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FORUM FUNDS
PROSPECTUS
AUGUST 1, 1996
DAILY ASSETS
TREASURY FUND
DAILY ASSETS
GOVERNMENT FUND
DAILY ASSETS CASH FUND
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page
<C> <S> <C>
1. Prospectus Summary................... 2
2. Financial Highlights................. 4
3. Investment Objective and Policies.... 4
4. Management........................... 8
5. Purchases and Redemptions of 10
Shares..............................
6. Dividends and Tax Matters............ 15
7. Other Information.................... 16
Account Application
</TABLE>
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FORUM FUNDS
DAILY ASSETS TREASURY FUND
DAILY ASSETS GOVERNMENT FUND
[LOGO]
DAILY ASSETS CASH FUND
ACCOUNT INFORMATION AND
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING:
Forum Financial Corp.
P.O. Box 446
Portland, Maine 04112
(207) 879-0001
(800) 94 Forum
PROSPECTUS
August 1, 1996
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This Prospectus offers shares of Daily Assets Treasury Fund, Daily Assets
Government Fund and Daily Assets Cash Fund (each a "Fund"), which are
diversified portfolios of Forum Funds (the "Trust"), an open-end, management
investment company. Each Fund's investment objective is to seek to provide its
shareholders with high current income to the extent consistent with the
preservation of capital and the maintenance of liquidity.
DAILY ASSETS TREASURY FUND invests primarily in obligations issued or
guaranteed by the United States Treasury or by certain agencies and
instrumentalities of the United States Government with a view toward
providing income that is generally considered exempt from state and local
income taxes.
DAILY ASSETS GOVERNMENT FUND invests primarily in obligations of the U.S.
Government, its agencies and instrumentalities, and in repurchase
agreements backed by these obligations.
DAILY ASSETS CASH FUND invests in a broad spectrum of high-quality money
market instruments.
EACH FUND CURRENTLY SEEKS TO ACHIEVE ITS OBJECTIVE BY INVESTING ALL OF ITS
INVESTABLE ASSETS IN A SEPARATE PORTFOLIO OF A REGISTERED, OPEN-END MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT COMPANY WITH AN IDENTICAL INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE. SEE "PROSPECTUS
SUMMARY" AND "OTHER INFORMATION - FUND STRUCTURE."
Shares of the Funds are offered to investors at a price equal to the next
determined net asset value without any sales charge.
This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information concerning the Trust and
the Funds that a prospective investor should know before investing. The Trust
has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") a Statement of
Additional Information dated August 1, 1996, as may be amended from time to time
(the "SAI"), which contains more detailed information about the Trust and the
Funds and which is incorporated into this Prospectus by reference. The SAI is
available without charge by contacting the Trust at the address listed above.
INVESTORS SHOULD READ THIS PROSPECTUS AND RETAIN IT FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
FUND SHARES ARE NOT OBLIGATIONS, DEPOSITS OR ACCOUNTS OF, OR ENDORSED OR
GUARANTEED BY, ANY BANK OR ANY AFFILIATE OF A BANK AND ARE NOT INSURED OR
GUARANTEED BY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, THE FDIC, THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM OR ANY
OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY.
THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT ANY FUND WILL BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN A STABLE NET
ASSET VALUE OF $1.00 PER SHARE.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
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1. PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FUNDS
THE FUNDS. Each Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing
all of its investable assets in a separate series of Core Trust (Delaware)
("Core Trust"), itself a registered open-end management investment company.
Daily Assets Treasury Fund, Daily Assets Government Fund and Daily Assets Cash
Fund invest in each of Treasury Portfolio, Government Cash Portfolio and Cash
Portfolio (each a "Portfolio" and collectively the "Portfolios"), respectively.
Accordingly, the investment experience of each Fund will correspond directly
with the investment experience of its corresponding Portfolio. See "Other
Information - Fund Structure."
MANAGEMENT. Forum Financial Services, Inc. ("Forum") supervises the overall
management of the Funds and is the distributor of the Funds' shares. Forum
Advisors, Inc. ("Forum Advisors") is the investment adviser of Treasury
Portfolio and provides professional management of that Portfolio's investments.
Linden Asset Management, Inc. ("Linden") is the investment adviser of Government
Cash Portfolio and Cash Portfolio and provides professional management of those
Portfolios' investments. Forum Advisors and Linden provide certain subadvisory
assistance for the Portfolio's they do not directly advise. The Trust's transfer
agent, dividend disbursing agent and shareholder servicing agent (the "Transfer
Agent") is Forum Financial Corp. See "Management."
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING. The Trust has adopted a Shareholder Service Plan
relating to Shares of each Fund under which Forum is compensated for various
shareholder servicing activities. See "Management - Shareholder Servicing."
PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS. Shares of the Funds may be purchased and
redeemed Monday through Friday except on customary national business holidays,
Good Friday and other days that the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco is
closed ("Fund Business Days"). Shares of the Funds are offered without a sales
charge and may be redeemed without charge at the next determined net asset
value. The minimum initial investment is $10,000 ($2,000 for IRAs, $2,500 for
exchanges) and the minimum subsequent investment is $500. Shareholders may elect
to have redemptions of over $5,000 transferred by bank wire to a designated bank
account. See "Purchases and Redemptions of Shares."
EXCHANGE PROGRAM. Shareholders of a Fund may exchange their shares without
charge for shares of the other Funds and for the shares of certain other funds
of the Trust not offered by this Prospectus. See "Purchases and Redemptions of
Shares - Exchanges."
DIVIDENDS. Dividends of net investment income are declared daily and paid
monthly by each Fund and are reinvested in Fund shares unless a shareholder
elects to have them paid in cash. See "Dividends and Tax Matters."
RISK FACTORS. There can be no assurance that either Fund will achieve its
investment objective, nor can there be any assurance that either Fund will
maintain a stable net asset value of $1.00 per share. Although the Funds invest
in money market instruments, an investment in any Fund involves certain risks,
depending on the types of investments made and the types of investment
techniques employed. All investments by the Funds entail some risk. Certain
investments and investment techniques, however, entail additional risks,
such as investments in variable and floating rate securities, zero-coupon
securities and forward commitment securities. The use of leverage by a
Fund through borrowings and other investment techniques involves additional
risks. For more details about each Fund and its investments and risks, see
"Investment Objective and Policies." By investing solely in Daily Assets
Government Portfolio and Daily Assets Cash Portfolio, Daily Assets Government
Fund and Daily Assets Cash Fund, respectively, may achieve certain efficiencies
and economies of scale. Nonetheless,
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these investments could also have potential adverse effects on the applicable
Fund. Investors in the Funds should consider these risks, as described under
"Other Information - Core Trust Structure."
EXPENSES OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDS
The purpose of the following table is to assist investors in understanding
the various expenses that an investor in a Fund will bear directly or
indirectly. The table reflects the combined expenses of each Fund and its
corresponding Portfolio. There are no transaction expenses associated with
purchases, redemptions or exchanges of Fund shares.
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (1)(2)
(as a percentage of average net assets, after applicable expense reimbursements)
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Daily Assets
Daily Assets Government Daily Assets
Treasury Fund Fund Cash Fund
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<S> <C> <C> <C>
Management Fees
(after waivers)
(3)................ 0.20% 0.09% 0.07%
Rule 12b-1 Fees..... None None None
Other Expenses
(after
reimbursements).... 0.30% 0.46% 0.48%
------ ------ ------
Total Fund Operating
Expenses........... 0.50% 0.55% 0.55%
</TABLE>
(1) For a further description of the various expenses incurred in the
operation of the Funds and the Portfolios, see "Management." Expenses for Daily
Assets Treasury Fund are based on actual expenses incurred during the Fund's
most recent fiscal year ended March 31, 1996. Expenses for Daily Assets
Government Fund and Daily Assets Cash Fund are estimated annualized expenses for
the Funds' first fiscal year of operations. Absent expense reimbursement
(estimated reimbursements in the case of Daily Assets Government Fund and Daily
Assets Cash Fund), "Management Fees" for each of Daily Assets Treasury Fund,
Daily Assets Government Fund and Daily Assets Cash Fund would be 0.59%, 0.78%
and 0.81%, respectively, and "Total Fund Operating Expenses" would be 1.06%,
1.02% and 1.06%, respectively. Expense reimbursements and fee waivers are
voluntary and may be reduced or eliminated at any time.
(2) Each Fund's expenses include the Fund's pro rata portion of all
operating expenses of the corresponding Portfolio, which will be borne
indirectly by Fund shareholders. The Trust's board of trustees believes that the
aggregate per share expenses of each Fund and its respective Portfolio will be
approximately equal to the expenses the Fund would incur if its assets were
invested directly in money market securities.
(3) Management Fees include all administration fees and investment advisory
fees incurred by the Funds and the Portfolios; as long as its assets are
invested in a Portfolio, a Fund pays no investment advisory fees directly.
EXAMPLE
Following is a hypothetical example that indicates the dollar amount of
expenses that an investor in a Fund would pay assuming (i) the investment of all
of the Fund's assets in the Portfolio, (ii) a $1,000 investment in the Fund,
(iii) a 5% annual return, (iv) the reinvestment of all dividends and
distributions and (v) redemption at the end of each period:
<TABLE>
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1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Daily Assets Treasury
Fund.................... $5 $16 $28 $63
Daily Assets Government
Fund.................... $6 $18 N/A N/A
Daily Assets Cash Fund... $6 $18 N/A N/A
</TABLE>
The example is based on the expenses listed in the Annual Fund Operating
Expenses table, which assumes the continued waiver and reimbursement of certain
fees and expenses. The five percent annual return is not predictive of and does
not represent the Fund's projected returns; rather, it is required by government
regulation. THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR
FUTURE EXPENSES OR RETURN. ACTUAL EXPENSES AND RETURN MAY BE GREATER OR LESS
THAN INDICATED.
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2. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following information represents selected data for a single share
outstanding of Daily Assets Treasury Fund. This information was audited by
Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors. The financial statements and
independent auditors' report thereon for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996
are incorporated by reference into the SAI. Further information about the Fund's
performance is contained in the Fund's annual report to shareholders which may
be obtained from the Trust without charge. As of July 31, 1996, Daily Assets
Government Fund and Daily Assets Cash Fund had not commenced operations.
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DAILY ASSETS TREASURY FUND
Year Ended March 31,
----------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993(1)
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Beginning Net Asset Value per Share $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00
----------- ------- ------- -----------
Net Investment Income 0.05 0.04 0.03 0.02
Dividends from Net Investment Income (0.05) (0.04) (0.03) (0.02)
----------- ------- ------- -----------
Ending Net Asset Value per Share $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00
----------- ------- ------- -----------
----------- ------- ------- -----------
Ratios to Average Net Assets:
Expenses (2) 0.50%(4) 0.37% 0.33% 0.22%(3)
Net Investment Income 5.01% 4.45% 2.82% 2.92%(3)
Gross Expenses (2) 1.06%(4) 1.10% 1.17% 2.43%(3)
Total Return 5.18% 4.45% 2.83% 3.13%(3)
Net Assets at the End of Period (000's
Omitted) $43,103 $36,329 $26,505 $4,687
</TABLE>
(1) The Fund commenced operations on July 1, 1992.
(2) During the periods, various fees and expenses were waived and reimbursed,
respectively. Had such waiver and reimbursements not occurred, the ratio of
expenses to average net assets would have been:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1.06 %(4) 1.10% 1.17% 2.43 %(3)
</TABLE>
(3) Annualized.
(4) Includes expenses allocated from Treasury Portfolio of Core Trust (Delaware)
of 0.02%, net of waivers of 0.07%.
3. INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
Each Fund has a fundamental investment policy that allows it to invest all
of its investable assets in its corresponding Portfolio. All other investment
policies of each Fund and its corresponding Portfolio are substantially
identical. Therefore, although the following discusses the investment policies
of the Portfolios (and the responsibilities of Core Trust's board of trustees
(the "Core Trust Board")), it applies equally to the Funds (and the Trust's
board of trustees (the "Board")).
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The investment objective of each Fund is to provide high current income to
the extent consistent with the preservation of capital and the maintenance of
liquidity. Each Fund currently seeks to achieve its investment objective by
investing all of its investable assets in its corresponding Portfolio, which has
the same investment objective. There
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can be no assurance that any Fund or Portfolio will achieve its investment
objective or maintain a stable net asset value.
INVESTMENT POLICIES
Each Portfolio invests only in high quality, short-term money market
instruments that are determined by its investment adviser, pursuant to
procedures adopted by the Core Trust Board, to be eligible for purchase and to
present minimal credit risks. High quality instruments include those that (i)
are rated (or, if unrated, are issued by an issuer with comparable outstanding
short-term debt that is rated) in the highest rating category by two nationally
recognized statistical rating organizations ("NRSROs") or, if only one NRSRO has
issued a rating, by that NRSRO or (ii) are otherwise unrated and determined by
the Adviser to be of comparable quality. A description of the rating categories
of certain NRSROs, such as Standard & Poor's and Moody's Investors Service,
Inc., is contained in the SAI.
Each Portfolio invests only in U.S. dollar-denominated instruments that have
a remaining maturity of 397 days or less (as calculated under Rule 2a-7 under
the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act")) and maintains a dollar-
weighted average portfolio maturity of 90 days or less. Except to the limited
extent permitted by Rule 2a-7 and except for U.S. Government Securities, each
Portfolio will not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of
any one issuer. As used herein, "U.S. Government Securities" means obligations
issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States
Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
A portfolio's yield will tend to fluctuate inversely with prevailing market
interest rates. For instance, in periods of falling market interest rates,
yields will tend to be somewhat higher than those rates. Although each Portfolio
only invests in high quality money market instruments, an investment in a
Portfolio is subject to risk even if all securities in the Portfolio's portfolio
are paid in full at maturity. All money market instruments, including U.S.
Government Securities, can change in value when there is a change in interest
rates, the issuer's actual or perceived creditworthiness or the issuer's ability
to meet its obligations.
TREASURY PORTFOLIO
Treasury Portfolio seeks to attain its investment objective by investing
primarily in obligations issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by
the United States Treasury ("U.S. Treasury Securities"). Under normal market
conditions, the Portfolio will invest at least 65% of its total assets in U.S.
Treasury Securities, such as Treasury bills and notes. The Portfolio may also
invest up to 35% of its total assets in other U.S. Government Securities. The
Portfolio invests with a view toward providing income that is generally
considered exempt from state and local income taxes. The Portfolio will purchase
a U.S. Government Security that is not backed by the full faith and credit of
the U.S. Government only if that security has a remaining maturity of thirteen
months or less.
Among the U.S. Government Securities in which the Portfolio may invest are
obligations of the Farm Credit System, Farm Credit System Financial Assistance
Corporation, Federal Financing Bank, Federal Home Loan Banks, General Services
Administration, Student Loan Marketing Association, and Tennessee Valley
Authority. See "Investment Policies - Government Cash Portfolio." Income on
these obligations and the obligations of certain other agencies and
instrumentalities is generally not subject to state and local income taxes by
Federal law. In addition, the income received by Fund shareholders that is
attributable to these investments will also be exempt in most states from state
and local income taxes. Shareholders should determine through consultation with
their own tax advisers whether and to what extent dividends payable by the Fund
from interest received with respect to its investments will be considered to be
exempt from state and local
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income taxes in the shareholder's state. Shareholders similarly should determine
whether the capital gain and other income, if any, payable by the Fund will be
subject to state and local income taxes in the shareholder's state. See
"Dividend and Tax Matters."
U.S. GOVERNMENT ZERO COUPON SECURITIES. The Portfolio may invest in
separately traded principal and interest components of securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury under the Treasury's Separate Trading of
Registered Interest and Principal of Securities ("STRIPS") program. Zero coupon
securities are sold at original issue discount and pay no interest to holders
prior to maturity. Because of this, zero coupon securities may be subject to
greater fluctuation of market value than the other securities in which the
Portfolio may invest. See "Dividends and Tax Matters - Taxes."
GOVERNMENT CASH PORTFOLIO
Government Cash Portfolio seeks to attain its investment objective by
investing, under normal circumstances, at least 65% of its assets in U.S.
Government Securities and in repurchase agreements backed by U.S. Government
Securities. The U.S. Government Securities in which the Portfolio may invest
include securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and obligations issued or
guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities that are backed by
the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, such as those guaranteed by
the Small Business Administration. In addition, the U.S. Government Securities
in which the Portfolio may invest include securities supported primarily or
solely by the creditworthiness of the issuer, such as securities of the Federal
National Mortgage Association. There is no guarantee that the U.S. Government
will support securities not backed by its full faith and credit. Accordingly,
although these securities have historically involved little risk of loss of
principal if held to maturity, they may involve more risk than securities backed
by the U.S. Government's full faith and credit.
CASH PORTFOLIO
Cash Portfolio seeks to attain its investment objective by investing in a
broad spectrum of money market instruments. The Portfolio may invest in (i)
obligations of domestic financial institutions, (ii) U.S. Government Securities
(see "Investment Policies - Government Cash Portfolio") and (iii) corporate debt
obligations of domestic issuers.
Financial institution obligations include negotiable certificates of
deposit, bank notes, bankers' acceptances and time deposits of banks (including
savings banks and savings associations) and their foreign branches. The
Portfolio limits its investments in bank obligations to banks which at the time
of investment have total assets in excess of one billion dollars. Certificates
of deposit represent an institution's obligation to repay funds deposited with
it that earn a specified interest rate over a given period. Bank notes are debt
obligations of a bank. Bankers' acceptances are negotiable obligations of a bank
to pay a draft which has been drawn by a customer and are usually backed by
goods in international trade. Time deposits are non-negotiable deposits with a
banking institution that earn a specified interest rate over a given period.
Certificates of deposit and fixed time deposits, which are payable at the stated
maturity date and bear a fixed rate of interest, generally may be withdrawn on
demand by the Portfolio but may be subject to early withdrawal penalties which
could reduce the Portfolio's yield.
Corporate debt obligations include commercial paper (short-term promissory
notes) issued by companies to finance their, or their affiliates', current
obligations. The Portfolio may also invest in commercial paper or other
corporate securities issued in "private placements" that are restricted as to
disposition under the Federal securities laws ("restricted securities"). Any
sale of these securities may not be made absent registration under the
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Securities Act of 1933 or the availability of an appropriate exemption
therefrom. Some of these restricted securities, however, are eligible for resale
to institutional investors, and accordingly, a liquid market may exist for them.
Pursuant to guidelines adopted by the Core Trust Board, the investment adviser
will determine whether each such investment is liquid.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT POLICIES
Each Fund's and each Portfolio's investment objective and certain investment
limitations, as described in the SAI, are fundamental and therefore, may not be
changed without approval of the holders of a majority of the Fund's or
Portfolio's, as applicable, outstanding voting securities (as defined in the
1940 Act). Except as otherwise indicated herein or in the SAI, investment
policies of a Fund or a Portfolio may be changed by the applicable board of
trustees without shareholder approval. Each Portfolio may borrow money for
temporary or emergency purposes (including the meeting of redemption requests),
but, as a individual policy, not in excess of 33 1/3% of the value of the
Portfolio's total assets. Borrowing for purposes other than meeting redemption
requests will not exceed 5% of the value of the Portfolio's total assets. Each
Portfolio is permitted to hold cash in any amount pending investment in
securities and may invest in other investment companies that intend to comply
with Rule 2a-7 and have substantially similar investment objectives and
policies. A further description of the Funds' and the Portfolios' investment
policies is contained in the SAI.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. Each of Government Cash Portfolio and Cash Portfolio
may seek additional income by entering into repurchase agreements. Repurchase
agreements are transactions in which a Portfolio purchases a security and
simultaneously commits to resell that security to the seller at an agreed-upon
price on an agreed-upon future date, normally one to seven days later. The
resale price reflects a market rate of interest that is not related to the
coupon rate or maturity of the purchased security. Core Trust holds the
underlying collateral, which is maintained at not less than 100% of the
repurchase price. Repurchase agreements involve certain credit risks not
associated with direct investment in securities. The Portfolios, however, intend
to enter into repurchase agreements only with sellers which Linden believes
present minimal credit risks in accordance with guidelines established by the
Core Trust Board. In the event that a seller defaulted on its repurchase
obligation, however, a Portfolio might suffer a loss.
LIQUIDITY. To ensure adequate liquidity, each Portfolio may not invest more
than 10% of its net assets in illiquid securities, including in the case of
Government Cash Portfolio and Cash Portfolio, repurchase agreements not
entitling the Portfolio to payment of principal within seven days. There may not
be an active secondary market for securities held by a Portfolio. Linden
monitors the liquidity of the Portfolios' investments.
WHEN-ISSUED AND FORWARD COMMITMENT SECURITIES. In order to assure itself of
being able to obtain securities at prices which Linden believes might not be
available at a future time, each Portfolio may purchase securities on a
when-issued or delayed delivery basis. When these transactions are negotiated,
the price or yield is fixed at the time the commitment is made, but delivery and
payment for the securities take place at a later date. Securities so purchased
are subject to market price fluctuation and no interest on the securities
accrues to a Portfolio until delivery and payment take place. Accordingly, the
value of the securities on the delivery date may be more or less than the
purchase price. Commitments for when-issued or delayed delivery transactions
will be entered into only when a Portfolio has the intention of actually
acquiring the securities, but the Portfolio may sell the securities before the
settlement date if deemed advisable. Failure by the other party to deliver a
security purchased by a Portfolio may result in a loss or missed opportunity to
make an alternative investment. The Trust's custodian will set aside and
maintain in a segregated account cash and certain liquid, high-
7
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grade debt securities with a market value at all times equal to the amount of
the Fund's forward commitment obligations. As a result of entering into forward
commitments, the Funds are exposed to greater potential flucuations in the value
of their assets and net asset values per share.
VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE SECURITIES. The securities in which the
Portfolios invest may have variable or floating rates of interest. These
securities pay interest at rates that are adjusted periodically according to a
specified formula, usually with reference to some interest rate index or market
interest rate. The interest paid on these securities is a function primarily of
the index or market rate upon which the interest rate adjustments are based.
Those securities with ultimate maturities of greater than 397 days may be
purchased only pursuant to Rule 2a-7. Under that Rule, only those long-term
instruments that have demand features which comply with certain requirements and
certain U.S. Government Securities may be purchased. Similar to fixed rate debt
instruments, variable and floating rate instruments are subject to changes in
value based on changes in market interest rates or changes in the issuer's
creditworthiness.
No Portfolio may purchase a variable or floating rate security whose
interest rate is adjusted based on a long-term interest rate or index, on more
than one interest rate or index, or on an interest rate or index that materially
lags behind short-term market rates (these prohibited securities are often
referred to as "derivative" securities). All variable and floating rate
securities purchased by a Portfolio will have an interest rate that is adjusted
based on a single short-term rate or index, such as the Prime Rate.
FINANCIAL INSTITUTION GUIDELINES. Government Cash Portfolio invests only in
instruments which, if held directly by a bank or bank holding company organized
under the laws of the United States or any state thereof, would be assigned to a
risk-weight category of no more than 20% under the current risk based capital
guidelines adopted by the Federal bank regulators. In addition the Portfolio
does not intend to hold in its portfolio any securities or instruments that
would be subject to restriction as to amount held by a National bank under Title
12, Section 24 (Seventh) of the United States Code. See "Investments By
Financial Institutions" in the SAI. In addition, the Portfolio limits its
investments to those permissible for Federally chartered credit unions under
applicable provisions of the Federal Credit Union Act and the applicable rules
and regulations of the National Credit Union Administration. Government Cash
Portfolio limits its investments to investments that are legally permissible for
Federally chartered savings associations without limit as to percentage and to
investments that permit Fund shares to qualify as liquid assets and as
short-term liquid assets.
4. MANAGEMENT
The business of the Trust is managed under the direction of the Board and
the business of Core Trust is managed under the direction the Core Trust Board.
The board formulates the general policies of the Funds and meets periodically to
review the results of the Funds, monitor investment activities and practices and
discuss other matters affecting the Funds and the Trust. The Core Trust Board
performs similar functions for the Portfolios and Core Trust. The SAI contains
general background information about the trustees and officers of the Trust and
Core Trust.
MANAGER AND DISTRIBUTOR
Subject to the supervision of the Board, Forum supervises the overall
management of the Trust and acts as distributor of the Trust's shares. Forum,
Forum Advisors and the Transfer Agent are members of the Forum Financial Group
of companies ("Forum") and together provide a full range of services to the
investment company and financial services industry. As of the date hereof, Forum
acted as manager and distributor of registered investment companies and
collective trust
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funds with assets of approximately $16 billion. Forum is a registered
broker-dealer and investment adviser and is a member of the National Association
of Securities Dealers, Inc. As of the date of this Prospectus, Forum, Forum
Advisors and the Transfer Agent were controlled by John Y. Keffer, President and
Chairman of the Trust.
Forum supervises all aspects of the Funds' operations, including the receipt
of services for which the Trust is obligated to pay, provides the Trust with
general office facilities and certain persons to serve as officers and provides,
at the Trust's expense, the services of persons necessary to perform such
supervisory, administrative and clerical functions as are needed to operate the
Trust effectively. Those officers, as well as certain employees and Trustees of
the Trust, may be directors, officers or employees of (and persons providing
services to the Trust may include) Forum and its affiliates. For these services
and facilities, Forum receives a fee at an annual rate of 0.10% of the daily net
assets of Daily Assets Treasury Fund and a fee at an annual rate of 0.15% of the
daily net assets of each of the Daily Assets Government Fund and Daily Assets
Cash Fund. Forum also serves as administrator of Core Trust and provides
administrative services for each Portfolio that are similar to those provided to
the Funds. For its administrative services to the Portfolios Forum receives a
fee at an annual rate of 0.10% of the daily net assets of Treasury Portfolio and
0.05% of the daily net assets of each of Government Cash Portfolio and Cash
Portfolio. As distributor of each Fund, Forum acts as the agent of the Trust in
connection with the offering of shares of the Funds. Forum receives no fee for
distribution of Fund shares.
ADVISERS
Subject to the general supervision of the Core Trust Board, Forum Advisors
makes investment decisions for Treasury Portfolio and monitors that Portfolio's
investments and Linden makes investment decisions for Government Cash Portfolio
and Cash Portfolio and monitors those Portfolios' investments. Forum Advisors,
which is located at Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101, provides
investment advisory services to five other mutual funds. Linden, which is
located at 812 N. Linden Drive, Beverly Hills, California 90210, is controlled
by Anthony R. Fischer, Jr., who is its sole stockholder, director, and officer,
and provides investment advisory services to one other portfolio of Core Trust.
Forum Advisors and Linden act also as investment sub-advisers to the Portfolios
that they do not manage on a daily basis and from time to time may provide each
other with assistance regarding the other's advisory responsibilities. These
services may include management of part of or all of the Portfolios' investment
portfolios.
For its services, Forum Advisors receives an advisory fee at an annual rate
of 0.05% of Treasury Portfolio's average daily net assets. For its services,
Linden receives from each of Government Cash Portfolio and Cash Portfolio an
advisory fee based upon the total average daily net assets of those Portfolios
and the other portfolio of Core Trust that Linden advises ("Total Portfolio
Assets"). Linden's fee is calculated at an annual rate on a cumulative basis as
follows: 0.05% of the first $200 million of Total Portfolio Assets, 0.03% of the
next $300 million of Total Portfolio Assets, and 0.02% of the remaining Total
Portfolio Assets. A Fund's expenses include the Fund's pro rata portion of the
advisory fee paid by the corresponding Portfolio. To the extent Forum Advisors
or Linden has delegated its responsibilities to the other, Forum Advisors or
Linden pays its advisory fee accrued for such period of time to the other.
Currently, it is anticipated that Linden will delegate responsibility for
portfolio management infrequently to Forum Advisors.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING
Shareholder inquiries and communications concerning the Funds may
be directed to the Transfer Agent at the address and telephone numbers on the
first page of this Prospectus. The Transfer Agent maintains for each
shareholder of record, an account (unless such accounts are maintained by
sub-transfer agents) to which all shares purchased are credited,
together with any distributions that are reinvested in additional
shares. The Transfer
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Agent also performs other transfer agency functions and acts as dividend
disbursing agent for the Trust. For its services, the Transfer Agent is
paid a transfer agent fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily
net assets of each Fund attributable to Institutional Shares plus $12,000
per year and certain account and additional class charges and is reimbursed
for certain expenses incurred on behalf of the Funds.
The Transfer Agent is authorized to subcontract any or all of its functions
to one or more qualified sub-transfer agents or processing agents, which may be
its affiliates, who agree to comply with the terms of the Transfer Agent's
agreement with the Trust. The Transfer Agent may pay those agents for their
services, but no such payment will increase the Transfer Agent's compensation
from the Trust. Forum Financial Corp. performs portfolio accounting services for
the Fund, including determination of the Fund's net asset value per share,
pursuant to a separate agreement with the Trust and is paid a fee for these
services.
EXPENSES OF THE TRUST
The Fund's expenses comprise Trust expenses attributable to the Fund, which
are charged to the Fund, and expenses not attributable to a particular fund of
the Trust, which are allocated among the Fund and all other funds of the Trust
in proportion to their average net assets. Subject to any obligations of Forum
or Forum Advisors to reimburse the Trust for excess expenses, the Trust pays for
all of its expenses. Each service provider in its sole discretion may elect to
waive (or continue to waive) all or any portion of its fees, which are accrued
daily and paid monthly, and may reimburse a Fund for certain expenses. Any such
waivers or reimbursements would have the effect of increasing a Fund's
performance for the period during which the waiver was in effect and would not
be recouped at a later date.
5. PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF SHARES
GENERAL INFORMATION
All transactions in Fund shares are effected through the Transfer Agent,
which accepts orders for purchases and redemptions from shareholders of record
and new investors. Shareholders of record will receive from the Trust periodic
statements listing all account activity during the statement period. The Trust
reserves the right in the future to modify, limit or terminate any shareholder
privilege, upon appropriate notice to shareholders, and may charge a fee for
certain shareholder services, although no such fees are currently contemplated.
PURCHASES. Fund shares are sold at a price equal to their net asset value
next-determined after acceptance of an order, on all weekdays except customary
national business holidays and Good Friday ("Fund Business Day"). Fund shares
are issued immediately after an order for the shares in proper form, accompanied
by funds on deposit at a Federal Reserve Bank ("Federal Funds"), is accepted by
the Transfer Agent. Daily Assets Treasury Fund's net asset value is calculated
at 12:00 p.m., Eastern time, and Daily Assets Government Fund's and Daily Assets
Cash Fund's net asset value is calculated at 2:00 p.m., Eastern time. Fund
shares become entitled to receive dividends on the next Fund Business Day after
the order is accepted.
Each Fund reserves the right to reject any subscription for the purchase of
Fund shares. Stock certificates are issued only to shareholders of record upon
their written request and no certificates are issued for fractional shares.
REDEMPTIONS. Fund shares may be redeemed without charge at their net asset
value on any Fund Business Day. There is no minimum period of investment and no
restriction on the frequency of redemptions. Fund shares are redeemed as of the
next determination of the Fund's net asset value following acceptance by the
Transfer Agent
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of the redemption order in proper form (and any supporting documentation
which the Transfer Agent may require). Shares redeemed are not entitled
to receive dividends declared on or after the day on which the
redemption becomes effective.
Normally, redemption proceeds are paid immediately, but in no event later
than seven days, following acceptance of a redemption order. Proceeds of
redemption requests (and exchanges), however, will not be paid unless any check
used to purchase the shares has been cleared by the shareholder's bank, which
may take up to 15 calendar days. This delay may be avoided by investing through
wire transfers. Unless otherwise indicated, redemption proceeds normally are
paid by check mailed to the shareholder's record address. The right of
redemption may not be suspended nor the payment dates postponed for more than
seven days after the tender of the Shares to the Fund except when the New York
Stock Exchange is closed (or when trading thereon is restricted) for any reason
other than its customary weekend or holiday closings or under any emergency or
other circumstance as determined by the SEC.
Proceeds of redemptions normally are paid in cash. However, payments may be
made wholly or partially in portfolio securities if the Board determines that
payment in cash would be detrimental to the best interests of the Fund. The
Trust will only effect a redemption in portfolio securities if the particular
shareholder is redeeming more than $250,000 or 1% of the Fund's net assets,
whichever is less, during any 90-day period.
The Trust employs reasonable procedures to ensure that telephone orders are
genuine (which include recording certain transactions and the use of shareholder
security codes). If the Trust did not employ such procedures, it could be liable
for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions.
Shareholders should verify the accuracy of telephone instructions immediately
upon receipt of confirmation statements. During times of drastic economic or
market changes, telephone redemption and exchange privileges may be difficult to
implement. In the event that a shareholder is unable to reach the Transfer Agent
by telephone, requests may be mailed or hand-delivered to the Transfer Agent.
Due to the cost to the Trust of maintaining smaller accounts, the Trust
reserves the right to redeem, upon not less than 60 days' written notice, all
shares in any Fund account with an aggregate net asset value of less than
$1,000.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION PROCEDURES
Investors may open an account by completing the application at the back of
this Prospectus or by contacting the Transfer Agent at the address on the first
page of this prospectus. For those shareholder services not referenced on the
account application and to change information regarding a share-
holder's account (such as addresses), investors should request an Optional
Services Form from the Transfer Agent.
INITIAL PURCHASE OF SHARES
There is a $10,000 minimum for initial investments in the Fund ($2,000 for
individual retirement accounts, $2,500 for exchanges).
BY MAIL. Investors may send a check made payable to the Trust along with a
completed account application to the address on the cover page of this
Prospectus. Checks are accepted at full value subject to collection. Payment by
a check drawn on any member of the Federal Reserve System can normally be
converted into Federal Funds within two business days after receipt of the
check. Checks drawn on some non-member banks may take longer.
BY BANK WIRE. To make an initial investment in the Fund using the wire
system for transmittal of money among banks, an investor should first telephone
the Trust at 800-94FORUM (800-943-6786)
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or (207) 879-0001 to obtain an account number. The investor should then
instruct a bank to wire the investor's money immediately to:
First National Bank of Boston
Boston, Massachusetts
ABA# 011000390
For Credit To: Forum Financial Corp.
Account #: 541-54171
Re: [Name of Fund]
Account #: ______________
Account Name: __________
The investor should then promptly complete and mail the account application.
Any investor planning to wire funds should instruct a bank early in the day so
the wire transfer can be accomplished the same day. There may be a charge
imposed by the bank for transmitting payment by wire, and there also may be a
charge for the use of Federal Funds.
THROUGH FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS. Shares may be purchased and redeemed
through certain brokers, banks or other financial institutions ("Processing
Organizations"), including affiliates of the Transfer Agent. Processing
Organizations may charge their customers a fee for their services and are
responsible for promptly transmitting purchase, redemption and other requests to
the Fund. The Trust is not responsible for the failure of any institution to
promptly forward these requests.
Investors who purchase or redeem shares in this manner will be subject to
the procedures of their Processing Organization, which may include charges,
limitations, investment minimums, cutoff times and restrictions in addition to,
or different from, those applicable to shareholders who invest in the Fund
directly. These investors should acquaint themselves with their institution's
procedures and should read this Prospectus in conjunction with any materials and
information provided by their institution. Customers who purchase Fund shares
through a Processing Organization may or may not be the shareholder of record
and, subject to their institution's and the Fund's procedures, may have Fund
shares transferred into their name. Certain Processing Organizations may enter
purchase orders with payment to follow. Certain states permit shares to be
purchased and redeemed only through registered broker-dealers, including Forum.
The Trust may confirm purchases and redemptions of a Processing
Organization's customers directly to the Processing Organization, which in turn
will provide its customers with such confirmations and periodic statements as
may be required by law or agreed to between the Processing Organization and its
customers.
SUBSEQUENT PURCHASES OF SHARES
There is a $500 minimum for subsequent purchases. Subsequent purchases may
be made by mailing a check, by sending a bank wire or through a financial
institution as indicated above. Shareholders using the wire system for purchase
should first telephone the Trust at 800-94FORUM (800-943-6786) or (207) 879-0001
to notify it of the wire transfer. All payments should clearly indicate the
shareholder's name and account number.
Shareholders may purchase Fund shares at regular, preselected intervals by
authorizing the automatic transfer of funds from a designated bank account
maintained with a United States banking institution which is an Automated
Clearing House member. Under the program, existing shareholders may authorize
amounts of $250 or more to be debited from their bank account and invested in
the Fund monthly or quarterly. Shareholders may terminate their automatic
investments or change the amount to be invested at any time by written
notification to the Transfer Agent.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
Shareholders that wish to redeem shares by telephone or by check or receive
redemption proceeds by bank wire must elect these options by properly completing
the appropriate sections of their account application. These privileges may not
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be available until several weeks after a shareholder's application is received.
Shares for which certificates have been issued may not be redeemed by telephone
or check.
BY MAIL. Shareholders may make a redemption in any amount by sending a
written request to the Transfer Agent accompanied by any stock certificate that
may have been issued to the shareholder. All written requests for redemption
must be signed by the shareholder with signature guaranteed and all certificates
submitted for redemption must be endorsed by the shareholder with signature
guaranteed.
BY TELEPHONE. A shareholder that has elected telephone redemption
privileges may make a telephone redemption request by calling the Transfer Agent
at 800-94FORUM (800-943-6786) or (207) 879-0001 and providing the shareholder's
account number, the exact name in which the shareholder's shares are registered
and the shareholder's social security or taxpayer identification number. In
response to the telephone redemption instruction, the Fund will mail a check to
the shareholder's record address or, if the shareholder has elected wire
redemption privileges, wire the proceeds.
BY BANK WIRE. For redemptions of more than $5,000, a shareholder that has
elected wire redemption privileges may request the Fund to transmit the
redemption proceeds by Federal Funds wire to a bank account designated on the
shareholder's account application. To request bank wire redemptions by
telephone, the shareholder also must have elected the telephone redemption
privilege. Redemption proceeds are transmitted by wire on the day the redemption
request in proper form is received by the Transfer Agent.
AUTOMATIC REDEMPTIONS. Shareholders may redeem Fund shares at regular,
preselected intervals by authorizing the automatic redemption of shares from
their Fund account. Redemption proceeds will be sent either by check or by
automatic transfer to a designated bank account maintained with a United States
banking institution which is an Automated Clearing House member. Under this
program, shareholders may authorize the redemption of shares in amounts of $250
or more from their account monthly or quarterly. Shareholders may terminate
their automatic redemptions or change the amount to be redeemed at any time by
written notification to the Transfer Agent.
OTHER REDEMPTION MATTERS. A signature guarantee is required for any written
redemption request and for any endorsement on a stock certificate. In addition,
a signature guarantee is required for instructions to change a shareholder's
record name or address, designated bank account for wire redemptions or
automatic investment or redemption, dividend election, telephone redemption or
exchange option election or any other option election in connection with the
shareholder's account. Signature guarantees may be provided by any eligible
institution acceptable to the Transfer Agent, including a bank, a broker, a
dealer, a national securities exchange, a credit union, or a savings association
that is authorized to guarantee signatures. Whenever a signature guarantee is
required, the signature of each person required to sign for the account must be
guaranteed.
The Transfer Agent will deem a shareholder's account "lost" if
correspondence to the shareholder's address of record is returned for six
months, unless the Transfer Agent determines the shareholder's new address. When
an account is deemed lost all distributions on the account will be reinvested in
additional shares of the Fund. In addition, the amount of any outstanding
(unpaid for six months or more) checks for distributions that have been returned
to the Transfer Agent will be reinvested and the checks will be canceled.
EXCHANGES
Shareholders may exchange their shares for shares of any other fund of the
Trust or any other mutual fund managed by Forum that participates with the Funds
in the exchange program (currently, Sound Shore Fund, Inc.). Exchanges are
subject to
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the fees charged by, and the restrictions listed in the prospectus
for, and the fund into which a shareholder is exchanging, including minimum
investment requirements. The minimum amount required to open an account in a
Fund through an exchange from another fund is $2,500. The Funds do not charge
for exchanges, and there is currently no limit on the number of exchanges a
shareholder may make, but each Fund reserves the right to limit excessive
exchanges by any shareholder. See "Additional Purchase and Redemption
Information" in the SAI.
Exchanges may only be made between accounts registered in the same name. A
completed account application must be submitted to open a new account in a Fund
through an exchange if the shareholder requests any shareholder privilege not
associated with the new account. Shareholders may only exchange into a fund if
that fund's shares may legally be sold in the shareholder's state of residence.
The Trust (and Federal tax law) treats an exchange as a redemption of the
shares owned and the purchase of the shares of the fund being acquired.
Accordingly, a shareholder may realize a capital gain or loss with respect to
the shares redeemed. Redemptions and purchases are effected at the respective
net asset values of the two funds as next determined following receipt of proper
instructions and all necessary supporting documents by the fund whose shares are
being exchanged.
If a shareholder exchanges into a fund that imposes a sales charge, that
shareholder is required to pay the difference between that fund's sales charge
and any sales charge the shareholder has previously paid in connection with the
shares being exchanged. For example, if a shareholder paid a 2% sales charge in
connection with the purchase of the shares of a fund and then exchanged those
shares into another fund with a 3% sales charge, that shareholder would pay an
additional 1% sales charge on the exchange. Shares acquired through the
reinvestment of dividends and distributions are deemed to have been acquired
with a sales charge rate equal to that paid on the shares on which the dividend
or distribution was paid. The exchange privilege may be modified materially or
terminated by the Trust at any time upon 60 days' notice to shareholders.
BY MAIL. Exchanges may be accomplished by written instruction to the
Transfer Agent accompanied by any stock certificate that may have been issued to
the shareholder. All written requests for exchanges must be signed by the
shareholder (a signature guaranteed is not required) and all certificates
submitted for exchange must be endorsed by the shareholder with signature
guaranteed.
BY TELEPHONE. Exchanges may be accomplished by telephone by any shareholder
that has elected telephone exchange privileges by calling the Transfer Agent at
800-94FORUM (800-943-6786) or (207) 879-0001 and providing the shareholder's
account number, the exact name in which the shareholder's shares are registered
and the shareholder's social security or taxpayer identification number.
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS
Each of Daily Assets Government Fund and Daily Assets Cash Fund may be
a suitable investment vehicle for part or all of the assets held in
individual retirement accounts ("IRAs"). The minimum initial investment for
IRAs is $2,000, and the minimum subsequent investment is $500.
Individuals may make tax-deductible IRA contributions of up to a maximum
of $2,000 annually. However, this deduction will be reduced if the
individual or, in the case of a married individual filing jointly either the
individual or the individual's spouse, is an active participant in an
employer-sponsored retirement plan and has adjusted gross income above
certain levels.
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6. DIVIDENDS AND TAX MATTERS
DIVIDENDS
Dividends of each Fund's net investment income are declared daily and paid
monthly following the close of the last Fund Business Day of the month. Net
capital gain realized by a Fund, if any, will be distributed annually. Fund
shares become entitled to receive dividends on the day the shares are issued.
Shares redeemed are not entitled to receive dividends declared on or after the
day on which the redemption becomes effective.
Shareholders may choose to have all dividends reinvested in additional
shares of the Fund or received in cash. In addition, shareholders may have
dividends of net capital gain reinvested in additional shares of the Fund and
dividends of net investment income paid in cash. All dividends are treated in
the same manner for Federal income tax purposes whether received in cash or
reinvested in shares of the Fund.
All dividends will be reinvested at the Fund's net asset value as of the
payment date of the dividend. All dividends are reinvested unless another option
is selected. All dividends not reinvested will be paid to the shareholder in
cash and may be paid more than seven days following the date on which dividends
would otherwise be reinvested.
TAXES
TAX STATUS OF THE FUNDS. Each Fund intends to qualify or continue to
qualify to be taxed as a "regulated investment company" under the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986. Accordingly, each Fund will not be liable for Federal
income taxes on the net investment income and capital gain distributed to its
shareholders. Because the Funds intend to distribute all of their net investment
income and net capital gain each year, the Funds should also avoid Federal
excise taxes.
Dividends paid by each Fund out of its net investment income (including
realized net short-term capital gain) are taxable to the shareholders of the
Fund as ordinary income. Distributions of net long-term capital gain, if any,
realized by a Fund are taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gain,
regardless of the length of time the Fund shares were held by the shareholder at
the time of distribution.
THE PORTFOLIOS. The Portfolios are not required to pay Federal income taxes
on their net investment income and capital gain, as they are treated as
partnerships for Federal income tax purposes. All interest, dividends and gains
and losses of a Portfolio are deemed to have been "passed through" to the
respective Fund in proportion to the Fund's holdings of the Portfolio,
regardless of whether such interest, dividends or gains have been distributed by
the Portfolio or losses have been realized by the Portfolio.
STATE AND LOCAL. Daily Assets Treasury Fund's investment policies are
structured to provide shareholders, to the extent permissible by Federal and
state law, with income that is exempt or excluded from income taxation at the
state and local level. Many states (by statute, judicial decision or
administrative action) do not tax dividends from a regulated investment company
that are attributable to interest on obligations of the U.S. Treasury and
certain U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities if the interest on those
obligations would not be taxable to a shareholder that held the obligation
directly. As a result, substantially all dividends paid by this Fund to
shareholders residing in certain states will be exempt or excluded from state
income taxes. A portion of the dividends paid by Daily Assets Government Fund
and Daily Assets Cash Fund to shareholders may be exempt or excluded from state
income taxes, but
these Funds are not managed to provide any specific amount of state tax-free
income to shareholders.
Shortly after the close of each year, a statement is sent to each
shareholder of the Funds advising the shareholder of the portions of total
dividends paid into the shareholder's account that
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is derived from each type of obligation in which the Funds have invested.
These portions are determined for the entire year and on a monthly basis
and, thus, are an annual or monthly average, rather than a day-by-day
determination for each shareholder.
GENERAL. Each Fund may be required by Federal law to withhold 31% of
reportable payments (which may include taxable dividends, capital gain
distributions and redemption proceeds) paid to individuals and certain other
non-corporate shareholders. Withholding is not required if a shareholder
certifies that the shareholder's social security or tax identification number
provided to a Fund is correct and that the shareholder is not subject to backup
withholding.
Zero coupon securities are sold at original issue discount and pay no
interest to holders prior to maturity, but the Fund must include a portion of
the original issue discount of the security as income. Because Daily Assets
Treasury Fund distributes all of its net investment income, the Fund may have to
sell portfolio securities to distribute imputed income, which may occur at a
time when Forum Advisors would not have chosen to sell such securities and which
may result in a taxable gain or loss.
Reports containing appropriate information with respect to the Federal
income tax status of dividends and distributions paid during the year by the
Funds will be mailed to shareholders shortly after the close of each year.
The foregoing is only a summary of some of the important Federal and state
tax considerations generally affecting the Fund and its shareholders. There may
be other Federal, state or local tax considerations applicable to a particular
investor. Prospective investors are urged to consult their tax advisors.
7. OTHER INFORMATION
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
The performance of Institutional Shares of a Fund may be quoted in
advertising in terms of yield or total return. All performance information is
based on historical results, may vary, is not intended to indicate future
performance and, unless otherwise indicated, is net of all expenses. A Fund's
yield is a way of showing the rate of income earned by the Fund as a percentage
of the Fund's share price. Yield is calculated by dividing the net investment
income of a Fund for a seven day period by the average number of shares entitled
to receive dividends and expressing the result as an annualized percentage rate
based on the Fund's share price at the beginning of the seven day period.
Performance information may in part be based upon the performance of the
Portfolio in which a Fund invests.
The Funds' advertisements may also reference ratings and rankings among
similar funds by independent evaluators such as Morningstar, Lipper Analytical
Services, Inc. or IBC/Donoghue, Inc. In addition, the performance of the Funds
may be compared to recognized indices of market performance. The comparative
material found in a Fund's advertisements, sales literature, or reports to
shareholders may contain performance rankings. This material is not to be
considered representative or indicative of future performance.
BANKING LAW MATTERS
Banking laws and regulations generally permit a bank or bank affiliate to
purchase shares of an investment company as agent for and upon the order of a
customer and permit a bank or bank affiliate to serve as a Processing
Organization or perform sub-transfer agent or similar services for
the Trust and its shareholders. If a bank or bank affiliate were prohibited from
performing all or a
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part of the foregoing services, its shareholder customers would be
permitted to remain shareholders of the Trust and alternative means for
continuing to service them would be sought.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The Trust determines the net asset value per share of Daily Assets Treasury
Fund as of 12:00 p.m., eastern time, and of Daily Assets Government Fund and
Daily Assets Cash Fund as of 2:00 p.m., eastern time, on each Fund Business Day
by dividing the value of the Fund's net assets (I.E., the value of its portfolio
securities and other assets less its liabilities) by the number of the Fund's
shares outstanding at the time the determination is made.
In order to more easily maintain a stable net asset value per share, each
Portfolio's portfolio securities are valued at their amortized cost (acquisition
cost adjusted for amortization of premium or accretion of discount) in
accordance with Rule 2a-7. The Portfolios will only value their portfolio
securities using this method if the Board and the Core Trust Board believes that
it fairly reflects the market-based net asset value per share. If the market
value of a Fund's portfolio deviates more than 1/2 of 1% form the value
determined on the basis of amortized cost, the Board will consider whether any
action should be initiated to prevent any material dilutive effect on
shareholders.
THE TRUST AND ITS SHARES
The Trust is registered with the SEC as an open-end management investment
company and was organized as a business trust under the laws of the State of
Delaware on August 29, 1995. On January 5, 1996 the Trust succeeded to the
assets and liabilities of Forum Funds, Inc. The Board has the authority to issue
an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of separate series with no
par value per share and to create classes of shares within each series. There
are currently fifteen series of the Trust.
Each share of each fund of the Trust and each class of shares has equal
dividend, distribution, liquidation and voting rights, and fractional shares
have those rights proportionately, except that expenses related to the
distribution of the shares of each class (and certain other expenses such as
transfer agency and administration expenses) are borne solely by those shares
and each class votes separately with respect to the provisions of any Rule 12b-1
plan which pertain to the class and other matters for which separate class
voting is appropriate under applicable law. Generally, shares will be voted in
the aggregate without reference to a particular portfolio or class, except if
the matter affects only one portfolio or class or voting by portfolio or class
is required by law, in which case shares will be voted separately by portfolio
or class, as appropriate. Delaware law does not require the Trust to hold annual
meetings of shareholders, and it is anticipated that shareholder meetings will
be held only when specifically required by Federal or state law. Shareholders
have available certain procedures for the removal of Trustees. There are no
conversion or preemptive rights in connection with shares of the Trust. All
shares when issued in accordance with the terms of the offering will be fully
paid and nonassessable. Shares are redeemable at net asset value, at the option
of the shareholders, subject to any contingent deferred sales charge that may
apply. A shareholder in a portfolio is entitled to the shareholder's pro rata
share of all dividends and distributions arising from that portfolio's assets
and, upon redeeming shares, will receive the portion of the portfolio's net
assets represented by the redeemed shares.
From time to time certain shareholders may own a large percentage of shares
of a Fund. Accordingly, those shareholders may be able to greatly affect (if not
determine) the outcome of any shareholder vote.
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FUND STRUCTURE
CORE TRUST STRUCTURE. Each Fund invests all of its assets in its
corresponding Portfolio of Core Trust, a business trust organized under the laws
of the State of Delaware in September 1994 and registered under the 1940 Act as
an open-end management investment company. Accordingly, a Portfolio directly
acquires its own securities and its corresponding Fund acquires an indirect
interest in those securities. The assets of each Portfolio belong only to, and
the liabilities of the Portfolio are borne solely by, the Portfolio and no other
portfolio of Core Trust. Upon liquidation of a Portfolio, investors in the
Portfolio would be entitled to share pro rata in the net assets of the Portfolio
available for distribution to investors.
THE PORTFOLIOS. The investment objective and fundamental investment
policies of the Funds and the Portfolios can be changed only with
shareholder approval. See "Prospectus Summary," "Investment Objective and
Policies," and "Management" for a description of the Portfolio's investment
objective, policies, restrictions, management, and expenses. A Fund's investment
in a Portfolio is in the form of a non-transferable beneficial interest. As of
the date of this Prospectus, Daily Assets Treasury Fund is the only investor
that has invested all of its assets in Treasury Portfolio. There are other
investors in Government Cash Portfolio and Cash Portfolio in addition to Daily
Assets Government Fund and Daily Assets Cash Fund. See "Additional Information"
below. All investors in a Portfolio invest on the same terms and conditions as
the Funds and will pay a proportionate share of the Portfolio's expenses.
The Portfolios normally will not hold meetings of investors except as
required by the 1940 Act. Each investor in a Portfolio will be entitled to vote
in proportion to the relative value of its interest in the Portfolio. On most
issues subject to a vote of investors, as required by the 1940 Act and other
applicable law, a Fund will solicit proxies from shareholders of the Fund and
will vote its interest in a Portfolio in proportion to the votes cast by its
shareholders. There can be no assurance that any issue that receives a majority
of the votes cast by a Fund's shareholders will receive a majority of votes cast
by all investors in the Portfolio.
CONSIDERATIONS OF INVESTING IN A PORTFOLIO. A Fund's investment in a
Portfolio may be affected by the actions of other large investors in the
Portfolio, if any. If a large investor other than a Fund redeemed its interest
in a Portfolio, the Portfolio's remaining investors (including the Fund) might,
as a result, experience higher pro rata operating expenses, thereby producing
lower returns. A Fund may withdraw its entire investment from a Portfolio at any
time, if the Board determines that it is in the best interests of the Fund and
its shareholders to do so. The Fund might withdraw, for example, if other
investors in the Portfolio, by a vote of shareholders, changed the investment
objective or policies of the Portfolio in a manner not acceptable to the Board
or not permissible by the Fund. A withdrawal could result in a distribution in
kind of portfolio securities (as opposed to a cash distribution) by the
Portfolio. If the Fund decided to convert those securities to cash, it usually
would incur transaction costs. If the Fund withdrew its investment from the
Portfolio, the Board would consider what action might be taken, including the
management of the Fund's assets in accordance with its investment objective and
policies by Forum Advisors or the investment of all of the Fund's investable
assets in another pooled investment entity having substantially the same
investment objective as the Fund. The inability of the Fund to find a suitable
replacement investment, in the event the Board decided not to permit the Adviser
to manage the Fund's assets, could have a significant impact on shareholders of
the Fund. Forum's experience in managing funds that utilize its "Core and
Gateway" structure began in 1994.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. Any other investment company that invests in a
Portfolio may have a different expense ratio and different sales
18
<PAGE>
charges, including distribution fees, and each investment company's performance
will be affected by its expenses and sales charges. Therefore, Fund shareholders
may have different yields than shareholders in another investment company that
invests exclusively in the Portfolio. For more information on any other
investment companies that invest in a Portfolio, investors may contact Forum at
207-879-1900. If an investor invests in a Fund through a financial institution,
the investor also may contact their financial institution to obtain information
about any other investment company investing in a Portfolio.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, THE SAI AND THE
FUNDS' OFFICIAL SALES LITERATURE IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING OF THE FUNDS'
SHARES, AND IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE
RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE TRUST. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE AN OFFER IN ANY STATE IN WHICH, OR TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM, SUCH OFFER
MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.
19
<PAGE>
FORUM FUNDS
[LOGO] ACCOUNT APPLICATION ACCOUNT NUMBER__________
1. INITIAL INVESTMENT ($10,000 minimum)
/ / Check enclosed for $______________________ / / Daily Assets Treasury
/ / I have telephoned the Transfer Agent / / Daily Asset Government
to make wire arrangements (see
instructions on reverse).
/ / My initial investment wire is $___________ / / Daily Assets Cash
2. REGISTRATION (please print)
/ / INDIVIDUALS
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Investor's Name
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Social Security Number
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Joint Investor's Name (right of survivorship
presumed unless tenancy in common is indicated)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Social Security Number
/ / GIFTS TO MINORS
as custodian for
----------------------------- ----------------------------
Custodian's Name (only one Minor's Name (only one
permitted) permitted)
under the _______________ Uniform Gifts to Minors Act
State
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Minor's Social Security Number
/ / CORPORATIONS, PARTNERSHIPS & OTHERS (additional documentation required for
investors in any representative capacity)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Name of Entity (indicate type of business, e.g., partnership)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Taxpayer Identification Number
/ / TRUSTS (including corporate pension plans)
as trustee(s) for
----------------------------- ---------------------------
Trustee(s) Name(s) Name of Trust
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Full date of trust instrument
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Taxpayer Identification Number
3. ADDRESS
CITIZENSHIP: / / U.S. / / Resident Alien / / Non-Resident Alien___________
Country
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Number and Street
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
City State Zip Code
-------------------------------- ------------------ --------------------
Contact Person Telephone (Day) Telephone (Evening)
4. TELEPHONE AND WIRE REDEMPTION PRIVILEGES (subject to the terms set forth in
the Prospectus)
/ / Telephone Redemption/Exchange Privilege
The Fund and Forum Financial Corp. ("Forum") are hereby authorized to honor
verbal instructions for the (i) redemption of any and all Fund shares held
in the undersigned's account provided that proceeds are mailed to the
shareholders address of record or to the bank account indicated below and
(ii) exchange of Fund shares into another account. The Fund and Forum are
authorized to honor any verbal instructions for purposes of redemption or
exchange purporting to be from the shareholder and believed by the Fund or
Forum to be genuine, and neither the Fund nor Forum shall be liable for any
loss, cost or expense for acting upon such instructions.
/ / Wire Redemption Privilege
The Fund and Forum are authorized to honor written instructions with
signature guaranteed or, if Telephone Redemption Privileges are elected,
verbal instructions, to redeem any and all Fund shares held in the
undersigned's account provided that the proceeds are transmitted to the
bank account indicated below. Complete the following if either privilege is
elected:
------------------------------------------------------ -----------------
Name of Bank (attach a voided check or deposit slip) Account Number
------------------------------------------------------ -----------------
Address and Branch of Bank ABA #
<PAGE>
ACCOUNT APPLICATION (CONTINUED)
5. DIVIDEND AND CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTION PAYMENT OPTIONS (check one)
/ / Full Reinvestment: Reinvest all income dividends and capital gain
distributions when paid.
/ / Capital Gain Reinvestment: Reinvest capital gain distributions when paid;
pay income dividends in cash.
/ / Cash: Pay all income dividends and capital gain distributions in cash.
(Note: If none of the above boxes are checked, shareholders are assigned the
Full Reinvestment option.)
6. DUPLICATE STATEMENT ADDRESS (optional)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Company Name Contact Person
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Number and Street
-----------------------------------------------------------------
City State Zip Code
-------------------------------- -------------------------------
Telephone (Day) Telephone (Evening)
7. DEALER INFORMATION (for broker/dealer use only)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Firm Name NSCC Code
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Representative's Name Representative's #
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Branch Address Branch Code
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Dealer's Authorized Signature Source of Business Code
8. SIGNATURE
I am (We are) of legal age in the state of my (our) residence and wish to
purchase shares of the Fund(s) indicated as described in the current Prospectus
(a copy of which I (we) have received). By the execution of this Account
Application, the undersigned represent(s) and warrant(s) that I (we) have full
right, power and authority to make this investment and the undersigned is (are)
duly authorized to sign this Account Application and to purchase or redeem
shares of the Fund on behalf of the Investor.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Investor/Custodian Trustee Date
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Joint Investor/Co-Trustee Date
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate Officer (Name) Title
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Corporate Officer Title
TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER CERTIFICATION
(check appropriate box, if applicable).
Under the penalties of perjury, I certify:
/ / That the number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification
number and that I am not subject to backup withholding because (a) I am
exempt from backup withholding, (b) I have not been notified by the
Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") that I am subject to backup withholding as
a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS
has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding.
/ / That I have not provided a taxpayer identification number because I have
not been issued a number, but I have applied for one or will do so in the
near future. I understand that if I do not provide my number to the Fund
within 60 days, the Fund will be required to begin backup withholding.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Investor/Custodian/Trustee Date
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Joint Investor/Co-Trustee Date
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate Officer (Name) Title
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Corporate Officer Title
9. INITIAL INVESTMENT AND MAILING INSTRUCTIONS
(1) If making your initial investment by check, complete the Account
Application and mail it with your check, payable to "Forum Funds" to:
FORUM FINANCIAL CORP.
ATTN: TRANSFER AGENT
P.O. BOX 446
PORTLAND, ME 04112
(2) If making your initial investment by bank wire, call the Transfer Agent
(Forum Financial Corp.) at 800-94FORUM (800-943-6786) to obtain an account
number. Then instruct your bank to wire Federal Funds to:
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON
BOSTON, MA
ABA # 011000390
CREDIT TO: FORUM FINANCIAL CORP.
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 541-54171
FOR FURTHER CREDIT TO: (FUND NAME)
ACCOUNT NAME / ACCOUNT NUMBER
Complete the Account Application and mail it to the address listed above.
Be sure to indicate the account number assigned to you on this Account
Application.
<PAGE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[LOGO]
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
Forum Financial Corp.
P.O. Box 446
Portland, ME 04112
207-879-0001 (IN PORTLAND, ME)
800-94FORUM (ELSEWHERE)
<PAGE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FORUM FUNDS
PROSPECTUS
AUGUST 1, 1996
INVESTORS BOND FUND
TAXSAVER BOND FUND
[LOGO]
Investment Advisor
Forum Advisors, Inc.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
<C> <S> <C>
1. Prospectus Summary................... 2
2. Financial Highlights................. 4
3. Investment Objective and Policies
5
Investors Bond Fund..................
11
TaxSaver Bond Fund...................
4. Certain Risk Factors................. 14
5. Additional Investment Policies....... 15
6. Management........................... 19
7. Purchases and Redemptions of 20
Shares..............................
8. Dividends and Tax Matters............ 26
9. Other Information.................... 29
Account Application
</TABLE>
i
<PAGE>
FORUM FUNDS
INVESTORS BOND FUND
TAXSAVER BOND FUND
[LOGO]
ACCOUNT INFORMATION AND
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING:
Forum Financial Corp.
P.O. Box 446
Portland, Maine 04112
(207) 879-0001
(800) 94FORUM
PROSPECTUS
August 1, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Prospectus offers shares of Investors Bond Fund and TaxSaver Bond Fund (the
"Funds"), each a non-diversified series of Forum Funds (the "Trust"), an
open-end, management investment company.
INVESTORS BOND FUND seeks to provide as high a level of current income as is
consistent with capital preservation and prudent investment risk. The Fund
invests primarily in a portfolio of investment grade debt securities.
TAXSAVER BOND FUND seeks to provide shareholders with a high level of
current income exempt from Federal income tax. The Fund invests principally
in investment grade debt obligations issued by the states, territories and
possessions of the United States and their political subdivisions, agencies
and instrumentalities.
Shares of the Funds are offered to investors at a price equal to the next
determined net asset value plus a maximum sales charge of 3.75% of the total
public offering price (3.90% of the net amount invested).
This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information concerning the Trust and
the Funds that a prospective investor should know before investing. The Trust
has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") a Statement of
Additional Information dated August 1, 1996, as may be amended from time to time
(the "SAI"), which contains more detailed information about the Trust and the
Funds and which is incorporated into this Prospectus by reference. The SAI is
available without charge by contacting the Trust at the address listed above.
INVESTORS SHOULD READ THIS PROSPECTUS AND RETAIN IT FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
FUND SHARES ARE NOT OBLIGATIONS, DEPOSITS OR ACCOUNTS OF, OR ENDORSED OR
GUARANTEED BY, ANY BANK OR ANY AFFILIATE OF A BANK AND ARE NOT INSURED OR
GUARANTEED BY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, THE FDIC, THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM OR ANY
OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
1. PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FUNDS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES
INVESTORS BOND FUND. The investment objective of the Fund is to provide as
high a level of current income as is consistent with capital preservation and
prudent investment risk. The Fund invests primarily in a portfolio of investment
grade debt securities.
TAXSAVER BOND FUND. The investment objective of the Fund is to provide
shareholders with a high level of current income exempt from Federal income tax.
The Fund invests principally in investment grade debt obligations issued by the
states, territories and possessions of the United States and their political
subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities. See the "Investment Objectives and
Policies" sections.
FUND MANAGEMENT
The executive offices of the Funds' investment adviser, Forum Advisors, Inc.
(the "Adviser"), are located at Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101. The
manager of the Trust and distributor of its shares is Forum Financial Services,
Inc. ("Forum"). Forum Financial Corp. (the "Transfer Agent"), Two Portland
Square, Portland, Maine 04101, serves as the Trust's transfer agent, dividend
disbursing agent and shareholder servicing agent. See "Management."
PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS
Shares of the Funds are offered at the next-determined net asset value per
share plus any applicable sales charge. The minimum initial investment is $5,000
($2,000 for IRAs; $2,500 for exchanges) and the minimum subsequent investment is
$500. Shares may be redeemed without charge. See "Purchases and Redemptions of
Shares."
EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Shareholders of the Funds may exchange their shares without charge for the
shares of certain other funds. See "Purchases and Redemptions of Shares -
Exchanges."
DIVIDENDS
Dividends of net investment income are declared daily and paid monthly by
each Fund and are reinvested in Fund shares unless a shareholder elects to have
them paid in cash. It is anticipated that substantially all of the dividends
paid by TaxSaver Bond Fund will be exempt from Federal income taxes, including
the Federal alternative minimum tax. See "Dividends and Tax Matters."
CERTAIN INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS AND RISK FACTORS
There can be no assurance that any Fund will achieve its investment
objective, and a Fund's net asset value and total return will fluctuate based
upon changes in the value of its portfolio securities. Normally, the value of a
Fund's investments varies inversely with changes in interest rates. Upon
redemption, an investment in a Fund may be worth more or less than its original
value. The Funds' investments are subject to "credit risk" relating to the
financial condition of the issuers of the securities that each Fund holds.
All investments made by the Funds entail some risk. The Funds' investments
in non-investment grade debt securities and investment techniques, however,
entail certain additional risks, such as the potential use of leverage by a Fund
through borrowings, securities lending, swap transactions and other investment
techniques. See "Additional Investment Policies." Similarly, a Fund's use of
mortgage- and asset-backed securities entails certain risks. See "Investment
Objective and Policies - Investors Bond Fund - Mortgage-Backed Securities" and
"- Asset-Backed Securities." The Funds are non-diversified and, therefore, have
greater freedom to concentrate their investments than if they were diversified
funds. See "Certain Risk Factors."
2
<PAGE>
EXPENSES OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
The purpose of the following table is to assist investors in understanding
the various expenses that an investor in a Fund will bear directly or
indirectly.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Investors TaxSaver
Bond Fund Bond Fund
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
Maximum sales charge imposed on
purchases (as a percentage of
public offering price) (1)...... 3.75% 3.75%
Exchange Fee..................... None None
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(2) (as a percentage of average
net assets after applicable
expense reimbursements and fee
waivers)
Management Fees (3).............. 0.22% 0.40%
12b-1 Fees....................... None None
Other Expenses................... 0.21% 0.20%
Total Fund Operating Expenses.... 0.43% 0.60%
</TABLE>
(1) Certain shareholders may be eligible for reduced sales charges. See
"Purchases and Redemptions of Shares - Reduced Sales Charges."
(2) The amounts of expenses are based on amounts incurred by each Fund
during the Fund's most recent fiscal year ended March 31, 1996. Absent expense
reimbursements and fee waivers, the expenses of Investors Bond Fund and TaxSaver
Bond Fund, respectively, would have been: Management Fees, 0.70% and 0.70%;
Other Expenses, 0.66% and 0.78%; and Total Fund Operating Expenses, 1.36% and
1.48%. For a further description of the various expenses incurred in the
operation of the Fund, see "Management." Expense reimbursements and fee waivers
are voluntary and may be reduced or eliminated at any time.
(3) Includes the Adviser's investment advisory fee and Forum's management
fee.
EXAMPLE
Following is a hypothetical example that indicates the dollar amount of
expenses that an investor in the Fund would pay assuming a $1,000 investment in
the Fund, a 5% annual return, the reinvestment of all dividends and
distributions and redemption at the end of each period and payment of the
maximum initial sales charge:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Investors Bond
Fund........... $ 42 $ 51 $ 61 $ 90
TaxSaver Bond
Fund........... $ 43 $ 56 $ 70 $ 110
</TABLE>
The example is based on the expenses listed in the table. The five percent
annual return is not predictive of and does not represent the Funds' projected
returns; rather, it is required by government regulation. THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT
BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES OR RETURN. ACTUAL
EXPENSES AND RETURN MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN INDICATED.
3
<PAGE>
2. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following information represents selected data for a single share
outstanding of each Fund. This information has been audited by Deloitte & Touche
LLP, independent auditors. The financial statements and independent auditors'
report thereon are incorporated by reference into the SAI. Further information
about the Funds' performance is contained in the Funds' annual report to
shareholders, which may be obtained from the Trust without charge.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INVESTORS BOND FUND
Year Ended March 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990(1)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Beginning Net Asset Value
per Share $10.00 $10.38 $10.71 $10.43 $10.09 $9.82 $10.00
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------
Net Investment Income 0.74 0.82 0.81 0.82 0.83 0.84 0.42
Net Realized and Unrealized
Investment Gain (Loss) on
Securities 0.21 (0.38) (0.30) 0.53 0.44 0.27 (0.14)
Dividends from Net
Investment Income (0.74) (0.82) (0.81) (0.82) (0.83) (0.84) (0.42)
Distributions from Net
Realized Gains -- -- (0.03) (0.25) (0.10) -- (0.04)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Ending Net Asset Value per
Share $10.21 $10.00 $10.38 $10.71 $10.43 $10.09 $9.82
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------
Ratios to Average Net
Assets:
Expenses (2) 0.43 % 0.75 % 0.75 % 0.75 % 0.70 % 0.64 % 0.41 %(3)
Net Investment Income 7.29 % 8.19 % 7.49 % 7.71 % 7.93 % 8.44 % 8.51 %(3)
Total Return 9.84 % 4.55 % 4.70 % 13.53 % 12.91 % 11.76 % 5.79 %(3)
Portfolio Turnover Rate 42.89 % 48.17 % 41.41 % 193.21 % 221.39 % 73.32 % 93.08 %
Net Assets at the End of
Period (000's Omitted) $ 25,676 $ 25,890 $ 26,083 $ 26,832 $ 24,336 $ 19,132 $ 19,400
</TABLE>
(1) The Fund commenced operations on October 2, 1989.
(2) During the periods, various fees and expenses were waived and reimbursed,
respectively. Had these waivers and reimbursements not occurred, the ratio
of expenses to average net assets would have been:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Expenses 1.36% 1.33% 1.31% 1.40% 1.51% 1.68% 1.52%(3)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
</TABLE>
(3) Annualized.
4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TAXSAVER BOND FUND
Year Ended March 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990(1)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Beginning Net Asset Value per
Share $10.39 $10.35 $10.63 $10.26 $10.10 $9.97 $10.00
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------
Net Investment Income 0.57 0.57 0.57 0.63 0.68 0.67 0.33
Net Realized and Unrealized
Investment Gain (Loss) on
Securities 0.18 0.04 (0.01) 0.49 0.20 0.13 (0.03)
Dividends from Net Investment
Income (0.57) (0.57) (0.57) (0.63) (0.68) (0.67) (0.33)
Distributions from Net
Realized Gains -- -- (0.27) (0.12) (0.04) -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------
Ending Net Asset Value per
Share $10.57 $10.39 $10.35 $10.63 $10.26 $10.10 $9.97
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------
Ratios to Average Net Assets:
Expenses (2) 0.60% 0.60% 0.60% 0.60% 0.55% 0.49% 0.22%(3)
Net Investment Income 5.35% 5.62% 5.27% 5.98% 6.64% 6.69% 6.54%(3)
Total Return 7.36% 6.18% 5.24% 11.28% 8.95% 8.29% 6.16%(3)
Portfolio Turnover Rate 61.61% 63.85% 141.80% 240.36% 104.29% 54.62% 13.25%
Net Assets at the End of
Period (000's Omitted) $17,915 $16,018 $16,518 $16,580 $11,207 $9,998 $9,546
</TABLE>
(1) The Fund commenced operations on October 2, 1989.
(2) During the periods, various fees and expenses were waived and reimbursed,
respectively. Had these waivers and reimbursements not occurred, the ratio
of expenses to average net assets would have been:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Expenses 1.48% 1.45% 1.50% 1.56% 1.66% 1.86% 1.66%(3)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
</TABLE>
(3) Annualized.
3. INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
INVESTORS BOND FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The investment objective of the Fund is to provide as high a level of
current income as is consistent with capital preservation and prudent investment
risk. By seeking capital preservation the Fund attempts to control the risk of
default and the risk of capital losses in periods of falling prices for debt
securities. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment
objective.
INVESTMENT POLICIES
The Fund seeks to attain its investment objective by investing primarily in
a portfolio consisting of investment grade debt securities. Under normal
circumstances, the Fund intends to invest at least 65% of its assets in debt
securities, U.S. Government Securities, and mortgage-backed and asset-backed
securities.
5
<PAGE>
The securities in which the Fund invests will include debt securities which
are rated in one of the four highest rating categories by a nationally
recognized statistical rating organization ("NRSRO") such as Moody's Investors
Service ("Moody's") or Standard & Poor's ("S&P") (See SAI -"Description of
Securities Ratings"), obligations issued or guaranteed as to principal and
interest by the United States Government or by any of its agencies or
instrumentalities ("U.S. Government Securities") and mortgage-backed and asset
backed securities rated in one of the two highest rating categories by a NRSRO.
The Fund also may invest in commercial paper and other money market
instruments rated in one of the two highest rating categories by a NRSRO, and
banker's acceptances or negotiable certificates of deposit issued by the
commercial banks doing business in the United States that have, at the time of
investment, total assets in excess of one billion dollars and that are insured
by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
The Fund may from time to time lend securities from its portfolio to
brokers, dealers and other financial institutions. Securities loans must be
continuously secured by cash or U.S. Government Securities with a market value,
determined daily, at least equal to the value of the Fund's securities loaned,
including accrued interest. The Fund receives interest in respect of securities
loans from the borrower or from investing cash collateral. The Fund may pay fees
to arrange the loans. The Fund will, as a fundamental policy, limit securities
lending to not more than 10% of the value of its total assets.
The Fund will invest, as a fundamental policy, at least 90% of the value of
its total assets at the time of investment in the above types of securities or
in repurchase agreements covering those securities.
The Fund may also invest up to 10% of the value of its total assets at the
time of investment in:
(1) debt securities which are rated in the fifth highest rating category by
an NRSRO (for example, BB by S&P). Bonds rated BB are regarded, on balance, as
predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest
and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. While such
bonds will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these are
outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
Bonds rated BB have less near-term vulnerability to default than other
speculative issues. However, they face major ongoing uncertainties or exposure
to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to
inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments.
(2) preferred stock which is rated in one of the five highest rating
categories by a NRSRO (for example, ba or above by Moody's). An issue rated ba
is considered to have speculative elements and its future cannot be considered
well assured. Earnings and asset protection may be very moderate and not well
safeguarded during adverse periods. Uncertainty of position characterizes
preferred stocks in this class.
(3) options and futures contracts.
Securities in the four highest rating categories are generally considered to
be investment grade, although Moody's indicates that securities rated Baa have
speculative characteristics and changes in economic conditions or other
circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to make principal
and interest payments than is the case with higher grade bonds. Debt securities
and preferred stock rated in the fifth highest rating category by Moody's and by
S&P are not considered to be investment grade, are high risk, have predominantly
speculative characteristics and are commonly known as "Junk Bonds." See "Certain
Risk Factors." The Fund may purchase unrated securities which the Adviser
believes to be of comparable
6
<PAGE>
quality to the rated securities in which the Fund may invest. Unrated securities
may not be as actively traded as rated securities. An unrated security will be
considered for investment by the Fund when the Adviser believes that the
financial condition of the issuer of the obligation and the protection afforded
by the terms of the obligation itself limit the risk to the Fund to a degree
comparable to that of rated securities in which the Fund may invest.
During its last fiscal year, the Fund had 75.07% of its average annual
assets in securities rated by Moody's or S&P and 24.93% of its average annual
assets in unrated investments, including cash and cash equivalents. For that
year the Fund had the following percentages of its average annual net assets
invested in rated securities: Aaa/AAA - 18.6%, Aa/AA - 6.48%, A/A - 15.91%,
Baa/BBB - 17.87%, Ba/BB - 7.25% and B/B - 0.65%. Securities with different
ratings from Moody's and S&P were assigned the higher rating. This information
reflects the average month end composition of the assets for the Fund's last
fiscal year and is not necessarily representative of the Fund as of the end of
last year, the current fiscal year or any other time.
In general, the longer the maturity of a security, the higher the rate of
interest it pays. However, a longer average maturity is generally associated
with a higher level of volatility in the market value of a security. The average
maturity of the Fund's portfolio will vary depending on anticipated market
conditions. It is anticipated that the Fund will invest in debt obligations with
maturities ranging from short-term (including overnight) to 30 years, and that
the Fund's portfolio of securities will have an average weighted maturity of
between five and 20 years.
CORPORATE DEBT SECURITIES AND FOREIGN SECURITIES. In selecting corporate
debt securities for the Fund, the Adviser reviews and monitors the
creditworthiness of each issuer and issue. Interest rate trends and specific
developments which may affect individual issuers will also be analyzed. In
addition to the debt securities of domestic corporations, the Fund may invest in
debt securities registered and sold in the United States by foreign issuers
(Yankee Bonds) and those sold outside the United States by foreign or U.S.
issuers (Eurobonds). The Fund restricts its purchases of these securities to
issues denominated and payable in United States dollars. All obligations of non-
U.S. issuers purchased by the Fund will be issued or guaranteed by a sovereign
government, by a supranational agency whose members are sovereign governments,
or by a U.S. issuer in whose debt securities the Fund could invest.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. The U.S. Government Securities in which the
Fund may invest include direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury (such as
Treasury bills and notes) and other securities backed by the full faith and
credit of the U.S. Government, such as those issued by the Government National
Mortgage Association ("GNMA"). The Fund may also invest in U.S. Government
Securities that have lesser degrees of government backing. For instance, the
Fund may purchase obligations of the of the Federal National Mortgage
Association ("FNMA") and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC")
(which are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury
under certain circumstances) and obligations of the Student Loan Marketing
Association and the Federal Home Loan Banks (which are supported only by the
credit of the agency or instrumentality). There is no guarantee that the U.S.
Government will support securities not backed by its full faith and credit and,
accordingly, these securities may involve more risk than other U.S. Government
Securities.
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. The Adviser anticipates that up to 50% of the
value of the Fund's total assets may be invested in mortgage-backed securities.
Mortgage-backed securities represent an interest in a pool of mortgages
originated by lenders such as commercial banks, savings associations and
mortgage bankers and brokers.
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Mortgage-backed securities may be issued by governmental or government-related
entities or by non-governmental entities such as special purpose trusts created
by banks, savings associations, private mortgage insurance companies or mortgage
bankers.
Interests in mortgage-backed securities differ from other forms of debt
securities, which normally provide for periodic payment of interest in fixed
amounts with principal payments at maturity or on specified call dates. In
contrast, mortgage-backed securities provide monthly payments which consist of
interest and, in most cases, principal. In effect, these payments are a
"pass-through" of the monthly payments made by the individual borrowers on their
mortgage loans, net of any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of the
securities or a mortgage loan servicer. Additional payments to holders of these
securities are caused by prepayments resulting from the sale or foreclosure of
the underlying property or refinancing of the underlying loans.
UNDERLYING MORTGAGES. Pools of mortgages consist of whole mortgage loans or
participations in mortgage loans. The majority of these loans are made to
purchasers of 1-4 family homes, but may be made to purchasers of mobile homes or
other real estate interests. The terms and characteristics of the mortgage
instruments are generally uniform within a pool but may vary among pools. For
example, in addition to fixed-rate, fixed-term mortgages, the Fund may purchase
pools of variable rate mortgages, growing equity mortgages, graduated payment
mortgages and other types. Mortgage servicers impose qualification standards for
local lending institutions which originate mortgages for the pools as well as
credit standards and underwriting criteria for individual mortgages included in
the pools. In addition, many mortgages included in pools are insured through
private mortgage insurance companies.
LIQUIDITY AND MARKETABILITY. The market for mortgage-backed securities has
expanded considerably in recent years. The size of the primary issuance market
and active participation in the secondary market by securities dealers and many
types of investors make government and government-related pass-through pools
highly liquid. The recently introduced private conventional pools of mortgages
(pooled by commercial banks, savings and loan institutions and others, with no
relationship with government and government-related entities) have also achieved
broad market acceptance and consequently an active secondary market has emerged.
However, the market for conventional pools is smaller and less liquid than the
market for government and government-related mortgage pools.
AVERAGE LIFE AND PREPAYMENTS. The average life of a pass-through pool
varies with the maturities of the underlying mortgage instruments. In addition,
a pool's terms may be shortened by unscheduled or early payments of principal
and interest on the underlying mortgages. Prepayments with respect to securities
during times of declining interest rates will tend to lower the return of the
Fund and may even result in losses to the Fund if the securities were acquired
at a premium. The occurrence of mortgage prepayments is affected by various
factors including the level of interest rates, general economic conditions, the
location and age of the mortgage and other social and demographic conditions.
As prepayment rates of individual pools vary widely, it is not possible to
accurately predict the average life of a particular pool. For pools of fixed-
rate 30-year mortgages, common industry practice is to assume that prepayments
will result in a 12-year average life. Pools of mortgages with other maturities
or different characteristics will have varying assumptions for average life. The
assumed average life of pools of mortgages having terms of less than 30 years is
less than 12 years, but typically not less than 5 years.
YIELD CALCULATIONS. Yields on pass-through securities are typically quoted
by investment dealers based on the maturity of the underlying instruments and
the associated average life assumption.
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In periods of falling interest rates, the rate of prepayment tends to increase,
thereby shortening the actual average life of a pool of mortgages. Conversely,
in periods of rising rates, the rate of prepayment tends to decrease, thereby
lengthening the actual average life of the pool. Actual prepayment experience
may cause the yield to differ from the assumed average life yield. Reinvestment
of prepayments may occur at higher or lower interest rates than the original
investment, thus affecting the yield of the Fund.
GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNMENT-RELATED GUARANTORS. The principal government
guarantor of mortgage-backed securities is the Government National Mortgage
Association ("GNMA"), a wholly-owned United States Government corporation within
the Department of Housing and Urban Development. GNMA is authorized to
guarantee, with the full faith and credit of the United States Government, the
timely payment of principal and interest on securities issued by institutions
approved by GNMA and backed by pools of FHA-insured or VA-guaranteed mortgages.
The Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA") is a government-sponsored
corporation owned entirely by private stockholders that is subject to general
regulation by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. FNMA purchases
residential mortgages from a list of approved seller-servicers. The Federal Home
Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC") is a corporate instrumentality of the United
States Government that was created by Congress in 1970 for the purpose of
increasing the availability of mortgage credit for residential housing. Its
stock is owned by the twelve Federal Home Loan Banks. FHLMC issues Participation
Certificates ("PCs") which represent interests in mortgages from FHLMC's
national portfolio. FNMA and FHLMC each guarantee the payment of principal and
interest on the securities they issue. These securities, however, are not backed
by the full faith and credit of the United States Government.
PRIVATELY ISSUED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. Mortgage-backed securities
offered by private issuers include pass-through securities comprised of pools of
conventional mortgage loans; mortgage-backed bonds which are considered to be
debt obligations of the institution issuing the bonds and which are
collateralized by mortgage loans; and collateralized mortgage obligations.
Mortgage-backed securities issued by non-governmental issuers may offer a
higher rate of interest than securities issued by government issuers because of
the absence of direct or indirect government guarantees of payment. Many non-
governmental issuers or servicers of mortgage-backed securities, however,
guarantee timely payment of interest and principal on such securities. Timely
payment of interest and principal may also be supported by various forms of
insurance, including individual loan, title, pool and hazard policies. There can
be no assurance that the private issuers or insurers will be able to meet their
obligations under the relevant guarantees and insurance policies.
ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. Adjustable rate mortgage-backed
securities ("ARMs")are securities that have interest rates that are reset at
periodic intervals, usually by reference to some interest rate index or
market interest rate. Although the rate adjustment feature may act as a buffer
to reduce sharp changes in the value of adjustable rate securities, these
securities are still subject to changes in value based on changes in market
interest rates or changes in the issuer's creditworthiness. Because of the
resetting of interest rates, adjustable rate securities are less likely
than non-adjustable rate securities of comparable quality and maturity to
increase significantly in value when market interest rates fall. Also,
most adjustable rate securities (or the underlying mortgages) are subject
to caps or floors. "Caps" limit the maximum amount by which the interest rate
paid by the borrower may change at each reset date or over the life of the
loan and, accordingly, fluctuation in interest rates above these levels could
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cause such mortgage securities to "cap out" and to behave more like long-term,
fixed-rate debt securities.
ARMs may have less risk of a decline in value during periods of rapidly
rising rates, but they may also have less potential for capital appreciation
than other debt securities of comparable maturities due to the periodic
adjustment of the interest rate on the underlying mortgages and due to the
likelihood of increased prepayments of mortgages as interest rates decline.
Furthermore, during periods of declining interest rates, income to the Fund will
decrease as the coupon rate resets to reflect the decline in interest rates.
During periods of rising interest rates, changes in the coupon rates of the
mortgages underlying the Fund's ARMs may lag behind changes in market interest
rates. This may result in a slightly lower net value until the interest rate
resets to market rates. Thus, investors could suffer some principal loss if they
sold Fund Shares before the interest rates on the underlying mortgages were
adjusted to reflect current market rates.
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS. Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
("CMOs") are debt obligations that are collateralized by mortgages or mortgage
pass-through securities issued by GNMA, FHLMC or FNMA or by pools of
conventional mortgages ("Mortgage Assets"). CMOs may be privately issued or U.S.
Government Securities. Payments of principal and interest on the Mortgage Assets
are passed through to the holders of the CMOs on the same schedule as they are
received, although, certain classes (often referred to as tranches) of CMOs have
priority over other classes with respect to the receipt of payments. Multi-class
mortgage pass-through securities are interests in trusts that hold Mortgage
Assets and that have multiple classes similar to those of CMOs. Unless the
context indicates otherwise, references to CMOs include multi-class mortgage
pass-through securities. Payments of principal of and interest on the underlying
Mortgage Assets (and in the case of CMOs, any reinvestment income thereon)
provide funds to pay debt service on the CMOs or to make scheduled distributions
on the multi-class mortgage pass-through securities. Parallel pay CMOs are
structured to provide payments of principal on each payment date to more than
one class. These simultaneous payments are taken into account in calculating the
stated maturity date or final distribution date of each class, which, as with
other CMO structures, must be retired by its stated maturity date or final
distribution date but may be retired earlier. Planned amortization class
mortgage-based securities ("PAC Bonds") are a form of parallel pay CMO. PAC
Bonds are designed to provide relatively predictable payments of principal
provided that, among other things, the actual prepayment experience on the
underlying mortgage loans falls within a contemplated range. If the actual
prepayment experience on the underlying mortgage loans is at a rate faster or
slower than the contemplated range, or if deviations from other assumptions
occur, principal payments on a PAC Bond may be greater or smaller than
predicted. The magnitude of the contemplated range varies from one PAC Bond to
another; a narrower range increases the risk that prepayments will be greater or
smaller than contemplated. CMOs may have complicated structures and generally
involve more risks than simpler forms of mortgage-backed securities.
The final tranche of a CMO may be structured as an accrual bond (sometimes
referred to as a Z-tranche). Holders of accrual bonds receive no cash payments
for an extended period of time. During the time that earlier tranches are
outstanding, accrual bonds receive accrued interest which is a credit for
periodic interest payments that increases the face amount of the security at a
compounded rate, but is not paid to the bond holder. After all previous tranches
are retired, accrual bond holders start receiving cash payments that include
both principal and continuing interest. The market value of accrual bonds can
fluctuate widely and their average life depends on the other aspects of the CMO
offering. Interest on accrual bonds is taxable when accrued even though the
holders receive no
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accrual payment. The Fund distributes all of its net investment income, and may
have to sell portfolio securities to distribute imputed income, which may occur
at a time when the Adviser would not have chosen to sell such securities and
which may result in a taxable gain or loss. The Adviser's analyses of particular
CMO issues and estimates of future economic indicators (such as interest rates)
become more important to the performance of the Fund as the securities become
more complicated.
STRIPPED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. Stripped mortgage-backed securities are
classes of mortgage-backed securities that receive different proportions of the
interest and principal distributions from the underlying Mortgage Assets. They
may be may be privately issued or U.S. Government Securities. In the most
extreme case, one class will be entitled to receive all or a portion of the
interest but none of the principal from the Mortgage Assets (the interest-only
or "IO" class) and one class will be entitled to receive all or a portion of the
principal, but none of the interest (the "PO" class).
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES. The Adviser anticipates that up to 15% of the
value of the Fund's total assets may be invested in asset-backed securities.
Asset-backed securities represent direct or indirect participations in, or are
secured by and payable from, assets other than mortgage-backed assets such as
motor vehicle installment sales contracts, installment loan contracts, leases of
various types of real and personal property and receivables from revolving
credit (credit card) agreements. Asset-backed securities, including adjustable
rate asset-backed securities, have yield characteristics similar to those of
mortgage-backed securities and, accordingly, are subject to many of the same
risks.
Assets are securitized through the use of trusts and special purpose
corporations that issue securities that are often backed by a pool of assets
representing the obligations of a number of different parties. Payments of
principal and interest may be guaranteed up to certain amounts and for a certain
time period by a letter of credit issued by a financial institution.
Asset-backed securities do not always have the benefit of a security interest in
collateral comparable to the security interests associated with mortgage-backed
securities. As a result, the risk that recovery on repossessed collateral might
be unavailable or inadequate to support payments on asset-backed securities is
greater for asset-backed securities than for mortgage-backed securities. In
addition, because asset-backed securities are relatively new, the market
experience in these securities is limited and the market's ability to sustain
liquidity through all phases of an interest rate or economic cycle has not been
tested.
TAXSAVER BOND FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The investment objective of the Fund is to provide shareholders with a high
level of current income exempt from Federal income tax. Although the Fund will
attempt to invest 100% of its assets in municipal securities the interest on
which is exempt from all Federal income tax, including the Federal alternative
minimum tax ("AMT"), the Fund reserves the right to invest up to 20% of the
value of its net assets in securities on which the interest income is subject to
Federal income taxation. In addition, the Fund may assume a temporary defensive
position and invest without limit in cash and cash equivalents that may be
taxable. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment
objective.
INVESTMENT POLICIES
The Fund pursues its objective by investing principally in investment grade
debt obligations issued by the states, territories and possessions of the United
States and their political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities. These
securities are generally known as "municipal securities" and include municipal
bonds, notes and leases. It is anticipated that under normal circumstances
substantially all
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of the Fund's total assets will be invested in municipal securities the interest
income from which is exempt from Federal income taxes, including the Federal
AMT.
