fee 21
Reports to shareholders 5
Amortization of deferred
organization expenses 1
Other 5
--------
734
Fees waived by the
Advisor/Administrator (36) 698
-------- --------
Net Investment Loss (103)
--------
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
on Portfolio Positions
Net realized gain (loss) on:
Investments 1,851
Foreign currency transactions (6)
--------
Net Realized Gain 1,845
Net change in unrealized appreciation /depreciation
during the period 18,537
--------
Net Gain 20,382
--------
Increase in Net Assets from Operations $ 20,279
========
See notes to financial statements.
7
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Six months Year
ended ended
February 29 August 31
----------- ---------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets 2000 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operations:
Net investment income (loss) $ (103) $ 441
Net realized gain (loss) 1,845 (22,085)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/
depreciation 18,537 57,856
-------- --------
Net Increase from Operations 20,279 36,212
-------- --------
Distributions:
From net investment income - Class A -- (362)
From net investment income - Class B -- --
From net investment income - Class C -- --
From net investment income - Class Z -- (1)
-------- --------
20,279 35,849
-------- --------
Fund Share Transactions:
Receipts for shares sold - Class A 7,535 10,986
Value of distributions reinvested - Class A -- 245
Cost of shares repurchased - Class A (14,452) (21,210)
-------- --------
(6,917) (9,979)
-------- --------
Receipts for shares sold - Class B 1,650 1,301
Value of distributions reinvested - Class B -- --
Cost of shares repurchased - Class B (979) (1,457)
-------- --------
671 (156)
-------- --------
Receipts for shares sold - Class C 677 281
Value of distributions reinvested - Class C -- --
Cost of shares repurchased - Class C (490) (464)
-------- --------
187 (183)
-------- --------
Receipts for shares sold - Class Z 1 2
Value of distributions reinvested - Class Z -- --
Cost of shares repurchased - Class Z (a) 1
-------- --------
1 3
-------- --------
Net Decrease from Fund Share Transactions (6,058) (10,315)
-------- --------
Total Increase 14,221 25,534
Net Assets
Beginning of period 58,932 33,398
-------- --------
End of period (net of overdistributed
net investment income of $280 and $177,
respectively) $ 73,153 $ 58,932
======== ========
(Unaudited)
Six months Year
ended ended
February 29 August 31
----------- ---------
2000 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of Fund Shares
Sold - Class A 487 975
Issued for distributions reinvested - Class A -- 23
Repurchased - Class A (914) (2,001)
------ ------
(427) (1,003)
------ ------
Sold - Class B 98 123
Issued for distributions reinvested - Class B -- --
Repurchased - Class B (57) (144)
------ ------
41 (21)
------ ------
Sold - Class C 38 26
Issued for distributions reinvested - Class C -- --
Repurchased - Class C (29) (41)
------ ------
9 (15)
------ ------
Sold - Class Z (a) (a)
Issued for distributions reinvested - Class Z -- (a)
Repurchased - Class Z (a) --
------ ------
(a) (a)
------ ------
(a) Rounds to less than one.
See notes to financial statements.
8
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes to Financial Statements
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 29, 2000 (Unaudited)
Note 1. Interim Financial Statements
In the opinion of management of Newport Greater China Fund (the Fund), a series
of Liberty Funds Trust II, the accompanying financial statements contain all
normal and recurring adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the
financial position of the Fund at February 29, 2000, and the results of its
operations, the changes in its net assets and the financial highlights for the
six months then ended.
Note 2. Accounting Policies
Organization
The Fund is a diversified portfolio of a Massachusetts business trust,
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as an open-end
management investment company. The Fund's investment objective is to seek
capital appreciation by investing primarily in equity securities of companies
located in, or which derive a substantial portion of their revenue from business
activity with or in, the Greater China Region (i.e., Hong Kong, the People's
Republic of China and Taiwan). The Fund may issue an unlimited number of shares.
The Fund offers four classes of shares: Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Z.
Class A shares are sold with a front-end sales charge. A 1.00% contingent
deferred sales charge is assessed on redemptions made within eighteen months on
an original purchase of $1 million to $5 million. Class B shares are subject to
an annual distribution fee and a contingent deferred sales charge. Effective
February 1, 2000, Class B shares will convert to Class A shares as follows:
Converts to
Original purchase Class A shares
----------------------- --------------
Less than $250,000 8 years
$250,000 to less than $500,000 4 years
$500,000 to less than $1,000,000 3 years
Class C shares are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge on redemptions
made within one year after purchase and an annual distribution fee. Class Z
shares are offered continuously at net asset value. There are certain
restrictions on the purchase of Class Z shares, as described in the Fund's
prospectus.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of
significant accounting policies that are consistently followed by the Fund in
the preparation of its financial statements.
Security valuation and transactions
Equity securities generally are valued at the last sale price or, in the case of
unlisted or listed securities for which there were no sales during the day, at
current quoted bid prices. In certain countries, the Fund may hold foreign
designated shares. If the foreign share prices are not readily available as a
result of limited share activity, the securities are valued at the last sale
price of the local shares in the principal market in which such securities are
normally traded. In addition, if the values of foreign securities have been
materially affected by events occurring after the closing of a foreign market,
the foreign securities may be valued at their fair value under procedures
approved by the Trustees.
Forward currency contracts are valued based on the weighted value of the
contracts with similar maturities.
Short-term obligations with a maturity of 60 days or less are valued at
amortized cost.
The value of all assets and liabilities quoted in foreign currencies is
translated into U.S. dollars at that day's exchange rates. In certain countries,
the Fund may hold portfolio positions for which market quotations are not
readily available. Such securities are valued at fair value under procedures
approved by the Trustees.
Security transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are
purchased, sold or mature.
Cost is determined and gains and losses are based upon the specific
identification method for both financial statement and federal income tax
purposes.
Determination of class net asset values and financial highlights
All income, expenses (other than the Class A, Class B and Class C service fees
and Class B and Class C distribution fees), realized and unrealized gains
(losses) are allocated to each class proportionately on a daily basis for
purposes of determining the net asset value of each class.
The per share data was calculated using average shares outstanding during the
period. In addition, Class A, Class B and Class C net investment income per
share data reflect the service fee per share applicable to Class A, Class B and
Class C shares and the distribution fee applicable to Class B and Class C shares
only.
Class A, Class B and Class C ratios are calculated by adjusting the expense and
net investment income ratios for the Fund for the entire period by the service
fee applicable to Class A, Class B and Class C shares and the distribution fee
applicable to Class B and Class C shares only.
Federal income taxes
Consistent with the Fund's policy to qualify as a regulated investment company
and to distribute all of its taxable income, no federal income tax has been
accrued.
Deferred organization expenses
The Fund incurred $11,352 of expenses in connection with its organization. These
expenses were deferred and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over
five years.
Distributions to shareholders
Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-date.
The amount and character of income and gains to be distributed are determined in
accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from generally accepted
accounting principles. Reclassifications are made to the Fund's capital accounts
to reflect income and gains available for distribution (or available capital
loss carryforwards) under income tax regulations.
9
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 29, 2000 (Unaudited)
Foreign currency transactions
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions
includes the gains (losses) arising from the fluctuations in exchange rates
between trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, gains (losses)
arising from the disposition of foreign currency and currency gains (losses)
between the accrual and payment dates on dividends and interest income and
foreign withholding taxes.
The Fund does not distinguish that portion of gains (losses) on investments
which is due to changes in foreign exchange rates from that which is due to
changes in market prices of the investments. Such fluctuations are included with
the net realized and unrealized gains (losses) from investments.
Forward currency contracts
The Fund may enter into forward currency contracts to purchase or sell foreign
currencies at predetermined exchange rates in connection with the settlement of
purchases and sales of securities. The contracts are used to minimize the
exposure to foreign exchange rate fluctuations during the period between trade
and settlement date of the contracts. The Fund may also enter into forward
currency contracts to hedge certain other foreign currency denominated assets.