In general, the longer the maturity of a municipal security, the higher the
rate of interest it pays. However, a longer average maturity is generally
associated with a higher level of volatility in the market value of a municipal
security. The average maturity of the Fund's portfolio will vary depending on
anticipated market conditions. It is anticipated, however, that the average
weighted maturity of all municipal securities in the Fund's portfolio will
normally range between five and 15 years.
Some municipal securities are related in such a way that an economic,
business or political development affecting one municipal security would have a
similar effect on another municipal security. For example, the repayment of
different obligations may depend on similar types of projects. While the Fund
may invest more than 25% of its total assets in private activity bonds ("PABs"),
under normal circumstances no single type of revenue bond (for example, electric
revenue bonds or housing revenue bonds) will constitute more than 25% of the
Fund's total assets. In addition, under normal circumstances no more than 25% of
the Fund's total assets may be invested in issuer's located in any one state,
territory or possession.
Under current Federal tax law, interest on certain municipal securities
issued after August 7, 1986 to finance "private activities" will be a "tax
preference item" for purposes of the Federal AMT applicable to certain
individuals and corporations. The interest on these securities generally is
fully tax-exempt for regular Federal income tax purposes. The Fund may from time
to time purchase certain municipal securities the interest on which constitutes
a "tax preference item" for purposes of the Federal AMT.
LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES. The Fund may from time to time lend
securities from its portfolio to brokers, dealers and other financial
institutions. Securities loans must be continuously secured by cash or U.S.
Government Securities with a market value, determined daily, at least equal to
the value of the Fund's securities loaned, including accrued interest. The Fund
receives interest in respect of securities loans from the borrower or from
investing cash collateral. The Fund may pay fees to arrange the loans. The Fund
will, as a fundamental policy, limit securities lending to not more than 10% of
the value of its total assets.
CREDIT MATTERS. Normally, at least 65% of the Fund's total assets will be
invested in municipal bonds rated at the time of purchase within the four
highest grades assigned by a nationally recognized statistical rating
organization ("NRSRO") such as Moody's (Aaa, Aa, A and Baa) or S&P (AAA, AA, A
and BBB) or which are unrated and determined by the Adviser to be of comparable
quality. Securities in these ratings generally are considered to be investment
grade securities, although Moody's indicates that municipal securities rated Baa
have speculative characteristics and changes in economic conditions or other
circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to make principal
and interest payments than is the case with higher grade bonds. Unrated
securities may not be as actively traded as rated securities. A further
description of the ratings used by Moody's, S&P and other NRSROs is included in
the SAI.
The tax-free yields sought by the Fund are generally obtainable from
securities rated within the four highest rating categories by NRSROs. The Fund
may, however, invest up to 25% of its total assets in municipal bonds rated in
the fifth highest rating category by any NRSRO or which are unrated and
determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality. These securities are not
considered to be investment grade and have speculative or predominantly
speculative characteristics and are commonly known as "Junk Bonds." See "Certain
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Risk Factors." The Fund only will invest in municipal notes and other short-term
municipal obligations in the two highest rating categories assigned by an NRSRO
or which are unrated and determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality.
The Fund may retain securities whose rating has been lowered below the lowest
permissible rating category (or that are unrated and determined by the Adviser
to be of comparable quality) only if the Adviser determines that retaining the
security is in the best interests of the Fund.
A non-rated municipal security will be considered for investment by the Fund
when the Adviser believes that the financial condition of the issuer of such
obligation and the protection afforded by the terms of the obligation limit the
risk to the Fund to a degree comparable to that of rated securities in which the
Fund may invest. During its last fiscal year, the Fund had 88.36% of its average
annual assets in municipal securities rated by Moody's or S&P and 11.64% of its
average annual assets in unrated investments, including cash and cash
equivalents. For that year the Fund had the following percentages of its average
annual net assets invested in rated securities: Aaa/AAA - 25.36%, Aa/AA - 8.97%,
A/A - 9.15% and Baa/BBB - 37.34%. Securities with different ratings from Moody's
and S&P were assigned the higher rating. This information reflects the average
composition of the Fund's assets for the Fund's last fiscal year and is not
necessarily representative of the Fund as of the end of last year, the current
fiscal year or any other time.
MUNICIPAL BONDS. Municipal bonds, which are intended to meet longer term
capital needs of the issuer, can be classified as either "general obligation" or
"revenue" bonds. General obligation bonds are secured by a municipality's pledge
of its full faith, credit and taxing power for the payment of principal and
interest. Revenue bonds are generally payable only from the revenues derived
from a particular facility or class of facilities or, in some cases, from the
proceeds of a special excise or other tax, but not from general tax revenues.
Municipal bonds also include PABs, which are bonds issued by or on behalf of
public authorities to finance various privately operated facilities. PABs are in
most cases revenue bonds and generally do not have the pledge of the full faith,
credit and taxing power of the municipality issuer. The payment of the principal
and interest on these bonds is dependent solely on the ability of an initial or
subsequent user of the facilities financed by the bonds to meet its financial
obligations and the pledge, if any, of real and personal property financed by
the bond as security for payment. The Fund will acquire only PABs whose interest
payments, in the opinion of the issuer's counsel, are exempt from Federal income
taxation (other than the AMT).
MUNICIPAL NOTES AND LEASES. Municipal notes, which may be either "general
obligation" or "revenue" securities, are intended to fulfill the short-term
capital needs of the issuer and generally have original maturities of 397 days
or less. They include tax anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes, bond
anticipation notes, construction loan notes and tax-exempt commercial paper.
Municipal leases and installment purchase or conditional sale contracts (which
normally provide for title to the leased assets to pass eventually to the
government issuer) are a means for governmental issuers to acquire property and
equipment without meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements for the
issuance of long-term debt. Municipal leases frequently have special risks not
normally associated with general obligation or revenue bonds or notes as
described in the SAI.
PARTICIPATION INTERESTS. The Fund may purchase participation interests in
municipal securities (which may be fixed, floating or variable rate securities)
that are owned by banks or other financial institutions. Participation interests
carry a demand feature backed by a letter of credit or guarantee of the bank or
institution permitting the holder to tender them back to the bank or other
institution. The Fund will only purchase participation interests from Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation insured banks having total assets of more than one
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billion dollars or from other financial institutions whose long-term debt
securities are rated within the four highest rating categories by an NRSRO or
which are unrated and determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality.
Prior to purchasing any participation interest, the Fund will obtain appropriate
assurances from counsel retained by the Trust that the interest earned by the
Fund from the obligations in which it holds participation interests is exempt
from Federal income tax.
STAND-BY COMMITMENTS. The Fund may purchase municipal securities together
with the right to resell them to the seller at an agreed upon price or yield
within specified periods prior to their maturity dates. These rights to resell
are commonly known as "stand-by commitments." The aggregate price which the Fund
pays for securities with a stand-by commitment may be higher than the price
which otherwise would be paid. The primary purpose of this practice is to permit
the Fund to be as fully invested as practicable in municipal securities while
preserving the necessary flexibility and liquidity to meet unanticipated
redemptions. The Fund will enter into stand-by commitments only with banks or
municipal securities dealers that in the opinion of the Adviser present minimal
credit risks. The value of a stand-by commitment is dependent on the ability of
the writer to meet its repurchase obligation.
CORE AND GATEWAY-REGISTERED TRADEMARK-. Shareholders of each Fund have
approved a new investment policy that permits the Fund to seek to achieve its
investment objective by converting to a Core and Gateway structure. The Funds
upon future action by the Board of Trustees and notice to shareholders, may
convert to this structure, in which each Fund would hold as its only investment
securities the shares of another investment company having substantially the
same investment objective and policies as the Fund. The Board of Trustees will
not authorize conversion to a Core and Gateway structure if it would materially
increase costs to a Fund's shareholders.
4. CERTAIN RISK FACTORS
DIVERSIFICATION MATTERS. Each Fund is non-diversified, which means that
they have greater latitude than a diversified fund with respect to the
investment of its assets in the securities of a relatively few municipal
issuers. As non-diversified portfolios, the Funds may present greater risks than
diversified funds. The Funds' diversification requirements provide that, as of
the last day of each fiscal quarter, with respect to 50% of its assets, a Fund
may not own the securities of a single issuer, other than a U.S. Government
security, with a value of more than 5% of the Fund's total assets. Except for
U.S. Government Securities, no more than 25% of the total assets of a Fund may
be invested in securities of any one issuer. These limitations do not apply to
securities of an issuer payable solely from the proceeds of escrowed U.S.
Government securities. A Fund will be subject to a greater risk of loss if an
issuer in which the Fund invests a substantial amount of its assets is unable to
make interest or principal payments or if the market value of securities
declines.
NON-INVESTMENT GRADE DEBT SECURITIES. The Funds may invest in
non-investment grade, high risk securities (securities rated lower than the
fourth highest rating category by an NRSRO), which provide poor protection for
payment of principal and interest. These lower rated securities (often referred
to as "junk bonds") involve greater risk of default or price changes due to
changes in the issuer's creditworthiness than do higher quality securities. The
market for these securities may be thinner and less active than that for higher
quality securities, which may affect the price at which the lower rated
securities can be sold. These risks may be magnified in the case of unrated junk
bonds. In addition, the market prices of lower rated securities may fluctuate
more than the market prices of higher quality securities and may decline
significantly in periods of general economic difficulty or rising interest
rates. Further information concerning these investments is contained in the SAI.
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5. ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT POLICIES
All investment policies of a Fund that are designated as fundamental, and
each Fund's investment objective, may not be changed without approval of the
holders of a majority of that Fund's outstanding voting securities. A majority
of a Fund's outstanding voting securities means the lesser of 67% of the shares
of that Fund present or represented at a shareholders meeting at which the
holders of more than 50% of the shares are present or represented, or more than
50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. Except as otherwise indicated,
investment policies of the Funds are not fundamental and may be changed by the
Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board") without shareholder approval. A
further description of the Funds' investment policies is contained in the SAI.
The Funds may borrow money for temporary or emergency purposes (including
the meeting of redemption requests), but, as a fundamental policy, not in excess
of 33 1/3% of the value of a Fund's total assets. Borrowing for purposes other
than meeting redemption requests will not exceed 10% of the value of a Fund's
total assets. The Funds may not invest more than 15% of their net assets in
illiquid securities, including repurchase agreements not entitling the Fund to
the payment of principal within seven days. Although they have no current
intention, each Fund may in the future seek to hedge against a decline in the
value of securities they own or an increase in the price of securities which it
plans to purchase through the writing and purchase of exchange-traded and
over-the-counter options and the purchase and sale of futures contracts and
options on those futures contracts. In order to avoid maintaining idle cash, the
Funds may invest up to 10% of their total assets in money market mutual funds
that, in the case of TaxSaver Bond Fund, invest in municipal securities exempt
from Federal income taxes.
TECHNIQUES INVOLVING LEVERAGE
Utilization of leveraging involves special risks and may involve speculative
investment techniques. The Funds may borrow for other than temporary or
emergency purposes, lend their securities, enter into reverse repurchase
agreements, and purchase securities on a when issued or forward commitment
basis. Each of these transactions involve the use of "leverage" when cash made
available to a Fund through the investment technique is used to make additional
portfolio investments. In addition, the use of swap and related agreements may
involve leverage. The Funds use these investment techniques only when the
Adviser to a Fund believes that the leveraging and the returns available to the
Fund from investing the cash will provide shareholders a potentially higher
return.
Leverage exists when a Fund achieves the right to a return on a capital base
that exceeds the Fund's investment. Leverage creates the risk of magnified
capital losses which occur when losses affect an asset base, enlarged by
borrowings or the creation of liabilities, that exceeds the equity base of the
Fund.
The risks of leverage include a higher volatility of the net asset value of
the Fund's shares and the relatively greater effect on the net asset value of
the shares caused by favorable or adverse market movements or changes in the
cost of cash obtained by leveraging and the yield obtained from investing the
cash. So long as a Fund is able to realize a net return on its investment
portfolio that is higher than interest expense incurred, if any, leverage will
result in higher current net investment income being realized by the Fund than
if the Fund were not leveraged. On the other hand, interest rates change from
time to time as does their relationship to each other depending upon such
factors as supply and demand, monetary and tax policies and investor
expectations. Changes in such factors could cause the relationship between the
cost of leveraging and the yield to change so that rates involved in the
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leveraging arrangement may substantially increase relative to the yield on the
obligations in which the proceeds of the leveraging have been invested. To the
extent that the interest expense involved in leveraging approaches the net
return on the Fund's investment portfolio, the benefit of leveraging will be
reduced, and, if the interest expense on borrowings were to exceed the net
return to shareholders, the Fund's use of leverage would result in a lower rate
of return than if the Fund were not leveraged. Similarly, the effect of leverage
in a declining market could be a greater decrease in net asset value per share
than if the Fund were not leveraged. In an extreme case, if the Fund's current
investment income were not sufficient to meet the interest expense of
leveraging, it could be necessary for the Fund to liquidate certain of its
investments at an inappropriate time. The use of leverage may be considered
speculative.
SEGREGATED ACCOUNT. In order to limit the risks involved in various
transactions involving leverage, the Trust's custodian will set aside and
maintain in a segregated account cash, U.S. Government Securities and other
liquid, high-grade debt securities in accordance with SEC guidelines. The
account's value, which is marked to market daily, will be at least equal to the
Fund's commitments under these transactions. The Fund's commitments may include
(i) the Fund's obligations to repurchase securities under a reverse repurchase
agreement, settle when-issued and forward commitment transactions and make
payments under a cap or floor (see "Swap Agreements") and (ii) the greater of
the market value of securities sold short or the value of the securities at the
time of the short sale (reduced by any margin deposit). The net amount of the
excess, if any, of a Fund's obligations over its entitlements with respect to
each interest rate swap will be calculated on a daily basis and an amount at
least equal to the accrued excess will be maintained in the segregated account.
If the Fund enters into an interest rate swap on other than a net basis, the
Fund will maintain the full amount accrued on a daily basis of the Fund's
obligations with respect to the swap in their segregated account. The use of a
segregated account in connection with leveraged transactions may result in a
Fund's portfolio being 100 percent leveraged.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES. Each Fund may
seek additional income by entering into repurchase agreements or by lending
securities from its portfolio to brokers, dealers and other financial
institutions. These investments may entail certain risks not associated with
direct investments in securities. For instance, in the event that bankruptcy or
similar proceedings were commenced against a counterparty in these transactions
or a counterparty defaulted on its obligations, a Fund might suffer a loss. The
Adviser monitors the creditworthiness of counterparties to these transactions
and intends to enter into these transactions only when it believes the
counterparties present minimal credit risks and the income to be earned from the
transaction justifies the attendant risks.
Repurchase agreements are transactions in which a Fund purchases a security
and simultaneously commits to resell that security to the seller at an
agreed-upon price on an agreed-upon future date, normally one to seven days
later. The resale price reflects a market rate of interest that is not related
to the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased security. When a Fund lends a
security it receives interest from the borrower or from investing cash
collateral. The Trust maintains possession of the purchased securities and any
underlying collateral in these transactions, the total market value of which on
a continuous basis is at least equal to the repurchase price or value of
securities loaned, plus accrued interest. The Funds may pay fees to arrange
securities loans.
WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES AND FORWARD COMMITMENTS. Each Fund may purchase
securities offered on a "when-issued" basis and may purchase or sell securities
on a "forward commitment" basis. When these transactions are negotiated, the
price,
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<PAGE>
which is generally expressed in yield terms, is fixed at the time the commitment
is made, but delivery and payment for the securities take place at a later date.
Normally, the settlement date occurs within two months after the transaction.
The Funds enter into when-issued and forward commitments only with the intention
of actually receiving or delivering the securities, as the case may be.
When-issued securities may include bonds purchased on a "when, as and if issued"
basis under which the issuance of the securities depends upon the occurrence of
a subsequent event, such as approval of a proposed financing by appropriate
municipal authorities.
During the period between a commitment and settlement, no payment is made
for the securities purchased and, thus, no interest accrues to the purchaser
from the transaction. However, at the time a Fund makes a commitment to purchase
securities in this manner, the Fund immediately assumes the risk of ownership,
including price fluctuation. Failure by the other party to deliver or pay for a
security purchased or sold by the Fund may result in a loss or a missed
opportunity to make an alternative investment. Any significant commitment of a
Fund's assets committed to the purchase of securities on a when-issued or
forward commitment basis may increase the volatility of its net asset value.
The use of when-issued transactions and forward commitments may enable a
Fund to hedge against anticipated changes in interest rates and prices. If the
Adviser were to forecast incorrectly the direction of interest rate movements,
however, the Fund might be required to complete these transactions at prices
inferior to the current market values. No when-issued or forward commitments
will be made by a Fund if, as a result, more than 15% of the value of the Fund's
total assets would be committed to such transactions.
DEBT SECURITIES. The market value of debt securities (including municipal
securities) depends on, among other things, conditions in the market for the
security and the fixed income markets generally, the size of a particular
offering, the maturity of the obligation, and the rating of the issue. The
market value of the interest-bearing debt securities held by the Funds will be
affected by changes in interest rates. There is normally an inverse relationship
between the market value of securities sensitive to prevailing interest rates
and actual changes in interest rates. In other words, a decline in interest
rates produces an increase in market value, while an increase in interest rates
produces a decrease in market value. Moreover, the longer the remaining maturity
of a security, the greater will be the effect of interest rate changes on the
market value of that security. Changes in the ability of an issuer to make
payments of interest and principal and in the market's perception of an issuer's
creditworthiness will also affect the market value of the debt securities of
that issuer. Obligations of issuers of debt securities are subject to the
provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and
remedies of creditors. The possibility exists, therefore, that, as a result of
litigation or other conditions, the ability of any issuer to pay, when due, the
principal of and interest on its debt securities may be materially impaired.
RATING MATTERS. The Funds will invest in securities rated in the categories
specified by their investment policies. The Funds also may purchase unrated
securities if the Adviser determines the security to be of comparable quality to
a rated security that the Fund may purchase. Unrated securities may not be as
actively traded as rated securities. Each Fund may retain a security whose
rating has been lowered below the Fund's lowest permissible rating category (or
that are unrated and determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality to
securities whose rating has been lowered below the Fund's lowest permissible
rating category) if the Adviser determines that retaining the security is in the
best interests of the Fund.
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<PAGE>
The Fund's investments are subject to "credit risk" relating to the
financial condition of the issuers of the securities that the Funds hold. A
further description of the rating categories of certain NRSROs is contained in
the SAI.
VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE SECURITIES. The securities in which the Funds
invest may have variable or floating rates of interest. These securities pay
interest at rates that are adjusted periodically according to a specified
formula, usually with reference to some interest rate index or market interest
rate (the "underlying index"). The interest paid on these securities is a
function primarily of the underlying index upon which the interest rate
adjustments are based. Such adjustments minimize changes in the market value of
the obligation and, accordingly, enhance the ability of a Fund to maintain a
stable net asset value. Similar to fixed rate debt instruments, variable and
floating rate instruments are subject to changes in value based on changes in
market interest rates or changes in the issuer's creditworthiness. The rate of
interest on securities purchased by a Fund may be tied to various rates of
interest or index.
There may not be an active secondary market for certain floating or variable
rate instruments, which could make it difficult for a Fund to dispose of an
instrument during periods that the Fund is not entitled to exercise any demand
rights it may have. The Fund could, for this or other reasons, suffer a loss
with respect to an instrument. The Adviser monitors the liquidity of the Funds'
investment in variable and floating rate instruments, but there can be no
guarantee that an active secondary market will exist.
SWAP AGREEMENTS.
To manage its exposure to different types of investments, a Fund may enter into
interest rate, currency and mortgage (or other asset) swap agreements and may
purchase and sell interest rate "caps," "floors" and" collars." In a
typical interest rate swap agreement, one party agrees to make regular payments
equal to a floating interest rate on a specified amount (the "notional principal
amount") in return for payments equal to a fixed interest rate on the same
amount for a specified period. If a swap agreement provides for payment in
different currencies, the parties may also agree to exchange the notional
principal amount. Mortgage swap agreements are similar to interest rate swap
Agreements, except that the notional principal amount is tied to a reference
pool of mortgages. In a cap or floor, one party agrees, usually in return for
a fee, to make payments under particular circumstances. For example, the
purchaser of an interest rate cap has the right to receive payments to the
extent a specified interest rate exceeds an agreed upon level; the purchaser of
an interest rate floor has the right to receive payments to the extent a
specified interest rate falls below an agreed upon level. A collar entitles the
purchaser to receive payments to the extent a specified interest rate falls
outside an agreed upon range.
Swap agreements may involve leverage and may be highly volatile; depending
on how they are used, they may have a considerable impact on the Fund's
performance. See "Techniques Involving Leverage." Swap agreements involve risks
depending upon the counterparties creditworthiness and ability to perform as
well as the Fund's ability to terminate its swap agreements or reduce its
exposure through offsetting transactions. The Adviser monitors the
creditworthiness of counterparties to these transactions and intends to enter
into these transactions only when it believes the counterparties present minimal
credit risks and the income expected to be earned from the transaction justifies
the attendant risks.
TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE POSITION. When business or financial conditions
warrant, for example, when issues of sufficient quality and liquidity are not
available, a Fund may assume a temporary defensive position and invest all or
part of its assets in cash or prime quality cash equivalents, including (i)
short-term U.S. Government securities, (ii) certificates of deposit, bankers'
acceptances and interest-bearing savings deposits of commercial banks
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<PAGE>
doing business in the United States, (iii) commercial paper, (iv) repurchase
agreements covering any of the securities in which the Fund may invest directly
and (v) to the extent permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, money
market mutual funds. During periods when and to the extent that a Fund has
assumed a temporary defensive position, it will not be pursuing its investment
objective.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER. The frequency of portfolio transactions of each Fund
(the portfolio turnover rate) will vary from year to year depending on market
conditions. From time to time the Funds may engage in active short-term trading
to benefit from yield disparities among different issues of debt securities, to
seek short-term profits during periods of fluctuating interest rates, or for
other reasons. This type of trading will increase the Funds' portfolio turnover
rate and transaction costs and may increase the Funds' short-term capital gain,
which is taxable as ordinary income. The Adviser weighs the anticipated benefits
of short-term investments against these consequences. The Funds' portfolio
turnover rate is reported under "Financial Highlights."
6. MANAGEMENT
The business of the Trust is managed under the direction of the Board of
Trustees. The Board formulates the general policies of the Funds and meets
periodically to review the results of the Funds, monitor investment activities
and practices and discuss other matters affecting the Fund and the Trust.
MANAGER AND DISTRIBUTOR
Subject to the supervision of the Board, Forum supervises the overall
management of the Funds. Forum, the Adviser and the Transfer Agent are members
of the Forum Financial Group of companies and together provide a full range of
services to the investment company and financial services industry. As of the
date hereof Forum acted as manager and distributor of registered investment
companies and collective trust funds with assets of approximately $16 billion.
Forum, whose address is Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101, is a
registered broker-dealer and investment adviser and is a member of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. As of the date of this Prospectus,
Forum, the Adviser and the Transfer Agent were controlled by John Y. Keffer,
President and Chairman of the Trust.
Under its management agreement with the Trust, Forum supervises all aspects
of the Funds' operations, including the receipt of services for which the Trust
is obligated to pay, provides the Trust with general office facilities and
provides, at the Trust's expense, the services of persons necessary to perform
such supervisory, administrative and clerical functions as are needed to
effectively operate the Trust. Those officers, as well as certain other
employees and Trustees of the Trust, may be directors, officers or employees of
(and persons providing services to the Trust may include) Forum and its
affiliates. For these services and facilities, Forum receives with respect to
each Fund a management fee at an annual rate of 0.30% of each Fund's average
daily net assets.
Forum also acts as the distributor of shares of the Funds and pursuant to a
distribution agreement with the Trust. Forum receives, and may reallow to
certain financial institutions, the sales charge paid by the purchasers of the
Funds' shares. See "Purchases and Redemptions of Shares - Sales Charges."
ADVISER
Forum Advisors, Inc. serves as the investment adviser of each Fund. Subject
to the general supervision of the Board, the Adviser makes investment decisions
for the Funds. For its services, the Adviser receives an advisory fee at an
annual rate of 0.40% of each Fund's average daily net assets. The Adviser was
incorporated under the laws of Delaware in 1987 and is registered under the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
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<PAGE>
Les C. Berthy, Managing Director of the Adviser since 1989, is primarily
responsible for the day-to-day management of the Funds' portfolios and has been
since the Funds' inception. Prior to his association with the Adviser, Mr.
Berthy was Managing Director and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Irwin Union
Capital Corp., an affiliate of Irwin Union Bank & Trust Co.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING
Shareholder inquiries and communications concerning each Fund may be
directed to the Transfer Agent. The Transfer Agent also acts as the Funds'
dividend disbursing agent. The Transfer Agent maintains for each shareholder of
record, an account (unless such accounts are maintained by sub-transfer agents)
to which all shares purchased are credited, together with any distributions that
are reinvested in additional shares and also performs other transfer agency
functions. In addition, the Transfer Agent performs portfolio accounting
services for the Funds, including determination of the Funds' net asset value,
pursuant to a separate agreement with the Trust. For its services, the Transfer
Agent receives a fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of each Fund's average daily net
assets.
The Transfer Agent is authorized to subcontract any or all of its functions
to one or more qualified sub-transfer agents or processing agents, which may be
processing organizations (as described under "Purchases and Redemptions of
Shares - Purchases and Redemptions through Financial Institutions"), Forum or
affiliates of Forum, who agree to comply with the terms of the Transfer Agency
Agreement. The Transfer Agent may pay those agents for their services, but no
such payment will increase the Transfer Agent's compensation from the Trust.
EXPENSES OF THE TRUST
Each Fund's expenses comprise Trust expenses attributable to a Fund, which
are charged to the Fund, and expenses not attributable to a particular fund of
the Trust, which are allocated among the Fund and all other funds of the Trust
in proportion to their average net assets. Subject to the obligations of the
Adviser to reimburse the Trust for excess expenses of the Funds, the Trust pays
for all of its expenses. The Adviser, Forum and the Transfer Agent, in their
sole discretion, may waive all or any portion of their respective fees, which
are accrued daily and paid monthly. Any such waiver, which could be discontinued
at any time, would have the effect of increasing a Fund's performance for the
period during which the waiver was in effect and would not be recouped at a
later date.
7. PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF SHARES
GENERAL INFORMATION
Investments in a Fund may be made either by an investor directly or through
certain brokers or financial institutions of which the investor is a customer.
All transactions in Fund shares are effected through the Transfer Agent, which
accepts orders for purchases and redemptions from shareholders of record and new
investors. Shareholders of record will receive from the Trust periodic
statements listing all account activity during the statement period. The Trust
reserves the right in the future to modify, limit or terminate any shareholder
privilege upon appropriate notice to shareholders and may charge a fee for
certain shareholder services, although no such fees are currently contemplated.
PURCHASES. Fund Shares are sold at a price equal to their net asset value
next-determined after acceptance of an order, plus any applicable sales charge
on all weekdays except customary national business holidays and Good Friday
("Fund Business Day") (see "Sales Charges" below). Fund shares are issued
immediately after an order for the shares in proper form is accepted by the
Transfer Agent. Each Fund's net asset value is calculated at 4:00 p.m., Eastern
time on each Fund Business Day. Fund shares become entitled to receive
dividends on the next Fund Busines Day after the order is accepted.
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<PAGE>
The Funds reserve the right to reject any subscription for the purchase of
their shares. Stock certificates are issued only to shareholders of record upon
their written request and no certificates are issued for fractional shares.
REDEMPTIONS. Fund shares may be redeemed without charge at their net asset
value on any Fund Business Day. There is no minimum period of investment and no
restriction on the frequency of redemptions. Fund shares are redeemed as of the
next determination of the Fund's net asset value following acceptance by the
Transfer Agent of the redemption order in proper form (and any supporting
documentation which the Transfer Agent may require). Shares redeemed are not
entitled to receive dividends declared after the day on which the redemption
becomes effective.
Normally, redemption proceeds are paid immediately, but in no event later
than seven days, following acceptance of a redemption order. Proceeds of
redemption requests (and exchanges), however, will not be paid unless any check
used to purchase the shares has been cleared by the shareholder's bank, which
may take up to 15 calendar days. This delay may be avoided by investing through
wire transfers. Unless otherwise indicated, redemption proceeds normally are
paid by check mailed to the shareholder's record address. The right of
redemption may not be suspended nor the payment dates postponed for more than
seven days after the tender of the shares to the Fund except when the New York
Stock Exchange is closed (or when trading thereon is restricted) for any reason
other than its customary weekend or holiday closings or under any emergency or
other circumstance as determined by the SEC.
Proceeds of redemptions normally are paid in cash. However, payments may be
made wholly or partially in portfolio securities if the Board determines that
payment in cash would be detrimental to the best interests of the Fund. The
Trust will only effect a redemption in portfolio securities if the particular
shareholder is redeeming more than $250,000 or 1% of the Fund's net assets,
whichever is less, during any 90-day period.
The Trust employs reasonable procedures to ensure that telephone orders are
genuine (which include recording certain transactions and the use of shareholder
security codes). If the Trust did not employ such procedures, it could be liable
for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions.
Shareholders should verify the accuracy of telephone instructions immediately
upon receipt of confirmation statements. During times of drastic economic or
market changes, telephone redemption and exchange privileges may be difficult to
implement. In the event that a shareholder is unable to reach the Transfer Agent
by telephone, requests may be mailed or hand-delivered to the Transfer Agent.
Due to the cost to the Trust of maintaining smaller accounts, the Trust
reserves the right to redeem, upon not less than 60 days' written notice, all
shares in any Fund account with an aggregate net asset value of less than
$1,000. The Trust will not redeem accounts that fall below that amount solely as
a result of a reduction in net asset value.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION PROCEDURES
The following purchase and redemption procedures and shareholder services
apply to investors who invest in the Funds directly. These investors may open an
account by completing the application at the back of this Prospectus or by
contacting the Transfer Agent at the address on the first page of this
prospectus. For those shareholder services not referenced on the account
application and to change information regarding a shareholder's account (such as
addresses), investors should request an Optional Services Form from the Transfer
Agent.
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<PAGE>
INITIAL PURCHASE OF SHARES
There is a $5,000 minimum for initial investments in either Fund ($2,000 for
individual retirement accounts).
BY MAIL. Investors may send a check made payable to the Trust along with a
completed account application to the Fund at the address listed on the cover
page of this Prospectus. Checks are accepted at full value subject to
collection. If a check does not clear, the purchase order will be canceled and
the investor will be liable for any losses or fees incurred by the Trust, the
Transfer Agent or Forum.
BY BANK WIRE. To make an initial investment in either Fund using the wire
system for transmittal of money among banks, an investor should first telephone
the Trust at 800-94FORUM (800-943-6786) or (207) 879-0001 to obtain an account
number. The investor should then instruct a bank to wire the investor's money
immediately to:
First National Bank of Boston
Boston, Massachusetts
ABA# 011000390
For Credit To: Forum Financial Corp.
Account #: 541-54171
Re: [Name of Fund]
Account #: ______________
Account Name: __________
The investor should then promptly complete and mail the account application.
Any investor planning to wire funds should instruct a bank early in the day so
the wire transfer can be accomplished the same day. There may be a charge
imposed by the bank for transmitting payment by wire, and there also may be a
charge for the use of Federal Funds.
SUBSEQUENT PURCHASES OF SHARES
There is a $500 minimum for subsequent purchases. Subsequent purchases may
be made by mailing a check or by sending a bank wire as indicated above.
Shareholders using the wire system for purchase should first telephone the Trust
at 800-94FORUM (800-943-6786) or (207) 879-0001 to notify it of the wire
transfer. All payments should clearly indicate the shareholder's name and
account number.
Shareholders may purchase Fund shares at regular, preselected intervals by
authorizing the automatic transfer of funds from a designated bank account
maintained with a United States banking institution which is an Automated
Clearing House member. Under the program, existing shareholders may authorize
amounts of $250 or more to be debited from their bank account and invested in a
Fund monthly or quarterly. Shareholders may terminate their automatic
investments or change the amount to be invested at any time by written
notification to the Transfer Agent.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
Shareholders that wish to redeem shares by telephone or receive redemption
proceeds by bank wire must elect these options by properly completing the
appropriate sections of their account application. These privileges may not be
available until several weeks after a shareholder's application is received.
Shares for which certificates have been issued may not be redeemed by telephone.
BY MAIL. Shareholders may make a redemption in any amount by sending a
written request to the Transfer Agent accompanied by any stock certificate that
may have been issued to the shareholder. All written requests for redemption
must be signed by the shareholder with signature guaranteed and all certificates
submitted for redemption must be endorsed by the shareholder with signature
guaranteed.
BY TELEPHONE. A shareholder that has elected telephone redemption
privileges may make a telephone redemption request by calling the Transfer Agent
at 800-94FORUM (800-943-6786) or (207) 879-0001 and providing the shareholder's
account number, the exact name in which the shareholder's shares are registered
and the shareholder's social security or taxpayer identification
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<PAGE>
number. In response to the telephone redemption instruction, the Fund will mail
a check to the shareholder's record address or, if the shareholder has elected
wire redemption privileges, wire the proceeds.
BY BANK WIRE. For redemptions of more than $5,000, a shareholder that has
elected wire redemption privileges may request a Fund to transmit the redemption
proceeds by Federal Funds wire to a bank account designated on the shareholder's
account application. To request bank wire redemptions by telephone, the
shareholder also must have elected the telephone redemption privilege.
Redemption proceeds are transmitted by wire on the day after the redemption
request in proper form is received by the Transfer Agent.
AUTOMATIC REDEMPTIONS. Shareholders may redeem Fund shares at regular,
preselected intervals by authorizing the automatic redemption of shares from
their Fund account. Redemption proceeds will be sent either by check or by
automatic transfer to a designated bank account maintained with a United States
banking institution which is an Automated Clearing House member. Under this
program, shareholders may authorize the redemption of shares in amounts of $250
or more from their account monthly, twice a month or quarterly. Shareholders may
terminate their automatic redemptions or change the amount to be redeemed at any
time by written notification to the Transfer Agent.
OTHER REDEMPTION MATTERS. A signature guarantee is required for any written
redemption request and for any endorsement on a stock certificate. In addition,
a signature guarantee also is required for instructions to change a
shareholder's record name or address, designated bank account for wire
redemptions or automatic investment or redemption, dividend election, telephone
redemption or exchange option election or any other option election in
connection with the shareholder's account. Signature guarantees may be provided
by any eligible institution, including a bank, a broker, a dealer, a national
securities exchange, a credit union, or a savings association that is authorized
to guarantee signatures, acceptable to the Transfer Agent. Whenever a signature
guarantee is required, the signature of each person required to sign for the
account must be guaranteed.
The Transfer Agent will deem a shareholder's account "lost" if
correspondence to the shareholder's address of record is returned for six
months, unless the Transfer Agent determines the shareholder's new address. When
an account is deemed lost all distributions on the account will be reinvested in
additional shares of the Fund. In addition, the amount of any outstanding
(unpaid for six months or more) checks for distributions that have been returned
to the Transfer Agent will be reinvested and the checks will be canceled.
SALES CHARGES
The public offering price for shares of a Fund is the sum of the net asset
value of the shares being purchased plus any applicable sales charge. No sales
charge is assessed on the reinvestment of dividends or other distributions. The
sales charge is assessed as follows (net asset value percentages are rounded to
the nearest one-hundredth percent):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Sales Charge
-------------------------------------------
Public as % of Net
Offering Asset Dealers'
Amount of Purchase Price Value* Reallowance
- --------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
less than $100,000 3.75% 3.90% 3.25%
$100,000 but less
than $200,000 3.25 3.36 2.85
$200,000 but less
than $400,000 2.50 2.56 2.20
$400,000 but less
than $600,000 2.00 2.04 1.75
$600,000 but less
than $800,000 1.50 1.52 1.25
$800,000 but less
than $1,000,000 1.00 1.01 0.75
$1,000,000 and up 0.50 0.50 0.40
</TABLE>
*Rounded to the nearest one-hundredth percent.
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<PAGE>
Forum's commission is the sales charge shown above less any applicable
discount reallowed to selected brokers and dealers (including banks and bank
affiliates purchasing shares as principal or agent). Normally, Forum will
reallow discounts to selected brokers and dealers in the amounts indicated in
the table above. From time to time, however, Forum may elect to reallow the
entire sales charge to selected brokers or dealers for all sales with respect to
which orders are placed with Forum during a particular period. The dealers'
reallowance may be changed from time to time.
In addition, from time to time and at its own expense, Forum may provide
compensation, including financial assistance, to dealers in connection with
conferences, sales or training programs for their employees, seminars for the
public, advertising campaigns or other dealer-sponsored special events.
Compensation may include: (i) the provision of travel arrangements and lodging,
(ii) tickets for entertainment events and (iii) merchandise.
No sales charge will be assessed on purchases made for investment purposes
by: (a) any bank, trust company, savings association or similar institution with
whom Forum has entered into a share purchase agreement acting on behalf of the
institution's fiduciary customer accounts or any account maintained by its trust
department (including a pension, profit sharing or other employee benefit trust
created pursuant to a qualified retirement plan); (b) any registered investment
adviser with whom Forum has entered into a share purchase agreement and which is
acting on behalf of its fiduciary customer accounts; (c) any broker-dealer with
whom Forum has entered into a Selected Dealer Agreement and a Fee-Based or Wrap
Account Agreement and which is acting on behalf of its fee-based program
clients; (d) directors and officers of the Trust; directors, officers and
full-time employees of the Adviser, Forum, any of their affiliates or any
organization with which Forum has entered into a selected dealer or processing
agent agreement; the spouse, sibling, direct ancestor or direct descendent
(collectively, "relatives") of any such person; any trust or individual
retirement account or self-employed retirement plan for the benefit of any such
person or relative; or the estate of any such person or relative; (e) any person
who has, within the preceding 90 days, redeemed Fund shares (but only on
purchases in amounts not exceeding the redeemed amounts) and completes a
reinstatement form upon investment; (f) persons who exchange into a Fund from a
mutual fund other than a fund of the Trust that participates in the Trust's
exchange program, see "Purchases and Redemptions of Shares - Exchange Program;"
and (g) employee benefit plans qualified under Section 401 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986. The Trust may require appropriate documentation from an
investor concerning that investor's eligibility to purchase Fund shares without
a sales charge. Any shares so purchased may not be resold except to the Fund.
REDUCED SALES CHARGES
For an investor to qualify for a reduced sales charge as described below,
the investor must notify the Transfer Agent at the time of purchase. Programs
for reduced sales charges may be modified or terminated at any time and are
subject to confirmation of an investor's holdings.
RIGHTS OF ACCUMULATION. An investor's purchase of additional shares of a
Fund may qualify for rights of accumulation ("ROA") wherein the applicable sales
charge will be based on the total of the investor's current purchase and the net
asset value (at the end of the previous Fund Business Day) of shares of that
Fund held by the investor. For example, if an investor owned shares of a Fund
worth $400,000 at the then current net asset value and purchased shares of the
Fund worth an additional $50,000, the sales charge for the $50,000 purchase
would be at the 2% rate applicable to a single $450,000 purchase, rather than at
the 3.75% rate. To qualify for ROA on a purchase, the investor must inform the
Transfer Agent and supply sufficient information to verify that each purchase
qualifies for the privilege or discount.
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<PAGE>
LETTER OF INTENT. Investors may also obtain reduced sales charges based on
cumulative purchases by means of a written Letter of Intent ("LOI"), which
expresses the investor's intention to invest $100,000 or more within a period of
13 months in shares of a Fund. Each purchase of shares under a LOI will be made
at the public offering price applicable at the time of the purchase to a single
transaction of the dollar amount indicated in the LOI.
An LOI is not a binding obligation upon the investor to purchase the full
amount indicated. Shares purchased with the first 5% of the amount indicated in
the LOI will be held subject to a registered pledge (while remaining registered
in the name of the investor) to secure payment of the higher sales charge
applicable to the shares actually purchased if the full amount indicated is not
purchased within 13 months. Pledged shares will be involuntarily redeemed to pay
the additional sales charge, if necessary. When the full amount indicated has
been purchased, the shares will be released from pledge. Share certificates are
not issued for shares purchased under an LOI. Investors wishing to enter into an
LOI can obtain a form of LOI from their broker or financial institution or by
contacting the Transfer Agent.
EXCHANGES
Fund shareholders are entitled to exchange their shares for shares of the
other Fund, any other fund of the Trust or any other fund that participates in
the exchange program (currently, Sound Shore Fund, Inc.) and whose shares are
eligible for sale in the shareholder's state of residence. Exchanges may only be
made between accounts registered in the same name. The minimum amount to open an
account in a Fund through an exchange from another fund is $2,500. A completed
account application must be submitted to open a new account in a Fund through an
exchange if the shareholder requests any shareholder privilege not associated
with the existing account. Exchanges are subject to the fees charged by, and the
restrictions listed in the prospectus for, the fund into which a shareholder is
exchanging, including minimum investment requirements. The Funds do not charge
for the exchange privilege and there is currently no limit on the number of
exchanges a shareholder may make.
The Trust (and Federal tax law) treats an exchange as a redemption of the
shares owned and the purchase of the shares of the fund being acquired.
Redemptions and purchases are effected at the respective net asset values of the
two funds as next determined following receipt of proper instructions and all
necessary supporting documents by the fund whose shares are being exchanged.
If a shareholder exchanges into a fund that imposes a sales charge, that
shareholder is required to pay the difference between that fund's sales charge
and any sales charge the shareholder has previously paid in connection with the
shares being exchanged. For example, if a shareholder paid a 2% sales charge in
connection with the purchase of the shares of a fund and then exchanged those
shares into another fund with a 3% sales charge, that shareholder would pay an
additional 1% sales charge on the exchange. Shares acquired through the
reinvestment of dividends and distributions are deemed to have been acquired
with a sales charge rate equal to that paid on the shares on which the dividend
or distribution was paid. The exchange privilege may be modified materially or
terminated by the Trust at any time upon 60 days' notice to shareholders.
BY MAIL. Exchanges may be accomplished by written instruction to the
Transfer Agent accompanied by any stock certificate that may have been issued to
the shareholder. All written requests for exchanges must be signed by the
shareholder (a signature guarantee is not required) and all certificates
submitted for exchange must be endorsed by the shareholder with signature
guaranteed.
BY TELEPHONE. Exchanges may be accomplished by telephone by any shareholder
that has
25
<PAGE>
elected telephone exchange privileges by calling the Transfer Agent at
800-94FORUM (800-943-6786) or (207) 879-0001 and providing the shareholder's
account number, the exact name in which the shareholder's shares are registered
and the shareholder's social security or taxpayer identification number.
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS
Investors Bond Fund should not be considered as a complete investment
vehicle for the assets held in individual retirement accounts ("IRAs"). The
minimum initial investment for an IRA is $2,000 and the minimum subsequent
investment is $500. Individuals may make tax-deductible IRA contributions of up
to a maximum of $2,000 annually. However, this deduction will be reduced if the
individual or, in the case of a married individual filing jointly, either the
individual or the individual's spouse is an active participant in an employer-
sponsored retirement plan and has adjusted gross income above certain levels.
PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS THROUGH FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Shares may be purchased and redeemed through certain broker-dealers, banks,
trust companies and their affiliates, and other financial institutions,
including affiliates of the Transfer Agent ("Processing Organizations").
Processing Organizations may receive as a dealer's reallowance a portion of the
sales charge paid by their customers who purchase Fund shares. In addition,
Processing Organizations may charge their customers a fee for their services and
are responsible for promptly transmitting purchase, redemption and other
requests to the Fund. The Trust is not responsible for the failure of any
institution to promptly forward these requests.
Investors who purchase shares through a Processing Organization may be
charged a fee if they effect transactions in Fund Shares through a broker or
agent and will be subject to the procedures of their Processing Organization,
which may include limitations, investment minimums, cutoff times and
restrictions in addition to, or different from, those applicable to shareholders
who invest in the Fund directly. These investors should acquaint themselves with
their Processing Organization's procedures and should read this Prospectus in
conjunction with any materials and information provided by their Processing
Organization. Customers who purchase Fund shares through a Processing
Organization may or may not be the shareholder of record and, subject to their
Processing Organization's and the Fund's procedures, may have Fund shares
transferred into their name. Under their arrangements with the Trust, broker-
dealer Processing Organizations are not generally required to deliver payment
for purchase orders until several business days after a purchase order has been
received by a Fund. Certain other Processing Organizations may also enter
purchase orders with payment to follow.
Certain shareholder services may not be available to shareholders who have
purchased shares through a Processing Organization. These shareholders should
contact their Processing Organization for further information. The Trust may
confirm purchases and redemptions of a Processing Organization's customers
directly to the Processing Organization, which in turn will provide its
customers with such confirmations and periodic statements as may be required by
law or agreed to between the Processing Organization and its customers. The
Trust is not responsible for the failure of any Processing Organization to carry
out its obligations to its customer. Certain states permit shares of the Fund to
be purchased and redeemed only through registered broker-dealers, including the
Fund's distributor.
8. DIVIDENDS AND TAX MATTERS
DIVIDENDS
Dividends of each Fund's net investment income are declared daily and paid
monthly. Dividends of net capital gain, if any, realized by a Fund are
distributed annually.
26
<PAGE>
Shareholders may choose either to have all dividends reinvested in
additional shares of the Fund that paid the dividend or received in cash. In
addition, shareholders may have dividends of net capital gain reinvested in
shares of each of the Funds and dividends of net investment income paid in cash.
All dividends are treated in the same manner for Federal income tax purposes
whether received in cash or reinvested in shares of the Funds.
All dividends will be reinvested at the Fund's net asset value as of the
payment date of the dividend. All dividends are reinvested unless another option
is selected. All dividends not reinvested will be paid to the shareholder in
cash. Cash payments may be paid more than seven days following the date on which
dividends would otherwise be reinvested.
TAXES
Each Fund intends to continue to qualify for each fiscal year to be taxed as
a "regulated investment company" under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. As
such, the Funds will not be liable for Federal income taxes on the net
investment income and net capital gain distributed to their shareholders.
Because the Funds intend to distribute all of their net investment income and
net capital gain each year, the Funds should avoid all Federal income and excise
taxes.
INVESTORS BOND FUND. Dividends paid by the Fund out of its net investment
income (including any realized net short-term capital gain) are taxable to
shareholders as ordinary income.
TAXSAVER BOND FUND. Shareholders of the Fund generally will not be subject
to Federal income tax on dividends paid by the Fund out of tax-exempt interest
income earned by the Fund ("exempt-interest dividends"), assuming certain
requirements are met. Substantially all of the dividends paid by the Fund are
anticipated to be exempt-interest dividends. Any dividends paid by the Fund out
of its taxable net investment income (including any realized net short-term
capital gain) are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income.
Persons who are "substantial users" or "related persons" thereof of
facilities financed by private activity bonds held by the Fund may be subject to
Federal income tax on their pro rata share of the interest income from these
bonds and should consult their tax advisors before purchasing shares of the
Fund. Under current Federal tax law, interest on certain private activity bonds
is treated as an item of tax preference for purposes of the Federal AMT imposed
on individuals and corporations. In addition, interest on all tax-exempt
obligations is included in the "adjusted current earnings" of corporations for
Federal AMT purposes.
Interest on indebtedness incurred by shareholders to purchase or carry
shares of the Fund generally is not deductible for Federal income tax purposes.
The exemption for Federal income tax purposes of dividends derived from
interest on municipal securities does not necessarily result in an exemption
under the income or other tax laws of any state or local taxing authority.
Shareholders of the Fund may be exempt from state and local taxes on exempt
interest dividends derived from obligations of the state and/or municipalities
of the state in which they reside. Shareholders may, however, be subject to tax
on income derived from the municipal securities of jurisdictions other than
those in which they reside. Shareholders are advised to consult with their tax
advisors concerning the application of state and local taxes to investments in
the Fund which may differ from the Federal income tax consequences described
above.
If Fund shares are sold at a loss after being held for six months or less,
the loss will be disallowed to the extent of any exempt-interest dividends
received on those shares.
27
<PAGE>
Shortly after the close of each year, a statement is sent to each
shareholder of the Fund advising the shareholder of the portion of total
dividends paid into the shareholder's account that is exempt from Federal income
tax and that is derived from the municipal securities of each state and from
other sources. These portions are determined for the entire year and on a
monthly basis and, thus, are an annual or monthly average, rather than a
day-by-day determination for each shareholder.
GENERAL. Distributions by the Funds of realized net long-term capital gain,
if any, are taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gain, regardless of the
length of time the shareholder may have held shares in the Fund. If Fund shares
are sold at a loss after being held for six months or less, the loss will be
treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any long-term capital gain
distribution received on those shares.
Any capital gain distribution received by a shareholder reduces the net
asset value of the shareholder's shares by the amount of the distribution. To
the extent that capital gain was accrued by a Fund before the shareholder
purchased the shares, the distribution would be in effect a return of capital to
the shareholder. Capital gain distributions, including those that operate as a
return of capital, however, are taxable to the shareholder receiving them.
The Funds may be required by Federal law to withhold 31% of reportable
payments (which may include taxable dividends, capital gain distributions and
redemption proceeds) paid to individuals and certain other non-corporate
shareholders. Withholding is not required if a shareholder certifies that the
shareholder's social security or tax identification number provided to the Funds
is correct and that the shareholder is not subject to backup withholding.
Reports containing appropriate information with respect to the Federal
income tax status of dividends and distributions paid during the year by the
Funds will be mailed to shareholders shortly after the close of each year.
TAX-EXEMPT INCOME VS. TAXABLE INCOME
The table below shows approximate equivalent taxable and tax-free yields at
various approximate marginal Federal tax bracket rates. For example, an investor
in the 31% tax bracket for 1996 whose investments earn a 5% tax-free yield would
have to earn a 7.25% taxable yield to receive the same benefit.
1996 FEDERAL TAXABLE VS. TAX-FREE YIELDS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
A Tax-Free Yield of
----------------------------------------------------------------------
5.0% 5.5% 6.0% 6.5% 7.0%
Federal
Tax Bracket
7.5%
equals a taxable yield of approximately
- ----------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
39.6% 8.28% 9.11% 9.93% 10.76% 11.59% 12.42%
36.0% 7.81% 8.59% 9.38% 10.16% 10.94% 11.72%
31.07% 7.25% 7.97% 8.70% 9.42% 10.14% 10.87%
28.0% 6.94% 7.64% 8.33% 9.03% 9.72% 10.42%
15.0% 5.88% 6.47% 7.06% 7.65% 8.24% 8.82%
</TABLE>
The yields listed are for illustration only and are not necessarily
representative of TaxSaver Bond Fund's yield. Although the Fund primarily
invests in securities the interest from which is exempt from Federal income
taxes, some of the Fund's investments may generate taxable income. An investor's
tax bracket will depend upon the investor's taxable income. The figures set
forth above do not reflect the Federal alternative minimum taxes or any state or
local income taxes.
The foregoing is only a summary of some of the important Federal and state
tax considerations generally affecting the Funds and their shareholders. There
may be other Federal, state or local tax considerations applicable to a
particular investor. Prospective investors are urged to consult their tax
advisors.
28
<PAGE>
9. OTHER INFORMATION
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Each Funds' performance may be quoted in advertising in terms of yield or
total return. Both types are based on historical results and are not intended to
indicate future performance. A Fund's yield is a way of showing the rate of
income earned by the Fund as a percentage of the Fund's share price. Yield is
calculated by dividing the net investment income of the Fund for the stated
period by the average number of shares entitled to receive dividends and
expressing the result as an annualized percentage rate based on the Fund's share
price at the end of the period. TaxSaver Bond Fund may also quote tax equivalent
yields, which show the taxable yields a shareholder would have to earn to equal
the Fund's tax-free yields after taxes. A tax equivalent yield is calculated by
dividing the Fund's tax-free yield by one minus a stated Federal, state or
combined Federal and state tax rate. Total return refers to the average annual
compounded rates of return over some representative period that would equate an
initial amount invested at the beginning of a stated period to the ending
redeemable value of the investment, after giving effect to the reinvestment of
all dividends and distributions and deductions of expenses during the period.
Each of the Funds also may advertise its total return over different periods of
time on a before-tax, after-tax or taxable-equivalent basis or by means of
aggregate, average, year by year, or other types of total return figures.
Because average annual returns tend to smooth out variations in the Funds'
returns, shareholders should recognize that they are not the same as actual
year-by-year results. A computation of yield or total return that does not take
into account the sales load paid by an investor will be higher than a
computation based on the public offering price of the shares purchased that does
take into account payment of a sales load.
The Funds' advertisements may reference ratings and rankings among similar
funds by independent evaluators such as Morningstar, Lipper Analytical Services,
Inc. or IBC/Donoghue, Inc. In addition, the performance of the Funds may be
compared to recognized indices of market performance. The comparative material
found in a Fund's advertisements, sales literature or reports to shareholders
may contain performance ratings. These are not to be considered representative
or indicative of future performance.
BANKING LAW MATTERS
Banking laws and regulations generally permit a bank or bank affiliate to
purchase shares of an investment company as agent for and upon the order of a
customer and in the view of Forum would permit a bank or bank affiliate to serve
as a Processing Organization or perform sub-transfer agent or similar services
for the Trust and its shareholders. If a bank or bank affiliate were prohibited
from performing all or a part of the foregoing services, its shareholder
customers would be permitted to remain shareholders of the Trust and alternative
means for continuing to service them would be sought. It is not expected that
shareholders would suffer adverse financial consequences as a result of any
changes in bank or bank affiliate service arrangements.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The Trust determines the net asset value per share of the each Fund as of
4:00 p.m., Eastern time, on each Fund Business Day by dividing the value of the
Fund's net assets (I.E., the value of its portfolio securities and other assets
less its liabilities) by the number of that Fund's shares outstanding at the
time the determination is made. Securities owned by a Fund for which market
quotations are readily available are valued at current market value, or, in
their absence, at fair value as determined by the Board.
THE TRUST AND ITS SHARES
The Trust was originally incorporated in Maryland on March 24, 1980 and
assumed the name of Forum Funds, Inc. on March 16, 1987. On January 5, 1996,
Forum Funds, Inc. was reorganized as a
29
<PAGE>
Delaware business trust. The Trust has an unlimited number of authorized shares
of beneficial interest. The Board may, without shareholder approval, divide the
authorized shares into an unlimited number of separate portfolios or series
(such as the Fund) and may in the future divide portfolios or series into two or
more classes of shares (such as Investor and Institutional Shares). Currently
the authorized shares of the Trust are divided into 15 separate series.
Each share of each fund of the Trust and each class of shares has equal
dividend, distribution, liquidation and voting rights, and fractional shares
have those rights proportionately, except that expenses related to the
distribution of the shares of each class (and certain other expenses such as
transfer agency and administration expenses) are borne solely by those shares
and each class votes separately with respect to the provisions of any Rule 12b-1
plan which pertain to the class and other matters for which separate class
voting is appropriate under applicable law. Generally, shares will be voted in
the aggregate without reference to a particular portfolio or class, except if
the matter affects only one portfolio or class or voting by portfolio or class
is required by law, in which case shares will be voted separately by portfolio
or class, as appropriate. Delaware law does not require the Trust to hold annual
meetings of shareholders, and it is anticipated that shareholder meetings will
be held only when specifically required by Federal or state law. Shareholders
have available certain procedures for the removal of Trustees. There are no
conversion or preemptive rights in connection with shares of the Trust. All
shares when issued in accordance with the terms of the offering will be fully
paid and nonassessable. Shares are redeemable at net asset value, at the option
of the shareholders, subject to any contingent deferred sales charge that may
apply. A shareholder in a portfolio is entitled to the shareholder's pro rata
share of all dividends and distributions arising from that portfolio's assets
and, upon redeeming shares, will receive the portion of the portfolio's net
assets represented by the redeemed shares.
From time to time, certain shareholders may own a large percentage of the
shares of the Fund. Accordingly, those shareholders may be able to greatly
affect (if not determine) the outcome of a shareholder vote.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, THE STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND THE FUND'S OFFICIAL SALES LITERATURE IN CONNECTION
WITH THE OFFERING OF THE FUND'S SHARES, AND IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION
OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE
TRUST. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER IN ANY STATE IN WHICH, OR TO
ANY PERSON TO WHOM, SUCH OFFER MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.
30
<PAGE>
FORUM FUNDS
[LOGO] ACCOUNT APPLICATION ACCOUNT NUMBER__________
1. INITIAL INVESTMENT ($5,000 minimum)
/ / Check enclosed for $______________________ / / Investors Bond
/ / I have telephoned the Transfer Agent / / Tax Saver Bond
to make wire arrangements (see
instructions on reverse).
/ / My initial investment wire is $___________
2. REGISTRATION (please print)
/ / INDIVIDUALS
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Investor's Name
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Social Security Number
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Joint Investor's Name (right of survivorship
presumed unless tenancy in common is indicated)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Social Security Number
/ / GIFTS TO MINORS
as custodian for
----------------------------- ----------------------------
Custodian's Name (only one Minor's Name (only one
permitted) permitted)
under the _______________ Uniform Gifts to Minors Act
State
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Minor's Social Security Number
/ / CORPORATIONS, PARTNERSHIPS & OTHERS (additional documentation required for
investors in any representative capacity)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Name of Entity (indicate type of business, e.g., partnership)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Taxpayer Identification Number
/ / TRUSTS (including corporate pension plans)
as trustee(s) for
----------------------------- ---------------------------
Trustee(s) Name(s) Name of Trust
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Full date of trust instrument
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Taxpayer Identification Number
3. ADDRESS
CITIZENSHIP: / / U.S. / / Resident Alien / / Non-Resident Alien___________
Country
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Number and Street
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
City State Zip Code
-------------------------------- ------------------ --------------------
Contact Person Telephone (Day) Telephone (Evening)
4. TELEPHONE AND WIRE REDEMPTION PRIVILEGES (subject to the terms set forth in
the Prospectus)
/ / Telephone Redemption/Exchange Privilege
The Fund and Forum Financial Corp. ("Forum") are hereby authorized to honor
verbal instructions for the (i) redemption of any and all Fund shares held
in the undersigned's account provided that proceeds are mailed to the
shareholders address of record or to the bank account indicated below and
(ii) exchange of Fund shares into another account. The Fund and Forum are
authorized to honor any verbal instructions for purposes of redemption or
exchange purporting to be from the shareholder and believed by the Fund or
Forum to be genuine, and neither the Fund nor Forum shall be liable for any
loss, cost or expense for acting upon such instructions.
/ / Wire Redemption Privilege
The Fund and Forum are authorized to honor written instructions with
signature guaranteed or, if Telephone Redemption Privileges are elected,
verbal instructions, to redeem any and all Fund shares held in the
undersigned's account provided that the proceeds are transmitted to the
bank account indicated below. Complete the following if either privilege is
elected:
------------------------------------------------------ -----------------
Name of Bank (attach a voided check or deposit slip) Account Number
------------------------------------------------------ -----------------
Address and Branch of Bank ABA #
<PAGE>
ACCOUNT APPLICATION (CONTINUED)
5. DIVIDEND AND CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTION PAYMENT OPTIONS (check one)
/ / Full Reinvestment: Reinvest all income dividends and capital gain
distributions when paid.
/ / Capital Gain Reinvestment: Reinvest capital gain distributions when paid;
pay income dividends in cash.
/ / Cash: Pay all income dividends and capital gain distributions in cash.
(Note: If none of the above boxes are checked, shareholders are assigned the
Full Reinvestment option.)
6. DUPLICATE STATEMENT ADDRESS (optional)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Company Name Contact Person
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Number and Street
-----------------------------------------------------------------
City State Zip Code
-------------------------------- -------------------------------
Telephone (Day) Telephone (Evening)
7. DEALER INFORMATION (for broker/dealer use only)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Firm Name NSCC Code
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Representative's Name Representative's #
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Branch Address Branch Code
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Dealer's Authorized Signature Source of Business Code
8. SIGNATURE
I am (We are) of legal age in the state of my (our) residence and wish to
purchase shares of the Fund(s) indicated as described in the current Prospectus
(a copy of which I (we) have received). By the execution of this Account
Application, the undersigned represent(s) and warrant(s) that I (we) have full
right, power and authority to make this investment and the undersigned is (are)
duly authorized to sign this Account Application and to purchase or redeem
shares of the Fund on behalf of the Investor.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Investor/Custodian Trustee Date
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Joint Investor/Co-Trustee Date
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate Officer (Name) Title
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Corporate Officer Title
TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER CERTIFICATION
(check appropriate box, if applicable).
Under the penalties of perjury, I certify:
/ / That the number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification
number and that I am not subject to backup withholding because (a) I am
exempt from backup withholding, (b) I have not been notified by the
Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") that I am subject to backup withholding as
a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS
has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding.
/ / That I have not provided a taxpayer identification number because I have
not been issued a number, but I have applied for one or will do so in the
near future. I understand that if I do not provide my number to the Fund
within 60 days, the Fund will be required to begin backup withholding.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Investor/Custodian/Trustee Date
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Joint Investor/Co-Trustee Date
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate Officer (Name) Title
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Corporate Officer Title
9. INITIAL INVESTMENT AND MAILING INSTRUCTIONS
(1) If making your initial investment by check, complete the Account
Application and mail it with your check, payable to "Forum Funds" to:
FORUM FINANCIAL CORP.
ATTN: TRANSFER AGENT
P.O. BOX 446
PORTLAND, ME 04112
(2) If making your initial investment by bank wire, call the Transfer Agent
(Forum Financial Corp.) at 800-94FORUM (800-943-6786) to obtain an account
number. Then instruct your bank to wire Federal Funds to:
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON
BOSTON, MA
ABA # 011000390
CREDIT TO: FORUM FINANCIAL CORP.
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 541-54171
FOR FURTHER CREDIT TO: (FUND NAME)
ACCOUNT NAME / ACCOUNT NUMBER
Complete the Account Application and mail it to the address listed above.
Be sure to indicate the account number assigned to you on this Account
Application.
<PAGE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[LOGO]
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
Forum Financial Corp.
P.O. Box 446
Portland, ME 04112
207-879-0001 (IN PORTLAND, ME)
800-94FORUM (ELSEWHERE)
<PAGE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FORUM FUNDS
PROSPECTUS
AUGUST 1, 1996
--------------------------
MAINE MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND
--------------------------
[LOGO]
Investment Advisor
Forum Advisors, Inc.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
<C> <S> <C>
1. Prospectus Summary................... 2
2. Financial Highlights................. 3
3. Investment Objective and Policies.... 4
4. Management........................... 10
5. Purchases and Redemptions of 11
Shares..............................
6. Dividends and Tax Matters............ 17
7. Other Information.................... 19
Account Application
</TABLE>
i
<PAGE>
FORUM FUNDS
MAINE MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
ACCOUNT INFORMATION AND
[LOGO]
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING:
Forum Financial Corp.
P.O. Box 446
Portland, Maine 04112
(207) 879-0001
(800) 94FORUM
PROSPECTUS
August 1, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Prospectus offers shares of Maine Municipal Bond Fund (the "Fund"), a
non-diversified series of Forum Funds (the "Trust"), an open-end, management
investment company.
MAINE MUNICIPAL BOND FUND seeks to provide shareholders with a high level of
current income exempt from both Federal and Maine state income taxes (other
than the alternative minimum tax), without assuming undue risk. The Fund
invests principally in investment grade Maine municipal securities.
Shares of the Fund are offered to investors at a price equal to the next
determined net asset value plus a maximum sales charge of 3.75% of the total
public offering price (3.90% of the net amount invested).
This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information concerning the Trust and
the Fund that a prospective investor should know before investing. The Trust has
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a Statement of Additional
Information dated August 1, 1996, as may be amended from time to time (the
"SAI"), which contains more detailed information about the Trust and the Fund
and which is incorporated into this Prospectus by reference. The SAI is
available without charge by contacting the Trust at the address listed above.
INVESTORS SHOULD READ THIS PROSPECTUS AND RETAIN IT FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
SHARES OF THE FUND ARE OFFERED ONLY TO
RESIDENTS OF THE STATE OF MAINE.
FUND SHARES ARE NOT OBLIGATIONS, DEPOSITS OR ACCOUNTS OF, OR ENDORSED OR
GUARANTEED BY, ANY BANK OR ANY AFFILIATE OF A BANK AND ARE NOT INSURED OR
GUARANTEED BY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, THE FDIC, THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM OR ANY
OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
1. PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The investment objective of the Fund is to provide shareholders with a high
level of current income exempt from both Federal and Maine state income taxes
(other than the alternative minimum tax), without assuming undue risk. The Fund
invests principally in investment grade Maine municipal securities. It is
anticipated that the average weighted maturity of all municipal securities in
the Fund will normally range between five and 15 years. See "Investment
Objectives and Policies."
FUND MANAGEMENT
The executive offices of the Fund's investment adviser, Forum Advisors, Inc.
(the "Adviser"), are located at Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101. The
manager of the Trust and distributor of its shares is Forum Financial Services,
Inc. ("Forum"). Forum Financial Corp. (the "Transfer Agent"), Two Portland
Square, Portland, Maine 04101, serves as the Trust's transfer agent, dividend
disbursing agent and shareholder servicing agent. See "Management."
PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS
Shares of the Fund are offered at the next-determined net asset value per
share plus any applicable sales charge. The minimum initial investment is $5,000
and the minimum subsequent investment is $500. Shares may be redeemed without
charge. See "Purchases and Redemptions of Shares."
EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Shareholders of the Fund may exchange their shares without charge for the
shares of certain other funds of the Trust. See "Purchases and Redemptions of
Shares - Exchanges."
DIVIDENDS
Dividends of net investment income are declared daily and paid monthly by
the Fund and are reinvested in Fund shares unless a shareholder elects to have
them paid in cash. It is anticipated that substantially all of the dividends
paid by the Fund will be exempt from Federal income tax and from Maine personal
income tax. See "Dividends and Tax Matters."
CERTAIN RISK FACTORS
There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment
objective. The Fund's net asset value will fluctuate as the value of the Fund's
portfolio securities changes and will tend to vary inversely with movements in
interest rates. The Fund is non-diversified and, therefore, has greater freedom
to concentrate its investments in a limited number of issues than if it were a
diversified fund. The Fund invests principally in the securities of Maine
municipal issuers, which entails more risk than if the Fund were to invest in
issuers with greater geographic diversity. See "Investment Objective and
Policies - Certain Risk Factors."
EXPENSES OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
The purpose of the following table is to assist investors in understanding
the various expenses that an investor in the Fund will bear directly or
indirectly.
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases
(as a percentage of public offering price)
(1)....................................... 3.75%
Exchange Fee............................... None
</TABLE>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (2)
(as a percentage of average net assets after expense reimbursements and fee
waivers)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Management Fees (3)........................ 0.40%
12b-1 Fees................................. None
Other Expenses............................. 0.20%
------
Total Fund Operating Expenses.............. 0.60%
</TABLE>
(1) Certain shareholders may be eligible for reduced sales charges. See
"Purchases and Redemptions of Shares - Reduced Sales Charges."
(2) The amounts of expenses are based on amounts incurred during the Fund's
most recent fiscal year ended March 31, 1996. Absent actual
2
<PAGE>
expense reimbursements and fee waivers, the expenses of the Fund would have
been: Management Fees, 0.70%; Other Expenses, 0.78%; and Total Fund Operating
Expenses, 1.48%. For a further description of the various expenses incurred in
the operation of the Fund, see "Management." Expense reimbursements and fee
waivers are voluntary and may be reduced or eliminated at any time.
(3) Includes the Adviser's investment advisory fee and Forum's management
fee.
EXAMPLE
Following is a hypothetical example that indicates the dollar amount of
expenses that an investor in the Fund would pay assuming a $1,000 investment in
the Fund, a 5% annual return, the reinvestment of all dividends and
distributions and redemption at the end of each period:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$ 43 $ 56 $ 70 $ 110
</TABLE>
The example is based on the expenses listed in the table and assumes
deduction of the maximum initial sales charge. The five percent annual return is
not predictive of and does not represent the Fund's projected returns; rather,
it is required by government regulation. THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A
REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES OR RETURN. ACTUAL EXPENSES AND RETURN
MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN INDICATED.
2. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following information represents selected data for a single share
outstanding of the Fund. This information has been audited by Deloitte & Touche
LLP, independent auditors. The financial statements and independent auditors'
report thereon are incorporated by reference into the SAI. Further information
about the Fund's performance is contained in the Fund's annual report to
shareholders, which may be obtained from the Trust without charge.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended March 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992(1)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Beginning Net Asset Value per Share $10.47 $10.37 $10.55 $9.98 $10.00
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------
Net Investment Income 0.51 0.52 0.52 0.58 0.19
Net Realized and Unrealized
Investment Gain (Loss) on
Securities 0.25 0.11 (0.16) 0.57 (0.02)
Dividends from Net Investment Income (0.51) (0.52) (0.52) (0.58) (0.19)
Distributions from Net Realized
Gains -- (0.01) (0.02) -- --
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------
Ending Net Asset Value per Share $10.72 $10.47 $10.37 $10.55 $9.98
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------
Ratios to Average Net Assets:
Expenses (2) 0.60 % 0.50 % 0.50 % 0.40 % 0.46 %(3)
Net Investment Income 4.73 % 5.08 % 4.81 % 5.25 % 5.65 %(3)
Total Return 7.34 % 6.31 % 3.42 % 11.80 % 5.27 %(3)
Portfolio Turnover Rate 34.07 % 31.55 % 13.47 % 7.82 % 15.24 %
Net Assets at the End of Period
(000's Omitted) $ 26,044 $25,525 $26,310 $16,518 $1,968
</TABLE>
(1) The Fund commenced operations on December 5, 1991.
(2) During the periods, various fees and expenses were waived and reimbursed,
respectively. Had these waivers and reimbursements not occurred, the ratio
of expenses to average net assets would have been:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Expenses 1.48 % 1.40 % 1.44 % 1.98 % 6.83 %(3)
</TABLE>
3
<PAGE>
(3) Annualized.
3. INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The investment objective of the Fund is to provide shareholders with a high
level of current income exempt from both Federal and Maine state income taxes
(other than the alternative minimum tax), without assuming undue risk. Except
during periods when the Fund assumes a temporary defensive position, the Fund
will invest at least 80% of its total assets in securities the interest on which
is exempt from Federal and Maine income tax. There can be no assurance that the
Fund will achieve its investment objective.
INVESTMENT POLICIES
The Fund pursues its objective by investing principally in investment grade
debt obligations issued by the state of Maine and its political subdivisions,
duly constituted authorities and corporations. These securities are generally
known as "municipal securities" and include municipal bonds, notes and leases.
It is anticipated that under normal circumstances substantially all of the
Fund's assets will be invested in municipal securities the interest income from
which is exempt from Federal income taxes and Maine state personal income taxes
(except when received by a shareholder in a taxable year for which the
shareholder will be subject, for Federal or Maine income tax purposes, to the
alternative minimum tax ("AMT")).
GENERAL. The market value of the municipal securities held by the Fund will
be affected by changes in interest rates. There is normally an inverse
relationship between the market value of securities sensitive to prevailing
interest rates and actual changes in interest rates. In other words, a decline
in interest rates produces an increase in market value, while an increase in
interest rates produces a decrease in market value. Moreover, the longer the
remaining maturity of a security, the greater will be the effect of interest
rate changes on the market value of that security. Changes in the ability of an
issuer to make payments of interest and principal and in the market's perception
of an issuer's creditworthiness will also affect the market value of the debt
securities of that issuer. Obligations of issuers of municipal securities are
subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the
rights and remedies of creditors. The possibility exists, therefore, that, as a
result of litigation or other conditions, the ability of any issuer to pay, when
due, the principal of and interest on its debt securities may be materially
impaired.
The yields of municipal securities depend on, among other things, conditions
in the municipal securities market and fixed income markets generally, the size
of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligation, and the rating of the
issue. Maine municipal securities may have yields slightly less than the
municipal obligations of issuers located in other states because of the Maine
state tax exemption on Maine issues.
In general, the longer the maturity of a municipal security, the higher the
rate of interest it pays. However, a longer average maturity is generally
associated with a higher level of volatility in the market value of a municipal
security. The average maturity of the Fund's portfolio will vary depending on
anticipated market conditions. It is anticipated, however, that the average
weighted maturity of all municipal securities in the Fund will normally range
between five and 15 years.
Municipal securities also include securities issued by Puerto Rico, other
United States territories or possessions and their subdivisions, authorities and
corporations the income from which is not subject to Federal or Maine State
income tax. No more than 25% of the Fund's total assets may be invested in
issuers located in any territory or possession of the United States.
4
<PAGE>
Under current Federal tax law, a distinction is drawn between municipal
securities issued after August 7, 1986 to finance certain "private activities"
and other municipal securities. Private activity securities include securities
issued to finance such projects as certain solid waste disposal facilities,
student loan programs, and water and sewage projects. Interest income from
certain of these securities is subject to the Federal AMT and similar treatment
may apply for Maine AMT purposes. See "Dividends and Tax Matters." Because
interest income on securities subject to the Federal AMT is taxable to certain
investors, it is expected, although there can be no guarantee, that these
municipal securities generally will provide somewhat higher yields than other
municipal securities of comparable quality and maturity that are not subject to
the AMT. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its net assets in cash or cash
equivalents.
CREDIT MATTERS. Normally, at least 80% of the Fund's total assets will be
invested in municipal bonds rated at the time of purchase within the four
highest rating categories assigned by a nationally recognized statistical rating
organization ("NRSRO") such as Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") (Aaa,
Aa, A and Baa), Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") (AAA, AA, A and BBB) or
Fitch Investors Services, L.P. ("Fitch") (AAA, AA, A and BBB) or which are
unrated and determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality. Securities in
these ratings are generally considered to be investment grade securities,
although Moody's indicates that municipal securities rated Baa have speculative
characteristics and changes in economic conditions or other circumstances are
more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to make principal and interest
payments than is the case with higher grade bonds. Unrated securities may not be
as actively traded as rated securities. A further description of the ratings
used by Moody's, S&P and Fitch is included in the SAI. The Fund may invest up to
20% of its total assets in municipal bonds rated in the fifth or sixth highest
rating category by an NRSRO or which are unrated and determined by the Adviser
to be of comparable quality. These securities are not considered to be
investment grade, have speculative or predominantly speculative characteristics
and are commonly known as "Junk Bonds". The Fund only invests in municipal notes
and other short-term municipal obligations in the two highest rating categories
assigned by an NRSRO or which are unrated and determined by the Adviser to be of
comparable quality. The Fund may retain securities whose rating has been lowered
below the lowest permissible rating category (or that are unrated and determined
by the Advisor to be of comparable quality) only if the Adviser determines that
retaining the security is in the best interests of the Fund.
A non-rated municipal security will be considered for investment by the Fund
when the Adviser believes that the financial condition of the issuer of the
obligation and the protection afforded by the terms of the obligation limit the
risk to the Fund to a degree comparable to that of rated securities in which the
Fund may invest. During its last fiscal year, the Fund had 94.65% of its average
annual assets in municipal securities rated by Moody's or S&P and 5.35% of its
average annual assets in unrated investments, including cash and short-term cash
equivalents which are often unrated. During that year ended March 31, 1996, the
Fund had the following percentages of its average annual net assets invested in
rated securities: Aaa/AAA - 31.89%, Aa/AA - 29.57%, A/A - 22.11%, Baa/ BBB -
7.71%. For this purpose, securities with different ratings from Moody's and S&P
were assigned the higher rating. This information reflects the average month end
composition of the Fund's assets for the Fund's last fiscal year and is not
necessarily representative of the Fund as of the end of last year, the current
fiscal year or any other time.
MUNICIPAL BONDS. Municipal bonds, which are intended to meet longer term
capital needs, can be classified as either "general obligation" or "revenue"
bonds. General obligation bonds are secured by a municipality's pledge of its
full faith, credit and
5
<PAGE>
taxing power for the payment of principal and interest. Revenue bonds are
generally payable only from the revenues derived from a particular facility or
class of facilities or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a special excise or
other tax, but not from general tax revenues. Municipal bonds also include
private activity bonds ("PABs"), which are bonds issued by or on behalf of
public authorities to finance various privately operated facilities. PABs are in
most cases revenue bonds. The payment of the principal and interest on these
bonds is dependent solely on the ability of an initial or subsequent user of the
facilities financed by the bonds to meet its financial obligations and the
pledge, if any, of real and personal property financed by the bond as security
for payment. The Fund will acquire only PABs whose interest payments, in the
opinion of the issuer's counsel, are exempt from Federal and Maine state income
taxation (other than the AMT).
MUNICIPAL NOTES AND LEASES. Municipal notes, which may be either "general
obligation" or "revenue" securities, are intended to fulfill short-term capital
needs and generally have original maturities of 397 days or less. They include
tax anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes,
construction loan notes and tax-exempt commercial paper. Municipal leases and
installment purchase or conditional sale contracts (which normally provide for
title to the leased assets to pass eventually to the government issuer) are a
means for governmental issuers to acquire property and equipment without meeting
the constitutional and statutory requirements for the issuance of long-term
debt. Municipal leases frequently have special risks not normally associated
with general obligation or revenue bonds or notes as described in the SAI.
VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE SECURITIES. The securities in which the Fund
invests may have variable or floating rates of interest. These securities pay
interest at rates that are adjusted periodically according to a specified
formula, usually with reference to some interest rate index or market interest
rate (the "underlying index"). The interest paid on these securities is a
function primarily of the underlying index upon which the interest rate
adjustments are based. Such adjustments minimize changes in the market value of
the obligation and, accordingly, enhance the ability of the Fund to maintain a
stable net asset value. Similar to fixed rate debt instruments, variable and
floating rate instruments are subject to changes in value based on changes in
market interest rates or changes in the issuer's creditworthiness. The rate of
interest on securities purchased by the Fund may be tied to various rates of
interest or index.
There may not be an active secondary market for certain floating or variable
rate instruments, which could make it difficult for the Fund to dispose of an
instrument during periods that the Fund is not entitled to exercise any demand
rights it may have. The Fund could, for this or other reasons, suffer a loss
with respect to an instrument. The Adviser monitors the liquidity of the Fund's
investment in variable and floating rate instruments, but there can be no
guarantee that an active secondary market will exist.
PARTICIPATION INTERESTS. The Fund may purchase participation interests in
municipal securities that are owned by banks or other financial institutions.
Participation interests carry a demand feature backed by a letter of credit or
guarantee of the bank or institution permitting the holder to tender them back
to the bank or other institution. The Fund will only purchase participation
interests from Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insured banks having total
assets of more than one billion dollars or from other financial institutions
whose long-term debt securities are rated within the four highest rating
categories of an NRSRO or which are unrated and determined by the Adviser to be
of comparable quality. Prior to purchasing any participation interest, the Fund
will obtain appropriate assurances from counsel retained by the Trust that the
interest earned by the Fund from the obligations in which it holds participation
interests is exempt from Federal income tax.
6
<PAGE>
STAND-BY COMMITMENTS. The Fund may purchase municipal securities together
with the right to resell them to the seller at an agreed upon price or yield
within specified periods prior to their maturity dates. These rights to resell
are commonly known as "stand-by commitments." The aggregate price which the Fund
pays for securities with a stand-by commitment may be higher than the price
which otherwise would be paid. The primary purpose of this practice is to permit
the Fund to be as fully invested as practicable in municipal securities while
preserving the necessary flexibility and liquidity to meet unanticipated
redemptions. The Fund will enter into stand-by commitments only with banks or
municipal securities dealers that in the opinion of the Adviser present minimal
credit risks. The value of a stand-by commitment is dependent on the ability of
the writer to meet its repurchase obligation.
CERTAIN RISK FACTORS
GEOGRAPHIC CONCENTRATION. Because the Fund invests principally in Maine
municipal securities, the Fund is more susceptible to factors adversely
affecting issuers of those municipal securities than would be a comparable
municipal securities portfolio having a lesser degree of geographic
concentration. These risks arise from the financial condition of the state of
Maine and its political subdivisions. To the extent state or local governmental
entities are unable to meet their financial obligations, the income derived by
the Fund, its ability to preserve or realize appreciation of its portfolio
assets or its liquidity could be impaired.
To the extent the Fund's investments are primarily concentrated in issuers
located in Maine, the value of the Fund's shares may be especially affected by
factors pertaining to Maine's economy and other factors specifically affecting
the ability of issuers in Maine to meet their obligations. As a result, the
value of the Fund's assets may fluctuate more widely than the value of shares of
a portfolio investing in securities relating to a number of different states.
The ability of state, county or local governments and quasi-governmental
agencies to meet their obligations will depend primarily on the availability of
tax and other revenues to those governments and on their fiscal conditions
generally. The amounts of tax and other revenues available to governmental
issuers may be affected from time to time by economic, political and demographic
conditions within the state. In addition, constitutional or statutory
restrictions may limit a government's power to raise revenues or increase taxes.
The availability of Federal, state and local aid to governmental issuers may
also affect their ability to meet obligations. Payments of principal of and
interest on private activity securities will depend on the economic condition of
the facility or specific revenue source from whose revenues the payments will be
made, which in turn could be affected by economic, political or demographic
conditions in the state.
DIVERSIFICATION MATTERS. The Fund is non-diversified, which means that it
has greater latitude than a diversified fund with respect to the investment of
its assets in the securities of a relatively small number of municipal issuers.
As a non-diversified portfolio, the Fund may present greater risks than a
diversified fund. The Fund's diversification requirements provide that, as of
the last day of each fiscal quarter, with respect to 50% of its assets, the Fund
may not own the securities of a single issuer, other than a U.S. Government
security, with a value of more than 5% of the Fund's total assets. Except for
U.S. Government securities, no more than 25% of the total assets of the Fund may
be invested in securities of any one issuer. These limitations do not apply to
securities of an issuer payable solely from the proceeds of escrowed U.S.
Government securities. The Fund will be subject to
7
<PAGE>
a greater risk of loss if an issuer in which the Fund invests a substantial
amount of its assets is unable to make interest or principal payments or if the
market value of securities declines.
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE STATE OF MAINE. In 1991, citing declines in key
financial indicators and continued softness in the Maine economy, S&P lowered
its credit rating for Maine general obligations from AAA to AA+, and at the same
time lowered its credit rating on bonds issued by the Maine Municipal Bond Bank
and the Maine Court Facilities Authority, and on State of Maine Certificates of
Participation for highway equipment from AA to A+. In August 1993, citing the
"effects of protracted economic slowdown and the expectation that Maine's
economy will not soon return to the pattern of robust growth evident in the
mid-1980s," Moody's lowered its credit rating for Maine general obligations from
Aa1 to Aa. At the same time, Moody's lowered from Aa1 to Aa the ratings assigned
to state-guaranteed bonds of the Maine School Building Authority and the Finance
Authority of Maine, and confirmed at A1 the ratings assigned to the bonds of the
Maine Court Facilities Authority and State of Maine Certificates of
Participation. There can be no assurance that Maine general obligations or the
securities of any Maine political subdivision, authority or corporation owned by
the Fund will be rated in any category or will not be downgraded by an NRSRO.
Further information concerning the State of Maine is contained in the SAI.
CORE AND GATEWAY-REGISTERED TRADEMARK-. Shareholders of the Fund have
approved a new investment policy that permits the Fund to seek to achieve its
investment objective by converting to a Core and Gateway structure. The Fund,
upon future action by the Board of Trustees and notice to shareholders, may
convert to this structure, in which the Fund would hold as its only investment
securities the shares of another investment company having substantially the
same investment objective and policies as the Fund. The Board of Trustees will
not authorize conversion to a Core and Gateway structure if it would materially
increase costs to a Fund's shareholders.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT POLICIES
All investment policies of the Fund that are designated as fundamental, and
the Fund's investment objective, may not be changed without approval of the
holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities. A majority of
the Fund's outstanding voting securities means the lesser of 67% of the shares
of the Fund present or represented at a shareholders meeting at which the
holders of more than 50% of the shares are present or represented, or more than
50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. Except as otherwise indicated,
investment policies of the Fund are not fundamental and may be changed by the
Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board") without shareholder approval. A
further description of the Fund's investment policies is contained in the SAI.
The Fund may borrow money for temporary or emergency purposes (including the
meeting of redemption requests), but, as a fundamental policy, not in excess of
33 1/3% of the value of the Fund's total assets. Borrowing for purposes other
than meeting redemption requests may not exceed 10% of the value of the Fund's
total assets. The Fund may not invest more than 15% of its net assets in
illiquid securities, including repurchase agreements not entitling the Fund to
the payment of principal within seven days. The Fund may hold cash pending
investment and may invest up to 10% of its total assets in money market mutual
funds that invest in municipal securities exempt from Federal income taxes. In
the future, the Fund may enter into repurchase agreements, which are
transactions in which the Fund purchases a security and simultaneously commits
to resell that security to the seller at an agreed-upon price on an agreed-upon
future date, normally one to seven days later, and may lend its securities to
other persons.
8
<PAGE>
WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES AND FORWARD COMMITMENTS. The Fund may purchase
securities offered on a "when-issued" basis and may purchase or sell securities
on a "forward commitment" basis. When these transactions are negotiated, the
price, which is generally expressed in yield terms, is fixed at the time the
commitment is made, but delivery and payment for the securities take place at a
later date. Normally, the settlement date occurs within three months after the
transaction. The Fund enters into when-issued and forward commitments only with
the intention of actually receiving or delivering the securities, as the case
may be. When-issued securities may include bonds purchased on a "when, as and if
issued" basis under which the issuance of the securities depends upon the
occurrence of a subsequent event, such as approval of a proposed financing by
appropriate municipal authorities.
During the period between a commitment and settlement, no payment is made
for the securities purchased and, thus, no interest accrues to the purchaser
from the transaction. However, at the time the Fund makes a commitment to
purchase securities in this manner, the Fund immediately assumes the risk of
ownership, including price fluctuation. Failure by the other party to deliver or
pay for a security purchased or sold by the Fund may result in a loss or a
missed opportunity to make an alternative investment. Any significant commitment
of the Fund's assets committed to the purchase of securities on a when-issued or
forward commitment basis may increase the volatility of its net asset value.
The use of when-issued transactions and forward commitments may enable the
Fund to hedge against anticipated changes in interest rates and prices. If the
Adviser were to forecast incorrectly the direction of interest rate movements,
however, the Fund might be required to complete these transactions at prices
inferior to the current market values. No when-issued or forward commitments
will be made by the Fund if, as a result, more than 15% of the value of the
Fund's total assets would be committed to such transactions.
The Fund's use of when-issued securities and forward commitments entails
certain risks not associated with direct investments in securities. For
instance, in the event that bankruptcy or similar proceedings were commenced
against a counterparty in these transactions or a counterparty defaulted on its
obligations, the Fund might suffer a loss. The Adviser monitors the
creditworthiness of counterparties to these transactions and intends to enter
into these transactions only when it believes the counterparties present minimal
credit risks and the income to be earned from the transaction justifies the
attendant risks.
TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE POSITION. When business or financial conditions
warrant, for example, when issues of sufficient quality and liquidity are not
available, the Fund may assume a temporary defensive position and invest all or
part of its assets in cash or prime quality cash equivalents, including (i)
short-term U.S. Government securities, (ii) certificates of deposit, bankers'
acceptances and interest-bearing savings deposits of commercial banks doing
business in the United States, (iii) commercial paper, (iv) repurchase
agreements covering any of the securities in which the Fund may invest directly
and (v) to the extent permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, money
market mutual funds. During periods when and to the extent that the Fund has
assumed a temporary defensive position, it will not be pursuing its investment
objective.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER. The frequency of portfolio transactions of the Fund
(the portfolio turnover rate) will vary from year to year depending on market
conditions. From time to time the Fund may engage in active short-term trading
to benefit from yield disparities among different issues of debt securities, to
seek short-term profits during periods of fluctuating interest rates, or for
other reasons.
9
<PAGE>
This type of trading will increase the Fund's portfolio turnover rate and
transaction costs and may increase the Fund's capital gains, which are not tax-
exempt when distributed to shareholders. The Adviser weighs the anticipated
benefits of short-term investments against these consequences. The Fund's
portfolio turnover rate is reported under "Financial Highlights."
4. MANAGEMENT
The business of the Trust is managed under the direction of the Board of
Directors. The Board formulates the general policies of the Fund and meets
periodically to review the results of the Fund, monitor investment activities
and practices and discuss other matters affecting the Fund and the Trust.
MANAGER AND DISTRIBUTOR
Subject to the Supervision of the Board, Forum supervises the overall
management of the Fund. Forum, the Adviser and the Transfer Agent are members of
the Forum Financial Group of companies and together provide a full range of
services to the investment company and financial services industry. As of the
date hereof Forum acted as manager and distributor of registered investment
companies and collective trust funds with assets of approximately $16 billion.
Forum is a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser and is a member of
the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. As of the date of this
Prospectus, Forum, the Adviser and the Transfer Agent were controlled by John Y.
Keffer, President and Chairman of the Trust.
Under its management agreement with the Trust, Forum supervises all aspects
of the Fund's operations, including the receipt of services for which the Trust
is obligated to pay, provides the Trust with general office facilities and
provides, at the Trust's expense, the services of persons necessary to perform
such supervisory, administrative and clerical functions as are needed to
effectively operate the Trust. Those officers, as well as certain other
employees and Directors of the Trust, may be directors, officers or employees of
(and persons providing services to the Trust may include) Forum and its
affiliates. For these services and facilities, Forum receives with respect to
the Fund a management fee at an annual rate of 0.30% of the Fund's average daily
net assets.
Forum also acts as the distributor of shares of the Fund and pursuant to a
distribution agreement with the Trust Forum receives, and may reallow to certain
financial institutions, the sales charge paid by the purchasers of the Fund's
shares. See "Purchases and Redemptions of Shares - Sales Charges."
ADVISER
Forum Advisors, Inc. serves as the investment adviser of the Fund. Subject
to the general supervision of the Board, the Adviser makes investment decisions
for the Fund. For its services, the Adviser receives an advisory fee at an
annual rate of 0.40% of the Fund's average daily net assets. The Adviser was
incorporated under the laws of Delaware in 1987 and is registered under the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
Leslie C. Berthy, Managing Director of the Adviser since 1989, is primarily
responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund's portfolios and has been
since the Fund's inception. Prior to his association with the Adviser, Mr.
Berthy was Managing Director and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Irwin Union
Capital Corp., an affiliate of Irwin Union Bank & Trust Co.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING
Shareholder inquiries and communications concerning the Fund may be directed
to the Transfer Agent. The Transfer Agent also acts as the Fund's dividend
disbursing agent. The Transfer Agent maintains for each shareholder of record,
an account (unless such accounts are maintained by sub-transfer agents) to which
all shares purchased are credited, together with any distributions that are
reinvested in additional shares and performs
10
<PAGE>
other transfer agency functions. In addition, the Transfer Agent performs
portfolio accounting services for the Fund, including determination of the
Fund's net asset value, pursuant to a separate agreement with the Trust. For its
services, the Transfer Agent receives a fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of the
Fund's average daily net assets.
The Transfer Agent is authorized to subcontract any or all of its functions
to one or more qualified sub-transfer agents or processing agents, which may be
processing organizations (as described under "Purchases and Redemptions of
Shares - Purchases and Redemptions Through Financial Institutions"), Forum or
affiliates of Forum, who agree to comply with the terms of the Transfer Agency
Agreement. The Transfer Agent may pay those agents for their services, but no
such payment will increase the Transfer Agent's compensation from the Trust.
EXPENSES OF THE TRUST
The Fund's expenses comprise Trust expenses attributable to the Fund, which
are charged to the Fund, and expenses not attributable to a particular fund of
the Trust, which are allocated among the Fund and all other funds of the Trust
in proportion to their average net assets. Subject to the obligation of the
Adviser to reimburse the Trust for certain excess expenses of the Fund, the
Trust pays for all of its expenses. The Adviser, Forum and the Transfer Agent,
in their sole discretion, may waive all or any portion of their respective fees,
which are accrued daily and paid monthly. Any such waiver, which could be
discontinued at any time, would have the effect of increasing the Fund's
performance for the period during which the waiver was in effect and would not
be recouped at a later date.
5. PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF SHARES
GENERAL INFORMATION
Investments in the Fund may be made either by an investor directly or
through certain brokers and financial institutions of which the investor is a
customer. All transactions in Fund shares are effected through the Transfer
Agent, which accepts orders for purchases and redemptions from shareholders of
record and new investors. Shareholders of record will receive from the Trust
periodic statements listing all account activity during the statement period.
The Trust reserves the right in the future to modify, limit or terminate any
shareholder privilege upon appropriate notice to shareholders and to charge a
fee for certain shareholder services, although no such fees are currently
contemplated.
PURCHASES. Fund shares are sold at a price equal to their net asset value
next-determined after acceptance of an order plus any applicable sales charge,
on all weekdays except customary national business holidays and Good Friday
("Fund Business Day") see "Sales Charge" below. Fund shares are issued after an
order for the shares in proper form is accepted by the Transfer Agent. The
Fund's net asset value is calculated at 4:00 p.m., Eastern time on each Fund
Business Day. Fund shares become entitled to receive dividend on the next Fund
Business Day after the order is accepted. The Fund reserves the right to reject
any subscription for the purchase of its shares. Stock certificates are
issued only to shareholders of record upon their written request and no
certificates are issued for fractional shares.
REDEMPTIONS. Fund shares may be redeemed without charge at their net asset
value on any Fund Business Day. There is no minimum period of investment and no
restriction on the frequency of redemptions. Fund shares are redeemed as of the
next determination of the Fund's net asset value following acceptance by the
Transfer Agent of the redemption order in proper form (and any supporting
documentation which the Transfer
Agent may require). Shares redeemed are not entitled to receive dividends
declared after the day on which the redemption becomes effective.
11
<PAGE>
Normally, redemption proceeds are paid immediately, but in no event later
than seven days, following acceptance of a redemption order. Proceeds of
redemption requests (and exchanges), however, will not be paid unless any check
used to purchase the shares has been cleared by the shareholder's bank, which
may take up to 15 calendar days. This delay may be avoided by investing through
wire transfers. Unless otherwise indicated, redemption proceeds normally are
paid by check mailed to the shareholder's record address. The right of
redemption may not be suspended nor the payment dates postponed for more than
seven days after the tender of shares to the Fund, except when the New York
Stock Exchange is closed (or when trading thereon is restricted) for any reason
other than its customary weekend or holiday closings or under any emergency or
other circumstance as determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Proceeds of redemptions normally are paid in cash. However, payments may be
made wholly or partially in portfolio securities if the Board determines that
payment in cash would be detrimental to the best interests of the Fund. The
Trust will only effect a redemption in portfolio securities if the particular
shareholder is redeeming more than $250,000 or 1% of the Fund's total net
assets, whichever is less, during any 90-day period.
The Trust employs reasonable procedures to insure that telephone orders are
genuine (which include recording certain transactions and the use of shareholder
security codes). If the Trust did not employ such procedures it could be liable
for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions.
Shareholders should verify the accuracy of telephone instructions immediately
upon receipt of confirmation statements. During times of drastic economic or
market changes, telephone redemption and exchange privileges may be difficult to
implement. In the event that a shareholder is unable to reach the Transfer Agent
by telephone, requests may be mailed or hand-delivered to the Transfer Agent.
Due to the cost to the Trust of maintaining smaller accounts, the Trust
reserves the right to redeem, upon not less than 60 days' written notice, all
shares in any Fund account with an aggregate net asset value of less than
$1,000. The Trust will not redeem accounts that fall below that amount solely as
a result of a reduction in net asset value.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION PROCEDURES
The following purchase and redemption procedures and shareholder services
apply to investors who invest in the Fund directly. These investors may open an
account by completing the application at the back of this Prospectus or by
writing the Transfer Agent at the address on the first page of this prospectus.
For those shareholder services not referenced on the account application and to
change information regarding a shareholder's account (such as addresses),
investors should request an Optional Services Form from the Transfer Agent.
INITIAL PURCHASE OF SHARES
There is a $5,000 minimum for initial investments in the Fund.
BY MAIL. Investors may send a check made payable to the Trust along with a
completed account application to the Fund at the address listed on the cover
page of this Prospectus. Checks are accepted at full value subject to
collection. If a check does not clear, the purchase order will be canceled and
the investor will be liable for any losses or fees incurred by the Trust, the
Transfer Agent or Forum.
BY BANK WIRE. To make an initial invest-
ment in the Fund using the wire system for trans-
mittal of money among banks, an investor should first telephone the Trust at
(800)-94FORUM
12
<PAGE>
(800-943-6786) or (207) 879-0001 to obtain an account number. The investor
should then instruct a bank to wire the investor's money immediately to:
First National Bank of Boston
Boston, Massachusetts
ABA# 011000390
For Credit To: Forum Financial Corp.
Account #: 541-54171
Re: Maine Municipal Bond Fund
Account #: ______________
Account Name: __________
The investor should then promptly complete and mail the account application.
Any investor planning to wire funds should instruct a bank early in the day so
the wire transfer can be accomplished the same day. There may be a charge
imposed by the bank for transmitting payment by wire, and there also may be a
charge for the use of Federal funds.
SUBSEQUENT PURCHASES OF SHARES
There is a $500 minimum for subsequent purchases. Subsequent purchases may
be made by mailing a check or by sending a bank wire as indicated above.
Shareholders using the wire system for purchase should first telephone the Trust
at 800-94FORUM (800-943-6786) or (207) 879-0001 to notify it of the wire
transfer. All payments should clearly indicate the shareholder's name and
account number.
Shareholders may purchase Fund shares at regular, preselected intervals by
authorizing the automatic transfer of funds from a designated bank account
maintained with a United States banking institution which is an Automated
Clearing House member. Under the program, existing shareholders may authorize
amounts of $250 or more to be debited from their bank account and invested in
the Fund monthly or quarterly. Shareholders may terminate their automatic
investments or change the amount to be invested at any time by written
notification to the Transfer Agent.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
Shareholders that wish to redeem shares by telephone or receive redemption
proceeds by bank wire must elect these options by properly completing the
appropriate sections of their account application. These privileges may not be
available until several weeks after a shareholder's application is received.
Shares for which certificates have been issued may not be redeemed by telephone.
BY MAIL. Shareholders may make a redemption in any amount by sending a
written request to the Transfer Agent accompanied by any stock certificate that
may have been issued to the shareholder. All written requests for redemption
must be signed by the shareholder with signature guaranteed and all certificates
submitted for redemption must be endorsed by the shareholder with signature
guaranteed.
BY TELEPHONE. A shareholder that has elected telephone redemption
privileges may make a telephone redemption request by calling the Transfer Agent
at 800-94FORUM (800-943-6786) or (207) 879-0001 and providing the shareholder's
account number, the exact name in which the shareholder's shares are registered
and the shareholder's social security or taxpayer identification number. In
response to the telephone redemption instruction, the Fund will mail a check to
the shareholder's record address or, if the shareholder has elected wire
redemption privileges, wire the proceeds.
BY BANK WIRE. For redemptions of more than $5,000, a shareholder that has
elected wire redemption privileges may request the Fund to transmit the
redemption proceeds by Federal Funds wire to a bank account designated on the
shareholder's account application. To request bank wire redemptions by
telephone, the shareholder also must have elected the telephone redemption
privilege. Redemption proceeds are transmitted by wire on the day after the
redemption request in proper form is received by the Transfer Agent.
13
<PAGE>
AUTOMATIC REDEMPTIONS. Shareholders may redeem Fund shares at regular,
preselected intervals by authorizing the automatic redemption of shares from
their Fund account. Redemption proceeds will be sent either by check or by
automatic transfer to a designated bank account maintained with a United States
banking institution which is an Automated Clearing House member. Under this
program, shareholders may authorize the redemption of shares in amounts of $250
or more from their account monthly or quarterly. Shareholders may terminate
their automatic redemptions or change the amount to be redeemed at any time by
written notification to the Transfer Agent.
OTHER REDEMPTION MATTERS. A signature guarantee is required for any written
redemption request and for any endorsement on a stock certificate. In addition,
a signature guarantee also is required for instructions to change a
shareholder's record name or address, designated bank account for wire
redemptions or automatic investment or redemption, dividend election, telephone
redemption or exchange option election or any other option election in
connection with the shareholder's account. Signature guarantees may be provided
by any eligible institution, including a bank, a broker, a dealer, a national
securities exchange, a credit union, or a savings association that is authorized
to guarantee signatures, acceptable to the Transfer Agent. Whenever a signature
guarantee is required, the signature of each person required to sign for the
account must be guaranteed.
The Transfer Agent will deem a shareholder's account "lost" if
correspondence to the shareholder's address of record is returned for six
months, unless the Transfer Agent determines the shareholder's new address. When
an account is deemed lost all distributions on the account will be reinvested in
additional shares of the Fund. In addition, the amount of any outstanding
(unpaid for six months or more) checks for distributions that have been returned
to the Transfer Agent will be reinvested and the checks will be canceled.
SALES CHARGES
The public offering price for shares of the Fund is the sum of the net asset
value of the shares being purchased plus any applicable sales charge. No sales
charge is assessed on the reinvestment of dividends or other distributions. The
sales charge is assessed as follows (net asset value percentages are rounded to
the nearest one-hundredth percent):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Sales Charge
as % of
--------------------------
Public Net
Offering Asset Dealers'
Amount of Purchase Price Value* Reallowance
- --------------------- ------------ ------ ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
less than $100,000 3.75% 3.90% 3.25%
$100,000 but less
than $200,000 3.25 3.36 2.85
$200,000 but less
than $400,000 2.50 2.56 2.20
$400,000 but less
than $600,000 2.00 2.04 1.75
$600,000 but less
than $800,000 1.50 1.52 1.25
$800,000 but less
than $1,000,000 1.00 1.01 0.75
$1,000,000 and up 0.50 0.50 0.40
</TABLE>
*Rounded to the nearest one-hundredth percent.
Forum's commission is the sales charge shown above less any applicable
discount reallowed to selected brokers and dealers (including banks and bank
affiliates purchasing shares as principal or agent). Normally, Forum will
reallow discounts to selected brokers and dealers in the amounts indicated in
the table above. From time to time, however, Forum may elect to reallow the
entire sales charge to selected brokers or dealers for all sales with respect to
which orders are placed with Forum during a particular period. The dealers'
reallowance may be changed from time to time.
In addition, from time to time and at its own expense, Forum may provide
compensation, including financial assistance, to dealers in connection with
conferences, sales or training programs for their employees, seminars for the
public, advertising campaigns or other dealer-sponsored special
14
<PAGE>
events. Compensation may include: (i) the provision of travel arrangements and
lodging, (ii) tickets for entertainment events and (iii) merchandise.
No sales charge will be assessed on purchases made for investment purposes
by: (a) any bank, trust company, savings association or similar institution with
whom Forum has entered into a share purchase agreement acting on behalf of the
institution's fiduciary customer accounts or any account maintained by its trust
department; (b) any registered investment adviser with whom Forum has entered
into a share purchase agreement and which is acting on behalf of its fiduciary
customer accounts; (c) any broker-dealer with whom Forum has entered into a
Selected Dealer Agreement and a Fee-Based or Wrap Account Agreement and which is
acting on behalf of its fee-based program clients; (d) directors and officers of
the Trust; directors, officers and full-time employees of the Adviser, Forum,
any of their affiliates or any organization with which Forum has entered into a
selected dealer or processing agent agreement; the spouse, sibling, direct
ancestor or direct descendent (collectively, "relatives") of any such person;
any trust for the benefit of any such person or relative; or the estate of any
such person or relative; and (e) any person who has, within the preceding 90
days, redeemed Fund shares (but only on purchases in amounts not exceeding the
redeemed amounts) and completes a reinstatement form upon investment. Any shares
so purchased may not be resold except to the Fund.
REDUCED SALES CHARGES
For an investor to qualify for a reduced sales charge as described below,
the investor must notify the Transfer Agent at the time of purchase. Programs
for reduced sales charges may be modified or terminated at any time and are
subject to confirmation of an investor's holdings.
RIGHTS OF ACCUMULATION. An investor's purchase of additional shares of the
Fund may qualify for rights of accumulation ("ROA") wherein the applicable sales
charge will be based on the total of the investor's current purchase and the net
asset value (at the end of the previous Fund Business Day) of all Fund shares
held by the investor. For example, if an investor owned shares of the Fund worth
$400,000 at the then current net asset value and purchased shares of the Fund
worth an additional $50,000, the sales charge for the $50,000 purchase would be
at the 2% rate applicable to a single $450,000 purchase, rather than at the
3.75% rate. To qualify for ROA on a purchase, the investor must inform the
Transfer Agent and supply sufficient information to verify that each purchase
qualifies for the privilege or discount.
LETTER OF INTENT. Investors may also obtain reduced sales charges based on
cumulative purchases by means of a written Letter of Intent ("LOI"), which
expresses the investor's intention to invest $100,000 or more within a period of
13 months in shares of the Fund. Each purchase of shares under a LOI will be
made at the public offering price applicable at the time of the purchase to a
single transaction of the dollar amount indicated in the LOI.
An LOI is not a binding obligation upon the investor to purchase the full
amount indicated. Shares purchased with the first 5% of the amount indicated in
the LOI will be held subject to a registered pledge (while remaining registered
in the name of the investor) to secure payment of the higher sales charge
applicable to the shares actually purchased if the full amount indicated is not
purchased within 13 months. Pledged shares will be involuntarily redeemed to pay
the additional sales charge, if necessary. When the full amount indicated has
been purchased, the shares will be released from pledge. Share certificates are
not issued for shares purchased under an LOI. Investors wishing to enter into an
LOI can obtain a form of LOI from their broker or financial institution or by
contacting the Transfer Agent.
EXCHANGES
Fund shareholders are entitled to exchange their shares for shares of any
other fund of the
15
<PAGE>
Trust or any other fund that participates in the exchange program and whose
shares are eligible for sale in the shareholder's state of residence. Exchanges
may only be made between accounts registered in the same name. A completed
account application must be submitted to open a new account in the Fund through
an exchange if the shareholder requests any shareholder privilege not associated
with the existing account. Exchanges are subject to the fees charged by, and the
restrictions listed in the prospectus for, the fund into which a shareholder is
exchanging, including minimum investment requirements. The Fund does not charge
for exchanges and there is currently no limit on the number of exchanges a
shareholder may make.
The Trust (and Federal tax law) treats an exchange as a redemption of the
shares owned and the purchase of the shares of the fund being acquired.
Redemptions and purchases are effected at the respective net asset values of the
two funds as next determined following receipt of proper instructions and all
necessary supporting documents by the fund whose shares are being exchanged.
If a shareholder exchanges into a fund that imposes a sales charge, that
shareholder is required to pay the difference between that fund's sales charge
and any sales charge the shareholder has previously paid in connection with the
shares being exchanged. For example, if a shareholder paid a 2% sales charge in
connection with the purchase of the shares of a fund and then exchanged those
shares into another fund with a 3% sales charge, that shareholder would pay an
additional 1% sales charge on the exchange. Shares acquired through the
reinvestment of dividends and distributions are deemed to have been acquired
with a sales charge rate equal to that paid on the shares on which the dividend
or distribution was paid. The exchange privilege may be modified materially or
terminated by the Trust at any time upon 60 days' notice to shareholders.
BY MAIL. Exchanges may be accomplished by written instruction to the
Transfer Agent accompanied by any stock certificate that may have been issued to
the shareholder. All written requests for exchanges must be signed by the
shareholder (a signature guarantee is not required) and all certificates
submitted for exchange must be endorsed by the shareholder with signature
guaranteed.
BY TELEPHONE. Exchanges may be accomplished by telephone by any shareholder
that has elected telephone exchange privileges by calling the Transfer Agent at
800-94FORUM (800-943-6786) or (207) 879-0001 and providing the shareholder's
account number, the exact name in which the shareholder's shares are registered
and the shareholder's social security or taxpayer identification number.
PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS THROUGH FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Shares may be purchased and redeemed through certain broker-dealers, banks,
trust companies and their affiliates, and other financial institutions,
including affiliates of the Transfer Agent ("Processing Organizations").
Processing Organizations may receive as a dealer's reallowance a portion of the
sales charge paid by their customers who purchase Fund shares. In addition,
Processing Organizations may charge their customers a fee for their services and
are responsible for promptly transmitting purchase, redemption and other
requests to the Fund. The Trust is not responsible for the failure of any
institution to promptly forward these requests.
Investors who purchase shares through a Processing Organization may be
charged a fee if they effect transactions in Fund Shares through a broker or
agent and will be subject to the procedures of their Processing Organization,
which may include limitations, investment minimums, cutoff times and
restrictions in addition to, or different from, those applicable to shareholders
who invest
16
<PAGE>
in the Fund directly. These investors should acquaint themselves with their
Processing Organization's procedures and should read this Prospectus in
conjunction with any materials and information provided by their Processing
Organization. Customers who purchase Fund shares through a Processing
Organization may or may not be the shareholder of record and, subject to their
Processing Organization's and the Fund's procedures, may have Fund shares
transferred into their name. Under their arrangements with the Trust, broker-
dealer Processing Organizations are not generally required to deliver payment
for purchase orders until several business days after a purchase order has been
received by a Fund. Certain other Processing Organizations may also enter
purchase orders with payment to follow.
Certain shareholder services may not be available to shareholders who have
purchased shares through a Processing Organization. These shareholders should
contact their Processing Organization for further information. The Trust may
confirm purchases and redemptions of a Processing Organization's customers
directly to the Processing Organization, which in turn will provide its
customers with such confirmations and periodic statements as may be required by
law or agreed to between the Processing Organization and its customers. The
Trust is not responsible for the failure of any Processing Organization to carry
out its obligations to its customer. Certain states permit shares of the Fund to
be purchased and redeemed only through registered broker-dealers, including the
Fund's distributor.
6. DIVIDENDS AND TAX MATTERS
DIVIDENDS
Dividends of the Fund's net investment income are declared daily and paid
monthly. Dividends of net capital gain, if any, realized by the Fund are
distributed annually.
Shareholders may have all dividends reinvested in additional shares of the
Fund or received in cash. In addition, shareholders may have dividends of net
capital gain reinvested in additional shares of the Fund and dividends of net
investment income paid in cash. All dividends are treated in the same manner for
Federal income tax purposes whether received in cash or reinvested in shares of
the Fund.
All dividends will be reinvested at the Fund's net asset value as of the
payment date of the dividend. All dividends are reinvested unless another option
is selected. All dividends not reinvested will be paid to the shareholder in
cash and may be paid more than seven days following the date on which dividends
would otherwise be reinvested.
TAXES
The Fund intends to continue to qualify for each fiscal year to be taxed as
a "regulated investment company" under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. As
such, the Fund will not be liable for Federal income taxes on the net investment
income and net capital gain distributed to its shareholders. Because the Fund
intends to distribute all of its net investment income and net capital gain each
year, the Fund should avoid all Federal income and excise taxes.
DIVIDENDS OF TAX-EXEMPT INTEREST AND RELATED MATTERS. Shareholders
generally will not be subject to Federal income tax on dividends paid by the
Fund out of tax-exempt interest income earned by the Fund ("exempt-interest
dividends"), assuming certain requirements are met by the Fund. Substantially
all of the dividends paid by the Fund are anticipated to be exempt from Federal
income taxes and from Maine individual income tax. However, exempt-interest
dividends paid by the Fund to shareholders that are financial institutions are
subject to the Maine franchise tax.
Persons who are "substantial users" or "related persons" thereof of
facilities financed by private activity bonds held by the Fund may be subject to
Federal income tax on their pro rata share of the
17
<PAGE>
interest income from these bonds and should consult their tax advisors before
purchasing shares of the Fund. Under current Federal tax law, interest on
certain private activity bonds is treated as an item of tax preference for
purposes of the Federal AMT imposed on individuals and corporations. In
addition, interest on all tax-exempt obligations is included in the "adjusted
current earnings" of corporations for Federal AMT purposes. The Maine AMT is
based in part on Federal AMT income.
OTHER DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS. Dividends paid by the Fund out of its
taxable net investment income (including any realized net short-term capital
gain) are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Distributions by the Fund
of realized net long-term capital gain, if any, are taxable to shareholders as
long-term capital gain, regardless of the length of time the shareholder may
have held shares in the Fund. If Fund shares are sold at a loss after being held
for six months or less, the loss will be disallowed to the extent of any exempt-
interest dividends received on those shares and will be treated as long-term
capital loss to the extent of any long-term capital gain distribution received
on those shares.
Any capital gain distribution received by a shareholder reduces the net
asset value of the shareholder's shares by the amount of the distribution. To
the extent that capital gain was accrued by the Fund before the shareholder
purchased the shares, the distribution would be in effect a return of capital to
the shareholder. Capital gain distributions, including those that operate as a
return of capital, however, are taxable to the shareholder receiving them.
OTHER TAX MATTERS. Interest on indebtedness incurred by shareholders to
purchase or carry shares of the Fund generally is not deductible for Federal
income tax purposes.
The Fund may be required by Federal law to withhold 31% of reportable
payments (which may include taxable dividends, capital gain distributions and
redemption proceeds) paid to individuals and certain other non-corporate
shareholders. Withholding is not required if a shareholder certifies that the
shareholder's social security or tax identification number provided to the Fund
is correct and that the shareholder is not subject to backup withholding.
Reports containing appropriate information with respect to the Federal
income tax status of dividends and distributions paid during the year by the
Fund will be mailed to shareholders shortly after the close of each year. This
includes a statement advising each shareholder of the portion of total dividends
paid into the shareholder's account that is exempt from Federal income tax and
that is derived from Maine municipal securities and from other sources. These
portions are determined for the entire year and on a monthly basis and, thus,
are an annual or monthly average, rather than a day-by-day determination for
each shareholder.
TAX-FREE INCOME VS. TAXABLE INCOME
The table below shows approximate equivalent taxable and tax-free yields at
various approximate combined marginal Federal and Maine tax bracket rates. For
example, an investor in the 37% combined tax bracket for 1996 whose investments
earn a 5% tax-free yield would have to earn a 7.92% taxable yield to receive the
same benefit from a non-tax-exempt investment.
1996 COMBINED FEDERAL AND MAINE
TAXABLE VS. TAX-FREE YIELDS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
A Tax-Free Yield of
----------------------------------------------------------
4.0% 4.5% 5.0% 5.5%
Combined
Marginal
Federal and 6.0%
Maine
Tax Bracket
equals a taxable yield of approximately
- ----------- ----------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
45% 7.24% 8.14% 9.05% 9.95% 10.86%
41% 6.83% 7.68% 8.54% 9.39% 10.25%
37% 6.34% 7.13% 7.92% 8.71% 9.50%
33% 5.97% 6.72% 7.47% 8.21% 8.96%
19% 4.93% 5.54% 6.16% 6.78% 7.39%
</TABLE>
18
<PAGE>
The yields listed are for illustration only and are not necessarily
representative of the Fund's yield. Although the Fund primarily invests in
securities the interest from which is exempt from both Federal and Maine state
income taxes, some of the Fund's investments may generate taxable income. An
investor's tax bracket will depend upon the investor's taxable income. The
figures set forth above do not reflect the Federal or Maine alternative minimum
taxes or any state or local income taxes other than Maine state individual
income taxes.
The foregoing is only a summary of some of the important Federal and Maine
tax considerations generally affecting the Fund and its shareholders. There may
be other Federal, state or local tax considerations applicable to a particular
investor. Prospective investors are urged to consult their tax advisors.
7. OTHER INFORMATION
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
The Fund's performance may be quoted in advertising in terms of yield or
total return. Both types are based on historical results and are not intended to
indicate future performance. The Fund's yield is a way of showing the rate of
income earned by the Fund as a percentage of the Fund's share price. Yield is
calculated by dividing the net investment income of the Fund for the stated
period by the average number of shares entitled to receive dividends and
expressing the result as an annualized percentage rate based on the Fund's share
price at the end of the period. The Fund may also quote tax equivalent yields,
which show the taxable yields a shareholder would have to earn to equal the
Fund's tax-free yields after taxes. A tax equivalent yield is calculated by
dividing the Fund's tax-free yield by one minus a stated Federal, state or
combined Federal and state tax rate. Total return refers to the average annual
compounded rates of return over some representative period that would equate an
initial amount invested at the beginning of a stated period to the ending
redeemable value of the investment, after giving effect to the reinvestment of
all dividends and distributions and deductions of expenses during the period.
The Fund also may advertise its total return over different periods of time on a
before-tax or after-tax basis or by means of aggregate, average, year by year,
or other types of total return figures. Because average annual returns tend to
smooth out variations in the Fund's returns, shareholders should recognize that
they are not the same as actual year-by-year results. A computation of yield or
total return that does not take into account the sales load paid by an investor
will be higher than a computation based on the public offering price of shares
purchased that does take into account payment of a sales load.
The Fund's advertisements may reference ratings and rankings among similar
funds by independent evaluators such as Morningstar, Lipper Analytical Services,
Inc. or IBC/Donoghue, Inc. In addition, the performance of the Fund may be
compared to recognized indices of market performance. The comparative material
found in the Fund's advertisements, sales literature or reports to shareholders
may contain performance ratings. These are not to be considered representative
or indicative of future performance.
BANKING LAW MATTERS
Banking laws and regulations generally permit a bank or bank affiliate to
purchase shares of an investment company as agent for and upon the order of a
customer and in the view of Forum would permit a bank or bank affiliate to serve
as a Processing Organization or perform sub-transfer agent or similar services
for the Trust and its shareholders. If a bank or bank affiliate were prohibited
from performing all or a part of the foregoing services, its shareholder
customers would be permitted to remain shareholders of the Trust and alternative
means for continuing to service them
19
<PAGE>
would be sought. It is not expected that shareholders would suffer adverse
financial consequences as a result of any changes in bank or bank affiliate
service arrangements.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The Trust determines the net asset value per share of the Fund as of 4:00
p.m., Eastern time, on each Fund Business Day by dividing the value of the
Fund's net assets (I.E., the value of its portfolio securities and other assets
less its liabilities) by the number of the Fund's shares outstanding at the time
the determination is made. Securities owned by the Fund for which market
quotations are readily available are valued at current market value, or, in
their absence, at fair value as determined by the Board.
THE TRUST AND ITS SHARES
The Trust was originally incorporated in Maryland on March 24, 1980 and
assumed the name of Forum Funds, Inc. on March 16, 1987. On January 5, 1996,
Forum Funds, Inc. was reorganized as a Delaware business trust. The Trust has an
unlimited number of authorized shares of beneficial interest. The Board may,
without shareholder approval, divide the authorized shares into an unlimited
number of separate portfolios or series (such as the Fund) and may in the future
divide portfolios or series into two or more classes of shares (such as Investor
and Institutional Shares). Currently the authorized shares of the Trust are
divided into 15 separate series.
Each share of each fund of the Trust and each class of shares has equal
dividend, distribution, liquidation and voting rights, and fractional shares
have those rights proportionately, except that expenses related to the
distribution of the shares of each class (and certain other expenses such as
transfer agency and administration expenses) are borne solely by those shares
and each class votes separately with respect to the provisions of any Rule 12b-1
plan which pertain to the class and other matters for which separate class
voting is appropriate under applicable law. Generally, shares will be voted in
the aggregate without reference to a particular portfolio or class, except if
the matter affects only one portfolio or class or voting by portfolio or class
is required by law, in which case shares will be voted separately by portfolio
or class, as appropriate. Delaware law does not require the Trust to hold annual
meetings of shareholders, and it is anticipated that shareholder meetings will
be held only when specifically required by Federal or state law. Shareholders
have available certain procedures for the removal of Trustees. There are no
conversion or preemptive rights in connection with shares of the Trust. All
shares when issued in accordance with the terms of the offering will be fully
paid and nonassessable. Shares are redeemable at net asset value, at the option
of the shareholders, subject to any contingent deferred sales charge that may
apply. A shareholder in a portfolio is entitled to the shareholder's pro rata
share of all dividends and distributions arising from that portfolio's assets
and, upon redeeming shares, will receive the portion of the portfolio's net
assets represented by the redeemed shares.
From time to time, certain shareholders may own a large percentage of the
shares of the Fund. Accordingly, those shareholders may be able to greatly
affect (if not determine) the outcome of a shareholder vote.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, THE STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND THE FUND'S OFFICIAL SALES LITERATURE IN CONNECTION
WITH THE OFFERING OF THE FUND'S SHARES, AND IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION
OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE
TRUST. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER IN ANY STATE IN WHICH, OR TO
ANY PERSON TO WHOM, SUCH OFFER MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.
20
<PAGE>
(This page has been left blank intentionally.)
<PAGE>
FORUM FUNDS
[LOGO] ACCOUNT APPLICATION ACCOUNT NUMBER__________
1. INITIAL INVESTMENT ($5,000 minimum)
/ / Check enclosed for $______________________ / / Maine Municipal Bond
/ / I have telephoned the Transfer Agent
to make wire arrangements (see
instructions on reverse).
/ / My initial investment wire is $___________
2. REGISTRATION (please print)
/ / INDIVIDUALS
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Investor's Name
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Social Security Number
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Joint Investor's Name (right of survivorship
presumed unless tenancy in common is indicated)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Social Security Number
/ / GIFTS TO MINORS
as custodian for
----------------------------- ----------------------------
Custodian's Name (only one Minor's Name (only one
permitted) permitted)
under the _______________ Uniform Gifts to Minors Act
State
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Minor's Social Security Number
/ / CORPORATIONS, PARTNERSHIPS & OTHERS (additional documentation required for
investors in any representative capacity)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Name of Entity (indicate type of business, e.g., partnership)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Taxpayer Identification Number
/ / TRUSTS (including corporate pension plans)
as trustee(s) for
----------------------------- ---------------------------
Trustee(s) Name(s) Name of Trust
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Full date of trust instrument
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Taxpayer Identification Number
3. ADDRESS
CITIZENSHIP: / / U.S. / / Resident Alien / / Non-Resident Alien___________
Country
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Number and Street
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
City State Zip Code
-------------------------------- ------------------ --------------------
Contact Person Telephone (Day) Telephone (Evening)
4. TELEPHONE AND WIRE REDEMPTION PRIVILEGES (subject to the terms set forth in
the Prospectus)
/ / Telephone Redemption/Exchange Privilege
The Fund and Forum Financial Corp. ("Forum") are hereby authorized to honor
verbal instructions for the (i) redemption of any and all Fund shares held
in the undersigned's account provided that proceeds are mailed to the
shareholders address of record or to the bank account indicated below and
(ii) exchange of Fund shares into another account. The Fund and Forum are
authorized to honor any verbal instructions for purposes of redemption or
exchange purporting to be from the shareholder and believed by the Fund or
Forum to be genuine, and neither the Fund nor Forum shall be liable for any
loss, cost or expense for acting upon such instructions.
/ / Wire Redemption Privilege
The Fund and Forum are authorized to honor written instructions with
signature guaranteed or, if Telephone Redemption Privileges are elected,
verbal instructions, to redeem any and all Fund shares held in the
undersigned's account provided that the proceeds are transmitted to the
bank account indicated below. Complete the following if either privilege is
elected:
------------------------------------------------------ -----------------
Name of Bank (attach a voided check or deposit slip) Account Number
------------------------------------------------------ -----------------
Address and Branch of Bank ABA #
<PAGE>
ACCOUNT APPLICATION (CONTINUED)
5. DIVIDEND AND CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTION PAYMENT OPTIONS (check one)
/ / Full Reinvestment: Reinvest all income dividends and capital gain
distributions when paid.
/ / Capital Gain Reinvestment: Reinvest capital gain distributions when paid;
pay income dividends in cash.
/ / Cash: Pay all income dividends and capital gain distributions in cash.
(Note: If none of the above boxes are checked, shareholders are assigned the
Full Reinvestment option.)
6. DUPLICATE STATEMENT ADDRESS (optional)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Company Name Contact Person
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Number and Street
-----------------------------------------------------------------
City State Zip Code
-------------------------------- -------------------------------
Telephone (Day) Telephone (Evening)
7. DEALER INFORMATION (for broker/dealer use only)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Firm Name NSCC Code
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Representative's Name Representative's #
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Branch Address Branch Code
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Dealer's Authorized Signature Source of Business Code
8. SIGNATURE
I am (We are) of legal age in the state of my (our) residence and wish to
purchase shares of the Fund(s) indicated as described in the current Prospectus
(a copy of which I (we) have received). By the execution of this Account
Application, the undersigned represent(s) and warrant(s) that I (we) have full
right, power and authority to make this investment and the undersigned is (are)
duly authorized to sign this Account Application and to purchase or redeem
shares of the Fund on behalf of the Investor.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Investor/Custodian Trustee Date
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Joint Investor/Co-Trustee Date
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate Officer (Name) Title
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Corporate Officer Title
TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER CERTIFICATION
(check appropriate box, if applicable).
Under the penalties of perjury, I certify:
/ / That the number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification
number and that I am not subject to backup withholding because (a) I am
exempt from backup withholding, (b) I have not been notified by the
Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") that I am subject to backup withholding as
a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS
has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding.
/ / That I have not provided a taxpayer identification number because I have
not been issued a number, but I have applied for one or will do so in the
near future. I understand that if I do not provide my number to the Fund
within 60 days, the Fund will be required to begin backup withholding.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Investor/Custodian/Trustee Date
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Joint Investor/Co-Trustee Date
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate Officer (Name) Title
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Corporate Officer Title
9. INITIAL INVESTMENT AND MAILING INSTRUCTIONS
(1) If making your initial investment by check, complete the Account
Application and mail it with your check, payable to "Forum Funds" to:
FORUM FINANCIAL CORP.
ATTN: TRANSFER AGENT
P.O. BOX 446
PORTLAND, ME 04112
(2) If making your initial investment by bank wire, call the Transfer Agent
(Forum Financial Corp.) at 800-94FORUM (800-943-6786) to obtain an account
number. Then instruct your bank to wire Federal Funds to:
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON
BOSTON, MA
ABA # 011000390
CREDIT TO: FORUM FINANCIAL CORP.
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 541-54171
FOR FURTHER CREDIT TO: (FUND NAME)
ACCOUNT NAME / ACCOUNT NUMBER
Complete the Account Application and mail it to the address listed above.
Be sure to indicate the account number assigned to you on this Account
Application.
<PAGE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[LOGO]
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION:
Forum Financial Corp.
P.O. Box 446
Portland, ME 04112
207-879-0001 (IN PORTLAND, ME)
800-94FORUM (ELSEWHERE)
<PAGE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FORUM FUNDS
PROSPECTUS
AUGUST 1, 1996
-----------------------
NEW HAMPSHIRE
BOND FUND
-----------------------
[LOGO]
Investment Advisor
FORUM ADVISORS, INC.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
<C> <S> <C>
1. Prospectus Summary................... 2
2. Financial Highlights................. 3
3. Investment Objective and Policies.... 4
4. Management........................... 9
5. Purchases and Redemptions of 11
Shares..............................
6. Dividends and Tax Matters............ 17
7. Other Information.................... 19
Account Application
</TABLE>
i
<PAGE>
FORUM FUNDS
NEW HAMPSHIRE BOND FUND
ACCOUNT INFORMATION AND
[LOGO]
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING:
Forum Financial Corp.
P.O. Box 446
Portland, Maine 04112
(207) 879-0001
(800) 94FORUM
PROSPECTUS
August 1, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Prospectus offers shares of New Hampshire Bond Fund (the "Fund"), a
non-diversified series of Forum Funds (the "Trust"), an open-end, management
investment company.
NEW HAMPSHIRE BOND FUND seeks to provide shareholders with a high level of
current income exempt from both Federal income taxes (other than the
alternative minimum tax) and New Hampshire state interest and dividends
taxes. The Fund invests principally in investment grade New Hampshire
municipal securities.
Shares of the Fund are offered to investors at a price equal to the
next-determined net asset value plus a maximum sales charge of 3.75% of the
total public offering price (3.90% of the net amount invested).
This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information concerning the Trust and
the Fund that a prospective investor should know before investing. The Trust has
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a Statement of Additional
Information dated August 1, 1996, as may be amended from time to time (the
"SAI"), which contains more detailed information about the Trust and the Fund
and which is incorporated into this Prospectus by reference. The SAI is
available without charge by contacting the Trust at the address listed above.
INVESTORS SHOULD READ THIS PROSPECTUS AND RETAIN IT FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
SHARES OF THE FUND ARE OFFERED ONLY TO
RESIDENTS OF THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
FUND SHARES ARE NOT OBLIGATIONS, DEPOSITS OR ACCOUNTS OF, OR ENDORSED OR
GUARANTEED BY, ANY BANK OR ANY AFFILIATE OF A BANK AND ARE NOT INSURED OR
GUARANTEED BY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, THE FDIC, THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM OR ANY
OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
1. PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FUND
FUND OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The investment objective of the Fund is to provide shareholders with a high
level of current income exempt from both Federal income taxes (other than the
alternative minimum tax) and New Hampshire state interest and dividends taxes.
The Fund invests principally in investment grade New Hampshire municipal
securities. It is anticipated that the average weighted maturity of all
municipal securities in the Fund's portfolio will normally range between five
and 15 years. See "Investment Objectives and Policies."
FUND MANAGEMENT
The executive offices of the Fund's investment adviser, Forum Advisors, Inc.
(the "Adviser"), are located at Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101. The
manager of the Trust and distributor of its shares is Forum Financial Services,
Inc. ("Forum"). Forum Financial Corp. (the "Transfer Agent"), Two Portland
Square, Portland, Maine 04101, serves as the Trust's transfer agent, dividend
disbursing agent and shareholder servicing agent. See "Management."
PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS
Shares of the Fund are offered at the next-determined net asset value per
share plus any applicable sales charge. The minimum initial investment is $5,000
and the minimum subsequent investment is $500. Shares may be redeemed without
charge. See "Purchases and Redemptions of Shares."
EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Shareholders of the Fund may exchange their shares without charge for the
shares of certain other funds of the Trust. See "Purchases and Redemptions of
Shares - Exchanges."
DIVIDENDS
Dividends of net investment income are declared daily and paid monthly by
the Fund and are reinvested in Fund shares unless a shareholder elects to have
them paid in cash. It is anticipated that all of the dividends paid by the Fund
will be exempt from Federal income tax and from New Hampshire state interest and
dividends taxes. See "Dividends and Tax Matters."
CERTAIN RISK FACTORS
There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment
objective. The Fund's net asset value will fluctuate as the value of the Fund's
portfolio securities changes and will tend to vary inversely with movements in
interest rates. The Fund is non-diversified and, therefore, has greater freedom
to concentrate its investments than if it were diversified. The Fund invests
principally in the securities of New Hampshire municipal issuers, which entails
more risk than if the Fund were to invest in issuers with greater geographic
diversity. See "Investment Objective and Policies - Certain Risk Factors."
EXPENSES OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
The purpose of the following table is to assist investors in understanding
the various expenses that an investor in the Fund will bear directly or
indirectly.
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as a
percentage of public offering price) (1)........ 3.75%
Exchange Fee..................................... None
</TABLE>
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (2)
(as a percentage of average net assets after applicable expense reimbursements
and fee waivers)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Management Fees (3).............................. 0.40%
12b-1 Fees....................................... None
Other Expenses................................... 0.20%
---------
Total Fund Operating Expenses.................... 0.60%
</TABLE>
(1) Certain shareholders may be eligible for reduced sales charges. See
"Purchases and Redemptions of Shares -- Reduced Sales Charges."
(2) The amounts of expenses are based on amounts incurred by the Fund during
its most recent fiscal year ending March 31, 1996. Absent expense reimbursements
and fee waivers, the expenses of the Fund would have been: Manage-
2
<PAGE>
ment Fees, 0.70%; Other Expenses, 1.56%; and Total Fund Operating Expenses,
2.26%. For a further description of the various expenses incurred in the
operation of the Fund, see "Management." Expense reimbursements and fee waivers
are voluntary and may be reduced or eliminated at any time.
(3) Includes the Adviser's investment advisory fee and Forum's management
fee.
EXAMPLE
Following is a hypothetical example that indicates the dollar amount of
expenses that an investor in the Fund would pay assuming a $1,000 investment in
the Fund, a 5% annual return, the
reinvestment of all dividends and distributions and redemption at the end of
each period:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$ 43 $ 56 $ 70 $ 110
</TABLE>
The example is based on the expenses listed in the Annual Fund Operating
Expenses table and assumes deduction of the maximum initial sales charge. The
five percent annual return is not predictive of and does not represent the
Fund's projected returns; rather, it is required by government regulation. THE
EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES OR
RETURN. ACTUAL EXPENSES AND RETURN MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN INDICATED.
2. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following information represents selected data for a single share
outstanding of the Fund. This information has been audited by Deloitte & Touche
LLP, independent auditors. The financial statements and independent auditors'
report thereon are incorporated by reference into the SAI. Further information
about the Fund's performance is contained in the Fund's annual report to
shareholders, which may be obtained from the Trust without charge.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended March 31,
-------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993(1)
---------- ---------- ---------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Beginning Net Asset Value per Share $10.08 $9.96 $10.01 $10.00
Net Investment Income 0.48 0.49 0.51 0.12
Net Realized and Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss)
on Securities 0.25 0.12 (0.03) 0.01
Dividends from Net Investment Income (0.48) (0.49) (0.51) (0.12)
Distributions from Net Realized Gains -- -- (0.02) --
---------- ---------- ---------- ------
Ending Net Asset Value per Share $ 10.33 $ 10.08 $ 9.96 $ 10.01
---------- ---------- ---------- ------
---------- ---------- ---------- ------
Ratios to Average Net Assets:
Expenses (2) 0.60 % 0.46 % 0.34 % 0.50 %(3)
Net Investment Income 4.65 % 4.95 % 4.68 % 4.96 %(3)
Total Return 7.36 % 6.32 % 4.75 % 5.55 %(3)
Portfolio Turnover Rate 34.31 % 37.59 % 9.60 % --
Net Assets at the End of Period (000's Omitted) $ 6,903 $ 5,276 $ 3,555 $442
</TABLE>
(1) The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 1992.
(2) During the periods, various fees and expenses were waived and reimbursed,
respectively. Had these waivers and reimbursements not occurred, the ratio
of expenses to average net assets would have been:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Expenses 2.26 % 2.19 % 4.33 % 30.85 %(3)
</TABLE>
(3) Annualized.
3
<PAGE>
3. INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The investment objective of the Fund is to provide shareholders with a high
level of current income exempt from both Federal income taxes (other than the
alternative minimum tax) and New Hampshire state interest and dividends taxes.
The Fund anticipates that all of its income will be exempt from New Hampshire
state interest and dividends taxes and that a substantial portion of its income
will be exempt from New Hampshire state business profits taxes. There can be no
assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
INVESTMENT POLICIES
The Fund pursues its objective by investing principally in investment grade
debt obligations issued by the state of New Hampshire and its political
subdivisions, duly constituted authorities and corporations. These securities
are generally known as "municipal securities" and include municipal bonds, notes
and leases. It is anticipated that under normal circumstances substantially all
of the Fund's assets will be invested in municipal securities the interest on
which is exempt from New Hampshire state interest and dividends taxes and
Federal income taxes except when received by a shareholder in a taxable year for
which he will be subject to the Federal alternative minimum tax ("AMT"). The
Fund may also invest in United States government instruments the interest on
which is exempt from New Hampshire state interest and dividends taxes.
GENERAL. The market value of the municipal securities held by the Fund will
be affected by changes in interest rates. There is normally an inverse
relationship between the market value of securities sensitive to prevailing
interest rates and actual changes in interest rates. In other words, a decline
in interest rates produces an increase in market value, while an increase in
interest rates produces a decrease in market value. Moreover, the longer the
remaining maturity of a security, the greater will be the effect of interest
rate changes on the market value of that security. Changes in the ability of an
issuer to make payments of interest and principal and in the market's perception
of an issuer's creditworthiness will also affect the market value of the debt
securities of that issuer. Obligations of issuers of municipal securities are
subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the
rights and remedies of creditors. The possibility exists, therefore, that, as a
result of litigation or other conditions, the ability of any issuer to pay, when
due, the principal of and interest on its debt securities may be materially
impaired.
The yields of municipal securities depend on, among other things, conditions
in the municipal securities markets and fixed income markets generally, the size
of a particular offering, the maturity of the obligation, and the rating of the
issue. New Hampshire municipal securities may have yields slightly less than the
municipal obligations of issuers located in other states because of the New
Hampshire state interest and dividends tax exemption.
In general, the longer the maturity of a municipal security, the higher the
rate of interest it pays. However, a longer average maturity is generally
associated with a higher level of volatility in the market value of a municipal
security. The average maturity of the Fund's portfolio will vary depending on
anticipated market conditions. It is anticipated, however, that the average
weighted maturity of all municipal securities in the Fund will normally range
between five and 15 years.
Municipal securities also include securities issued by Puerto Rico, other
United States territories or possessions and their subdivisions, authorities and
corporations the income from which is not subject to Federal income tax or New
Hampshire state interest and dividends taxes. The Fund may invest up to 25% of
its total assets in these securities.
4
<PAGE>
Under current Federal tax law, a distinction is drawn between municipal
securities issued after August 7, 1986 to finance certain "private activities"
and other municipal securities. Private activity securities include securities
issued to finance such projects as certain solid waste disposal facilities,
student loan programs, and water and sewage projects. Interest income from
certain of these securities is subject to the AMT. See "Dividends and Tax
Matters." Because interest income on securities subject to the AMT is taxable to
certain investors, it is expected, although there can be no guarantee, that
these municipal securities generally will provide somewhat higher yields than
other municipal securities of comparable quality and maturity that are not
subject to the AMT.
CREDIT MATTERS. Normally, at least 80% of the Fund's total assets will be
invested in municipal bonds rated at the time of purchase within the four
highest rating categories assigned by a nationally recognized statistical rating
organization ("NRSRO") such as Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's") (Aaa, Aa, A
and Baa), Standard & Poor's ("S&P") (AAA, AA, A and BBB) or Fitch Investors
Service, L.P. ("Fitch") (AAA, AA, A and BBB) or which are unrated and determined
by the Adviser to be of comparable quality. Securities in those rating
categories are generally considered to be investment grade securities, although
Moody's indicates that municipal securities rated Baa have speculative
characteristics and changes in economic conditions or other circumstances are
more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to make principal and interest
payments than is the case with higher grade bonds. Unrated securities may not be
as actively traded as rated securities. A further description of the ratings
used by Moody's, S&P and Fitch is included in the SAI. The Fund only invests in
municipal notes and other short-term municipal obligations in the two highest
rating categories assigned by an NRSRO or which are unrated and determined by
the Adviser to be of comparable quality. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its
total assets in municipal bonds rated in the fifth or sixth highest rating
category by an NRSRO or which are unrated and determined by the Adviser to be of
comparable quality. These securities are not considered to be investment grade
and have speculative or predominantly speculative characteristics and are
commonly known as "Junk Bonds". The Fund may retain securities whose rating has
been lowered below the lowest permissible rating category (or that are unrated
and determined by the Advisor to be of comparable quality) only if the Adviser
determines that retaining the security is in the best interests of the Fund.
A non-rated municipal security will be considered for investment by the Fund
when the Adviser believes that the financial condition of the issuer of the
obligation and the protection afforded by the terms of the obligation itself
limit the risk to the Fund to a degree comparable to that of rated securities in
which the Fund may invest. During its last fiscal year, the Fund had 95.41% of
its average annual assets in securities rated by Moody's or S&P and 4.59% of its
average annual assets in unrated investments, including cash and cash
equivalents. For that year the Fund had the following percentages of its average
annual net assets invested in rated securities: Aaa/AAA - 41.29%, Aa/AA -
21.13%, A/A - 21.05%, Baa/BBB - 11.94%. For this purpose, securities with
different ratings from Moody's and S&P were assigned the higher rating. This
information reflects the average month end composition of the Fund's assets for
the Fund's last fiscal year and is not necessarily representative of the Fund as
of the end of last year, the current fiscal year or any other time.
MUNICIPAL BONDS. Municipal bonds, which are intended to meet longer term
capital needs, can be classified as either "general obligation" or "revenue"
bonds. General obligation bonds are secured by a municipality's pledge of its
full faith, credit and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest.
Revenue bonds are generally payable only from the revenues derived from a
particular facility or class of facilities or, in some cases, from the proceeds
of a special excise or other tax, but not
5
<PAGE>
from general tax revenues. Municipal bonds also include private activity bonds
("PABs"), which are bonds issued by or on behalf of public authorities to
finance various privately operated facilities. PABs are in most cases revenue
bonds. The payment of the principal and interest on these bonds is dependent
solely on the ability of an initial or subsequent user of the facilities
financed by the bonds to meet its financial obligations and the pledge, if any,
of real and personal property financed by the bond as security for payment. The
Fund will acquire only PABs whose interest payments, in the opinion of the
issuer's counsel, are exempt from Federal income tax (other than the AMT) and
New Hampshire state interest and dividends taxation.
MUNICIPAL NOTES AND LEASES. Municipal notes, which may be either "general
obligation" or "revenue" securities, are intended to fulfill short-term capital
needs and generally have original maturities of 397 days or less. They include
tax anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes,
construction loan notes and tax-exempt commercial paper. Municipal leases and
installment purchase or conditional sale contracts (which normally provide for
title to the leased assets to pass eventually to the government lessee) are a
means for governmental issuers to acquire property and equipment without meeting
constitutional or statutory requirements for issuance of long-term debt as
described in the SAI. Municipal leases frequently have special risks not
normally associated with general obligation or revenue bonds or notes.
VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE SECURITIES. The securities in which the Fund
invests may have variable or floating rates of interest. These securities pay
interest at rates that are adjusted periodically according to a specified
formula, usually with reference to some interest rate index or market interest
rate (the "underlying index"). The interest paid on these securities is a
function primarily of the underlying index upon which the interest rate
adjustments are based. Such adjustments minimize changes in the market value of
the obligation and, accordingly, enhance the ability of the Fund to maintain a
stable net asset value. Similar to fixed rate debt instruments, variable and
floating rate instruments are subject to changes in value based on changes in
market interest rates or changes in the issuer's creditworthiness. The rate of
interest on securities purchased by a Fund may be tied to various rates of
interest or indices.
There may not be an active secondary market for certain floating or variable
rate instruments, which could make it difficult for the Fund to dispose of an
instrument during periods that the Fund is not entitled to exercise any demand
rights it may have. The Fund could, for this or other reasons, suffer a loss
with respect to an instrument. The Adviser monitors the liquidity of the Fund's
investments in variable and floating rate instruments, but there can be no
guarantee that an active secondary market will exist.
PARTICIPATION INTERESTS. The Fund may purchase participation interests in
municipal securities that are owned by banks or other financial institutions.
Participation interests carry a demand feature backed by a letter of credit or
guarantee of the bank or other institution permitting the holder to tender them
back to the bank or institution. The Fund will only purchase participation
interests from Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") insured banks
having total assets of more than one billion dollars or from other financial
institutions whose long-term debt securities are rated within the two highest
rating categories of an NRSRO (or are unrated and determined by the Adviser to
be of comparable quality). Prior to purchasing any participation interest, the
Fund will obtain appropriate assurances from counsel retained by the Trust that
the interest earned by the Fund from the obligations in which it holds
participation interests is exempt from Federal income and New Hampshire state
interest and dividends taxes.
STAND-BY COMMITMENTS. The Fund may purchase municipal securities together
with the right to resell them to the seller at an agreed-upon price
6
<PAGE>
or yield within specified periods prior to their maturity dates. These rights to
resell are commonly known as "stand-by commitments." The aggregate price which
the Fund pays for securities with a stand-by commitment may be higher than the
price which otherwise would be paid. The primary purpose of this practice is to
permit the Fund to be as fully invested as practicable in municipal securities
while preserving the necessary flexibility and liquidity to meet unanticipated
redemptions. The Fund will enter into stand-by commitments only with banks or
municipal securities dealers that in the opinion of the Adviser present minimal
credit risks. The value of a stand-by commitment is dependent on the ability of
the writer to meet its repurchase obligation.
CERTAIN RISK FACTORS
GEOGRAPHIC CONCENTRATION. Because the Fund invests principally in New
Hampshire municipal securities, the Fund is more susceptible to factors
adversely affecting issuers of those municipal securities than would be a
comparable municipal securities portfolio having a lesser degree of geographic
concentration. These risks arise from the financial condition of the state of
New Hampshire and its political subdivisions. To the extent state or local
governmental entities are unable to meet their financial obligations, the income
derived by the Fund, its ability to preserve or realize appreciation of its
portfolio assets or its liquidity could be impaired.
To the extent the Fund's investments are primarily concentrated in issuers
located in New Hampshire, the value of the Fund's shares may be especially
affected by factors pertaining to New Hampshire's economy and other factors
specifically affecting the ability of issuers in New Hampshire to meet their
obligations. As a result, the value of the Fund's assets may fluctuate more
widely than the value of shares of a portfolio investing in securities relating
to a number of different states. The ability of state, county or local
governments and quasi-governmental agencies to meet their obligations will
depend primarily on the availability of tax and other revenues to those
governments and on their fiscal conditions generally. The amounts of tax and
other revenues available to governmental issuers may be affected from time to
time by economic, political and demographic conditions within their state. In
addition, constitutional or statutory restrictions may limit a government's
power to raise revenues or increase taxes. The availability of Federal, state
and local aid to governmental issuers may also affect their ability to meet
obligations. Payments of principal of and interest on private activity
securities will depend on the economic condition of the facility or specific
revenue source from whose revenues the payments will be made, which in turn
could be affected by economic, political or demographic conditions in the state.
DIVERSIFICATION MATTERS. The Fund is non-diversified, which means that it
has greater latitude than a diversified fund with respect to the investment of
its assets in the securities of a relatively few municipal issuers. As a
non-diversified portfolio, the Fund may present greater risks than a diversified
fund. The Fund's diversification requirements provide that, as of the last day
of each fiscal quarter, with respect to 50% of its assets, the Fund may not own
the securities of a single issuer, other than a U.S. Government security, with a
value of more than 5% of the Fund's total assets. Except for U.S. Government
securities, no more than 25% of the total assets of the Fund may be invested in
securities of any one issuer. These limitations do not apply to securities of an
issuer payable solely from the proceeds of escrowed U.S. Government securities.
The Fund will be subject to a greater risk of loss if an issuer in which the
Fund invests a substantial amount of its assets is unable to make interest or
principal payments or if the market value of securities declines.
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. The major NRSROs have
rated recent New Hampshire general obligation or State-guaranteed bond issues as
follows: Moody's - Aa
7
<PAGE>
(revised from Aa1 in November 1991); S&P - AA+ (stable) (Revised from AA in
November, 1995); Fitch - AA+ (revised from AA in November 1995). S&P's rating
revision cited sustained employment recovery, improved financial position, low
debt burden and high wealth indicators. Fitch noted conservative debt and
financial policies underpinning the State's credit position, strengthened by
economic buoyancy. A recent bond issue by the New Hampshire Municipal Bond Bank
without State guarantee has been separately rated A1 by Moody's (stable) and A+
by S&P (stable). Bond ratings of individual municipalities in New Hampshire vary
in accordance with rating agencies' estimates of the issuer's relative financial
strength and ability to support debt service. There can be no assurance that New
Hampshire general obligations or the securities of any New Hampshire political
subdivision, authority or corporation owned by the Fund will be rated in any
category or will not be downgraded by an NRSRO. Further information concerning
the State of New Hampshire is contained in the SAI.
CORE AND GATEWAY-REGISTERED TRADEMARK-. Shareholders of the Fund have
approved a new investment policy that permits the Fund to seek to achieve its
investment objective by converting to a Core and Gateway structure. The Fund,
upon future action by the Board of Trustees and notice to shareholders, may
convert to this structure, in which the Fund would hold as its only investment
securities the shares of another investment company having substantially the
same investment objective and policies as the Fund. The Board of Trustees will
not authorize conversion to a Core and Gateway structure if it would materially
increase costs to a Fund's shareholders.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT POLICIES
The Fund's investment objective and certain investment limitations described
in the SAI are fundamental and, therefore, may not be changed without approval
of the holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities. A
majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities means the lesser of 67% of
the shares of the Fund present or represented at a shareholders meeting at which
the holders of more than 50% of the shares are present or represented, or more
than 50% of the total outstanding shares of the Fund. Except as otherwise
indicated, investment policies of the Fund are not fundamental and may be
changed by the Board of Trustees (the "Board") without shareholder approval. A
further description of the Fund's investment policies is contained in the SAI.
The Fund may borrow money for temporary or emergency purposes (including the
meeting of redemption requests), but, as a fundamental policy, not in excess of
33 1/3% of the value of the Fund's total assets. Borrowing for purposes other
than meeting redemption requests will not exceed 10% of the value of the Fund's
total assets. The Fund may not invest more than 15% of its net assets in
illiquid securities.
WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES AND FORWARD COMMITMENTS. The Fund may purchase
securities offered on a "when-issued" basis and may purchase or sell securities
on a "forward commitment" basis. When these transactions are negotiated, the
price, which is generally expressed in yield terms, is fixed at the time the
commitment is made, but delivery and payment for the securities take place at a
later date. Normally, the settlement date occurs within three months after the
transaction. The Fund enters into when-issued and forward commitments only with
the intention of actually receiving or delivering the securities, as the case
may be. When-issued securities may include bonds purchased on a "when, as and if
issued" basis under which the issuance of the securities depends upon the
occurrence of a subsequent event, such as approval of a proposed financing by
appropriate municipal authorities.
During the period between a commitment and settlement, no payment is made
for the securities purchased and, thus, no interest accrues to the purchaser
from the transaction. However, at the time
8
<PAGE>
the Fund makes a commitment to purchase securities in this manner, the Fund
immediately assumes the risk of ownership, including price fluctuation. Failure
by the other party to deliver or pay for a security purchased or sold by the
Fund may result in a loss or a missed opportunity to make an alternative
investment. Any significant commitment of the Fund's assets committed to the
purchase of securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis may increase
the volatility of its net asset value.
The use of when-issued transactions and forward commitments may enable the
Fund to hedge against anticipated changes in interest rates and prices. If the
Adviser were to forecast incorrectly the direction of interest rate movements,
however, the Fund might be required to complete these transactions at prices
inferior to the current market values. No when-issued or forward commitments
will be made by the Fund if, as a result, more than 15% of the value of the
Fund's total assets would be committed to such transactions.
The Fund's use of when-issued securities and forward commitments entails
certain risks not associated with direct investments in securities. For
instance, in the event that bankruptcy or similar proceedings were commenced
against a counterparty in these transactions or a counterparty defaulted on its
obligations, the Fund might suffer a loss. The Adviser monitors the
creditworthiness of counterparties to these transactions and intends to enter
into these transactions only when it believes the counterparties present minimal
credit risks and the income to be earned from the transaction justifies the
attendant risks.
TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE POSITION. When business or financial conditions
warrant, for example, when issues of sufficient quality and liquidity are not
available, the Fund may assume a temporary defensive position and invest without
limit in cash and short-term U.S. Government securities. During periods when and
to the extent that the Fund has assumed a temporary defensive position, it will
not be pursuing its investment objective and shareholders may be subject to
Federal and New Hampshire tax on a portion of their income dividends received
from the Fund.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER. The frequency of portfolio transactions of the Fund
(the portfolio turnover rate) will vary from year to year depending on market
conditions. From time to time the Fund may engage in active short-term trading
to benefit from yield disparities among different issues of debt securities, to
seek short-term profits during periods of fluctuating interest rates, or for
other reasons. This type of trading will increase the Fund's portfolio turnover
rate and transaction costs and may increase the Fund's capital gains, which are
not Federally tax-exempt when distributed to shareholders. The Adviser weighs
the anticipated benefits of short-term investments against these consequences.
The Fund's portfolio turnover rate is reported under "Financial Highlights."
4. MANAGEMENT
The business of the Trust is managed under the direction of the Board of
Trustees. The Board formulates the general policies of the Fund and meets
periodically to review the results of the Fund, monitor investment activities
and practices and discuss other matters affecting the Fund and the Trust.
MANAGER AND DISTRIBUTOR
Subject to the Supervision of the Board, Forum supervises the overall
management of the Fund. Forum, the Adviser and the Transfer Agent are members of
the Forum Financial Group of companies and together provide a full range of
services to the investment company and financial services industry. As of the
date of this Prospectus, Forum acted as manager and distributor of registered
investment companies and collective trust funds with assets of approximately $16
billion. Forum, whose address is Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101, is
a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser and is a member of the
9
<PAGE>
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. As of the date of this
Prospectus, Forum, the Adviser and the Transfer Agent were controlled by John Y.
Keffer, President and Chairman of the Trust.
Under its management agreement with the Trust, Forum supervises all aspects
of the Fund's operations, including the receipt of services for which the Trust
is obligated to pay, provides the Trust with general office facilities and
provides, at the Trust's expense, the services of persons necessary to perform
such supervisory, administrative and clerical functions as are needed to
effectively operate the Trust. Those officers, as well as certain other
employees and Directors of the Trust, may be directors, officers or employees of
(and persons providing services to the Trust may include) Forum and its
affiliates. For these services and facilities, Forum receives with respect to
the Fund a management fee at an annual rate of 0.30% of the Fund's average daily
net assets.
Forum also acts as the distributor of shares of the Fund and pursuant to a
distribution agreement with the Trust Forum receives, and may reallow to certain
financial institutions, the sales charge paid by the purchasers of the Fund's
shares. See "Purchases and Redemptions of Shares - Sales Charges."
ADVISER
Forum Advisors, Inc. serves as the investment adviser of the Fund. Subject
to the general supervision of the Board, the Adviser makes investment decisions
for the Fund. For its services, the Adviser receives an advisory fee at an
annual rate of 0.40% of the Fund's average daily net assets. The Adviser was
incorporated under the laws of Delaware in 1987 and is registered under the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
Les C. Berthy, Managing Director of the Adviser since 1989, is primarily
responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund's portfolio and has been
since the Fund's inception. Prior to his association with the Adviser, Mr.
Berthy was Managing Director and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Irwin Union
Capital Corp., an affiliate of Irwin Union Bank & Trust Co.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING
Shareholder inquiries and communications concerning the Fund may be directed
to the Transfer Agent. The Transfer Agent also acts as the Fund's dividend
disbursing agent. The Transfer Agent maintains for each shareholder of record,
an account (unless such accounts are maintained by sub-transfer agents) to which
all shares purchased are credited, together with any distributions that are
reinvested in additional shares. The Transfer Agent also performs other transfer
agency functions and acts as dividend disbursing agent for the Trust. In
addition, the Transfer Agent performs portfolio accounting services for the
Fund, including determination of the Fund's net asset value, pursuant to a
separate agreement with the Trust. For these services, the Transfer Agent
receives a fee computed and paid monthly at an annual rate of 0.25% of the
Fund's average daily net assets.
The Transfer Agent is authorized to subcontract any or all of its functions
to one or more qualified sub-transfer agents or processing agents, which may be
processing organizations (as described under "Purchases and Redemptions of
Shares - Purchases and Redemptions Through Financial Institutions") Forum or
affiliates of Forum, who agree to comply with the terms of the Transfer Agency
Agreement. The Transfer Agent may pay those agents for their services, but no
such payment will increase the Transfer Agent's compensation from the Trust.
EXPENSES OF THE TRUST
The Fund's expenses comprise Trust expenses attributable to the Fund which
are charged to the Fund, and expenses not attributable to a particular fund of
the Trust which are allocated among the Fund and all other funds of the Trust in
proportion to their average net assets. Subject to the obligation of the Adviser
to reimburse the Trust for the excess
10
<PAGE>
expenses of the Fund, the Trust pays for all of its expenses. The Adviser, Forum
and the Transfer Agent, in their sole discretion, may waive all or any portion
of their respective fees, which are accrued daily and paid monthly. Any such
waiver, which could be discontinued at any time, would have the effect of
increasing the Fund's performance for the period during which the waiver was in
effect and would not be recouped at a later date.
5. PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF SHARES
GENERAL INFORMATION
Investments in the Fund may be made either by an investor directly or
through certain brokers and financial institutions of which the investor is a
customer. All transactions in Fund shares are effected through the Transfer
Agent, which accepts orders for purchases and redemptions from shareholders of
record and new investors. Shareholders of record will receive from the Trust
periodic statements listing all account activity during the statement period.
The Trust reserves the right in the future to modify, limit or terminate any
shareholder privilege upon appropriate notice to shareholders and to charge a
fee for certain shareholder services, although no such fees are currently
contemplated.
PURCHASES. Fund shares are sold at a price equal to their net asset value
next-determined after acceptance of an order, plus any applicable sales charge
on all weekdays except customary national business holidays and Good Friday
("Fund Business Day"). See "sales charges" below. Fund shares are issued
immediately after an order for the shares in proper form is accepted by the
Transfer Agent. The Fund's net asset value is calculated at 4:00 p.m., Eastern
time on each Fund Business Day. Fund shares become entitled to receive
dividends on the next Fund Business Day after the order is accepted.
The Fund reserves the right to reject any subscription for the purchase of
its shares. Stock certificates are issued only to shareholders of record upon
their written request and no certificates are issued for fractional shares.
REDEMPTIONS. Fund shares may be redeemed without charge at their net asset
value on any Fund Business Day. There is no minimum period of investment and no
restriction on the frequency of redemptions. Fund shares are redeemed as of the
next determination of the Fund's net asset value following acceptance by the
Transfer Agent of the redemption order in proper form (and any supporting
documentation which the Transfer Agent may require). Shares redeemed are not
entitled to receive dividends declared after the day on which the redemption
becomes effective.
Normally, redemption proceeds are paid immediately but in no event later
than seven days, following acceptance of a redemption order. Proceeds of
redemption requests (and exchanges), however, will not be paid unless any check
used to purchase the shares has been cleared by the shareholder's bank, which
may take up to 15 calendar days. This delay may be avoided by investing through
wire transfers. Unless otherwise indicated, redemption proceeds normally are
paid by check mailed to the shareholder's record address. The right of
redemption may not be suspended nor the payment dates postponed for more than
seven days after the tender of the shares to the Fund except when the New York
Stock Exchange is closed (or when trading thereon is restricted) for any reason
other than its customary weekend or holiday closings or under any emergency or
other circumstance as determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Proceeds of redemptions normally are paid in cash. However, payments may
be made wholly or partially in portfolio securities if the Board determines
that payment in cash would be detrimental to the best interests of the
Fund. The Trust will only effect a redemption in portfolio securities if
the
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<PAGE>
particular shareholder is redeeming more than $250,000 or 1% of the
Fund's net assets, whichever is less, during any 90-day period.
The Trust employs reasonable procedures to insure that telephone orders are
genuine (which include recording certain transactions and the use of shareholder
security codes). If the Trust did not employ such procedures it could be liable
for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions.
Shareholders should verify the accuracy of telephone instructions immediately
upon receipt of confirmation statements. During times of drastic economic or
market changes, telephone redemption and exchange privileges may be difficult to
implement. In the event that a shareholder is unable to reach the Transfer Agent
by telephone, requests may be mailed or hand-delivered to the Transfer Agent.
Due to the cost to the Trust of maintaining smaller accounts, the Trust
reserves the right to redeem, upon not less than 60 days' written notice, all
shares in any Fund account with an aggregate net asset value of less than
$1,000. The Trust will not redeem accounts that fall below that amount solely as
a result of a reduction in net asset value.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION PROCEDURES
The following purchase and redemption procedures and shareholder services
apply to investors who invest in the Fund directly. These investors may open an
account by completing the application at the back of this Prospectus or by
writing the Transfer Agent at the address on the first page of this prospectus.
For those shareholder services not referenced on the account application and to
change information regarding a shareholder's account (such as addresses),
investors should request an Optional Services Form from the Transfer Agent.
INITIAL PURCHASE OF SHARES
There is a $5,000 minimum for initial investments in the Fund.
BY MAIL. Investors may send a check made payable to the Trust along with a
completed account application to the Fund at the address listed on the cover
page of this Prospectus. Checks are accepted at full value subject to
collection. If a check does not clear, the purchase order will be canceled and
the investor will be liable for any losses or fees incurred by the Trust, the
Transfer Agent or Forum.
BY BANK WIRE. To make an initial investment in the Fund using the wire
system for transmittal of money among banks, an investor should first telephone
the Trust at 800-94FORUM (800-943-6786) to obtain an account number. The
investor should then instruct a bank to wire the investor's money immediately
to:
First National Bank of Boston
Boston, Massachusetts
ABA# 011000390
For Credit To: Forum Financial Corp.
Account #: 541-54171
Re: New Hampshire Bond Fund
Account #: ______________
Account Name: __________
The investor should then promptly complete and mail the account application.
Any investor planning to wire funds should instruct a bank early in the day so
the wire transfer can be accomplished the same day. There may be a charge
imposed by the bank for transmitting payment by wire, and there may also be a
charge for the use of Federal funds.
SUBSEQUENT PURCHASES OF SHARES
There is a $500 minimum for subsequent purchases. Subsequent purchases may
be made by mailing a check or by sending a bank wire as indicated above.
Shareholders using the wire system for purchase should first telephone the Trust
at 800-94FORUM (800-943-6786) to notify it of the wire transfer. All
payments should clearly indicate the shareholder's name and account number.
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<PAGE>
Shareholders may purchase Fund shares at regular, preselected intervals by
authorizing the automatic transfer of funds from a designated bank account
maintained with a United States banking institution which is an Automated
Clearing House member. Under the program, existing shareholders may authorize
amounts of $250 or more to be debited from their bank account and invested in
the Fund monthly or quarterly. Shareholders may terminate their automatic
investments or change the amount to be invested at any time by written
notification to the Transfer Agent.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
Shareholders that wish to redeem shares by telephone or receive redemption
proceeds by bank wire must elect these options by properly completing the
appropriate sections of their account application. These privileges may not be
available until several weeks after a shareholder's application is received.
Shares for which certificates have been issued may not be redeemed by telephone.
BY MAIL. Shareholders may make a redemption in any amount by sending a
written request to the Transfer Agent accompanied by any stock certificate that
may have been issued to the shareholder. All written requests for redemption
must be signed by the shareholder with signature guaranteed and all certificates
submitted for redemption must be endorsed by the shareholder with signature
guaranteed.
BY TELEPHONE. A shareholder that has elected telephone redemption
privileges may make a telephone redemption request by calling the Transfer Agent
at 800-94FORUM (800-943-6786) and providing the shareholder's account number,
the exact name in which the shareholder's shares are registered and the
shareholder's social security or taxpayer identification number. In response to
the telephone redemption instruction, the Fund will mail a check to the
shareholder's record address or, if the shareholder has elected wire redemption
privileges, wire the proceeds.
BY BANK WIRE. For redemptions of more than $5,000, a shareholder that has
elected wire redemption privileges may request the Fund to transmit the
redemption proceeds by Federal Funds wire to a bank account designated on the
shareholder's account application. To request bank wire redemptions by
telephone, the shareholder also must have elected the telephone redemption
privilege. Redemption proceeds are transmitted by wire on the day after the
redemption request in proper form is received by the Transfer Agent.
AUTOMATIC REDEMPTIONS. Shareholders may redeem Fund shares at regular,
preselected intervals by authorizing the automatic redemption of shares from
their Fund account. Redemption proceeds will be sent either by check or by
automatic transfer to a designated bank account maintained with a United States
banking institution which is an Automated Clearing House member. Under this
program, shareholders may authorize the redemption of shares in amounts of $250
or more from their account monthly or quarterly. Shareholders may terminate
their automatic redemptions or change the amount to be redeemed at any time by
written notification to the Transfer Agent.
OTHER REDEMPTION MATTERS. A signature guarantee is required for any written
redemption request and for any endorsement on a stock certificate. In addition,
a signature guarantee also is required for instructions to change a
shareholder's record name or address, designated bank account for wire
redemptions or automatic investment or redemption, dividend election, telephone
redemption or exchange option election or any other option election in
connection with the shareholder's account. Signature guarantees may be provided
by any eligible institution, including a bank, a broker, a dealer, a national
securities exchange, a credit union, or a savings association that is authorized
to guarantee signatures, acceptable to the Transfer
Agent. Whenever a signature guarantee is required, the signature of each person
required to sign for the account must be guaranteed.
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<PAGE>
The Transfer Agent will deem a shareholder's account "lost" if
correspondence to the shareholder's address of record is returned for six
months, unless the Transfer Agent determines the shareholder's new address. When
an account is deemed lost all distributions on the account will be reinvested in
additional shares of the Fund. In addition, the amount of any outstanding
(unpaid for six months or more) checks for distributions that have been returned
to the Transfer Agent will be reinvested and the checks will be canceled.
SALES CHARGES
The public offering price for shares of the Fund is the sum of the net asset
value of the shares being purchased plus any applicable sales charge. No sales
charge is assessed on the reinvestment of dividends or other distributions. The
sales charge is assessed as follows (net asset value percentages are rounded to
the nearest one-hundredth percent)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Sales Charge as % of
-------------------------------------------
Public
Offering Net Dealers'
Price Asset Value* Reallowance
------------ ------------ ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Amount of Purchase
less than $100,000 3.75% 3.90% 3.25%
$100,000 but less
than $200,000 3.25 3.36 2.85
$200,000 but less
than $400,000 2.50 2.56 2.20
$400,000 but less
than $600,000 2.00 2.04 1.75
$600,000 but less
than $800,000 1.50 1.52 1.25
$800,000 but less
than $1,000,000 1.00 1.01 0.75
$1,000,000 and up 0.50 0.50 0.40
</TABLE>
*Rounded to the nearest one-hundredth percent.
Forum's commission is the sales charge shown above less any applicable
discount reallowed to selected brokers and dealers (including banks and bank
affiliates purchasing shares as principal or agent). Normally, Forum will
reallow discounts to selected brokers and dealers in the amounts indicated in
the table above. From time to time, however, Forum may elect to reallow the
entire sales charge to selected brokers or dealers for all sales with respect to
which orders are placed with Forum during a particular period. The dealers'
reallowance may be changed from time to time.
In addition, from time to time and at its own expense, Forum may provide
compensation, including financial assistance, to dealers in connection with
conferences, sales or training programs for their employees, seminars for the
public, advertising campaigns or other dealer-sponsored special events.
Compensation may include: (i) the provision of travel arrangements and lodging,
(ii) tickets for entertainment events and (iii) merchandise.
No sales charge will be assessed on purchases made for investment purposes
by: (a) any bank, trust company, savings association or similar institution with
whom Forum has entered into a share purchase agreement acting on behalf of the
institution's fiduciary customer accounts or any account maintained by its trust
department; (b) any registered investment adviser with whom Forum has entered
into a share purchase agreement and which is acting on behalf of its fiduciary
customer accounts; (c) any broker-dealer with whom Forum has entered into a
Selected Dealer Agreement and a Fee-Based or Wrap Account Agreement and which is
acting on behalf of its fee-based program clients; (d) directors and officers of
the Trust; directors, officers and full-time employees of the Adviser, Forum,
any of their affiliates or any organization with which Forum has entered into a
selected dealer or processing agent agreement; the spouse, sibling, direct
ancestor or direct descendent (collectively, "relatives") of any such person;
any trust for the benefit of any such person or relative; or the estate of any
such person or relative; and (e) any person who has, within the preceding 90
days, redeemed Fund shares (but only on purchases in amounts not exceeding the
redeemed amounts) and completes a reinstatement form upon investment. Any shares
so purchased may not be resold except to the Fund.
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<PAGE>
REDUCED SALES CHARGES
For an investor to qualify for a reduced sales charge, as described below,
the investor must notify the Transfer Agent at the time of purchase. Programs
for reduced sales charges may be modified or terminated at any time and are
subject to confirmation of an investor's holdings.
RIGHTS OF ACCUMULATION. An investor's purchase of additional shares of the
Fund may qualify for rights of accumulation ("ROA") wherein the applicable sales
charge will be based on the total of the investor's current purchase and the net
asset value (at the end of the previous Fund Business Day) of all Fund shares
held by the investor. For example, if an investor owned shares of the Fund worth
$400,000 at the then current net asset value and purchased shares of the Fund
worth an additional $50,000, the sales charge for the $50,000 purchase would be
at the 2% rate applicable to a single $450,000 purchase, rather than at the
3.75% rate. To qualify for ROA on a purchase, the investor must inform the
Transfer Agent and supply sufficient information to verify that each purchase
qualifies for the privilege or discount.
LETTER OF INTENT. Investors may also obtain reduced sales charges based on
cumulative purchases by means of a written Letter of Intent ("LOI"), which
expresses the investor's intention to invest $100,000 or more within a period of
13 months in shares of the Fund. Each purchase of shares under a LOI will be
made at the public offering price applicable at the time of the purchase to a
single transaction of the dollar amount indicated in the LOI.
An LOI is not a binding obligation upon the investor to purchase the full
amount indicated. Shares purchased with the first 5% of the amount indicated in
the LOI will be held subject to a registered pledge (while remaining registered
in the name of the investor) to secure payment of the higher sales charge
applicable to the shares actually purchased if the full amount indicated is not
purchased within 13 months. Pledged shares will be involuntarily redeemed to pay
the additional sales charge, if necessary. When the full amount indicated has
been purchased, the shares will be released from pledge. Share certificates are
not issued for shares purchased under an LOI. Investors wishing to enter into an
LOI can obtain a form of LOI from their broker or financial institution or by
contacting the Transfer Agent.
EXCHANGES
Fund shareholders are entitled to exchange their shares for shares of any
other fund of the Trust or any other fund that participates in the exchange
program and whose shares are eligible for sale in the shareholder's state of
residence. Exchanges may only be made between accounts registered in the same
name. A completed account application must be submitted to open a new account in
the Fund through an exchange if the shareholder requests any shareholder
privilege not associated with the existing account. Exchanges are subject to the
fees charged by, and the restrictions listed in the prospectus for, the fund
into which a shareholder is exchanging, including minimum investment
requirements. The Fund does not charge for exchanges and there is currently no
limit on the number of exchanges a shareholder may make.
The Trust (and Federal tax law) treats an exchange as a redemption of the
shares owned and the purchase of the shares of the fund being acquired.
Redemptions and purchases are effected at the respective net asset values of the
two funds as next determined following receipt of proper instructions and all
necessary supporting documents by the fund whose shares are being exchanged.
If a shareholder exchanges into a fund that imposes a sales charge,
that shareholder is required to pay the difference between that fund's
sales charge and any sales charge the shareholder has previously paid in
connection with the shares being exchanged. For example, if a shareholder
paid a 2% sales charge in connection with the purchase of the shares of a
fund and then exchanged those shares into another fund with a 3% sales
charge,
15
<PAGE>
that shareholder would pay an additional 1% sales charge on the
exchange. Shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends and
distributions are deemed to have been acquired with a sales charge rate equal
to that paid on the shares on which the dividend or distribution was paid.
The exchange privilege may be modified materially or terminated by the
Trust at any time upon 60 days' notice to shareholders.
BY MAIL. Exchanges may be accomplished by written instruction to the
Transfer Agent accompanied by any stock certificate that may have been issued to
the shareholder. All written requests for exchanges must be signed by the
shareholder (a signature guarantee is not required) and all certificates
submitted for exchange must be endorsed by the shareholder with signature
guaranteed.
BY TELEPHONE. Exchanges may be accomplished by telephone by any shareholder
that
has elected telephone exchange privileges by calling the Transfer Agent at
800-94FORUM (800-943-6786) and providing the shareholder's account number, the
exact name in which the shareholder's shares are registered and the
shareholder's social security or taxpayer identification number.
PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS THROUGH FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Shares may be purchased and redeemed through certain broker-dealers, banks,
trust companies and their affiliates, and other financial institutions,
including affiliates of the Transfer Agent ("Processing Organizations").
Processing Organizations may receive as a dealer's reallowance a portion of the
sales charge paid by their customers who purchase Fund shares. In addition,
Processing Organizations may charge their customers a fee for their services and
are responsible for promptly transmitting purchase, redemption and other
requests to the Fund. The Trust is not responsible for the failure of any
institution to promptly forward these requests.
Investors who purchase shares through a Processing Organization may be
charged a fee if they effect transactions in Fund Shares through a broker or
agent and will be subject to the procedures of their Processing Organization,
which may include limitations, investment minimums, cutoff times and
restrictions in addition to, or different from, those applicable to shareholders
who invest in the Fund directly. These investors should acquaint themselves with
their Processing Organization's procedures and should read this Prospectus in
conjunction with any materials and information provided by their Processing
Organization. Customers who purchase Fund shares through a Processing
Organization may or may not be the shareholder of record and, subject to their
Processing Organization's and the Fund's procedures, may have Fund shares
transferred into their name. Under their arrangements with the Trust, broker-
dealer Processing Organizations are not generally required to deliver payment
for purchase orders until several business days after a purchase order has been
received by a Fund. Certain other Processing Organizations may also enter
purchase orders with payment to follow.
Certain shareholder services may not be available to shareholders who have
purchased shares through a Processing Organization. These shareholders should
contact their Processing Organization for further information. The Trust may
confirm purchases and redemptions of a Processing Organization's customers
directly to the Processing Organization, which in turn will provide its
customers with such confirmations and periodic statements as may be required by
law or agreed to between the Processing Organization and its customers. The
Trust is not responsible for the failure of any Processing Organization to carry
out its obligations to its customer. Certain states permit
shares of the Fund to be purchased and redeemed only through registered
broker-dealers, including the Fund's distributor.
16
<PAGE>
6. DIVIDENDS AND TAX MATTERS
DIVIDENDS
Dividends of the Fund's net investment income are declared daily and paid
monthly. Dividends of net capital gain, if any, realized by the Fund are
distributed annually.
Shareholders may have all dividends reinvested in additional shares of the
Fund or received in cash. In addition, shareholders may have dividends of net
capital gain reinvested in additional shares of the Fund and dividends of net
investment income paid in cash. All dividends are treated in the same manner for
Federal income tax purposes whether received in cash or reinvested in shares of
the Fund.
All dividends will be reinvested at the Fund's net asset value as of the
payment date of the dividend. All dividends are reinvested unless another option
is selected. All dividends not reinvested will be paid to the shareholder in
cash and may be paid more than seven days following the date on which dividends
would otherwise be reinvested.
TAXES
FEDERAL TAXES. The Fund intends to continue to qualify for each fiscal year
to be taxed as a "regulated investment company" under the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986. As such, the Fund will not be liable for Federal income taxes on the
net investment income and net capital gain distributed to its shareholders.
Because the Fund intends to distribute all of its net investment income and net
capital gain each year, the Fund should avoid all Federal income and excise
taxes.
Shareholders generally will not be subject to Federal income tax on
dividends paid by the Fund out of tax-exempt interest income earned by the Fund
("exempt-interest dividends"), assuming cer-
tain requirements are met by the Fund. Substantially all of the dividends paid
by the Fund are anticipated to be exempt from Federal income taxes.
Persons who are "substantial users" or "related persons" thereof of
facilities financed by private activity bonds held by the Fund may be subject to
Federal income tax on their pro rata share of the interest income from these
bonds and should consult their tax advisors before purchasing shares of the
Fund. Under current Federal tax law, interest on certain private activity bonds
is treated as an item of tax preference for purposes of the Federal AMT imposed
on individuals and corporations. In addition, interest on all tax-exempt
obligations is included in the "adjusted current earnings" of corporations for
Federal AMT purposes.
Dividends paid by the Fund out of its taxable net investment income
(including any realized net short-term capital gain) are taxable to shareholders
as ordinary income for Federal tax purposes. Distributions by the Fund of
realized net long-term capital gain, if any, are taxable to shareholders as
long-term capital gain, regardless of the length of time the shareholder may
have held shares in the Fund. If Fund shares are sold at a loss after being held
for six months or less, the loss will be disallowed to the extent of any
exempt-interest dividends received on those shares and will be treated as
long-term capital loss to the extent of any long-term capital gain distribution
received on those shares.
Any capital gain distribution received by a shareholder reduces the net
asset value of the shareholder's shares by the amount of the distribution. To
the extent that capital gain was accrued by the Fund before the shareholder
purchased shares, the distribution would be in effect a return of capital to the
shareholder. For Federal income tax purposes, however, capital gain
distributions, including those that operate as a return of capital, are taxable
to the shareholder receiving them.
Interest on indebtedness incurred by shareholders to purchase or carry
shares of the Fund generally is not deductible for Federal income tax purposes.
17
<PAGE>
NEW HAMPSHIRE TAXES. Substantially all of the dividends paid by the Fund
are anticipated to be exempt from New Hampshire interest and dividends taxes.
The New Hampshire interest and dividends tax applies to that portion of a
dividend paid out of the Fund's taxable ordinary income (but not short-term
capital gain). In addition, it is anticipated that a substantial amount of the
dividends paid by the Fund will be exempt from New Hampshire business profits
taxes.
Shareholders who are individuals, resident in New Hampshire, will not be
subject to the New Hampshire interest and dividends or business profits tax on
dividends paid by the Fund, provided the Fund invests solely in New Hampshire
tax-exempt municipal securities or United States government obligations. If the
Fund invests in any other form of investment, then the entire amount of all of
the Fund's dividends (other than capital gain distributions) will be subject to
the interest and dividends tax.
Shareholders who are partnerships, associations or trusts, the beneficial
interest in which is not represented by transferable shares, and fiduciaries
deriving their appointment from a New Hampshire court, will generally be subject
to the same interest and dividends tax rules as shareholders who are individuals
resident in New Hampshire. Special interest and dividends tax rules will apply
to dividends received by trusts, estates, partnerships, and "S" corporations and
their beneficiaries or owners, if the entity or some of its beneficiaries or
owners are not resident in the state of New Hampshire. Shareholders to whom
these rules might apply should consult a tax advisor knowledgeable in the field
of New Hampshire state taxation.
Shareholders who are partnerships, associations or trusts the beneficial
interest in which is represented by transferable shares, are not subject to the
New Hampshire interest and dividends tax. If, however, such an organization is
engaged in business activity within the state, then it will be subject to the
New Hampshire business profits tax on all income earned by it in New Hampshire.
Taxable business profits for this purpose will include all dividends paid by the
Fund to the business organization, except that portion of a dividend that is
attributable to interest on Fund investments in notes, bonds, or other
securities of the United States. Thus, dividends representing income earned by
the Fund on its investment in New Hampshire municipal securities, and short- and
long-term capital gains, will be fully taxable under the New Hampshire business
profits tax.
OTHER TAX MATTERS. The Fund may be required by Federal law to withhold 31%
of reportable payments (which may include taxable dividends, capital gain
distributions and redemption proceeds) paid to individuals and certain other
non-corporate shareholders. Withholding is not required if a shareholder
certifies that the shareholder's social security or tax identification number
provided to the Fund is correct and that the shareholder is not subject to
backup withholding.
Reports containing appropriate information with respect to the Federal and
New Hampshire tax status of dividends and distributions paid during the year by
the Fund will be mailed to shareholders shortly after the close of each year.
This includes a statement advising each shareholder of the portion of total
dividends paid into the shareholder's account that is exempt from Federal income
tax and that is derived from New Hampshire municipal securities and from other
sources. These portions are determined for the entire year and on a monthly
basis and, thus, are an annual or monthly average, rather than a day-by-day
determination for each shareholder.
TAX-FREE INCOME VS. TAXABLE INCOME
The table below shows approximate equivalent taxable and tax-free yields at
various approximate combined marginal Federal income tax and
New Hampshire interest and dividends tax bracket rates. For example, an
individual investor in the
18
<PAGE>
32% combined tax bracket for 1996 whose investments
earn a 5% tax-free yield would have to earn a 7.31% taxable yield to receive the
same benefit.
1996 COMBINED FEDERAL AND NEW HAMPSHIRE
TAXABLE VS. TAX-FREE YIELDS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
A Tax-Free Yield of
----------------------------------------------------------
4.0% 4.5% 5.0% 5.5%
Combined
Marginal
Federal and 6.0%
New
Hampshire
Tax Bracket
equals a taxable yield of approximately
- ----------- ----------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
43% 6.97% 7.84% 8.71% 9.59% 10.46%
40% 6.58% 7.40% 8.22% 9.05% 9.87%
34% 6.10% 6.86% 7.63% 8.39% 9.15%
32% 5.85% 6.58% 7.31% 8.04% 8.77%
19% 4.95% 5.57% 6.19% 6.81% 7.43%
</TABLE>
The yields listed are for illustration only and are not necessarily
representative of the Fund's yield. Although the Fund primarily invests in
securities the interest from which is exempt from both Federal and New Hampshire
state taxes, some of the Fund's investments may generate Federal taxable income
or capital gain. An investor's tax bracket will depend upon the investor's
taxable income. The figures set forth above do not reflect the Federal
alternative minimum taxes or any state or local income taxes other than New
Hampshire interest and dividends taxes.
The foregoing is only a summary of some of the important Federal and New
Hampshire tax considerations generally affecting the Fund and its shareholders.
There may be other Federal, state or local tax considerations applicable to a
particular investor. Prospective investors are urged to consult their tax
advisors.
7. OTHER INFORMATION
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
The Fund's performance may be quoted in advertising in terms of yield
or total return. Both types are based on historical results and are not
intended to indicate future performance. The Fund's yield is a way of
showing the rate of income earned by the Fund as a percentage of the
Fund's share price. Yield is calculated by dividing the net investment
income of the Fund for the stated period by the average number of
shares entitled to receive dividends and expressing the result as an
annualized percentage rate based on the Fund's share price at the end of the
period. The Fund may also quote tax equivalent yields, which show the
taxable yields a shareholder would have to earn to equal the Fund's
tax-free yields after taxes. A tax equivalent yield is calculated by
dividing the Fund's tax-free yield by one minus a stated Federal, state
or combined Federal and state tax rate. Total return refers to the average
annual compounded rates of return over some representative period that would
equate an initial amount invested at the beginning of a stated period to
the ending redeemable value of the investment, after giving effect to the
reinvestment of all dividends and distributions and deductions of expenses
during the period. The Fund also may advertise its total return over
different periods of time on a before-tax or after-tax basis or by means of
aggregate, average, year by year, or other types of total return figures.