All contracts are marked-to-market daily, resulting in unrealized gains (losses)
which become realized at the time the forward currency contracts are closed or
mature. Realized and unrealized gains (losses) arising from such transactions
are included in net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on foreign currency
transactions. Forward currency contracts do not eliminate fluctuations in the
prices of the Fund's portfolio securities. While the maximum potential loss from
such contracts is the aggregate face value in U.S. dollars at the time the
contract is opened, exposure is typically limited to the change in value of the
contract (in U.S. dollars) over the period it remains open. Risks may also arise
if counterparties fail to perform their obligations under the contracts.
Other
Corporate actions are recorded on the ex-date (except for certain foreign
securities which are recorded as soon after ex-date as the Fund becomes aware of
such), net of nonrebatable tax withholdings. Where a high level of uncertainty
as to collection exists, income on securities is recorded net of all tax
withholdings with any rebates recorded when received.
The Fund's custodian takes possession through the federal book-entry system of
securities collateralizing repurchase agreements. Collateral is marked-to-market
daily to ensure that the market value of the underlying assets remains
sufficient to protect the Fund. The Fund may experience costs and delays in
liquidating the collateral if the issuer defaults or enters bankruptcy.
Note 3. Fees and Compensation Paid to Affiliates
Management fee
Newport Fund Management, Inc. (the Advisor), is the investment Advisor of the
Fund and receives a monthly fee equal to 1.15% annually of the Fund's average
net assets.
Administration fee
Colonial Management Associates, Inc. (the Administrator), an affiliate of the
Advisor, provides accounting and other services for a monthly fee equal to 0.25%
annually of the Fund's average net assets.
Bookkeeping fee
The Administrator provides bookkeeping and pricing services for a monthly fee
equal to $27,000 annually plus a percentage of the Fund's average net assets as
follows:
Average Net Assets Annual Fee Rate
------------------ ---------------
First $50 million No charge
Next $950 million 0.035%
Transfer agent fee
Liberty Funds Services Inc. (the Transfer Agent), an affiliate of the
Administrator, provides shareholder services for a monthly fee equal to 0.236%
annually of the Fund's average net assets and receives reimbursement for certain
out of pocket expenses.
Effective January 1, 2000 the Transfer Agent fee was changed to a fee comprised
of 0.07% annually of average net assets plus charges based on the number
shareholder accounts and transactions.
Underwriting discounts, service and distribution fees
Liberty Funds Distributor, Inc. (the Distributor), a subsidiary of the
Administrator, is the Fund's principal underwriter. For the six months ended
February 29, 2000, the Fund has been advised that the Distributor retained net
underwriting discounts of $6,257 on sales of the Fund's Class A shares and
received contingent deferred sales charges (CDSC) of $10,656, $9,457 and $286 on
Class A, Class B and Class C share redemptions, respectively.
The Fund has adopted a 12b-1 plan which requires it to pay the Distributor a
service fee equal to 0.25% annually on Class A, Class B and Class C net assets
as of the 20th of each month. The plan also requires the payment of a
distribution fee to the Distributor equal to 0.75% annually of the average net
assets attributable to Class B and Class C shares only.
The CDSC and the fees received from the 12b-1 plan are used principally as
repayment to the Distributor for amounts paid by the Distributor to dealers who
sold such shares.
Expense limits
The Advisor/Administrator have agreed, until further notice, to waive fees and
bear certain Fund expenses to the extent that total expenses (exclusive of
service and distribution fees, brokerage commissions, interest, taxes and
extraordinary expenses, if any) exceed 1.90% annually of the Fund's average net
assets.
Other
The Fund pays no compensation to its officers, all of whom are employees of the
Advisor or Administrator.
The Fund's Trustees may participate in a deferred compensation plan which may be
terminated at any time. Obligations of the plan will be paid solely out of the
Fund's assets.
10
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes to Financial Statements (continued)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 29, 2000 (Unaudited)
Note 4. Portfolio Information
Investment activity
During the six months ended February 29, 2000, purchases and sales of
investments, other than short-term obligations, were $7,901,833 and $13,782,395,
respectively.