Because average annual returns tend to smooth out variations in the Fund's
returns, shareholders should recognize that they are not the same as actual
year-by-year results. A computation of yield or total return that does not
take into account the sales load paid by an investor will be higher than a
computation based on the public offering price of shares purchased that
does take into account payment of a sales load.
The Fund's advertisements may reference ratings and rankings among
similar funds by independent evaluators such as Morningstar, Lipper
Analytical Services, Inc. or IBC/Donoghue, Inc. In addition, the
performance of the Fund may be compared to recognized indices of market
performance. The comparative material found in the Fund's advertisements,
sales literature or reports to shareholders may contain performance ratings.
These are not to be considered representative or indicative of
future performance.
19
<PAGE>
BANKING LAW MATTERS
Banking laws and regulations generally permit a bank or bank affiliate to
purchase shares of an investment company as agent for and upon the order of a
customer and in the view of Forum would permit a bank or bank affiliate to serve
as a Processing Organization or perform sub-transfer agent or similar services
for the Trust and its shareholders. If a bank or bank affiliate were prohibited
from performing all or a part of the foregoing services, its shareholder
customers would be permitted to remain shareholders of the Trust and alternative
means for continuing to service them would be sought. It is not expected that
shareholders would suffer adverse financial consequences as a result of any
changes in bank or bank affiliate service arrangements.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The Trust determines the net asset value per share of the Fund as of 4:00
p.m., Eastern time, on each Fund Business Day by dividing the value of the
Fund's net assets (I.E., the value of its portfolio securities and other assets
less its liabilities) by the number of the Fund's shares outstanding at the time
the determination is made. Securities owned by the Fund for which market
quotations are readily available are valued at current market value, or, in
their absence, at fair value as determined by the Board.
THE TRUST AND ITS SHARES
The Trust was originally incorporated in Maryland on March 24, 1980 and
assumed the name of Forum Funds, Inc. on March 16, 1987. On January 5, 1996,
Forum Funds, Inc. was reorganized as a Delaware business trust. The Trust has an
unlimited number of authorized shares of beneficial interest. The Board may,
without shareholder approval, divide the authorized shares into an unlimited
number of separate portfolios or series (such as the Fund) and may in the future
divide portfolios or series into two or more classes of shares (such as Investor
and Institutional Shares). Currently the authorized shares of the Trust are
divided into 15 separate series.
Each share of each fund of the Trust and each class of shares has equal
dividend, distribution, liquidation and voting rights, and fractional shares
have those rights proportionately, except that expenses related to the
distribution of the shares of each class (and certain other expenses such as
transfer agency and administration expenses) are borne solely by those shares
and each class votes separately with respect to the provisions of any Rule 12b-1
plan which pertain to the class and other matters for which separate class
voting is appropriate under applicable law. Generally, shares will be voted in
the aggregate without reference to a particular portfolio or class, except if
the matter affects only one portfolio or class or voting by portfolio or class
is required by law, in which case shares will be voted separately by portfolio
or class, as appropriate. Delaware law does not require the Trust to hold annual
meetings of shareholders, and it is anticipated that shareholder meetings will
be held only when specifically required by Federal or state law. Shareholders
have available certain procedures for the removal of Trustees. There are no
conversion or preemptive rights in connection with shares of the Trust. All
shares when issued in accordance with the terms of the offering will be fully
paid and nonassessable. Shares are redeemable at net asset value, at the option
of the shareholders, subject to any contingent deferred sales charge that may
apply. A shareholder in a portfolio is entitled to the shareholder's pro rata
share of all dividends and distributions arising from that portfolio's assets
and, upon redeeming shares, will receive the portion of the portfolio's net
assets represented by the redeemed shares.
From time to time, certain shareholders may own a large percentage of the
shares of the Fund. Accordingly, those shareholders may be able to greatly
affect (if not determine) the outcome of a shareholder vote.
20
<PAGE>
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, THE STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND THE FUND'S OFFICIAL SALES LITERATURE IN CONNECTION
WITH THE OFFERING OF THE FUND'S SHARES, AND IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION
OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE
TRUST. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER IN ANY STATE IN WHICH, OR TO
ANY PERSON TO WHOM, SUCH OFFER MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.
21
<PAGE>
FORUM FUNDS
[LOGO] ACCOUNT APPLICATION ACCOUNT NUMBER__________
1. INITIAL INVESTMENT ($5,000 minimum)
/ / Check enclosed for $______________________ / / New Hampshire Bond
/ / I have telephoned the Transfer Agent
to make wire arrangements (see
instructions on reverse).
/ / My initial investment wire is $___________
2. REGISTRATION (please print)
/ / INDIVIDUALS
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Investor's Name
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Social Security Number
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Joint Investor's Name (right of survivorship
presumed unless tenancy in common is indicated)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Social Security Number
/ / GIFTS TO MINORS
as custodian for
----------------------------- ----------------------------
Custodian's Name (only one Minor's Name (only one
permitted) permitted)
under the _______________ Uniform Gifts to Minors Act
State
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Minor's Social Security Number
/ / CORPORATIONS, PARTNERSHIPS & OTHERS (additional documentation required for
investors in any representative capacity)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Name of Entity (indicate type of business, e.g., partnership)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Taxpayer Identification Number
/ / TRUSTS (including corporate pension plans)
as trustee(s) for
----------------------------- ---------------------------
Trustee(s) Name(s) Name of Trust
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Full date of trust instrument
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Taxpayer Identification Number
3. ADDRESS
CITIZENSHIP: / / U.S. / / Resident Alien / / Non-Resident Alien___________
Country
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Number and Street
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
City State Zip Code
-------------------------------- ------------------ --------------------
Contact Person Telephone (Day) Telephone (Evening)
4. TELEPHONE AND WIRE REDEMPTION PRIVILEGES (subject to the terms set forth in
the Prospectus)
/ / Telephone Redemption/Exchange Privilege
The Fund and Forum Financial Corp. ("Forum") are hereby authorized to honor
verbal instructions for the (i) redemption of any and all Fund shares held
in the undersigned's account provided that proceeds are mailed to the
shareholders address of record or to the bank account indicated below and
(ii) exchange of Fund shares into another account. The Fund and Forum are
authorized to honor any verbal instructions for purposes of redemption or
exchange purporting to be from the shareholder and believed by the Fund or
Forum to be genuine, and neither the Fund nor Forum shall be liable for any
loss, cost or expense for acting upon such instructions.
/ / Wire Redemption Privilege
The Fund and Forum are authorized to honor written instructions with
signature guaranteed or, if Telephone Redemption Privileges are elected,
verbal instructions, to redeem any and all Fund shares held in the
undersigned's account provided that the proceeds are transmitted to the
bank account indicated below. Complete the following if either privilege is
elected:
------------------------------------------------------ -----------------
Name of Bank (attach a voided check or deposit slip) Account Number
------------------------------------------------------ -----------------
Address and Branch of Bank ABA #
<PAGE>
ACCOUNT APPLICATION (CONTINUED)
5. DIVIDEND AND CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTION PAYMENT OPTIONS (check one)
/ / Full Reinvestment: Reinvest all income dividends and capital gain
distributions when paid.
/ / Capital Gain Reinvestment: Reinvest capital gain distributions when paid;
pay income dividends in cash.
/ / Cash: Pay all income dividends and capital gain distributions in cash.
(Note: If none of the above boxes are checked, shareholders are assigned the
Full Reinvestment option.)
6. DUPLICATE STATEMENT ADDRESS (optional)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Company Name Contact Person
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Number and Street
-----------------------------------------------------------------
City State Zip Code
-------------------------------- -------------------------------
Telephone (Day) Telephone (Evening)
7. DEALER INFORMATION (for broker/dealer use only)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Firm Name NSCC Code
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Representative's Name Representative's #
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Branch Address Branch Code
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Dealer's Authorized Signature Source of Business Code
8. SIGNATURE
I am (We are) of legal age in the state of my (our) residence and wish to
purchase shares of the Fund(s) indicated as described in the current Prospectus
(a copy of which I (we) have received). By the execution of this Account
Application, the undersigned represent(s) and warrant(s) that I (we) have full
right, power and authority to make this investment and the undersigned is (are)
duly authorized to sign this Account Application and to purchase or redeem
shares of the Fund on behalf of the Investor.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Investor/Custodian Trustee Date
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Joint Investor/Co-Trustee Date
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate Officer (Name) Title
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Corporate Officer Title
TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER CERTIFICATION
(check appropriate box, if applicable).
Under the penalties of perjury, I certify:
/ / That the number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification
number and that I am not subject to backup withholding because (a) I am
exempt from backup withholding, (b) I have not been notified by the
Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") that I am subject to backup withholding as
a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS
has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding.
/ / That I have not provided a taxpayer identification number because I have
not been issued a number, but I have applied for one or will do so in the
near future. I understand that if I do not provide my number to the Fund
within 60 days, the Fund will be required to begin backup withholding.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Investor/Custodian/Trustee Date
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Joint Investor/Co-Trustee Date
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate Officer (Name) Title
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Corporate Officer Title
9. INITIAL INVESTMENT AND MAILING INSTRUCTIONS
(1) If making your initial investment by check, complete the Account
Application and mail it with your check, payable to "Forum Funds" to:
FORUM FINANCIAL CORP.
ATTN: TRANSFER AGENT
P.O. BOX 446
PORTLAND, ME 04112
(2) If making your initial investment by bank wire, call the Transfer Agent
(Forum Financial Corp.) at 800-94FORUM (800-943-6786) to obtain an account
number. Then instruct your bank to wire Federal Funds to:
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON
BOSTON, MA
ABA # 011000390
CREDIT TO: FORUM FINANCIAL CORP.
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 541-54171
FOR FURTHER CREDIT TO: (FUND NAME)
ACCOUNT NAME / ACCOUNT NUMBER
Complete the Account Application and mail it to the address listed above.
Be sure to indicate the account number assigned to you on this Account
Application.
<PAGE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[LOGO]
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION:
Forum Financial Corp.
P.O. Box 446
Portland, ME 04112
207-879-0001 (IN PORTLAND, ME)
800-94FORUM (ELSEWHERE)
<PAGE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FORUM FUNDS
PROSPECTUS
AUGUST 1, 1996
PAYSON VALUE FUND
PAYSON BALANCED FUND
[LOGO]
Investment Advisor
H.M. PAYSON & CO.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
<C> <S> <C>
1. Prospectus Summary................... 2
2. Financial Highlights................. 3
3. Investment Objectives and Policies
4
Payson Value Fund....................
5
Payson Balanced Fund.................
4. Additional Investment Policies....... 10
5. Management........................... 13
6. Purchases and Redemption of Shares... 14
7. Dividends and Tax Matters............ 21
8. Other Information.................... 22
Account Application
</TABLE>
i
<PAGE>
FORUM FUNDS
PAYSON VALUE FUND
PAYSON BALANCED FUND
[LOGO]
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
INVESTMENT ADVISOR: ACCOUNT INFORMATION AND
H.M. Payson & Co. SHAREHOLDER SERVICING:
One Portland Square Forum Financial Corp.
P.O. Box 31 P.O. Box 446
Portland, Maine 04112 Portland, Maine 04112
(207) 772-3761 (207) 879-0009
(800) 456-6710
</TABLE>
PROSPECTUS
August 1, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Prospectus offers shares of Payson Value Fund and Payson Balanced Fund (the
"Funds"). The Funds are diversifed portfolios of Forum Funds (the "Trust"),
which is an open-end, management investment company.
PAYSON VALUE FUND. The investment objective of Payson Value Fund is to seek
high total returns (capital appreciation and current income) by investing in
a diversified portfolio of common stock and securities convertible into
common stock which appear to be undervalued in the marketplace.
PAYSON BALANCED FUND. The investment objective of Payson Balanced Fund is
to seek a combination of high current income and capital appreciation by
investing in common stock and securities convertible into common stock,
which appear to be undervalued, and in high grade senior debt securities,
including U.S. Government, government agency and corporate obligations.
Shares of the Funds are offered to investors at a price equal to the next
determined net asset value plus a maximum sales charge of 4.0% of the total
public offering price (4.17% of the amount invested).
This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information concerning the Trust and
the Funds that a prospective investor should know before investing. The Trust
has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") a Statement of
Additional Information dated August 1, 1996, as may from time to time be amended
(the "SAI"), which contains more detailed information about the Trust and the
Funds and which is incorporated into this Prospectus by reference. The SAI is
available without charge by contacting the Trust at the address listed above.
INVESTORS SHOULD READ THIS PROSPECTUS AND RETAIN IT FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
FUND SHARES ARE NOT OBLIGATIONS, DEPOSITS OR ACCOUNTS OF, OR ENDORSED OR
GUARANTEED BY, ANY BANK OR ANY AFFILIATE OF A BANK AND ARE NOT INSURED OR
GUARANTEED BY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, THE FDIC, THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM OR ANY
OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
1. PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FUNDS
INVESTMENT ADVISOR
H.M. Payson & Co. (the "Adviser"), founded in 1854, serves as each Fund's
investment adviser. See "Management - Investment Advisor."
FUND MANAGEMENT
The manager of the Trust and distributor of its shares is Forum Financial
Services, Inc. ("Forum"). Forum supervises the overall administrative activities
of the Trust. Forum Financial Corp. (the "Transfer Agent"), Two Portland Square,
Portland, Maine 04101, serves as the Trust's transfer agent, dividend disbursing
agent and shareholder servicing agent. See "Management."
PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS
Shares of the Funds are offered at the next-determined net asset value per
share plus any applicable sales charge. The minimum initial investment is $5,000
($2,000 for IRAs) and the minimum subsequent investment is $500. Shares may be
redeemed without charge. See "Purchases and Redemptions of Shares."
EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Shareholders of the Funds may exchange their shares without charge for the
shares of certain other funds of the Trust. See "Purchases and Redemptions of
Shares - Exchanges."
DIVIDENDS
Dividends of net investment income are declared and paid quarterly by each
Fund and are reinvested in Fund shares unless a shareholder elects to have them
paid in cash. Net capital gain, if any, is distributed annually. See "Dividends
and Tax Matters."
CERTAIN RISK FACTORS
There can be no assurance that either Fund will achieve its investment
objective and the net asset value of each Fund will fluctuate based upon changes
in the value of its portfolio securities. Investments in equity securities may
change in value rapidly and to a great degree. Accordingly, the Funds' net asset
values may change similarly. The foreign securities in which the Funds may
invest entail certain risks not associated with domestic investments.
Investments in lower rated debt securities (including convertible securities)
may entail certain risks. See the "Investment Objective and Policies" and
"Additional Investment Policies" below.
EXPENSES OF INVESTING IN THE FUNDS
The purpose of the following table is to assist investors in understanding
the various expenses that an investor in a Fund will bear directly or
indirectly.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Payson
Payson Balanced
Value Fund Fund
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
Maximum sales charge imposed on
purchases (as a percentage of
public offering price) (1)......... 4.0% 4.0%
Exchange Fee........................ None None
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES(2)
(as a percentage of average net
assets after applicable expense
reimbursements and fee waivers)
Advisory Fees (after fee
waivers)........................... 0.80% 0.60%
12b-1 Fees.......................... None None
Other Expenses (after expense
reimbursements).................... 0.65% 0.55%
----------- -----------
Total Fund Operating Expenses....... 1.45% 1.15%
</TABLE>
(1) Certain shareholders may be eligible for reduced sales charges. See
"Purchases and Redemptions of Shares -- Reduced Sales Charges".
(2) The amounts of expenses are based on amounts incurred by each Fund
during the Fund's most recent fiscal year ending March 31, 1996. Absent expense
reimbursements and fee waivers, the expense of Payson Value Fund and Payson
Balanced Fund, respectively, would have been: Advisory Fees, 0.80% and 0.60%;
Other Expenses, 1.36% and 1.10%; and Total Fund Operating Expenses, 2.16% and
1.70%. For a further description
2
<PAGE>
of the various expenses incurred in the operation of the Fund, see "Management."
Expense reimbursements and fee waivers are voluntary and may be reduced or
eliminated at any time.
EXAMPLE
Following is a hypothetical example that indicates the dollar amount of
expenses that an investor in the Fund would pay assuming a $1,000 investment in
the Fund, a 5% annual return, the reinvestment of all dividends and
distributions,
redemption at the end of each period and payment of the maximum initial sales
charge:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Payson Value Fund....... $ 54 $ 84 $ 116 $ 207
Payson Balanced Fund.... $ 51 $ 75 $ 101 $ 174
</TABLE>
The example is based on the expenses listed in the table. The five percent
annual return is not predictive of and does not represent the Funds' projected
returns; rather, it is required by government regulation. THE EXAMPLE SHOULD NOT
BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES. ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY
BE GREATER OR LESS THAN INDICATED.
2. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following information represents selected data for a single share
outstanding of each Fund. This information has been audited in connection with
an audit of the Funds' financial statements by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors. The financial statements and independent auditors' report
thereon are incorporated by reference into the SAI. Further information about a
Fund's performance is contained in the Fund's annual report to shareholders,
which may be obtained from the Trust without charge.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAYSON VALUE FUND PAYSON BALANCED FUND
Year Ended March 31, Year Ended March 31,
------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993(1) 1996 1995 1994
--------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Beginning Net Asset Value per Share $ 12.71 $ 12.11 $ 11.01 $ 10.00 $ 11.90 $ 11.71 $ 11.40
Net Investment Income 0.21 0.18 0.13 0.08 0.43 0.44 0.34
Net Realized and Unrealized Investment
Gain on Securities 3.29 0.60 1.12 1.02 2.12 0.24 0.46
Dividends from Net Investment Income (0.21) (0.18) (0.15) (0.09) (0.43) (0.44) (0.35)
Distributions from Net Realized Gains (0.01) -- -- -- (0.32) (0.05) (0.14)
--------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Ending Net Asset Value per Share $ 15.99 $ 12.71 $ 12.11 $ 11.01 $ 13.70 $ 11.90 $ 11.71
--------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
--------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Ratio to Average Net Assets:
Expenses (2) 1.45% 1.46% 1.45% 1.44%(3) 1.15% 1.15% 1.15%
Net Investment Income 1.47% 1.59% 1.38% 1.63%(3) 3.25% 3.91% 4.37%
Total Return 27.77% 6.52% 11.38% 17.05%(3) 21.70% 6.00% 6.99%
Portfolio Turnover Rate 53.06% 27.20% 32.15% 23.95% 61.77% 50.06% 80.13%
Average brokerage commission rate (4) $0.0993 -- -- -- $0.0973 -- --
Net Assets at the End of
Period (000's Omitted) $ 10,319 $ 7,960 $ 5,060 $ 2,145 $ 17,455 $ 13,872 $ 11,355
<CAPTION>
1993 1992(1)
---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Beginning Net Asset Value per Share $ 10.21 $ 10.00
Net Investment Income 0.31 0.10
Net Realized and Unrealized Investment
Gain on Securities 1.20 0.21
Dividends from Net Investment Income (0.31) (0.10)
Distributions from Net Realized Gains (0.01) --
---------- ---------
Ending Net Asset Value per Share $ 11.40 $ 10.21
---------- ---------
---------- ---------
Ratio to Average Net Assets:
Expenses (2) 1.15% 1.13%(3)
Net Investment Income 3.27% 3.46%(3)
Total Return 15.12% 9.15%(3)
Portfolio Turnover Rate 30.77% 1.53%
Average brokerage commission rate (4) -- --
Net Assets at the End of
Period (000's Omitted) $ 5,396 $ 2,667
</TABLE>
(1) Payson Value Fund commenced operations on July 31, 1992 and Payson Balanced
Fund commenced operations on November 25, 1991.
(2) During the periods, various fees and expenses were waived and reimbursed,
respectively. Had these waivers and reimbursements not occurred the ratio of
expenses to average net assets would have been:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Expenses 2.16% 2.25% 3.04% 5.53%(3) 1.70% 1.72% 1.95% 2.60%
<CAPTION>
Expenses 4.88%(3)
</TABLE>
(3) Annualized.
(4) Amount represents the average commission per share, paid to brokers, on the
purchase and sale of portfolio securities.
3
<PAGE>
3. INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
PAYSON VALUE FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The investment objective of the Fund is to seek high total return (capital
appreciation and current income) by investing in a diversified portfolio of
common stock and securities convertible into common stock which appear to be
undervalued in the marketplace. Except to the degree that is necessary to
provide liquidity, and during periods when the Fund assumes a temporary
defensive position, the Fund will have all of its assets invested in common
stock and securities convertible into common stock. There can be no assurance
that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
INVESTMENT POLICIES
The Fund intends to invest principally in securities which, in the Advisor's
opinion, are undervalued relative to the stock market as a whole. This opinion
will be based upon a number of valuation measures, including but not limited to
an analysis of price/earnings ratios, price/book ratios, dividend yields and
measures of current profitability. The Advisor will also consider both the
near-term and long-term fundamental prospects of the companies identified. The
Fund invests primarily in large and medium capitalization stocks that are widely
held by the public.
The Fund will invest in common stock and convertible securities, including
convertible debt and convertible preferred stock, that are rated in one of the
four highest rating categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating
organization ("NRSRO") or which are unrated by any NRSRO and are judged by the
Advisor to be of comparable quality. Unrated securities may not be as actively
traded as rated securities. A further description of Moody's Investors Service,
Standard & Poor's and other NRSRO ratings is included in the SAI.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES. A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note,
preferred stock or other security that may be converted into or exchanged for a
prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a different issuer within a
particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A convertible
security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on debt or the
dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security matures or is
redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities have
characteristics similar to nonconvertible debt securities in that they
ordinarily provide a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than
those of common stocks of the same or similar issuers. Convertible securities
rank senior to common stock in a corporation's capital structure but are usually
subordinated to comparable nonconvertible securities.
The value of a convertible security is a function of its "investment value"
(determined by its yield comparison with the yields of other securities of
comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege) and its
"conversion value" (the security's worth, at market value, if converted into the
underlying common stock). The investment value of a convertible security is
influenced by changes in interest rates, with investment value declining as
interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates decline. The credit
standing of the issuer and other factors also may have an effect on the
convertible security's investment value. The conversion value of a convertible
security is determined by the market price of the underlying common stock.
CERTAIN RISK FACTORS. The value of the equity securities in which the Fund
invests may change rapidly and to a great degree depending upon many factors,
including the market's perception of the value of the securities. Accordingly,
the net asset value of the Fund may change similarly. Investors in the Fund
should be willing to accept
4
<PAGE>
the risks of the stock market and should consider an investment in the Fund only
as a part of their overall investment portfolio.
PAYSON BALANCED FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The investment objective of the Fund is to seek a combination of high
current income and capital appreciation by investing in common stock and
securities convertible into common stock, which appear to be undervalued, and in
high grade senior debt securities, including U.S. Government, government agency
and corporate obligations. The Fund will seek to achieve its investment
objective while reducing volatility through the allocation of its assets among
the available types of securities based upon the Advisor's opinion of the risk
in each. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment
objective.
INVESTMENT POLICIES
Under normal circumstances the Fund will invest in common stock and
securities convertible into common stock in a manner similar to that of Payson
Value Fund and in investment grade debt securities which the Advisor identifies
as providing high levels of income with safety and appreciation potential. For a
description of the investment policies and risk considerations of the Fund's
equity investments, see "Investment Objectives and Policies - Payson Value
Fund." The debt securities in which the Fund intends to invest include U.S.
Government, government agency, and corporate obligations.
The Fund will not purchase a security if as a result of the purchase less
than 25% of its total assets would be in fixed-income senior securities
(including debt securities, preferred stocks, and convertible debt securities
and convertible preferred stocks to the extent their value is attributable to
their fixed-income characteristics). This investment policy may be changed by
the Board of Directors of the Trust, but only with 60 days' prior shareholder
notice. Subject to this restriction, the percentage of the Fund's assets
invested in each type of security at any time will be in accordance with the
judgment of the Advisor.
The Fund may invest in the following types of fixed income securities:
(1) Debt securities which are rated in one of the three highest rating
categories by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization
("NRSRO") or which are unrated by any NRSRO and judged by the Advisor to be
of comparable quality;
(2) Obligations issued or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United
States Government or by any of its agencies or instrumentalities ("U.S.
Government Securities");
(3) Mortgage-backed securities which are U.S. Government Securities or are
otherwise rated in one of the two highest rating categories by an NRSRO or
which are unrated by any NRSRO and judged by the Advisor to be of comparable
quality;
(4) Commercial paper and other money market instruments rated in one of the two
highest short-term rating categories by an NRSRO or which are unrated by any
NRSRO and judged by the Advisor to be of comparable quality;
(5) Banker's acceptances or negotiable certificates of deposit issued by the
commercial banks doing business in the United States that have, at the time
of investment, total assets in excess of one billion dollars and that are
insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; and
(6) Convertible securities rated in one of the four highest rating categories by
an NRSRO or which are unrated by any NRSRO and judged by the Advisor to be
of comparable quality.
5
<PAGE>
For a description of convertible securities, see "Payson Value Fund
Investment Objective and Policies."
It is currently anticipated that the Fund will invest in debt obligations
with maturities ranging from short-term (including overnight) to thirty years,
and that the Fund's portfolio of debt securities will have an average
dollar-weighted maturity of between five and 15 years.
DEBT SECURITIES CONSIDERATIONS AND RISKS. The market value of debt
securities depends upon, among other things, conditions in the market for the
security and the fixed income markets generally, the size of a particular
offering, the maturity of the obligation, and the rating of the issue. The
market value of the interest-bearing debt securities held by the Fund will be
affected by changes in interest rates. There is normally an inverse relationship
between the market value of securities sensitive to prevailing interest rates
and actual changes in interest rates. In other words, a decline in interest
rates produces an increase in market value, while an increase in interest rates
produces a decrease in market value. Moreover, the longer the remaining maturity
of a security, the greater will be the effect of interest rate changes on the
market value of that security. Changes in the ability of an issuer to make
payments of interest and principal and in the market's perception of an issuer's
creditworthiness will also affect the market value of the debt securities of
that issuer. Obligations of issuers of debt securities are subject to the
provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and
remedies of creditors. The possibility exists, therefore, that, as a result of
litigation or other conditions, the ability of any issuer to pay, when due, the
principal of and interest on its debt securities may be materially impaired.
Securities rated in one of the four highest rating categories of an NRSRO
are generally considered to be investment grade securities, although securities
rated in the fourth highest-rating category have speculative characteristics. A
further description of the ratings used by Moody's, Standard & Poor's and other
NRSROs is contained in the SAI. Unrated securities may not be as actively traded
as rated securities. A non-rated security will be considered for investment by
the Fund when the Adviser believes that the financial condition of the issuer of
such obligation and the protection afforded by the terms of the obligation limit
the risk to the Fund to a degree comparable to that of rated securities in which
the Fund may invest. The Fund may retain securities whose rating has been
lowered below the lowest permissible rating category (or that are unrated and
determined by the Advisor to be of comparable quality) only if the Advisor
determines that retaining the security is in the best interests of the Fund.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. The U.S. Government Securities in which the
Fund may invest include direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury (such as
Treasury bills and notes) and other securities backed by the full faith and
credit of the U.S. Government, such as those issued by the Federal Housing
Administration and Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"). The Fund
may also invest in U.S. Government Securities that have lesser degrees of
government backing. For instance, the Fund may invest in obligations of the
Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA") and Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation ("FHLMC") (which are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow
from the Treasury under certain circumstances) and obligations of the Student
Loan Marketing Association and the Federal Home Loan Banks (which are supported
only by the credit of the agency or instrumentality). There is no guarantee that
the U.S. Government will support securities not backed by its full faith and
credit and, accordingly, these securities may involve more risk than other U.S.
Government Securities.
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. Mortgage-backed securities represent an
interest in a pool of mortgages originated by lenders such as commercial banks,
savings associations and mortgage bankers
6
<PAGE>
and brokers. Mortgage-backed securities may be issued by governmental or
government-related entities or by non-governmental entities such as special
purpose trusts created by banks, savings associations, private mortgage
insurance companies or mortgage bankers.
Interests in mortgage-backed securities differ from other forms of debt
securities, which normally provide for periodic payment of interest in fixed
amounts with principal payments at maturity or on specified call dates. In
contrast, mortgage-backed securities provide monthly payments which consist of
interest and, in most cases, principal. In effect, these payments are a
"pass-through" of the monthly payments made by the individual borrowers on their
mortgage loans, net of any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of the
securities or a mortgage loan servicer. Additional payments to holders of these
securities are caused by prepayments resulting from the sale or foreclosure of
the underlying property or refinancing of the underlying loans.
UNDERLYING MORTGAGES. Pools of mortgages consist of whole mortgage loans or
participations in mortgage loans. The majority of these loans are made to
purchasers of 1-4 family homes, but may be made to purchasers of mobile homes or
other real estate interests. The terms and characteristics or the mortgage
instruments are generally uniform within a pool but may vary among pools. For
example, in addition to fixed-rate, fixed-term mortgages, the Fund may purchase
pools of variable rate mortgages, growing equity mortgages, graduated payment
mortgages and other types. Mortgage servicers impose qualification standards for
local lending institutions which originate mortgages for the pools as well as
credit standards and underwriting criteria for individual mortgages included in
the pools. In addition, many mortgages included in pools are insured through
private mortgage insurance companies.
LIQUIDITY AND MARKETABILITY. The market for mortgage-backed securities has
expanded considerably in recent years. The size of the primary issuance market
and active participation in the secondary market by securities dealers and many
types of investors make government and government-related pass-through pools
highly liquid. The recently introduced private conventional pools of mortgages
(pooled by commercial banks, savings and loan institutions and others, with no
relationship with government and government-related entities) have also achieved
broad market acceptance and consequently an active secondary market has emerged.
However, the market for conventional pools is smaller and less liquid that the
market for government and government-related mortgage pools.
AVERAGE LIFE AND PREPAYMENTS. The average life of a pass-through pools
varies with the maturities of the underlying mortgage instruments. In addition,
a pool's terms may be shortened by unscheduled or early payments of principal
and interest on the underlying mortgages. Prepayments with respect to securities
during times of declining interest rates will tend to lower the return of the
Fund and may even result in losses to the Fund if the securities were acquired
at a premium. The occurrence of mortgage prepayments is affected by various
factors including the level of interest rates, general economic conditions, the
location and age of the mortgage and other social and demographic conditions.
As prepayment rates of individual pools vary widely, it is not possible to
accurately predict the average life of a particular pool. For pools of fixed-
rate 30-year mortgages, common industry practice is to assume that prepayments
will result in a 12-year average life. Pools of mortgages with other maturities
or different characteristics will have varying assumptions for average life. The
assumed average life of pools of mortgages having terms of less than 30 years is
less than 12 years, but typically not less than 5 years.
7
<PAGE>
YIELD CALCULATIONS. Yields on pass-through securities are typically quoted
by investment dealers based on the maturity of the underlying instruments and
the associated average life assumption. In periods of falling interest rates,
the rate of prepayment tends to increase, thereby shortening the actual average
life of a pool of mortgages. Conversely, in periods of rising rates, the rate of
prepayment tends to decrease, thereby lengthening the actual average life of the
pool. Actual prepayment experience may cause the yield to differ from the
assumed average life yield. Reinvestment of prepayments may occur at higher or
lower interest rates than the original investment, thus affecting the yield of
the Fund.
GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNMENT-RELATED GUARANTORS. The principal government
guarantor of mortgage-backed securities is the Government National Mortgage
Association ("GNMA"), a wholly-owned United States Government corporation within
the Department of Housing and Urban Development. GNMA is authorized to
guarantee, with the full faith and credit of the United States Government, the
timely payment of principal and interest on securities issued by institutions
approved by GNMA and backed by pools of FHA-insured or VA-guaranteed mortgages.
The Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA") is a government-sponsored
corporation owned entirely by private stockholders that is subject to general
regulation by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. FNMA purchases
residential mortgages from a list of approved sell-servicers. The Federal Home
Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC") is a corporate instrumentality of the United
States Government that was created by Congress in 1970 for the purpose of
increasing the availability of mortgage credit for residential housing. Its
stock is owned by the twelve Federal Home Loan Banks. FHLMC issues Participation
Certificates ("PCs") which represent interests in mortgages from FHLMC's
national portfolio. FNMA and FHLMC each guarantee the payment of principal and
interest on the securities they issue. These securities, however, are not backed
by the full faith and credit of the United States Government.
PRIVATELY ISSUED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. Mortgage-backed securities
offered by private issuers include pass-through securities comprised of pools of
conventional mortgage loans; mortgage-backed bonds which are considered to be
debt obligations of the institution issuing the bonds and which are
collateralized by mortgage loans; and collateralized mortgage obligations.
Mortgage-backed securities issued by non-governmental issuers may offer a
higher rate of interest than securities issued by government issuers because of
the absence of direct or indirect government guarantees of payment. Many non-
governmental issuers or servicers of mortgage-backed securities, however,
guarantee timely payment of interest and principal on such securities. Timely
payment of interest and principal may also be supported by various forms of
insurance, including individual loan, title, pool and hazard policies. There can
be no assurance that the private issuers or insurers will be able to meet their
obligations under the relevant guarantees and insurance policies.
ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. Adjustable rate mortgage-backed
securities ("ARMs") are securities that have interest rates that are reset at
periodic intervals, usually by reference to some interest rate index or market
interest rate. Although the rate adjustment feature may act as a buffer to
reduce sharp changes in the value of adjustable rate securities, there
securities are still subject to changes in value based on changes in market
interest rates or changes in the issuer's creditworthiness. Because or the
resetting of interest rates, adjustable rate securities are less likely than
non-adjustable rate securities of comparable quality and maturity to increase
significantly in value when market interest rates fall. Also, most adjustable
rate securities (or the underlying mortgages) are subject to caps or floors.
"Caps" limit the maximum amount by which the interest rate
8
<PAGE>
paid by the borrower may change at each reset date or over the life of the loan
and, accordingly, fluctuation in interest rates above these levels could cause
such mortgage securities to "cap out" and to behave more like long-term,
fixed-rate debt securities.
ARMs may have less risk of a decline in value during periods of rapidly
rising rates, but they may also have less potential for capital appreciation
than other debt securities of comparable maturities due to the periodic
adjustment of the interest rate on the underlying mortgages and due to the
likelihood of increased prepayments of mortgages as interest rates decline.
Furthermore, during periods of declining interest rates, income to the Fund will
decrease as the coupon rate resets to reflect the decline in interest rates.
During periods of rising interest rates, changes in the coupon rates of the
mortgages underlying the Fund's ARMs may lag behind changes in market interest
rates. This may result in slightly lower net value until the interest rate
resets to market rates. Thus, investors could suffer some principal loss if they
sold Fund Shares before the interest rates on the underlying mortgages were
adjusted to reflect current market rates.
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS. Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
("CMOs") are debt obligations that are collateralized by mortgages or mortgage
pass-through securities issued by GNMA, FHLMC or FNMA or by pools of
conventional mortgages ("Mortgage Assets"). CMO's may be privately issued or
U.S. Government Securities. Payments of principal and interest on the Mortgage
Assets are passed through to the holders of the CMOs on the same schedule as
they are received, although, certain classes (often referred to as tranches) of
CMOs have priority over other classes with respect to the receipt of payments.
Multi-class mortgage pass-through securities are interests in trusts that hold
Mortgage Assets and that have multiple classes similar to those of CMOs. Unless
the context indicates otherwise, references to CMOs include multi-class mortgage
pass-through securities. Payments of principal of and interest on the underlying
Mortgage Assets (and in the case of CMOs, any reinvestment income thereon)
provide funds to pay debt service on the CMOs or to make scheduled distributions
on the multi-class mortgage pass-through securities. Parallel pay CMOs are
structured to provide payments of principal on each payment date to more than
one class. These simultaneous payments are taken into account in calculating the
stated maturity date or final distribution date of each class, which, as with
other CMO structures, must be retired by its stated maturity date or final
distribution date but may be retired earlier. Planned amortization class
mortgage-based securities ("PAC Bonds") are a form of parallel pay CMO. PAC
Bonds are designed to provide relatively predictable payments of principal
provided that, among other things, the actual prepayment experience on the
underlying mortgage loans falls within a contemplated range. If the actual
prepayment experience on the underlying mortgage loans is at a rate faster or
slower than the contemplated range, or if deviations from other assumptions
occur, principal payments on a PAC Bond may be greater or smaller than
predicted. The magnitude of the contemplated range varies from one PAC Bond to
another; a narrower range increases the risk that prepayments will be greater or
smaller than contemplated. CMOs may have complicated structures and generally
involve more risks than simpler forms of mortgage-backed securities.
The final tranche of a CMO may be structured as an accrual bond (sometimes
referred to as a Z-tranche). Holders of accrual bonds receive no cash payments
for an extended period of time. During the time that earlier tranches are
outstanding, accrual bonds receive accrued interest which is a credit for
periodic interest payments that increases the face amount of the security at a
compounded rate, but is not paid to the bond holder. After all previous tranches
are retired, accrual bond holders start receiving cash payments that include
both principal and continuing interest. The market value
9
<PAGE>
of accrual bonds can fluctuate widely and their average life depends on the
other aspects of the CMO offering. Interest on accrual bonds is taxable when
accrued even though the holders receive no accrual payment. The Fund distributes
all of its net investment income, and may have to sell portfolio securities to
distribute imputed income, which may occur at a time when the Adviser would not
have chosen to sell such securities and which may result in a taxable gain or
loss. The Adviser's analyses of particular CMO issues and estimates of future
economic indicators (such as interest rates) become more important to the
performance of the Fund as the securities become more complicated.
STRIPPED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. Stripped mortgage-backed securities are
classes of mortgage-backed securities that receive different proportions of the
interest and principal distributions from the underlying Mortgage Assets. They
may be may be privately issued or U.S. Government Securities. In the most
extreme case, one class will be entitled to receive all or a portion of the
interest but none of the principal from the Mortgage Assets (the interest-only
or "IO" class) and one class will be entitled to receive all or a portion of the
principal, but none of the interest (the "PO" class).
VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE SECURITIES. The securities in which the Fund
invests may have variable or floating rates of interest. These securities pay
interest at rates that are adjusted periodically according to a specified
formula, usually with reference to some interest rate index or market interest
rate (the "underlying index"). The interest paid on these securities is a
function primarily of the underlying index upon which the interest rate
adjustments are based. Such adjustments minimize changes in the market value of
the obligation and, accordingly, enhance the ability of the Fund to maintain a
stable net asset value. Similar to fixed rate debt instruments, variable and
floating rate instruments are subject to changes in value based on changes in
market interest rates or changes in the issuer's creditworthiness. The rate of
interest on securities purchased by the Fund may be tied to various rates of
interest or index.
There may not be an active secondary market for certain floating or variable
rate instruments, which could make it difficult for the Fund to dispose of an
instrument during periods that the Fund is not entitled to exercise and demand
rights it may have. The Fund could, for this or other reasons, suffer a loss
with respect to an instrument. The Advisor monitors the liquidity of the Fund's
investment in variable and floating rate instruments, but there can be no
guarantee that an active secondary market will exist.
CORE AND GATEWAY-REGISTERED TRADEMARK-. Shareholders of each Fund have
approved a new investment policy that permits the Fund to seek to achieve its
investment objective by converting to a Core and Gateway structure. The Fund,
upon future action by the Board of Trustees and notice to shareholders, may
convert to this structure, in which the Fund would hold as its only investment
securities the shares of another investment company having substantially the
same investment objective and policies as the Fund. The Board of Trustees will
not authorize conversion to a Core and Gateway structure if it would materially
increase costs to a Fund's shareholders.
4. ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT POLICIES
All investment policies of a Fund that are designated as a fundamental and
each Fund's investment objective may not be changed without approval of the
holders of a majority of that Fund's outstanding voting securities. A majority
of a Fund's outstanding voting securities means the lesser of 67% of the shares
of that Fund present or represented at a shareholders meeting at which the
holders of more than 50% of the shares are present or represented, or more than
50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. Except as otherwise indicated,
investment policies of the Funds are not fundamental and may be changed by the
Board of
10
<PAGE>
Trustees of the Trust (the "Board") without shareholder approval. A further
description of the Funds' investment policies is contained in the SAI.
The Funds may borrow money for temporary or emergency purposes (including
the meeting of redemption requests), but, as a fundamental policy, not in excess
of 33 1/3% of the value of a Fund's total assets. Borrowing for purposes other
than meeting redemption requests may not exceed 10% of the value of the Fund's
total assets. The Funds may not invest more than 15% of their net assets in
illiquid securities, including repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven
days, and, with respect to 75% of their total assets, may not invest more than
5% of their assets in the securities of a single issuer. In order to avoid
maintaining idle cash, the Funds may invest up to 10% of their total assets in
money market mutual funds.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES. Each Fund may
seek additional income by entering into repurchase agreements or by lending
securities from its portfolio to brokers, dealers and other financial
institutions. These investments may entail certain risks not associated with
direct investments in securities. For instance, in the event that bankruptcy or
similar proceedings were commenced against a counterparty in these transactions
or a counterparty defaulted on its obligations, a Fund might suffer a loss. The
Advisor monitors the creditworthiness of counterparties to these transactions
and intends to enter into these transactions only when it believes the
counterparties present minimal credit risks and the income to be earned from the
transaction justifies the attendant risks.
Repurchase agreements are transactions in which a Fund purchases a security
and simultaneously commits to resell that security to the seller at an
agreed-upon price on an agreed-upon future date, normally one to seven days
later. The resale price reflects a market rate of interest that is not related
to the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased security. When a Fund lends a
security it receives interest from the borrower or from investing cash
collateral. The Trust maintains possession of the purchased securities and any
underlying collateral in these transactions, the total market value of which on
a continuous basis is at least equal to the repurchase price or value of
securities loaned, plus accrued interest. The Funds may pay fees to arrange
securities loans and each Fund will, as a fundamental policy, limit securities
lending to not more than 10% of the value of its total assets.
WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES AND FORWARD COMMITMENTS. Each Fund may purchase
securities offered on a "when-issued" basis and may purchase or sell securities
on a "forward commitment" basis. When these transactions are negotiated, the
price, which is generally expressed in yield terms, is fixed at the time the
commitment is made, but delivery and payment for the securities take place at a
later date. Normally, the settlement date occurs within two months after the
transaction. The Funds enter into when-issued and forward commitments only with
the intention of actually receiving or delivering the securities, as the case
may be. When-issued securities may include bonds purchased on a "when, as and if
issued" basis under which the issuance of the securities depends upon the
occurrence of a subsequent event, such as approval of a proposed financing by
appropriate municipal authorities.
During the period between a commitment and settlement, no payment is made
for the securities purchased and, thus, no interest accrues to the purchaser
from the transaction. However, at the time a Fund makes a commitment to purchase
securities in this manner, the Fund immediately assumes the risk of ownership,
including price fluctuation. Failure by the other party to deliver or pay for a
security purchased or sold by the Fund may result in a loss or a missed
opportunity to make an alternative investment. Any significant commitment of a
Fund's assets committed to the purchase of securities on a when-issued or
forward commitment basis may increase the volatility of its net asset value.
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<PAGE>
The use of when-issued transactions and forward commitments may enable a
Fund to hedge against anticipated changes in interest rates and prices. If the
Adviser were to forecast incorrectly the direction of interest rate movements,
however, the Fund might be required to complete these transactions at prices
inferior to the current market values. No when-issued or forward commitments
will be made by a Fund if, as a result, more than 15% of the value of the Fund's
total assets would be committed to such transactions.
FOREIGN SECURITIES. The Funds may invest up to 20% of their assets in
securities of foreign issuers and in American Depository Receipts ("ADRs"). In
addition to the debt securities of domestic corporations, Payson Balanced Fund
may invest in debt securities registered and sold in the United States by
foreign issuers (Yankee Bonds) and debt securities sold outside the United
States by foreign or U.S. issuers (Euro-bonds). The Funds intend to restrict
their purchases of debt securities to issues denominated and payable in United
States dollars.
Investments in foreign companies involve certain risks, such as exchange
rate fluctuations, political or economic instability of the issuer or the
country of issue and the possible imposition of exchange controls, withholding
taxes on dividends or interest payments, confiscatory taxes or expropriation.
Foreign securities may also be subject to greater fluctuations in price than
securities of domestic corporations denominated in U.S. dollars. Foreign
securities and their markets may not be as liquid as domestic securities and
their markets, and foreign brokerage commissions and custody fees are generally
higher than those in the United States. In addition, less information may be
publicly available about a foreign company than about a domestic company, and
foreign companies may not be subject to uniform accounting, auditing and
financial reporting standards comparable to those applicable to domestic
companies. With respect to their permitted investments in foreign securities,
the Funds do not limit the amount of their assets that may be invested in one
country or, in the case of Payson Value Fund, denominated in one currency.
The Funds may invest in sponsored and unsponsored ADRs, which are receipts
issued by an American bank or trust company evidencing ownership of underlying
securities issued by a foreign issuer. Unsponsored ADRs may be created without
the participation of the foreign issuer. Holders of these ADRs generally bear
all the costs of the ADR facility, whereas foreign issuers typically bear
certain costs in a sponsored ADR. The bank or trust company depository of an
unsponsored ADR may be under no obligation to distribute shareholder
communications received from the foreign issuer or to pass through voting
rights.
TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE POSITION. When business or financial conditions
warrant, such as, for example, when issues of sufficient quality and liquidity
are not available or the Advisor believes the equity markets are overvalued, a
Fund may assume a temporary defensive position and invest all or part of its
assets in cash or prime quality cash equivalents, including (i) short-term U.S.
Government Securities, (ii) certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances and
interest-bearing savings deposits of commercial banks doing business in the
United States, (iii) commercial paper, (iv) repurchase agreements covering any
of the securities in which the Fund may invest directly and (v) to the extent
permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940, money market mutual funds.
During periods when and to the extent that the Fund has assumed a temporary
defensive position, it may not be pursuing its investment objective.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS. The frequency of portfolio transactions of the
Funds (the portfolio turnover rate) will vary from year to year depending on
market conditions. Higher rates of turnover will result in higher brokerage
costs for the Funds. The Adviser weighs the anticipated benefits of short-term
investments against these consequences. The Fund's portfolio turnover rate is
reported under "Financial Highlights." Tax rules
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<PAGE>
applicable to short-term trading may affect the timing of each Fund's
transactions or its ability to realize short-term trading profits or establish
short-term positions.
The Funds have no obligation to deal with any specific broker or dealer in
the execution of portfolio transactions. Consistent with their policy of
obtaining the best net results, the Funds may conduct brokerage transactions
through the Advisor or its affiliates. The Board has adopted policies, as
required by law, to ensure that these transactions are reasonable and fair and
that the commissions charged are comparable to those charged by non-affiliated
qualified broker-dealers.
5. MANAGEMENT
The business of the Trust is managed under the direction of the Board of
Trustees. The Board formulates the general policies of the Funds and meets
periodically to review the results of the Funds, monitor investment activities
and practices and discuss other matters affecting the Funds and the Trust.
INVESTMENT ADVISOR
Since the inception of each Fund, H.M. Payson & Co. has served as the Fund's
investment advisor pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the Trust.
Subject to the general supervision of the Board, the Advisor makes investment
decisions for the Funds. For its services under the Investment Advisory
Agreement, the Advisor receives, with respect to Payson Value Fund, an advisory
fee at an annual rate of 0.80% of that Fund's average daily net assets and, with
respect to Payson Balanced Fund, an advisory fee at an annual rate of 0.60% of
that Fund's average daily net assets. The advisory fee paid by Payson Value Fund
is higher than that paid by most investment companies of all types to their
advisers, but the Trust believes that the fee is appropriate for an equity fund.
The Advisor was founded in Portland, Maine in 1854 and was incorporated in
Maine in 1987, making it one of the oldest investment firms in the United States
operating under its original name. The Advisor is a registered broker-dealer and
investment adviser and is a member of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. The Advisor provides investment management services through an
investment advisory division and a trust division. As of June 30, 1996, the
Advisor had in excess of $750 million in assets under management. The Advisor's
clients include pension plans, endowment funds and institutional and individual
accounts.
Since July 10, 1995, John C. Knox, a Managing Director and Senior Research
Analyst of the Advisor, has been primarily responsible for the day-to-day
management of Payson Value Fund's portfolio. Since April 1, 1993, Peter E.
Robbins, a Managing Director and Director of Research of the Advisor, has been
primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of Payson Balanced Fund's
portfolio. Mr. Knox is a Chartered Financial Analyst and has been associated
with the Advisor since 1981. Mr. Robbins is a Chartered Financial Analyst and
has been associated with the Advisor since 1982, except for the period from
January 1988 to October 1990. During that period Mr. Robbins was president of
Mariner Capital Group, a real estate development and non-financial asset
management business.
MANAGER AND DISTRIBUTOR
Subject to the supervision of the Board, Forum supervises the overall
management of the Funds and acts as distributor of the Funds' shares. Forum and
the Transfer Agent are members of the Forum Financial Group of companies and
together provide a full range of services to the investment company and
financial services industry. As of the date hereof, Forum acted as manager and
distributor of registered investment companies and collective trust funds with
assets of approximately $16 billion. Forum, whose address is Two Portland
Square, Portland, Maine 04101, is a registered broker-dealer and investment
adviser and is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
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<PAGE>
Inc. As of the date of this Prospectus, Forum and the Transfer Agent were
controlled by John Y. Keffer, President and Chairman of the Trust.
Under its management and distribution agreement with the Trust, Forum
supervises all aspects of the Funds' operations including the Trust's receipt of
services for which the Trust is obligated to pay, provides the Trust with
general office facilities and provides, at the Trust's expense, the services of
persons necessary to perform such supervisory, administrative and clerical
functions as are needed to effectively operate the Trust. Those persons, as well
as certain employees and Trustees of the Trust, may be directors, officers or
employees of (and persons providing services to the Trust may include) Forum and
its affiliates. In addition, under its agreement Forum acts as distributor of
the Funds' shares. Forum acts as the agent of the Trust in connection with the
offering of shares of the Funds. For these services and facilities, Forum
receives with respect to each Fund a fee at an annual rate of 0.20% of each
Fund's average daily net assets.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING
Shareholder inquiries and communications concerning the Funds may be
directed to the Transfer Agent. The Transfer Agent acts as the Funds' transfer
agent and dividend disbursing agent. The Transfer Agent maintains for each
shareholder of record, an account (unless such accounts are maintained by
sub-transfer agents) to which all shares purchased are credited, together with
any distributions that are reinvested in additional shares. The Transfer Agent
also performs other transfer agency functions and acts as dividend disbursing
agent for the Trust. In addition, the Transfer Agent performs portfolio
accounting services for the Fund, including determination of the Fund's net
asset value, pursuant to a separate agreement with the Trust. For its services,
the Transfer Agent receives a fee at an annual rate of 0.25% of each Fund's
average daily net assets.
The Transfer Agent is authorized to subcontract any or all of its functions
to one or more qualified sub-transfer agents or processing agents, which may be
processing organizations (as described under "Purchases and Redemptions of
Shares - Purchases and Redemptions Through Financial Institutions"), Forum or
affiliates of Forum, who agree to comply with the terms of the Transfer Agency
Agreement. The Transfer Agent may pay those agents for their services, but no
such payment will increase the Transfer Agent's compensation from the Trust.
EXPENSES OF THE TRUST
A Fund's expenses comprise Trust expenses attributable to a Fund, which are
charged to the Fund, and expenses not attributable to a particular fund of the
Trust, which are allocated among the Fund and all other funds of the Trust in
proportion to their average net assets. Subject to Forum's obligations to
reimburse the Trust for excess expenses of the Fund, the Trust pays for all of
its expenses. The Advisor, Forum and the Transfer Agent, in their sole
discretion, may waive all or any portion of their respective fees, which are
accrued daily and paid monthly. Any such waiver, which could be discontinued at
any time, would have the effect of increasing a Fund's performance for the
period during which the waiver was in effect and would not be recouped at a
later date.
6. PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF SHARES
GENERAL INFORMATION
Investments in the Funds may be made either by an investor directly or
through certain brokers and financial institutions of which the investor is a
customer. All transactions in Fund shares are effected through the Transfer
Agent, which accepts orders for purchases and redemptions from shareholders of
record and new investors. Shareholders of record will receive from the Trust
periodic statements listing all account activity during the statement period.
The Trust reserves the right in the
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<PAGE>
future to modify, limit or terminate any shareholder privilege upon appropriate
notice to shareholder and charge a fee for certain shareholder services,
although no such fees are currently contemplated.
PURCHASES. Fund shares are sold at a price equal to their net asset value
next-determined after acceptance of an order plus any applicable sales charge on
all weekdays except customary national business holidays and Good Friday ("Fund
Business Day") (see "Sales Charges" below). Fund shares are issued immediately
after an order for the shares in proper form is accepted by the Transfer Agent.
Each Fund's net asset value is calculated at 4:00 p.m., Eastern time on each
Fund Business Day. Fund shares become entitled to receive dividends on the next
Fund Business Day after the order is accepted.
The Funds reserve the right to reject any subscription for the purchase of
their shares. Stock certificates are issued only to shareholders of record upon
their written request and no certificates are issued for fractional shares.
REDEMPTIONS. Fund shares may be redeemed without charge at their net asset
value on any Fund Business Day. There is no minimum period of investment and no
restriction on the frequency of redemptions. Fund shares are redeemed as of the
next determination of the Fund's net asset value following acceptance by the
Transfer Agent of the redemption order in proper form (and any supporting
documentation which the Transfer Agent may require). Shares redeemed are not
entitled to receive dividends declared after the day on which the redemption
becomes effective.
Normally, redemption proceeds are paid immediately following, but in no
event later than seven days following, acceptance of a redemption order.
Proceeds of redemption requests (and exchanges), however, will not be paid
unless any check used for investment has been cleared by the shareholder's bank,
which may take up to 15 calendar days. This delay may be avoided by investing
through wire transfers. Unless otherwise indicated, redemption proceeds normally
are paid by check mailed to the shareholder's record address. The right of
redemption may not be suspended nor the payment dates postponed except when the
New York Stock Exchange is closed (or when trading thereon is restricted) for
any reason other than its customary weekend or holiday closings or under any
emergency or other circumstance as determined by the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
Proceeds of redemptions normally are paid in cash. However, payments may be made
wholly or partially in portfolio securities if the Board determines that payment
in cash would be detrimental to the best interests of the Fund. The Trust will
only effect a redemption in portfolio securities if the particular shareholder
is redeeming more than $250,000 or 1% of the Fund's net assets, whichever is
less, during any 90-day period.
The Trust employs reasonable procedures to insure that telephone orders are
genuine (which include recording certain transactions and the use of shareholder
security codes). If the Trust did not employ such procedures it could be liable
for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions.
Shareholders should verify the accuracy of telephone instructions immediately
upon receipt of confirmation statements. During times of drastic economic or
market changes, the telephone redemption and exchange privileges may be
difficult to implement. In the event that a shareholder is unable to reach the
Transfer Agent by telephone, requests may be mailed or hand-delivered to the
Transfer Agent.
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<PAGE>
Due to the cost to the Trust of maintaining smaller accounts, the Trust
reserves the right to redeem, upon not less than 60 days' written notice, all
shares in any Fund account with an aggregate net asset value of less than
$1,000. The Trust will not redeem accounts that fall below that amount solely as
a result of a reduction in net asset value.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION PROCEDURES
The following purchase and redemption procedures and shareholder services
apply to investors who invest in the Funds directly. These investors may open an
account by completing the application at the back of this Prospectus or by
contacting the Transfer Agent at the address on the first page of this
prospectus. For those shareholder services not referenced on the account
application and to change information regarding a shareholder's account (such as
addresses), investors should request an Optional Services Form from the Transfer
Agent.
INITIAL PURCHASE OF SHARES
There is a $5,000 minimum for initial investments in either Fund ($2,000 for
individual retirement accounts).
BY MAIL. Investors may send a check made payable to the Trust along with a
completed account application to the Funds at the address listed above. Checks
are accepted at full value subject to collection. If a check does not clear, the
purchase order will be canceled and the investor will be liable for any losses
or fees incurred by the Trust, the Transfer Agent or Forum.
BY BANK WIRE. To make an initial investment in either Fund using the wire
system for transmittal of money among banks, an investor should first telephone
the Trust at (207) 879-0009 or 800-94FORUM (800-943-6786) to obtain an account
number. The investor should then instruct a bank to wire the investor's money
immediately to:
First National Bank of Boston
Boston, Massachusetts
ABA# 011000390
For Credit To: Forum Financial Corp.
Account #: 541-54171
Re: (Name of Fund)
Account #: ______________
Account Name: __________
The investor should then promptly complete and mail the account application.
Any investor planning to wire funds should instruct a bank early in the day so
the wire transfer can be accomplished the same day. There may be a charge
imposed by the bank for transmitting payment by wire, and there also may be a
charge for the use of Federal funds.
SUBSEQUENT PURCHASES OF SHARES
There is a $500 minimum for subsequent purchases. Subsequent purchases may
be made by mailing a check or by sending a bank wire as indicated above.
Shareholders using the wire system for purchase should first telephone the Trust
at (207) 879-0009 or 800-94FORUM (800-943-6786) to notify it of the wire
transfer. All payments should clearly indicate the shareholder's name and
account number.
Shareholders may purchase Fund shares at regular, preselected intervals by
authorizing the automatic transfer of funds from a designated bank account
maintained with a United States banking institution which is an Automated
Clearing House member. Under the program, existing shareholders may authorize
amounts of $250 or more to be debited from their bank account and invested in a
Fund monthly or quarterly. Shareholders wishing to participate in this program
may obtain the applicable forms from the Transfer Agent. Shareholders may
terminate their automatic investments or change the amount to be invested at any
time by written notification to the Transfer Agent.
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<PAGE>
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
Shareholders that wish to redeem shares by telephone or by check or receive
redemption proceeds by bank wire must elect these options by properly completing
the appropriate sections of their account application. These privileges may not
be available until several weeks after a shareholder's application is received.
Shares for which certificates have been issued may not be redeemed by telephone.
BY MAIL. Shareholders may make a redemption in any amount by sending a
written request to the Transfer Agent accompanied by any stock certificate that
may have been issued to the shareholder. All written requests for redemption
must be signed by the shareholder with signature guaranteed and all certificates
submitted for redemption must be endorsed by the shareholder with signature
guaranteed.
BY TELEPHONE. A shareholder that has elected telephone redemption
privileges may make a telephone redemption request by calling the Transfer Agent
at (207) 879-0009 or 800-94FORUM (800-943-6786) and providing the shareholder's
account number, the exact name in which the shareholder's shares are registered
and the shareholder's social security or taxpayer identification number. In
response to the telephone redemption instruction, the Fund will mail a check to
the shareholder's record address or, if the shareholder has elected wire
redemption privileges, wire the proceeds.
BY BANK WIRE. For redemptions of more than $5,000, a shareholder that has
elected wire redemption privileges may request the Fund to transmit the
redemption proceeds by Federal Funds wire to a bank account designated on the
shareholder's account application. To request bank wire redemptions by
telephone, the shareholder also must have elected the telephone redemption
privilege. Redemption proceeds are transmitted by wire on the day the redemption
request in proper form is received by the Transfer Agent.
AUTOMATIC REDEMPTIONS. Shareholders may redeem Fund shares at regular,
preselected intervals by authorizing the automatic redemption of shares from
their Fund account. Redemption proceeds will be sent either by check or by
automatic transfer to a designated bank account maintained with a United States
banking institution which is an Automated Clearing House member. Under this
program, shareholders may authorize the redemption of shares in amounts of $250
or more from their account monthly or quarterly. Shareholders may terminate
their automatic redemptions or change the amount to be redeemed at any time by
written notification to the Transfer Agent.
OTHER REDEMPTION MATTERS. A signature guarantee is required for any written
redemption request and for any endorsement on a stock certificate. In addition,
a signature guarantee also is required for instructions to change a
shareholder's record name or address, designated bank account for wire
redemptions or automatic investment or redemption, dividend election, telephone
redemption or exchange option election or any other option election in
connection with the shareholder's account. Signature guarantees may be provided
by any eligible institution, including a bank, a broker, a dealer, a national
securities exchange, a credit union, or a savings association that is authorized
to guarantee signatures, acceptable to the Transfer Agent. Whenever a signature
guarantee is required, the signature of each person required to sign for the
account must be guaranteed.
The Transfer Agent will deem a shareholder's account "lost" if
correspondence to the shareholder's address of record is returned for six
months, unless the Transfer Agent determines the shareholder's new address. When
an account is deemed lost all distributions on the account will be reinvested in
additional shares of the Fund. In addition, the amount of any outstanding
(unpaid for six months or more) checks for distributions that have been returned
to the Transfer Agent will be reinvested and the checks will be canceled.
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<PAGE>
SALES CHARGES
The public offering price for shares of a Fund is the sum of the net asset
value of the shares being purchased plus any applicable sales charge. No sales
charge is assessed on the reinvestment of dividends or other distributions. The
sales charge is assessed as follows (net asset value percentages are rounded to
the nearest one-hundredth percent):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Public
Offering Net Asset Dealers'
Amount of Purchase Price Value* Reallowance
- ------------------------- ------------ ------------ ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
less than $100,000....... 4.00% 4.17 % 3.50 %
$100,000 but less than
$200,000................ 3.50 3.63 3.10
$200,000 but less than
$400,000................ 3.00 3.09 2.70
$400,000 but less than
$600,000................ 2.50 2.56 2.25
$600,000 but less than
$800,000................ 2.00 2.04 1.75
$800,000 but less than
$1,000,000.............. 1.50 1.52 1.30
$1,000,000 and up........ 0.50 0.50 0.40
</TABLE>
* Rounded to the nearest one-hundredth percent.
Forum's commission is the sales charge shown above less any applicable
discount reallowed to selected brokers and dealers (including banks and bank
affiliates purchasing shares as principal or agent). Normally, Forum will
reallow discounts to selected brokers and dealers in the amounts indicated in
the table above. From time to time, however, Forum may elect to reallow the
entire sales charge to selected brokers or dealers for all sales with respect to
which orders are placed with Forum during a particular period. The dealers'
reallowance may be changed from time to time.
In addition, from time to time and at its own expense, Forum may provide
compensation, including financial assistance, to dealers in connection with
conferences, sales or training programs for their employees, seminars for the
public, advertising campaigns or other dealer-sponsored special events.
Compensation may include: (i) the provision of travel arrangements and lodging,
(ii) tickets for entertainment events and (iii) merchandise.
No sales charge will be assessed on purchases made for investment purposes
by: (a) any bank, trust company, savings association or similar institution with
whom Forum has entered into a share purchase agreement acting on behalf of the
institution's fiduciary customer accounts or any account maintained by its trust
department (including a pension, profit sharing or other employee benefit trust
created pursuant to a qualified retirement plan); (b) any registered investment
adviser with whom Forum has entered into a share purchase agreement and which is
acting on behalf of its fiduciary customer accounts; (c) any registered
investment adviser which is acting on behalf of its fiduciary customer accounts
and for which it provides additional investment advisory services; (d) any
broker-dealer with whom Forum has entered into a Selected Dealer Agreement and a
Fee-Based or Wrap Account Agreement and which is acting on behalf of its
fee-based program clients; (e) directors and officers of the Trust; directors,
officers and full-time employees of the Adviser, Forum, any of their affiliates
or any organization with which Forum has entered into a selected dealer or
processing agent agreement; the spouse, sibling, direct ancestor or direct
descendent (collectively, "relatives") of any such person; any trust or
individual retirement account or self-employed retirement plan for the benefit
of any such person or relative; or the estate of any such person or relative;
(f) any person who has, within the preceding 90 days, redeemed Fund shares (but
only on purchases in amounts not exceeding the redeemed amounts) and completes a
reinstatement form upon investment; (g) persons who exchange into a Fund from a
mutual fund other than a fund of the Trust that participates in the Trust's
exchange program, See "Purchases and Redemptions of Shares -- Exchange Program;"
and (h) employee benefit plans qualified under Section 401 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986. The Trust may require appropriate documentation from an
investor concerning that investor's eligibility to purchase Fund shares without
a sales charge. Any shares so purchased may not be resold except to the Fund.
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<PAGE>
REDUCED SALES CHARGES
For an investor to qualify for a reduced sales charge as described below,
the investor must notify the Transfer Agent at the time of purchase. Programs
for reduced sales charges may be modified or terminated at any time and are
subject to confirmation of an investor's holdings.
RIGHTS OF ACCUMULATION. An investor's purchase of additional shares of a
Fund may qualify for rights of accumulation ("ROA") wherein the applicable sales
charge will be based on the total of the investor's current purchase and the net
asset value (at the end of the previous Fund Business Day) of shares of that
Fund held by the investor. For example, if an investor owned shares of a Fund
worth $400,000 at the then current net asset value and purchased shares of the
Fund worth an additional $50,000, the sales charge for the $50,000 purchase
would be at the 2.50% rate applicable to a single $450,000 purchase, rather than
at the 4.0% rate. To qualify for ROA on a purchase, the investor must inform the
Transfer Agent and supply sufficient information to verify that each purchase
qualifies for the privilege or discount.
LETTER OF INTENT. Investors may also obtain reduced sales charges based on
cumulative purchases by means of a written Letter of Intent ("LOI"), which
expresses the investor's intention to invest $100,000 or more within a period of
13 months in shares of a Fund. Each purchase of shares under a LOI will be made
at the public offering price applicable at the time of the purchase to a single
transaction of the dollar amount indicated in the LOI.
An LOI is not a binding obligation upon the investor to purchase the full
amount indicated. Shares purchased with the first 5% of the amount indicated in
the LOI will be held subject to a registered pledge (while remaining registered
in the name of the investor) to secure payment of the higher sales charge
applicable to the shares actually purchased if the full amount indicated is not
purchased within 13 months. Pledged shares will be involuntarily redeemed to pay
the additional sales charge, if necessary. When the full amount indicated has
been purchased, the shares will be released from pledge. Share certificates are
not issued for shares purchased under an LOI. Investors wishing to enter into an
LOI can obtain a form of LOI from their broker or financial institution or by
contacting the Transfer Agent.
EXCHANGES
Fund shareholders are entitled to exchange their shares for shares of the
other Fund, any other fund of the Trust or any other fund that participates in
the exchange program and whose shares are eligible for sale in the shareholder's
state of residence. Exchanges may only be made between accounts registered in
the same name. A completed account application must be submitted to open a new
account in a Fund through an exchange if the shareholder requests any
shareholder privilege not associated with the existing account. Exchanges are
subject to the fees charged by, and the restrictions listed in the prospectus
for, and the fund into which a shareholder is exchanging, including minimum
investment requirements. The Funds do not charge for exchanges, and there is
currently no limit on the number of exchanges a shareholder may make.
The Trust (and Federal tax law) treats an exchange as a redemption of the
shares owned and the purchase of the shares of the fund being acquired.
Redemptions and purchases are effected at the respective net asset values of the
two funds as next determined following receipt of proper instructions and all
necessary supporting documents by the fund whose shares are being exchanged.
If a shareholder exchanges into a fund that imposes a sales charge, that
shareholder is required to pay the difference between that fund's sales charge
and any sales charge the shareholder has previously paid in connection with the
shares being exchanged. For example, if a shareholder paid a 2% sales charge in
connection with the purchase of the shares of a fund and then exchanged those
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<PAGE>
shares into another fund with a 3% sales charge, that shareholder would pay an
additional 1% sales charge on the exchange. Shares acquired through the
reinvestment of dividends and distributions are deemed to have been acquired
with a sales charge rate equal to that paid on the shares on which the dividend
or distribution was paid. The exchange privilege may be modified materially or
terminated by the Trust at any time upon 60 days' notice to shareholders.
BY MAIL. Exchanges may be accomplished by written instructions to the
Transfer Agent accompanied by any stock certificate that may have been issued to
the shareholder. All written requests for exchanges must be signed by the
shareholder (a signature guaranteed is not required) and all certificates
submitted for exchange must be endorsed by the shareholder with signature
guaranteed.
EXCHANGE BY TELEPHONE. Exchanges may be accomplished by telephone by any
shareholder that has elected telephone exchange privileges by calling the
Transfer Agent at (207) 879-0009 or 800-94FORUM (800-943-6786) and providing the
shareholder's account number, the exact name in which the shareholder's shares
are registered and the shareholder's social security or taxpayer identification
number.
RETIREMENT PROGRAMS
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS. Neither of the Funds should be considered
as a complete investment vehicle for the assets held in individual retirement
accounts ("IRAs"). The minimum initial investment for an IRA is $2,000, and the
minimum subsequent investment is $500. Individuals may make tax-deductible IRA
contributions of up to a maximum of $2,000 annually. However, this deduction
will be reduced if the individual or, in the case of a married individual filing
jointly, either the individual or the individual's spouse is an active
participant in an employer-sponsored retirement plan and has adjusted gross
income above certain levels.
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS. The Funds may be a suitable investment vehicle for
part or all of the assets held in various employee benefit plans, including
401(k) plans, 403(b) plans and SARSEPs.
PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS THROUGH FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Shares may be purchased and redeemed through certain broker-dealer banks,
trust companies and their affiliates, and other financial institutions,
including affiliates of the Transfer Agent ("Processing Organizations").
Processing Organizations may receive as a dealer's reallowance a portion of the
sales charge paid by their customers who purchase Fund shares. In addition,
Processing Organizations may charge their customers a fee for their services and
are responsible for promptly transmitting purchase, redemption and other
requests to the Fund. The Trust is not responsible for the failure of any
institution to promptly forward these requests.
Investors who purchase shares through a Processing Organization may be
charged a fee if they effect transactions in Fund Shares through a broker or
agent and will be subject to the procedures of their Processing Organization,
which may include limitations, investment minimums, cutoff times and
restrictions in addition to, or different from, those applicable to shareholders
who invest in the Fund directly. These investors should acquaint themselves with
their Processing Organization's procedures and should read this Prospectus in
conjunction with any materials and information provided by their Processing
Organization. Customers who purchase Fund shares through a Processing
Organization may or may not be the shareholder of record and, subject to their
Processing Organization's and the Fund's procedures, may have Fund shares
transferred into their name. Under their arrangements with the Trust, broker-
dealer Processing Organizations are not generally required to deliver payment
for purchase orders until several business days after a purchase order
20
<PAGE>
has been received by a Fund. Certain other Processing Organizations may also
enter purchase orders with payment to follow.
Certain shareholder services may not be available to shareholders who have
purchased shares through a Processing Organization. These shareholders should
contact their Processing Organization for further information. The Trust may
confirm purchases and redemptions of a Processing Organization's customers
directly to the Processing Organization, which in turn will provide its
customers with such confirmations and periodic statements as may be required by
law or agreed to between the Processing Organization and its customers. The
Trust is not responsible for the failure of any Processing Organization to carry
out its obligations to its customer. Certain states permit shares of the Fund to
be purchased and redeemed only through registered broker-dealers, including the
Fund's distributor.
7. DIVIDENDS AND TAX MATTERS
DIVIDENDS
Dividends of each Fund's net investment income are declared and paid
quarterly. Dividends of net capital gain, if any, realized by the Funds are
distributed annually.
Shareholders may have all dividends reinvested in additional shares of the
Fund that paid the dividend or received in cash. In addition, shareholders may
have dividends of net capital gain reinvested in additional shares of the Fund
and dividends of net investment income paid in cash. All dividends are treated
in the same manner for Federal income tax purposes whether received in cash or
reinvested in shares of the Fund.
All dividends will be reinvested at the Fund's net asset value as of the
payment date of the dividend. All dividends are reinvested unless another option
is selected. All dividends not reinvested will be paid to the shareholder in
cash and may be paid more than seven days following the date on which dividends
would otherwise be reinvested.
TAXES
Each Fund intends to continue to qualify for each fiscal year to be taxed as
a "regulated investment company" under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. As
such, the Funds will not be liable for Federal income taxes on the net
investment income and net capital gain distributed to their shareholders.
Because the Funds intend to distribute all of their net investment income and
net capital gain each year, the Funds should avoid all Federal income and excise
taxes.
Dividends paid by the Funds out of their net investment income (including
any realized net short-term capital gain) are taxable to shareholders as
ordinary income. Distributions by the Funds of realized net long-term capital
gain are taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gain, regardless of the
length of time the shareholder may have held shares in the Fund. If Fund shares
are sold at a loss after being held for six months or less, the loss will be
treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any long-term capital gain
distribution received on those shares.
Any dividend or distribution received by a shareholder reduces the net asset
value of the shareholder's shares by the amount of the dividend or distribution.
To the extent that the income or gain comprising a dividend or distribution were
accrued by a Fund before the shareholder purchased the shares, the dividend or
distribution would be in effect a return of capital to the shareholder. All
dividends and distributions, including those that operate as a return of
capital, however, are taxable as described above to the shareholder receiving
them regardless of the length of time he may have held shares prior to the
dividend or distribution.
21
<PAGE>
It is expected that a portion of each Fund's dividends to shareholders will
qualify for the dividends received deduction for corporations.
The Funds may be required by Federal law to withhold 31% of reportable
payments (which may include dividends, capital gain distributions and redemption
proceeds) paid to individuals and certain other non-corporate shareholders.
Withholding is not required if a shareholder certifies that the shareholder's
social security or tax identification number provided to the Fund is correct and
that the shareholder is not subject to backup withholding.
Reports containing appropriate information with respect to the Federal
income tax status of dividends and distributions paid during the year by the
Fund will be mailed to shareholders shortly after the close of each year.
The foregoing is only a summary of some of the important Federal tax
considerations generally affecting the Funds and their shareholders. There may
be other Federal, state or local tax considerations applicable to a particular
investor. Prospective investors are urged to consult their tax advisors.
8. OTHER INFORMATION
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Each Fund's performance may be quoted in advertising in terms of yield or
total return. Both types are based on historical results and are not intended to
indicate future performance. A Fund's yield is a way of showing the rate of
income earned by the Fund as a percentage of the Fund's share price. Yield is
calculated by dividing the net investment income of the Fund for the stated
period by the average number of shares entitled to receive dividends and
expressing the result as an annualized percentage rate based on the Fund's share
price at the end of the period. Total return refers to the average annual
compounded rates of return over some representative period that would equate an
initial amount invested at the beginning of a stated period to the ending
redeemable value of the investment, after giving effect to the reinvestment of
all dividends and distributions and deductions of expenses during the period. A
Fund also may advertise its total return over different periods of time or by
means of aggregate, average, year by year, or other types of total return
figures. Because average annual returns tend to smooth out variations in each
Fund's returns, shareholders should recognize that they are not the same as
actual year-by-year results. A computation of yield or total return that does
not take into account the sales load paid by an investor will be higher than a
computation based on the public offering price of the shares purchased that does
take into account payment of a sales load.
Each Fund's advertisements any reference ratings and rankings among similar
funds by independent evaluators such as Morningstar, Lipper Analytical Services,
Inc. or IBC/Donoghue, Inc. In addition, the performance of the Funds may be
compared to recognized indices of market performance. The comparative material
found in a Fund's advertisements, sales literature or reports to shareholders
may contain performance ratings. These are not to be considered representative
or indicative of future performance.
BANKING LAW MATTERS
Banking laws and regulations generally permit a bank or bank affiliate to
purchase shares of an investment company as agent for and upon the order of a
customer and in the view of Forum would permit a bank or bank affiliate to serve
as a Processing Organization or perform sub-transfer agent or similar services
for the Trust and its shareholders. If a bank or bank affiliate were prohibited
from performing all or a part of the foregoing services, its shareholder
customers would be permitted to remain shareholders of the Trust and alternative
means for continuing to service them
22
<PAGE>
would be sought. It is not expected that shareholders would suffer adverse
financial consequences as a result of any changes in bank or bank affiliate
service arrangements.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The Trust determines the net asset value per share of the each Fund as of
4:00 p.m., Eastern time, on each Fund Business Day by dividing the value of the
Fund's net assets (I.E., the value of its portfolio securities and other assets
less its liabilities) by the number of that Fund's shares outstanding at the
time the determination is made. Securities owned by a Fund for which market
quotations are readily available are valued at current market value, or, in
their absence, at fair value as determined by the Board.
THE TRUST AND ITS SHARES
The Trust was originally incorporated in Maryland on March 24, 1980 and
assumed the name of Forum Funds, Inc. on March 16, 1987. On January 5, 1996,
Forum Funds, Inc. was reorganized as a Delaware business trust. The Trust has an
unlimited number of authorized shares of beneficial interest. The Board may,
without shareholder approval, divide the authorized shares into an unlimited
number of separate portfolios or series (such as the Fund) and may in the future
divide portfolios or series into two or more classes of shares (such as Investor
and Institutional Shares). Currently the authorized shares of the Trust are
divided into 15 separate series.
Each share of each fund of the Trust and each class of shares has equal
dividend, distribution, liquidation and voting rights, and fractional shares
have those rights proportionately, except that expenses related to the
distribution of the shares of each class (and certain other expenses such as
transfer agency and administration expenses) are borne solely by those shares
and each class votes separately with respect to the provisions of any Rule 12b-1
plan which pertain to the class and other matters for which separate class
voting is appropriate under applicable law. Generally, shares will be voted in
the aggregate without reference to a particular portfolio or class, except if
the matter affects only one portfolio or class or voting by portfolio or class
is required by law, in which case shares will be voted separately by portfolio
or class, as appropriate. Delaware law does not require the Trust to hold annual
meetings of shareholders, and it is anticipated that shareholder meetings will
be held only when specifically required by Federal or state law. Shareholders
have available certain procedures for the removal of Trustees. There are no
conversion or preemptive rights in connection with shares of the Trust. All
shares when issued in accordance with the terms of the offering will be fully
paid and nonassessable. Shares are redeemable at net asset value, at the option
of the shareholders, subject to any contingent deferred sales charge that may
apply. A shareholder in a portfolio is entitled to the shareholder's pro rata
share of all dividends and distributions arising from that portfolio's assets
and, upon redeeming shares, will receive the portion of the portfolio's net
assets represented by the redeemed shares.
From time to time, certain shareholders may own a large percentage of the
shares of the Fund. Accordingly, those shareholders may be able to greatly
affect (if not determine) the outcome of a shareholder vote.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, THE STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND THE FUND'S OFFICIAL SALES LITERATURE IN CONNECTION
WITH THE OFFERING OF THE FUND'S SHARES, AND IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION
OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE
TRUST. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER IN ANY STATE IN WHICH, OR TO
ANY PERSON TO WHOM, SUCH OFFER MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.
23
<PAGE>
FORUM FUNDS
ACCOUNT APPLICATION ACCOUNT NUMBER__________
1. INITIAL INVESTMENT ($5,000 minimum)
/ / Check enclosed for $______________________ / / Payson Value Fund
/ / I have telephoned the Transfer Agent / / Payson Balanced Fund
to make wire arrangements (see
instructions on reverse).
/ / My initial investment wire is $___________
Subject to a maximum 4.00% sales load.
2. REGISTRATION (please print)
/ / INDIVIDUALS
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Investor's Name
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Social Security Number
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Joint Investor's Name (right of survivorship
presumed unless tenancy in common is indicated)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Social Security Number
/ / GIFTS TO MINORS
as custodian for
----------------------------- ----------------------------
Custodian's Name (only one Minor's Name (only one
permitted) permitted)
under the _______________ Uniform Gifts to Minors Act
State
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Minor's Social Security Number
/ / CORPORATIONS, PARTNERSHIPS & OTHERS (additional documentation required for
investors in any representative capacity)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Name of Entity (indicate type of business, e.g., partnership)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Taxpayer Identification Number
/ / TRUSTS (including corporate pension plans)
as trustee(s) for
----------------------------- ---------------------------
Trustee(s) Name(s) Name of Trust
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Full date of trust instrument
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Taxpayer Identification Number
3. ADDRESS
CITIZENSHIP: / / U.S. / / Resident Alien / / Non-Resident Alien___________
Country
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Number and Street
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
City State Zip Code
-------------------------------- ------------------ --------------------
Contact Person Telephone (Day) Telephone (Evening)
4. TELEPHONE AND WIRE REDEMPTION PRIVILEGES (subject to the terms set forth in
the Prospectus)
/ / Telephone Redemption/Exchange Privilege
The Fund and Forum Financial Corp. ("Forum") are hereby authorized to honor
verbal instructions for the (i) redemption of any and all Fund shares held
in the undersigned's account provided that proceeds are mailed to the
shareholders address of record or to the bank account indicated below and
(ii) exchange of Fund shares into another account. The Fund and Forum are
authorized to honor any verbal instructions for purposes of redemption or
exchange purporting to be from the shareholder and believed by the Fund or
Forum to be genuine, and neither the Fund nor Forum shall be liable for any
loss, cost or expense for acting upon such instructions.
/ / Wire Redemption Privilege
The Fund and Forum are authorized to honor written instructions with
signature guaranteed or, if Telephone Redemption Privileges are elected,
verbal instructions, to redeem any and all Fund shares held in the
undersigned's account provided that the proceeds are transmitted to the
bank account indicated below. Complete the following if either privilege is
elected:
------------------------------------------------------ -----------------
Name of Bank (attach a voided check or deposit slip) Account Number
------------------------------------------------------ -----------------
Address and Branch of Bank ABA #
<PAGE>
ACCOUNT APPLICATION (CONTINUED)
5. DIVIDEND AND CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTION PAYMENT OPTIONS (check one)
/ / Full Reinvestment: Reinvest all income dividends and capital gain
distributions when paid.
/ / Capital Gain Reinvestment: Reinvest capital gain distributions when paid;
pay income dividends in cash.
/ / Cash: Pay all income dividends and capital gain distributions in cash.
(Note: If none of the above boxes are checked, shareholders are assigned the
Full Reinvestment option.)
6. DUPLICATE STATEMENT ADDRESS (optional)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Company Name Contact Person
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Number and Street
-----------------------------------------------------------------
City State Zip Code
-------------------------------- -------------------------------
Telephone (Day) Telephone (Evening)
7. DEALER INFORMATION (for broker/dealer use only)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Firm Name NSCC Code
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Representative's Name Representative's #
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Branch Address Branch Code
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Dealer's Authorized Signature Source of Business Code
8. SIGNATURE
I am (We are) of legal age in the state of my (our) residence and wish to
purchase shares of the Fund(s) indicated as described in the current Prospectus
(a copy of which I (we) have received). By the execution of this Account
Application, the undersigned represent(s) and warrant(s) that I (we) have full
right, power and authority to make this investment and the undersigned is (are)
duly authorized to sign this Account Application and to purchase or redeem
shares of the Fund on behalf of the Investor.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Investor/Custodian Trustee Date
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Joint Investor/Co-Trustee Date
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate Officer (Name) Title
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Corporate Officer Title
TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER CERTIFICATION
(check appropriate box, if applicable).
Under the penalties of perjury, I certify:
/ / That the number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification
number and that I am not subject to backup withholding because (a) I am
exempt from backup withholding, (b) I have not been notified by the
Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") that I am subject to backup withholding as
a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS
has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding.
/ / That I have not provided a taxpayer identification number because I have
not been issued a number, but I have applied for one or will do so in the
near future. I understand that if I do not provide my number to the Fund
within 60 days, the Fund will be required to begin backup withholding.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Investor/Custodian/Trustee Date
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Joint Investor/Co-Trustee Date
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate Officer (Name) Title
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Corporate Officer Title
9. INITIAL INVESTMENT AND MAILING INSTRUCTIONS
(1) If making your initial investment by check, complete the Account
Application and mail it with your check, payable to "Forum Funds" to:
FORUM FINANCIAL CORP.
ATTN: TRANSFER AGENT
P.O. BOX 446
PORTLAND, ME 04112
(2) If making your initial investment by bank wire, call the Transfer Agent
(Forum Financial Corp.) at 207-879-0009 to obtain an account
number. Then instruct your bank to wire Federal Funds to:
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON
BOSTON, MA
ABA # 011000390
CREDIT TO: FORUM FINANCIAL CORP.
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 541-54171
FOR FURTHER CREDIT TO: (FUND NAME)
ACCOUNT NAME / ACCOUNT NUMBER
Complete the Account Application and mail it to the address listed above.
Be sure to indicate the account number assigned to you on this Account
Application.
<PAGE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[LOGO]
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION:
Forum Financial Corp.
P.O. Box 446
Portland, ME 04112
207-879-0001 (IN PORTLAND, ME)
800-94FORUM (ELSEWHERE)
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
SPORTSFUND-SM-
ACCOUNT INFORMATION AND
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING:
Forum Financial Corp.
[LOGO]
P.O. Box 446
Portland, Maine 04112
Toll free (888) 82-SPORT
[email protected]
SM
PROSPECTUS
August 1, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Prospectus offers shares of Sportsfund-SM- (the "Fund"), a diversified
series of Forum Funds (the "Trust"), an open-end, management investment company.
SPORTSFUND-SM- seeks to achieve capital appreciation by investing primarily
in equity securities of companies engaged in sports related businesses.
Shares of the Fund are offered to investors at a price equal to the next
determined net asset value plus a maximum sales charge of 4.0% of the total
public offering price (4.17% of the net amount invested).
This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information concerning the Fund and the
Trust that a prospective investor should know before investing. The Trust has
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a Statement of Additional
Information dated August 1, 1996, as may be amended from time to time (the
"SAI"), which contains more detailed information about the Fund and the Trust
and which is incorporated into this Prospectus by reference. The SAI is
available without charge by contacting the Trust at the address listed above.
INVESTORS SHOULD READ THIS PROSPECTUS AND RETAIN IT FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND IS NEITHER INSURED NOR GUARANTEED BY THE U.S.
GOVERNMENT, THE FDIC, THE FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM OR ANY OTHER FEDERAL AGENCY.
SHARES OF THE FUND ARE NOT OBLIGATIONS, DEPOSITS OR ACCOUNTS OF OR ENDORSED OR
GUARANTEED BY ANY BANK OR ANY AFFILIATE OF A BANK.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
1. PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FUND
FUND OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The investment objective of the Fund is to seek capital appreciation. The
Fund invests primarily in the equity securities of companies engaged in sports
related businesses ("sports investments"). See "Investment Objective, Policies
and Risk Factors."
FUND MANAGEMENT
The Fund's investment adviser is Westwood Ventures, Ltd. ("Westwood").
Westwood, which is located at 450 Seventh Avenue, Suite 3304, New York, New York
10123, was organized for the sole purpose of sponsoring and advising the Fund.
Subject to Westwood's oversight and approval, Forum Advisors, Inc. ("Forum
Advisors" and with Westwood, the "Advisers") acts as investment subadviser to
the Fund and is responsible for the day to day investment decisions for the
Fund. Forum Administrative Services, LLC ("Forum Administrative") supervises the
overall management of the Fund and Forum Financial Services, Inc. ("Forum
Financial") is the distributor of the shares of the Fund. See "Management."
PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS
Shares of the Fund are offered at the next-determined net asset value per
share plus any applicable sales charge. The minimum initial investment is $1,000
($1,000 for IRAs; $1,000 for exchanges) and the minimum subsequent investment is
$100. Shares may be redeemed without charge. See "Purchases and Redemptions of
Shares."
EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Shareholders of a Fund may exchange their shares without charge for the
shares of certain other funds of the Trust, including certain money market
funds. See "Purchases and Redemptions of Shares - Exchanges."
DISTRIBUTIONS
Distributions of the Fund's net investment income are declared and paid
annually by the Fund. The Fund's net capital gain, if any, is also distributed
annually. All distributions are reinvested in Fund shares unless a shareholder
elects to have them paid in cash. See "Distributions and Tax Matters."
CERTAIN RISK FACTORS
THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE FUND WILL ACHIEVE ITS INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVE AND THE FUND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS A COMPLETE INVESTMENT
PROGRAM. The Fund's net asset value will fluctuate as the value of the Fund's
portfolio securities changes. The Fund invests primarily in the equity
securities of companies engaged in sports related businesses. Accordingly, the
Fund's performance will be especially susceptible to factors influencing sports-
related industries. The Fund's focus of investments entails more risk and may
make the Fund more volatile than an investment in other mutual funds that do not
focus their investments in a similar manner. See "Investment Objectives,
Policies -- Risk Factors." Although Forum Advisors manages several other mutual
funds, currently it does not manage any other equity funds. The Adviser manages
no other mutual funds and was created for the purpose of sponsoring and advising
the Fund. See "Management."
2
<PAGE>
EXPENSES OF INVESTING IN THE FUND
The purpose of the table below is to assist investors in understanding the
expenses that an investor in the Fund will bear directly or indirectly.
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Maximum sales charge imposed on purchases (as
a percentage of public offering price)....... 4.00%
</TABLE>
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES (1)
(as a percentage of average daily net assets)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Investment Advisory Fees (after estimated fee
waivers)(2).................................. 1.25%
Rule 12b-1 Fees............................... None
Other Expenses................................ 0.75%
---------
Total Operating Expenses...................... 2.00%
</TABLE>
(1) For a further description of the various expenses incurred in the
operation of the Fund, see "Management."
(2) Investment Advisory Fees reflect the investment advisory fee payable to
Westwood of 1.25%. Other Expenses for the Fund are based on estimated annualized
amounts for the Fund's first fiscal year of operations ending March 31, 1997.
Westwood has agreed to waive its fee or assume certain expenses of the Fund to
the extent Total Operating Expenses exceed 2.00% for the first two years of the
Fund's operations. Absent estimated fee waivers and expense reimbursements,
Other Expenses and Total Operating Expenses would be 1.38% and 2.63%,
respectively.
EXAMPLE
The following is a hypothetical example that indicates the dollar amount of
expenses that an investor would pay, assuming a $1,000 investment in the Fund, a
5% annual return and reinvestment of all dividends and distributions.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1 Year 3 Years
- ----------- -----------
<S> <C>
$ 59 $ 100
</TABLE>
The example is based on the expenses listed in the "Annual Operating
Expenses" table and assumes deduction of the maximum 4.0% initial sales charge.
The 5% annual return is not predictive of and does not represent the Fund's
projected returns; rather, it is required by government regulation. THE EXAMPLE
SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES OR RETURN.
ACTUAL EXPENSES AND RETURN MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN INDICATED.
2. INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, POLICIES AND RISK FACTORS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The investment objective of the Fund is to seek capital appreciation. There
can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
INVESTMENT POLICIES
The Fund pursues its objective by investing, under normal circumstances, at
least 65% of its assets in the equity securities of companies engaged in sports
related businesses ("sports investments"). Sports investments are investments in
companies that, either directly or through a subsidiary, derive at least 50% of
their revenues or earnings from, or devote at least 50% of their assets to, one
or more of the following: (1) sports related franchises, (2) sports or
exhibition events or facilities, (3) conduits of information on, or programming
of, sporting activities, and (4) the manufacture, distribution, wholesale, or
retailing of sporting equipment, clothing or paraphernalia.