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) at February 29, 2000, based on cost of
investments for both financial statement and federal income tax purposes was:
Gross unrealized appreciation $29,511,002
Gross unrealized depreciation (13,321,612)
-----------
Net unrealized appreciation $16,189,390
===========
Capital loss carryforwards
At August 31, 1999, capital loss carryforwards available (to the extent provided
in regulations) to offset future realized gains were approximately as follows:
Year of Capital loss
expiration carryforward
---------- ------------
2006 $ 829,000
2007 33,041,000
-----------
$33,870,000
===========
Expired capital loss carryforwards, if any, are recorded as a reduction of
capital paid in.
To the extent loss carryforwards are used to offset any future realized gains,
it is unlikely that such gains would be distributed since they may be taxable to
shareholders as ordinary income.
Other
There are certain additional risks involved when investing in foreign securities
that are not inherent with investments in domestic securities. These risks may
involve foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, adverse political and
economic developments and the possible prevention of currency exchange or other
foreign governmental laws or restrictions.
The Fund may focus its investments in certain industries, subjecting it to
greater risk than a fund that is more diversified.
Note 5. Line of Credit
The Fund may borrow up to 33 1/3% of its net assets under a line of credit for
temporary or emergency purposes. Any borrowings bear interest at one of the
following options determined at the inception of the loan: (1) federal funds
rate plus 1/2 of 1%, (2) the lending bank's base rate or (3) IBOR offshore loan
rate plus 1/2 of 1%. There were no borrowings under the line of credit during
the six months ended February 29, 2000.
11
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Highlights
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Selected data for a share of each class outstanding throughout each period are
as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Unaudited)
Six months ended February 29, 2000
-------------------------------------------
Class A Class B Class C Class Z
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value - Beginning of Period $13.940 $13.880 $14.100 $14.010
------- ------- ------- -------
Income from Investment Operations:
Net investment loss (a) (b) (0.021) (0.080) (0.081) (0.001)
Net realized and unrealized gain 5.091 5.070 5.131 5.121
------- ------- ------- -------
Total from Investment Operations 5.070 4.990 5.050 5.120
------- ------- ------- -------
Net Asset Value - End of Period $19.010 $18.870 $19.150 $19.130
======= ======= ======= =======
Total return (c) (d) (e) 36.37% 35.95% 35.82% 36.55%
======= ======= ======= =======
Ratios to Average Net Assets
Expenses (f) (g) 2.15% 2.90% 2.90% 1.90%
Net investment loss (f) (g) (0.27)% (1.02)% (1.02)% (0.02)%
Fees and expenses waived or borne by the Advisor/Administrator (f) (g) 0.11% 0.11% 0.11% 0.11%
Portfolio turnover (e) 13% 13% 13% 13%
Net assets at end of period (000) $66,350 $ 5,423 $ 1,226 $ 154
(a) Net of fees and expenses waived or borne by the Advisor/Administrator
which amounted to: $ 0.009 $ 0.009 $ 0.009 $ 0.009
</TABLE>
(b) Per share data was calculated using average shares outstanding during the
period.
(c) Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no
initial sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.
(d) Had the Advisor/Administrator not waived or reimbursed a portion of
expenses, total return would have been reduced.
(e) Not annualized.
(f) The benefits derived from custody credits and directed brokerage
arrangements had no impact.
(g) Annualized.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended August 31, 1999
-----------------------------------------
Class A Class B Class C Class Z
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value - Beginning of Period $ 6.340 $ 6.340 $ 6.320 $ 6.380
------- ------- ------- -------
Income from Investment Operations:
Net investment income (a) (b) 0.100 0.019 0.019 0.128
Net realized and unrealized gain 7.582 7.521 7.761 7.608
------- ------- ------- -------
Total from Investment Operations 7.682 7.540 7.780 7.736
------- ------- ------- -------
Less Distributions Declared to Shareholders:
From net investment income (0.082) -- -- (0.106)
------- ------- ------- -------
Net Asset Value - End of Period $13.940 $13.880 $14.100 $14.010
======= ======= ======= =======
Total return (c) (d) 121.59% 118.93% 123.10% 121.80%
======= ======= ======= =======
Ratios to Average Net Assets
Expenses (e) 2.15% 2.90% 2.90% 1.90%
Net investment income (e) 0.92% 0.17% 0.17% 1.17%
Fees and expenses waived or borne by the Advisor/Administrator (e) 0.30% 0.30% 0.30% 0.30%
Portfolio turnover 20% 20% 20% 20%
Net assets at end of period (000) $54,623 $ 3,423 $ 774 $ 112
(a) Net of fees and expenses waived or borne by the Advisor/Administrator
which amounted to: $ 0.032 $ 0.032 $ 0.032 $ 0.032
</TABLE>
(b) Per share data was calculated using average shares outstanding during the
period.
(c) Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no
initial sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.
(d) Had the Advisor/Administrator not waived or reimbursed a portion of
expenses, total return would have been reduced.
(e) The benefits derived from custody credits and directed brokerage
arrangements had no impact.
12
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Highlights (continued)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Selected data for a share of each class outstanding throughout each period are
as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended August 31, 1998
-------------------------------------------
Class A Class B Class C Class Z
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value - Beginning of Period $17.900 $17.860 $17.860 $17.910
------- ------- ------- -------
Income from Investment Operations:
Net investment income (a) (b) 0.092 0.012 0.013 0.123
Net realized and unrealized loss (11.591) (11.478) (11.498) (11.586)
------- ------- ------- -------
Total from Investment Operations (11.499) (11.466) (11.485) (11.463)
------- ------- ------- -------
Less Distributions Declared to Shareholders:
From net investment income (0.061) (0.054) (0.055) (0.067)
------- ------- ------- -------
Net Asset Value - End of Period $ 6.340 $ 6.340 $ 6.320 $ 6.380
======= ======= ======= =======
Total return (c) (d) (64.42)% (64.36)% (64.46)% (64.19)%
======= ======= ======= =======
Ratios to Average Net Assets
Expenses (e) 2.15% 2.90% 2.90% 1.90%
Net investment income (loss) (e) 0.74% (0.01)% (0.01)% 0.99%
Fees and expenses waived or borne by the Advisor/Administator (e) 0.31% 0.31% 0.31% 0.31%
Portfolio turnover 58% 58% 58% 58%
Net assets at end of period (000) $31,214 $ 1,692 $ 443 $ 49
(a) Net of fees and expenses waived or borne by the Advisor/Administrator
which amounted to: $ 0.039 $ 0.039 $ 0.039 $ 0.039
</TABLE>
(b) Per share data was calculated using average shares outstanding during the
period.
(c) Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no
initial sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.
(d) Had the Advisor/Administrator not waived or reimbursed a portion of
expenses, total return would have been reduced.
(e) The benefits derived from custody credits and directed brokerage
arrangements had no impact.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Period ended August 31, 1997 (c)
----------------------------------------------
Class A Class B Class C Class Z
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value - Beginning of Period $ 13.340 $ 13.330 $ 13.330 $ 13.340
-------- -------- -------- --------
Income from Investment Operations:
Net investment income (loss) (a) (b) 0.052 (0.004) (0.004) 0.065
Net realized and unrealized gain (d) 4.508 4.534 4.534 4.505
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total from Investment Operations 4.560 4.530 4.530 4.570
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net Asset Value - End of Period $ 17.900 $ 17.860 $ 17.860 $ 17.910
======== ======== ======== ========
Total return (e) (f) (g) 34.22% 33.98% 33.98% 34.29%
======== ======== ======== ========
Ratios to Average Net Assets
Expenses (h) (i) 2.15% 2.90% 2.90% 1.90%
Net investment income (h) (i) 0.89% 0.14% 0.14% 1.14%
Fees and expenses waived or borne by the Advisor/Administrator (h) (i) 0.59% 0.59% 0.59% 0.59%
Portfolio turnover (g) 4% 4% 4% 4%
Net assets at end of period (000) $115,699 $ 135 $ 134 $ 135
(a) Net of fees and expenses waived or borne by the Advisor/Administrator
which amounted to: $ 0.034 $ 0.034 $ 0.034 $ 0.034
</TABLE>
(b) Per share data was calculated using average shares outstanding during the
period.