The Fund will invest primarily in equity securities (common stocks,
securities convertible into common stocks and, subject to certain limitations,
rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase common stocks). The Fund may
also invest in convertible debt securities and preferred stocks when, in the
opinion of the Advisers, such investments are warranted to achieve the Fund's
investment objective. Westwood and Forum Advisors attempt to identify companies
whose securities have strong potential for either near- or long-term capital
appreciation. The Fund retains the flexibility to
3
<PAGE>
respond promptly to changes in market and economic conditions. Accordingly, the
Fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in non-sports investments and for
temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest without limitation in cash and
certain high quality short-term debt securities. The Fund also may hold cash and
high quality short-term debt for liquidity purposes (i.e., in order to meet
shareholder redemption requests). See the SAI for further information about
these securities. To the extent the Fund adopts a temporary defensive position
or is maintaining liquidity, it may not be pursuing its investment objective.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The Fund may engage in repurchase agreements which
are transactions in which the Fund purchases a security and simultaneously
commits to resell that security to the seller at an agreed-upon price on an
agreed-upon future date, normally one to seven days later. Delays or losses to
the Fund could result if the other party to a repurchase agreement were to
default or become insolvent. When the Fund is invested in a money market fund,
it will bear its ratable share of that fund's expenses, including advisory fees,
in addition to those of the Fund.
The Fund's investment objective and certain fundamental investment
limitations described in the SAI may not be changed without approval of the
holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities. A majority of
the Fund's outstanding voting securities means the lesser of 67% of the shares
of the Fund present or represented at a shareholders meeting at which the
holders of more than 50% of the shares are present or represented, or more than
50% of the total outstanding shares of the Fund. Except as otherwise indicated,
investment policies of the Fund are not fundamental and may be changed by the
Board of Trustees of the Trust (the "Board") without shareholder approval. The
Fund may borrow money for temporary or emergency purposes (including the meeting
of redemption requests), but, as a fundamental policy, not in excess of 33 1/3%
of the value of the Fund's total assets. Borrowing for purposes other than
meeting redemption requests will not exceed 5% of the value of the Fund's total
assets. A further description of the Fund's investment policies is contained in
the SAI.
COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCK AND THEIR RISKS. Common stockholders are the
owners of the company issuing the stock and, accordingly, vote on various
corporate governance matters such as mergers. They are not creditors of the
company, but rather, upon liquidation of the company, are entitled to their pro
rata share of the company's assets after creditors (including fixed income
security holders) and any preferred stockholders are paid. Preferred stock is a
class of stock having a preference over common stock as to dividends and,
usually as to the recovery of investment. A preferred stockholder is a
shareholder in the company and not a creditor of the company as is a holder of
the company's fixed income securities. Dividends paid to common and preferred
stockholders are distributions of the earnings of the company and not interest
payments. Certain equity securities owned by the Fund may be traded in the
over-the-counter market or on a securities exchange and may not be traded every
day or in the volume typical of securities traded on a major U.S. national
securities exchange. As a result, disposition by the Fund of a portfolio
security to meet redemptions by shareholders or otherwise may require the Fund
to sell these securities at a discount from market prices, to sell during
periods when disposition is not desirable, or to make many small sales over a
lengthy period of time. The market value of all securities, including equity
securities, is based upon the market's perception of value and not necessarily
the book value of an issuer or other objective measure of a company's worth.
WARRANTS. The Fund may invest in warrants, which are options to purchase an
equity security at a specified price (usually representing a premium over the
applicable market value of the underlying equity security at the time of the
warrant's issuance) during a specified period of time. Their prices do not
necessarily move parallel to the price
4
<PAGE>
of the underlying securities. Warrants have no voting rights, receive no
dividends and have no rights with respect to the assets of the issuer. The Fund
may not invest more than 5% of its net assets (at the time of investment) in
warrants (other than those that have been acquired with or attached to other
securities).
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES. The Fund may invest in convertible debt and
convertible preferred stock, which may be rated by a nationally recognized
statistical rating organization ("NRSRO") or may be unrated. Convertible
securities are fixed income securities that may be converted at a stated price
within a specific amount of time into a specified number of shares of common
stock. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or
accrued on debt or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible
security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion,
convertible securities have characteristics similar to nonconvertible debt
securities in that they ordinarily provide a stream of income with generally
higher yields than those of common stocks of the same or similar issuers.
Convertible securities rank senior to common stock in a corporation's capital
structure but are usually subordinate to comparable nonconvertible securities.
In general, the value of a convertible security is the higher of its investment
value (its value as a fixed income security) and its conversion value (the value
of the underlying shares of common stock if the security is converted). The
investment value of a convertible security is influenced by changes in interest
rates, with investment value declining as interest rates increase and increasing
as interest rates decline. The credit standing of the issuer and other factors
also may have an effect on the convertible security's investment value. The
conversion value of a convertible security is determined by the market price of
the underlying common stock.
SMALL COMPANY INVESTMENTS AND THEIR RISKS. The Fund may invest in securities
of small or unseasoned companies. Small companies are companies which have a
market capitalization well below that of the average company in the Standard &
Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index. Small companies are those whose market
capitalization is less than $1 billion at the time of the Fund's purchase.
Market capitalization refers to the total market value of a company's
outstanding shares of common stock, calculated by multiplying the market value
of the company's shares by the total number of shares outstanding. These
companies may be in a relatively early stage of development or may produce goods
and services which have favorable prospects for growth due to increasing demand
or developing markets. Frequently, such companies have a small management group
and single product or product line expertise. These characteristics may result
in an enhanced entrepreneurial spirit and greater focus which may make those
companies successful. The Adviser believes that such companies may develop into
significant business enterprises and that an investment in such companies may
offer a greater opportunity for capital appreciation than an investment in
larger more established entities. Small companies frequently retain a large part
of their earnings for research, development and investment in capital assets,
however, so that the prospects for immediate dividend income are limited.
Investments in smaller companies generally involve greater risks than
investments in larger companies due to the small size of the issuer and the fact
that the issuer may have limited product lines, access to financial markets and
management depth. In addition, many of the securities of smaller companies trade
less frequently and in lower volumes than securities issued by larger firms. The
result is that the short-term price volatility of small company securities is
greater than the short-term price volatility of the securities of larger, more
established companies that are widely held. The securities of small companies
may also be more sensitive to market changes generally than the securities of
large companies. While securities issued by smaller companies historically have
experienced greater market appreciation than the securities of larger entities,
there in no assurance that they will continue to do so or that the Fund will be
successful
5
<PAGE>
in identifying companies whose securities will appreciate.
ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES. The Fund may not invest more than 15%
of its net assets in illiquid securities. Illiquid securities are securities
that cannot be disposed of within seven days in the ordinary course of business
at approximately the amount at which the Fund has valued the securities and
include, among other things, repurchase agreements not entitling the holder to
payment within seven days and "restricted securities," other than those
determined to be liquid pursuant to guidelines established by the Board.
Restricted securities are securities that are subject to contractual or legal
restrictions on resale. Limitations on resale may have an adverse effect on
their marketability. The Fund might also have to register restricted securities
in order to dispose of them, resulting in expense and delay. The Fund might not
be able to dispose of illiquid or restricted securities promptly or at
reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying
redemptions. There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist for any
security at any particular time.
An institutional market has developed for certain restricted securities (for
example, Rule 144A Securities). If those securities are eligible for purchase by
certain institutional buyers, the Advisers may determine that the securities are
not illiquid securities under guidelines adopted by the Board. These guidelines
take into account trading activity in the securities and the availability of
reliable pricing information, among other factors.
DIVERSIFICATION. The Fund is diversified, which means that with respect to
75% of the Fund's total assets, (i) the Fund may not own the securities of any
one issuer (other than a U.S. Government security) with a value of more than 5%
of the Fund's total assets and (ii) the Fund may not own more that 10% of the
voting securities of any one issuer. In addition, no more than 25% of the total
assets of the Fund may be invested in the securities of any one issuer. Due to
the potentially limited availability of sports investments, the Advisers
anticipate that the Fund may maintain one or more positions in a single issuer
that exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets. Accordingly, the Fund may present
greater risks than other diversified funds. The Fund will be subject to a
greater risk of loss if the market value of a company in which the Fund invests
a substantial amount of its assets declines.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER. The frequency of portfolio transactions of the Fund
(the portfolio turnover rate) will vary from year to year depending on market
conditions. High portfolio turnover and short-term trading involve
correspondingly greater commission expenses and transaction costs. The Advisers
weigh the anticipated benefits of short-term investments against these
consequences. The Fund's portfolio turnover rate is expected to be under 100%
for its first year of operations. Tax rules applicable to short-term trading may
affect the timing of the Fund's transactions or its ability to realize
short-term trading profits or establish short-term positions.
TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE POSITIONS. When the fund assumes a temporary defensive
position it may invest in (i) short-term U.S. Government Securities, (ii)
certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances and interest-bearing savings
deposits of commercial banks doing business in the United States that have, at
the time of investment, total assets in excess of one billion dollars and that
are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, (iii) commercial paper
of prime quality rated Prime-2 or higher by Moody's or A-2 or higher by S&P or,
if not rated, determined by the adviser to be of comparable quality, (iv)
repurchase agreements covering any of the securities in which the Fund may
invest directly and (v) money market mutual funds. To the extent that the Fund
adopts a temporary defensive position it may not be pursuing its investment
objective.
RISK FACTORS
Because of the focus of the Fund, an investment in the Fund may be more
volatile than an
6
<PAGE>
investment in other mutual funds that do not focus their investments in a
similiar manner. Moreover, the value of the shares of the Fund will be
especially susceptible to factors influencing entertainment and sports
enterprises. THE FUND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS A COMPLETE INVESTMENT PROGRAM.
As a fundamental policy, the Fund will not purchase securities if, immediately
after the purchase, more than 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets would
be invested in the securities of issuers having their principal business
activities in the same industry. Sports investments will encompass a number of
different industries. However, investing primarily in sports investments entails
more risk than if the Fund were to invest in a greater diversity of companies.
The securities in which the Fund invests may be affected more greatly than the
securities market in general during downturns in the economy due to the fact
that revenue from sports related activities is dependent on leisure or
entertainment activities often associated with economic prosperity. In addition,
the Advisers may be required to make or maintain investments in companies that
they may not otherwise have made or maintained due to the limited amount of
publicly traded sports investments. As a result, the Fund's net asset value may
fluctuate more widely than the value of shares of another mutual fund investing
in a broader range of securities.
SECURITIES OF OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES. The Fund may invest in the
securities of other investment companies within the limits proscribed by the
1940 Act. In addition to the Fund's expenses (including the various fees), as a
shareholder in another investment company, the fund would bear its pro rata
portion of the other investment company's expenses (including fees). Under
normal circumstances, the Fund intends to invest less than 5% of the value of
its net assets in the securities of other investment companies.
FOREIGN INVESTMENTS. The Fund may invest in foreign securities represented
by sponsored and unsponsored American Depository Receipts ("ADRs"). ADRs are
receipts issued by an American bank or trust company evidencing ownershp of
underlying securities issued by a foreign issuer. ADRs, in registered form, are
designed for use in U.S. securities markets. Unsponsored ADRs may be created
without the participation of the foreign issuer. Holders of these ADRs generally
bear all the costs of the ADR facility, whereas foreign issuers typically bear
certain costs in a sponsored ADR. The bank or trust company depository of an
unsponsored ADR may be under no obligation to distribute shareholder
communications received from the foreign issuer or to pass through voting
rights.
The Fund does not currently intend to invest in derivative instruments but,
may in the future, invest in futures contracts and options. See "Futures,
Contracts, and Options" in the SAI.
3. MANAGEMENT
The business of the Trust is managed under the direction of the Board of
Trustees. The Board formulates the general policies of the Fund and meets
periodically to review the results of the Fund, monitor investment activities
and practices and discuss other matters affecting the Fund and the Trust.
THE ADVISERS
Westwood serves as the investment adviser and Forum Advisors serves as
sub-adviser to the Fund. Subject to the general supervision of the Board,
Westwood and Forum Advisors are responsible for investment decisions on the
Fund's behalf. For these advisory services, the Fund pays an advisory fee at an
annual rate of 1.25% of its average daily net assets. Westwood has, however,
agreed to waive its advisory fee for the first two years of the Fund's operation
to the extent the Fund's expense ratio exceeds 2.00% of the Fund's average
annual daily net assets.
7
<PAGE>
Westwood was organized in 1996 to sponsor and manage the Fund and is
currently controlled by its two principal sponsors, Gary Miller, its President
and Adam Zalta, its Executive Vice President. Westwood was organized under the
laws of the State of New York in 1996 and is registered with the SEC as an
investment adviser. Currently, the Fund is the only mutual fund advised by
Westwood, which has no prior mutual fund or other investment advisory
experience.
To assist it in carrying out its obligations to the Fund, Westwood has
entered into a sub-advisory agreement with Forum Advisors. Forum Advisors is
registered with the SEC as an investment adviser and provides investment advice
to five bond and money market mutual funds, in addition to the Fund. Pursuant to
its sub-advisory agreement, Forum Advisors will assist Westwood in performing
research and economic analysis for the Fund, with respect to that portion of the
Fund's portfolio that Westwood believes should be managed by Forum Advisors.
Forum Advisors administers the Fund's investment program on a day-to-day basis
and implements investment decisions for the Fund. Currently, Forum Advisors
manages the entire portfolio of the Fund and has since the Fund's inception.
Westwood's supervision of the performance of Forum Advisors includes daily
communications between the firms regarding all portfolio management decisions,
review and input on portfolio composition, and approval of all purchases and
sales of securities. Westwood also has responsibility for the Fund's adherence
to the stated investment objective and policies. Westwood pays Forum Advisors a
fee for its services. This fee does not increase the advisory fee paid by the
Fund.
Gary Miller, JD, President of Westwood since 1996, is primarily responsible
for the supervision of all portfolio decisions made by Forum Advisors. Prior to
organizing Westwood, Mr. Miller was a principal at The Law Offices of Gary
Miller, a legal practice responsible for in excess of $25 million in business
financing. Mr. Miller assisted companies in their short and long-term business
financing requirements; analysis and evaluation of financing options (debt,
private placement, public offering, etc.), and utilization of financing proceeds
to best fulfill their financing objectives.
Mark D. Kaplan, CFA, a Managing Director of Forum Advisors since 1995, is
primarily responsible for the day to day management of the Fund's portfolio.
Prior to his association with Forum Advisors, Mr. Kaplan was associated with
H.M. Payson & Co. for eight years, a registered broker dealer and investment
adviser providing services to mutual funds, institutions, individuals, and
endowments. At H.M. Payson Mr. Kaplan was a portfolio manager for an equity
mutual fund and private accounts. He also served as the firm's Director of
Investment Research and was responsible for guiding the investment management of
all the company's accounts which totaled in excess of $500 million, and managing
a staff of research analysts/ portfolio managers. Mr. Kaplan was a principal of
the firm and member of its executive committee.
MANAGER AND DISTRIBUTOR
Subject to the supervision of the Board, Forum Administrative supervises the
overall management of the Fund. Forum Administrative, Forum Advisors, Forum
Financial and the Fund's transfer agent, Forum Financial Corp., are members of
the Forum Financial Group of companies and together provide a full range of
services to the investment company and financial services industry. As of the
date hereof Forum Administrative and Forum Financial acted as manager of
registered investment companies and collective trust funds with assets of
approximately $16 billion. As of the date of this Prospectus, each of the Forum
Financial Group of Companies were controlled by John Y. Keffer, President and
Chairman of the Trust.
Under its management agreement with the Trust, Forum Administrative
supervises all aspects of the Fund's operations, including the receipt of
services for which the Trust is obligated to pay, provides the Trust with
general office facilities and
8
<PAGE>
provides, at the Trust's expense, the services of persons necessary to perform
such supervisory, administrative and clerical functions as are needed to
effectively operate the Trust. Those officers, as well as certain other
employees and Trustees of the Trust, may be directors, officers or employees of
(and persons providing services to the Trust may include) Forum Administrative
and its affiliates. For these services and facilities, Forum receives with
respect to the Fund a management fee at an annual rate of 0.15% of the first $50
million of the Fund's average daily net assets, 0.10% of the next $50 million of
the Fund's average daily net assets and 0.05% of the remaining average daily net
assets of the Fund.
Forum Financial acts as the distributor of the shares of the Fund and
pursuant to a distribution agreement with the Trust receives, and may reallow to
certain financial institutions, the sales charge paid by the purchasers of the
Fund's shares. See "Purchases and Redemptions of Shares - Sales Charges." Forum
Financial, whose address is Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101, is a
registered broker-dealer and investment adviser and is a member of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING
Shareholder inquiries and communications concerning the Fund may be directed
to Forum Financial Corp. (the "Transfer Agent.") The Transfer Agent acts as the
Fund's transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent. The Transfer Agent
maintains for each shareholder of record, an account (unless such accounts are
maintained by sub-transfer agents) to which all shares purchased are credited,
together with any distributions that are reinvested in additional shares. The
Transfer Agent also performs other transfer agency functions and acts as
dividend disbursing agent for the Trust. In addition, the Transfer Agent
performs portfolio accounting services for the Fund, including determination of
the Fund's net asset value per share, pursuant to a separate agreement with the
Trust. For these services, the Transfer Agent receives a fee of $24,000 per year
plus certain account charges and is reimbursed for its various out-of-pocket
costs related to the Fund. The Transfer Agent is authorized to subcontract any
or all of its functions to one or more qualified sub-transfer agents or
processing agents, which may be Processing Organizations (as described under
"Purchases and Redemptions of Shares - Purchases and Redemptions Through
Financial Institutions") or its affiliates. The Transfer Agent may pay those
agents for their services, but no such payment will increase the Transfer
Agent's compensation from the Trust.
EXPENSES OF THE TRUST
The Fund's expenses comprise Trust expenses attributable to the Fund which
are charged to the Fund, and expenses not attributable to a particular fund of
the Trust which are allocated among the Fund and all other funds of the Trust in
proportion to their average net assets. The Fund pays for all of its expenses,
subject to Westwood's agreement to waive its fee as described above and to
reimburse the Fund for certain operating expenses which in any year exceed the
limits prescribed by any state in which the Fund's shares are qualified for
sale. For an estimate of the Fund's expenses for the current fiscal year, see
"Highlights of the Fund - Expenses of Investing in the Fund." These expenses
include, but are not limited to: interest charges; taxes; brokerage fees and
commissions; custodial fees; certain insurance premiums; applicable fees and
expenses under the Trust's contracts with the Advisers, Forum Administrative,
the Transfer Agent and any custodian; fees of pricing, interest, dividend,
credit and other reporting services; costs of membership in trade associations;
auditing, legal and compliance expenses; costs of preparing and printing the
Fund's Trust's prospectuses, statements of additional information and
shareholder reports and delivering them to existing shareholders; compensation
of certain of the Trust's trustees, officers and employees and other personnel
performing services for the Trust; and registration fees and related expenses.
9
<PAGE>
Westwood and any other service provider to the Fund, in their sole
discretion, may waive all or any portion of their respective fees, which are
accrued daily and paid monthly. All such waivers, which could be discontinued at
any time except as otherwise noted, have the effect of increasing the Fund's
performance for the period during which the waiver was in effect and will not be
recouped at a later date.
4. PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS OF SHARES
GENERAL INFORMATION
Investments in the Fund may be made either by an investor directly or
through certain brokers and financial institutions of which the investor is a
customer. All transactions in Fund shares are effected through the Transfer
Agent, which accepts orders for purchases and redemptions from shareholders of
record and new investors. Shareholders of record will receive from the Trust
periodic statements listing all account activity during the statement period.
The Trust reserves the right in the future to modify, limit or terminate any
shareholder privilege upon appropriate notice to shareholders and to charge a
fee for certain shareholder services, although no such fees are currently
contemplated.
PURCHASES. Fund shares are sold at a price equal to their net asset value
next-determined after acceptance of an order, plus any applicable sales charge
on all weekdays except customary national business holidays and Good Friday
("Fund Business Day"). See "Sales Charges" below. Fund shares are issued
immediately after an order for the shares in proper form is accepted by the
Transfer Agent. The Fund's net asset value is calculated at 4:00 p.m., Eastern
time on each Fund Business Day. Fund shares become entitled to receive
dividends and distributions on the next Fund Business Day after the order is
accepted. The Fund reserves the right to reject any subscription for the
purchase of its shares. Stock certificates are issued only to shareholders of
record upon their written request and no certificates are issued for fractional
shares.
REDEMPTIONS. Fund shares may be redeemed without charge at their net asset
value on any Fund Business Day. There is no minimum period of investment and no
restriction on the frequency of redemptions. Fund shares are redeemed as of the
next determination of the Fund's net asset value following acceptance by the
Transfer Agent of the redemption order in proper form (and any supporting
documentation which the Transfer Agent may require). Shares redeemed are not
entitled to receive dividends declared after the day on which the redemption
becomes effective.
Normally, redemption proceeds are paid immediately but in no event later
than seven days following, acceptance of a redemption order. Proceeds of
redemption requests (and exchanges), however, will not be paid unless any check
used to purchase the shares has been cleared by the shareholder's bank, which
may take up to 15 calendar days. This delay may be avoided by investing through
wire transfers. Unless otherwise indicated, redemption proceeds normally are
paid by check mailed to the shareholder's record address. The right of
redemption may not be suspended nor the payment dates postponed for more than
seven days after the tender of the shares to the Fund, except when the New York
Stock Exchange is closed (or when trading thereon is restricted) for any reason
other than its customary weekend or holiday closings or under any emergency or
other circumstances as determined by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Proceeds of redemptions normally are paid in cash. However, payments may be
made wholly or partially in portfolio securities if the Board determines that
payment in cash would be detrimental
10
<PAGE>
to the best interests of the Fund. The Trust will only effect a redemption in
portfolio securities if the particular shareholder is redeeming more than
$250,000 or 1% of the Fund's net assets, whichever is less, during any 90-day
period.
The Trust employs reasonable procedures to insure that telephone orders are
genuine (which include recording certain transactions and the use of shareholder
security codes). If the Trust did not employ such procedures it could be liable
for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions.
Shareholders should verify the accuracy of telephone instructions immediately
upon receipt of confirmation statements. During times of drastic economic or
market changes, telephone redemption and exchange privileges may be difficult to
implement. In the event that a shareholder is unable to reach the Transfer Agent
by telephone, requests may be mailed or hand-delivered to the Transfer Agent.
Due to the cost to the Trust of maintaining smaller accounts, the Trust
reserves the right to redeem, upon not less than 60 days' written notice, all
shares in any Fund account with an aggregate net asset value of less than
$1,000. The Trust will not redeem accounts that fall below that amount solely as
a result of a reduction in net asset value.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION PROCEDURES
The following purchase and redemption procedures and shareholder services
apply to investors who invest in the Fund directly. These investors may open an
account by completing the application at the back of this Prospectus or by
writing the Transfer Agent at the address on the first page of this Prospectus.
For those shareholder services not referenced on the account application and to
change information regarding a shareholder's account (such as addresses),
investors should request an Optional Services Form from the Transfer Agent.
INITIAL PURCHASE OF SHARES
There is a $1,000 minimum for initial investments in the Fund ($1,000 for
individual retirement accounts).
BY MAIL. Investors may send a check made payable to Forum Funds along with
a completed account application to the Fund at the address listed on the first
page of this Prospectus. Checks are accepted at full value subject to
collection. If a check does not clear, the purchase order will be canceled and
the investor will be liable for any losses or fees incurred by the Trust, the
Transfer Agent or Forum Financial.
BY BANK WIRE. To make an initial investment in the Fund using the wire
system for transmittal of money among banks, an investor should first telephone
the Trust toll free at (888) 82-SPORT to obtain an account number. The investor
should then instruct a bank to wire the investor's money immediately to:
First National Bank of Boston
Boston, Massachusetts
ABA# 011000390
For Credit To: Forum Financial Corp.
Account #: 541-54171
Re: Sportsfund-SM-
Account #: ______________
Account Name: __________
The investor should then promptly complete and mail the account application.
Any investor planning to wire funds should instruct a bank early in the day so
the wire transfer can be accomplished the same day. There may be a charge
imposed by the bank for transmitting payment by wire, and there may also be a
charge for the use of Federal funds.
SUBSEQUENT PURCHASES OF SHARES
There is a $100 minimum for subsequent purchases. Subsequent purchases may
be made by mailing a check or by sending a bank wire as indicated above.
Shareholders using the wire system for purchase should first telephone the Trust
toll
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<PAGE>
free at (888) 82-SPORT to notify it of the wire transfer. All payments should
clearly indicate the shareholder's name and account number.
Shareholders may purchase Fund shares at regular, preselected intervals by
authorizing the automatic transfer of funds from a designated bank account
maintained with a United States banking institution which is an Automated
Clearing House member. Under the program, existing shareholders may authorize
amounts of $250 or more to be debited from their bank account and invested in
the Fund monthly or quarterly. Shareholders may terminate their automatic
investments or change the amount to be invested at any time by written
notification to the Transfer Agent.
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
Shareholders that wish to redeem shares by telephone or receive redemption
proceeds by bank wire must elect these options by properly completing the
appropriate sections of their account application. These privileges may not be
available until several weeks after a shareholder's application is received.
Shares for which certificates have been issued may not be redeemed by telephone.
BY MAIL. Shareholders may make a redemption in any amount by sending a
written request to the Transfer Agent accompanied by any stock certificate that
may have been issued to the shareholder. All written requests for redemption
must be signed by the shareholder with signature guaranteed and all certificates
submitted for redemption must be endorsed by the shareholder with signature
guaranteed.
BY TELEPHONE. A shareholder that has elected telephone redemption
privileges may make a telephone redemption request by calling the Transfer Agent
toll free at (888) 82-SPORT and providing the shareholder's account number, the
exact name in which the shareholder's shares are registered and the
shareholder's social security or taxpayer identification number. In response to
the telephone redemption instruction, the Fund will mail a check to the
shareholder's record address or, if the shareholder has elected wire redemption
privileges, wire the proceeds.
BY BANK WIRE. For redemptions of more than $5,000, a shareholder that has
elected wire redemption privileges may request the Fund to transmit the
redemption proceeds by Federal Funds wire to a bank account designated on the
shareholder's account application. To request bank wire redemptions by
telephone, the shareholder also must have elected the telephone redemption
privilege. Redemption proceeds are transmitted by wire on the day after the
redemption request in proper form is received by the Transfer Agent.
AUTOMATIC REDEMPTIONS. Shareholders may redeem Fund shares at regular,
preselected intervals by authorizing the automatic redemption of shares from
their Fund account. Redemption proceeds will be sent either by check or by
automatic transfer to a designated bank account maintained with a United States
banking institution which is an Automated Clearing House member. Under this
program, shareholders may authorize the redemption of shares in amounts of $250
or more from their account monthly or quarterly. Shareholders may terminate
their automatic redemptions or change the amount to be redeemed at any time by
written notification to the Transfer Agent.
OTHER REDEMPTION MATTERS. A signature guarantee is required for any written
redemption request and for any endorsement on a stock certificate. In addition,
a signature guarantee also is required for instructions to change a
shareholder's record name or address, designated bank account for wire
redemptions or automatic investment or redemption, dividend election, telephone
redemption or exchange option election or any other option election in
connection with the shareholder's account. Signature guarantees may be provided
by any eligible institution, including a bank, a broker, a dealer, a national
securities exchange, a credit union, or a savings association that is authorized
to guarantee signatures, acceptable to the Transfer
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<PAGE>
Agent. Whenever a signature guarantee is required, the signature of each person
required to sign for the account must be guaranteed.
The Transfer Agent will deem a shareholder's account "lost" if
correspondence to the shareholder's address of record is returned for six
months, unless the Transfer Agent determines the shareholder's new address. When
an account is deemed lost all distributions on the account will be reinvested in
additional shares of the Fund. In addition, the amount of any outstanding
(unpaid for six months or more) checks for distribution that have been returned
to the Transfer Agent will be reinvested and the checks will be canceled.
SALES CHARGES
The public offering price for shares of the Fund is the sum of the net asset
value of the shares being purchased plus any applicable sales charge. No sales
charge is assessed on the reinvestment of dividends or other distributions. The
sales charge is assessed as follows (net asset value percentages are rounded to
the nearest one-hundredth percent):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Sales Charge as a % of
-----------------------------------------
Public Net
Offering Asset Dealers'
Amount of Purchase Price Value* Reallowance
- ----------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
less than $50,000 4.00% 4.17% 3.50%
$50,000 but less than
$100,000 3.50 3.63 3.10
$100,000 but less than
$250,000 3.00 3.09 2.70
$250,000 but less than
$500,000 2.50 2.56 2.25
$500,000 but less than
$1,000,000 1.50 1.52 1.30
$1,000,000 and up 0.50 0.50 0.40
</TABLE>
* Rounded to the nearest one-hundredth percent.
Forum's commission is the sales charge shown above less any applicable
discount reallowed to selected brokers and dealers (including banks and bank
affiliates purchasing shares as principal or agent). Normally, Forum will
reallow discounts to selected brokers and dealers in the amounts indicated in
the table above. From time to time, however, Forum may elect to reallow the
entire sales charge to selected brokers or dealers for all sales with respect to
which orders are placed with Forum during a particular period. The dealers'
reallowance may be changed from time to time.
In addition, from time to time and at its own expense, Forum may provide
compensation, including financial assistance, to dealers in connection with
conferences, sales or training programs for their employees, seminars for the
public, advertising campaigns or other dealer-sponsored special events.
Compensation may include: (i) the provision of travel arrangements and lodging,
(ii) tickets for entertainment events and (iii) merchandise.
No sales charge will be assessed on purchases made for investment purposes
by: (a) any bank, trust, savings association or similar institution with whom
Forum has entered into a share purchase agreement acting on behalf of the
institution's fiduciary customer accounts or any account maintained by its trust
department; (b) any registered investment adviser with whom Forum has entered
into a share purchase agreement and which is acting on behalf of its fiduciary
customer accounts; (c) any broker-dealer with whom Forum has entered into a
Selected Dealer Agreement and a Fee-Based or Wrap Account Agreement and which is
acting on behalf of its fee-based program clients; (d) trustees and officers of
the Trust; directors, officers, owners, and full-time employees of the Advisers,
any of their affiliates or any organization with which Forum has entered into a
selected dealer or processing agent agreement; the spouse, sibling, direct
ancestor or direct descendent (collectively, "relatives") of any such person;
any trust for the benefit of any such person or relative; or the estate of any
such person or relative; (e) any person who has, within the preceding 90 days,
redeemed Fund shares (but only on purchases in amounts not exceeding the
redeemed amounts) and completes a reinstatement form upon investment; (f)
persons
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<PAGE>
who exchange into a Fund from a mutual fund other than a fund of the Trust that
participates in the Trust's exchange program, see "Purchases and Redemptions of
Shares - Exchange Program," and (g) retirement and deferred compensation plans
and trusts (other than Individual Retirement Accounts) used to fund those plans,
including, but not limited to, those defined in Sections 401(a), 403(b) or 457
of the Code and "rabbi trusts." Any shares so purchased may not be resold except
to the Fund.
REDUCED SALES CHARGES
For an investor to qualify for a reduced sales charge, the investor must
notify the Transfer Agent at the time of purchase. Programs for reduced sales
charges may be modified or terminated at any time and are subject to
confirmation of an investor's holdings.
RIGHTS OF ACCUMULATION. An investor's purchase of additional shares of the
Fund may qualify for rights of accumulation ("ROA") wherein the applicable sales
charge will be based on the total of the investor's current purchase and the net
asset value (at the end of the previous Fund Business Day) of all Fund shares
held by the investor. For example, if an investor owned shares of the Fund worth
$250,000, at the then current net asset value and purchased shares of the Fund
worth an additional $50,000, the sales charge for the $50,000 purchase would be
at the 2.50% rate applicable to a single $300,000 purchase, rather than at the
4.00% rate. To qualify for ROA on a purchase, the investor must inform the
Transfer Agent and supply sufficient information to verify that each purchase
qualifies for the privilege or discount.
LETTER OF INTENT. Investors may also obtain reduced sales charges based on
cumulative purchases by means of a written Letter of Intent ("LOI"), which
expresses the investor's intention to invest $50,000 or more within a period of
13 months in shares of the Fund. Each purchase of shares under a LOI will be
made at the public offering price applicable at the time of the purchase to a
single transaction of the dollar amount indicated in the LOI.
An LOI is not a binding obligation upon the investor to purchase the full
amount indicated. Shares purchased with the first 5% of the amount indicated in
the LOI will be held a subject to a registered pledge (while remaining
registered in the name of the investor) to secure payment of the higher sales
charge applicable to the shares actually purchased if the full amount indicated
is not purchased within 13 months. Pledged shares will be involuntarily redeemed
to pay the additional sales charge, if necessary. When the full amount indicated
has been purchased, the shares will be released from pledge. Share certificates
are not issued for shares purchased under an LOI. Investors wishing to enter
into an LOI can obtain a form of LOI from their broker or financial institution
or by contacting the Transfer Agent.
EXCHANGES
Fund shareholders are entitled to exchange their shares for shares of any
other fund of the Trust or any other fund that participates in the exchange
program and whose shares are eligible for sale in the shareholder's state of
residence. Exchanges may only be made between accounts registered in the same
name. A completed account application must be submitted to open a new account in
the Fund through an exchange if the shareholder requests any shareholder
privilege not associated with the existing account. Exchanges are subject to the
fees charged by, and the restrictions listed in the prospectus for, the fund
into which a shareholder is exchanging, including minimum investment
requirements. The Fund does not charge for exchanges and there is currently no
limit on the number of exchanges a shareholder may make.
The Trust (and Federal tax law) treats an exchange as a redemption of the
shares owned and the purchase of the shares of the fund being acquired.
Redemptions and purchases are effected at the respective net asset values of the
two funds as
14
<PAGE>
next determined following receipt of proper instructions and all necessary
supporting documents by the fund whose shares are being exchanged.
If a shareholder exchanges into a fund that imposes a sales charge, that
shareholder is required to pay the difference between that fund's sales charge
and any sales charge the shareholder has previously paid in connection with the
shares being exchanged. For example, if a shareholder paid a 2% sales charge in
connection with the purchase of the shares of a fund and then exchanged those
shares into another fund with a 3% sales charge, that shareholder would pay an
additional 1% sales charge on the exchange. Shares acquired through the
reinvestment of dividends and distributions are deemed to have been acquired
with a sales charge rate equal to that paid on the shares on which the dividend
or distribution was paid. The exchange privilege may be modified materially or
terminated by the Trust at any time upon 60 days' notice to shareholders.
BY MAIL. Exchanges may be accomplished by written instruction to the
Transfer Agent accompanied by any stock certificate that may have been issued to
the shareholder. All written requests for exchanges must be signed by the
shareholder (a signature guarantee is not required) and all certificates
submitted for exchange must be endorsed by the shareholder with signature
guaranteed.
BY TELEPHONE. Exchanges may be accomplished by telephone by any shareholder
that has elected telephone exchange privileges by calling the Transfer Agent
toll free at (888) 82-SPORT and providing the shareholder's account number, the
exact name in which the shareholder's shares are registered and the
shareholder's social security or taxpayer identification number.
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS
Sportsfund should not be considered as a complete investment vehicle for the
assets held in individual retirement accounts ("IRAs"). The minimum initial
investment for an IRA is $1,000 and the minimum subsequent investment is $100.
Individuals may make tax-deductible IRA contributions of up to a maximum of
$2,000 annually. However, this deduction will be reduced if the individual or,
in the case of a married individual filing jointly, either the individual or the
individual's spouse is an active participant in an employer-sponsored retirement
plan and has adjusted gross income above certain levels.
PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS THROUGH FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Shares may be purchased and redeemed through certain brokers, banks and
other financial institutions ("Processing Organizations"), including affiliates
of the Transfer Agent. Processing Organizations may receive as a dealer's
reallowance a portion of the sales charge paid by their customers who purchase
Fund shares. See "Sales Charges" above. In addition, Processing Organizations
may charge their customers a fee for their services and are responsible for
promptly transmitting purchase, redemption and other requests to the Fund. The
Trust is not responsible for the failure of any institution to promptly forward
these requests.
Investors who purchase shares will be subject to the procedures of their
Processing Organization, which may include charges, limitations, investment
minimums, cutoff times and restrictions in addition to, or different from, those
applicable to shareholders who invest in the Fund directly. These investors
should acquaint themselves with their institution's procedures and should read
this Prospectus in conjunction with any materials and information provided by
their institution. Customers who purchase Fund shares through a Processing
Organization may or may not be the shareholder of record and, subject to their
institution's and the Fund's procedures, may have Fund shares transferred into
their name. There is typically a three day settlement period for purchases and
redemptions through broker-dealers. Certain other Processing Organizations may
enter purchase orders with payment to follow.
15
<PAGE>
Certain shareholder services may not be available to shareholders who have
purchased shares through a Processing Organization. These shareholders should
contact their Processing Organization for further information. The Trust may
confirm purchases and redemptions of a Processing Organization's customers
directly to the Processing Organization, which in turn will provide its
customers with such confirmations and periodic statements as may be required by
law or agreed to between the Processing Organization and its customers.
5. DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAX MATTERS
DISTRIBUTIONS
Distributions of the Fund's net investment income are declared and paid
annually. Distributions of net capital gain, if any, realized by the Fund also
are distributed annually.
Shareholders may have all distributions reinvested in additional shares of
the Fund or received in cash. In addition, shareholders may have distributions
of net capital gain reinvested in additional shares of the Fund and
distributions of net investment income paid in cash. All distributions are
treated in the same manner for Federal income tax purposes whether received in
cash or reinvested in shares of the Fund.
All distributions will be reinvested at the Fund's net asset value as of the
payment date of the distribution. All distributions are reinvested unless
another option is selected. All distributions not reinvested will be paid to the
shareholder in cash and may be paid more than seven days following the date on
which distributions would otherwise be reinvested.
TAXES
FEDERAL TAXES. The Fund intends to qualify for each fiscal year to be taxed
as a "regulated investment company" under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. As
such, the Fund will not be liable for Federal income taxes on the net investment
income and net capital gain distributed to its shareholders. Because the Fund
intends to distribute all of its net investment income and net capital gain each
year, the Fund should avoid all Federal income and excise taxes.
Distributions paid by the Fund out of its taxable net investment income
(including any realized net short-term capital gain) are taxable to shareholders
as ordinary income for Federal tax purposes. Distributions by the Fund of
realized net long-term capital gain, if any, are taxable to shareholders as
long-term capital gain, regardless of the length of time the shareholder may
have held shares in the Fund. If Fund shares are sold at a loss after being held
for six months or less, the loss will be disallowed to the extent of any
exempt-interest dividends received on those shares and will be treated as
long-term capital loss to the extent of any long-term capital gain distribution
received on those shares.
Any distribution received by a shareholder reduces the net asset value of
the shareholder's shares by the amount of the distribution. To the extent that
any income or capital gain was accrued by the Fund before the shareholder
purchased shares, the distribution would be in effect a return of capital to the
shareholder. For Federal income tax purposes, however, capital gain
distributions, including those that operate as a return of capital, are taxable
to the shareholder receiving them.
It is expected that a substantial portion of the distributions for net
investment income to shareholders will qualify for the dividends received
deduction for corporations. The amount of such dividends eligible for the
dividends received deduction is limited to the amount of dividends from domestic
corporations received during the Fund's fiscal year.
OTHER TAX MATTERS. The Fund may be required by Federal law to withhold 31%
of reportable payments (which may include taxable dividends, capital gain
distributions and
redemp-
16
<PAGE>
tion proceeds) paid to individuals and certain other non-corporate shareholders.
Withholding is not required if a shareholder certifies that the shareholder's
social security or tax identification number provided to the Fund is correct and
that the shareholder is not subject to backup withholding.
Reports containing appropriate information with respect to the Federal
income tax status of dividends and distributions paid during the year by the
Funds will be mailed to shareholders shortly after the close of each year.
6. OTHER INFORMATION
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
The Fund's performance may be quoted in advertising in terms of total
return. Total return is based on historical results and is not intended to
indicate future performance. Total return refers to the average annual
compounded rates of return over some representative period that would equate an
initial amount invested at the beginning of a stated period to the ending
redeemable value of the investment, after giving effect to the reinvestment of
all distributions and deductions of expenses during the period. Total return may
be based on amounts invested in the Fund excluding sales loads that may be paid
by an investor and therefore, will be higher than a computation based on public
offering price of shares purchased taking into account the sales load. The Fund
also may advertise its total return over different periods of time on a
before-tax or after-tax basis or by means of aggregate, average, year by year,
or other types of total return figures. Because average annual return tend to
smooth out variations in the Fund's returns, shareholders should recognize that
they are not the same as actual year-by-year results.
The Fund's advertisements may refer to ratings and rankings among similar
funds by independent evaluators such as Morningstar or Lipper Analytical
Services, Inc. In addition, the performance of the Fund may be compared to
recognized indices of market performance. The comparative material found in the
Fund's advertisements, sales literature or reports to shareholders may contain
performance ratings. These are not to be considered representative or indicative
of future performance.
BANKING LAW MATTERS
Banking laws and regulations generally permit a bank or bank affiliate to
purchase shares of an investment company as agent for and upon the order of a
customer and in the view of Forum would permit a bank or bank affiliate to serve
as a Processing Organization or perform sub-transfer agent or similar services
for the Trust and its shareholders. If a bank or bank affiliate were prohibited
from performing all or a part of the foregoing services, its shareholder
customers would be permitted to remain shareholders of the Trust and alternative
means for continuing to service them would be sought. It is not expected that
shareholders would suffer adverse financial consequences as a result of any
changes in bank or bank affiliate service arrangements.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The Trust determines the net asset value per share of the Fund as of 4:00
p.m., Eastern time, on each Fund Business Day by dividing the value of the
Fund's net assets (I.E., the value of its portfolio securities and other assets
less its liabilities) by the number of the Fund's shares outstanding at the time
the determination is made. Securities owned by the Fund for which market
quotations are readily available are valued at current market value, or, in
their absence, at fair value as determined by the Board. The Fund does not
determine net asset value on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin
Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence
Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
THE TRUST AND ITS SHARES
The Trust was originally incorporated in Maryland on March 24, 1980 and
assumed the name of Forum Funds, Inc. on March 16, 1987. On January
17
<PAGE>
5, 1996, Forum Funds, Inc. was reorganized as a Delaware business trust. The
Trust has an unlimited number of authorized shares of beneficial interest. The
Board may, without shareholder approval, divide the authorized shares into an
unlimited number of separate portfolios or series (such as the Fund) and may in
the future divide portfolios or series into two or more classes of shares (such
as Investor and Institutional Shares). Currently the authorized shares of the
Trust are divided into 15 separate series.
Each share of each fund of the Trust and each class of shares has equal
dividend, distribution, liquidation and voting rights, and fractional shares
have those rights proportionately, except that expenses related to the
distribution of the shares of each class (and certain other expenses such as
transfer agency and administration expenses) are borne solely by those shares
and each class votes separately with respect to the provisions of any Rule 12b-1
plan which pertain to the class and other matters for which separate class
voting is appropriate under applicable law. Generally, shares will be voted in
the aggregate without reference to a particular portfolio or class, except if
the matter affects only one portfolio or class or voting by portfolio or class
is required by law, in which case shares will be voted separately by portfolio
or class, as appropriate. Delaware law does not require the Trust to hold annual
meetings of shareholders, and it is anticipated that shareholder meetings will
be held only when specifically required by Federal or state law. Shareholders
have available certain procedures for the removal of Trustees. There are no
conversion or preemptive rights in connection with shares of the Trust. All
shares when issued in accordance with the terms of the offering will be fully
paid and nonassessable. Shares are redeemable at net asset value, at the option
of the shareholders, subject to any contingent deferred sales charge that may
apply. A shareholder in a portfolio is entitled to the shareholder's pro rata
share of all dividends and distributions arising from that portfolio's assets
and, upon redeeming shares, will receive the portion of the portfolio's net
assets represented by the redeemed shares.
Upon the commencement of the Fund's operations, Westwood will own all of the
outstanding shares of the Fund and may be deemed to control the Fund. From time
to time, certain shareholders may own a large percentage of the shares of the
Fund. Accordingly, those shareholders may be able to greatly affect (if not
determine) the outcome of a shareholder vote.
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, THE STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND THE FUND'S OFFICIAL SALES LITERATURE IN CONNECTION
WITH THE OFFERING OF THE FUND'S SHARES, AND IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION
OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE
TRUST. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER IN ANY STATE IN WHICH, OR TO
ANY PERSON TO WHOM, SUCH OFFER MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.
18
<PAGE>
SPORTSFUND/SM/
[LOGO]/SM/ ACCOUNT APPLICATION ACCOUNT NUMBER__________
1. INITIAL INVESTMENT ($1,000 minimum)
/ / Check enclosed for $______________________
/ / I have telephoned the Transfer Agent
to make wire arrangements (see
instructions on reverse).
/ / My initial investment wire is $___________
Subject to a maximum 4.00% sales load.
2. REGISTRATION (please print)
/ / INDIVIDUALS
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Investor's Name
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Social Security Number
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Joint Investor's Name (right of survivorship
presumed unless tenancy in common is indicated)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Social Security Number
/ / GIFTS TO MINORS
as custodian for
----------------------------- ----------------------------
Custodian's Name (only one Minor's Name (only one
permitted) permitted)
under the _______________ Uniform Gifts to Minors Act
State
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Minor's Social Security Number
/ / CORPORATIONS, PARTNERSHIPS & OTHERS (additional documentation required for
investors in any representative capacity)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Name of Entity (indicate type of business, e.g., partnership)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Taxpayer Identification Number
/ / TRUSTS (including corporate pension plans)
as trustee(s) for
----------------------------- ---------------------------
Trustee(s) Name(s) Name of Trust
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Full date of trust instrument
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Taxpayer Identification Number
3. ADDRESS
CITIZENSHIP: / / U.S. / / Resident Alien / / Non-Resident Alien___________
Country
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Number and Street
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
City State Zip Code
-------------------------------- ------------------ --------------------
Contact Person Telephone (Day) Telephone (Evening)
4. TELEPHONE AND WIRE REDEMPTION PRIVILEGES (subject to the terms set forth in
the Prospectus)
/ / Telephone Redemption/Exchange Privilege
The Fund and Forum Financial Corp. ("Forum") are hereby authorized to honor
verbal instructions for the (i) redemption of any and all Fund shares held
in the undersigned's account provided that proceeds are mailed to the
shareholders address of record or to the bank account indicated below and
(ii) exchange of Fund shares into another account. The Fund and Forum are
authorized to honor any verbal instructions for purposes of redemption or
exchange purporting to be from the shareholder and believed by the Fund or
Forum to be genuine, and neither the Fund nor Forum shall be liable for any
loss, cost or expense for acting upon such instructions.
/ / Wire Redemption Privilege
The Fund and Forum are authorized to honor written instructions with
signature guaranteed or, if Telephone Redemption Privileges are elected,
verbal instructions, to redeem any and all Fund shares held in the
undersigned's account provided that the proceeds are transmitted to the
bank account indicated below. Complete the following if either privilege is
elected:
------------------------------------------------------ -----------------
Name of Bank (attach a voided check or deposit slip) Account Number
------------------------------------------------------ -----------------
Address and Branch of Bank ABA #
<PAGE>
ACCOUNT APPLICATION (CONTINUED)
5. DIVIDEND AND CAPITAL GAIN DISTRIBUTION PAYMENT OPTIONS (check one)
/ / Full Reinvestment: Reinvest all income dividends and capital gain
distributions when paid.
/ / Capital Gain Reinvestment: Reinvest capital gain distributions when paid;
pay income dividends in cash.
/ / Cash: Pay all income dividends and capital gain distributions in cash.
(Note: If none of the above boxes are checked, shareholders are assigned the
Full Reinvestment option.)
6. DUPLICATE STATEMENT ADDRESS (optional)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Company Name Contact Person
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Number and Street
-----------------------------------------------------------------
City State Zip Code
-------------------------------- -------------------------------
Telephone (Day) Telephone (Evening)
7. DEALER INFORMATION (for broker/dealer use only)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Firm Name NSCC Code
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Representative's Name Representative's #
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Branch Address Branch Code
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Dealer's Authorized Signature Source of Business Code
8. SIGNATURE
I am (We are) of legal age in the state of my (our) residence and wish to
purchase shares of the Fund(s) indicated as described in the current Prospectus
(a copy of which I (we) have received). By the execution of this Account
Application, the undersigned represent(s) and warrant(s) that I (we) have full
right, power and authority to make this investment and the undersigned is (are)
duly authorized to sign this Account Application and to purchase or redeem
shares of the Fund on behalf of the Investor.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Investor/Custodian Trustee Date
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Joint Investor/Co-Trustee Date
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate Officer (Name) Title
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Corporate Officer Title
TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER CERTIFICATION
(check appropriate box, if applicable).
Under the penalties of perjury, I certify:
/ / That the number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification
number and that I am not subject to backup withholding because (a) I am
exempt from backup withholding, (b) I have not been notified by the
Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") that I am subject to backup withholding as
a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS
has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding.
/ / That I have not provided a taxpayer identification number because I have
not been issued a number, but I have applied for one or will do so in the
near future. I understand that if I do not provide my number to the Fund
within 60 days, the Fund will be required to begin backup withholding.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Investor/Custodian/Trustee Date
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Joint Investor/Co-Trustee Date
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate Officer (Name) Title
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Signature of Corporate Officer Title
9. INITIAL INVESTMENT AND MAILING INSTRUCTIONS
(1) If making your initial investment by check, complete the Account
Application and mail it with your check, payable to "Forum Funds" to:
FORUM FINANCIAL CORP.
ATTN: TRANSFER AGENT
P.O. BOX 446
PORTLAND, ME 04112
(2) If making your initial investment by bank wire, call the Transfer Agent
(Forum Financial Corp.) at 888-82-SPORT to obtain an account
number. Then instruct your bank to wire Federal Funds to:
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON
BOSTON, MA
ABA # 011000390
CREDIT TO: FORUM FINANCIAL CORP.
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 541-54171
FOR FURTHER CREDIT TO: SPORTSFUND
ACCOUNT NAME / ACCOUNT NUMBER
Complete the Account Application and mail it to the address listed above.
Be sure to indicate the account number assigned to you on this Account
Application.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<C> <S> <C>
1. Prospectus Summary............. 2
2. Investment Objective, Policies
and Risk Factors.............. 3
3. Management..................... 7 SPORTS
FUND
4. Purchases And Redemptions of
Shares........................ 10
5. Distributions and Tax
Matters....................... 16
6. Other Information.............. 17
</TABLE>
INVESTMENT ADVISOR
Westwood Ventures, Ltd.
450 Seventh Avenue, Suite 3304
New York, New York 10123
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION: P R O S P E C T U S
Forum Financial Corp.
P.O. Box 446 August 1, 1996
Portland, ME 04112
Toll free (888) 82-SPORT
sports @forum-financial.com
<PAGE>
FORUM FUNDS
DAILY ASSETS TREASURY FUND
DAILY ASSETS GOVERNMENT FUND
DAILY ASSETS CASH FUND
Account Information and
Shareholder Servicing: Distributor:
Forum Financial Corp. Forum Financial Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 446 Two Portland Square
Portland, Maine 04112 Portland, Maine 04101
(207) 879-0001 (207) 879-1900
______________________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
August 1, 1996
This Statement of Additional Information supplements the Prospectus offering
Shares of Daily Assets Treasury Fund, Daily Assets Government Fund and Daily
Assets Cash Fund, three portfolios of the Trust, and should be read only in
conjunction with the applicable Prospectus, a copy of which may be obtained by
an investor without charge by contacting the Trust's Distributor at the address
listed above.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
----
1. General
2. Investment Policies
3. Investment Limitations
4. Investment by Financial Institutions
5. Performance Data
6. Management
7. Determination of Net Asset Value
8. Portfolio Transactions
9. Additional Purchase and
Redemption Information
10. Taxation
11. Other Information
12. Financial statements
Appendix A - Description of Securities Ratings
THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT A PROSPECTUS AND IS AUTHORIZED
FOR DISTRIBUTION TO PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ONLY IF PRECEDED OR ACCOMPANIED BY AN
EFFECTIVE PROSPECTUS.
<PAGE>
1. GENERAL
THE TRUST. The Trust is registered with the SEC as an open-end, management
investment company and was organized as a business trust under the laws of the
State of Delaware on August 29, 1995. On January 5, 1996 the Trust succeeded
to the assets and liabilities of Forum Funds, Inc. Forum Funds, Inc. was
incorporated on March 24, 1980 and assumed the name of Forum Funds, Inc. on
March 16, 1987. The Board has the authority to issue an unlimited number of
shares of beneficial interest of separate series with no par value per share and
to create separate classes of shares within each series. There are currently
fifteen series of the Trust as follows:
Investors Stock Fund
Investors Bond Fund
TaxSavers Bond Fund
Daily Assets Cash Fund
Daily Assets Treasury Fund
Daily Assets Government Fund
Daily Assets Tax Saver Fund
Payson Value Fund
Payson Balanced Fund.
Maine Municipal Bond Fund
New Hampshire Bond Fund
Sportsfund
Austin Global Equity Fund
Oak Hall Equity Fund
Core Portfolio Plus
DEFINITIONS. As used in this Statement of Additional Information, the following
terms shall have the meanings listed:
"Advisers" means Forum Advisors and Linden.
"FFC" means Forum Financial Corp.
"Forum" means Forum Financial Services, Inc.
"Forum Advisors" means Forum Advisors, Inc.
"Fund" means Daily Assets Treasury Fund, Daily Assets Government Fund or Daily
Assets Cash Fund.
"Fund Business Day" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in the Prospectuses
of the Funds.
"Linden" means Linden Asset Management, Inc.
"NRSRO" means a nationally recognized statistical rating organization.
"Portfolio" means the Treasury Portfolio, Government Cash Portfolio or Cash
Portfolio, portfolios of Core Trust.
"SAI" means this Statement of Additional Information.
"SEC" means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Trust" means Forum Funds, a Delaware business trust.
"U.S. Government Securities" means obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
"1940 Act" means the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
B-2
<PAGE>
2. INVESTMENT POLICIES
Each Fund currently seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing all
of its investable assets in its corresponding Portfolio of Core Trust.
Following is information pertaining to the investment policies of each
Portfolio, which supplements the investment policy information contained in the
Funds' Prospectus.
Each Fund has a fundamental investment policy that allows it to invest all of
its investable assets in its corresponding Portfolio. All other investment
policies of each Fund and its corresponding Portfolio are identical. Therefore,
although this and the following sections discuss the investment policies of the
Portfolios (and the responsibilities of the Core Trust Board), it applies
equally to the Funds (and the Board). Information with respect to Daily Assets
Treasury Fund for periods prior to December 5, 1995 (for instance, investment
advisory fees paid), the date that Fund invested in Treasury Portfolio, reflects
information with respect to the Fund and the Fund's direct investment in
securities.
Debt securities with longer maturities tend to produce higher yields and are
generally subject to greater price movements than obligations with shorter
maturities. An increase in interest rates will generally reduce the market
value of portfolio investments, and a decline in interest rates will generally
increase the value of portfolio investments.
Each Portfolio invests at least 95% of its total assets in securities in the
highest rating category (as determined pursuant to Rule 2a-7 under the 1940
Act).
Government Cash Portfolio and Cash Portfolio currently are prohibited from
purchasing any security issued by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.
This does not prohibit the Portfolios from entering into repurchase agreements
collateralized with securities issued by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation.
Except for U.S. Government Securities (as defined in the Prospectus) and to the
limited extent otherwise permitted by Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act, the
Portfolios may not invest more than five percent of their total assets in (i)
the securities of any one issuer or (ii) securities that are rated (or are
issued by an issuer with comparable outstanding short-term debt that is rated)
in the second highest rating category or are unrated and determined by the
Advisers to be of comparable quality.
RATINGS AS INVESTMENT CRITERIA. Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"),
Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") and other NRSROs are private services that
provide ratings of the credit quality of debt obligations. A description of the
higher quality ratings assigned to debt securities by several NRSROs is included
in Appendix A to this SAI. The Portfolios use these ratings in determining
whether to purchase, sell or hold a security. It should be emphasized, however,
that ratings are general and are not absolute standards of quality.
Consequently, securities with the same maturity, interest rate and rating may
have different market prices. Subsequent to its purchase by a Portfolio, an
issue of securities may cease to be rated or its rating may be reduced. An
Adviser, and in certain cases the Core Trust Board, will consider such an event
in determining whether the Portfolio should continue to hold the obligation.
Credit ratings attempt to evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments
and do not evaluate the risks of fluctuations in market value. Also, rating
agencies may fail to make timely changes in credit ratings in response to
developments and events, so that an issuer's current financial condition may be
better or worse than the rating indicates.
OBLIGATIONS OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS. Daily Assets Treasury Fund/Treasury
Portfolio may invest in obligations of financial institutions (securities of
domestic commercial banks). These include negotiable certificates of
deposit, bank notes, bankers' acceptances and time deposits of U.S. banks
(including savings banks and savings associations).
Certificates of deposit represent an institution's obligation to repay funds
deposited with it that earn a specified interest rate over a given period.
Bank notes are a debt obligation of a bank. Bankers' acceptances are
negotiable obligations of a bank to pay a draft which has been drawn by a
customer and are usually backed by goods in international trade. Time
deposits are non-negotiable deposits with a banking institution that earn a
specified rate over a given period. Certificates of deposit and fixed time
deposits, which are payable at the stated maturity date and bear a fixed rate
of interest, generally may be withdrawn on demand by the Portfolio but may be
subject to early withdrawl penalties which could reduce the Portfolio's
yield. Unless there is a readily available market for them, deposits that
are subject to early withdrawl penalties or that mature in more than seven
days are treated as illiquid securities.
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION SECURITIES. Each Portfolio (other than Treasury
Portfolio) may purchase securities issued by the Small Business Administration
("SBA"). SBA securities are variable rate securities that carry the full faith
and credit of the United States Government, and generally have an interest rate
that resets monthly or quarterly based on a spread to the Prime rate. SBA
securities generally have maturities at issue of up to 25 years. No Portfolio
may purchase an SBA Security if, immediately after the purchase, (i) the
Portfolio would have more than 15% of its net assets invested in SBA securities
or (ii) either the unamortized premium or unaccreted discount on SBA Securities
held by the Portfolio divided by the sum of the premium or discount securities'
par amount, respectively, would exceed 2.5% (0.025).
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MORTGAGE BACKED SECURITIES
The Portfolios (other than treasury Portfolio) may purchase adjustable rate
mortgage backed or other asset backed securities (such as SBA securities) that
are U.S. Government Securities or, in the case of Treasury Cash Portfolio, that
are U.S. Treasury Securities. These securities directly or indirectly represent
a participation in, or are secured by and payable from, adjustable rate mortgage
or other loans which may be secured by real estate or other assets. Unlike
traditional debt instruments, payments on these securities include both interest
and a partial payment of principal. Prepayments of the principal of underlying
loans may shorten the effective maturities of these securities. Some adjustable
rate U.S. Government Securities (or the underlying loans) are subject to caps or
floors that limit the maximum change in interest rate during a specified period
or over the life of the security.
Adjustable rate mortgage backed securities ("MBSs") are securities that have
interest rates that are reset at periodic intervals, usually by reference to
some interest rate index or market interest rate. Government Cash Portfolio and
Cash Portfolio will only invest in adjustable rate MBSs that are U.S. Government
Securities. MBSs represent an interest in a pool of mortgages made by lenders
such as commercial banks, savings associations, mortgage bankers and mortgage
brokers and may be issued by governmental or government-related entities or by
non-governmental entities such as commercial banks, savings associations,
mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers.
Interests in pools of MBSs differ from other forms of debt securities which
normally provide for periodic payment of interest in fixed amounts with
principal payments at maturity or specified call dates. In contrast, MBSs
provide periodic payments which consist of interest and, in most cases,
principal. In effect, these payments are a "pass-through" of the periodic
payments and optional prepayments made by the individual borrowers on their
mortgage loans, net of any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of such
securities. Additional payments to holders of MBSs are caused by prepayments
resulting from the sale of the underlying property or the refinancing or
foreclosure of the underlying mortgage loans. Such prepayments may
significantly shorten the effective maturities of MBSs, and occur more often
during periods of declining interest rates.
Although the rate adjustment feature of MBSs may act as a buffer to reduce sharp
changes in the value of MBSs, these securities are still subject to changes in
value based on changes in market interest rates or changes in the issuer's
creditworthiness. Because the interest rate is reset only periodically, changes
in the interest rate on MBSs may lag behind changes in prevailing market
interest rates. Also, some MBSs (or the underlying mortgages) are subject to
caps or floors that limit the maximum change in interest rate during a specified
period or over the life of the security.
During periods of declining interest rates, income to the Portfolios derived
from mortgages which are not prepaid will decrease as the coupon rate resets
along with the decline in interest rates in contrast to the income on fixed-rate
mortgages, which will remain constant. At times, some of the MBSs in which the
Portfolios will invest will have higher-than-market interest rates, and will
therefore be purchased at a premium above their par value. Unscheduled
prepayments, which are made at par, will cause the Portfolios to suffer a loss
equal to the unamortized premium, if any.
During periods of rising interest rates, changes in the coupon rates of the
mortgages underlying the Portfolios' investments may lag behind changes in
market interest rates. This may result in a slightly lower value until the
coupons reset to market rates. Many MBSs in the Portfolios' portfolios will
have "caps" that limit the maximum amount by which the interest rate paid by the
borrower may change at each reset date or over the life of the loan and
fluctuation in interest rates above these levels could cause these securities to
"cap out" and to behave more like fixed-rate debt securities.
The Portfolios may purchase collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs"), which
are collateralized by MBSs or by pools of conventional mortgages. CMOs are
typically structured with a number of classes or series that have different
maturities and are generally retired in sequence. Each class of bonds receives
periodic interest payments according to the coupon rate on the bonds. However,
all monthly principal payments and any prepayments from the collateral pool are
paid first to the "Class 1" bondholders. The principal payments are such that
the Class 1 bonds will be completely repaid no later than, for example, five
years after the offering date. Thereafter, all payments of
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principal are allocated to the next most senior class of bonds until that class
of bonds has been fully repaid. Although full payoff of each class of bonds is
contractually required by a certain date, any or all classes of bonds may be
paid off sooner than expected because of an acceleration in pre-payments of the
obligations comprising the collateral pool.
Since the inception of the mortgage-related pass-through security in 1970, the
market for these securities has expanded considerably. The size of the primary
issuance market and active participation in the secondary market by securities
dealers and many types of investors make government and government-related pass-
through pools highly liquid.
Governmental or private entities may create new types of MBSs in response to
changes in the market or changes in government regulation of such securities.
As new types of these securities are developed and offered to investors, the
Adviser may, consistent with the investment objective and policies of a
Portfolio, consider making investments in such new types of securities.
WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES AND DELAYED DELIVERY SECURITIES. Each Portfolio may
purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis. In those cases,
the purchase price and the interest rate payable on the securities are fixed on
the transaction date and delivery and payment may take place a month or more
after the date of the transaction. At the time a Portfolio makes the commitment
to purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, the Portfolio
will record the transactions as a purchase and thereafter reflect the value each
day of such securities in determining its net asset value. If a Portfolio
chooses to dispose of the right to acquire a when-issued security prior to its
acquisition, it could, as with the disposition of any other portfolio
obligation, incur a gain or loss due to market fluctuation. Failure of an
issuer to deliver the security may result in the Portfolio incurring a loss or
missing an opportunity to make an alternative investment. When a Portfolio
agrees to purchase a security on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, its
custodian will set aside and maintain in a segregated account cash, U.S.
Government Securities or other liquid, high-grade debt securities with a market
value at all times at least equal to the amount of its commitment.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES. Each Portfolio may invest up to 10% of its net assets in
illiquid securities. The term "illiquid securities" for this purpose means
repurchase agreements not entitling the holder to payment of principal within
seven days and securities that are illiquid by virtue of legal or contractual
restrictions on resale or the absence of a readily available market.
The Core Trust Board has ultimate responsibility for determining whether
specific securities are liquid or illiquid. The Core Trust Board has delegated
the function of making day-to-day determinations of liquidity to the Advisers
and, with respect to certain types of restricted securities which may be deemed
to be liquid, has adopted guidelines to be followed by the Advisers. The
Advisers take into account a number of factors in reaching liquidity decisions,
including but not limited to (1) the frequency of trades and quotations for the
security; (2) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security and
the number of other potential buyers; (3) the willingness of dealers to
undertake to make a market in the security; (4) the nature of the marketplace
trades, including the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of
soliciting offers and the mechanics of the transfer; (5) whether the security is
registered; and (6) if the security is not traded in the United States, whether
it can be freely traded in a liquid foreign securities market. The Advisers
monitor the liquidity of the securities in each Portfolio's portfolio and report
periodically to the Core Trust Board.
Certificates of deposit and fixed time deposits that carry an early withdrawal
penalty or mature in greater than seven days are treated by the Portfolio as
illiquid securities if there is no readily available market for the instrument.
LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES AND SECURITIES LENDING. In order to obtain
additional income, the Portfolios may from time to time lend securities from
their portfolio to brokers, dealers and financial institutions. Securities
loans must be callable at any time and must be continuously secured by
collateral from the borrower in the form of cash or U.S. Government Securities.
The Portfolios receive fees in respect of securities loans from the borrower or
interest from investing the cash collateral. The Portfolios may pay fees to
arrange the loans. As a fundamental policy, Treasury Portfolio, and as a
nonfundamental policy, Government Cash Portfolio and Cash Portfolio, may not
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lend portfolio securities in an amount greater than 33 1/3% of the value of
their total assets. The Portfolios intend to enter securities loans only with
those companies that the Advisers, under the general supervision of the Core
Trust Board, believes present minimal credit risks.
In connection with entering into repurchase agreements and securities loans, the
Portfolios require continual maintenance by the Trust's custodian of the market
value of the underlying collateral in amounts equal to, or in excess of, the
repurchase price plus the transaction costs (including loss of interest) that
the Portfolios could expect to incur upon liquidation of the collateral if the
counterparty defaults. The Portfolios' use of securities lending entails
certain risks not associated with direct investments in securities. For
instance, in the event that bankruptcy or similar proceedings were commenced
against a counterparty in these transactions or a counterparty defaulted on its
obligations, a Portfolio might suffer a loss. Failure by the other party to
deliver a security purchased by a Portfolio may result in a missed opportunity
to make an alternative investment. The Advisers monitor the creditworthiness of
counterparties to these transactions under the Core Trust Board's general
supervision and pursuant to specific Core Trust Board adopted procedures and
intend to enter into these transactions only when they believe the
counterparties present minimal credit risks and the income to be earned from the
transaction justifies the attendant risks.
VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE SECURITIES. The yield of variable and floating rate
securities varies in relation to changes in specific money market rates, such as
the Prime Rate. A "variable" interest rate adjusts at predetermined intervals
(for example, daily, weekly or monthly), while a "floating" interest rate
adjusts whenever a specified benchmark rate (such as the bank prime lending
rate) changes. These changes are reflected in adjustments to the yields of the
variable and floating rate securities, and different securities may have
different adjustment rates. Accordingly, as interest rates increase or
decrease, the capital appreciation or depreciation may be less on these
obligations than for fixed rate obligations. To the extent that the Portfolios
invest in long-term variable or floating rate securities, the Advisers believe
that the Portfolios may be able to take advantage of the higher yield that is
usually paid on long-term securities.
Cash Portfolio also may purchase variable and floating rate master notes of
corporations, which are unsecured obligations redeemable upon notice that permit
investment of fluctuating amounts at varying rates of interest pursuant to
direct arrangement with the issuer of the instrument. These obligations include
master demand notes that permit investment of fluctuating amounts at varying
rates of interest pursuant to direct arrangement with the issuer of the
instrument. The issuer of these obligations often has the right, after a given
period, to prepay their outstanding principal amount of the obligations upon a
specified number of days' notice. These obligations generally are not traded,
nor generally is there an established secondary market for these obligations.
To the extent a demand note does not have a seven day or shorter demand feature
and there is no readily available market for the obligation, it is treated as an
illiquid security.
No Portfolio may purchase a variable or floating rate security whose interest
rate is adjusted based on a long-term interest rate or index, on two interest
rates or indexes, on an interest rate or index that materially lags short-term
market rates. All variable and floating rate securities purchased by a
Portfolio have an interest rate that is adjusted based on a single short-term
rate or index, such as the Prime Rate.
INVESTMENT COMPANY SECURITIES. In connection with managing their cash
positions, the Portfolios may invest in the securities of other investment
companies within the limits proscribed by the 1940 Act. Under normal
circumstances, each Portfolio intends to invest less than 5% of the value of its
net assets in the securities of other investment companies. In addition to a
Portfolio's expenses (including the various fees), as a shareholder in another
investment company, a Portfolio would bear its pro rata portion of the other
investment company's expenses (including fees).
ZERO-COUPON SECURITIES. All zero-coupon securities in which the Portfolios
invest will have a maturity of less than 13 months.
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3. INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS
Fundamental investment limitations of a Fund or of a Portfolio cannot be changed
without the affirmative vote of the lesser of (i) more than 50% of the
outstanding interests of the respective Fund or Portfolio or (ii) 67% of the
shares of the Fund or Portfolio present or represented at an interestholders
meeting at which the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding interests of
the Fund or Portfolio are present or represented.
Except as required by the 1940 Act, if a percentage restriction on investment or
utilization of assets is adhered to at the time an investment is made, a later
change in percentage resulting from a change in the market values of a
Portfolio's assets, the change in status of a security or purchases and
redemptions of shares will not be considered a violation of the limitation.
Each Fund has adopted the same fundamental and nonfundamental investment
limitations as its corresponding Portfolio. In addition the Portfolios and the
Funds have adopted a fundamental policy which provides that, notwithstanding any
other investment policy or restriction (whether fundamental), the Portfolio or
Fund, as applicable, may invest all of its assets in the securities of a single
pooled investment fund having substantially the same investment objectives,
policies and restrictions as the Fund or Portfolio, as applicable.
DAILY ASSETS TREASURY FUND/TREASURY PORTFOLIO. Treasury Portfolio has adopted
the following fundamental investment limitations which are in addition to those
contained in Daily Assets Treasury Fund's Prospectus and which may not be
changed without shareholder approval. The Portfolio may not:
(1) With respect to 75% of its assets, purchase securities, other than U.S.
Government Securities, of any one issuer if more than 5% of the value of
the Portfolio's total assets would at the time of purchase be invested in
any one issuer.
(2) Purchase securities, other than U.S. Government Securities, if more than
25% of the value of the Portfolio's total assets would be invested in
securities of issuers conducting their principal business activity in the
same industry, provided that consumer finance companies and industrial
finance companies are considered to be separate industries and that there
is no limit on the purchase of the securities of domestic commercial banks.
(3) Act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers, except to the extent
that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities, the
Portfolio may be deemed to be an underwriter for purposes of the Securities
Act of 1933.
(4) Purchase or sell real estate or any interest therein, except that the
Portfolio may invest in debt obligations secured by real estate or
interests therein or issued by companies that invest in real estate or
interests therein.
(5) Purchase or sell physical commodities or contracts relating to physical
commodities, provided that currencies and currency-related contracts will
not be deemed to be physical commodities.
(6) Borrow money, except for temporary or emergency purposes (including the
meeting of redemption requests). Total borrowings may not exceed 33 1/3%
of the Portfolio's total assets and borrowing for purposes other than
meeting redemptions may not exceed 5% of the value of each the Portfolio's
total assets. Outstanding borrowings in excess of 5% of the value of the
Portfolio's total assets must be repaid before any subsequent investments
are made by the Portfolio.
(7) Issue senior securities except pursuant to Section 18 of the 1940 Act and
except that the Portfolio may borrow money subject to investment
limitations specified in the Portfolio's Prospectus.
(8) Make loans, except that the Portfolio may (i) purchase debt securities
which are otherwise permissible investments, (ii) enter into repurchase
agreements and (iii) lend portfolio securities.
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(a) Purchase securities having voting rights, except the Portfolio may invest
in securities of other investment companies to the extent permitted by the
1940 Act.
(b) Purchase securities on margin, or make short sales of securities, except
for the use of short-term credit necessary for the clearance of purchases
and sales of portfolio securities.
(c) Invest in securities (other than fully-collateralized debt obligations)
issued by companies that have conducted continuous operations for less than
three years, including the operations of predecessors, unless guaranteed as
to principal and interest by an issuer in whose securities the Portfolio
could invest.
(d) Invest in or hold securities of any issuer if officers and Trustees of the
Trust or the Adviser, individually owning beneficially more than 1/2 of 1%
of the securities of the issuer, in the aggregate own more than 5% of the
issuer's securities.
(e) Invest in interests in oil or gas or interests in other mineral exploration
or development programs.
(9) Purchase or sell real property (including limited partnership interests,
but excluding readily marketable interests in real estate investment trusts
or readily marketable securities of companies which invest in real estate.)
(10) Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except to secure permitted
indebtedness. Collateralized loans of securities are not deemed to be
pledges or hypothecations for this purpose.
(11) Write put and call options.
(12) Invest for the purpose of exercising control over any person.
(13) Purchase restricted securities.
For purposes of limitation (2): with respect to the securities of domestic
commercial banks, the Fund/Portfolio reserves freedom of action to concentrate
its investments in certain bank instruments issued by domestic banks (i.e.,
negotiable certificates of deposit, bank notes, bankers' acceptances and time
deposits of U.S. banks (including savings banks and savings associations).
SEE "Obligations of Financial Institutions" above.
DAILY ASSETS GOVERNMENT FUND, DAILY ASSETS CASH FUND/GOVERNMENT CASH PORTFOLIO,
CASH PORTFOLIO. Government Cash Portfolio and Cash Portfolio have adopted the
following fundamental investment limitations which are in addition to those
contained in the Daily Assets Government Fund's and Daily Assets Cash Fund's
Prospectus and which may not be changed without shareholder approval. Each of
these Portfolios may not:
(1) With respect to 75% of its assets, purchase a security other than a U.S.
Government Security if, as a result, more than 5% of the Portfolio's total
assets would be invested in the securities of a single issuer.
(2) Purchase securities if, immediately after the purchase, more than 25% of
the value of the Portfolio's total assets would be invested in the
securities of issuers having their principal business activities in the
same industry; provided, however, that there is no limit on investments in
U.S. Government Securities.
(3) Underwrite securities of other issuers, except to the extent that the
Portfolio may be considered to be acting as an underwriter in connection
with the disposition of portfolio securities.
(4) Purchase or sell real estate or any interest therein, except that the
Portfolio may invest in debt obligations secured by real estate or
interests therein or issued by companies that invest in real estate or
interests therein.
(5) Purchase or sell physical commodities or contracts relating to physical
commodities, provided that currencies and currency-related contracts will
not be deemed to be physical commodities.
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<PAGE>
(6) Borrow money, except for temporary or emergency purposes (including the
meeting of redemption requests) and except for entering into reverse
repurchase agreements, provided that borrowings do not exceed 33 1/3% of
the value of the Portfolio's total assets.
(7) Issue senior securities except as appropriate to evidence indebtedness that
the Portfolio is permitted to incur, and provided that the Portfolio may
issue shares of additional series or classes that the Trustees may
establish.
(8) Make loans except for loans of portfolio securities, through the use of
repurchase agreements, and through the purchase of debt securities that are
otherwise permitted investments.
(9) With respect to Government Cash Portfolio, purchase or hold any security
that (i) a Federally chartered savings association may not invest in, sell,
redeem, hold or otherwise deal pursuant to law or regulation, without limit
as to percentage of the association's assets and (ii) pursuant to 12 C.F.R.
Section 566.1 would cause shares of the Portfolio not to be deemed to be
short term liquid assets when owned by Federally chartered savings
associations.
For purposes of limitation (2): (i) loan participations are considered to be
issued by both the issuing bank and the underlying corporate borrower; (ii)
utility companies are divided according to their services (for example, gas, gas
transmission, electric and telephone will each be considered a separate
industry); and (iii) financial service companies will be classified according to
the end users of their services, for example, automobile finance, bank finance
and diversified finance will each be considered a separate industry.
Government Cash Portfolio and Cash Portfolio have adopted the following
nonfundamental investment limitations that may be changed by the Core Trust
Board without shareholder approval. Each Portfolio may not:
(a) With respect to 100% of its assets, purchase a security other than a U.S.
Government Security if, as a result, more than 5% of the Portfolio's total
assets would be invested in the securities of a single issuer, unless the
investment is permitted by Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act.
(b) Purchase securities for investment while any borrowing equaling 5% or more
of the Portfolio's total assets is outstanding; and if at any time the
Portfolio's borrowings exceed the Portfolio's investment limitations due to
a decline in net assets, such borrowings will be promptly (within three
days) reduced to the extent necessary to comply with the limitations.
Borrowing for purposes other than meeting redemption requests will not
exceed 5% of the value of the Portfolio's total assets.
(c) Purchase securities that have voting rights, except the Portfolio may
invest in securities of other investment companies to the extent permitted
by the 1940 Act.
(d) Purchase securities on margin, or make short sales of securities, except
for the use of short-term credit necessary for the clearance of purchases
and sales of portfolio securities.
(e) Invest in securities (other than fully-collateralized debt obligations)
issued by companies that have conducted continuous operations for less than
three years, including the operations of predecessors (unless guaranteed as
to principal and interest by an issuer in whose securities the Portfolio
could invest), if as a result, more than 5% of the value of the Portfolio's
total assets would be so invested.
(f) Invest in or hold securities of any issuer other than the Portfolio if, to
the Portfolio's knowledge, those Trustees and officers of the Trust or the
Portfolio's investment adviser, individually owning beneficially more than
1/2 of 1% of the securities of the issuer, in the aggregate own more than
5% of the issuer's securities.
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<PAGE>
(g) Invest in oil, gas or other mineral exploration or development programs, or
leases, or in real estate limited partnerships; provided that the Portfolio
may invest in securities issued by companies engaged in such activities.
(h) Acquire securities or invest in repurchase agreements with respect to any
securities if, as a result, more than 10% of the Portfolio's net assets
(taken at current value) would be invested in repurchase agreements not
entitling the holder to payment of principal within seven days and in
securities that are illiquid by virtue of legal or contractual restrictions
on resale or the absence of a readily available market.
4. INVESTMENTS BY FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
INVESTMENT BY SHAREHOLDERS THAT ARE BANKS - DAILY ASSETS GOVERNMENT FUND.
Government Cash Portfolio invests only in instruments which, if held directly by
a bank or bank holding company organized under the laws of the United States or
any state thereof, would be assigned to a risk-weight category of no more than
20% under the current risk based capital guidelines adopted by the Federal bank
regulators (the "Guidelines"). In the event that the Guidelines are revised,
the Portfolio's portfolio will be modified accordingly, including by disposing
of portfolio securities or other instruments that no longer qualify under the
Guidelines. In addition, the Portfolio does not intend to hold in its portfolio
any securities or instruments that would be subject to restriction as to amount
held by a National bank under Title 12, Section 24 (Seventh) of the United
States Code. If the Portfolio's portfolio includes any instruments that would
be subject to a restriction as to amount held by a National bank, investment in
the Portfolio may be limited.
The Guidelines provide that shares of an investment fund are generally assigned
to the risk-weight category applicable to the highest risk-weighted security or
instrument that the fund is permitted to hold. Accordingly, Portfolio shares
should qualify for a 20% risk weighting under the Guidelines. The Guidelines
also provide that, in the case of an investment fund whose shares should qualify
for a risk weighting below 100% due to limitations on the assets which it is
permitted to hold, bank examiners may review the treatment of the shares to
ensure that they have been assigned an appropriate risk-weight. In this
connection, the Guidelines provide that, regardless of the composition of an
investment fund's assets, shares of a fund may be assigned to the 100% risk-
weight category if it is determined that the fund engages in activities that
appear to be speculative in nature or has any other characteristics that are
inconsistent with a lower risk weighting. The Adviser has no reason to believe
that such a determination would be made with respect to the Portfolio. Their
are various subjective criteria for making this determination and, therefore, it
is not possible to provide any assurance as to how Portfolio shares will be
evaluated by bank examiners.
Before acquiring Fund shares, prospective investors that are banks or bank
holding companies, particularly those that are organized under the laws of any
country other than the United States or of any state, territory or other
political subdivision of the United States, and prospective investors that are
U.S. branches and agencies of foreign banks or Edge Corporations, should consult
all applicable laws, regulations and policies, as well as appropriate regulatory
bodies, to confirm that an investment in Fund Shares is permissible and in
compliance with any applicable investment or other limits.
Fund Shares held by National banks are generally required to be revalued
periodically and reported at the lower of cost or market value. Such shares may
also be subject to special regulatory reporting, accounting and tax treatment.
In addition, a bank may be required to obtain specific approval from its board
of directors before acquiring Fund shares, and thereafter may be required to
review its investment in a Fund for the purpose of verifying compliance with
applicable Federal banking laws, regulations and policies.
National banks generally must review their holdings of shares of a Fund at least
quarterly to ensure compliance with established bank policies and legal
requirements. Upon request, the Portfolios will make available to the Funds
investors information relating to the size and composition of their portfolio
for the purpose of providing Fund shareholders with this information.
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INVESTMENT BY SHAREHOLDERS THAT ARE CREDIT UNIONS - DAILY ASSETS GOVERNMENT
FUND. Government Cash Portfolio limits its investments to investments that are
legally permissible for Federally chartered credit unions under applicable
provisions of the Federal Credit Union Act (including 12 U.S.C. Section 1757(7),
(8) and (15)) and the applicable rules and regulations of the National Credit
Union Administration (including 12 C.F.R. Part 703, Investment and Deposit
Activities), as such statutes and rules and regulations may be amended. The
Portfolio limits its investments to U.S. Government Securities (including
Treasury STRIPS) and repurchase agreements fully collateralized by U.S.
Government Securities. Certain U.S. Government Securities owned by Government
Cash Portfolio may be mortgage or asset backed, but, except to reduce interest
rate risk, no such security will be (i) a stripped mortgage backed security
("SMBS"), (ii) a collateralized mortgage obligation ("CMO") or real estate
mortgage investment conduit ("REMIC") that meets any of the tests outlined in 12
C.F.R. Section 703.5(g) or (iii) a residual interest in a CMO or REMIC. In
order to reduce interest rate risk Government Cash Portfolio may purchase a
SMBS, CMO, REMIC or residual interest in a CMO or REMIC but only in accordance
with 12 C.F.R. Section 703.5(i). Government Cash Portfolio has no current
intention to make any such investment. The Portfolio also may invest in
reverse repurchase agreements in accordance with 12 C.F.R. 703.4(e) to the
extent otherwise permitted hereunder and in the Prospectus.
INVESTMENTS BY SHAREHOLDERS THAT ARE SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS - GOVERNMENT CASH
PORTFOLIO. Government Cash Portfolio limits its investments to investments that
are legally permissible for Federally chartered savings associations without
limit as to percentage under applicable provisions of the Home Owners' Loan Act
(including 12 U.S.C. Section 1464) and the applicable rules and regulations of
the Office of Thrift Supervision, as such statutes and rules and regulations may
be amended. In addition, the Portfolio limits its investments to investments
that are permissible for an open-end investment company to hold and would permit
shares of the investment company to qualify as liquid assets under 12 C.F.R.
Section 566.1(g) and as short-term liquid assets under 12 C.F.R. Section
566.1(h). These policies may be amended only by approval of the Portfolio's and
Fund's shareholders, as applicable.
5. PERFORMANCE DATA
YIELD INFORMATION. Each Fund may provide current annualized and effective
annualized yield quotations for each class based on its daily dividends. These
quotations may from time to time be used in advertisements, shareholder reports
or other communications to shareholders. All performance information supplied
by a Fund is historical and is not intended to indicate future returns.
In performance advertising the Funds may compare any of their performance
information with data published by independent evaluators such as Morningstar,
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., IBC/Donoghue, Inc. or CDA/Wiesenberger or
other companies which track the investment performance of investment companies
("Fund Tracking Companies"). The Funds may also compare any of their
performance information with the performance of recognized stock, bond and other
indexes. The Funds may also refer in such materials to mutual fund performance
rankings and other data published by Fund Tracking Companies. Performance
advertising may also refer to discussions of a Fund and comparative mutual fund
data and ratings reported in independent periodicals, such as newspapers and
financial magazines.
Any current yield quotation of a class of a Fund which is used in such a manner
as to be subject to the provisions of Rule 482(d) under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, shall consist of an annualized historical yield, carried at
least to the nearest hundredth of one percent, based on a specific seven-
calendar-day period and shall be calculated by dividing the net change during
the seven-day period in the value of an account having a balance of one share at
the beginning of the period by the value of the account at the beginning of the
period, and multiplying the quotient by 365/7. For this purpose, the net change
in account value would reflect the value of additional shares purchased with
dividends declared on the original share and dividends declared on both the
original share and any such additional shares, but would not reflect any
realized gains or losses from the sale of securities or any unrealized
appreciation or depreciation on portfolio securities. In addition, any
effective annualized yield quotation used by a Fund shall be calculated by
compounding the current yield quotation for such period by adding 1 to the
product, raising the sum to a power equal to 365/7, and subtracting 1 from the
result.
B-11
<PAGE>
Although published yield information is useful to investors in reviewing a
class' performance, investors should be aware that each Fund's yield fluctuates
from day to day and that the class' yield for any given period is not an
indication or representation by the Fund of future yields or rates of return on
the Fund's shares. Also, Participating Organizations (as that term is used in
the Prospectus) may charge their customers direct fees in connection with an
investment in a Fund, which will have the effect of reducing the class' net
yield to those shareholders. The yields of a class are not fixed or guaranteed,
and an investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed. Accordingly, yield
information may not necessarily be used to compare shares of the Fund with
investment alternatives which, like money market instruments or bank accounts,
may provide a fixed rate of interest. Also, it may not be appropriate directly
to compare a Fund's yield information to similar information of investment
alternatives which are insured or guaranteed.
Income calculated for the purpose of determining a class' yield differs from
income as determined for other accounting purposes. Because of the different
accounting methods used, and because of the compounding assumed in yield
calculations, the yield quoted for a class may differ from the rate of
distribution the class paid over the same period or the rate of income reported
in the Fund's financial statements.
For the seven day period ended March 31, 1996, the annualized yields of each of
the classes of the Funds that were then operating were as follows:
Current Yield Effective Yield
------------- ---------------
Daily Assets Treasury Fund
Institutional Shares 4.66% 4.77%
Investor Shares NA NA
Daily Assets Government Fund
Institutional Shares NA NA
Investor Shares NA NA
Daily Assets Cash Fund
Institutional Shares NA NA
Investor Shares NA NA
OTHER PERFORMANCE AND SALES LITERATURE MATTERS. Total returns quoted in sales
literature reflect all aspects of a Fund's return, including the effect of
reinvesting dividends and capital gain distributions. Average annual returns
generally are calculated by determining the growth or decline in value of a
hypothetical historical investment in a Fund over a stated period, and then
calculating the annually compounded percentage rate that would have produced the
same result if the rate of growth or decline in value had been constant over the
period. While average annual returns are a convenient means of comparing
investment alternatives, investors should realize that the performance is not
constant over time but changes from year to year, and that average annual
returns represent averaged figures as opposed to the actual year-to-year
performance of the Funds.
Average annual total return is calculated by finding the average annual
compounded rates of return of a hypothetical investment, over such periods
according to the following formula:
n
P(1+T) = ERV
Where:
P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000
T = average annual total return
n = number of years
ERV = ending redeemable value: ERV is the value, at the end of the
applicable period, of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the
beginning of the applicable period.
B-12
<PAGE>
OTHER ADVERTISING MATTERS. The Funds may advertise other forms of performance.
For example, average annual and cumulative total returns may be quoted as a
percentage or as a dollar amount, and may be calculated for a single investment,
a series of investments, and/or a series of redemptions over any time period.
Total returns may be broken down into their components of income and capital
(including capital gains and changes in share price) in order to illustrate the
relationship of se factors and their contributions to total return. Any
performance information may be presented numerically or in a table, graph or
similar illustration.
A Fund may also include various information in their advertisements.
Information included in the Fund's advertisements may include, but is not
limited to (i) portfolio holdings and portfolio allocation as of certain dates,
such as portfolio diversification by instrument type, by instrument or by
maturity, (ii) descriptions of the portfolio managers of the Funds or the
Portfolios and the portfolio management staff of the Adviser or Forum Advisors
or summaries of the views of the portfolio managers with respect to the
financial markets, (iii) the results of a hypothetical investment in a Fund over
a given number of years, including the amount that the investment would be at
the end of the period, (iv) the effects of earning Federally and, if applicable,
state tax-exempt income from the Fund or investing in a tax-deferred account,
such as an individual retirement account and (v) the net asset value, net assets
or number of shareholders of a Fund as of one or more dates.
In connection with its advertisements a Fund may provide "shareholders letters"
which serve to provide shareholders or investors an introduction into the
Fund's, the Portfolio's, the Trust's, Core Trust's or any of the Trust's of
Core Trust's service provider's policies or business practices.
6. MANAGEMENT
The trustees and officers of the Trust and their principal occupations during
the past five years are set forth below. Each Trustee who is an "interested
person" (as defined by the 1940 Act) of the Trust is indicated by an asterisk.
John Y. Keffer,* Chairman and President (age 53)
President and Director, Forum Financial Services, Inc. (a registered
broker-dealer), Forum Financial Corp. (a registered transfer agent) and
Forum Advisors, Inc. (a registered investment adviser). Mr. Keffer is a
Trustee and/or officer of various registered investment companies for which
Forum Financial Services, Inc. serves as manager, administrator and/or
distributor. His address is Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101.
Costas Azariadis, Trustee (age 52)
Professor of Economics, University of California, Los Angeles, since July
1992. Prior thereto, Dr. Azariadis was Professor of Economics at the
University of Pennsylvania. His address is Department of Economics,
University of California, Los Angeles, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles,
California 90024.
James C. Cheng, Trustee (age 53)
Managing Director, Forum Financial Services, Inc. since September 1991.
President of Technology Marketing Associates (a marketing consulting
company) since September 1991. Prior thereto, Mr. Cheng was President and
Chief Executive Officer of Network Dynamics, Incorporated (a software
development company). His address is 27 Temple Street, Belmont,
Massachusetts 02178.
J. Michael Parish, Trustee (age 52)
Partner at the law firm of Winthrop Stimson Putnam & Roberts since 1989.
Prior thereto, he was a partner at LeBoeuf, Lamb, Leiby & MacRae, a law
firm of which he was a member from 1974 to 1989. His address is 40 Wall
Street, New York, New York 10005.
B-13
<PAGE>
Mark D. Kaplan, Vice President, Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Secretary (age
40)
Managing Director at Forum Financial Services, Inc. since September 1995.
Prior thereto, Mr. Kaplan was Managing Director and Director of Research at
H.M. Payson & Co. His address is Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine
04101.
Michael D. Martins, Treasurer (age 30)
Director of Fund Accounting at Forum Financial Corp. since June 1995.
Prior thereto, he served as a manager in the New York City office of
Deloitte & Touche LLP, where he was employed for over five years. His
address is Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101.
David I. Goldstein, Secretary (age 34)
Counsel, Forum Financial Services, Inc., with which he has been associated
since 1991. Prior thereto, Mr. Goldstein was associated with the law firm
of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart. Mr. Goldstein is also Secretary or Assistant
Secretary of various registered investment companies for which Forum
Financial Services, Inc. serves as manager, administrator and/or
distributor. His address is Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101.
Don L. Evans, Assistant Secretary (age 47)
Assistant Counsel, Forum Financial Services, Inc., with which he has been
associated since August 1995. Prior thereto, Mr. Evans was associated with
the law firm of Bisk & Lutz and prior thereto the law firm of Weiner &
Strother. Mr. Evans is also Assistant Secretary of various registered
investment companies for which Forum Financial Services, Inc. serves as
manager, administrator and/or distributor. His address is Two Portland
Square, Portland, Maine.
M. Paige Miles, Assistant Secretary (age 27).
Fund Administrator, Forum Financial Services, Inc., with which she has been
associated since 1995. Ms. Miles was employed from 1992 as a Senior Fund
Accountant with First Data Corporation in Boston, Massachusetts. Prior
thereto she was a student at Montana State University Her address is Two
Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF CORE TRUST. The Trustees and officers of Core Trust
and their principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below.
Each of the Trustees of the Trust is also a Trustee of Core Trust and several
officers of the Trust serve as officers of Core Trust . Each Trustee who is an
"interested person" (as defined by the 1940 Act) of Core Trust is indicated by
an asterisk. Accordingly, for background information pertaining to the trustees
and these officers, see "Trustees and Officers of the Trust" above.
John Y. Keffer,* Chairman and President.
Costas Azariadis, Trustee.
James C. Cheng, Trustee.
J. Michael Parish, Trustee.
Michael D. Martins, Treasurer
David I. Goldstein, Secretary
B-14
<PAGE>
Renee A. Walker, Assistant Secretary (age 25).
Fund Administrator, Forum Financial Services, Inc., with which she has been
associated since 1994. Prior thereto, Ms. Walker was an administrator at
Longwood Partners (the manager of a hedge fund partnership) for a year.
After graduating for college, from 1991 to 1993 Ms. Walker was a sales
representative assistant at PaineWebber Incorporated (a broker-dealer).
Her address is Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101.
Sara M. Clark, Vice President, Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer (age
32).
Managing Director, Forum Financial Services, Inc., with which she has been
associated since 1994. Prior thereto, from 1991 to 1994 Ms. Clark was
Controller of Wright Express Corporation (a national credit card company)
and for six years prior thereto was employed at Deloitte & Touche LLP as an
accountant. Ms. Clark is also an officer of various registered investment
companies for which Forum Financial Services, Inc. serves as manager,
administrator and/or distributor. Her address is Two Portland Square,
Portland, Maine 04101.
Thomas G. Sheehan, Vice President and Assistant Secretary (age 41)
Counsel, Forum Financial Services, Inc. since October, 1993. Prior
thereto, Mr. Sheehan was a Special Counsel in the Division of Investment
Management of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington,
D.C. His address is Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101.
TRUSTEE COMPENSATION. Each Trustee of the Trust (other than John Y. Keffer, who
is an interested person of the Trust) is paid $1,000 for each Board meeting
attended (whether in person or by electronic communication) plus $100 per active
portfolio of the Trust and is paid $1,000 for each committee meeting attended on
a date when a Board meeting is not held. To the extent a meeting relates to
only certain portfolios of the Trust, Trustees are paid the $100 fee only with
respect to those portfolios. Trustees are also reimbursed for travel and
related expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board. No officer of the
Trust is compensated by the Trust.
The following table provides the aggregate compensation paid to each Trustee.
The Trust has not adopted any form of retirement plan covering Trustees or
officers. Information is presented for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996.
Accrued Annual
Aggregate Pension Benefits Upon Total
Trustee Compensation Benefits Retirement Compensation
------- ------------ -------- ---------- ------------
Mr. Keffer $4,000 None None $4,000
Mr. Azariadis $4,000 None None $4,000
Mr. Cheng $4,000 None None $4,000
Mr. Parish $4,000 None None $4,000
COMBINED TABLE FOR CORE
Each of the Trustees of the Trust is also a Trustee of Core Trust. Each Trustee
of Core Trust (other than John Y. Keffer, who is an interested person of Core
Trust) is paid $1,000 for each Core Trust Board meeting attended (whether in
person or by electronic communication) plus $100 per active portfolio of Core
Trust and is paid $1,000 for each committee meeting attended on a date when a
Core Trust Board meeting is not held. To the extent a meeting relates to only
certain portfolios of Core Trust, trustees are paid the $100 fee only with
respect to those portfolios. Core Trust trustees are also reimbursed for travel
and related expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Core Trust Board.
INVESTMENT ADVISERS - FORUM ADVISORS, INC. Forum Advisors, Inc., the
Portfolio's investment adviser, furnishes at its own expense all services,
facilities and personnel necessary in connection with managing the Portfolio's
investments and effecting portfolio transactions for the Portfolio, pursuant to
an investment advisory agreement
B-15
<PAGE>
between the Adviser and Core (the "Advisory Agreement"). The Advisory Agreement
provides, with respect to the Portfolio, for an initial term of one year from
its effective date and for its continuance in effect for successive twelve-month
periods thereafter, provided the agreement is specifically approved at least
annually by the Core Trust Board or by vote of the shareholders of the
Portfolio, and in either case by a majority of the Trustees who are not parties
to the Advisory Agreement or interested persons of any such party.
The Advisory Agreement is terminable without penalty by Core with respect to the
Portfolio on 60 days' written notice when authorized either by vote of the
Portfolio's shareholders or by a vote of a majority of the Core Trust Board, or
by the Adviser on not more than 60 days' nor less than 30 days' written notice,
and will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. The Advisory
Agreement also provides that, with respect to the Portfolio, the Adviser shall
not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any act or
omission in the performance of its duties to the Portfolio, except for willful
misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of the Adviser's
duties or by reason of reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under
the Advisory Agreement. The Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser may
render services to others.
For its services under the Investment Advisory Agreement, Forum receives with
respect to the Portfolio a fee at an annual rate of 0.05% of the average daily
net assets of the Portfolio. Prior to January 15, 1996 Forum acted as the
Fund's investment adviser under an investment advisory agreement between Forum
Funds, Inc. and Forum. Under this investment advisory agreement, Forum received
a fee at an annual ratio of 0.20% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.
Fees payable under this advisory agreement with respect to the Fund during the
past three fiscal years of the Fund are outlined in the following table:
FISCAL YEAR ENDED GROSS FEE WAIVED FEE NET FEE
----------------- --------- ---------- -------
March 31, 1996 69,466 0 69,466
March 31, 1995 $59,382 $53,382 $6,000
March 31, 1994 $51,098 $51,098 $0
In addition to receiving its advisory fee from the Portfolio, the Adviser may
also act and be compensated as investment manager for its clients with respect
to assets which are invested in the Portfolio. In some instances the Adviser
may elect to credit against any investment management fee received from a client
who is also a shareholder in the Portfolio an amount equal to all or a portion
of the fees received by the Adviser or any affiliate of the Adviser from the
Portfolio with respect to the client's assets invested in the Portfolio.
The Adviser has agreed to reimburse Core Trust for certain of the Portfolio's
operating expenses (exclusive of interest, taxes, brokerage, fees and
organization expenses, all to the extent permitted by applicable state law or
regulation) which in any year exceed the limits prescribed by any state in which
the Portfolio's shares are qualified for sale. The Adviser believes that
currently the most restrictive expense ratio limitation imposed by any state is
2-1/2% of the first $30 million of the Portfolio's average net assets, 2% of the
next $70 million of its average net assets and 1-1/2% of its average net assets
in excess of $100 million. For the purpose of this obligation to reimburse
expenses, the Portfolio's annual expenses are estimated and accrued daily, and
any appropriate estimated payments will be made by the Adviser monthly.
Subject to the above obligations to reimburse Core Trust for its excess
expenses, Core Trust and the Trust have confirmed their respective obligations
to pay all their other, respective expenses, including: interest charges,
taxes, brokerage fees and commissions; certain insurance premiums; fees,
interest charges and expenses of the custodian, transfer agent and dividend
disbursing agent; telecommunications expenses; auditing, legal and compliance
expenses; costs of forming the corporation and maintaining corporate existence;
costs of preparing and printing the Trust's prospectuses, statements of
additional information, account application forms and shareholder reports and
delivering them to existing and prospective shareholders; costs of maintaining
books of original entry for portfolio and fund accounting and other required
books and accounts and of calculating the net asset value of shares of Core
Trust and the Trust; costs of reproduction, stationery and supplies;
compensation of Trustees, officers and
B-16
<PAGE>
employees of Core and costs of other personnel performing services for Core
Trust and the Trust who are not officers of an Adviser, the manager and
distributor or their respective affiliates; costs of corporate meetings;
Securities and Exchange Commission registration fees and related expenses; state
securities laws registration fees and related expenses; and fees payable to the
Adviser under the Investment Advisory Agreement.
INVESTMENT ADVISERS - LINDEN ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC. The Subadviser serves as an
investment subadviser to the Portfolio under an Investment Subadvisory Agreement
with the Adviser and Core Trust. Pursuant to the Investment Subadvisory
Agreement, from time to time the Subadviser provides the Adviser with assistance
regarding certain of the Adviser's responsibilities to the Portfolios, including
management of all or part of the Portfolios' investment portfolios. The
Investment Subadvisory Agreement will remain in effect with respect to the
Portfolio for a period of 24 months and will continue in effect thereafter only
if its continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Core Trust
Board or by vote of the Portfolio's shareholders, and in either case, by a
majority of the Trustees of Core Trust who are not parties to the Investment
Subadvisory Agreement or interested persons of any such party at a meeting
called for the purpose of voting on the Investment Advisory Agreement. To the
extent and for the period of time the Adviser has delegated its responsibilities
to the Subadviser, the Adviser pays the advisory fee for such period to the
Subadviser.
The Investment Subadvisory Agreement is terminable with respect to the Portfolio
without penalty by Core Trust on 60 days' written notice when authorized either
by vote of the Portfolio's shareholders or by vote of a majority of the Core
Trust Board, or by the Subadviser on 60 days' written notice, and will
automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. The Investment
Subadvisory Agreement also provides that, with respect to the Portfolio, the
Subadviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or
for any act or omission in the performance of its duties to the Portfolio,
except for willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance
of the Subadvisers' duties or by reason of reckless disregard of the
Subadvisers' obligations and duties under the Investment Subadvisory Agreement.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES TO THE FUNDS. The Trust has retained the
Adviser as investment adviser to the Funds under arrangements and an
agreement substantially similar to the arrangements and agreement described
above with respect to the Portfolios and the Adviser. Linden has not been
retained as an advisor or subadvisor by the Trust or Forum with respect to
the Funds. No fee is payable for investment advisory services under these
agreements as long as a Fund is invested in the Portfolio or a similar
investment.
FORUM AND DISTRIBUTOR
Forum was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on February 7,
1986 and supervises the overall management of the Trust (which includes, among
other responsibilities, negotiation of contracts and fees with, and monitoring
of performance and billing of, the transfer agent and custodian and arranging
for maintenance of books and records of the Trust), provides the Trust with
general office facilities and serves as distributor of shares of the Portfolio
pursuant to a management and distribution agreement between Forum and the Trust
(the "Trust Management and Distribution Agreement"). The Trust Management and
Distribution Agreement provides, with respect to each Fund, for an initial term
of one year from its effective date and for its continuance in effect for
successive twelve-month periods thereafter, provided the agreement is
specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by the shareholders of
the Fund, and in either case by a majority of the Trustees who are not parties
to the Trust Management and Distribution Agreement or interested persons of any
such party.
The Trust Management and Distribution Agreement terminates automatically if it
is assigned and may be terminated without penalty with respect to each Fund by
vote of the Fund's shareholders or by either party on not more than 60 days' nor
less than 30 days' written notice. The Trust Management and Distribution
Agreement also provides that Forum shall not be liable for any error of judgment
or mistake of law or for any act or omission in the administration or management
of the Trust, except for willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in
the performance of Forum's duties or by reason of reckless disregard of its
obligations and duties under the Trust Management and Distribution Agreement.
B-17
<PAGE>
Forum also supervises the overall management of Core Trust (which includes,
among other responsibilities, negotiation of contracts and fees with, and
monitoring of performance and billing of, the custodian and arranging for
maintenance of books and records of Core Trust) and provides Core Trust with
general office facilities pursuant to a management agreement between Forum and
the Trust (the "Core Trust Management Agreement"). The Core Trust Management
Agreement provides, with respect to the Portfolio, for an initial term of one
year from its effective date and for its continuance in effect for successive
twelve-month periods thereafter, provided the agreement is specifically approved
at least annually by the Core Trust Board or by the shareholders of the
Portfolio, and in either case by a majority of the Trustees who are not parties
to the Core Trust Management Agreement or interested persons of any such party.
The Core Trust Management Agreement terminates automatically if it is assigned
and may be terminated without penalty with respect to the Portfolio by vote of
the Portfolio's shareholders or by either party on not more than 60 days' nor
less than 30 days' written notice. The Core Trust Management Agreement also
provides that Forum shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of
law or for any act or omission in the administration or management of Core
Trust, except for willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the
performance of Forum's duties or by reason of reckless disregard of its
obligations and duties under the Core Trust Management Agreement.
For its services under the Trust Management and Distribution Agreement and the
Core Trust Management Agreement, Forum receives with respect to each of the
Funds and Portfolio a fee at an annual rate of 0.10% of the average daily net
assets of each Fund and the Portfolio, respectively. Fees payable under the
Trust Management and Distribution Agreement with respect to each Fund during the
past three fiscal years, if applicable, are outlined in the following table:
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
MARCH 31 GROSS FEE WAIVED FEE NET FEE
-------- --------- ---------- -------
1996 108,685 101,548 7,137
1995 $89,073 $89,073 $0
1994 $76,647 $76,647 $0
For the fiscal years ended March 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, the Core Trust
Management Agreement with respect to the Portfolio was not in effect.
Forum provides persons satisfactory to the Board to serve as officers of the
Trust. Similarly, at the request of the Core Trust Board, Forum provides
persons satisfactory to the Core Trust Board to serve as officers of Core Trust.
Those officers, as well as certain other employees and Trustees of the Trust,
may be Trustees, officers or employees of (and persons providing services to the
Trust may include) Forum, its affiliates or affiliates of the Adviser.
Forum acts as sole placement agent for interests in the Portfolios and receives
no compensation for those services from the portfolios.
TRANSFER AGENT
Forum Financial Corp. acts as transfer agent of the Trust pursuant to a
transfer agency agreement (the "Transfer Agency Agreement"). The Transfer
Agency Agreement provides, with respect to the Funds, for an initial term of one
year from its effective date and for its continuance in effect for successive
twelve-month periods thereafter, provided that the agreement is specifically
approved at least annually by the Board or by a vote of the shareholders of each
Fund, and in either case by a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to
the Transfer Agency Agreement or interested persons of any such party at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Transfer Agency Agreement.
Among the responsibilities of the Transfer Agent as agent for the Trust are:
(1) answering customer inquiries regarding account status and history, the
manner in which purchases and redemptions of shares of each Fund may
B-18
<PAGE>
be effected and certain other matters pertaining to each Fund; (2) assisting
shareholders in initiating and changing account designations and addresses; (3)
providing necessary personnel and facilities to establish and maintain
shareholder accounts and records, assisting in processing purchase and
redemption transactions and receiving wired funds; (4) transmitting and
receiving funds in connection with customer orders to purchase or redeem shares;
(5) verifying shareholder signatures in connection with changes in the
registration of shareholder accounts; (6) furnishing periodic statements and
confirmations of purchases and redemptions; (7) arranging for the transmission
of proxy statements, annual reports, prospectuses and other communications from
the Trust to its shareholders; (8) arranging for the receipt, tabulation and
transmission to the Trust of proxies executed by shareholders with respect to
meetings of shareholders of the Trust; and (9) providing such other related
services as the Trust or a shareholder may reasonably request.
The Transfer Agent or any sub-transfer agent or processing agent may also act
and receive compensation as custodian, investment manager, nominee, agent or
fiduciary for its customers or clients who are shareholders of a Fund with
respect to assets invested in that Fund. The Transfer Agent or any sub-transfer
agent or other processing agent may elect to credit against the fees payable to
it by its clients or customers all or a portion of any fee received from the
Trust or from the Transfer Agent with respect to assets of those customers or
clients invested in the Portfolio. The Transfer Agent, Forum or sub-transfer
agents or processing agents retained by the Transfer Agent may be Processing
Organizations (as defined in the Prospectus) and, in the case of sub-transfer
agents or processing agents, may also be affiliated persons of the Transfer
Agent or Forum.
For its services under the Transfer Agency Agreement, Forum receives, with
respect to each Series: (i) a fee at an annual rate of 0.25 percent of the
average daily net assets of the Series and (ii) a fee of $12,000 per year; such
amounts to be computed and paid monthly in arrears by the Fund; and (iii) Annual
Shareholder Account Fees of $18.00 per shareholder account; such fees to be
computed as of the last business day of the prior month. Fees payable under the
Transfer Agent Agreement with respect to each Fund are outlined in the following
table:
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
MARCH 31 GROSS FEE WAIVED FEE NET FEE
-------- --------- ---------- -------
1996 $110,792 $96,881 13,911
1995 $74,227 $62,206 $12,021
1994 $63,873 $63,873 $0
Pursuant to a Fund Accounting Agreement, the Transfer Agent also provides the
Fund with portfolio accounting, including the calculation of the Fund's net
asset value. For these services, the Transfer Agent receives an annual fee
ranging from $36,000 to $60,000 depending upon the amount and type of the Fund's
portfolio transactions and positions. Fees payable under the Fund Accounting
Agreement with respect to fund accounting services for the Fund are outlined in
the following table:
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
MARCH 31 GROSS FEE WAIVED FEE NET FEE
-------- --------- ---------- -------
1996 $33,379 $0 $33,379
1995 $36,000 $0 $36,000
1994 $36,000 $0 $36,000
7. DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The Fund does not determine net asset value on the following holidays: New
Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial
Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. The
net asset value of each Portfolio is determined as of 2:00 P.M., Eastern time
("Valuation Time"), on all weekdays, except Federal holidays, Good Friday and
other days that the Federal reserve bank of San Francisco is closed ("Business
Day"). Purchases and redemptions are effected at the time of the next
determination of net asset value following the receipt of any purchase or
redemption order.
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<PAGE>
Pursuant to the rules of the SEC, both the Board and the Core Trust Board have
established procedures to stabilize each Fund's and each Portfolio's, as
applicable, net asset value at $1.00 per share. These procedures include a
review of the extent of any deviation of net asset value per share as a result
of fluctuating interest rates, based on available market rates, from each Fund's
and Portfolio's, as applicable, $1.00 amortized cost price per share. Should
that deviation exceed 1/2 of 1%, the Board and the Core Trust Board,
respectively, will consider whether any action should be initiated to eliminate
or reduce material dilution or other unfair results to shareholders. Such
action may include redemption of shares in kind, selling portfolio securities
prior to maturity, reducing or withholding dividends and utilizing a net asset
value per share as determined by using available market quotations.
In determining the approximate market value of portfolio investments, the
Portfolios may employ outside organizations, which may use a matrix or formula
method that takes into consideration market indices, matrices, yield curves and
other specific adjustments. This may result in the securities being valued at a
price different from the price that would have been determined had the matrix or
formula method not been used. All cash, receivables and current payables are
carried at their face value.
Each investor in a Portfolio, including the Funds, may add to or reduce its
investment in that Portfolio on each Fund Business day. The Portfolios maintain
the same business days as do the Funds. As of the close of regular trading on
any Fund Business Day, the value of a Fund's beneficial interest in a Portfolio
is determined by multiplying the net asset value of the Portfolio by the
percentage, effective for that day, which represents the Fund's share of the
aggregate beneficial interests in the Portfolio. Any additions or reductions,
which are to be effected as of the close of the Fund Business Day, are then
effected. The Fund's percentage of the aggregate beneficial interests in the
Portfolio are then recomputed as the percentage equal to the fraction (i) the
numerator of which is the value of the Fund's investment in the Portfolio as of
the close of the Fund Business Day plus or minus, as the case may be, the amount
of net additions to or reductions from the Fund's investment in the Portfolio
effected as of that time, and (ii) the denominator of which is the aggregate net
asset value of the Portfolio as of the close of the Fund Business Day plus or
minus, as the case may be, the amount of net additions to or reductions from the
aggregate investments in the Portfolio by all investors in the Portfolio. The
percentage determined is then applied to determine the value of the Fund's
interest in the Portfolio as of the close of the next Fund Business Day.
8. PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and sales of portfolio securities for the Portfolio usually are
principal transactions. Portfolio securities are normally purchased directly
from the issuer or from an underwriter or market maker for the securities.
There usually are no brokerage commissions paid for such purchases. Although
Core Trust does not anticipate that the Portfolio will pay any amounts of
commission, in the event the Portfolio pays brokerage commissions or other
transaction-related compensation, the payments may be made to broker-dealers who
pay expenses of the Portfolio that it would otherwise be obligated to pay
itself. Any transaction for which the Portfolio pays transaction-related
compensation will be effected at the best price and execution available, taking
into account the amount of any payments made on behalf of the Portfolio by the
broker-dealer effecting the transaction. Purchases from underwriters of
portfolio securities include a commission or concession paid by the issuer to
the underwriter, and purchases from dealers serving as market makers include the
spread between the bid and asked prices.
For the fiscal years ended March 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, no brokerage fees were
paid by Daily Assets Treasury Fund (during the period the Funds invested
directly in securities) or Treasury Portfolio.
Allocations of transactions to dealers and the frequency of transactions are
determined for each Portfolio by the Advisers in their best judgment and in a
manner deemed to be in the best interest of shareholders of that Portfolio
rather than by any formula. The primary consideration is prompt execution of
orders in an effective manner and at the most favorable price available to the
Portfolio.
Investment decisions for the Portfolios will be made independently from those
for any other account or investment company that is or may in the future become
managed an Adviser or their respective affiliates. If, however, a Portfolio and
other investment companies or accounts managed by an Adviser are
contemporaneously engaged in
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the purchase or sale of the same security, the transactions may be averaged as
to price and allocated equitably to each account. In some cases, this policy
might adversely affect the price paid or received by a Portfolio or the size of
the position obtainable for the Portfolio. In addition, when purchases or sales
of the same security for a Portfolio and for other investment companies managed
by an Adviser occur contemporaneously, the purchase or sale orders may be
aggregated in order to obtain any price advantages available to large
denomination purchases or sales.
No portfolio transactions are executed with Forum Advisors, Linden or any of
their affiliates.
9. ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION
Shares of the Funds are sold on a continuous basis by the distributor without
any sales charge.
In addition to the situations described in the Prospectus under "Purchases and
Redemptions of Shares," the Trust may redeem shares involuntarily to reimburse a
Fund for any loss sustained by reason of the failure of a shareholder to make
full payment for shares purchased by the shareholder or to collect any charge
relating to transactions effected for the benefit of a shareholder which is
applicable to a Fund's shares as provided in the Prospectus from time to time.
The Trust has filed a formal election with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pursuant to which the Funds will only effect a redemption in
portfolio securities if a shareholder is redeeming more than $250,000 or 1% of
the Fund's total net assets, whichever is less, during any 90-day period.
The Funds may wire proceeds of redemptions to shareholders that have elected
wire redemption privileges only if the wired amount is greater than $5,000. In
addition, the Funds will only wire redemption proceeds to financial institutions
located in the United States.
By use of the telephone redemption or exchange privilege, the shareholder
authorizes the Transfer Agent to act upon the instruction of any person
representing himself to either be, or to have the authority to act on behalf of,
the investor and believed by the Transfer Agent to be genuine. The records of
the Transfer Agent of such instructions are binding.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
The exchange privilege permits shareholders of the Funds to exchange their
shares for shares of any Participating Fund, which includes (i) all other funds
of the Trust and (ii) any other mutual fund for which Forum or its affiliates
act as investment adviser, manager or distributor and which participates in the
Trust's exchange privilege program. The Trust (and Federal tax law) treats an
exchange as a redemption of the shares owned and the purchase of the shares of
the Fund being acquired.
Exchange transactions are made on the basis of relative net asset values per
share at the time of the exchange transaction plus any applicable sales charge
of the Participating Fund whose shares are acquired. Exchanges are accomplished
by (i) a redemption of the shares of the Fund exchanged at the next
determination of that fund's of net asset value after the exchange order in
proper form (including any necessary supporting documents by the Fund whose
shares are being exchanged) is accepted by the Transfer Agent and (ii) a
purchase of the shares of the Fund acquired at the next determination of that
fund's net asset value after (or occurring simultaneously with) the time of
redemption.
Shares of any Participating Fund may be exchanged without a sales charge for
shares of any Participating Fund that are offered without a sales charge.
Shares of any Participating Fund purchased with a sales charge may be exchanged
without a sales charge for shares of any other Participating Fund otherwise sold
with the same sales charge. If the Participating Fund whose shares are
purchased in the exchange transaction imposes a higher sales charge than was
paid originally on the exchanged shares, the shareholder will be responsible for
the difference between the two sales charges. Shareholders are entitled to any
reduced sales charges of the Participating Fund into
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which they are exchanging to the extent those reduced sales charges would be
applicable to that shareholder's purchase of shares.
The Funds do not charge for the exchange privilege and there is currently no
limit on the number of exchanges a shareholder may make, but each Fund reserves
the right to limit excessive exchanges by any shareholder. A pattern of
frequent exchanges may be deemed by Forum to be contrary to the best interests
of the Fund's other shareholders and, at the discretion of Forum, may be limited
by that Fund's refusal to accept additional exchanges from the investor.
The terms of the exchange privilege are subject to change, and the privilege may
be terminated by any Participating Fund or the Trust. However the privilege
will not be terminated, and no material change that restricts the availability
of the privilege to shareholders will be implemented, without 60 days' advance
notice to shareholders. No notice need be given of an amendment whose only
material effect is to reduce amount of sales charge required to be paid on the
exchange and no notice need be given if redemptions of shares of a Fund are
suspended or a Fund temporarily delays or ceases the sale of its shares.
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT CUSTODIAL ACCOUNT
The Funds offer an individual retirement plan (the "IRA") for individuals who
wish to use shares of a Fund as a medium for funding individual retirement
savings. Under the IRA, distributions of net investment income and capital gain
will be automatically reinvested in the IRA established for the investor. The
Funds' custodian furnishes custodial services to the IRAs for a service fee.
Shareholders wishing to use a Fund's IRA should contact the Transfer Agent for
further details and information.
10. TAXATION
Qualification as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986 does not involve governmental supervision of management or investment
practices or policies. Investors should consult their own counsel for a
complete understanding of the requirements the Funds must meet to qualify for
such treatment. The information set forth in the Prospectus and the following
discussion relate solely to Federal income taxes on dividends and distributions
by each Fund and assume that the Funds qualify as regulated investment
companies. Investors should consult their own counsel for further details and
for the application of state and local tax laws to the investor's particular
situation.
The Funds expect to derive substantially all of their gross income (exclusive of
capital gain) from sources other than dividends. Accordingly, it is expected
that none of the Funds' dividends or distributions will qualify for the
dividends-received deduction for corporations.
If Fund shares are sold at a loss after being held for six months or less, the
loss will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any long-term
capital gain distribution received on those shares.
Any capital gain distribution received by a shareholder reduces the net asset
value of his shares by the amount of the distribution. To the extent that
capital gain was accrued by a Fund before the shareholder purchased his shares,
the distribution would be in effect a return of capital to that shareholder.
All capital gain distributions, including those that operate as a return of
capital, are taxable to the shareholder receiving them as described above
regardless of the length of time he may have held his shares prior to the
distribution.
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11. OTHER INFORMATION
CUSTODIAN
Pursuant to a Custodian Agreement with Core Trust, The First National Bank of
Boston, 100 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02106, acts as the custodian
of the Portfolio's assets. The custodian's responsibilities include
safeguarding and controlling the Portfolio' cash and securities, determining
income and collecting interest on Fund investments. Core Trust pays the
custodian a fee at an annual rate of 0.025% of the Portfolio's average daily
assets.
COUNSEL
Legal matters in connection with the issuance of shares of stock of the Trust
are passed upon by Seward & Kissel, One Battery Park Plaza, New York, New York
10004.
AUDITORS
Deloitte & Touche LLP, Two Financial Center, New York, New York 10281-1438,
independent auditors, act as auditors for the Trust.
THE TRUST AND ITS SHARES
The Trust is a business trust organized under Delaware law. Delaware law
provides that shareholders shall be entitled to the same limitations of personal
liability extended to stockholders of private corporations for profit. The
securities regulators of some states, however, have indicated that they and the
courts in their state may decline to apply Delaware law on this point.
The Trust Instrument contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for
the debts, liabilities, obligations, and expenses of the Trust and requires that
a disclaimer be given in each contract entered into or executed by the Trust or
the Trustees. The Trust Instrument provides for indemnification out of each
series' property of any shareholder or former shareholder held personally liable
for the obligations of the series. The Trust Instrument also provides that each
series shall, upon request, assume the defense of any claim made against any
shareholder for any act or obligation of the series and satisfy any judgment
thereon. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of
shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which Delaware law does not
apply, no contractual limitation of liability was in effect and the portfolio is
unable to meet its obligations. Forum believes that, in view of the above,
there is no risk of personal liability to shareholders.
The Trust Instrument further provides that the Trustees shall not be liable to
any person other than the Trust or its shareholders; moreover, the Trustees
shall not be liable for any conduct whatsoever, provided that a Trustee is not
protected against any liability to which he would otherwise by subject by reason
of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the
duties involved in the conduct of his office.
The Board is required to call a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of
voting upon the removal of any trustee when so requested in writing by the
shareholders of record holding at least 10% of the Trust's outstanding shares.
Each series capital consists of shares of beneficial interest. Shares are fully
paid and nonassessable, except as set forth above with respect to Trustee and
shareholder liability. Shareholders representing 10% or more of the Trust or a
series may, as set forth in the Trust Instrument, call meetings of the Trust or
series for any purpose related to the Trust or series, as the case may be,
including, in the case of a meeting of the entire Trust, the purpose of voting
on removal of one or more Trustees. The Trust or any series may be terminated
upon the sale of its assets to, or merger with, another open-end management
investment company or series thereof, or upon liquidation and distribution of
its assets. Generally such terminations must be approved by the vote of the
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Trust or the series;
however, the Trustees may, without prior shareholder approval, change the form
of organization of the Trust by merger, consolidation or incorporation. If not
so terminated or reorganized, the Trust and its series will continue
indefinitely. Under the Trust Instrument, the Trustees may, without shareholder
vote, cause the Trust to merge or consolidate into one or more trusts,
partnerships or corporations or cause the Trust to
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merge or consolidate into one or more trusts, partnerships or corporations or
cause the Trust to be incorporated under Delaware law, so long as the surviving
entity is an open-end management investment company that will succeed to or
assume the Trust's registration statement.
SHAREHOLDINGS
As of July 8, 1996, the officers and Trustees of the Trust as a group owned less
than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Funds. Also as of that date, the
shareholders listed below owned more than 5% of a Fund. Shareholders owning 25%
or more of the shares of a Fund or of the Trust as a whole may be deemed to be
controlling persons. By reason of their substantial holdings of shares, these
persons may be able to require the Trust to hold a shareholder meeting to vote
on certain issues and may be able to determine the outcome of any shareholder
vote. As noted, certain of these shareholders are known to the Trust to hold
their shares of record only and have no beneficial interest, including the right
to vote, in the shares.
PERCENTAGE OF
FUND
SHAREHOLDER SHARES OWNED
----------- ------------
H.M. Payson & Co. Custody Account
P.O. Box 31
Portland, ME 04112 52.60%
H.M. Payson & Co. Trust Account
P.O. Box 31
Portland, ME 04112 38.29%
FUND STRUCTURE
CORE AND GATEWAY. The Funds may seek to achieve their objective by investing
all of their investable assets in a separate portfolio of a registered, open-end
management investment company with substantially the same investment objective
and policies as the Fund. This "Core and Gateway" fund structure is an
arrangement whereby one or more investment companies or other collective
investment vehicles that share investment objectives -- but offer their shares
through distinct distribution channels -- pool their assets by investing in a
single investment company having substantially the same investment objective and
policies (a "Core Portfolio"). This means that the only investment securities
that will be held by a Fund will be the Fund's interest in the Core Portfolio.
This structure would permit other collective investment vehicles to invest
collectively in a Core Portfolio, allowing for greater economies of scale in
managing operations of the single Core Portfolio. In the event a Fund invested
all of its assets in a Core Portfolio, its methods of operation and shareholder
services would not be materially affected by its investment in a corresponding
Core Portfolio, except that the assets of the Fund may be managed as part of a
larger pool. If a Fund invested all of its assets in a Core Portfolio, it would
hold only investment securities issued by the Core Portfolio; the Core Portfolio
would directly invest in individual securities of other issuers. The Fund would
otherwise continue its normal operation. The Board would retain the right to
withdraw the Fund's investments from the Core Portfolio at any time; the Fund
would then resume investing directly in individual securities of other issuers
or could re-invest all of its assets in another Core Portfolio.
The Board will authorize investing the Funds' assets in a Core Portfolio only if
it first determines that pooling is in the best interests of a Fund and its
shareholders. In determining whether to invest in a Core Portfolio, the Board
will consider, among other things, the opportunity to reduce costs and achieve
operational efficiencies. The Board will not authorize investment in a Core
Portfolio if it would materially increase costs to a Fund's shareholders,
unless, of course, there were perceived to be a corresponding increase in
benefits to shareholders.
FUND SHAREHOLDERS' VOTING RIGHTS. A Core Portfolio normally will not hold
meetings of its investors except as required under the 1940 Act. As a
shareholder in a Core Portfolio, a Fund would be entitled to vote in proportion
to its relative interest in the Core Portfolio. On any issue, a Fund will vote
its shares in a Core Portfolio in proportion
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to the votes cast by its shareholders. If there are other investors in a Core
Portfolio, there can be no assurance that any issue that receives a majority of
the votes cast by the Fund's shareholders will receive a majority of votes cast
by all Core Portfolio shareholders. Generally, a Fund will hold a meeting of its
shareholders to obtain instructions on how to vote its interest in a Core
Portfolio when the Core Portfolio is conducting a meeting of its shareholders.
However, subject to applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, a Fund
will not seek instructions from its shareholders with respect to (i) any
proposal relating to a Core Portfolio that, if made with respect to the Fund,
would not require the vote of Fund shareholders, or (ii) any proposal relating
to the Core Portfolio that is identical to a proposal previously approved by the
Fund's shareholders.
In addition to a vote to remove a director or trustee or change a fundamental
policy, examples of matters that will require approval of shareholders of a Core
Portfolio include, subject to applicable statutory and regulatory requirements:
the election of directors or trustees; approval of an investment advisory
contract; the dissolution of a Core Portfolio; certain amendments of the
organizational documents for the Core Portfolio; a merger, consolidation or sale
of substantially all of a Core Portfolio's assets; or any additional matters
required or authorized by the charter or trust instrument and By-Laws of a Core
Portfolio or any registration statement of a Core Portfolio, or as the directors
or trustees of the Core Portfolio may consider desirable. The board of directors
or trustees of a Core Portfolio will typically reserve the power to change
nonfundamental policies without prior shareholder approval.
CONSIDERATIONS OF INVESTING IN A PORTFOLIO. A Fund's investment in a Core
Portfolio may be affected by the actions of other large investors in the Core
Portfolio, if any. For example, if the Core Portfolio had a large investor
other than the Fund that redeemed its interest in the Core Portfolio, the Core
Portfolio's remaining investors (including the Fund) might, as a result,
experience higher pro rata operating expenses, thereby producing lower returns.
A Fund may withdraw its entire investment from the Core Portfolio at any time,
if the Board determines that it is in the best interests of the Fund and its
shareholders to do so. A Fund might withdraw, for example, if other investors
in the Core Portfolio, by a vote of shareholders, changed the investment
objective or policies of the Core Portfolio in a manner not acceptable to the
Board. A withdrawal could result in a distribution in kind of portfolio
securities (as opposed to a cash distribution) by the Core Portfolio. That
distribution could result in a less diversified portfolio of investments for the
Fund and could affect adversely the liquidity of the Fund's portfolio. If the
Fund decided to convert those securities to cash, it usually would incur
transaction costs. If a Fund withdrew its investment from the Core Portfolio,
the Board would consider what action might be taken, including the management of
the Fund's assets in accordance with its investment objective and policies by
the Adviser or the investment of all of the Fund's investable assets in another
pooled investment entity having substantially the same investment objective as
the Fund.
12. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The audited Schedule of Investments, Statement of Assets and Liabilities,
Statement of Operations, Statement of Changes in Net Assets, notes thereto and
Financial Highlights of Daily Assets Treasury Fund for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 1996 and the Independent Auditors' Report thereon (included in the
Annual Report to Shareholders), which are delivered along with this SAI, are
incorporated herein by reference.
As Daily Assets Government Fund and Daily Assets Cash Fund had not as of the
date hereof commenced operations, no financial statements are available.
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<PAGE>
APPENDIX A - DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS
1. CORPORATE BONDS
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. ("MOODY'S")
Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged by Moody's 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.
Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards.
Together with the Aaa group, they comprise what are generally known as high-
grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of
protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective
elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present
which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
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.
Note: Those bonds in the Aa and A groups which Moody's believes possess the
strongest investment attributes are designated by the symbols Aa1 and A1.
STANDARD AND POOR'S CORPORATION ("S&P")
Bonds rated AAA have the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to pay
interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
Bonds rated AA have a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
and differ from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
Bonds rated A have a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal,
although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than debt rated in higher rated
categories.
Note: The ratings for AA and A may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or
minus (-) sign to show the relative standing within the rating category.
FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. ("FITCH")
AAA Bonds are considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit
quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest and
repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable
events.
AA Bonds are considered to be investment grade and of very high credit quality.
The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is very strong,
although not quite as strong as bonds rated AAA. Because bonds rated in the AAA
and AA categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable future
developments, shorter-term debt of these issuers is generally rate F-1+.
A Bonds are considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality. The
obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be
strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and
circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
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Plus (+) and minus (-) signs are used with a rating symbol to indicate the
relative position of a credit within the rating category. Plus and minus signs,
however, are not used in the AAA categories.
2. COMMERCIAL PAPER
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
Moody's two highest ratings for short-term debt, including commercial paper, are
Prime-1 and Prime-2. Both are judged investment grade, to indicate the relative
repayment ability of rated issuers.
Issuers rated Prime-1 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 charges and high
internal cash generation.
--- Well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured
sources of alternate liquidity.
Issuers rated Prime-2 by Moody's have a strong ability for repayment of senior
short-term debt obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of the
characteristics of issuers rated Prime-1 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.
STANDARD AND POOR'S CORPORATION
S&P's two highest commercial paper ratings are A and B. Issues assigned an A
rating are regarded as having the greatest capacity for timely payment. Issues
in this category are delineated with the numbers 1, 2 and 3 to indicate the
relative degree of safety. An A-1 designation indicates that the degree of
safety regarding timely payment is either overwhelming or very strong. Those
issues determined to possess overwhelming safety characteristics are denoted
with a plus (+) sign designation. The capacity for timely payment on issues
with an A-2 designation is strong. However, the relative degree of safety is
not as high as for issues designated A-1. A-3 issues have a satisfactory
capacity for timely payment. They are, however, somewhat more vulnerable to the
adverse effects of changes in circumstances than obligations carrying the higher
designations. Issues rated B are regarded as having only an adequate capacity
for timely payment. However, such capacity may be damaged by changing
conditions or short-term adversities.
FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
Fitch's short-term ratings apply to debt obligations that are payable on demand
or have original maturities of generally up to three years, including commercial
paper, certificates of deposit, medium-term notes, and municipal and investment
notes.
F-1+. Issues assigned this rating are regarded as having the strongest degree of
assurance for timely payment.
F-1. Issues assigned this rating reflect an assurance of timely payment only
slightly less in degree than issues rated F-1+.
F-2. Issues assigned this rating have a satisfactory degree of assurance for
timely payment, but the margin of safety is not as great as for issues assigned
F-1+ or F-1 ratings.
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P<PAGE>
INVESTORS BOND FUND
TAXSAVER BOND FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account Information and
Shareholder Servicing: Distributor:
Forum Financial Corp. Forum Financial Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 446 Two Portland Square
Portland, Maine 04112 Portland, Maine 04101
207-879-0001 207-879-1900
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
August 1, 1996
Forum Funds (the "Trust") is a registered open-end investment company. This
Statement of Additional Information supplements the Prospectus offering shares
of the Investors Bond Fund and TaxSaver Bond Fund (collectively the "Funds" and
individually a "Fund") and should be read only in conjunction with the
Prospectus, a copy of which may be obtained by an investor without charge by
contacting the Trust's Distributor at the address listed above.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
----
1. Investment Policies. . . . . . . . . . . .
2. Investment Limitations . . . . . . . . . .
3. Performance Data . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4. Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5. Determination of Net Asset Value . . . . .
6. Portfolio Transactions . . . . . . . . . .
7. Additional Purchase and
Redemption Information . . . . . . . . . .
8. Taxation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9. Other Information. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix A - Description of Securities Ratings
Appendix B - Description of Municipal Securities
Appendix C - Hedging Strategies
THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT A PROSPECTUS AND IS AUTHORIZED
FOR DISTRIBUTION TO PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ONLY IF PRECEDED OR ACCOMPANIED BY AN
EFFECTIVE PROSPECTUS.
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1. INVESTMENT POLICIES
RATINGS AS INVESTMENT CRITERIA
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), Standard & Poor's Corporation
("S&P") and other nationally recognized statistical rating organizations
("NRSROs") are private services that provide ratings of the credit quality of
debt obligations, including convertible securities. A description of the range
of ratings assigned to various types of bonds and other securities by several
NRSROs is included in Appendix A to this Statement of Additional Information.
The Funds may use these ratings to determine whether to purchase, sell or hold a
security. However, ratings are general and are not absolute standards of
quality. Consequently, securities with the same maturity, interest rate and
rating may have different market prices. If an issue of securities ceases to be
rated or if its rating is reduced after it is purchased by a Fund, the
investment adviser of the Fund will determine whether the Fund should continue
to hold the obligation. Credit ratings attempt to evaluate the safety of
principal and interest payments and do not evaluate the risks of fluctuations in
market value. Also, rating agencies may fail to make timely changes in credit
ratings. An issuer's current financial condition may be better or worse than a
rating indicates.
Each Fund may retain securities whose rating has been lowered below the lowest
permissible rating category (or that are unrated and determined by the
investment adviser to be of comparable quality) if the investment adviser
determines that retaining such security is in the best interests of the Fund.
WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES AND FORWARD COMMITMENTS
Each Fund may purchase securities offered on a "when-issued" basis and may
purchase or sell securities on a "forward commitment" basis. When such
transactions are negotiated, the price, which is generally expressed in yield
terms, is fixed at the time the commitment is made, but delivery and payment for
the securities take place at a later date. Normally, the settlement date occurs
within two months after the transaction, but delayed settlements beyond two
months may be negotiated. During the period between a commitment and settlement,
no payment is made for the securities purchased by the purchaser and, thus, no
interest accrues to the purchaser from the transaction. At the time a Fund makes
the commitment to purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery
basis, the Fund will record the transaction as a purchase and thereafter reflect
the value each day of such securities in determining its net asset value.
The use of when-issued transactions and forward commitments enables the Funds to
hedge against anticipated changes in interest rates and prices. For instance, in
periods of rising interest rates and falling bond prices, a Fund might sell
securities which it owned on a forward commitment basis to limit its exposure to
falling prices. In periods of falling interest rates and rising bond prices, a
Fund might sell a security and purchase the same or a similar security on a
when-issued or forward commitment basis, thereby obtaining the benefit of
currently higher cash yields. However, if the investment adviser to a Fund were
to forecast incorrectly the direction of interest rate movements, the Fund might
be required to complete such when-issued or forward commitment transactions at
prices inferior to the current market values.
When-issued securities and forward commitments may be sold prior to the
settlement date, but the Funds enter into when-issued and forward commitment
transactions only with the intention of actually receiving or delivering the
securities, as the case may be. If a Fund, however, chooses to dispose of the
right to acquire a when-issued security prior to its acquisition or to dispose
of its right to deliver or receive against a forward commitment, it can incur a
gain or loss. When-issued securities may include bonds purchased on a "when, as
and if issued" basis under which the issuance of the securities depends upon the
occurrence of a subsequent event. Any significant commitment of a Fund's assets
to the purchase of securities on a "when, as and if issued" basis may increase
the volatility of its net asset value.
Each Fund will establish and maintain with its custodian a separate account with
cash, U.S. Government Securities (as defined in the Prospectus) and other liquid
high-grade debt securities in an amount at least equal to its commitments to
purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis.
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ILLIQUID SECURITIES
Each Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities. The
term "illiquid securities" for this purpose means securities that cannot be
disposed of within seven days in the ordinary course of business at
approximately the amount at which the Fund has valued the securities and
includes, among other things, purchased over-the-counter (OTC) options and
repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days.
The Trust's Board of Directors ("Board") has the ultimate responsibility for
determining whether specific securities are liquid or illiquid. The Board has
delegated the function of making day-to-day determinations of liquidity to the
investment adviser of each Fund, pursuant to guidelines approved by the Board.
The investment adviser takes into account a number of factors in reaching
liquidity decisions, including but not limited to: (1) the frequency of trades
and quotations for the security; (2) the number of dealers willing to purchase
or sell the security and the number of other potential buyers; (3) the
willingness of dealers to undertake to make a market in the security; and (4)
the nature of the marketplace trades, including the time needed to dispose of
the security, the method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of the transfer.
The investment adviser monitors the liquidity of the securities in each Fund's
portfolio and reports periodically on such decisions to the Board.
FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS
Currently the Funds are prohibited from investing in futures contracts and
options. Each Fund may in the future seek to hedge against a decline in the
value of securities it owns or an increase in the price of securities which it
plans to purchase through the writing and purchase of exchange-traded and
over-the-counter options and the purchase and sale of futures contracts and
options on those futures contracts. The TaxSaver Bond Fund may buy or sell
municipal bond index futures contracts and both Funds may buy or sell futures
contracts on Treasury bills, Treasury bonds and other financial instruments.
The Funds may write covered options and buy options on the futures contracts in
which they may invest.
If the adviser anticipates that interest rates will rise, a Fund may sell
futures contracts as a hedge against a decrease in the value of the Fund's
portfolio securities. Conversely, if the adviser anticipates a decline in
interest rates, a Fund may purchase futures contracts to protect itself against
an increase in the price of the debt securities that the Fund might wish to
purchase.
In addition, each Fund may write (sell) covered put and call options and may buy
put and call options on debt securities and bond indices. An option is covered
if, so long as the Fund is obligated under the option, it owns an offsetting
position in the underlying security, currency or futures contract or maintains
cash, U.S. Government Securities or other liquid, high-grade debt securities in
a segregated account with a value at all times sufficient to cover the Fund's
obligation under the option.
The Funds' use of options and futures contracts would subject the Funds to
certain investment risks and transaction costs to which they might not otherwise
be subject. These risks include: (1) dependence on the adviser's ability to
predict movements in the prices of individual securities and fluctuations in the
general securities markets; (2) imperfect correlation between movements in the
prices of options, futures contracts or related options and movements in the
price of the securities hedged or used for cover; (3) the fact that skills and
techniques needed to trade these instruments are different from those needed to
select the other securities in which the Funds invest; (4) lack of assurance
that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular instrument at any
particular time; and (5) the possible need to defer closing out of certain
options, futures contracts and related options to avoid adverse tax
consequences. Other risks include the inability of the Fund, as the writer of
covered call options, to benefit from the appreciation of the underlying
securities above the exercise price and the possible loss of the entire premium
paid for options purchased by the Fund. In addition, options and futures
contracts do not pay interest, but may produce taxable capital gains.
Each Fund will not hedge more than 30% of its total assets by selling futures
contracts, buying put options and writing call options. In addition, each Fund
will not buy futures contracts or write put options whose underlying value
exceeds 5% of the Fund's total assets and will not purchase call options if the
value of purchased call options would exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets. A
Fund will not enter into futures contracts and options thereon if
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immediately thereafter more than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets
would be invested in these options or committed to margin on futures contracts.
A Fund will only invest in futures and options contracts after providing notice
to its shareholders, filing a notice of eligibility (if required) and otherwise
complying with the requirements of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
("CFTC"). The CFTC's rules provide that the Funds are permitted to purchase
futures or options contracts subject to CFTC jurisdiction only (1) for bona fide
hedging purposes within the meaning of the rules of the CFTC; provided, however,
that in the alternative with respect to each long position in a futures or
options contract entered into by a Fund, the underlying commodity value of such
contract at all times does not exceed the sum of cash, short-term United States
debt obligations or other United States dollar denominated short-term money
market instruments set aside for this purpose by the Fund, cash proceeds from
existing Fund investments due in 30 days and accrued profit on the contract held
with a futures commissions merchant; and (2) subject to certain limitations.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
The Funds may seek additional income by entering into repurchase agreements.
Repurchase agreements are transactions in which a Fund purchases a security and
simultaneously commits to resell that security to the seller at an agreed-upon
price on an agreed-upon future date, normally one to seven days later. The
resale price reflects a market rate of interest that is not related to the
coupon rate or maturity of the purchased security. The Trust's custodian
maintains possession of the underlying collateral, which is maintained at not
less than 100% of the repurchase price, and which consists of the types of
securities in which the Fund may invest directly.
LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
The Funds may from time to time lend securities from its portfolio to brokers,
dealers and other financial institutions. Securities loans must be continuously
secured by cash or U.S. Government Securities with a market value, determined
daily, at least equal to the value of the Fund's securities loaned, including
accrued interest. A Fund receives interest in respect of securities loans from
the borrower or from investing cash collateral. The Funds may pay fees to
arrange the loans. Each Fund will, as a fundamental policy, limit securities
lending to not more than 10% of the value of its total assets.
TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE POSITION
When a Fund assumes a temporary defensive position it may invest in (i) short-
term U.S. Government Securities, (ii) certificates of deposit, bankers'
acceptances and interest-bearing savings deposits of commercial banks doing
business in the United States that have, at the time of investment, total assets
in excess of one billion dollars and that are insured by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation, (iii) commercial paper of prime quality rated Prime-2 or
higher by Moody's or A-2 or higher by S&P or, if not rated, determined by the
adviser to be of comparable quality, (iv) repurchase agreements covering any of
the securities in which the Fund may invest directly and (v) money market mutual
funds.
The Funds may invest in the securities of other investment companies within the
limits proscribed by the 1940 Act. Under normal circumstances, each Fund intends
to invest less than 5% of the value of its net assets in the securities of other
investment companies. In addition to the Fund's expenses (including the various
fees), as a shareholder in another investment company, a Fund would bear its pro
rata portion of the other investment company's expenses (including fees).
INVESTORS BOND FUND
MORTGAGE-RELATED SECURITIES. As described in the Investors Bond Fund Prospectus,
that Fund may invest in mortgage-related securities, including Collateralized
Mortgage Obligations ("CMOs"). CMOs are typically structured with a number of
classes or series that have different maturities and are generally retired in
sequence. Each class of bonds receives periodic interest payments according to
the coupon rate on the bonds. However, all
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monthly principal payments and any prepayments from the collateral pool are paid
first to the "Class 1" bondholders. The principal payments are such that the
Class 1 bonds will be completely repaid no later than, for example, five years
after the offering date. Thereafter, all payments of principal are allocated to
the next most senior class of bonds until that class of bonds has been fully
repaid. Although full payoff of each class of bonds is contractually required by
a certain date, any or all classes of bonds may be paid off sooner than expected
because of an acceleration in prepayments of the obligations comprising the
collateral pool.
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES. The Investors Bond Fund may invest in asset-backed
securities, which have structural characteristics similar to mortgage-backed
securities but have underlying assets that are not mortgage loans or interests
in mortgage loans. Asset-backed securities are securities that represent direct
or indirect participations in, or are secured by and payable from, assets such
as motor vehicle installment sales contracts, installment loan contracts, leases
of various types of real and personal property and receivables from revolving
credit (credit card) agreements. Such assets are securitized through the use of
trusts and special purpose corporations.
Asset-backed securities are often backed by a pool of assets representing the
obligations of a number of different parties. Payments of principal and interest
may be guaranteed up to certain amounts and for a certain time period by a
letter of credit issued by a financial institution.
Asset-backed securities present certain risks that are not presented by
mortgage-related debt securities or other securities in which the Investors Bond
Fund may invest. Primarily, these securities do not always have the benefit of a
security interest in comparable collateral. 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. Automobile receivables generally are secured, but by automobiles
rather than residential real property. Most issuers of automobile receivables
permit the loan servicers to retain possession of the underlying obligations. If
the servicer 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 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 the automobile receivables may not have a
proper security interest in the underlying automobiles. Therefore, there is the
possibility that recoveries on repossessed collateral may not, in some cases, be
available to support payments on these securities. Because asset-backed
securities are relatively new, the market experience in these securities is
limited and the market's ability to sustain liquidity through all phases of the
market cycle has not been tested.
TAXSAVER BOND FUND
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES. The term "municipal securities," as used in the Prospectus
and this Statement of Additional Information with respect to the TaxSaver Bond
Fund, means obligations of the type described in Appendix B issued by or on
behalf of states, territories, and possessions of the United States and their
political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities, the interest on which is
exempt from Federal income tax. The municipal securities in which the TaxSaver
Bond Fund will invest are limited to those obligations which at the time of
purchase: (i) are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States; (ii)
are municipal notes rated in the two highest rating categories by an NRSRO, or,
if not rated, are of comparable quality as determined by the Fund's investment
adviser; (iii) are municipal bonds rated in the six highest rating categories by
an NRSRO or, if not rated, are of comparable quality as determined by the Fund's
investment adviser; or (iv) are other types of municipal securities, provided
that such obligations are of comparable quality, as determined by the Fund's
investment adviser, to instruments in which the Fund may invest.
MUNICIPAL NOTES. Municipal notes, which may be either "general obligation" or
"revenue" securities, are intended to fulfill short-term capital needs and
generally have original maturities of 397 days or less. They include tax
anticipation notes, revenue anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes,
construction loan notes and tax-exempt commercial paper.
MUNICIPAL LEASES. Municipal leases frequently have special risks not normally
associated with general obligation or revenue bonds or notes. Lease and
installment purchase or conditional sale contracts (which normally provide for
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title to the leased assets to pass eventually to the government issuer) have
evolved as a means for governmental issuers to acquire property and equipment
without meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements for the issuance
of debt. The debt-issuance limitations of many state constitutions and statutes
are deemed to be inapplicable because of the inclusion in many leases or
contracts of "non-appropriation" clauses that provide that the governmental
issuer has no obligation to make future payments under the lease or contract
unless money is appropriated for such purpose by the appropriate legislative
body on a yearly or other periodic basis. To reduce this risk, the Fund will
only purchase municipal leases subject to a non-appropriation clause when the
payment of principal and accrued interest is backed by an unconditional
irrevocable letter of credit or guarantee of a bank or other entity that has
long term outstanding debt securities rated in one of the top two rating
categories by an NRSRO.
VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE OBLIGATIONS. The interest rates payable on certain
municipal securities, including municipal leases, in which the Fund may invest
are not fixed and may fluctuate based upon changes in market rates. These
securities are referred to as variable rate or floating rate obligations. Other
features of these obligations may include the right whereby the Fund may demand
prepayment of the principal amount of the obligation prior to its stated
maturity and the right of the issuer to prepay the principal amount prior to
maturity. The main benefit of a variable or floating rate municipal security is
that the interest rate adjustment minimizes changes in the market value of the
obligation. As a result, the purchase of these municipal securities enhances the
ability of the Fund to sell an obligation prior to maturity at a price
approximating the full principal amount of the obligation. The payment of
principal and interest by issuers of certain municipal securities purchased by
the Fund may be guaranteed by letters of credit or other credit facilities
offered by banks or other financial institutions. Such guarantees will be
considered in determining whether a municipal security meets the Fund's
investment quality requirements. The investment adviser will monitor the
pricing, quality and liquidity of variable rate and floating rate demand
obligations held by the Fund on the basis of published financial information,
rating agency reports and other research services to which the Fund or the
investment adviser of the Fund may subscribe.
PARTICIPATION INTERESTS. The Fund may purchase participation interests in
municipal bonds, including private activity bonds and floating and variable rate
securities that are owned by banks or other financial institutions. A
participation interest gives the Fund an undivided interest in a municipal
security owned by a bank or other financial institution. These instruments carry
a demand feature permitting the holder to tender them back to the bank or other
institution and are generally backed by an irrevocable letter of credit or
guarantee of the bank or institution. The Fund can exercise the right, on not
more than thirty days' notice, to sell such an instrument back to the bank or
institution from which it purchased the instrument and draw on the letter of
credit for all or any part of the principal amount of the Fund's participation
interest in the instrument, plus accrued interest. Generally, the Fund will do
so only (i) as required to provide liquidity to the Fund, (ii) to maintain a
high quality investment portfolio, or (iii) upon a default under the terms of
the demand instrument. Banks and other financial institutions retain portions of
the interest paid on such participation interests as their fees for servicing
such instruments and the issuance of related letters of credit, guarantees and
repurchase commitments. Exposure to credit losses arising from the possible
financial difficulties of borrowers might affect the bank's or other
institution's ability to meet its obligations under its letter of credit or
other guarantee.
The Fund will not purchase participation interests unless it is advised by
counsel or receives a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service that interest
earned by the Fund from the obligations in which it holds participation
interests is exempt from Federal income tax. The Internal Revenue Service has
announced that it ordinarily will not issue advance rulings on certain of the
Federal income tax consequences applicable to securities, or participation
interests therein, subject to a put. The investment adviser will monitor the
pricing, quality and liquidity of participation interests held by the Fund on
the basis of published financial information, rating agency reports and other
research services to which the Fund or the investment adviser of the Fund may
subscribe.
STAND-BY COMMITMENTS. The Fund acquires stand-by commitments solely to
facilitate portfolio liquidity and does not exercise its rights thereunder for
trading purposes. Since the value of a stand-by commitment is dependent on the
ability of the stand-by commitment writer to meet its obligation to repurchase,
the Fund's policy is to enter into stand-by commitment transactions only with
municipal securities dealers which in the opinion of the investment adviser
present minimal credit risks.
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The acquisition of a stand-by commitment does not affect the valuation or
maturity of the underlying municipal securities which continue to be valued in
accordance with the amortized cost method. Stand-by commitments acquired by the
Fund are valued at zero in determining net asset value. When the Fund pays
directly or indirectly for a stand-by commitment, its cost is reflected as
unrealized depreciation for the period during which the commitment is held.
Stand-by commitments do not affect the average weighted maturity of the Fund's
portfolio of securities.
GENERAL
Yields on municipal securities are dependent on a variety of factors, including
the general conditions of the money market and of the municipal bond and
municipal note markets, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of the
obligation and the rating of the issue. Municipal securities with longer
maturities tend to produce higher yields and are generally subject to greater
price movements than obligations with shorter maturities. An increase in
interest rates will generally reduce the market value of portfolio investments,
and a decline in interest rates will generally increase the value of portfolio
investments.
There can be no assurance that the Fund's objective will be achieved. The
achievement of the Fund's investment objective is dependent in part on the
continuing ability of the issuers of municipal securities in which the Fund
invests to meet their obligations for the payment of principal and interest when
due. Municipal securities historically have not been subject to registration
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, although there have been proposals
which would require registration in the future.
The obligations of municipal securities issuers may become subject to laws
enacted in the future by Congress, state legislatures, or referenda extending
the time for payment of principal and/or interest, or imposing other constraints
upon enforcement of such obligations or upon the ability of municipalities to
levy taxes. There is also the possibility that, as a result of litigation or
other conditions, the ability of any issuer to pay, when due, the principal of
and interest on its municipal securities may be materially affected.
2. INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS
Each Fund has adopted the following fundamental investment limitations which are
in addition to those contained in the Fund's Prospectus and which may not be
changed without shareholder approval. Each Fund may not:
(1) Borrow money, except for temporary or emergency purposes
(including the meeting of redemption requests) and except for
entering into reverse repurchase agreements, and provided that
borrowings do not exceed 33 1/3% of the Fund's total assets
(computed immediately after the borrowing).
(2) Purchase securities, other than U.S. Government Securities, if,
immediately after each purchase, more than 25% of the Fund's
total assets taken at market value would be invested in
securities of issuers conducting their principal business
activity in the same industry.
(3) Purchase securities, other than U.S. Government Securities, of
any one issuer, if (a) more than 5% of the Fund's total assets
taken at market value would at the time of purchase be invested
in the securities of that issuer, or (b) such purchase would at
the time of purchase cause the Fund to hold more than 10% of the
outstanding voting securities of that issuer. Up to 50% of the
Fund's total assets may be invested without regard to this
limitation.
(4) Act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers, except to
the extent that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio
securities, the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter for
purposes of the Securities Act of 1933.
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(5) Make loans to other persons except for loans of portfolio
securities and except through the use of repurchase agreements
and through the purchase of commercial paper or debt securities
which are otherwise permissible investments.
(6) Purchase or sell real estate or any interest therein, except that
the Fund may invest in securities issued or guaranteed by
corporate or governmental entities secured by real estate or
interests therein, such as mortgage pass-throughs and
collateralized mortgage obligations, or issued by companies that
invest in real estate or interests therein.
(7) Purchase or sell physical commodities or contracts relating to
physical commodities, provided that currencies and currency-
related contracts will not be deemed to be physical commodities.
(8) Issue senior securities except pursuant to Section 18 of the
Investment Company Act of 1940 ("1940 Act") and except that the
Fund may borrow money subject to investment limitations specified
in the Fund's Prospectus.
(9) Invest in interests in oil or gas or interests in other mineral
exploration or development programs.
Each Fund has adopted the following nonfundamental investment limitations that
may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval. Each Fund may not:
(a) Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except to secure
permitted indebtedness. The deposit in escrow of securities in
connection with the writing of put and call options,
collateralized loans of securities and collateral arrangements
with respect to margin for futures contracts are not deemed to be
pledges or hypothecations for this purpose.
(b) Invest in securities of another registered investment company,
except in connection with a merger, consolidation, acquisition or
reorganization; and except that the Fund may invest in money
market funds and privately-issued mortgage related securities to
the extent permitted by the 1940 Act.
(c) Purchase securities on margin, or make short sales of securities,
except for the use of short-term credit necessary for the
clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities, but the
Fund may make margin deposits in connection with permitted
transactions in options, futures contracts and options on futures
contracts.
(d) Invest in securities (other than fully-collateralized debt
obligations) issued by companies that have conducted continuous
operations for less than three years, including the operations of
predecessors, unless guaranteed as to principal and interest by
an issuer in whose securities the Fund could invest, if as a
result, more than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets
would be so invested.
(e) Invest in or hold securities of any issuer if officers and
directors of the Trust or the Fund's investment adviser,
individually owning beneficially more than 1/2 of 1% of the
securities of the issuer, in the aggregate own more than 5% of
the issuer's securities.
(f) Purchase securities for investment while any borrowing equaling
10% or more of the Fund's total assets is outstanding or borrow
for purposes other than meeting redemptions in an amount
exceeding 10% of the value of the Fund's total assets.
(g) Acquire securities or invest in repurchase agreements with
respect to any securities if, as a result, more than (i) 15% of
the Fund's net assets (taken at current value) would be invested
in repurchase agreements not entitling the holder to payment of
principal within seven days and in securities which are not
readily marketable, including securities that are illiquid by
virtue of restrictions on the sale of such securities to the
public without registration under the Securities Act of 1933
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("Restricted Securities") or (ii) 10% of the Fund's total assets
would be invested in Restricted Securities.
(h) Purchase securities having voting rights except securities of
other investment companies.
(i) Purchase or sell real property leases (including limited
partnership interests, but excluding readily marketable interests
in real estate investment trusts or readily marketable securities
of companies which invest in real estate.)
Except as required by the 1940 Act, if any percentage restriction on investment
or utilization of assets is adhered to at the time an investment is made, a
later change in percentage resulting from a change in the market values of the
Fund's assets or purchases and redemptions of shares will not be considered a
violation of the limitation.
For purposes of limitation number 3 listed in the TaxSaver Bond Fund's
Prospectus, which relates to the diversification of the Fund's assets, the
District of Columbia, each state, each political subdivision, agency,
instrumentality and authority thereof, and each multi-state agency of which a
state is a member is deemed to be a separate "issuer." When the assets and
revenues of an agency, authority, instrumentality or other political subdivision
are separate from the government creating the subdivision and the security is
backed only by the assets and revenues of the subdivision, such subdivision
would be deemed to be the sole issuer. Similarly, in the case of private
activity bonds, if the bond is backed only by the assets and revenues of the
nongovernmental user, then such nongovernmental user would be deemed to be the
sole issuer. However, if in either case, the creating government or some other
agency guarantees a security, that guarantee would be considered a separate
security and would be treated as an issue of such government or other agency.
No more than 25% of a Fund's total assets may be invested in the securities of
one issuer. However, this limitation does not apply to securities of an issuer
payable solely from the proceeds of U.S. Government Securities.
3. PERFORMANCE DATA
The Funds may quote performance in various ways. All performance information
supplied by the Funds in advertising is historical and is not intended to
indicate future returns. The Funds' net asset value, yield and total return
fluctuate in response to market conditions and other factors, and the value of
Fund shares when redeemed may be more or less than their original cost.
Standardized SEC yield and total return information as of March 31, 1996 is
outlined in the following tables:
30 Day
30 Day Annualized Total Total Total Return
Annualized Tax Equivalent Return Return Since
Yield Yield 1 Year 5 Year Inception
----- ----- ------ ------ ---------
INVESTORS
BOND FUND 7.00% N/A 9.84% 9.04% 9.19%
TAXSAVER
BOND FUND 5.24% 7.68% 7.36% 7.78% 7.73%
Tax-equivalent yield is based on a Federal income tax rate of 39.6%.
The Funds commenced operations on October 2, 1989.
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In performance advertising each Fund may compare any of its performance
information with data published by independent evaluators such as Morningstar,
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., IBC/Donoghue, Inc., CDA/Wiesenberger or other
companies which track the investment performance of investment companies ("Fund
Tracking Companies"). Each Fund may also compare any of its performance
information with the performance of recognized stock, bond and other indexes,
including but not limited to the Municipal Bond Buyers Indices, the Salomon
Brothers Bond Index, the Shearson Lehman Bond Index, the Standard & Poor's 500
Composite Stock Price Index, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, U.S. Treasury
bonds, bills or notes and changes in the Consumer Price Index as published by
the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Funds may refer to general market
performances over past time periods such as those published by Ibbotson
Associates (for instance, its "Stocks, Bonds, Bills and Inflation Yearbook"). In
addition, the Funds may refer in such materials to mutual fund performance
rankings and other data published by Fund Tracking Companies. Performance
advertising may also refer to discussions of the Funds and comparative mutual
fund data and ratings reported in independent periodicals, such as newspapers
and financial magazines.
For example, the Funds may advertise the historical advantages, based on assumed
investments made on particular dates, in long term corporate bonds or in the S&P
500 Composite Stock Index against U.S. Treasury bills, as published by the
companies listed above.
YIELD CALCULATIONS
Yields for a Fund used in advertising are computed by dividing the Fund's
interest income for a given 30 days or one-month period, net of expenses, by the
average number of shares entitled to receive distributions during the period,
dividing this figure by the Fund's net asset value per share at the end of the
period and annualizing the result (assuming compounding of income) in order to
arrive at an annual percentage rate. In general, interest income is reduced with
respect to bonds purchased at a premium over their par value by subtracting a
portion of the premium from income on a daily basis, and is increased with
respect to bonds purchased at a discount by adding a portion of the discount to
daily income. Capital gain and loss generally are excluded from these
calculations.
Income calculated for the purpose of determining the Fund's yield differs from
income as determined for other accounting purposes. Because of the different
accounting methods used, and because of the compounding assumed in yield
calculations, the yield quoted for a Fund may differ from the rate of
distribution the Fund paid over the same period or the rate of income reported
in the Fund's financial statements.
The tax equivalent yield for the TaxSaver Bond Fund is the rate an investor
would have to earn from a fully taxable investment in order to equal the Fund's
yield after taxes. Tax equivalent yields are calculated by dividing the Fund's
yield by one minus the stated Federal or combined Federal and state tax rate.
(If only a portion of the Fund's yield is tax-exempt, only that portion is
adjusted in the calculation.)
Although published yield information is useful to investors in reviewing a
Fund's performance, investors should be aware that a Fund's yield for any given
period is not an indication or representation by the Fund of future yields or
rates of return on the Fund's shares. Also, Processing Organizations may charge
their customers direct fees in connection with an investment in a Fund, which
will have the effect of reducing the Fund's net yield to those shareholders. The
yields of each Fund are not fixed or guaranteed, and an investment in a Fund is
not insured or guaranteed. Accordingly, yield information may not necessarily be
used to compare shares of a Fund with investment alternatives which, like money
market instruments or bank accounts, may provide a fixed rate of interest. Also,
it may not be appropriate to compare a Fund's yield information directly to
similar information regarding investment alternatives which are insured or
guaranteed.
TOTAL RETURN CALCULATIONS
Each of the Funds may advertise total return. Total returns quoted in
advertising reflect all aspects of a Fund's return, including the effect of
reinvesting dividends and capital gain distributions and any change in the
Fund's net asset value per share over the period. Average annual returns are
calculated by determining the growth or decline in value of a hypothetical
historical investment in a Fund over a stated period, and then calculating the
annually
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compounded percentage rate that would have produced the same result if the rate
of growth or decline in value had been constant over the period. While average
annual returns are a convenient means of comparing investment alternatives,
investors should realize that the performance is not constant over time but
changes from year to year, and that average annual returns represent averaged
figures as opposed to the actual year-to-year performance of the Funds.
Average annual total return is calculated by finding the average annual
compounded rates of return of a hypothetical investment over a given period
according to the following formula:
n
P(1+T) = ERV
Where:
P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000;
T = average annual total return;
n = number of years; and
ERV = ending redeemable value.
ERV is the value, at the end of the applicable period, of a hypothetical $1,000
payment made at the beginning of the applicable period.
In addition to average annual returns, each Fund may quote unaveraged or
cumulative total returns reflecting the simple change in value of an investment
over a stated period. Total returns may be broken down into their components of
income and capital (including capital gain and changes in share price) in order
to illustrate the relationship of these factors and their contributions to total
return. Total returns, yields and other performance information may be quoted
numerically or in a table, graph or similar illustration.
Period total return is calculated according to the following formula:
PT = (ERV/P-1)
Where:
PT = period total return.
The other definitions are the same as in
average annual total return above.
4. MANAGEMENT
The trustees and officers of the Trust and their principal occupations during
the past five years are set forth below. Each Trustee who is an "interested
person" (as defined by the 1940 Act) of the Trust is indicated by an asterisk.
John Y. Keffer,* Chairman and President (age 53)
President and Director, Forum Financial Services, Inc. (a registered
broker-dealer), Forum Financial Corp. (a registered transfer agent)
and Forum Advisors, Inc. (a registered investment adviser). Mr. Keffer
is a Trustee and/or officer of various registered investment companies
for which Forum Financial Services, Inc. serves as manager,
administrator and/or distributor. His address is Two Portland Square,
Portland, Maine 04101.
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Costas Azariadis, Trustee (age 52)
Professor of Economics, University of California, Los Angeles, since
July 1992. Prior thereto, Dr. Azariadis was Professor of Economics at
the University of Pennsylvania. His address is Department of
Economics, University of California, Los Angeles, 405 Hilgard Avenue,
Los Angeles, California 90024.
James C. Cheng, Trustee (age 53)
President of Technology Marketing Associates (a marketing consulting
company) since September 1991. Prior thereto, Mr. Cheng was President
and Chief Executive Officer of Network Dynamics, Incorporated (a
software development company). His address is 27 Temple Street,
Belmont, Massachusetts 02178.
J. Michael Parish, Trustee (age 52)
Partner at the law firm of Winthrop Stimson Putnam & Roberts since
1989. Prior thereto, he was a partner at LeBoeuf, Lamb, Leiby &
MacRae, a law firm of which he was a member from 1974 to 1989. His
address is 40 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005.
Mark D. Kaplan, Vice President, Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Secretary
(age 40)
Managing Director at Forum Financial Services, Inc. since September
1995. Prior thereto, Mr. Kaplan was Managing Director and Director of
Research at H.M. Payson & Co. His address is Two Portland Square,
Portland, Maine 04101.
Michael D. Martins, Treasurer (age 30)
Director of Fund Accounting at Forum Financial Corp. since June 1995.
Prior thereto, he served as a manager in the New York City office of
Deloitte & Touche LLP, where he was employed for over five years. His
address is Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101.
David I. Goldstein, Secretary (age 34)
Counsel, Forum Financial Services, Inc., with which he has been
associated since 1991. Prior thereto, Mr. Goldstein was associated
with the law firm of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart. Mr. Goldstein is also
Secretary or Assistant Secretary of various registered investment
companies for which Forum Financial Services, Inc. serves as manager,
administrator and/or distributor. His address is Two Portland Square,
Portland, Maine 04101.
Don L. Evans, Assistant Secretary (age 47)
Assistant Counsel, Forum Financial Services, Inc., with which he has
been associated since August 1995. Prior thereto, Mr. Evans was
associated with the law firm of Bisk & Lutz and prior thereto the law
firm of Weiner & Strother. Mr. Evans is also Assistant Secretary of
various registered investment companies for which Forum Financial
Services, Inc. serves as manager, administrator and/or distributor.
His address is Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine.
M. Paige Turney, Assistant Secretary (age 27).
Fund Administrator, Forum Financial Services, Inc., with which she has
been associated since 1995. Ms. Miles was employed from 1992 as a
Senior Fund Accountant with First Data Corporation in Boston,
Massachusetts. Prior thereto she was a student at Montana State
University Her address is Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101.
John Y. Keffer is an interested person of the Trust as that term is defined in
the 1940 Act.
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ADVISER
The Funds' investment adviser, Forum Advisors, Inc. (the "Adviser") furnishes at
its own expense all services, facilities and personnel necessary in connection
with managing each Fund's investments and effecting portfolio transactions for
the respective Fund, each pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the
Trust. Each such Investment Advisory Agreement provides for an initial term of
two years from its effective date with respect to a Fund and for its continuance
in effect for successive twelve-month periods thereafter, provided the agreement
is specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by vote of the
shareholders of the Fund, and in either case by a majority of the directors who
are not parties to the Investment Advisory Agreement or interested persons of
any such party.
Each Investment Advisory Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Trust
with respect to the Fund on 60 days' written notice when authorized either by
vote of its shareholders or by a vote of a majority of the Board, or by the
respective Adviser on not more than 60 days' nor less than 30 days' written
notice, and will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. Each
Investment Advisory Agreement also provides that, with respect to a Fund, the
Adviser shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for
any act or omission in the performance of its duties to the Fund, except for
willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of the
Adviser's duties or by reason of reckless disregard of its obligations and
duties under the Investment Advisory Agreement. Each Investment Advisory
Agreement provides that the Adviser may render services to others.
Prior to August 1, 1991, for services under its Investment Advisory Agreement,
the Adviser received, with respect to the Investors Bond Fund, an advisory fee
at an annual rate of 0.55% of the average daily net assets for the first $300
million of the Fund's net assets, 0.51% of the average daily net assets for the
next $400 million of the Fund's net assets, and 0.47% of the average daily net
assets of the Fund's remaining net assets. Prior to August 1, 1991, with respect
to the TaxSaver Bond Fund, the Adviser received an advisory fee at an annual
rate of 0.50% of the average daily net assets for the first $300 million of the
Fund's net assets, 0.46% of the average daily net assets of the next $400
million of the Fund's net assets and 0.42% of the average daily net assets of
the Fund's remaining net assets. Upon approval by the Funds' shareholders, the
advisory fee was reduced to 0.40% of the average daily net assets for each of
the Investors Bond Fund and the TaxSaver Bond Fund. Such fees are accrued daily
and paid monthly. Fees payable under the Advisory Agreement with respect to the
each Fund are outlined in the following tables:
INVESTORS BOND FUND
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
MARCH 31 GROSS FEE WAIVED FEE NET FEE
-------- --------- ---------- -------
1996 $107,061 $48,250 $58,811
1995 $100,098 $9,407 $90,691
1994 $111,913 $34,865 $77,048
TAXSAVER BOND FUND
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
MARCH 31 GROSS FEE WAIVED FEE NET FEE
-------- --------- ---------- -------
1996 $69,544 $0 $69,544
1995 $65,238 $59,238 $6,000
1994 $69,755 $69,755 $0
In addition to receiving its advisory fee from the Funds, the Adviser may also
act and be compensated as investment manager for its clients with respect to
assets which are invested in the Funds. In some instances the Adviser may
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<PAGE>
elect to credit against any investment management fee received from a client who
is also a shareholder in the Fund an amount equal to all or a portion of the
fees received by the Adviser or any affiliate of the Adviser from the Fund with
respect to the client's assets invested in the Fund.
The Adviser has agreed to reimburse the Trust for certain of each Fund's
operating expenses (exclusive of interest, taxes, brokerage, fees and
organization expenses, all to the extent permitted by applicable state law or
regulation) which in any year exceed the limits prescribed by any state in which
a Fund's shares are qualified for sale. The Trust may elect not to qualify its
shares for sale in every state. The manager and distributor believe that
currently the most restrictive expense ratio limitation imposed by any state is
2-1/2% of the first $30 million of each Fund's average net assets, 2% of the
next $70 million of its average net assets and 1-1/2% of its average net assets
in excess of $100 million. For the purpose of this obligation to reimburse
expenses, the Fund's annual expenses are estimated and accrued daily, and any
appropriate estimated payments will be made by the Adviser or the manager and
distributor monthly.
Subject to the above obligations to reimburse the Trust for its excess expenses,
the Trust has confirmed its obligation to pay all its other expenses, including:
interest charges, taxes, brokerage fees and commissions; certain insurance
premiums; fees, interest charges and expenses of the custodian, transfer agent
and dividend disbursing agent; telecommunications expenses; auditing, legal and
compliance expenses; costs of forming the corporation and maintaining corporate
existence; costs of preparing and printing the Trust's prospectuses, statements
of additional information, account application forms and shareholder reports and
delivering them to existing and prospective shareholders; costs of maintaining
books of original entry for portfolio and fund accounting and other required
books and accounts and of calculating the net asset value of shares of the
Trust; costs of reproduction, stationery and supplies; compensation of
directors, officers and employees of the Trust and costs of other personnel
performing services for the Trust who are not officers of the Adviser, the
manager and distributor or their respective affiliates; costs of corporate
meetings; Securities and Exchange Commission registration fees and related
expenses; state securities laws registration fees and related expenses; and fees
payable to the Adviser under the Investment Advisory Agreements.
MANAGER AND DISTRIBUTOR
Forum Financial Services, Inc. (the "Manager") was incorporated under the laws
of the State of Delaware on February 7, 1986 and supervises the overall
management of the Trust (which includes, among other responsibilities,
negotiation of contracts and fees with, and monitoring of performance and
billing of, the transfer agent and custodian and arranging for maintenance of
books and records of the Trust), provides the Trust with general office
facilities and serves as distributor of shares of the Funds pursuant to a
management agreement between the Manager and the Trust (the "Management
Agreement"). The Management Agreement provided, with respect to each Fund, for
an initial term of two years from its effective date and for its continuance in
effect for successive twelve-month periods thereafter, provided the agreement is
specifically approved at least annually by the Board or, with respect to a Fund,
by the shareholders of that Fund, and in either case by a majority of the
directors who are not parties to the Management Agreement or interested persons
of any such party and do not have any direct or indirect financial interest in
the Distribution Plan or in any agreement related to the Distribution Plan.
The Management Agreement terminates automatically if it is assigned and may be
terminated without penalty with respect to a Fund by vote of that Fund's
shareholders or by either party on not more than 60 days' nor less than 30 days'
written notice. The Management Agreement also provides that the Manager shall
not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any act or
omission in the administration or management of the Trust, except for willful
misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of the Manager's
duties or by reason of reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under
the Management Agreement.
Forum also acts as distributor of each Fund's shares pursuant to a distribution
services agreement (the "Distribution Services Agreement") and, pursuant
thereto, receives, and may reallow to certain financial institutions, the sales
charge paid by the purchasers of each Fund's shares. The aggregate sales charges
payable to Forum with respect to each Fund are outlined in the following tables:
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INVESTORS BOND FUND
FISCAL YEAR ENDED AGGREGATE
MARCH 31 SALES CHARGE AMOUNT RETAINED AMOUNT REALLOWED
-------- ------------ --------------- ----------------
1996 $6,252 $829 $5,423
1995 $1,706 $243 $1,463
1994 $7,704 $968 $6,736
TAXSAVER BOND FUND
FISCAL YEAR ENDED AGGREGATE
MARCH 31 SALES CHARGE AMOUNT RETAINED AMOUNT REALLOWED
-------- ------------ --------------- ----------------
1996 $13,336 $1,317 $12,019
1995 $7,701 $1,012 $6,689
1994 $5,939 $721 $5,218
For its services under the Management Agreement, the manager receives with
respect to each Fund a fee at an annual rate of 0.30% of the average daily net
assets of each Fund. Fees payable under the Management Agreement with respect to
each Fund are outlined in the following tables:
INVESTORS BOND FUND
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
MARCH 31 GROSS FEE WAIVED FEE NET FEE
-------- --------- ---------- -------
1996 $80,296 $80,296 $0
1995 $75,074 $75,074 $0
1994 $83,934 $58,722 $25,212
TAXSAVER BOND FUND
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
MARCH 31 GROSS FEE WAIVED FEE NET FEE
-------- --------- ---------- -------
1996 $52,158 $52,158 $0
1995 $48,928 $48,928 $0
1994 $52,316 $44,565 $7,751
The Manager provides persons satisfactory to the Board to serve as officers of
the Trust. Those officers, as well as certain other employees and Directors of
the Trust, may be directors, officers or employees of (and persons providing
services to the Trust may include) the Manager, its affiliates or certain
affiliates of the Adviser.
TRANSFER AGENT
Forum Financial Corp. (the "Transfer Agent") acts as transfer agent of the Trust
pursuant to a transfer agency agreement (the "Transfer Agency Agreement"). The
Transfer Agency Agreement provided, with respect to each Fund, for an initial
term of two years from its effective date and for its continuance in effect for
successive twelve-month periods thereafter, provided that the agreement is
specifically approved at least annually by the Board or, with respect to a Fund,
by a vote of the shareholders of that Fund, and in either case by a majority of
the directors who are not parties to the Transfer Agency Agreement or interested
persons of any such party at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the
Transfer Agency Agreement.
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<PAGE>
Among the responsibilities of the Transfer Agent as agent for the Trust are:
(1) answering customer inquiries regarding account status and history, the
manner in which purchases and redemptions of shares of the Funds may be effected
and certain other matters pertaining to the Funds; (2) assisting shareholders in
initiating and changing account designations and addresses; (3) providing
necessary personnel and facilities to establish and maintain shareholder
accounts and records, assisting in processing purchase and redemption
transactions and receiving wired funds; (4) transmitting and receiving funds in
connection with customer orders to purchase or redeem shares; (5) verifying
shareholder signatures in connection with changes in the registration of
shareholder accounts; (6) furnishing periodic statements and confirmations of
purchases and redemptions; (7)arranging for the transmission of proxy
statements, annual reports, prospectuses and other communications from the Trust
to its shareholders; (8)arranging for the receipt, tabulation and transmission
to the Trust of proxies executed by shareholders with respect to meetings of
shareholders of the Trust; and (9) providing such other related services as the
Trust or a shareholder may reasonably request. For these services, the Transfer
Agent receives with respect to each Fund a fee computed and paid monthly at the
annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets.
The Transfer Agent or any sub-transfer agent or processing agent may also act
and receive compensation as custodian, investment manager, nominee, agent or
fiduciary for its customers or clients who are shareholders of the Funds with
respect to assets invested in the Funds. The Transfer Agent or any sub-transfer
agent or other processing agent may elect to credit against the fees payable to
it by its clients or customers all or a portion of any fee received from the
Trust or from the Transfer Agent with respect to assets of those customers or
clients invested in the Fund. The Transfer Agent, the Manager or sub-transfer
agents or processing agents retained by the Transfer Agent may be Processing
Organizations (as defined in the Prospectus) and, in the case of sub-transfer
agents or processing agents, may also be affiliated persons of the Transfer
Agent or the Manager.
For its services under the Transfer Agency Agreement, Forum receives, with
respect to each Series: (i) a fee at an annual rate of 0.25 percent of the
average daily net assets of the Series and (ii) a fee of $12,000 per year; such
amounts to be computed and paid monthly in arrears by the Fund; and (iii) Annual
Shareholder Account Fees of $18.00 per shareholder account; such fees to be
computed as of the last business day of the prior month. Fees payable under the
Transfer Agent Agreement with respect to each Fund are outlined in the following
tables:
INVESTORS BOND FUND
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
MARCH 31 GROSS FEE WAIVED FEE NET FEE
-------- --------- ---------- -------
1996 $80,320 $60,882 $19,438
1995 $62,562 $49,813 $12,749
1994 $74,145 $64,394 $9,751
TAXSAVER BOND FUND
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
MARCH 31 GROSS FEE WAIVED FEE NET FEE
-------- --------- ---------- -------
1996 $56,344 $38,888 $17,456
1995 $40,794 $28,091 $12,703
1994 $47,796 $40,156 $7,640
Pursuant to a Fund Accounting Agreement, the Transfer Agent also provides the
Fund with portfolio accounting, including the calculation of the Fund's net
asset value. For these services, the Transfer Agent receives an annual fee
ranging from $36,000 to $60,000 depending upon the amount and type of the Fund's
portfolio transactions and positions. Fees payable under the Fund Accounting
Agreement with respect to fund accounting services for the Fund are outlined in
the following table:
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<PAGE>
The Transfer Agent or any sub-transfer agent or processing agent may also act
and receive compensation for acting as custodian, investment manager, nominee,
agent or fiduciary for its customers or clients who are shareholders of the Fund
with respect to assets invested in the Fund.
INVESTORS BOND FUND
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
MARCH 31 GROSS FEE WAIVED FEE NET FEE
-------- --------- ---------- -------
1996 $38,000 $0 $38,000
1995 $36,000 $0 $36,000
1994 $37,000 $0 $37,000
TAXSAVER BOND FUND
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
MARCH 31 GROSS FEE WAIVED FEE NET FEE
-------- --------- ---------- -------
1996 $39,000 $0 $39,000
1995 $36,000 $0 $36,000
1994 $41,000 $0 $41,000
5. DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The Trust does not determine net asset value on the following holidays: New
Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial
Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Purchases and redemptions are effected at the time of the next determination of
net asset value following the receipt of any purchase or redemption order.
6. PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and sales of portfolio securities for the Funds usually are principal
transactions. Portfolio securities for these Funds are normally purchased
directly from the issuer or from an underwriter or market maker for the
securities. There usually are no brokerage commissions paid for such purchases.
Purchases from underwriters of portfolio securities include a commission or
concession paid by the issuer to the underwriter, and purchases from dealers
serving as market makers include the spread between the bid and asked prices.
The Funds may effect purchases and sales through brokers who charge commissions.
Allocations of transactions to brokers and dealers and the frequency of
transactions are determined by the Adviser in its best judgment and in a manner
deemed to be in the best interest of shareholders of the Funds rather than by
any formula. The primary consideration is prompt execution of orders in an
effective manner and at the most favorable price available to the Funds. For the
fiscal years ended March 31, 1996, 1995, and 1994, the Funds did not pay any
brokerage commissions.
A Fund may not always pay the lowest commission or spread available. Rather, in
determining the amount of commission, including certain dealer spreads, paid in
connection with Fund transactions, the Adviser take into account such factors as
size of the order, difficulty of execution, efficiency of the executing broker's
facilities (including the services described below) and any risk assumed by the
executing broker. The Adviser may also take into account payments made by
brokers effecting transactions for a Fund (i) to the Fund or (ii) to other
persons on behalf of the Fund for services provided to it for which it would be
obligated to pay.
In addition, the Adviser may give consideration to research and investment
analysis services furnished by brokers or dealers to the Adviser for its use and
may cause a Fund to pay these brokers a higher amount of commission than may be
charged by other brokers. Such research and analysis is of the types described
in Section 28(e)(3) of the
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<PAGE>
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is designed to augment the
Adviser's own internal research and investment strategy capabilities. The
Adviser may use the research and analysis in connection with services to clients
other than a Fund, and the Adviser's fee is not reduced by reason of the
Adviser's receipt of the research services.
Investment decisions for each Fund will be made independently from those for any
other account or investment company that is or may in the future become managed
by the Adviser or its affiliates. If, however, a Fund and other investment
companies or accounts managed by the Adviser are contemporaneously engaged in
the purchase or sale of the same security, the transactions may be averaged as
to price and allocated equitably to each account. In some cases, this policy
might adversely affect the price paid or received by a Fund or the size of the
position obtainable for the Fund. In addition, when purchases or sales of the
same security for a Fund and for other investment companies and accounts managed
by the Adviser occur contemporaneously, the purchase or sale orders may be
aggregated in order to obtain any price advantages available to large
denomination purchases or sales.
No portfolio transactions are executed with the Adviser, the Manager or any of
their affiliates.
7. ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION
Shares of each Fund are sold on a continuous basis by the distributor.
Set forth below is an example of the method of computing the offering price of
each Fund's shares. The example assumes a purchase of shares of beneficial
interest aggregating less than $100,000 subject to the schedule of sales charges
set forth in the Prospectuses at a price based on the net asset value per share
of each Fund on March 31, 1996.