(c) The Fund commenced investment operations on May 12, 1997. The activity shown
is from the effective date of registration (May 16, 1997) with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. The per share information reflects the
1.5 for 1 stock split effective July 25, 1997.
(d) The amount of net realized and unrealized gain shown for a share outstanding
for the period ended August 31, 1997 does not correspond with the aggregate
net loss on investments for the period due to the timing of sales and
repurchases of Fund shares in relation to fluctuating market values of the
investments of the Fund.
(e) Total return at net asset value assuming all distributions reinvested and no
initial sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge.
(f) Had the Advisor/Administrator not waived or reimbursed a portion of
expenses, total return would have been reduced.
(g) Not annualized.
(h) The benefits derived from custody credits and directed brokerage
arrangements had no impact.
(i) Annualized.
13
<PAGE>
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<PAGE>
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<PAGE>
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<PAGE>
Trustees & Transfer Agent
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tom Bleasdale
Retired (formerly Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Shore Bank
& Trust Company)
John V. Carberry
Senior Vice President of Liberty Financial Companies, Inc. (formerly Managing
Director, Salomon Brothers)
Lora S. Collins
Attorney (formerly Attorney, Kramer, Levin, Naftalis & Frankel)
James E. Grinnell
Private Investor (formerly Senior Vice President-Operations, The Rockport
Company)
Richard W. Lowry
Private Investor (formerly Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, U.S. Plywood
Corporation)
Salvatore Macera
Private Investor (formerly Executive Vice President of Itek Corp. and President
of Itek Optical & Electronic Industries, Inc.)
William E. Mayer
Partner, Development Capital, LLC (formerly Dean, College of Business and
Management, University of Maryland; Dean, Simon Graduate School of Business,
University of Rochester; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, CS First Boston
Merchant Bank; and President and Chief Executive Officer, The First Boston
Corporation)
James L. Moody, Jr.
Retired (formerly Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Director,
Hannaford Bros. Co.)
John J. Neuhauser
Academic Vice President and Dean of Faculties, Boston College (formerly Dean,
Boston College School of Management)
Thomas E. Stitzel
Professor of Finance, College of Business, Boise State University; Business
Consultant and Author
Robert L. Sullivan
Retired Partner, KPMG LLP (formerly Management Consultant, Saatchi and Saatchi
Consulting Ltd. and Principal and International Practice Director, Management
Consulting, Peat Marwick Main & Co.)
Anne-Lee Verville
Consultant (formerly General Manager, Global Education Industry, and President,
Applications Solutions Division, IBM Corporation)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Important Information About This Report
The Transfer Agent for Newport Greater China Fund is:
Liberty Funds Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 1722
Boston, MA 02105-1722
1-800-345-6611
The Fund mails one shareholder report to each shareholder address. If you would
like more than one report, please call 1-800-426-3750 and additional reports
will be sent to you.
This report has been prepared for shareholders of Newport Greater China Fund.
This report may also be used as sales literature when preceded or accompanied by
the current prospectus which provides details of sales charges, investment
objectives and operating policies of the Fund and with the most recent copy of
the Liberty Funds Distributor, Inc. Performance Update.
Semiannual Report:
Newport Greater China Fund
<PAGE>
Liberty offers the independent thinking and collective strength of six financial
specialists. Our distinguished product line helps financial advisors and their
clients build diversified investment portfolios for long-term financial goals.
LIBERTY
- -------- [GRAPHIC OMITTED]
FUNDS
ALL-STAR Institutional money management approach for individual investors.
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CRABBE A contrarian approach to fixed income and equity investing.
HUSON
NEWPORT A leader in international investing.(SM)
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ADVISOR
KEYPORT A leading provider of innovative annuity products.
Liberty's mutual funds are offered by prospectus through Liberty Funds
Distributor, Inc.
Before you invest, consult your financial advisor.
Your financial advisor can help you develop a long-term plan for reaching your
financial goals.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEWPORT GREATER CHINA FUND Semiannual Report
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[LOGO] LIBERTY
--------
FUNDS
ALL-STAR * COLONIAL * CRABBE HUSON * NEWPORT * STEIN ROE ADVISOR
736-03/676A-0300 (00/554)