Investors TaxSaver
Bond Bond
Fund Fund
---- ----
Net Asset Value Per Share $ 10.21 $ 10.57
Sales Charge, 3.75% of offering
price (3.90% of net asset value
per share) $ 0.40 $ 0.41
Offering to Public $ 10.61 $ 10.98
In addition to the situations described in the Prospectus under "Purchases and
Redemptions of Shares," the Trust may redeem shares involuntarily, from time to
time, to reimburse a portfolio for any loss sustained by reason of the failure
of a shareholder to make full payment for shares purchased by the shareholder or
to collect any charge relating to transactions effected for the benefit of a
shareholder which is applicable to the Fund's shares as provided in the
Prospectus.
The Trust has filed a formal election with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pursuant to which a Fund will only effect a redemption in portfolio
securities if a shareholder is redeeming more than $250,000 or 1% of the Fund's
total net assets, whichever is less, during any 90-day period.
The Funds may wire proceeds of redemptions to shareholders that have elected
wire redemption privileges only if the wired amount is greater than $5,000. In
addition, the Funds will only wire redemption proceeds to financial institutions
located in the United States.
By use of telephone redemption and exchange privileges, the shareholder
authorizes the Transfer Agent to act upon the instruction of any person
representing himself either to be, or to have the authority to act on behalf of,
the
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<PAGE>
investor and believed by the Transfer Agent to be genuine. The records of the
Transfer Agent of such instructions are binding. Proceeds of an exchange
transaction may be invested in another Participating Fund account in the name of
the shareholder.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
The exchange privilege permits shareholders of the Funds to exchange their
shares for shares of any other fund of the Trust or shares of certain other
portfolios of investment companies which retain the Manager or its affiliates as
investment adviser or distributor and which participate in the Trust's exchange
privilege program ("Participating Fund"). For Federal income tax purposes,
exchange transactions are treated as sales on which a purchaser will realize a
capital gain or loss depending on whether the value of the shares redeemed is
more or less than his basis in such shares at the time of the transaction.
Exchange transactions will be made on the basis of relative net asset values per
share at the time of the exchange transaction plus any sales charge applicable
to the Participating Fund whose shares are being acquired. Shares of any
Participating Fund may be redeemed and the proceeds used to purchase, without a
sales charge, shares of any other Participating Fund that are offered without a
sales charge. Shares of any Participating Fund purchased with a sales charge may
be redeemed and the proceeds used to purchase, without a sales charge, shares of
any other Participating Fund otherwise sold with the same sales charge. If the
Participating Fund purchased in the exchange transaction imposes a higher sales
charge than was paid originally on the exchanged shares, the shareholder will be
responsible for the difference between the two sales charges. Shares acquired
through the reinvestment of dividends and distributions are deemed to have been
acquired with a sales charge rate equal to that paid on the shares on which the
dividend or distribution was paid.
The terms of the exchange privilege are subject to change, and the privilege may
be terminated by any of the Participating Funds or the Trust. However the
privilege will not be terminated, and no material change that restricts the
availability of the privilege to shareholders will be implemented, without
reasonable advance notice to shareholders.
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT CUSTODIAL ACCOUNT
The Investors Bond Fund offers an individual retirement plan (the "IRA") for
individuals who wish to use shares of the Funds as a medium for funding
individual retirement savings. Under the IRA, distributions of net investment
income and capital gain will be automatically reinvested in the IRA established
for the investor. The Fund's custodian furnishes custodial services to the IRAs
for a service fee. Shareholders wishing to use the Fund's IRA should contact the
Transfer Agent for further details and information.
8. TAXATION
Qualification as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986 does not involve governmental supervision of management or investment
practices or policies. Investors should consult their own counsel for a complete
understanding of the requirements the Funds must meet to qualify for such
treatment. The information set forth in the Prospectus and the following
discussion relate solely to Federal income taxes on dividends and distributions
by a Fund and assume that each Fund qualifies as a regulated investment company.
Investors should consult their own counsel for further details and for the
application of state and local tax laws to the investor's particular situation.
The Funds expect to derive substantially all of their gross income (exclusive of
capital gain) from sources other than dividends. Accordingly, it is expected
that most of the Funds' dividends or distributions will not qualify for the
dividends-received deduction for corporations.
Certain listed options and regulated futures contracts are considered "section
1256 contracts" for Federal income tax purposes. Section 1256 contracts held by
a Fund at the end of each taxable year will be "marked to market" and treated
for Federal income tax purposes as though sold for fair market value on the last
business day of such taxable
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<PAGE>
year. Gain or loss realized by a Fund on section 1256 contracts generally will
be considered 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or loss. A Fund can
elect to exempt its section 1256 contracts which are part of a "mixed straddle"
from the application of section 1256.
With respect to equity or over-the-counter put and call options, gain or loss
realized by a Fund upon the lapse or sale of such options held by the Fund will
be either long-term or short-term capital gain or loss depending upon the
respective Fund's holding period with respect to such option. However, gain or
loss realized upon the lapse or closing out of such options that are written by
a Fund will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. In general, if a Fund
exercises an option, or if an option that a Fund has written is exercised, gain
or loss on the option will not be separately recognized but the premium received
or paid will be included in the calculation of gain or loss upon disposition of
the property underlying the option.
9. OTHER INFORMATION
CUSTODIAN
Pursuant to a Custodian Agreement, The First National Bank of Boston, 100
Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02106, acts as the custodian of each
Fund's assets. The custodian's responsibilities include safeguarding and
controlling the Funds' cash and securities, determining income and collecting
interest on Fund investments.
COUNSEL
Legal matters in connection with the issuance of shares of beneficial interest
of the Trust are passed upon by the law firm of Seward & Kissel, One Battery
Park Plaza, New York, New York 10004.
AUDITORS
Deloitte & Touche LLP, Two World Financial Center, New York,
New York 10281-1438, independent auditors, act as auditors for the Trust.
THE TRUST AND ITS SHARES
The Trust was originally incorporated in Maryland on March 24, 1980 and assumed
the name of Forum Funds, Inc. on March 16, 1987. On January 5, 1996, Forum
Funds, Inc. was reorganized as a Delaware business trust. The Trust has an
unlimited number of authorized shares of beneficial interest. The Board may,
without shareholder approval, divide the authorized shares into an unlimited
number of separate portfolios or series (such as the Fund) and may in the future
divide portfolios or series into two or more classes of shares (such as Investor
and Institutional Shares). Currently the authorized shares of the Trust are
divided into 15 separate series.
Each share of each fund of the Trust and each class of shares has equal
dividend, distribution, liquidation and voting rights, and fractional shares
have those rights proportionately, except that expenses related to the
distribution of the shares of each class (and certain other expenses such as
transfer agency and administration expenses) are borne solely by those shares
and each class votes separately with respect to the provisions of any Rule 12b-1
plan which pertain to the class and other matters for which separate class
voting is appropriate under applicable law. Generally, shares will be voted in
the aggregate without reference to a particular portfolio or class, except if
the matter affects only one portfolio or class or voting by portfolio or class
is required by law, in which case shares will be voted separately by portfolio
or class, as appropriate. Delaware law does not require the Trust to hold annual
meetings of shareholders, and it is anticipated that shareholder meetings will
be held only when specifically required by Federal or state law. Shareholders
have available certain procedures for the removal of Trustees. There are no
conversion or preemptive rights in connection with shares of the Trust. All
shares when issued in accordance with the terms of the offering will be fully
paid and nonassessable. Shares are redeemable at net asset value, at the option
of the shareholders, subject to any contingent deferred sales charge that may
apply. A shareholder in a portfolio is entitled to the shareholder's pro rata
share of all dividends and distributions arising from that portfolio's assets
and, upon redeeming shares, will receive the portion of the portfolio's net
assets represented by the redeemed shares.
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As of July 8, 1996, the officers and Directors of the Trust as a group owned
less than 1% of the outstanding shares of each Fund. Also as of that date, the
shareholders listed below owned or owned of record more than 5% of either Fund.
From time to time, certain shareholders may own a large percentage of the shares
of a Fund. Accordingly, those shareholders may be able to greatly affect (if not
determine) the outcome of a shareholder vote. As noted, certain of these
shareholders are known to the Trust to hold their shares of record only and have
no beneficial interest, including the right to vote, in the shares.
INVESTORS BOND FUND
PERCENTAGE OF
FUND
SHAREHOLDER SHARES OWNED
----------- ------------
Irwin Union Bank & Trust Company 65.80%
500 Washington Street
Columbus, OH 47201
EBIU & CO 11.43%
Irwin Union Bank & Trust Company
500 Washington Street
Columbus, OH 47201
TAXSAVER BOND FUND
PERCENTAGE OF
FUND
SHAREHOLDER SHARES OWNED
----------- ------------
Irwin Union Bank & Trust Company
500 Washington Street
Columbus, OH 47201 48.87%
Leonore Zusman TTEE
Leonore Zusman Living Trust
1st National Plaza - Suite 1708
Dayton, OH 45402 11.48%
Leonore L. Zusman TTEE
Leonore L. Zusman Living Trust
1st National Plaza - Suite 1708
Dayton, OH 45402 10.29%
The Manager provides persons satisfactory to the Board to serve as officers of
the Trust. Those officers, as well as certain other employees and Directors of
the Trust, may be directors, officers or employees of (and persons providing
services to the Trust may include) the Manager, its affiliates or certain
affiliates of the Adviser.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements of the Fund for the year ended March 31, 1996 (which
include a statement of assets and liabilities, a statement of operations, a
statement of changes in net assets, notes to financial statements, financial
highlights, a statement of investments and the auditors' report thereon) are
included in the Annual Report to Shareholders of the Trust delivered along with
this SAI and are incorporated herein by reference.
B-21
<PAGE>
INVESTORS BOND FUND
TAXSAVER BOND FUND
APPENDIX A - DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS
1. CORPORATE AND MUNICIPAL BONDS (INCLUDING CONVERTIBLE BONDS)
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. ("MOODY'S")
Moody's rates corporate bond issues, including convertible debt issues, as
follows:
Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged by Moody's 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.
Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards.
Together with the Aaa group, they comprise what are generally known as high-
grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of
protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective
elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present
which make the long term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
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.
Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations, i.e., they
are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payment 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: Those bonds in the Aa, A, Baa, Ba or B groups which Moody's believes
possess the strongest investment attributes are designated by the symbols Aa1,
A1, Baa1, Ba1, and B1.
B-22
<PAGE>
STANDARD AND POOR'S CORPORATION ("S&P")
S&P rates corporate bond issues, including convertible debt issues, as follows:
Bonds rated AAA have the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to pay
interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
Bonds rated AA have a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
and differ from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
Bonds rated A have a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal,
although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than debt rated in higher rated
categories.
Bonds rated BBB are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and
repay principal. Whereas they normally exhibit adequate protection parameters,
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to
weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for debt in this category
than in higher rated categories.
Bonds rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C are regarded, on balance, as predominantly
speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay
principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. BB indicates the
lowest degree of speculation and C the highest degree of speculation. While such
bonds will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these are
outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
Bonds rated BB have less near-term vulnerability to default than other
speculative issues. However, they face major ongoing uncertainties or exposure
to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to
inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments.
Bonds rated B have a greater vulnerability to default but currently have the
capacity to meet interest payments and principal payments. Adverse business,
financial, or economic conditions will likely impair capacity or willingness to
pay interest and repay principal.
Bonds rated CCC have currently identifiable vulnerability to default, and are
dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions to meet
timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. In the event of adverse
business, financial, or economic conditions, they are not likely to have the
capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
Bonds rated C typically are subordinated to senior debt which as assigned an
actual or implied CCC debt rating. This rating may also be used to indicate
imminent default.
The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has
been filed, but debt service payments are continued. The rating Cl is reserved
for income bonds on which no interest is being paid.
Bonds are rated D when the issue is in payment default, or the obligor has filed
for bankruptcy. Bonds rated D are in payment default or the obligor has filed
for bankruptcy. 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 that such payments will made during
such grace period.
Note: The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus (+)
or minus (-) sign to show the relative standing within the rating category.
FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. ("FITCH")
Fitch rates corporate bond issues, including convertible debt issues, as
follows:
B-23
<PAGE>
AAA Bonds are considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit
quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest and
repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable
events.
AA Bonds are considered to be investment grade and of very high credit quality.
The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is very strong,
although not quite as strong as bonds rated AAA. Because bonds rated in the AAA
and AA categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable future
developments, shorter-term debt of these issuers is generally rate F-1+.
A Bonds are considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality. The
obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be
strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and
circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
BBB Bonds are considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered
to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances,
however, are more likely to have adverse impact on these bonds, and therefore
impair timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings of these bonds will fall
below investment grade is higher than for bonds with higher ratings.
BB Bonds are considered speculative. The obligor's ability to pay interest and
repay principal may be affected over time by adverse economic changes. However,
business and financial alternatives can be identified which could assist the
obligor in satisfying its debt service requirements.
B Bonds are considered highly speculative. While bonds in this class are
currently meeting debt service requirements, the probability of continued timely
payment of principal and interest reflects the obligor's limited margin of
safety and the need for reasonable business and economic activity throughout the
life of the issue.
CCC Bonds have certain identifiable characteristics which, if not remedied, may
lead to default. The ability to meet obligations requires an advantageous
business and economic environment.
CC Bonds are minimally protected. Default in payment of interest and/or
principal seems probable over time.
C Bonds are in imminent default in payment of interest or principal.
DDD, DD, and D Bonds are in default on interest and/or principal payments. Such
bonds are extremely speculative and should be valued on the basis of their
ultimate recovery value in liquidation or reorganization of the obligor. DDD
represents the highest potential for recovery on these bonds, and D represents
the lowest potential for recovery.
Plus (+) and minus (-) signs are used with a rating symbol to indicate the
relative position of a credit within the rating category. Plus and minus signs,
however, are not used in the AAA, DDD, DD, or D categories.
2. PREFERRED STOCK
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
Moody's rates preferred stock as follows:
An issue rated aaa is considered to be a top-quality preferred stock. This
rating indicates good asset protection and the least risk of dividend impairment
among preferred stock issues.
An issue rated aa is considered a high-grade preferred stock. This rating
indicates that there is a reasonable assurance that earnings and asset
protection will remain relatively well maintained in the foreseeable future.
B-24
<PAGE>
An issue rated a is considered to be an upper-medium grade preferred stock.
While risks are judged to be somewhat greater than in the aaa and aa
classification, earnings and asset protection are, nevertheless, expected to be
maintained at adequate levels.
An issue rated baa is considered to be a medium-grade, neither highly protected
nor poorly secured. Earnings and asset protection appear adequate at present but
may be questionable over any great length of time.
An issue rated ba is considered to have speculative elements and its future
cannot be considered well assured. Earnings and asset protection may be very
moderate and not well safeguarded during adverse periods. Uncertainty of
position characterizes preferred stocks in this class.
An issue which is rated b generally lacks the characteristics of a desirable
investment. Assurance of dividend payments and maintenance of other terms of the
issue over any long period of time may be small.
An issue which is rated caa is likely to be in arrears on dividend payments.
This rating designation does not purport to indicate the future status of
payments.
An issue which is rated ca is speculative in a high degree and is likely to be
in arrears on dividends with little likelihood of eventual payment.
An issue which is rated c can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of
ever attaining any real investment standing. This is the lowest rated class of
preferred or preference stock.
Note: Moody's applies numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 in each rating
classification from aa through b in its preferred stock rating system. The
modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its generic
rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier
3 indicates that the issuer ranks in the lower end of its generic rating
category.
STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION
S&P rates preferred stock as follows:
AAA is the highest rating that is assigned by S&P to a preferred stock issue and
indicates an extremely strong capacity to pay the preferred stock obligations.
A preferred stock issue rated AA also qualifies as a high-quality fixed income
security. The capacity to pay preferred stock obligations is very strong,
although not as overwhelming as for issues rated AAA.
An issue rated A is backed by a sound capacity to pay the preferred stock
obligations, although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances and economic conditions.
An issue rated BBB is regarded as backed by an adequate capacity to pay the
preferred stock obligations. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to make payments for a preferred stock in
this category than for issues in the A category.
Preferred stock rated BB, B, and CCC are regarded, on balance, as predominantly
speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay preferred stock
obligations. BB indicates the lowest degree of speculation and CCC the highest
degree of speculation. While such issues will likely have some quality and
protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major
risk exposures to adverse conditions.
The rating CC is reserved for a preferred stock issue in arrears on dividends or
sinking fund payments but that is currently paying.
B-25
<PAGE>
A preferred stock rated C is a non-paying issue.
A preferred stock rated D is a non-paying issue with the issuer in default on
debt instruments.
To provide more detailed indications of preferred stock quality, 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.
3. SHORT TERM MUNICIPAL LOANS
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
MIG-1/VMIG-1. This designation denotes best quality. There is present strong
protection by established cash flows, superior liquidity support or demonstrated
broadbased access to the market for refinancing.
MIG-2/VMIG-2. This designation denotes high quality. Margins of protection are
ample although not so large as in the MIG-1/VMIG-1 group.
MIG 3/VMIG 3. This designation denotes favorable quality. All security elements
are accounted for but there is lacking the undeniable strength of the preceding
grades. Liquidity and cash flow protection may be narrow and market access for
refinancing is likely to be less well established.
MIG 4/VMIG 4. This designation denotes adequate quality. Protection commonly
regarded as required of an investment security is present and, although not
distinctly or predominantly speculative, there is specific risk.
STANDARD AND POOR'S CORPORATION
SP-1. Very strong or strong capacity to pay principal and interest. Those issues
which are determined to possess overwhelming safety characteristics will be
given a plus (+) designation.
SP-2. Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest.
SP-3. Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
4. OTHER MUNICIPAL SECURITIES AND COMMERCIAL PAPER
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
Moody's two highest ratings for short-term debt, including commercial paper, are
Prime-1 and Prime-2. Both are judged investment grade, to indicate the relative
repayment ability of rated issuers.
Issuers rated Prime-1 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 charges and high
internal cash generation.
-- Well-established access to a range of financial markets and
assured sources of alternate liquidity.
Issuers rated Prime-2 by Moody's have a strong ability for repayment of senior
short-term debt obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of the
characteristics of issuers rated Prime-1 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.
B-26
<PAGE>
STANDARD AND POOR'S CORPORATION
S&P's two highest commercial paper ratings are A and B. Issues assigned an A
rating are regarded as having the greatest capacity for timely payment. Issues
in this category are delineated with the numbers 1, 2 and 3 to indicate the
relative degree of safety. An A-1 designation indicates that the degree of
safety regarding timely payment is either overwhelming or very strong. Those
issues determined to possess overwhelming safety characteristics are denoted
with a plus (+) sign designation. The capacity for timely payment on issues with
an A-2 designation is strong. However, the relative degree of safety is not as
high as for issues designated A-1. A-3 issues have a satisfactory capacity for
timely payment. They are, however, somewhat more vulnerable to the adverse
effects of changes in circumstances than obligations carrying the higher
designations. Issues rated B are regarded as having only an adequate capacity
for timely payment. However, such capacity may be damaged by changing conditions
or short-term adversities.
FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
Fitch's short-term ratings apply to debt obligations that are payable on demand
or have original maturities of generally up to three years, including commercial
paper, certificates of deposit, medium-term notes, and municipal and investment
notes.
F-1+. Issues assigned this rating are regarded as having the strongest degree of
assurance for timely payment.
F-1. Issues assigned this rating reflect an assurance of timely payment only
slightly less in degree than issues rated F-1+.
F-2. Issues assigned this rating have a satisfactory degree of assurance for
timely payment, but the margin of safety is not as great as for issues assigned
F-1+ or F-1 rating.
F-3. Issues assigned this rating have characteristics suggesting that the degree
of assurance for timely payment is adequate, however, near-term adverse changes
could cause these securities to be rated below investment grade.
F-S. Issues assigned this rating have characteristics suggesting a minimal
degree of assurance for timely payment and are vulnerable to near-term adverse
changes in financial and economic conditions.
D. Issues assigned this rating are in actual or imminent payment default.
B-27
<PAGE>
INVESTORS BOND FUND
TAXSAVER BOND FUND
APPENDIX B - DESCRIPTION OF MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
1. MUNICIPAL BONDS
Municipal Bonds which meet longer term capital needs and generally have
maturities of more than one year when issued, have three principal
classifications:
GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS are issued by such entities as states, counties,
cities, towns, and regional districts. The proceeds of these obligations are
used to fund a wide range of public projects, including construction or
improvement of schools, highways and roads, and water and sewer systems. The
basic security behind General Obligation Bonds is the issuer's pledge of its
full faith and credit and taxing power for the payment of principal and
interest. The taxes that can be levied for the payment of debt service may be
limited or unlimited as to the rate or amount of special assessments.
REVENUE BONDS in recent years have come to include an increasingly wide variety
of types of municipal obligations. As with other kinds of municipal obligations,
the issuers of revenue bonds may consist of virtually any form of state or local
governmental entity, including states, state agencies, cities, counties,
authorities of various kinds, such as public housing or redevelopment
authorities, and special districts, such as water, sewer or sanitary districts.
Generally, revenue bonds are secured by the revenues or net revenues derived
from a particular facility, group of facilities, or, in some cases, the proceeds
of a special excise or other specific revenue source. Revenue bonds are issued
to finance a wide variety of capital projects including electric, gas, water and
sewer systems; highways, bridges, and tunnels; port and airport facilities;
colleges and universities; and hospitals. Many of these bonds provide additional
security in the form of a debt service reserve fund to be used to make principal
and interest payments. Various forms of credit enhancement, such as a bank
letter of credit or municipal bond insurance, may also be employed in revenue
bond issues. Housing authorities have a wide range of security, including
partially or fully insured mortgages, rent subsidized and/or collateralized
mortgages, and/or the net revenues from housing or other public projects. Some
authorities provide further security in the form of a state's ability (without
obligation) to make up deficiencies in the debt service reserve fund.
In recent years, revenue bonds have been issued in large volumes for projects
that are privately owned and operated as described below.
PRIVATE ACTIVITY BONDS are considered municipal bonds if the interest paid
thereon is exempt from Federal income tax and are issued by or on behalf of
public authorities to raise money to finance various privately operated
facilities for business and manufacturing, housing and health. These bonds are
also used to finance public facilities such as airports, mass transit systems
and ports. The payment of the principal and interest on such bonds is dependent
solely on the ability of the facility's user to meet its financial obligations
and the pledge, if any, of real and personal property as security for such
payment.
While, at one time, the pertinent provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (the
"Code") permitted private activity bonds to bear tax-exempt interest in
connection with virtually any type of commercial or industrial project (subject
to various restrictions as to authorized costs, size limitations, state per
capita volume restrictions, and other matters), the types of qualifying projects
under the Code have become increasingly limited, particularly since the
enactment of the Tax Reform Act of 1986. Under current provisions of the Code,
tax-exempt financing remains available, under prescribed conditions, for owner-
occupied housing, certain privately owned and operated rental multi-family
housing facilities, nonprofit hospital and nursing home projects, certain
manufacturing or industrial projects, and solid waste disposal projects, among
others, and for the refunding (that is, the tax-exempt refinancing) of various
kinds of other private commercial projects originally financed with tax-exempt
bonds. In future years, the types of projects qualifying under the Code for tax-
exempt financing are expected to become increasingly limited.
B-28
<PAGE>
Because of terminology formerly used in the Code, virtually any form of private
activity bond may still be referred to as an "industrial development bond," but
more and more frequently revenue bonds have become classified according to the
particular type of facility being financed, such as hospital revenue bonds,
nursing home revenue bonds, multifamily housing revenues bonds, single family
housing revenue bonds, industrial development revenue bonds and solid waste
resource recovery revenue bonds.
Tax-exempt bonds are also categorized according to whether the interest is or is
not includible in the calculation of alternative minimum taxes imposed on
individuals, according to whether the costs of acquiring or carrying the bonds
are or are not deductible in part by banks and other financial institutions, and
according to other criteria relevant for Federal income tax purposes. Due to the
increasing complexity of Code and related requirements governing the issuance of
tax-exempt bonds, industry practice has uniformly required, as a condition to
the issuance of such bonds, but particularly for revenue bonds, an opinion of
nationally recognized bond counsel as to the tax-exempt status of interest on
the bonds.
2. MUNICIPAL NOTES
Municipal Notes generally are used to provide for short-term capital needs and
usually have maturities of one year or less. They include the following:
TAX ANTICIPATION NOTES are issued to finance working capital needs of
municipalities. Generally, they are issued in anticipation of various seasonal
tax revenues, such as income, sales, use and business taxes, and are payable
from these specific future taxes.
REVENUE ANTICIPATION NOTES are issued in expectation of receipt of other types
of revenues, such as Federal revenues available under the Federal Revenue
Sharing Programs.
BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES are issued to provide interim financing until long-term
financing can be arranged. In most cases, the long-term bonds then provide the
money for the repayment of the Notes.
CONSTRUCTION LOAN NOTES are sold to provide construction financing. After
successful completion and acceptance, many projects receive permanent financing
through the Federal Housing Administration under the Federal National Mortgage
Association or the Government National Mortgage Association.
TAX-EXEMPT COMMERCIAL PAPER is a short-term obligation with a stated maturity
of 365 days or less. It is issued by agencies of state and local governments to
finance seasonal working capital needs or as short-term financing in
anticipation of longer term financing.
3. MUNICIPAL LEASES
Municipal Leases, which may take the form of a lease or an installment purchase
or conditional sale contract, are issued by state and local governments and
authorities to acquire a wide variety of equipment and facilities such as fire
and sanitation vehicles, telecommunications equipment and other capital assets.
Municipal leases frequently have special risks not normally associated with
general obligation or revenue bonds. Leases and installment purchase or
conditional sale contracts (which normally provide for title to the leased asset
to pass eventually to the government issuer) have evolved as a means for
governmental issuers to acquire property and equipment without meeting the
constitutional and statutory requirements for the issuance of debt. The debt-
issuance limitations of many state constitutions and statutes are deemed to be
inapplicable because of the inclusion in many leases or contracts of "non-
appropriation" clauses that provide that the governmental issuer has no
obligation to make future payments under the lease or contract unless money is
appropriated for such purpose by the appropriate legislative body on a yearly or
other periodic basis. To reduce this risk, the Fund will only purchase municipal
leases subject to a non-appropriation clause when the payment of principal and
accrued interest is backed by an unconditional irrevocable letter of credit or
guarantee of a bank or other entity that meets the criteria described in the
Prospectus.
B-29
<PAGE>
INVESTORS BOND FUND
TAXSAVER BOND FUND
APPENDIX C - HEDGING STRATEGIES
As discussed in the Prospectus, the Adviser to each Fund may engage in certain
options and futures strategies to attempt to hedge a Fund's portfolio. The
instruments in which the Fund may invest include (i) options on securities and
stock indexes, (ii) stock index and interest rate futures contracts ("futures
contracts"), and (iii) options on futures contracts. Use of these instruments is
subject to regulation by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), the
several options and futures exchanges upon which options and futures are traded,
and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC").
The various hedging and income strategies referred to herein and in each Fund's
Prospectus are intended to illustrate the type of strategies that are available
to, and may be used by, the Adviser in managing a Fund's portfolio. Depending on
prevailing market conditions, use of these strategies may enable the Adviser to
reduce investment risks to which a Fund may be subject. No assurance can be
given, however, that any strategies will succeed.
The Funds will not use leverage in their hedging strategies. In the case of
transactions entered into as a hedge, a Fund will hold securities or other
options or futures positions whose values are expected to offset ("cover") its
obligations thereunder. A Fund will not enter into a hedging strategy that
exposes the Fund to an obligation to another party unless it owns either (1) an
offsetting ("covered") position or (2) cash, U.S. government securities or other
liquid, short-term debt securities with a value sufficient at all times to cover
its potential obligations. Each Fund will comply with guidelines established by
the SEC with respect to coverage and, if the guidelines so require, will set
aside cash, U.S. government securities or other liquid, high-grade debt
securities in a segregated account with its custodian in the prescribed amount.
Securities, options or futures positions used for cover and assets held in a
segregated account cannot be sold or closed out while the hedging strategy is
outstanding, unless they are replaced with similar assets. As a result, there is
a possibility that the use of cover or segregation involving a large percentage
of a Fund's assets could impede portfolio management or the Fund's ability to
meet redemption requests or other current obligations.
OPTIONS STRATEGIES. The Funds may purchase put and call options written by
others and write (sell) put and call options covering specified securities or
stock index-related amounts. A put option (sometimes called a "standby
commitment") gives the buyer of such option, upon payment of a premium, the
right to deliver a specified amount of a security or specified amount of cash
(on stock-index options) to the writer of the option on or before a fixed date
at a predetermined price. A call option (sometimes called a "reverse standby
commitment") gives the purchaser of the option, upon payment of a premium, the
right to call upon the writer to deliver a specified amount of a security or
specified amount of cash (on stock-index options) or before a fixed date, at a
predetermined price. The predetermined prices may be higher or lower than the
market value of the underlying currency or security. A Fund may buy or sell both
exchange-traded and over-the-counter ("OTC") options. A Fund will purchase or
write an option only if that option is traded on a recognized U.S. options
exchange or if the Adviser believes that a liquid secondary market for the
option exists. When a Fund purchases an OTC option, it relies on the dealer from
which it has purchased the OTC option to make or take delivery of the securities
or currency underlying the option. Failure by the dealer to do so would result
in the loss of the premium paid by the Fund as well as the loss of the expected
benefit of the transaction. OTC options and the securities underlying these
options are currently treated as illiquid securities.
A Fund may purchase call options on equity securities that the Adviser intends
to include in the Fund's portfolio in order to fix the cost of a future
purchase. Call options may also be purchased as a means of participating in an
anticipated price increase of a security on a more limited risk basis than would
be possible if the security itself were purchased. In the event of a decline in
the price of the underlying
B-30
<PAGE>
security, use of this strategy would serve to limit the potential loss to the
Fund to the option premium paid; conversely, if the market price of the
underlying security increases above the exercise price and the Fund either sells
or exercises the option, any profit eventually realized will be reduced by the
premium paid. The Funds may similarly purchase put options in order to hedge
against a decline in market value of securities held in its portfolio. The put
enables a Fund to sell the underlying security at the predetermined exercise
price; thus the potential for loss to the Fund is limited to the option premium
paid. If the market price of the underlying security is higher than the exercise
price of the put, any profit the Fund realizes on the sale of the security would
be reduced by the premium paid for the put option less any amount for which the
put may be sold.
A Fund may write covered call options when the Adviser believes that the market
value of the underlying security will not rise to a value greater than the
exercise price plus the premium received. Call options may also be written to
provide limited protection against a decrease in the market price of a security,
in an amount equal to the call premium received less any transaction costs. The
Fund may write covered put options only to effect closing transactions.
A Fund may purchase and write put and call options on stock indexes in much the
same manner as the equity and debt security options discussed above, except that
stock index options may serve as a hedge against overall fluctuations in the
securities markets (or market sectors) or as a means of participating in an
anticipated price increase in those markets. The effectiveness of hedging
techniques using stock index options will depend on the extent to which price
movements in the stock index selected correlate with price movements of the
securities which are being hedged. Stock index options are settled exclusively
in cash.
SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS AND RISKS OF OPTIONS TRADING. The Funds may effectively
terminate their right or obligation under an option contract by entering into a
closing transaction. For instance, if a Fund wished to terminate its potential
obligation to sell securities under a call option it had written, a call option
of the same series (an identical call option) would be purchased by the Fund.
Closing transactions essentially permit the Funds to realize profits or limit
losses on its options positions prior to the exercise or expiration of the
option. In addition:
(1) The successful use of options as a hedging strategy depends upon the
Adviser's ability to forecast the direction of price fluctuations in the
underlying securities markets, or in the case of a stock index option,
fluctuations in the market sector represented by the index.
(2) Options normally have expiration dates of up to nine months. Options that
expire unexercised have no value. Unless an option purchased by a Fund is
exercised or unless a closing transaction is effected with respect to that
position, a loss will be realized in the amount of the premium paid.
(3) A position in an exchange listed option may be closed out only on an
exchange which provides a market for identical options. Most exchange listed
options relate to equity securities. Exchange markets for options on debt
securities are relatively new and the ability to establish and close out
positions on the exchanges is subject to the maintenance of a liquid secondary
market. Closing transactions may be effected with respect to options traded in
the over-the-counter markets (currently the primary markets for options on debt
securities) only by negotiating directly with the other party to the option
contract or in a secondary market for the option if such market exists. There is
no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular option
at any specific time. If it is not possible to effect a closing transaction, a
Fund would have to exercise the option which it purchased in order to realize
any profit. The inability to effect a closing transaction on an option written
by a Fund may result in material losses to that Fund.
(4) The Funds' activities in the options markets may result in a higher
portfolio turnover rate and additional brokerage costs.
FUTURES STRATEGIES. Several futures contracts on broad-based stock indexes
currently are traded; these include the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index on the
Chicago Mercantile Exchange, the New York Stock
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<PAGE>
Exchange Composite Stock Index on the New York Futures Exchange and the Major
Market Index on the Chicago Board of Trade. In addition, several interest rate
futures contracts currently are traded; these include various futures contracts
on Treasury bonds, notes and bills on the Chicago Board of Trade as well as a 30
Interest Rate contract also traded on the Chicago Board of Trade.
Futures contracts on a municipal bond index are traded on the Chicago Board of
Trade. This index assigns relative values, which fluctuate in accordance with
current market conditions, to the municipal bonds comprising the index. Options
on various of these futures contracts are also traded.
A futures contract is a bilateral agreement wherein one party agrees to accept,
and the other party agrees to make, delivery of cash or securities as called for
in the contract at a specified future date and at a specified price. For stock
index futures contracts, delivery is of an amount of cash equal to a specified
dollar amount times the difference between the stock index value at the time of
the contract and the close of trading of the contract. For interest rate futures
contracts, delivery is of the underlying debt securities.
A Fund may sell stock index futures contracts in anticipation of a general
market or market sector decline that may adversely affect the market values of
the Fund's securities. To the extent that the Fund's portfolio correlates with a
given stock index, the sale of futures contracts on that index could reduce the
risks associated with a market decline and thus provide an alternative to the
liquidation of securities positions. The Funds may purchase a stock index
futures contract if a significant market or market sector advance is
anticipated. These purchases would serve as a temporary substitute for the
purchase of individual stocks, which stocks may then be purchased in the future.
The Fund may purchase call options on a stock index future as a means of
obtaining temporary exposure to market appreciation at limited risk. This
strategy is analogous to the purchase of a call option on an individual stock,
in that it can be used as a temporary substitute for a position in the stock
itself. A Fund may purchase a call option on a stock index future to hedge
against a market advance in stocks which the Fund planned to acquire at a future
date. The Fund may also purchase put options on stock index futures contracts.
These purchases are analogous to the purchase of protective puts on individual
stocks, where a level of protection is sought below which no additional economic
loss would be incurred by the Fund. The Funds may write covered call options on
stock index future contracts as a partial hedge against a decline in the prices
of stocks held in the Funds' portfolio. This is analogous to writing covered
call options on securities.
A Fund may use interest rate futures contracts and options thereon to hedge its
portfolio against changes in the general level of interest rates. A Fund may
purchase an interest rate futures contract when it intends to purchase debt
securities but has not yet done so. This strategy may minimize the effect of all
or part of an increase in the market price of the debt security which the Fund
intended to purchase in the future. A Fund may sell an interest rate futures
contract in order to continue to receive the income from a debt security, while
endeavoring to avoid part or all of the decline in market value of that security
which would accompany an increase in interest rates.
A Fund may purchase a call option on an interest rate futures contract to hedge
against a market advance in debt securities which the Fund planned to acquire at
a future date. The purchase of a call option on an interest rate futures
contracts is analogous to the purchase of a call option on an individual debt
security which can be used as a temporary substitute for a position in the
security itself. A Fund may also write covered call options on interest rate
futures contracts as a partial hedge against a decline in the price of debt
securities held in the Fund's portfolio or purchase put options on interest rate
futures contracts in order to hedge against a decline in the value of debt
securities held in the Fund's portfolio.
SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS AND RISKS OF FUTURES AND RELATED OPTIONS TRADING. The
following relate to each Fund's use of futures contracts and options on futures
contracts and, to the extent in the future they were to be permitted, foreign
currency and other options traded on a commodities exchange (collectively,
"futures contracts and related options").
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<PAGE>
No price is paid upon entering into futures contracts. Instead, upon entering
into a futures contract, a Fund would be required to deposit with its custodian
in a segregated account in the name of the futures broker an amount of cash or
U.S. government securities generally equal to 5% or less of the contract value.
This amount is known as "initial margin." Subsequent payments, called
"variation margin," to and from the broker, would be made on a daily basis as
the value of the futures position varies, a process known as "marking to the
market." When writing a call option on a futures contract, variation margin
must be deposited in accordance with applicable exchange rules. The initial
margin in futures transactions is in the nature of a performance bond or good-
faith deposit on the contract that is returned to the Fund upon termination of
the contract, assuming all contractual obligations have been satisfied.
Holders and writers of futures and related options can enter into offsetting
closing transactions, similar to closing transactions on options, by selling or
purchasing, respectively, a futures contract or related option with the same
terms as the position held or written. Positions in futures contracts may be
closed only on an exchange providing a secondary market for the futures
contracts.
Under certain circumstances, futures exchanges may establish daily limits in the
amount that the price of a futures contract or related option may vary either up
or down from the previous day's settlement price. Once the daily limit has been
reached in a particular contract, no trades may be made that day at a price
beyond that limit. Futures or options contract prices could move to the daily
limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading and thereby
prevent prompt liquidation of positions. In such event, it may not be possible
for a Fund to close a position, and in the event of adverse price movements, a
Fund would have to make daily cash payments of variation margin (except in the
case of purchased options). In addition:
(1) Successful use by a Fund of futures contracts and related options will
depend upon the Adviser's ability to predict movements in the direction of the
overall securities and interest rate markets, which requires different skills
and techniques than predicting changes in the prices of individual securities.
Moreover, futures contracts relate not to the current level of the underlying
instrument but to the anticipated levels at some point in the future; thus, for
example, trading of stock index futures may not reflect the trading of the
securities which are used to formulate an index or even actual fluctuations in
the relevant index itself.
(2) The price of futures contracts may not correlate perfectly with movement in
the price of the hedged securities due to price distortions in the futures
market. There may be several reasons unrelated to the value of the underlying
securities which cause this situation to occur. As a result, a correct forecast
of general market trends may still not result in successful hedging through the
use of futures contracts over the short term. Activities of large traders in
both the futures and securities markets involving arbitrage and other investment
strategies may result in temporary price distortions.
(3) Although the Funds intend to purchase or sell futures only on exchanges or
boards of trade where there appears to be an active secondary market, there is
no assurance that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular
contract at any particular time. In such event, it may not be possible to close
a futures position, and in the event of adverse price movements, the Funds would
continue to be required to make daily cash payments of variation margin.
(4) Like other options, options on futures contracts have a limited life. The
Funds will not trade options on futures contracts unless and until, in the
Adviser's opinion, the market for such options has developed sufficiently that
the risks in connection with options are not greater than the risks in
connection with futures transactions.
(5) Purchasers of options on futures contracts pay a premium in cash at the
time of purchase. This amount and the transaction costs is all that is at risk.
Sellers of options on futures contracts, however, must post an
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<PAGE>
initial margin and are subject to additional margin calls which could be
substantial in the event of adverse price movements.
(6) Each Fund's activities in the futures markets may result in a higher
portfolio turnover rate and additional transaction costs in the form of added
brokerage commissions.
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<PAGE>
MAINE MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account Information and
Shareholder Servicing: Distributor:
Forum Financial Corp. Forum Financial Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 446 Two Portland Square
Portland, Maine 04112 Portland, Maine 04101
207-879-0001 207-879-1900
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
August 1, 1996
Forum Funds (the "Trust") is a registered open-end investment company. This
Statement of Additional Information supplements the Prospectus offering shares
of the Maine Municipal Bond Fund (the "Fund") and should be read only in
conjunction with the Prospectus, a copy of which may be obtained by an investor
without charge by contacting the Trust's Distributor at the address listed
above.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
----
1. Investment Policies. . . . . . . . . . . .
2. Investment Limitations . . . . . . . . . .
3. Performance Data . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4. Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5. Determination of Net Asset Value . . . . .
6. Portfolio Transactions . . . . . . . . . .
7. Additional Purchase and
Redemption Information. . . . . . . . .
8. Taxation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9. Other Information. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix A - Description of Securities Ratings
Appendix B - Description of Municipal Securities
Appendix C - Hedging Strategies
THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT A PROSPECTUS AND IS AUTHORIZED
FOR DISTRIBUTION TO PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ONLY IF PRECEDED OR ACCOMPANIED BY AN
EFFECTIVE PROSPECTUS.
B-1
<PAGE>
1. INVESTMENT POLICIES
RATINGS AS INVESTMENT CRITERIA
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), Standard & Poor's Corporation
("S&P") and other nationally recognized statistical rating organizations
("NRSROs") are private services that provide ratings of the credit quality of
debt obligations, including convertible securities. A description of the range
of ratings assigned to municipal bonds and other municipal securities by several
NRSROs is included in Appendix A to this Statement of Additional Information.
The Fund may use these ratings to determine whether to purchase, sell or hold a
security. However, ratings are general and are not absolute standards of
quality. Consequently, securities with the same maturity, interest rate and
rating may have different market prices. If an issue of securities ceases to be
rated or if its rating is reduced after it has been purchased by the Fund, Forum
Advisors, Inc. (the "Adviser") will determine whether the Fund should continue
to hold the obligation. Credit ratings attempt to evaluate the safety of
principal and interest payments and do not evaluate the risks of fluctuations in
market value. Also, rating agencies may fail to make timely changes in credit
ratings. An issuer's current financial condition may be better or worse than a
rating indicates.
The Fund may retain a security whose rating has been lowered below the lowest
permissible rating category (or that is unrated and determined by the Adviser to
be of comparable quality) if the Adviser determines that retaining such security
is in the best interests of the Fund. A non-rated security is considered to be
of comparable quality to a rated security when the Adviser believes that the
financial condition of the issuer of the obligation and the protection afforded
by the terms of the obligation itself limit the risk to the Fund to a degree
comparable to that of the rated security.
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
The term "municipal securities," as used in the Prospectus and this Statement of
Additional Information, means obligations of the type described in Appendix B
issued by or on behalf of states, territories, and possessions of the United
States and their political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities, the
interest on which is exempt from Federal and Maine state income tax imposed on
individuals. The municipal securities in which the Fund will invest are limited
to those obligations which at the time of purchase: (i) are backed by the full
faith and credit of the United States; (ii) are municipal notes rated in the
four highest rating categories by an NRSRO, or, if not rated, are of comparable
quality as determined by the Adviser; (iii) are municipal bonds rated in the six
highest rating categories by an NRSRO or, if not rated, are of comparable
quality as determined by Adviser; or (iv) are other types of municipal
securities, provided that such obligations are of comparable quality as
determined by the Adviser to instruments in which the Fund may invest.
MUNICIPAL LEASES
Municipal leases frequently have special risks not normally associated with
general obligation or revenue bonds or notes. Municipal leases and installment
purchase or conditional sale contracts (which normally provide for title to the
leased assets to pass eventually to the government lessee) are sometimes viewed
as a means for governmental issuers to acquire property and equipment without
meeting constitutional or statutory requirements for issuance of long-term debt.
The debt-issuance limitations of the constitution and statutes of the State of
Maine are inapplicable because of the inclusion in such leases or contracts of
"non-appropriation" clauses that provide that the governmental issuer has no
obligation to make future payments under the lease or contract unless money is
appropriated for such purpose by the appropriate legislative body on a yearly or
other periodic basis. If no such appropriations are made, leased property is
ordinarily returned to, and disposed of by, a trustee in order to pay off all or
a portion of the liabilities under the lease. To reduce this risk, the Fund will
only purchase municipal leases subject to a non-appropriation clause when the
payment of principal and accrued interest is backed by an unconditional
irrevocable letter of credit or guarantee of a bank or other entity that has
long term outstanding debt securities rated in one of the top two rating
categories by an NRSRO.
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<PAGE>
VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE OBLIGATIONS
The interest rates payable on certain municipal securities, including municipal
leases, in which the Fund may invest are not fixed and may fluctuate based upon
changes in market rates. These securities are referred to as variable rate or
floating rate obligations. Other features of these obligations may include the
right whereby the Fund may demand prepayment of the principal amount of the
obligation prior to its stated maturity and the right of the issuer to prepay
the principal amount prior to maturity. The main benefit of a variable or
floating rate municipal security is that the interest rate adjustment minimizes
changes in the market value of the obligation. As a result, the purchase of
these municipal securities enhances the ability of the Fund to sell an
obligation prior to maturity at a price approximating the full principal amount
of the obligation. The payment of principal and interest by issuers of certain
municipal securities purchased by the Fund may be guaranteed by letters of
credit or other credit facilities offered by banks or other financial
institutions. Such guarantees will be considered in determining whether a
municipal security meets the Fund's investment quality requirements. The Adviser
will monitor the pricing, quality and liquidity of variable rate and floating
rate demand obligations held by the Fund on the basis of published financial
information, rating agency reports and other research services to which the Fund
or Adviser may subscribe.
PARTICIPATION INTERESTS
The Fund may purchase participation interests in municipal bonds, including
private activity bonds and floating and variable rate securities that are owned
by banks or other financial institutions. A participation interest gives the
Fund an undivided interest in a municipal security owned by a bank or other
financial institution. These instruments carry a demand feature permitting the
holder to tender them back to the bank or other institution and are generally
backed by an irrevocable letter of credit or guarantee of the bank or
institution. The Fund can exercise the right, on not more than thirty days'
notice, to sell such an instrument back to the bank or institution from which it
purchased the instrument and draw on the letter of credit for all or any part of
the principal amount of the Fund's participation interest in the instrument,
plus accrued interest. Generally, the Fund will do so only (i) as required to
provide liquidity to the Fund, (ii) to maintain a high quality investment
portfolio, or (iii) upon a default under the terms of the demand instrument.
Banks and other financial institutions retain portions of the interest paid on
such participation interests as their fees for servicing such instruments and
the issuance of related letters of credit, guarantees and repurchase
commitments. Exposure to credit losses arising from the possible financial
difficulties of borrowers might affect the bank's or other institution's ability
to meet its obligations under its letter of credit or other guarantee.
The Fund will not purchase participation interests unless it is advised by
counsel or receives a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service that interest
earned by the Fund from the obligations in which it holds participation
interests is exempt from Federal income tax. The Internal Revenue Service has
announced that it ordinarily will not issue advance rulings on certain of the
Federal income tax consequences applicable to securities, or participation
interests therein, subject to a put. The Adviser will monitor the pricing,
quality and liquidity of participation interests held by the Fund on the basis
of published financial information, rating agency reports and other research
services to which the Fund or the Adviser may subscribe.
STAND-BY COMMITMENTS
The Fund acquires stand-by commitments solely to facilitate portfolio liquidity
and does not exercise its rights thereunder for trading purposes. Since the
value of a stand-by commitment is dependent on the ability of the stand-by
commitment writer to meet its obligation to repurchase, the Fund's policy is to
enter into stand-by commitment transactions only with municipal securities
dealers which in the opinion of the Adviser present minimal credit risks.
The acquisition of a stand-by commitment does not affect the valuation or
maturity of the underlying municipal securities. Stand-by commitments acquired
by the Fund are valued at zero in determining net asset value. When the Fund
pays directly or indirectly for a stand-by commitment, its cost is reflected as
unrealized depreciation for the period during which the commitment is held.
Stand-by commitments do not affect the average weighted maturity of the Fund's
portfolio of securities.
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<PAGE>
WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES AND FORWARD COMMITMENTS
The Fund may purchase securities offered on a "when-issued" basis and may
purchase or sell securities on a "forward commitment" basis. When such
transactions are negotiated, the price, which is generally expressed in yield
terms, is fixed at the time the commitment is made, but delivery and payment for
the securities take place at a later date. Normally, the settlement date occurs
within two months after the transaction, but delayed settlements beyond two
months may be negotiated. During the period between a commitment and settlement,
no payment is made for the securities purchased by the purchaser and, thus, no
interest accrues to the purchaser from the transaction. At the time the Fund
makes the commitment to purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery
basis, the Fund will record the transaction as a purchase and thereafter reflect
the value each day of such securities in determining its net asset value.
The use of when-issued transactions and forward commitments enables the Fund to
hedge against anticipated changes in interest rates and prices. For instance, in
periods of rising interest rates and falling bond prices, the Fund might sell
securities which it owned on a forward commitment basis to limit its exposure to
falling prices. In periods of falling interest rates and rising bond prices, the
Fund might sell a security and purchase the same or a similar security on a
when-issued or forward commitment basis, thereby obtaining the benefit of
currently higher cash yields. However, if the Adviser were to forecast
incorrectly the direction of interest rate movements, the Fund might be required
to complete such when-issued or forward commitment transactions at prices
inferior to the current market values.
When-issued securities and forward commitments may be sold prior to the
settlement date, but the Fund enter into when-issued and forward commitment
transactions only with the intention of actually receiving or delivering the
securities, as the case may be. If the Fund, however, chooses to dispose of the
right to acquire a when-issued security prior to its acquisition or to dispose
of its right to deliver or receive against a forward commitment, it can incur a
gain or loss. When-issued securities may include bonds purchased on a "when, as
and if issued" basis under which the issuance of the securities depends upon the
occurrence of a subsequent event, such as approval of a proposed financing by
appropriate municipal authorities. Any significant commitment of the Fund's
assets to the purchase of securities on a "when, as and if issued" basis may
increase the volatility of its net asset value. No when-issued or forward
commitment transactions will be entered into by the Fund if, as a result, more
than 15% of the value of the Fund's total assets would be committed to such
transactions.
The Fund will maintain with its custodian a separate account with cash, U.S.
Government securities or other liquid, high-grade debt securities with a value
at all times sufficient to cover such commitments.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
The Fund may seek additional income by entering into repurchase agreements.
Repurchase agreements are transactions in which the Fund purchases a security
and simultaneously commits to resell that security to the seller at an agreed-
upon price on an agreed-upon future date, normally one to seven days later. The
resale price reflects a market rate of interest that is not related to the
coupon rate or maturity of the purchased security. The Trust's custodian
maintains possession of the underlying collateral, which is maintained at not
less than 100% of the repurchase price, and which consists of the types of
securities in which the Fund may invest directly.
LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
The Fund may from time to time lend securities from its portfolio to brokers,
dealers and other financial institutions. Securities loans must be continuously
secured by cash or U.S. Government Securities with a market value, determined
daily, at least equal to the value of the Fund's securities loaned, including
accrued interest. The Fund receives interest in respect of securities loans from
the borrower or from investing cash collateral. The Fund may pay fees to arrange
the loans. The Fund will not lend portfolio securities in excess of 33 1/3% of
the value of the Fund's total assets.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES
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<PAGE>
The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities. The term
"illiquid securities" for this purpose means securities that cannot be disposed
of within seven days in the ordinary course of business at approximately the
amount at which the Fund has valued the securities and includes, among other
things, purchased over-the-counter (OTC) options, repurchase agreements maturing
in more than seven days and municipal leases other than those the Adviser has
determined are liquid pursuant to guidelines established by the Trust's Board of
Directors (the "Board").
The Board has the ultimate responsibility for determining whether specific
securities are liquid or illiquid. The Board has delegated the function of
making day-to-day determinations of liquidity to the Adviser, pursuant to
guidelines approved by the Board. The Adviser takes into account a number of
factors in reaching liquidity decisions, including but not limited to: (1) the
frequency of trades and quotations for the security; (2) the number of dealers
willing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential
buyers; (3) the willingness of dealers to undertake to make a market in the
security; and (4) the nature of the marketplace trades, including the time
needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and the
mechanics of the transfer. The Adviser monitors the liquidity of the securities
in the Fund's portfolio and reports periodically on such decisions to the Board.
TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE POSITION
When the Fund assumes a temporary defensive position it may invest in (i) short-
term U.S. Government Securities, (ii) certificates of deposit, bankers'
acceptances and interest-bearing savings deposits of commercial banks doing
business in the United States that have, at the time of investment, total assets
in excess of one billion dollars and that are insured by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation, (iii) commercial paper of prime quality rated Prime-2 or
higher by Moody's or A-2 or higher by S&P or, if not rated, determined by the
Adviser to be of comparable quality, (iv) repurchase agreements covering any of
the securities in which the Fund may invest directly and (v) money market mutual
funds.
The Fund may invest in the securities of other investment companies within the
limits proscribed by the 1940 Act. Under normal circumstances, the Fund intends
to invest less than 5% of the value of its net assets in the securities of other
investment companies. In addition to the Fund's expenses (including the various
fees), as a shareholder in another investment company, the Fund would bear its
pro rata portion of the other investment company's expenses (including fees).
GENERAL
Yields on municipal securities are dependent on a variety of factors, including
the general conditions of the money market and of the municipal bond and
municipal note markets, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of the
obligation and the rating of the issue. Municipal securities with longer
maturities tend to produce higher yields and are generally subject to greater
price movements than obligations with shorter maturities. An increase in
interest rates will generally reduce the market value of portfolio investments,
and a decline in interest rates will generally increase the value of portfolio
investments.
There can be no assurance that the Fund's investment objective will be achieved.
The achievement of the Fund's objective is dependent in part on the continuing
ability of the issuers of municipal securities in which the Fund invests to meet
their obligations for the payment of principal and interest when due. Municipal
securities historically have not been subject to registration with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, although there have been proposals which
would require registration in the future.
The obligations of municipal securities issuers may become subject to laws
enacted in the future by Congress, state legislatures, or referenda extending
the time for payment of principal and/or interest, or imposing other constraints
upon enforcement of such obligations or upon the ability of municipalities to
levy taxes. There is also the possibility that, as a result of litigation or
other conditions, the ability of any issuer to pay, when due, the principal of
and interest on its municipal securities may be materially affected.
B-5
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CERTAIN INFORMATION CONCERNING THE STATE OF MAINE
Material in this section has been compiled from numerous sources including "The
Maine Economy: Year-End Review and Outlook, 1995," and the most recent "Maine
Retail Sales Quarterly Reports" through the "First Quarter 1996" issue prepared
and published by the Economics Division of the Maine State Planning Office. In
addition, certain information was obtained from Official Statements of the State
of Maine published in connection with the issuance of $76,700,000 general
obligation bonds dated April 1, 1996, and $150,000,000 State of Maine General
Obligation Tax Anticipation Notes dated July 2, 1996. Other information
concerning Maine budgetary matters was obtained from official legislative
documents, the Office of Fiscal and Program Review of the Maine Legislature, and
the Bureau of the Budget of the Maine Department of Administrative and Financial
Services. The most recent information concerning credit ratings on debt issued
by or on behalf of the State of Maine and its subordinate agencies was obtained
from credit reports for the State of Maine published by S&P on April 19, 1996,
by Moody's on April 22, 1996, and by Fitch Investors Service, L.P. ("Fitch"), on
April 22, 1996.
Although the information derived from the above sources is believed to be
accurate, none of the information obtained from these sources has been
independently verified. While the following summarizes the most current
information available from the above sources, it does not reflect economic
conditions or developments which may have occurred or trends which may have
materialized since the dates indicated.
The State of Maine, which includes nearly one-half of the total land area of the
six New England states, currently has a population of approximately 1,240,000.
The structure of the Maine economy is similar to that of the nation as a whole,
except that Maine has proportionately more activity in manufacturing and
tourism, and less activity in finance and services.
During the 1980's, Maine's economy surpassed national averages in virtually all
significant measures of economic growth. During this ten-year period, Maine
real economic growth was 40% as measured by the Maine Economic Growth Index
("EGI"), a broad-based measure of economic growth which is corrected for
inflation. This economic growth compares to national real economic growth
during the 1980's of 26% and 29%, measured by the United States Economic Growth
Index and real Gross National Product respectively. During this time period,
resident employment in Maine increased by 21%, while resident employment
nationally increased by 19%. Inflation-adjusted retail sales in Maine during
this period increased by 72%, as opposed to a 32% increase in such retail sales
nationally. During the 1980's, per capita personal income in Maine rose from
44th in the nation in 1979, to 26th in the nation in 1989, or from 81% to 92% of
the national average of per capita personal income. During the 1980's, Maine's
economy also became more diversified.
Since the fourth quarter of 1989, however, the Maine economy has not performed
as well as earlier. For example, the Maine economy sustained only 0.8% real
growth in 1989, and experienced real growth of -1.1% in 1990 and -2.6% in 1991.
Data show that the Maine economy began a sustained decline during the fourth
quarter of 1989. The second quarter of 1991 saw the seventh consecutive
quarterly decline in the Maine EGI, and the third and fourth quarters of 1991
showed barely positive economic growth of 0.9% and 0.2% respectively. Economic
recovery in Maine also has been hindered by significant losses in defense-
related jobs, with the State losing since 1990 approximately 20% of its defense-
dependent employment which peaked at 63,000 jobs in 1989. During the 1989-1991
period also, the State lost 6% of its entire job base.
Since 1991 the Maine economy has experienced a modest recovery, and this
recovery has continued slowly through the end of calendar year 1995. In 1995,
however, Maine's economic recovery slowed even from the modest levels
experienced previously. For example, The Maine State Planning Office estimates
that Maine real economic growth, as measured by the Maine EGI, expanded by only
a 2% annual rate in 1995, compared to a 2.6% EGI growth rate in 1994. Consumer
retail sales for the first three quarters of 1995 increased only 2.4% from the
same period in the previous year. This compares to a 6.7% increase in such
sales in 1994, and a 5.3% increase in such sales in 1993. In addition, since
retail price inflation in Maine is estimated by the Maine State Planning Office
to have been about 2% for 1995, the real increase in Maine retail sales volume
during 1995 was less than 1%. During 1995, Maine's unemployment rate decreased
from 7.0% to 6.0%. Maine's unemployment rate, however, is still significantly
higher than the 5.2% average national unemployment rate, and only 6 of Maine's
16 counties experienced unemployment rates in 1995 that were below the national
average. Overall, most Maine economic indicators improved slightly during 1995
compared to the same period in 1994, and such positive economic indicators were
led by a 6.1% increase in restaurant and lodging receipts connected largely to
the State's tourist
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industry. Only small increases were achieved, however, for most Maine economic
indicators, with consumer retail sales up 2.4%, general merchandise sales up
3.2% food store sales up 2.8%, construction contract dollar amounts up 2.6%,
building supply sales up 2.2%, other retail sales up .8%, and auto
transportation sales up .1%. Also, residential home sales in Maine during 1995
were down 10% from levels experienced in 1994, and Maine residential home
construction in 1995 was down 17% from levels experienced in 1994.
In addition, numerous large Maine employers have recently announced plans to
postpone business expansions or to downsize their workforces. Unum and L.L.
Bean have both recently postponed major expansion proposals, and Nynex, Unum,
Key Bank, James River Corporation, K-Mart, Casco Northern Bank, Rich's
Department Stores, Central Maine Power Company, Bangor Hydro-Electric Company
and Bath Iron Works have all announced job reductions. Further reductions in
State government payrolls are also expected to fund tax cuts already enacted by
the Legislature, but not yet fully implemented. Conversely, National
Semiconductor is moving forward on a major expansion project in South Portland.
The net result of all of this, in the opinion of the Economics Division of the
State Planning Office, is that Maine's economy appeared weaker at the end of
1995 than at the beginning of the year, but that the State's economic "outlook
is for continued, no headline growth." Recently, during the first quarter of
1996, taxable retail sales in Maine increased significantly over the same
quarter in 1995, but it is too early to tell whether this increase will continue
for all of 1996. The consumer retail sales data cited above (including among
other items taxable retail sales related to the tourist industry) are
particularly significant for State of Maine credit purposes. Since roughly one-
third of Maine State government general fund revenues are derived from a 6%
retail sales tax, the performance of taxable retail sales in Maine is directly
related to the ability of Maine State government to maintain a stable fiscal
condition.
The fiscal policies of the State of Maine are very conservative, and the State
is required by its Constitution to operate on a balanced budget. The Maine
Constitution does this by prohibiting the Legislature, by itself, from issuing
any debt by or on behalf of the State which exceeds $2,000,000 "except to
suppress insurrection, to repel invasion, or for purposes of war, and except for
temporary loans to be paid out of money raised by taxation during the fiscal
year in which they are made." The Maine Constitution also provides for the
prohibition of debt issued by or on behalf of the State to fund "current
expenditures." The Maine Constitution allows the issuance of long-term debt
when two-thirds of both houses of the Legislature pass a law authorizing the
issuance of such debt, and when the voters of the State ratify and enact such a
law at a general or special statewide election. Amendments to the Maine
Constitution have also been adopted to permit the Legislature to authorize the
issuance of bonds to insure payment of up to: (i) $6,000,000 of revenue bonds of
the Maine School Building Authority; (ii) $4,000,000 of loans to Maine students
attending institutions of higher education; (iii) $1,000,000 of mortgage loans
for Indian housing; (iv) $4,000,000 of mortgage loans to resident Maine veterans
including businesses owned by resident Maine veterans; and (v) $90,000,000 of
mortgage loans for industrial, manufacturing, fishing, agricultural and
recreational enterprises. The Maine Constitution provides that if the
Legislature fails to appropriate sufficient funds to pay principal and interest
on general obligation bonds of the State, the State Treasurer is required to set
aside sufficient funds from the first General Fund revenues received thereafter
by the State to make such payments.
As of May 31, 1996, there were outstanding general obligation bonds of the State
in the principal amount of $515,825,000. On June 28, 1996, $182,000,000
outstanding tax anticipation notes of the State matured, and on July 2, 1996,
the State issued $150,000,000 tax anticipation notes to mature on June 27, 1997.
Various other Maine governmental agencies and quasi-governmental agencies
including, but not limited to, the Maine Municipal Bond Bank, the Maine Court
Facilities Authority, the Maine Health and Higher Educational Facilities
Authority, Maine Turnpike Authority, the Maine State Housing Authority, and the
Maine Educational Loan Authority, issue debt for Maine governmental purposes,
but this debt does not pledge the credit of the State.
The strength of Maine's economy during the 1980's enabled the State to
accumulate relatively large unappropriated surpluses of general fund revenues.
During the economic contraction of 1989 through 1992, however, Maine State
government repeatedly reduced its expenditures in order to comply with the
requirement of the Maine Constitution that State government operate on a
balanced budget. More recently, Maine State government has continued to downsize
and restructure its operations as part of an overall effort to improve the
management of numerous governmental programs. For example, in 1995, the Maine
Legislature created a Productivity Realization Task Force, and charged it with
identifying more than $45,000,000 of savings in State General Fund expenditures
during the 1996-1997 fiscal biennium. During the
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session of the Legislature ending on April 4, 1996, the Task Force completed the
identification of $45.28 million in cuts to General Fund expenditures and passed
legislation to implement those cuts during the 1996-1997 biennium. The work of
the Task Force also will result in additional ongoing cuts of $60.1 million in
General Fund expenditures during the 1998-1999 biennium, and the permanent
elimination of approximately 1352 State jobs. Such cuts in General Fund
expenditures and other fiscal cost reductions allowed the Governor, on April 11,
1996, to sign a balanced General Fund budget in the amount of $1,797,414,117
for fiscal year 1997, and allowed the State to make modest increases in
appropriations for tourism promotion, alternatives to nursing home care, abused
and neglected children's programs, and community-based mental health and
corrections services. The State also appropriated, an additional $17.5 million
to its "Rainy Day Fund" to set aside funds to deal with future unexpected
financial contingencies. This action increased the balance in that fund to
$23.9 million.
It will be necessary for the Governor and the Legislature to continue such
downsizing and restructuring of Maine State government operations. This is so
because the Legislature has enacted a State income tax cap, beginning in fiscal
year 1998, which caps the amount of State income tax revenue which the State can
spend at $676,230,000, the amount of such revenue expected to be received by the
State during fiscal year 1998. Additional income tax revenue received, once the
cap becomes effective, would be deposited in a reserve fund and used to pay
income tax refunds to taxpayers. As part of this arrangement, income tax rates
also would be reduced by up to 20% to eliminate the collection of income tax
revenue above the amount of the cap. The Legislature is expected to review the
income tax cap plan periodically, and it is empowered to use excess income tax
revenue collected for unanticipated State liabilities. Also, the Legislature
has repealed a 7% gross receipts tax on nursing homes, effective January 1,
1997, and has repealed a tax on hospital services, which is effective in total
on July 1, 1997. Such tax reductions, already enacted by the Legislature and
scheduled to be implemented in the future, are estimated to cause an approximate
$325 million shortfall in revenues to fund State services during the 1998-1999
biennium. To address this expected revenue shortfall, it will be necessary for
the Governor and the Legislature to make further reductions in Maine State
government General Fund expenditures. In addition, there can be no assurance
that the budget acts cited above for fiscal years 1996 and 1997 will not be
amended from time to time in order to comply with the balanced budget
requirement of the Maine Constitution.
Because of Maine's conservative debt policies and its Constitutional requirement
that the State government operate under a balanced budget, Maine general
obligation bonds had been rated AAA by S&P and Aa1 by Moody's for many years.
On June 6, 1991, however, S&P lowered its credit rating for Maine general
obligation bonds from AAA to AA+, and at the same time lowered its credit rating
on bonds issued by the Maine Municipal Bond Bank and the Maine Court Facilities
Authority, and on State of Maine Certificates of Participation for highway
equipment, from AA to A+. In taking this action, S&P said, "The rating action
is a result of declines in key financial indicators, and continued softness in
the state economy. The new rating continues to reflect the low debt burden of
the state, an economic base that has gained greater income levels and diversity
over the 1980's, and a legislative history of dealing effectively with financial
difficulties." These ratings have remained unchanged since June 6, 1991.
Because of slow but continuing improvements in the State of Maine economy, S&P
currently views the State's financial outlook as "stable," stating in its most
recent April 19, 1996 credit report: "The stable outlook reflects the state's
manageable budget estimates, within the scope of a slow growth economy."
On August 24, 1993, citing the "effects of protracted economic slowdown and the
expectation that Maine's economy will not soon return to the pattern of robust
growth evident in the mid-1980's," Moody's lowered the State of Maine's general
obligation bond rating from Aa1 to Aa. At the same time, Moody's lowered from
Aa1 to Aa the ratings assigned to state-guaranteed bonds of the Maine School
Building Authority and the Finance Authority of Maine, and confirmed at A1 the
ratings assigned to the bonds of the Maine Court Facilities Authority and State
of Maine Certificates of Participation. These ratings have remained unchanged
since August 24, 1993. In its most recent credit report for the State of Maine,
dated April 22, 1996, Moody's said: "Among the factors contributing to credit
strength are the state's continuing recovery from the last recession, efforts to
rein in spending which are embodied in the current biennial budget, and its
moderate, well structured debt." In this same credit report, however, Moody's
also recognized "signs of potential adversity" in the future for State
government, because of a need to eliminate approximately $325,000,000 in State
government spending in the 1998-1999 biennium in order to accommodate already-
enacted tax reductions which become fully effective at that time.
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For its most recent general obligation bond issue, Maine, also requested, and
received on April 22, 1996, a credit report from Fitch. In this report, Fitch
assigned a rating of AA to Maine general obligation bonds, saying: "The State of
Maine's general obligation bonds are well secured, with strength especially in
the low burden that debt places on resources and in the unusually rapid rate of
amortization. The economy was severely set back in the recent recession,
prompting the use of several financial measures, many non-recurring, to maintain
budgetary balance. With recovery, employment has now returned to the pre-
recessional level and there is some financial cushion." Like Moody's however,
Fitch cited as a "concern" the "need to make adjustments for the [already-
enacted] tax relief...although Maine requires a balanced budget.
2. INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS
The Fund has adopted the following fundamental investment limitations which are
in addition to those contained in the Fund's Prospectus and which may not be
changed without shareholder approval. The Fund may not:
(1) Borrow money, except for temporary or emergency purposes
(including the meeting of redemption requests) and except for
entering into reverse repurchase agreements, and provided that
borrowings do not exceed 33 1/3% of the Fund's total assets
(computed immediately after the borrowing).
(2) Purchase securities, other than U.S. Government Securities,
if, immediately after each purchase, more than 25% of the Fund's
total assets taken at market value would be invested in
securities of issuers conducting their principal business
activity in the same industry. For this purpose, consumer finance
companies, industrial finance companies, and gas, electric, water
and telephone utility companies are each considered to be
separate industries.
(3) Purchase securities, other than U.S. Government Securities,
of any one issuer, if (a) more than 5% of the Fund's total assets
taken at market value would at the time of purchase be invested
in the securities of that issuer, or (b) such purchase would at
the time of purchase cause the Fund to hold more than 10% of the
outstanding voting securities of that issuer. Up to 50% of the
Fund's total assets may be invested without regard to this
limitation.
(4) Act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers, except
to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of
portfolio securities, the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter
for purposes of the Securities Act of 1933.
(5) Make loans to other persons except for loans of portfolio
securities and except through the use of repurchase agreements
and through the purchase of commercial paper or debt securities
which are otherwise permissible investments.
(6) Purchase or sell real estate or any interest therein, except
that the Fund may invest in securities issued or guaranteed by
corporate or governmental entities secured by real estate or
interests therein, such as mortgage pass-throughs and
collateralized mortgage obligations, or issued by companies that
invest in real estate or interests therein.
(7) Purchase or sell physical commodities or contracts relating
to physical commodities, provided that currencies and
currency-related contracts will not be deemed to be physical
commodities.
(8) Issue senior securities except pursuant to Section 18 of the
Investment Company Act of 1940 ("1940 Act") and except that the
Fund may borrow money subject to investment limitations specified
in the Fund's Prospectus.
(9) Invest in interests in oil or gas or interests in other mineral
exploration or development programs.
(10) Purchase securities having voting rights except securities of
other investment companies.
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The Fund has adopted the following nonfundamental investment limitations that
may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval. The Fund may not:
(a) Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except to secure
permitted indebtedness. The deposit in escrow of securities in
connection with the writing of put and call options,
collateralized loans of securities and collateral arrangements
with respect to margin for futures contracts are not deemed to be
pledges or hypothecations for this purpose.
(b) Invest in securities of another registered investment company,
except in connection with a merger, consolidation, acquisition or
reorganization; and except that the Fund may invest in money
market funds and privately-issued mortgage related securities to
the extent permitted by the 1940 Act.
(c) Purchase securities on margin, or make short sales of securities,
except for the use of short-term credit necessary for the
clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities, but the
Fund may make margin deposits in connection with permitted
transactions in options, futures contracts and options on futures
contracts.
(d) Invest in securities (other than fully-collateralized debt
obligations) issued by companies that have conducted continuous
operations for less than three years, including the operations of
predecessors, unless guaranteed as to principal and interest by
an issuer in whose securities the Fund could invest, if as a
result, more than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets
would be so invested.
(e) Invest in or hold securities of any issuer if officers and
directors of the Trust or the Fund's investment adviser,
individually owning beneficially more than 1/2 of 1% of the
securities of the issuer, in the aggregate own more than 5% of
the issuer's securities.
(f) Purchase securities for investment while any borrowing equaling
10% or more of the Fund's total assets is outstanding or borrow
for purposes other than meeting redemptions in an amount
exceeding 10% of the value of the Fund's total assets.
(g) Acquire securities or invest in repurchase agreements with
respect to any securities if, as a result, more than (i) 15% of
the Fund's net assets (taken at current value) would be invested
in repurchase agreements not entitling the holder to payment of
principal within seven days and in securities which are not
readily marketable, including securities that are illiquid by
virtue of restrictions on the sale of such securities to the
public without registration under the Securities Act of 1933
("Restricted Securities") or (ii) 10% of the Fund's total assets
would be invested in Restricted Securities.
(h) Invest in oil, gas or other mineral exploration or development
programs, or leases, provided that the Fund may invest in
securities issued by companies engaged in such activities.
(i) Purchase or sell real property (including limited partnership
interests, but excluding readily marketable interests in real
estate investment trusts or readily marketable securities of
companies which invest in real estate.)
Except as required by the 1940 Act, if any percentage restriction on investment
or utilization of assets is adhered to at the time an investment is made, a
later change in percentage resulting from a change in the market values of the
Fund's assets or purchases and redemptions of shares will not be considered a
violation of the limitation.
For purposes of limitation number 4 listed in the Fund's Prospectus, which
relates to the diversification of the Fund's assets, the District of Columbia,
each state, each political subdivision, agency, instrumentality and authority
thereof, and each multi-state agency of which a state is a member is deemed to
be a separate "issuer." When the
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assets and revenues of an agency, authority, instrumentality or other political
subdivision are separate from the government creating the subdivision and the
security is backed only by the assets and revenues of the subdivision, such
subdivision would be deemed to be the sole issuer. Similarly, in the case of
industrial development bonds and private activity bonds, if the bond is backed
only by the assets and revenues of the nongovernmental user, the nongovernmental
user would be deemed to be the sole issuer. However, if in either case the
creating government or some other agency guarantees a security, that guarantee
would be considered a separate security and would be treated as an issue of such
government or other agency.
No more than 25% of the Fund's total assets may be invested in the securities of
one issuer. However, this limitation does not apply to securities of an issuer
payable solely from the proceeds of U.S. Government Securities.
3. PERFORMANCE DATA
The Fund may quote performance in various ways. All performance information
supplied by the Fund in advertising is historical and is not intended to
indicate future returns. The Fund's net asset value, yield and total return will
fluctuate in response to market conditions and other factors, and the value of
Fund shares when redeemed may be more or less than their original cost.
Standardized SEC yield and total return information as of March 31, 1996 is
outlined in the following table:
30 Day Annualized 30 Day Annualized Tax Total Return Total Return Since
Yield Equivalent Yield 1 Year Inception
----- ---------------- ------ ---------
4.71% 7.64% 7.34% 7.03%
Tax equivalent yield is based on a combined Federal and Maine state income tax
rate of 49.5% (Federal 39.6% and State of Maine 9.9%).
The Fund commenced operations on December 5, 1991.
In performance advertising the Fund may compare any of its performance
information with data published by independent evaluators such as Morningstar,
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., IBC/Donoghue, Inc., CDC/Wiesenberger or other
companies which track the investment performance of investment companies ("Fund
Tracking Companies"). The Fund may also compare any of its performance
information with the performance of recognized stock, bond and other indexes,
including but not limited to the Municipal Bond Buyers Indices, the Salomon
Brothers Bond Index, the Shearson Lehman Bond Index, the Standard & Poor's 500
Composite Stock Price Index, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, and changes in
the Consumer Price Index as published by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The
Fund may refer in such materials to mutual fund performance rankings and other
data published by Fund Tracking Companies. Performance advertising may also
refer to discussions of the Fund and comparative mutual fund data and ratings
reported in independent periodicals, such as newspapers and financial magazines.
YIELD CALCULATIONS
Standard SEC yields for the Fund used in advertising are computed by dividing
the Fund's interest income for a given 30 days or one-month period, net of
expenses, by the average number of shares entitled to receive distributions
during the period, dividing this figure by the Fund's net asset value per share
at the end of the period and annualizing the result (assuming compounding of
income) in order to arrive at an annual percentage rate. In general, interest
income is reduced with respect to bonds purchased at a premium over their par
value by subtracting a portion of the premium from income on a daily basis, and
is increased with respect to bonds purchased at a discount by adding a portion
of the discount to daily income. Capital gain and loss generally are excluded
from these calculations.
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<PAGE>
Income calculated for the purpose of determining the Fund's yield differs from
income as determined for other accounting purposes. Because of the different
accounting methods used, and because of the compounding assumed in yield
calculations, the yield quoted for the Fund may differ from the rate of
distribution the Fund paid over the same period or the rate of income reported
in the Fund's financial statements.
The tax equivalent yield for the Fund is the rate an investor would have to earn
from a fully taxable investment in order to equal the Fund's yield after taxes.
Tax equivalent yields are calculated by dividing the Fund's yield by one minus
the stated Federal or combined Federal and state tax rate. (If only a portion of
the Fund's yield is tax-exempt, only that portion is adjusted in the
calculation.)
Although published yield information is useful to investors in reviewing the
Fund's performance, investors should be aware that the Fund's yield for any
given period is not an indication or representation by the Fund of future yields
or rates of return on the Fund's shares. Also, Processing Organizations may
charge their customers direct fees in connection with an investment in the Fund,
which will have the effect of reducing the Fund's net yield to those
shareholders. The yields of the Fund are not fixed or guaranteed, and an
investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed. Accordingly, yield
information may not necessarily be used to compare shares of the Fund with
investment alternatives which, like money market instruments or bank accounts,
may provide a fixed rate of interest. Also, it may not be appropriate to compare
the Fund's yield information directly to similar information regarding
investment alternatives which are insured or guaranteed.
TOTAL RETURN CALCULATIONS
Total returns quoted in advertising reflect all aspects of the Fund's return,
including the effect of reinvesting dividends and capital gain distributions,
and any change in the Fund's net asset value per share over the period. Average
annual returns are calculated by determining the growth or decline in value of a
hypothetical historical investment in the Fund over a stated period, and then
calculating the annually compounded percentage rate that would have produced the
same result if the rate of growth or decline in value had been constant over the
period. While average annual returns are a convenient means of comparing
investment alternatives, investors should realize that the performance is not
constant over time but changes from year to year, and that average annual
returns represent averaged figures as opposed to the actual year-to-year
performance of the Fund.
Average annual total return is calculated by finding the average annual
compounded rates of return of a hypothetical investment over a given period
according to the following formula:
n
P(1+T) = ERV
Where:
P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000;
T = average annual total return;
n = number of years; and
ERV = ending redeemable value.
ERV is the value, at the end of the applicable period, of a hypothetical $1,000
payment made at the beginning of the applicable period.
In addition to average annual returns, the Fund may quote unaveraged or
cumulative total returns reflecting the simple change in value of an investment
over a stated period. Total returns may be broken down into their components of
income and capital (including capital gain and changes in share price) in order
to illustrate the relationship of these factors and their contributions to total
return. Total returns, yields and other performance information may be quoted
numerically or in a table, graph or similar illustration.
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<PAGE>
Period total return is calculated according to the following formula:
PT = (ERV/P-1)
Where:
P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000;
PT = period total return;
ERV = ending redeemable value.
4. MANAGEMENT
The trustees and officers of the Trust and their principal occupations during
the past five years are set forth below. Each Trustee who is an "interested
person" (as defined by the 1940 Act) of the Trust is indicated by an asterisk.
John Y. Keffer,* Chairman and President (age 53)
President and Director, Forum Financial Services, Inc. (a registered
broker-dealer), Forum Financial Corp. (a registered transfer agent) and
Forum Advisors, Inc. (a registered investment adviser). Mr. Keffer is a
Trustee and/or officer of various registered investment companies for which
Forum Financial Services, Inc. serves as manager, administrator and/or
distributor. His address is Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101.
Costas Azariadis, Trustee (age 52)
Professor of Economics, University of California, Los Angeles, since July
1992. Prior thereto, Dr. Azariadis was Professor of Economics at the
University of Pennsylvania. His address is Department of Economics,
University of California, Los Angeles, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles,
California 90024.
James C. Cheng, Trustee (age 53)
President of Technology Marketing Associates (a marketing consulting
company) since September 1991. Prior thereto, Mr. Cheng was President and
Chief Executive Officer of Network Dynamics, Incorporated (a software
development company). His address is 27 Temple Street, Belmont,
Massachusetts 02178.
J. Michael Parish, Trustee (age 52)
Partner at the law firm of Winthrop Stimson Putnam & Roberts since 1989.
Prior thereto, he was a partner at LeBoeuf, Lamb, Leiby & MacRae, a law
firm of which he was a member from 1974 to 1989. His address is 40 Wall
Street, New York, New York 10005.
Mark D. Kaplan, Vice President, Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Secretary (age
40)
Managing Director at Forum Financial Services, Inc. since September 1995.
Prior thereto, Mr. Kaplan was Managing Director and Director of Research at
H.M. Payson & Co. His address is Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine
04101.
Michael D. Martins, Treasurer (age 30)
Director of Fund Accounting at Forum Financial Corp. since June 1995. Prior
thereto, he served as a manager in the New York City office of Deloitte &
Touche LLP, where he was employed for over five years. His address is Two
Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101.
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David I. Goldstein, Secretary (age 34)
Counsel, Forum Financial Services, Inc., with which he has been associated
since 1991. Prior thereto, Mr. Goldstein was associated with the law firm
of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart. Mr. Goldstein is also Secretary or Assistant
Secretary of various registered investment companies for which Forum
Financial Services, Inc. serves as manager, administrator and/or
distributor. His address is Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101.
Don L. Evans, Assistant Secretary (age 47)
Assistant Counsel, Forum Financial Services, Inc., with which he has been
associated since August 1995. Prior thereto, Mr. Evans was associated with
the law firm of Bisk & Lutz and prior thereto the law firm of Weiner &
Strother. Mr. Evans is also Assistant Secretary of various registered
investment companies for which Forum Financial Services, Inc. serves as
manager, administrator and/or distributor. His address is Two Portland
Square, Portland, Maine.
M. Paige Turney, Assistant Secretary (age 27).
Fund Administrator, Forum Financial Services, Inc., with which she has been
associated since 1995. Ms. Miles was employed from 1992 as a Senior Fund
Accountant with First Data Corporation in Boston, Massachusetts. Prior
thereto she was a student at Montana State University Her address is Two
Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101.
John Y. Keffer is an interested person of the Trust as that term is defined in
the 1940 Act.
ADVISER
The Fund's investment adviser, Forum Advisors, Inc., furnishes at its own
expense all services, facilities and personnel necessary in connection with
managing the Fund's investments and effecting portfolio transactions for the
Fund, pursuant to an investment advisory agreement between the Adviser and the
Trust (the "Advisory Agreement"). The Advisory Agreement provides for an initial
term of one year from its effective date with respect to the Fund and for its
continuance in effect for successive twelve-month periods thereafter, provided
the agreement is specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by vote
of the shareholders, and in either case by a majority of the directors who are
not parties to the Advisory Agreement or interested persons of any such party.
The Advisory Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Trust on 60 days'
written notice when authorized either by vote of the Fund's shareholders or by a
vote of a majority of the Board, or by the Adviser on not more than 60 days' nor
less than 30 days' written notice, and will automatically terminate in the event
of its assignment. The Advisory Agreement also provides that the Adviser shall
not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any act or
omission in the performance of its duties to the Fund, except for willful
misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of the Adviser's
duties or by reason of reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under
the Advisory Agreement. The Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser may
render services to others.
For its services under the Investment Advisory Agreement, Forum receives with
respect to the Fund a fee at an annual rate of 0.40% of the average daily net
assets of the Fund. Fees payable under the Advisory Agreement with respect to
the Fund are outlined in the following table:
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
MARCH 31 GROSS FEE WAIVED FEE NET FEE
1996 $105,104 $0 105,104
1995 $105,063 $91,930 $13,133
1994 $92,788 $85,563 $7,225
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In addition to receiving its advisory fee from the Fund, the Adviser may also
act and be compensated as investment manager for its clients with respect to
assets which are invested in the Fund. In some instances the Adviser may elect
to credit against any investment management fee received from a client who is
also a shareholder in the Fund an amount equal to all or a portion of the fees
received by the Adviser or any affiliate of the Adviser from the Fund with
respect to the client's assets invested in the Fund.
The Adviser has agreed to reimburse the Trust for certain of the Fund's
operating expenses (exclusive of interest, taxes, brokerage, fees and
organization expenses, all to the extent permitted by applicable state law or
regulation) which in any year exceed the limits prescribed by any state in which
the Fund's shares are qualified for sale. The Trust may elect not to qualify its
shares for sale in every state. The Adviser believes that currently the most
restrictive expense ratio limitation imposed by any state is 2-1/2% of the first
$30 million of the Fund's average net assets, 2% of the next $70 million of its
average net assets and 1-1/2% of its average net assets in excess of $100
million. For the purpose of this obligation to reimburse expenses, the Fund's
annual expenses are estimated and accrued daily, and any appropriate estimated
payments will be made by the Adviser monthly.
Subject to the above obligations to reimburse the Trust for its excess expenses,
the Trust has confirmed its obligation to pay all its other expenses, including:
interest charges, taxes, brokerage fees and commissions; certain insurance
premiums; fees, interest charges and expenses of the custodian, transfer agent
and dividend disbursing agent; telecommunications expenses; auditing, legal and
compliance expenses; costs of forming the corporation and maintaining corporate
existence; costs of preparing and printing the Trust's prospectuses, statements
of additional information, account application forms and shareholder reports and
delivering them to existing and prospective shareholders; costs of maintaining
books of original entry for portfolio and fund accounting and other required
books and accounts and of calculating the net asset value of shares of the
Trust; costs of reproduction, stationery and supplies; compensation of
directors, officers and employees of the Trust and costs of other personnel
performing services for the Trust who are not officers of an Adviser, the
manager and distributor or their respective affiliates; costs of corporate
meetings; Securities and Exchange Commission registration fees and related
expenses; state securities laws registration fees and related expenses; and fees
payable to the Advisers under the Investment Advisory Agreements.
MANAGER AND DISTRIBUTOR
Forum Financial Services, Inc. ("Forum") was incorporated under the laws of the
State of Delaware on February 7, 1986, and supervises the overall management of
the Trust (which includes, among other responsibilities, negotiation of
contracts and fees with, and monitoring of performance and billing of, the
transfer agent and custodian and arranging for maintenance of books and records
of the Trust) pursuant to a management agreement with the Trust (the "Management
Agreement"). The Management Agreement provides for an initial term of one year
from its effective date with respect to the Fund and for its continuance in
effect for successive twelve-month periods thereafter, provided the agreement is
specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by the shareholders and,
in either case, by a majority of the directors who are not parties to the
Management Agreement or interested persons of any such party and do not have any
direct or indirect financial interest in the Management Agreement.
The Management Agreement terminates automatically if it is assigned and may be
terminated without penalty with respect to the Fund by vote of the Fund's
shareholders or by either party on not more than 60 days' nor less than 30 days'
written notice. The Management Agreement also provides that Forum shall not be
liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any act or omission in
the administration or management of the Trust, except for willful misfeasance,
bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of Forum's duties or by reason
of reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Management
Agreement.
Forum also acts as distributor of the Fund's shares pursuant to a distribution
services agreement (the "Distribution Services Agreement") and, pursuant
thereto, receives, and may reallow to certain financial institutions, the sales
charge paid by the purchasers of the Fund's shares. The aggregate sales charges
payable to Forum with respect to the Fund are outlined in the following table:
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<PAGE>
FISCAL YEAR ENDED AGGREGATE
MARCH 31 SALES CHARGE AMOUNT RETAINED AMOUNT REALLOWED
-------- ------------ --------------- ----------------
1996 $106,683 $13,941 $92,742
1995 $133,896 $17,656 $116,239
1994 $476,541 $61,740 $414,800
For its services under the Management Agreement, Forum receives with respect to
the Fund a fee at an annual rate of 0.30% of the average daily net assets of the
Fund. Fees payable under the Management Agreement with respect to the Fund are
outlined in the following table:
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
MARCH 31 GROSS FEE WAIVED FEE NET FEE
-------- --------- ---------- -------
1996 $78,828 $78,828 $0
1995 $78,797 $78,797 $0
1994 $69,591 $53,083 $16,508
Forum provides persons satisfactory to the Board to serve as officers of the
Trust. Those officers, as well as certain other employees and Directors of the
Trust, may be directors, officers or employees of (and persons providing
services to the Trust may include) Forum, its affiliates or certain affiliates
of the Advisers.
TRANSFER AGENT
Forum Financial Corp. (the "Transfer Agent") acts as transfer agent of the Trust
pursuant to a transfer agency agreement (the "Transfer Agency Agreement"). The
Transfer Agency Agreement provides for an initial term of one year from its
effective date with respect to the Fund and for its continuance in effect for
successive twelve-month periods thereafter, provided that the agreement is
specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by a vote of the
shareholders, and in either case by a majority of the directors who are not
parties to the Transfer Agency Agreement or interested persons of any such party
at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Transfer Agency Agreement.
Among the responsibilities of the Transfer Agent as agent for the Trust are:
(1) answering customer inquiries regarding account status and history, the
manner in which purchases and redemptions of shares of the Fund may be effected
and certain other matters pertaining to the Fund; (2) assisting shareholders in
initiating and changing account designations and addresses; (3) providing
necessary personnel and facilities to establish and maintain shareholder
accounts and records, assisting in processing purchase and redemption
transactions and receiving wired funds; (4) transmitting and receiving funds in
connection with customer orders to purchase or redeem shares; (5) verifying
shareholder signatures in connection with changes in the registration of
shareholder accounts; (6) furnishing periodic statements and confirmations of
purchases and redemptions; (7) arranging for the transmission of proxy
statements, annual reports, prospectuses and other communications from the Trust
to its shareholders; (8) arranging for the receipt, tabulation and transmission
to the Trust of proxies executed by shareholders with respect to meetings of
shareholders of the Trust; and (9) providing such other related services as the
Trust or a shareholder may reasonably request.
The Transfer Agent or any sub-transfer agent or processing agent may also act
and receive compensation as custodian, investment manager, nominee, agent or
fiduciary for its customers or clients who are shareholders of the Fund with
respect to assets invested in the Fund. The Transfer Agent or any sub-transfer
agent or other processing agent may elect to credit against the fees payable to
it by its clients or customers all or a portion of any fee received from the
Trust or from the Transfer Agent with respect to assets of those customers or
clients invested in the Fund. The Transfer Agent, Forum or sub-transfer agents
or processing agents retained by the Transfer Agent may be Processing
Organizations (as defined in the Prospectus) and, in the case of sub-transfer
agents or processing agents, may also be affiliated persons of the Transfer
Agent or Forum.
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<PAGE>
For its services under the Transfer Agency Agreement, Forum receives, with
respect to each Series: (i) a fee at an annual rate of 0.25 percent of the
average daily net assets of the Series and (ii) a fee of $12,000 per year; such
amounts to be computed and paid monthly in arrears by the Fund; and (iii) Annual
Shareholder Account Fees of $18.00 per shareholder account; such fees to be
computed as of the last business day of the prior month. Fees payable under the
Transfer Agent Agreement with respect to each Fund are outlined in the following
tables:
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
MARCH 31 GROSS FEE WAIVED FEE NET FEE
-------- --------- ---------- -------
1996 $84,962 $41,754 $43,208
1995 $65,664 $49,488 $16,176
1994 $65,170 $57,993 $7,177
Pursuant to a Fund Accounting Agreement, the Transfer Agent also provides the
Fund with portfolio accounting, including the calculation of the Fund's net
asset value. For these services, the Transfer Agent receives an annual fee
ranging from $36,000 to $60,000 depending upon the amount and type of the Fund's
portfolio transactions and positions. Fees payable under the Fund Accounting
Agreement with respect to fund accounting services for the Fund are outlined in
the following table:
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
MARCH 31 GROSS FEE WAIVED FEE NET FEE
-------- --------- ---------- -------
1996 $48,000 $0 $48,000
1995 $48,000 $0 $48,000
1994 $48,000 $0 $48,000
The Transfer Agent or any sub-transfer agent or processing agent may also act
and receive compensation for acting as custodian, investment manager, nominee,
agent or fiduciary for its customers or clients who are shareholders of the Fund
with respect to assets invested in the Fund.
5. DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The Trust does not determine net asset value on the following holidays: New
Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial
Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Purchases and redemptions are effected at the time of the next determination of
net asset value following the receipt of any purchase or redemption order.
6. PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and sales of portfolio securities for the Fund usually are principal
transactions. Portfolio securities for the Fund are normally purchased directly
from the issuer or from an underwriter or market maker for the securities. There
usually are no brokerage commissions paid for such purchases. Purchases from
underwriters of portfolio securities include a commission or concession paid by
the issuer to the underwriter, and purchases from dealers serving as market
makers include the spread between the bid and asked prices.
The Fund may effect purchases and sales through brokers who charge commissions.
Allocations of transactions to brokers and dealers and the frequency of
transactions are determined by the Adviser in its best judgment and in a manner
deemed to be in the best interest of shareholders of the Fund rather than by any
formula. The primary consideration is prompt execution of orders in an effective
manner and at the most favorable price available to the Fund. For the fiscal
years ended March 31, 1996, 1995, 1994, the Fund paid no brokerage commissions.
The Fund may not always pay the lowest commission or spread available. Rather,
in determining the amount of commission, including certain dealer spreads, paid
in connection with Fund transactions, the Adviser takes into
B-17
<PAGE>
account such factors as size of the order, difficulty of execution, efficiency
of the executing broker's facilities (including the services described below)
and any risk assumed by the executing broker. The Adviser may also take into
account payments made by brokers effecting transactions for the Fund (i) to the
Fund or (ii) to other persons on behalf of the Fund for services provided to it
for which it would be obligated to pay.
In addition, the Adviser may give consideration to research and investment
analysis services furnished by brokers or dealers to the Adviser for its use and
may cause the Fund to pay these brokers a higher amount of commission than may
be charged by other brokers. Such research and analysis is of the types
described in Section 28(e)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, and is designed to augment the Adviser's own internal research and
investment strategy capabilities. The Adviser may use the research and analysis
in connection with services to clients other than the Fund, and the Adviser's
fee is not reduced by reason of the Adviser's receipt of the research services.
Investment decisions for the Fund will be made independently from those for any
other account or investment company that is or may in the future become managed
by the Adviser or its affiliates. If, however, the Fund and other investment
companies or accounts managed by the Adviser are contemporaneously engaged in
the purchase or sale of the same security, the transactions may be averaged as
to price and allocated equitably to each account. In some cases, this policy
might adversely affect the price paid or received by the Fund or the size of the
position obtainable for the Fund. In addition, when purchases or sales of the
same security for the Fund and for other investment companies and accounts
managed by the Adviser occur contemporaneously, the purchase or sale orders may
be aggregated in order to obtain any price advantages available to large
denomination purchases or sales.
No portfolio transactions are executed with the Adviser, Forum or any of their
affiliates.
7. ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION
Shares in the Fund are sold on a continuous basis by the distributor.
Set forth below is an example of the method of computing the offering price of
the Fund's shares. The example assumes a purchase of shares of common stock
aggregating less than $100,000 subject to the schedule of sales charges set
forth in the Prospectus at a price based on the net asset value per share of
$10.72 on March 31, 1996.
Net Asset Value Per Share. . . . . . . . . . . $ 10.72
Sales Charge, 3.75% of offering price
(3.90% of net asset value per share) . . . . . $ 0.42
Offering to Public . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 11.14
In addition to the situations described in the Prospectus under "Purchases and
Redemptions of Shares," the Trust may redeem shares involuntarily, from time to
time, to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of the failure of a
shareholder to make full payment for shares purchased by the shareholder or to
collect any charge relating to transactions effected for the benefit of a
shareholder which is applicable to the Fund's shares as provided in the
Prospectus.
The Trust has filed a formal election with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pursuant to which a Fund will only effect a redemption in portfolio
securities if a shareholder is redeeming more than $250,000 or 1% of the Fund's
total net assets, whichever is less, during any 90-day period.
The Fund may wire proceeds of redemptions to shareholders that have elected wire
redemption privileges only if the wired amount is greater than $5,000. In
addition, the Fund will only wire redemption proceeds to financial institutions
located in the United States.
B-18
<PAGE>
By use of telephone redemption and exchange privileges, the shareholder
authorizes the Transfer Agent to act upon the instruction of any person
representing himself either to be, or to have the authority to act on behalf of,
the investor and believed by the Transfer Agent to be genuine. The records of
the Transfer Agent of such instructions are binding. Proceeds of an exchange
transaction may be invested in another Participating Fund account in the name of
the shareholder.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
The exchange privilege permits shareholders of the Fund to exchange their shares
for shares of any other fund of the Trust or shares of certain other portfolios
of investment companies which retain Forum or its affiliates as investment
adviser or distributor and which participate in the Trust's exchange privilege
program ("Participating Fund"). For Federal income tax purposes, exchange
transactions are treated as sales on which a purchaser will realize a capital
gain or loss depending on whether the value of the shares redeemed is more or
less than his basis in such shares at the time of the transaction.
Exchange transactions will be made on the basis of relative net asset values per
share at the time of the exchange transaction plus any sales charge applicable
to the Participating Fund whose shares being acquired. Shares of any
Participating Fund may be redeemed and the proceeds used to purchase without a
sales charge shares of any other Participating Fund that are offered without a
sales charge. Shares of any Participating Fund purchased with a sales charge may
be redeemed and the proceeds used to purchase, without a sales charge, shares of
any other Participating Fund otherwise sold with the same sales charge. If the
Participating Fund purchased in the exchange transaction imposes a higher sales
charge than was paid originally on the exchanged shares, the shareholder will be
responsible for the difference between the two sales charges. Shares acquired
through the reinvestment of dividends and distributions are deemed to have been
acquired with a sales charge rate equal to that paid on the shares on which the
dividend or distribution was paid.
The terms of the exchange privilege are subject to change, and the privilege may
be terminated by any of the Participating Funds or the Trust. However the
privilege will not be terminated, and no material change that restricts the
availability of the privilege to shareholders will be implemented, without
reasonable advance notice to shareholders.
8. TAXATION
Qualification as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986 does not involve governmental supervision of management or investment
practices or policies. Investors should consult their own counsel for a complete
understanding of the requirements the Fund must meet to qualify for such
treatment. The following discussion relates solely to Federal income taxes on
dividends and distributions by the Fund and assumes that the Fund qualifies as a
regulated investment company. Investors should consult their own counsel for
further details and for the application of state and local tax laws to the
investor's particular situation.
The Fund expects to derive substantially all of its gross income (exclusive of
capital gain) from sources other than dividends. Accordingly, it is expected
that none of the Fund's dividends or distributions will qualify for the
dividends-received deduction for corporations.
9. OTHER INFORMATION
CUSTODIAN
Pursuant to a Custodian Agreement, The First National Bank of Boston, 100
Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02106, acts as the custodian of the
Fund's assets. The custodian's responsibilities include safeguarding and
controlling the Fund's cash and securities, determining income and collecting
interest on Fund investments.
B-19
<PAGE>
COUNSEL
Legal matters in connection with the issuance of shares of beneficial interest
of the Trust are passed upon by the law firm of Seward & Kissel, One Battery
Park Plaza, New York, New York 10004.
AUDITORS
Deloitte & Touche LLP, Two World Financial Center, New York, New York 10281-
1438, independent auditors, act as auditors for the Trust.
THE TRUST AND ITS SHARES
The Trust was originally incorporated in Maryland on March 24, 1980 and assumed
the name of Forum Funds, Inc. on March 16, 1987. On January 5, 1996, Forum
Funds, Inc. was reorganized as a Delaware business trust. The Trust has an
unlimited number of authorized shares of beneficial interest. The Board may,
without shareholder approval, divide the authorized shares into an unlimited
number of separate portfolios or series (such as the Fund) and may in the future
divide portfolios or series into two or more classes of shares (such as Investor
and Institutional Shares). Currently the authorized shares of the Trust are
divided into 15 separate series.
Each share of each fund of the Trust and each class of shares has equal
dividend, distribution, liquidation and voting rights, and fractional shares
have those rights proportionately, except that expenses related to the
distribution of the shares of each class (and certain other expenses such as
transfer agency and administration expenses) are borne solely by those shares
and each class votes separately with respect to the provisions of any Rule 12b-1
plan which pertain to the class and other matters for which separate class
voting is appropriate under applicable law. Generally, shares will be voted in
the aggregate without reference to a particular portfolio or class, except if
the matter affects only one portfolio or class or voting by portfolio or class
is required by law, in which case shares will be voted separately by portfolio
or class, as appropriate. Delaware law does not require the Trust to hold annual
meetings of shareholders, and it is anticipated that shareholder meetings will
be held only when specifically required by Federal or state law. Shareholders
have available certain procedures for the removal of Trustees. There are no
conversion or preemptive rights in connection with shares of the Trust. All
shares when issued in accordance with the terms of the offering will be fully
paid and nonassessable. Shares are redeemable at net asset value, at the option
of the shareholders, subject to any contingent deferred sales charge that may
apply. A shareholder in a portfolio is entitled to the shareholder's pro rata
share of all dividends and distributions arising from that portfolio's assets
and, upon redeeming shares, will receive the portion of the portfolio's net
assets represented by the redeemed shares.
As of July 8, 1996, the officers and Directors of the Trust as a group owned
less than 1% of the outstanding shares of each Fund. Also as of that date, the
shareholders listed below owned or owned of record more than 5% of either Fund.
From time to time, certain shareholders may own a large percentage of the shares
of a Fund. Accordingly, those shareholders may be able to greatly affect (if not
determine) the outcome of a shareholder vote. As noted, certain of these
shareholders are known to the Trust to hold their shares of record only and have
no beneficial interest, including the right to vote, in the shares.
PERCENTAGE OF
FUND
SHAREHOLDER SHARES OWNED
----------- ------------
Administrative Data Management Corp. 39.98%
10 Woodbridge Center Drive
Woodbridge, NJ 07095
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc. 6.92%
Trade House Account
B-20
<PAGE>
4800 Deer Lake Drive East, 3rd Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32216
BARHART Company Nominee
P.O. Box 218 5.41%
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements of the Fund for the year ended March 31, 1996 (which
include a statement of assets and liabilities, a statement of operations, a
statement of changes in net assets, notes to financial statements, financial
highlights, a statement of investments and the auditors' report thereon) are
included in the Annual Report to Shareholders of the Trust delivered along with
this SAI and are incorporated herein by reference.
B-21
<PAGE>
MAINE MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
APPENDIX A - DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS
1. CORPORATE AND MUNICIPAL BONDS (INCLUDING CONVERTIBLE BONDS)
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. ("MOODY'S")
Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged by Moody's 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.
Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards.
Together with the Aaa group, they comprise what are generally known as high-
grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of
protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective
elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present
which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
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.
Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations, i.e., they
are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payment 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: Those bonds in the Aa, A, Baa, Ba or B groups which Moody's believes
possess the strongest investment attributes are designated by the symbols Aa1,
A1, Baa1, Ba1, and B1.
STANDARD AND POOR'S CORPORATION ("S&P")
Bonds rated AAA have the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to pay
interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
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<PAGE>
Bonds rated AA have a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
and differ from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
Bonds rated A have a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal,
although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than debt rated in higher rated
categories.
Bonds rated BBB are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and
repay principal. Whereas they normally exhibit adequate protection parameters,
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to
weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for debt in this category
than in higher rated categories.
Bonds rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C are regarded, on balance, as predominantly
speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay
principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. BB indicates the
lowest degree of speculation and C the highest degree of speculation. While such
bonds will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these are
outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
Bonds rated BB have less near-term vulnerability to default than other
speculative issues. However, they face major ongoing uncertainties or exposure
to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to
inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments.
Bonds rated B have a greater vulnerability to default but currently have the
capacity to meet interest payments and principal payments. Adverse business,
financial, or economic conditions will likely impair capacity or willingness to
pay interest and repay principal.
Bonds rated CCC have currently identifiable vulnerability to default, and are
dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions to meet
timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. In the event of adverse
business, financial, or economic conditions, they are not likely to have the
capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
Bonds rated CC typically are subordinated to senior debt which as assigned an
actual or implied CCC debt rating. This rating may also be used to indicate
imminent default.
The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has
been filed, but debt service payments are continued. The rating Cl is reserved
for income bonds on which no interest is being paid.
Bonds are rated D when the issue is in payment default, or the obligor has filed
for bankruptcy. 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 that such payments will made during
such grace period.
Note: The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus (+)
or minus (-) sign to show the relative standing within the rating category.
FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. ("FITCH")
AAA Bonds are considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit
quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest and
repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable
events.
AA Bonds are considered to be investment grade and of very high credit quality.
The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is very strong,
although not quite as strong as bonds rated AAA. Because bonds rated in the AAA
and AA categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable future
developments, shorter-term debt of these issuers is generally rate F-1+.
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A Bonds are considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality. The
obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be
strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and
circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
BBB Bonds are considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered
to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances,
however, are more likely to have adverse impact on these bonds, and therefore
impair timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings of these bonds will fall
below investment grade is higher than for bonds with higher ratings.
BB Bonds are considered speculative. The obligor's ability to pay interest and
repay principal may be affected over time by adverse economic changes. However,
business and financial alternatives can be identified which could assist the
obligor in satisfying its debt service requirements.
B Bonds are considered highly speculative. While bonds in this class are
currently meeting debt service requirements, the probability of continued timely
payment of principal and interest reflects the obligor's limited margin of
safety and the need for reasonable business and economic activity throughout the
life of the issue.
CCC Bonds have certain identifiable characteristics which, if not remedied, may
lead to default. The ability to meet obligations requires an advantageous
business and economic environment.
CC Bonds are minimally protected. Default in payment of interest and/or
principal seems probable over time.
C Bonds are in imminent default in payment of interest or principal.
DDD, DD, and D Bonds are in default on interest and/or principal payments. Such
bonds are extremely speculative and should be valued on the basis of their
ultimate recovery value in liquidation or reorganization of the obligor. DDD
represents the highest potential for recovery on these bonds, and D represents
the lowest potential for recovery.
Plus (+) and minus (-) signs are used with a rating symbol to indicate the
relative position of a credit within the rating category. Plus and minus signs,
however, are not used in the AAA, DDD, DD, or D categories.
2. SHORT TERM MUNICIPAL LOANS
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
MIG-1/VMIG-1. This designation denotes best quality. There is present strong
protection by established cash flows, superior liquidity support or demonstrated
broadbased access to the market for refinancing.
MIG-2/VMIG-2. This designation denotes high quality. Margins of protection are
ample although not so large as in the MIG-1/VMIG-1 group.
MIG 3/VMIG 3. This designation denotes favorable quality. All security elements
are accounted for but there is lacking the undeniable strength of the preceding
grades. Liquidity and cash flow protection may be narrow and market access for
refinancing is likely to be less well established.
MIG 4/VMIG 4. This designation denotes adequate quality. Protection commonly
regarded as required of an investment security is present and, although not
distinctly or predominantly speculative, there is specific risk.
STANDARD AND POOR'S CORPORATION
SP-1. Very strong or strong capacity to pay principal and interest. Those issues
which are determined to possess overwhelming safety characteristics will be
given a plus (+) designation.
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<PAGE>
SP-2. Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest.
SP-3. Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
3. OTHER MUNICIPAL SECURITIES AND COMMERCIAL PAPER
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
Moody's two highest ratings for short-term debt, including commercial paper, are
Prime-1 and Prime-2. Both are judged investment grade, to indicate the relative
repayment ability of rated issuers.
Issuers rated Prime-1 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 charges and high
internal cash generation.
--- Well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured
sources of alternate liquidity.
Issuers rated Prime-2 by Moody's have a strong ability for repayment of senior
short-term debt obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of the
characteristics of issuers rated Prime-1 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.
STANDARD AND POOR'S CORPORATION
S&P's two highest commercial paper ratings are A and B. Issues assigned an A
rating are regarded as having the greatest capacity for timely payment. Issues
in this category are delineated with the numbers 1, 2 and 3 to indicate the
relative degree of safety. An A-1 designation indicates that the degree of
safety regarding timely payment is either overwhelming or very strong. Those
issues determined to possess overwhelming safety characteristics are denoted
with a plus (+) sign designation. The capacity for timely payment on issues with
an A-2 designation is strong. However, the relative degree of safety is not as
high as for issues designated A-1. A-3 issues have a satisfactory capacity for
timely payment. They are, however, somewhat more vulnerable to the adverse
effects of changes in circumstances than obligations carrying the higher
designations. Issues rated B are regarded as having only an adequate capacity
for timely payment. However, such capacity may be damaged by changing conditions
or short-term adversities.
FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
Fitch's short-term ratings apply to debt obligations that are payable on demand
or have original maturities of generally up to three years, including commercial
paper, certificates of deposit, medium-term notes, and municipal and investment
notes.
F-1+. Issues assigned this rating are regarded as having the strongest degree of
assurance for timely payment.
F-1. Issues assigned this rating reflect an assurance of timely payment only
slightly less in degree than issues rated F-1+.
F-2. Issues assigned this rating have a satisfactory degree of assurance for
timely payment, but the margin of safety is not as great as for issues assigned
F-1+ or F-1 rating.
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<PAGE>
F-3. Issues assigned this rating have characteristics suggesting that the degree
of assurance for timely payment is adequate, however, near-term adverse changes
could cause these securities to be rated below investment grade.
F-S. Issues assigned this rating have characteristics suggesting a minimal
degree of assurance for timely payment and are vulnerable to near-term adverse
changes in financial and economic conditions.
D. Issues assigned this rating are in actual or imminent payment default.
B-26
<PAGE>
MAINE MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
APPENDIX B - DESCRIPTION OF MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
1. MUNICIPAL BONDS
Municipal Bonds which meet longer term capital needs and generally have
maturities of more than one year when issued, have three principal
classifications:
General Obligation Bonds are issued by such entities as states, counties,
cities, towns, and regional districts. The proceeds of these obligations are
used to fund a wide range of public projects, including construction or
improvement of schools, highways and roads, and water and sewer systems. The
basic security behind General Obligation Bonds is the issuer's pledge of its
full faith and credit and taxing power for the payment of principal and
interest. The taxes that can be levied for the payment of debt service may be
limited or unlimited as to the rate or amount of special assessments.
Revenue Bonds in recent years have come to include an increasingly wide variety
of types of municipal obligations. As with other kinds of municipal obligations,
the issuers of revenue bonds may consist of virtually any form of state or local
governmental entity, including states, state agencies, cities, counties,
authorities of various kinds, such as public housing or redevelopment
authorities, and special districts, such as water, sewer or sanitary districts.
Generally, revenue bonds are secured by the revenues or net revenues derived
from a particular facility, group of facilities, or, in some cases, the proceeds
of a special excise or other specific revenue source. Revenue bonds are issued
to finance a wide variety of capital projects including electric, gas, water and
sewer systems; highways, bridges, and tunnels; port and airport facilities;
colleges and universities; and hospitals. Many of these bonds provide additional
security in the form of a debt service reserve fund to be used to make principal
and interest payments. Various forms of credit enhancement, such as a bank
letter of credit or municipal bond insurance, may also be employed in revenue
bond issues. Housing authorities have a wide range of security, including
partially or fully insured mortgages, rent subsidized and/or collateralized
mortgages, and/or the net revenues from housing or other public projects. Some
authorities provide further security in the form of a state's ability (without
obligation) to make up deficiencies in the debt service reserve fund.
In recent years, revenue bonds have been issued in large volumes for projects
that are privately owned and operated as described below.
Private Activity Bonds are considered municipal bonds if the interest paid
thereon is exempt from Federal income tax and are issued by or on behalf of
public authorities to raise money to finance various privately operated
facilities for business and manufacturing, housing and health. These bonds are
also used to finance public facilities such as airports, mass transit systems
and ports. The payment of the principal and interest on such bonds is dependent
solely on the ability of the facility's user to meet its financial obligations
and the pledge, if any, of real and personal property as security for such
payment.
While, at one time, the pertinent provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (the
"Code") permitted private activity bonds to bear tax-exempt interest in
connection with virtually any type of commercial or industrial project (subject
to various restrictions as to authorized costs, size limitations, state per
capita volume restrictions, and other matters), the types of qualifying projects
under the Code have become increasingly limited, particularly since the
enactment of the Tax Reform Act of 1986. Under current provisions of the Code,
tax-exempt financing remains available, under prescribed conditions, for owner-
occupied housing, certain privately owned and operated rental multi-family
housing facilities, nonprofit hospital and nursing home projects, certain
manufacturing or industrial projects, and solid waste disposal projects, among
others, and for the refunding (that is, the tax-exempt refinancing) of various
kinds of other private commercial projects originally financed with tax-exempt
bonds. In future years, the types of projects qualifying under the Code for tax-
exempt financing are expected to become increasingly limited.
B-27
<PAGE>
Because of terminology formerly used in the Code, virtually any form of private
activity bond may still be referred to as an "industrial development bond," but
more and more frequently revenue bonds have become classified according to the
particular type of facility being financed, such as hospital revenue bonds,
nursing home revenue bonds, multifamily housing revenues bonds, single family
housing revenue bonds, industrial development revenue bonds and solid waste
resource recovery revenue bonds.
Tax-exempt bonds are also categorized according to whether the interest is or is
not includible in the calculation of alternative minimum taxes imposed on
individuals, according to whether the costs of acquiring or carrying the bonds
are or are not deductible in part by banks and other financial institutions, and
according to other criteria relevant for Federal income tax purposes. Due to the
increasing complexity of Code and related requirements governing the issuance of
tax-exempt bonds, industry practice has uniformly required, as a condition to
the issuance of such bonds, but particularly for revenue bonds, an opinion of
nationally recognized bond counsel as to the tax-exempt status of interest on
the bonds.
2. MUNICIPAL NOTES
Municipal Notes generally are used to provide for short-term capital needs and
usually have maturities of one year or less. They include the following:
Tax Anticipation Notes are issued to finance working capital needs of
municipalities. Generally, they are issued in anticipation of various seasonal
tax revenues, such as income, sales, use and business taxes, and are payable
from these specific future taxes.
Revenue Anticipation Notes are issued in expectation of receipt of other types
of revenues, such as Federal revenues available under the Federal Revenue
Sharing Programs.
Bond Anticipation Notes are issued to provide interim financing until long-term
financing can be arranged. In most cases, the long-term bonds then provide the
money for the repayment of the Notes.
Construction Loan Notes are sold to provide construction financing. After
successful completion and acceptance, many projects receive permanent financing
through the Federal Housing Administration under the Federal National Mortgage
Association or the Government National Mortgage Association.
Tax-Exempt Commercial Paper is a short-term obligation with a stated maturity
of 365 days or less. It is issued by agencies of state and local governments to
finance seasonal working capital needs or as short-term financing in
anticipation of longer term financing.
3. MUNICIPAL LEASES
Municipal Leases, which may take the form of a lease or an installment purchase
or conditional sale contract, are issued by state and local governments and
authorities to acquire a wide variety of equipment and facilities such as fire
and sanitation vehicles, telecommunications equipment and other capital assets.
Municipal leases frequently have special risks not normally associated with
general obligation or revenue bonds. Leases and installment purchase or
conditional sale contracts (which normally provide for title to the leased asset
to pass eventually to the government issuer) have evolved as a means for
governmental issuers to acquire property and equipment without meeting the
constitutional and statutory requirements for the issuance of debt. The debt-
issuance limitations of many state constitutions and statutes are deemed to be
inapplicable because of the inclusion in many leases or contracts of "non-
appropriation" clauses that provide that the governmental issuer has no
obligation to make future payments under the lease or contract unless money is
appropriated for such purpose by the appropriate legislative body on a yearly or
other periodic basis. To reduce this risk, the Fund will only purchase municipal
leases subject to a non-appropriation clause when the payment of principal and
accrued interest is backed by an unconditional irrevocable letter of credit or
guarantee of a bank or other entity that meets the criteria described in the
Prospectus.
B-28
<PAGE>
MAINE MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
APPENDIX C - HEDGING STRATEGIES
1. BOND INDEX FUTURES
Futures contracts on a municipal bond index (the "Index") are traded on the
Chicago Board of Trade. Maine Municipal Bond Fund may seek to hedge itself
against changes in interest rates by purchasing and selling futures contracts on
the Index or any municipal bond index hereafter approved for trading by the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The Index assigns numerical values to the
municipal securities comprising the Index and, based on those values, fluctuates
in accordance with market movements of the municipal bonds comprising the Index.
The purchaser or seller of a futures contract on the Index agrees to take or
make delivery of an amount of cash equal to the difference between a specified
dollar multiple of the value of the Index on the expiration date of the
contract, "current contract value," and the price at which the contract was
originally purchased or sold. No physical delivery of the municipal bonds
underlying the Index is made.
BOND INDEX FUTURES CHARACTERISTICS. Unlike the purchase or sale of a specific
security by the Fund, no price is paid or received by the Fund upon the purchase
or sale of an index futures contract. Initially, the Fund will be required to
deposit with the broker through which such transaction is effected or in a
segregated account with the Fund's custodian an amount of cash or U.S. Treasury
bills equal to a specified dollar amount per contract as of the date thereof.
This amount is known as initial margin. The nature of initial margin in futures
transactions is different from that of margin in security transactions in that
futures contract margin does not involve the borrowing of funds to finance
transactions. Rather, the 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. Subsequent payments, called variation margin, to and from the
broker will be made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying index
fluctuates, a process known as "marking to the market." For example, when the
Fund has purchased an index futures contract and the price of the futures
contract has risen in response to a rise in the Index, that position will have
increased in value and the Fund will receive from the broker a variation margin
payment equal to that increase in value. Conversely, where the Fund has
purchased an index futures contract and the price of the futures contract has
declined in response to a decrease in the Index, the position would be less
valuable and the Fund would be required to make a variation margin payment to
the broker. At any time prior to expiration of the futures contract, the Adviser
may elect to close the position by taking an opposite position which will
operate to terminate the Fund's position in the futures contract. A final
determination of variation margin is then made, additional cash is required to
be paid by or released to the Fund, and the Fund realizes a loss or gain.
RISKS OF TRANSACTIONS IN INDEX FUTURES. There are several risks in connection
with the use of index futures by the Fund as a hedging device. One risk arises
because of the imperfect correlation between movements in the price of the index
futures and the hedge. The price of the index futures may move more than or less
than the price of the securities being hedged. If the price of the index futures
moves less than the price of the securities which are the subject of the hedge,
the hedge will not be fully effective but, if the price of the securities being
hedged has moved in an unfavorable direction, the Fund would be in a better
position than if it had not hedged at all. If the price of the securities being
hedged has moved in a favorable direction, this advantage will be partially
offset by the loss on the index future. If the price of the future moves more
than the price of the underlying securities, the Fund will experience either a
loss or gain on the future which will not be completely offset by movements in
the price of the securities which are the subject of the hedge. To compensate
for the imperfect correlation of movements in the price of securities being
hedged and movements in the price of the index futures, the Fund may buy or sell
index futures of a greater contract value than the dollar amount of securities
being hedged if the volatility over a particular time period of the prices of
such securities has been greater than the volatility over such time period of
the Index, or if otherwise deemed to be appropriate by the Adviser. Conversely,
the Fund may buy or sell fewer index futures if the volatility over a particular
time period of the prices of the securities being hedged is less than the
volatility over such time period of the Index, or it is otherwise deemed to be
appropriate by the Adviser. It is also possible that,
B-29
<PAGE>
where the Fund has sold index futures to hedge its portfolio against a decline
in the market, the market may advance and the value of securities held in the
Fund may decline. If this occurred, the Fund would lose money on the future and
also experience a decline in the value of its portfolio securities. However,
over time the value of a diversified portfolio should tend to move in the same
direction as the Index, although there may be deviations arising from
differences between the composition of the Fund's portfolios and the securities
comprising the Index.
When index futures are purchased to hedge against possible increases in the
price of municipal bonds before the Fund is able to invest its cash (or cash
equivalents) in municipal bonds in an orderly fashion, it is possible that the
market may decline instead. If the Fund then determines not to invest in
municipal bonds at that time because of concern as to possible further market
decline or for other reasons, the Fund will realize a loss on the index futures
that is not offset by a reduction in the price of securities purchased.
In addition to the possibility that there may be an imperfect correlation, or no
correlation at all, between movements in the index futures and the portion of
the portfolio being hedged, the price of index futures may not correlate
perfectly with movement in the Index due to certain market distortions. Rather
than meeting additional margin deposit requirements, investors may close futures
contracts through offsetting transactions which could distort the normal
relationship between the Index and the index futures markets. Secondly, from the
point of view of speculators, deposit requirements in the futures market are
less onerous than margin requirements in the securities market. Therefore,
increased participation by speculators in the index futures market may also
cause temporary price distortions. Due to the possibility of price distortion in
the index futures market, and because of the imperfect correlation between the
movements in the Index and movements in the price of index futures, a correct
forecast of general market trends by the Adviser may still not result in a
successful hedging transaction over a short time frame.
Positions in futures on the Index may be closed out only on the Chicago Board of
Trade which provides a secondary market for such futures. Although the Fund
intends to purchase or sell index futures only on exchanges or boards of trade
where there appear to be active secondary markets, there is no assurance that a
liquid secondary market on any exchange or board of trade will exist for any
particular contract or at any particular time. In such event, it may not be
possible to close an index futures investment position, and in the event of
adverse price movements, the Fund would continue to be required to make daily
cash payments of variation margin. However, in the event index futures have been
used to hedge portfolio securities, such securities will not be sold until the
futures contract can be terminated. In such circumstances, an increase in the
price of the securities, if any, may partially or completely offset losses on
the index futures. However, as described above, there is no guarantee that the
price of the securities will in fact correlate with the price movements in the
futures markets and thus provide an offset on index futures.
Successful use of index futures by the Fund is also subject to the Adviser's
ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the municipal bond
markets. For example, if the Fund has hedged against the possibility of a
decline in the municipal bond market and bond prices increase instead, the Fund
will lose part or all of the benefit of the increased value of the portfolio
securities which it has hedged because it will have offsetting losses in its
futures positions. In addition, in such situations, if the Fund has insufficient
cash, it may have to sell portfolio securities to meet daily variation margin
requirements. Such sales of securities may, but will not necessarily, be at
increased prices which reflect the rising market. The Fund may have to sell
portfolio securities at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so.
2. OTHER FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON FUTURES
The Fund may invest in certain other financial futures contracts ("futures
contracts") and options thereon. The Fund may sell a futures contract or a call
option thereon or purchase a futures contract or a put option thereon as a hedge
against a decrease in the value of the Fund's securities. A futures contract
sale creates an obligation by the Fund, as seller, to deliver the specific type
of instrument called for in the contract at a specified future time for a
specified price. A futures contract purchase creates an obligation by the Fund,
as purchaser, to take delivery of the specific type of financial instrument at a
specified future time at a specified price. The Fund is required to maintain
margin deposits with brokerage firms through which it effects futures contracts
as described under "Bond Index Futures Characteristics."
B-30
<PAGE>
Although the terms of futures contracts specify actual delivery or receipt of
securities, in most instances the contracts are closed out before the settlement
date without the making or taking of delivery of the securities. Closing out of
a futures contract is effected by entering into an offsetting purchase or sale
transaction. An offsetting transaction for a futures contract sale is effected
by entering into a futures contract purchase for the same aggregate amount of
the specific type of financial instrument and same delivery date. If the price
in the sale exceeds the price in the offsetting purchase, the Fund is
immediately paid the difference and thus realizes a gain. If the purchase price
of the offsetting transaction exceeds the sale price, the Fund pays the
difference and realizes a loss. Similarly, the closing out of a futures contract
purchase is effected by the Fund entering into a futures contract sale. If the
offsetting sale price exceeds the purchase price, the Fund realizes a gain, and
if the offsetting sale price is less than the purchase price, the Fund realizes
a loss.
Unlike a futures contract, which requires the parties to buy and sell a security
on a set date, an option on a futures contract entitles its holder to decide on
or before a future date whether to enter into such a contract. If the holder
decides not to enter into the contract, the premium paid for the option is lost.
Since the value of the option is fixed at the point of sale, the holder is not
required to make daily payments of cash to reflect the change in the value of
the underlying contract as would be the case for a purchaser or seller of a
futures contract. The value of the option does change and is reflected in the
net asset value of the Fund.
Currently, futures contracts can be purchased on certain debt securities issued
by the U.S. Treasury, the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index, certificates of the
Government National Mortgage Association and bank certificates of deposit. The
Fund may invest in futures contracts covering these types of financial
instruments as well as in new types of such contracts that become available in
the future.
Financial futures contracts are traded in an auction environment on the floors
of several exchanges -- principally, the Chicago Board of Trade, the Chicago
Mercantile Exchange and the New York Futures Exchange. Each exchange guarantees
performance under contract provisions through a clearing corporation, a
nonprofit organization managed by the exchange membership which is also
responsible for handling daily account of deposit or withdrawals of margin.
Investing in futures contracts involves the risks of imperfect correlations,
secondary market illiquidity and the Adviser's incorrect predictions of market
movements, as described under "Bond Index Futures Characteristics."
Put and call options on financial futures have characteristics similar to those
of other options. For a further description of options, see "Put and Call
Options" below.
In addition to the risks associated with investing in options on securities,
there are particular risks associated with investing in options on futures. In
particular, the ability to establish and close out positions on such options
will be subject to the development and maintenance of a liquid secondary market.
It is not certain that this market will develop.
The Fund may not enter into futures contracts or related options thereon if
immediately thereafter (i) the amount committed to margin plus the amount paid
for option premiums exceeds 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets or (ii)
the sum of the current contract values of open futures contracts purchased and
sold by the Fund would exceed 30% of the value of the Fund's total assets. In
instances involving the purchase of futures contracts by the Fund, an amount
equal to the market value of the futures contract will be deposited in a
segregated account of cash and cash equivalents to collateralize the position
and thereby insure that the use of such futures contract is unleveraged.
3. PUT AND CALL OPTIONS
The Fund may purchase put and call options written by others and write put and
call options covering the types of securities in which the Fund may invest. A
put option (sometimes called a "standby commitment") gives the buyer of such
option, upon payment of a premium, the right to deliver a specified amount of a
security to the writer of the option on or before a fixed date at a
predetermined price. A call option (sometimes called a "reverse standby
commitment") gives the purchaser of the option, upon payment of a premium, the
right to call upon the writer to
B-31
<PAGE>
deliver a specified amount of a security on or before a fixed date, at a
predetermined price. The Fund will not purchase any option if, immediately
thereafter, the aggregate cost of all outstanding options purchased by the Fund
would exceed 5% of the value of its total assets; a Fund will not write any
option (other than options on futures contracts) if, immediately thereafter, the
aggregate value of its portfolio securities subject to outstanding options would
exceed 30% of its total assets.
When the Fund writes a put option it maintains in a segregated account cash or
U.S. Government securities in an amount adequate to purchase the underlying
security should the put be exercised. When the Fund writes a call option it must
own at all times during the option period either the underlying securities or an
offsetting call option on the same securities. If a put option written by the
Fund were exercised, the Fund would be obligated to purchase the underlying
security at the exercise price. If a call option written by the Fund were
exercised, the Fund would be obligated to sell the underlying security at the
exercise price.
The risk involved in writing a put option is that there could be a decrease in
the market value of the underlying security caused by rising interest rates or
other factors. If this occurred, the option could be exercised and the
underlying security would then be sold to the Fund at a higher price than its
current market value. The risk involved in writing a call option is that there
could be an increase in the market value of the underlying security caused by
declining interest rates or other factors. If this occurred, the option could be
exercised and the underlying security would then be sold by the Fund at a lower
price than its current market value. These risks could be reduced by entering
into a closing transaction as described below. The Fund retains the premium
received from writing a put or call option whether or not the option is
exercised.
The Fund may dispose of an option which it has purchased by entering into a
"closing sale transaction" with the writer of the option. A closing sale
transaction terminates the obligation of the writer of the option and does not
result in the ownership of an option. The Fund realizes a profit or loss from a
closing sale transaction if the premium received from the transaction is more
than or less than the cost of the option.
The Fund may terminate its obligation to the holder of an option written by the
Fund through a "closing purchase transaction." The Fund may not, however,
effect a closing purchase transaction with respect to such an option after it
has been notified of the exercise of such option. The Fund realizes a profit or
loss from a closing purchase transaction if the cost of the transaction is more
or less than the premium received by the Fund from writing the option.
B-32
<PAGE>
NEW HAMPSHIRE BOND FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Account Information and
Shareholder Servicing: Distributor:
Forum Financial Corp. Forum Financial Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 446 Two Portland Square
Portland, Maine 04112 Portland, Maine 04101
207-879-0001 207-879-1900
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
August 1, 1996
Forum Funds (the "Trust") is a registered open-end investment company. This
Statement of Additional Information supplements the Prospectus offering shares
of the New Hampshire Bond Fund (the "Fund") and should be read only in
conjunction with the Prospectus, a copy of which may be obtained by an investor
without charge by contacting the Trust's Distributor or Shareholder Servicing at
the addresses listed above.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
----
1. Investment Policies . . . . . . . . . . .
2. Investment Limitations. . . . . . . . . .
3. Performance Data. . . . . . . . . . . . .
4. Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5. Determination of Net Asset Value. . . . .
6. Portfolio Transactions. . . . . . . . . .
7. Additional Purchase and
Redemption Information. . . . . . . . . .
8. Taxation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9. Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix A - Description of Securities Ratings
Appendix B - Description of Municipal Securities
THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT A PROSPECTUS AND IS AUTHORIZED
FOR DISTRIBUTION TO PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ONLY IF PRECEDED OR ACCOMPANIED BY AN
EFFECTIVE PROSPECTUS.
<PAGE>
1. INVESTMENT POLICIES
RATINGS AS INVESTMENT CRITERIA
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), Standard & Poor's Corporation
("S&P") and other nationally recognized statistical rating organizations
("NRSROs") are private services that provide ratings of the credit quality of
debt obligations, including convertible securities. A description of the range
of ratings assigned to municipal bonds and other municipal securities by several
NRSROs is included in Appendix A to this Statement of Additional Information.
The Fund may use these ratings to determine whether to purchase, sell or hold a
security. However, ratings are general and are not absolute standards of
quality. Consequently, securities with the same maturity, interest rate and
rating may have different market prices. If an issue of securities ceases to be
rated or if its rating is reduced after it has been purchased by the Fund, Forum
Advisors, Inc. (the "Adviser") will determine whether the Fund should continue
to hold the obligation. Credit ratings attempt to evaluate the safety of
principal and interest payments and do not evaluate the risks of fluctuations in
market value. Also, rating agencies may fail to make timely changes in credit
ratings. An issuer's current financial condition may be better or worse than a
rating indicates.
The Fund may retain a security whose rating has been lowered below the lowest
permissible rating category (or that is unrated and determined by the Adviser to
be of comparable quality) if the Adviser determines that retaining such security
is in the best interests of the Fund. A non-rated security is considered to be
of comparable quality to a rated security when the Adviser believes that the
financial condition of the issuer of the obligation and the protection afforded
by the terms of the obligation itself limit the risk to the Fund to a degree
comparable to that of the rated security.
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
The term "municipal securities," as used in the Prospectus and this Statement of
Additional Information, means obligations of the type described in Appendix B
issued by or on behalf of New Hampshire, territories and possessions of the
United States and their political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities,
the interest from which is exempt from Federal income tax and New Hampshire
state income and dividends taxes. The municipal securities in which the Fund
will invest are limited to those obligations which at the time of purchase: (i)
are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government; (ii)
are municipal notes rated in the four highest rating categories by an NRSRO, or,
if not rated, are of comparable quality as determined by the Adviser; (iii) are
municipal bonds rated in the six highest rating categories by an NRSRO or, if
not rated, are of comparable quality as determined by the Adviser; or (iv) are
other types of municipal securities, provided that such obligations are of
comparable quality as determined by the Adviser to instruments in which the Fund
may invest.
MUNICIPAL LEASES
Municipal leases frequently have special risks not normally associated with
general obligation or revenue bonds or notes. Municipal leases and installment
purchase or conditional sale contracts (which normally provide for title to the
leased assets to pass eventually to the government lessee) are sometimes viewed
as a means for governmental issuers to acquire property and equipment without
meeting constitutional or statutory requirements for issuance of long-term debt.
However, in New Hampshire the State agency that supervises raising of revenue by
local units of government takes the position that municipal leases are subject
to statutory requirements for issuance of long-term debt unless they contain
"non-appropriations" clauses providing that the governmental unit's obligation
to make future payments under the lease or contract is contingent upon annual
appropriation by the legislative body of the governmental unit. Also, the New
Hampshire State Attorney General will ordinarily not approve any form of lease
contracted by State government in the absence of such a "non-appropriations"
clause. Accordingly, the Fund will purchase municipal leases that do not contain
"non-appropriations" clauses only if such leases have been authorized in
accordance with statutory requirements for issuance of long-term debt. The Fund
will purchase municipal leases containing "non-appropriations" clauses only if
the payment of principal and accrued interest is backed by an unconditional,
irrevocable letter of credit or guarantee of a bank or other entity that has
long-term outstanding debt
<PAGE>
securities rated in one of the top two rating categories by an NRSRO (or are
unrated and determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality).
TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE POSITION
As a temporary defensive position the Fund may invest without limit in cash, the
types of financial institution obligations in which the Fund is permitted to
invest (as described in the Prospectus) and short-term debt instruments issued
or guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States Government or by
any of its agencies and instrumentalities ("U.S. Government Securities"). The
U.S. Government Securities in which the Fund may invest include (i) direct
obligations of the U.S. Treasury (such as Treasury bills and notes) and
obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies and
instrumentalities backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government,
such as those guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration and issued by the
Government National Mortgage Association and (ii) securities supported primarily
or solely by the creditworthiness of the issuer, such as securities of the
Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation and the Tennessee Valley Authority. There is no guarantee that the
U.S. Government will support securities not backed by its full faith and credit.
Accordingly, these securities may involve more risk than U.S. Government
Securities backed by the U.S. Government's full faith and credit.
VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE OBLIGATIONS
The interest rates payable on certain municipal securities, including municipal
leases, in which the Fund may invest are not fixed and may fluctuate based upon
changes in market rates. These securities are referred to as variable rate or
floating rate obligations. Other features of these obligations may include the
right whereby the Fund may demand prepayment of the principal amount of the
obligation prior to its stated maturity and the right of the issuer to prepay
the principal amount prior to maturity. The main benefit of a variable or
floating rate municipal security is that the interest rate adjustment minimizes
changes in the market value of the obligation. As a result, the purchase of
these municipal securities enhances the ability of the Fund to sell an
obligation prior to maturity at a price approximating the full principal amount
of the obligation. The payment of principal and interest by issuers of certain
municipal securities purchased by the Fund may be guaranteed by letters of
credit or other credit facilities offered by banks or other financial
institutions. Such guarantees will be considered in determining whether a
municipal security meets the Fund's investment quality requirements. The Adviser
will monitor the pricing, quality and liquidity of variable rate and floating
rate demand obligations held by the Fund on the basis of published financial
information, rating agency reports and other research services to which the Fund
or Adviser may subscribe.
PARTICIPATION INTERESTS
The Fund may purchase participation interests in municipal bonds, including
private activity bonds and floating and variable rate securities that are owned
by banks or other financial institutions. A participation interest gives the
Fund an undivided interest in a municipal security owned by a bank or other
financial institution. These instruments carry a demand feature permitting the
holder to tender them back to the bank or other institution and are generally
backed by an irrevocable letter of credit or guarantee of the bank or
institution. The Fund can exercise the right, on not more than thirty days'
notice, to sell such an instrument back to the bank or institution from which it
purchased the instrument and draw on the letter of credit for all or any part of
the principal amount of the Fund's participation interest in the instrument,
plus accrued interest. Generally, the Fund will do so only (i) as required to
provide liquidity to the Fund, (ii) to maintain a high quality investment
portfolio, or (iii) upon a default under the terms of the demand instrument.
Banks and other financial institutions retain portions of the interest paid on
such participation interests as their fees for servicing such instruments and
the issuance of related letters of credit, guarantees and repurchase
commitments. Exposure to credit losses arising from the possible financial
difficulties of borrowers might affect the bank's or other institution's ability
to meet its obligations under its letter of credit or other guarantee.
The Fund will not purchase participation interests unless it is advised by
counsel or receives a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or appropriate New
Hampshire regulatory agency that interest earned by the Fund from the
obligations in which it holds participation interests is exempt from Federal
income tax and New Hampshire interest
<PAGE>
and dividends taxes. The Internal Revenue Service has announced that it
ordinarily will not issue advance rulings on certain of the Federal income tax
consequences applicable to securities, or participation interests therein,
subject to a put. The Adviser will monitor the pricing, quality and liquidity of
participation interests held by the Fund on the basis of published financial
information, rating agency reports and other research services to which the Fund
or the Adviser may subscribe.
STAND-BY COMMITMENTS
The Fund acquires stand-by commitments solely to facilitate portfolio liquidity
and does not exercise its rights thereunder for trading purposes. Since the
value of a stand-by commitment is dependent on the ability of the stand-by
commitment writer to meet its obligation to repurchase, the Fund's policy is to
enter into stand-by commitment transactions only with municipal securities
dealers which in the opinion of the Adviser present minimal credit risks.
The acquisition of a stand-by commitment does not affect the valuation or
maturity of the underlying municipal securities. Stand-by commitments acquired
by the Fund are valued at zero in determining net asset value. When the Fund
pays directly or indirectly for a stand-by commitment, its cost is reflected as
unrealized depreciation for the period during which the commitment is held.
Stand-by commitments do not affect the average weighted maturity of the Fund's
portfolio of securities.
WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES AND FORWARD COMMITMENTS
The Fund may purchase securities offered on a "when-issued" basis and may
purchase or sell securities on a "forward commitment" basis. When such
transactions are negotiated, the price, which is generally expressed in yield
terms, is fixed at the time the commitment is made, but delivery and payment for
the securities take place at a later date. Normally, the settlement date occurs
within two months after the transaction, but delayed settlements beyond two
months may be negotiated. During the period between a commitment and settlement,
no payment is made for the securities purchased by the purchaser and, thus, no
interest accrues to the purchaser from the transaction. At the time the Fund
makes the commitment to purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery
basis, the Fund will record the transaction as a purchase and thereafter reflect
the value each day of such securities in determining its net asset value.
The use of when-issued transactions and forward commitments enables the Fund to
hedge against anticipated changes in interest rates and prices. For instance, in
periods of rising interest rates and falling bond prices, the Fund might sell
securities which it owned on a forward commitment basis to limit its exposure to
falling prices. In periods of falling interest rates and rising bond prices, the
Fund might sell a security and purchase the same or a similar security on a
when-issued or forward commitment basis, thereby obtaining the benefit of
currently higher cash yields. However, if the Adviser were to forecast
incorrectly the direction of interest rate movements, the Fund might be required
to complete such when-issued or forward commitment transactions at prices
inferior to the current market values.
When-issued securities and forward commitments may be sold prior to the
settlement date, but the Fund enters into when-issued and forward commitment
transactions only with the intention of actually receiving or delivering the
securities, as the case may be. If the Fund, however, chooses to dispose of the
right to acquire a when-issued security prior to its acquisition or to dispose
of its right to deliver or receive against a forward commitment, it can incur a
gain or loss. When-issued securities may include bonds purchased on a "when, as
and if issued" basis under which the issuance of the securities depends upon the
occurrence of a subsequent event, such as approval of a proposed financing by
appropriate municipal authorities. Any significant commitment of the Fund's
assets to the purchase of securities on a "when, as and if issued" basis may
increase the volatility of its net asset value. No when-issued or forward
commitment transactions will be entered into by the Fund if, as a result, more
than 15% of the value of the Fund's total assets would be committed to such
transactions.
The Fund will establish and maintain with its custodian a separate account with
cash, U.S. Government Securities and other liquid high-grade debt securities in
an amount at least equal to its commitments to purchase securities on a
when-issued or delayed delivery basis.
<PAGE>
ILLIQUID SECURITIES
The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities. The term
"illiquid securities" for this purpose means securities that cannot be disposed
of within seven days in the ordinary course of business at approximately the
amount at which the Fund has valued the securities and includes, among other
things, repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days and municipal
leases other than those the Adviser has determined are liquid pursuant to
guidelines established by the Trust's Board of Directors (the "Board").
The Board has the ultimate responsibility for determining whether specific
securities are liquid or illiquid. The Board has delegated the function of
making day-to-day determinations of liquidity to the Adviser, pursuant to
guidelines approved by the Board. The Adviser takes into account a number of
factors in reaching liquidity decisions, including but not limited to: (1) the
frequency of trades and quotations for the security; (2) the number of dealers
willing to purchase or sell the security and the number of other potential
buyers; (3) the willingness of dealers to undertake to make a market in the
security; and (4) the nature of the marketplace trades, including the time
needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and the
mechanics of the transfer. The Adviser monitors the liquidity of the securities
in the Fund's portfolio and reports periodically on such decisions to the Board.
GENERAL
Yields on municipal securities are dependent on a variety of factors, including
the general conditions of the money market and of the municipal bond and
municipal note markets, the size of a particular offering, the maturity of the
obligation and the rating of the issue. Municipal securities with longer
maturities tend to produce higher yields and are generally subject to greater
price movements than obligations with shorter maturities. An increase in
interest rates will generally reduce the market value of portfolio investments,
and a decline in interest rates will generally increase the value of portfolio
investments.
There can be no assurance that the Fund's investment objective will be achieved.
The achievement of the Fund's objective is dependent in part on the continuing
ability of the issuers of municipal securities in which the Fund invests to meet
their obligations for the payment of principal and interest when due. Municipal
securities historically have not been subject to registration with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, although there have been proposals which
would require registration in the future.
The obligations of municipal securities issuers may become subject to laws
enacted in the future by Congress, state legislatures, or referenda extending
the time for payment of principal and/or interest, or imposing other constraints
upon enforcement of such obligations or upon the ability of municipalities to
levy taxes. There is also the possibility that, as a result of litigation or
other conditions, the ability of any issuer to pay, when due, the principal of
and interest on its municipal securities may be materially affected.
CERTAIN INFORMATION CONCERNING THE STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
Material in this section has been abstracted from the State of New Hampshire
Official Statement dated December 1, 1995, which is compiled by the Treasurer of
the State of New Hampshire and which is provided to prospective purchasers of
debt securities offered by the State. While information in the Official
Statement is believed to be accurate, none of that information has been
independently verified. Also, it does not reflect economic conditions or
developments that may have occurred or trends that may have materialized since
the date of the Official Statement. Additionally, economic and fiscal conditions
in individual municipalities within the State may vary from general economic and
fiscal conditions.
New Hampshire is located in the New England Region and is bordered by the states
of Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont and the Province of Quebec, Canada. New
Hampshire's geographic area is 9,304 square miles and its 1994 population was
1,137,000, representing a 1.19% increase from 1992 levels. New Hampshire's
population had increased by more than 20% in the 1980-1990 period.
<PAGE>
New Hampshire's per capita personal income increased by 115% from 1980 through
1990. In 1991 it continued to grow faster than the New England region as a whole
and in 1992 and 1993 it grew at a slightly lower rate than the region. New
Hampshire's per capita personal income in 1994 was 109% of the national level,
ranking 8th in the United States.
In 1994, New Hampshire's largest employment sector was the service sector (27.6%
of employment), followed by retail and wholesale trade (23.3% of employment).
Manufacturing was the third largest sector (16.1% of employment). Non-
agricultural employment levels have remained fairly stable. The unemployment
rate declined to 4.6% in 1994, less than the national average, and preliminary
data for the first nine months of 1995 show New Hampshire's unemployment rate at
4.4%, compared to a national average of 5.6%.
After a significant growth in residential building activity in the period
1980-86 (data based on residential building permits), New Hampshire's
residential building activity declined beginning in 1987, and declined below
1980 levels in 1990 and 1991 and 1992. In 1993, residential building activity
surpassed 1990 levels and 1994 activity surpassed 1993. Reflecting the State
and regional economic downturn in real estate, in October 1991 State and
Federal banking officials closed the subsidiary banks of five of the State's
largest bank holding companies. The subsidiary banking assets of three of
those companies were sold to First New Hampshire Bank, then a subsidiary of
the Bank of Ireland. The subsidiary banking assets of the two remaining
holding companies were sold to an investor group which opened a new banking
company, acquired in 1994 by Shawmut National Corporation and subsequently by
Fleet Financial Group. All depositors of the closed banks were protected to
the full amounts of their deposits. In 1993, the state's financial
institutions reported a general return to profitability.
New Hampshire finances the operations of state government through specialized
taxes, user charges and revenues received from the State liquor sales and
distribution system. There is no general tax on sales or earned income. The two
highest revenue-producing taxes have been the Business Profits Tax and the Rooms
and Meals Tax until 1992, when Medicaid Enhancement Revenues became the single
largest revenue source. In 1992, State and local taxes amounted to $98.10 per
$1,000 of personal income, which was the fourth lowest in the United States.
However, because local property taxes are the principal source of funding for
municipal operations and primary and secondary education, New Hampshire was
highest among all states in local property tax collections per $1,000 of
personal income.
New Hampshire State government's budget is enacted to cover a biennial period
through a series of legislative bills that establish appropriations and
estimated revenues for each sub-unit of State government, along with
supplemental and special legislation. By statute, the budget process is
initiated by the Governor, who is required to submit operating and capital
budget proposals to the Legislature by February 15 in each odd-numbered year.
While the Governor is required to state the means through which all expenditures
will be financed, there is no constitutional or statutory requirement that the
Governor propose or the Legislature adopt a budget without resorting to
borrowing. There is no line item veto.
State government funds include the General Fund, four special purpose funds and
three enterprise funds, as well as certain "fiduciary" funds. All obligations of
the State are paid from the State Treasury, and must be authorized by a warrant
signed by the Governor and approved by the Executive Council, except for
payments of debt obligations, which are paid by the State Treasurer under
statutory authority.
By statute, at the close of each fiscal year, any General Fund operating surplus
up to 5% of General Fund unrestricted revenue must be deposited in a Revenue
Stabilization Reserve Account ("Rainy Day Fund"). With approval of the
Legislative Fiscal Committee, the Governor and the Executive Council, the Rainy
Day Fund is available to defray operating deficits in ensuing years if there is
a shortfall in forecast revenue. By statute, the Rainy Day Fund may not be used
for any other purpose except by special appropriation approved by two-thirds of
each Legislative chamber and the Governor. At the end of the 1990 fiscal year,
$28.5 Million was transferred from the Rainy Day Fund to the General Fund as
partial offset to an operating deficit., As of June 30, 1995 there was an
unaudited balance of $23.9 million in the Rainy Day Fund, resulting from
transfer of a portion of the fiscal year-end 1993 and 1994 General Fund
surpluses.
<PAGE>
The Department of Administrative Services is responsible for maintenance of
State government's accounting system, annual reports and general budget
oversight. Expenditures are controlled against appropriations through an
integrated accounting system which compares the amount of an appropriation to
expenditures and encumbrances previously charged against that appropriation
before creating an expenditure. By law, with certain exceptions unexpended and
unencumbered balances of appropriations lapse to surplus in the applicable fund
at the end of each fiscal year, along with unappropriated revenues in excess of
legislative estimates. Legislative financial controls involve the Office of
Legislative Budget Assistant ("LBA") which acts under supervision of the
Legislative Fiscal Committee and Joint Legislative Capital Budget Overview
Committee. LBA conducts overall post-audit and review of the budgetary process.
State government financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and are independently audited annually.
Starting in fiscal year 1988, growth in State General Fund revenues declined and
in fiscal 1990 declined below fiscal 1989 levels, reflecting the regional and
national recession. In 1991, the Legislature enacted increases in rates of
various special taxes and fees, acceleration of Business Profits Tax collections
and a Medicaid Enhancement Tax assessed on New Hampshire hospitals which
generated major new matching revenues from the Federal Medicaid program. Net
revenues from the Medicaid Enhancement Tax are not expected to be permanent. At
fiscal year-end 1993, the General Fund surplus was $31.5 million, primarily
reflecting improved revenues. During the 1994-95 Biennium, the State continued
to experience growth in revenues while maintaining controlled spending growth.
On a GAAP basis, a General Fund balance of approximately $11.9 Million was
recorded at fiscal year-end 1994.
There is no constitutional limit on the State's power to issue obligations or
incur indebtedness, and no constitutional requirement for referendum to
authorize incurrence of indebtedness by the State. Authorization and issuance of
debt is governed entirely by statute. New Hampshire pursues a debt management
program designed to minimize use of short-term debt for operating purposes and
to coordinate issuance of tax-exempt securities by the State and its agencies.
State-guaranteed bonded indebtedness is authorized not only for general purposes
of State government, but also for the New Hampshire Turnpike System, University
System of New Hampshire, water supply and pollution control, water resources
acquisition and construction, School Building Authority, Pease Development
Authority, Business Finance Authority, Municipal Bond Bank and cleanup of
municipal Super Fund sites and landfills. In addition, the Housing Finance
Authority and Higher Education and Health Facilities Authority are authorized to
issue bonds that do not constitute debts or obligations of the State.
Procedure for incurrence of bonded indebtedness by individual municipalities is
governed by State statutes, which prescribe actions that must be pursued by
municipalities in incurring bonded indebtedness and limitations on the amount of
such indebtedness. In general, incurrence of bonded indebtedness by a
municipality must be for a statutorily authorized purpose and requires
a two-thirds majority vote of the municipality's legislative body.
On December 30, 1993, the New Hampshire Supreme Court reinstated and remanded
for trial a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the State's system of
financing public schools primarily through local property taxes. The Court ruled
that the New Hampshire Constitution imposes an enforceable duty on the State to
provide an "adequate" education to every educable child and to guarantee
adequate funding. However, the Court did not determine the adequacy of the
State's current education programs or current funding levels, leaving those
matters to the Legislative and Executive branches to determine in the first
instance. The lawsuit was tried in the Spring of 1996. The potential impact, if
any, of this litigation on the State's finances cannot presently be determined.
2. INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS
The Fund has adopted the following fundamental investment limitations that
cannot be changed without the affirmative vote of a majority of the Fund's
outstanding voting securities. The Fund may not:
<PAGE>
(1) With respect to 50% of its assets, purchase a security other
than a U.S. Government Security of any one issuer if, as a
result, more than 5% of the Fund's total assets would be
invested in the securities of that issuer or the Fund would own
more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that
issuer.
(2) Purchase securities if, immediately after the purchase, more
than 25% of the value of the Fund's total assets would be
invested in the securities of issuers having their principal
business activities in the same industry, provided there is no
limit on investments in U.S. Government Securities, municipal
securities or in the securities of domestic financial
institutions (not including their foreign branches). For this
purpose, consumer finance companies, industrial finance
companies, and gas, electric, water and telephone utility
companies are each considered to be separate industries.
(3) Underwrite securities of other issuers, except to the extent
that the Fund may be considered to be acting as an underwriter
in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities.
(4) Purchase or sell real estate or any interest therein, except
that the Fund may invest in debt obligations secured by real
estate or interests therein or issued by companies that invest
in real estate or interests therein.
(5) Invest in commodities or in commodity contracts, except that, to
the extent the Fund is otherwise permitted, the Fund may enter
into financial futures contracts and options on those futures
contracts and may invest in currencies and currency-related
contracts.
(6) Borrow money, except for temporary or emergency purposes
(including the meeting of redemption requests) and except for
entering into reverse repurchase agreements, provided that
borrowings do not exceed 33 1/3% of the Fund's net assets.
(7) Issue senior securities except as appropriate to evidence
indebtedness that the Fund is permitted to incur, and provided
that the Fund may issue shares of additional series or classes
that the Board may establish.
(8) Make loans except for loans of portfolio securities, through the
use of repurchase agreements, and through the purchase of debt
securities that are otherwise permitted investments.
The Fund has adopted the following nonfundamental investment limitations that
may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval. The Fund may not:
(a) Purchase securities for investment while any borrowing equaling
10% or more of the Fund's total assets is outstanding; and if at
any time the Fund's borrowings exceed the Fund's investment
limitations due to a decline in net assets, such borrowings will
be promptly (within three days) reduced to the extent necessary
to comply with the limitations.
(b) Purchase securities that have voting rights, except the Fund may
invest in securities of other investment companies to the extent
permitted by the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940
Act").
(c) Purchase securities on margin, or make short sales of
securities, except for the use of short-term credit necessary
for the clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio
securities.
(d) Invest in securities (other than fully-collateralized debt
obligations) issued by companies that have conducted continuous
operations for less than three years, including the operations
of predecessors (unless guaranteed as to principal and interest
by an issuer in whose securities the
<PAGE>
Fund could invest) if as a result, more than 5% of the value of
the Fund's total assets would be so invested.
(e) Invest in or hold securities of any issuer other than the Fund
if, to the Fund's knowledge, those directors and officers of the
Trust or the Fund's investment adviser, individually owning
beneficially more than 1/2 of 1% of the securities of the
issuer, in the aggregate own more than 5% of the issuer's
securities.
(f) Invest in oil, gas or other mineral exploration or development
programs, or leases, provided that the Fund may invest in
securities issued by companies engaged in such activities.
(g) Acquire securities or invest in repurchase agreements with
respect to any securities if, as a result, more than (i) 15% of
the Fund's net assets (taken at current value) would be invested
in repurchase agreements not entitling the holder to payment of
principal within seven days and in securities which are not
readily marketable or (ii) 10% of the Fund's total assets would
be invested in securities that are illiquid by virtue of
restrictions on the sale of such securities to the public
without registration under the Securities Act of 1933.
(h) Purchase or sell real property (including limited partnership
interests, but excluding readily marketable interests in real
estate investment trusts or readily marketable securities of
companies which invest in real estate.)
Except as required by the 1940 Act, if any percentage restriction on investment
or utilization of assets is adhered to at the time an investment is made, a
later change in percentage resulting from a change in the market values of the
Fund's assets or purchases and redemptions of shares will not be considered a
violation of the limitation.
For purposes of limitation number (1) listed above, the District of Columbia,
each state, each political subdivision, agency, instrumentality and authority
thereof, and each multi-state agency of which a state is a member is deemed to
be a separate "issuer." When the assets and revenues of an agency, authority,
instrumentality or other political subdivision are separate from the government
creating the subdivision and the security is backed only by the assets and
revenues of the subdivision, such subdivision would be deemed to be the sole
issuer. Similarly, in the case of industrial development bonds and private
activity bonds, if the bond is backed only by the assets and revenues of the
nongovernmental user, the nongovernmental user would be deemed to be the sole
issuer. However, if in either case, the creating government or some other agency
guarantees a security, that guarantee would be considered a separate security
and would be treated as an issue of such government or other agency. No more
than 25% of the Fund's total assets may be invested in the securities of one
issuer. However, this limitation does not apply to securities of an issuer
payable solely from the proceeds of U.S. Government Securities.
3. PERFORMANCE DATA
The Fund may quote performance in various ways. All performance information
supplied by the Fund in advertising is historical and is not intended to
indicate future returns. The Fund's net asset value, yield and total return will
fluctuate in response to market conditions and other factors, and the value of
Fund shares when redeemed may be more or less than their original cost.
Standardized SEC yield and total return information as of March 31, 1996 is
outlined in the following table:
30 Day Annualized 30 Day Annualized Tax Total Return Total Return Since
Yield Equivalent Yield 1 Year Inception
----- ---------------- ------ ---------
4.62% 7.43% 7.36% 6.09%
<PAGE>
Tax equivalent yield is based on a combined Federal and New Hampshire state
income tax rate of 39.6% and New Hampshire state interest and dividend tax rate
of 5% was 8.67%.
The Fund commenced operations on December 31, 1992.
In performance advertising the Fund may compare any of its performance
information with data published by independent evaluators such as Morningstar,
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., IBC/Donoghue, Inc., CDC/Wiesenberger or other
companies which track the investment performance of investment companies ("Fund
Tracking Companies"). The Fund may also compare any of its performance
information with the performance of recognized stock, bond and other indexes,
including but not limited to the Municipal Bond Buyers Indices, the Salomon
Brothers Bond Index, the Shearson Lehman Bond Index, the Standard & Poor's 500
Composite Stock Price Index, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, and changes in
the Consumer Price Index as published by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The
Fund may also refer in such materials to mutual fund performance rankings and
other data published by Fund Tracking Companies. Performance advertising may
also refer to discussions of the Fund and comparative mutual fund data and
ratings reported in independent periodicals, such as newspapers and financial
magazines.
YIELD CALCULATIONS
Yields for the Fund used in advertising are computed by dividing the Fund's
interest income for a given 30 days or one month period, net of expenses, by the
average number of shares entitled to receive distributions during the period,
dividing this figure by the Fund's net asset value per share at the end of the
period and annualizing the result (assuming compounding of income) in order to
arrive at an annual percentage rate. In general, interest income is reduced with
respect to bonds purchased at a premium over their par value by subtracting a
portion of the premium from income on a daily basis, and is increased with
respect to bonds purchased at a discount by adding a portion of the discount to
daily income. Capital gain and loss generally are excluded from these
calculations.
Income calculated for the purpose of determining the Fund's yield differs from
income as determined for other accounting purposes. Because of the different
accounting methods used, and because of the compounding assumed in yield
calculations, the yield quoted for the Fund may differ from the rate of
distribution the Fund paid over the same period or the rate of income reported
in the Fund's financial statements.
The tax equivalent yield for the Fund is the rate an investor would have to earn
from a fully taxable investment in order to equal the Fund's yield after taxes.
Tax equivalent yields are calculated by dividing the Fund's yield by one minus
the stated Federal or combined Federal and state tax rate. (If only a portion of
the Fund's yield is tax-exempt, only that portion is adjusted in the
calculation.)
Although published yield information is useful to investors in reviewing the
Fund's performance, investors should be aware that the Fund's yield for any
given period is not an indication or representation by the Fund of future yields
or rates of return on the Fund's shares. Also, Processing Organizations (as
defined in the Prospectus) may charge their customers direct fees in connection
with an investment in the Fund, which will have the effect of reducing the
Fund's net yield to those shareholders. The yields of the Fund are not fixed or
guaranteed, and an investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed.
Accordingly, yield information may not necessarily be used to compare shares of
the Fund with investment alternatives which, like money market instruments or
bank accounts, may provide a fixed rate of interest. Also, it may not be
appropriate to compare the Fund's yield information directly to similar
information regarding investment alternatives which are insured or guaranteed.
TOTAL RETURN CALCULATIONS
Total returns quoted in advertising reflect all aspects of the Fund's return,
including the effect of reinvesting dividends and capital gain distributions,
and any change in the Fund's net asset value per share over the period. Average
annual returns are calculated by determining the growth or decline in value of a
hypothetical historical investment in the Fund over a stated period, and then
calculating the annually compounded percentage rate that would have produced the
same result if the rate of growth or decline in value had been constant over the
period.
<PAGE>
While average annual returns are a convenient means of comparing investment
alternatives, investors should realize that the performance is not constant over
time but changes from year to year, and that average annual returns represent
averaged figures as opposed to the actual year-to-year performance of the Fund.
Average annual total return is calculated by finding the average annual
compounded rates of return of a hypothetical investment over a given period
according to the following formula:
n
P(1+T) = ERV, where:
P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000;
T = average annual total return;
n = number of years; and
ERV = ending redeemable value (ERV is the value, at the end of
the applicable period, of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at
the beginning of the applicable period).
In addition to average annual returns, the Fund may quote unaveraged or
cumulative total returns reflecting the simple change in value of an investment
over a stated period. Total returns may be broken down into their components of
income and capital (including capital gain and changes in share price) in order
to illustrate the relationship of these factors and their contributions to total
return. Total returns, yields and other performance information may be quoted
numerically or in a table, graph or similar illustration.
Period total return is calculated according to the following formula:
PT = (ERV/P-1), where:
P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000;
PT = period total return;
ERV = ending redeemable value.
4. MANAGEMENT
The trustees and officers of the Trust and their principal occupations during
the past five years are set forth below. Each Trustee who is an "interested
person" (as defined by the 1940 Act) of the Trust is indicated by an asterisk.
John Y. Keffer,* Chairman and President (age 53)
President and Director, Forum Financial Services, Inc. (a registered
broker-dealer), Forum Financial Corp. (a registered transfer agent) and
Forum Advisors, Inc. (a registered investment adviser). Mr. Keffer is a
Trustee and/or officer of various registered investment companies for
which Forum Financial Services, Inc. serves as manager, administrator
and/or distributor. His address is Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine
04101.
Costas Azariadis, Trustee (age 52)
Professor of Economics, University of California, Los Angeles, since
July 1992. Prior thereto, Dr. Azariadis was Professor of Economics at
the University of Pennsylvania. His address is Department of Economics,
University of California, Los Angeles, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles,
California 90024.
James C. Cheng, Trustee (age 53)
President of Technology Marketing Associates (a marketing consulting
company) since September 1991. Prior thereto, Mr. Cheng was President
and Chief Executive Officer of Network Dynamics, Incorporated (a
software development company). His address is 27 Temple Street, Belmont,
Massachusetts 02178.
<PAGE>
J. Michael Parish, Trustee (age 52)
Partner at the law firm of Winthrop Stimson Putnam & Roberts since 1989.
Prior thereto, he was a partner at LeBoeuf, Lamb, Leiby & MacRae, a law
firm of which he was a member from 1974 to 1989. His address is 40 Wall
Street, New York, New York 10005.
Mark D. Kaplan, Vice President, Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Secretary (age
40)
Managing Director at Forum Financial Services, Inc. since September
1995. Prior thereto, Mr. Kaplan was Managing Director and Director of
Research at H.M. Payson & Co. His address is Two Portland Square,
Portland, Maine 04101.
Michael D. Martins, Treasurer (age 30)
Director of Fund Accounting at Forum Financial Corp. since June 1995.
Prior thereto, he served as a manager in the New York City office of
Deloitte & Touche LLP, where he was employed for over five years. His
address is Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101.
David I. Goldstein, Secretary (age 34)
Counsel, Forum Financial Services, Inc., with which he has been
associated since 1991. Prior thereto, Mr. Goldstein was associated with
the law firm of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart. Mr. Goldstein is also Secretary
or Assistant Secretary of various registered investment companies for
which Forum Financial Services, Inc. serves as manager, administrator
and/or distributor. His address is Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine
04101.
Don L. Evans, Assistant Secretary (age 47)
Assistant Counsel, Forum Financial Services, Inc., with which he has
been associated since August 1995. Prior thereto, Mr. Evans was
associated with the law firm of Bisk & Lutz and prior thereto the law
firm of Weiner & Strother. Mr. Evans is also Assistant Secretary of
various registered investment companies for which Forum Financial
Services, Inc. serves as manager, administrator and/or distributor. His
address is Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine.
M. Paige Turney, Assistant Secretary (age 27).
Fund Administrator, Forum Financial Services, Inc., with which she has
been associated since 1995. Ms. Miles was employed from 1992 as a Senior
Fund Accountant with First Data Corporation in Boston, Massachusetts.
Prior thereto she was a student at Montana State University Her address
is Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101.
John Y. Keffer is an interested person of the Trust as that term is defined in
the 1940 Act.
ADVISER
The Fund's investment adviser, Forum Advisors, Inc., furnishes at its own
expense all services, facilities and personnel necessary in connection with
managing the Fund's investments and effecting portfolio transactions for the
Fund pursuant to an investment advisory agreement with the Trust (the
"Investment Advisory Agreement"). The Investment Advisory Agreement provides for
an initial term of one year from its effective date with respect to the Fund and
for its continuance in effect for successive twelve-month periods thereafter,
provided the agreement is specifically approved at least annually by the Board
or by vote of the shareholders and, in either case, by a majority of the
directors who are not parties to the Investment Advisory Agreement or interested
persons of any such party.
<PAGE>
The Investment Advisory Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Trust
with respect to the Fund on 60 days' written notice when authorized either by a
vote of its shareholders or by a vote of a majority of the Board, or by the
Adviser on not more than 60 days' nor less than 30 days' written notice, and
will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. The Investment
Advisory Agreement also provides that the Adviser shall not be liable for any
error of judgment or mistake of law or for any act or omission in the
performance of its duties to the Fund, except for willful misfeasance, bad faith
or gross negligence in the performance of the Adviser's duties or by reason of
reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Investment Advisory
Agreement. The Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser may render services
to others.
For its services under the Investment Advisory Agreement, Forum receives with
respect to the Fund a fee at an annual rate of 0.40% of the average daily net
assets of the Fund. Fees payable under the Advisory Agreement with respect to
the Fund are outlined in the following table:
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
MARCH 31 GROSS FEE WAIVED FEE NET FEE
-------- --------- ---------- -------
1996 $23,870 $0 $23,870
1995 $17,826 $17,826 $0
1994 $7,395 $7,395 $0
The Investment Advisory Agreement provides that the Adviser may render services
to others. In addition to receiving its advisory fee from the Fund, the Adviser
may also act and be compensated as investment manager for its clients with
respect to assets which are invested in the Fund. In some instances the Adviser
may elect to credit against any investment management fee received from a client
who is also a shareholder in the Fund an amount equal to all or a portion of the
fees received by the Adviser or any affiliate of the Adviser from the Fund with
respect to the client's assets invested in the Fund.
The Adviser has agreed to reimburse the Trust for certain of the Fund's
operating expenses (exclusive of interest, taxes, brokerage, fees and
organization expenses, all to the extent permitted by applicable state law or
regulation) which in any year exceed the limits prescribed by any state in which
the Fund's shares are qualified for sale. The Trust may elect not to qualify its
shares for sale in every state. The Adviser believes that currently the most
restrictive expense ratio limitation imposed by any state is 2-1/2% of the first
$30 million of the Fund's average net assets, 2% of the next $70 million of its
average net assets and 1-1/2% of its average net assets in excess of $100
million. For the purpose of this obligation to reimburse expenses, the Fund's
annual expenses are estimated and accrued daily, and any appropriate estimated
payments will be made by the Adviser monthly.
Subject to the above obligations to reimburse the Trust for its excess expenses,
the Trust has confirmed its obligation to pay all its other expenses, including:
interest charges, taxes, brokerage fees and commissions; certain insurance
premiums; fees, interest charges and expenses of the custodian, transfer agent
and dividend disbursing agent; telecommunications expenses; auditing, legal and
compliance expenses; costs of forming the corporation and maintaining corporate
existence; costs of preparing and printing the Trust's prospectuses, statements
of additional information, account application forms and shareholder reports and
delivering them to existing and prospective shareholders; costs of maintaining
books of original entry for portfolio and fund accounting and other required
books and accounts and of calculating the net asset value of shares of the
Trust; costs of reproduction, stationery and supplies; compensation of
directors, officers and employees of the Trust and costs of other personnel
performing services for the Trust who are not officers of an Adviser, the
manager and distributor or their respective affiliates; costs of corporate
meetings; Securities and Exchange Commission registration fees and related
expenses; state securities laws registration fees and related expenses; and fees
payable to the Adviser under the Investment Advisory Agreements.
<PAGE>
MANAGER AND DISTRIBUTOR
Forum Financial Services, Inc. ("Forum") was incorporated under the laws of the
State of Delaware on February 7, 1986, and supervises the overall management of
the Trust (which includes, among other responsibilities, negotiation of
contracts and fees with, and monitoring of performance and billing of, the
transfer agent and custodian and arranging for maintenance of books and records
of the Trust) pursuant to a management agreement with the Trust (the "Management
Agreement"). The Management Agreement provides for an initial term of one year
from its effective date with respect to the Fund and for its continuance in
effect for successive twelve-month periods thereafter, provided the agreement is
specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by the shareholders and,
in either case, by a majority of the directors who are not parties to the
Management Agreement or interested persons of any such party and do not have any
direct or indirect financial interest in the Management Agreement.
The Management Agreement terminates automatically if it is assigned and may be
terminated without penalty with respect to the Fund by vote of the Fund's
shareholders or by either party on not more than 60 days' nor less than 30 days'
written notice. The Management Agreement also provides that Forum shall not be
liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any act or omission in
the administration or management of the Trust, except for willful misfeasance,
bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of Forum's duties or by reason
of reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Management
Agreement.
Forum also acts as distributor of the Fund's shares pursuant to a distribution
services agreement (the "Distribution Services Agreement") and, pursuant
thereto, receives, and may reallow to certain financial institutions, the sales
charge paid by the purchasers of the Fund's shares. The aggregate sales charges
payable to Forum with respect to the Fund are outlined in the following table:
FISCAL YEAR ENDED AGGREGATE
MARCH 31 SALES CHARGE AMOUNT RETAINED AMOUNT REALLOWED
-------- ------------ --------------- ----------------
1996 $24,865 $3,309 $21,556
1995 $33,166 $4,429 $28,737
1994 $147,210 $19,206 $128,004
For its services under the Management Agreement, Forum receives with respect to
the Fund a fee at an annual rate of 0.30% of the average daily net assets of the
Fund. Fees payable under the Management Agreement with respect to the Fund are
outlined in the following table:
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
MARCH 31 GROSS FEE WAIVED FEE NET FEE
-------- --------- ---------- -------
1996 $17,902 $17,902 $0
1995 $13,369 $13,369 $0
1994 $5,546 $5,546 $0
Forum provides persons satisfactory to the Board to serve as officers of the
Trust. Those officers, as well as certain other employees and directors of the
Trust, may be directors, officers or employees of (and persons providing
services to the Trust may include) Forum and its affiliates.
TRANSFER AGENT
Forum Financial Corp. (the "Transfer Agent") acts as transfer agent of the Trust
pursuant to a transfer agency agreement with the Trust (the "Transfer Agency
Agreement"). The Transfer Agency Agreement provides for an initial term of one
year from its effective date with respect to the Fund and for its continuance in
effect for
<PAGE>
successive twelve-month periods thereafter, provided the agreement is
specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by a vote of the
shareholders and, in either case, by a majority of the directors who are not
parties to the Transfer Agency Agreement or interested persons of any such
party, at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on the Transfer Agency
Agreement.
Among the responsibilities of the Transfer Agent as agent for the Trust are:
(1) answering customer inquiries regarding account status and history, the
manner in which purchases and redemptions of shares of the Fund may be effected
and certain other matters pertaining to the Fund; (2) assisting shareholders in
initiating and changing account designations and addresses; (3) providing
necessary personnel and facilities to establish and maintain shareholder
accounts and records, assisting in processing purchase and redemption
transactions and receiving wired funds; (4) transmitting and receiving funds in
connection with customer orders to purchase or redeem shares; (5) verifying
shareholder signatures in connection with changes in the registration of
shareholder accounts; (6) furnishing periodic statements and confirmations of
purchases and redemptions; (7) arranging for the transmission of proxy
statements, annual reports, prospectuses and other communications from the Trust
to its shareholders; (8) arranging for the receipt, tabulation and transmission
to the Trust of proxies executed by shareholders with respect to meetings of
shareholders of the Trust; and (9) providing such other related services as the
Trust or a shareholder may reasonably request.
The Transfer Agent or any sub-transfer agent or processing agent may also act
and receive compensation as custodian, investment manager, nominee, agent or
fiduciary for its customers or clients who are shareholders of the Fund with
respect to assets invested in the Fund. The Transfer Agent or any sub-transfer
agent or other processing agent may elect to credit against the fees payable to
it by its clients or customers all or a portion of any fee received from the
Trust or from the Transfer Agent with respect to assets of those customers or
clients invested in the Fund. The Transfer Agent, Forum or sub-transfer agents
or processing agents retained by the Transfer Agent may be Processing
Organizations (as defined in the Prospectus) and, in the case of sub-transfer
agents or processing agents, may also be affiliated persons of the Transfer
Agent or Forum.
For its services under the Transfer Agency Agreement, Forum receives, with
respect to each Series: (i) a fee at an annual rate of 0.25 percent of the
average daily net assets of the Series and (ii) a fee of $12,000 per year; such
amounts to be computed and paid monthly in arrears by the Fund; and (iii) Annual
Shareholder Account Fees of $18.00 per shareholder account; such fees to be
computed as of the last business day of the prior month. Fees payable under the
Transfer Agent Agreement with respect to each Fund are outlined in the following
tables:
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
MARCH 31 GROSS FEE WAIVED FEE NET FEE
-------- --------- ---------- -------
1996 $28,488 $645 $27,843
1995 $11,141 $8,715 $2,426
1994 $11,731 $4,622 $7,109
Pursuant to a Fund Accounting Agreement, the Transfer Agent also provides the
Fund with portfolio accounting, including the calculation of the Fund's net
asset value. For these services, the Transfer Agent receives an annual fee
ranging from $36,000 to $60,000 depending upon the amount and type of the Fund's
portfolio transactions and positions. Fees payable under the Fund Accounting
Agreement with respect to fund accounting services for the Fund are outlined in
the following table:
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
MARCH 31 GROSS FEE WAIVED FEE NET FEE
-------- --------- ---------- -------
1996 $37,000 $0 $37,000
1995 $36,000 $0 $36,000
1994 $36,000 $0 $36,000
<PAGE>
5. DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The Trust does not determine net asset value on the following holidays: New
Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial
Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Purchases and redemptions are effected at the time of the next determination of
net asset value following the receipt of any purchase or redemption order.
6. PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and sales of portfolio securities for the Fund usually are principal
transactions. Portfolio securities for the Fund are normally purchased directly
from the issuer or from an underwriter or market maker for the securities. There
usually are no brokerage commissions paid for such purchases. Purchases from
underwriters of portfolio securities include a commission or concession paid by
the issuer to the underwriter, and purchases from dealers serving as market
makers include the spread between the bid and asked prices. For the fiscal year
ended March 31, 1996, the Fund paid no brokerage commissions.
The Fund may effect purchases and sales through brokers who charge commissions.
Allocations of transactions to brokers and dealers and the frequency of
transactions are determined by the Adviser in its best judgment and in a manner
deemed to be in the best interest of shareholders of the Fund rather than by any
formula. The primary consideration is prompt execution of orders in an effective
manner and at the most favorable price available to the Fund.
The Fund may not always pay the lowest commission or spread available. Rather,
in determining the amount of commission, including certain dealer spreads, paid
in connection with Fund transactions, the Adviser takes into account such
factors as size of the order, difficulty of execution, efficiency of the
executing broker's facilities (including the services described below) and any
risk assumed by the executing broker. The Adviser may also take into account
payments made by brokers effecting transactions for the Fund (i) to the Fund or
(ii) to other persons on behalf of the Fund for services provided to it for
which it would be obligated to pay.
In addition, the Adviser may give consideration to research and investment
analysis services furnished by brokers or dealers to the Adviser for its use and
may cause the Fund to pay these brokers a higher amount of commission than may
be charged by other brokers. Such research and analysis is of the types
described in Section 28(e)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, and is designed to augment the Adviser's own internal research and
investment strategy capabilities. The Adviser may use the research and analysis
in connection with services to clients other than the Fund, and the Adviser's
fee is not reduced by reason of the Adviser's receipt of the research services.
Investment decisions for the Fund will be made independently from those for any
other account or investment company that is or may in the future become managed
by the Adviser or its affiliates. If, however, the Fund and other investment
companies or accounts managed by the Adviser are contemporaneously engaged in
the purchase or sale of the same security, the transactions may be averaged as
to price and allocated equitably to each account. In some cases, this policy
might adversely affect the price paid or received by the Fund or the size of the
position obtainable for the Fund. In addition, when purchases or sales of the
same security for the Fund and for other investment companies and accounts
managed by the Adviser occur contemporaneously, the purchase or sale orders may
be aggregated in order to obtain any price advantages available to large
denomination purchases or sales.
No portfolio transactions are executed with the Adviser, Forum or any of their
affiliates.
7. ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION
Shares in the Fund are sold on a continuous basis by Forum, as the distributor
of the Trust.
<PAGE>
Set forth below is an example of the method of computing the offering price of
the Fund's shares. The example assumes a purchase of shares of common stock
aggregating less than $100,000 subject to the schedule of sales charges set
forth in the Prospectus at a price based on the net asset value per share of
$10.33 on March 31, 1996.
Net Asset Value Per Share $ $ 10.33
Sales Charge, 3.75% of offering price
(3.90% of net asset value per share). . . . . . $ 0.40
Offering to Public. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 10.73
In addition to the situations described in the Prospectus under "Purchases and
Redemptions of Shares," the Trust may redeem shares involuntarily, from time to
time, to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of the failure of a
shareholder to make full payment for shares purchased by the shareholder or to
collect any charge relating to transactions effected for the benefit of a
shareholder which is applicable to the Fund's shares as provided in the
Prospectus.
The Trust has filed a formal election with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pursuant to which the Fund will only effect a redemption in portfolio
securities if a shareholder is redeeming more than $250,000 or 1% of the Fund's
total net assets, whichever is less, during any 90-day period.
The Fund may wire proceeds of redemptions to shareholders that have elected wire
redemption privileges only if the wired amount is greater than $5,000. In
addition, the Fund will only wire redemption proceeds to financial institutions
located in the United States.
By use of telephone redemption and exchange privileges, the shareholder
authorizes the Transfer Agent to act upon the instruction of any person
representing himself either to be, or to have the authority to act on behalf of,
the investor and believed by the Transfer Agent to be genuine. The records of
the Transfer Agent of such instructions are binding. Proceeds of an exchange
transaction may be invested in another Participating Fund account in the name of
the shareholder.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
The exchange privilege permits shareholders of the Fund to exchange their shares
for shares of any other fund of the Trust or shares of certain other portfolios
of investment companies which retain Forum or its affiliates as investment
adviser or distributor and which participate in the Trust's exchange privilege
program ("Participating Fund"). For Federal income tax purposes, exchange
transactions are treated as sales on which a purchaser will realize a capital
gain or loss depending on whether the value of the shares redeemed is more or
less than his basis in such shares at the time of the transaction.
Exchange transactions will be made on the basis of relative net asset values per
share at the time of the exchange transaction plus any sales charge applicable
to the Participating Fund whose shares are being acquired. Shares of any
Participating Fund may be redeemed and the proceeds used to purchase, without a
sales charge, shares of any other Participating Fund that are offered without a
sales charge. Shares of any Participating Fund purchased with a sales charge may
be redeemed and the proceeds used to purchase, without a sales charge, shares of
any other Participating Fund otherwise sold with the same sales charge. If the
Participating Fund purchased in the exchange transaction imposes a higher sales
charge than was paid originally on the exchanged shares, the shareholder will be
responsible for the difference between the two sales charges. Shares acquired
through the reinvestment of dividends and distributions are deemed to have been
acquired with a sales charge rate equal to that paid on the shares on which the
dividend or distribution was paid.
The terms of the exchange privilege are subject to change, and the privilege may
be terminated by any of the Participating Funds or the Trust. However the
privilege will not be terminated, and no material change that restricts
<PAGE>
the availability of the privilege to shareholders will be implemented, without
reasonable advance notice to shareholders.
8. TAXATION
Qualification as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986 does not involve governmental supervision of management or investment
practices or policies. Investors should consult their own counsel for a complete
understanding of the requirements the Fund must meet to qualify for such
treatment. Investors should consult their own counsel for further details and
for the application of state and local tax laws to the investor's particular
situation.
The Fund expects to derive substantially all of its gross income (exclusive of
capital gain) from sources other than dividends. Accordingly, it is expected
that none of the Fund's dividends or distributions will qualify for the
dividends-received deduction for corporations.
9. OTHER INFORMATION
CUSTODIAN
Pursuant to a Custodian Agreement with the Trust, The First National Bank of
Boston, 100 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02106, acts as the custodian
of the Fund's assets. The custodian's responsibilities include safeguarding and
controlling the Fund's cash and securities, determining income and collecting
interest on Fund investments.
COUNSEL
Legal matters in connection with the issuance of shares of beneficial interest
of the Trust are passed upon by the law firm of Seward & Kissel, One Battery
Park Plaza, New York, New York 10004.
AUDITORS
Deloitte & Touche LLP, Two World Financial Center, New York, New York
10281-1438, independent auditors, act as auditors for the Trust.
THE TRUST AND ITS SHARES
The Trust was originally incorporated in Maryland on March 24, 1980 and assumed
the name of Forum Funds, Inc. on March 16, 1987. On January 5, 1996, Forum
Funds, Inc. was reorganized as a Delaware business trust. The Trust has an
unlimited number of authorized shares of beneficial interest. The Board may,
without shareholder approval, divide the authorized shares into an unlimited
number of separate portfolios or series (such as the Fund) and may in the future
divide portfolios or series into two or more classes of shares (such as Investor
and Institutional Shares). Currently the authorized shares of the Trust are
divided into 15 separate series.
Each share of each fund of the Trust and each class of shares has equal
dividend, distribution, liquidation and voting rights, and fractional shares
have those rights proportionately, except that expenses related to the
distribution of the shares of each class (and certain other expenses such as
transfer agency and administration expenses) are borne solely by those shares
and each class votes separately with respect to the provisions of any Rule 12b-1
plan which pertain to the class and other matters for which separate class
voting is appropriate under applicable law. Generally, shares will be voted in
the aggregate without reference to a particular portfolio or class, except if
the matter affects only one portfolio or class or voting by portfolio or class
is required by law, in which case shares will be voted separately by portfolio
or class, as appropriate. Delaware law does not require the Trust to hold annual
meetings of shareholders, and it is anticipated that shareholder meetings will
be held only when specifically required by Federal or state law. Shareholders
have available certain procedures for the removal of Trustees. There are no
conversion or
<PAGE>
preemptive rights in connection with shares of the Trust. All shares when issued
in accordance with the terms of the offering will be fully paid and
nonassessable. Shares are redeemable at net asset value, at the option of the
shareholders, subject to any contingent deferred sales charge that may apply. A
shareholder in a portfolio is entitled to the shareholder's pro rata share of
all dividends and distributions arising from that portfolio's assets and, upon
redeeming shares, will receive the portion of the portfolio's net assets
represented by the redeemed shares.
As of July 8, 1996, the officers and Directors of the Trust as a group owned
less than 1% of the outstanding shares of each Fund. Also as of that date, the
shareholders listed below owned or owned of record more than 5% of either Fund.
From time to time, certain shareholders may own a large percentage of the shares
of a Fund. Accordingly, those shareholders may be able to greatly affect (if not
determine) the outcome of a shareholder vote. As noted, certain of these
shareholders are known to the Trust to hold their shares of record only and have
no beneficial interest, including the right to vote, in the shares.
PERCENTAGE OF
FUND
SHAREHOLDER SHARES OWNED
----------- -------------
Independence Trust Company
200 Bedford Street, 5th Floor
Manchester, NH 03105-0119 37.17%
Administrative Data Management Corp.
10 Woodbridge Center Drive
Woodbridge, NJ 07095-1198 29.50%
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements of the Fund for the year ended March 31, 1996 (which
include a statement of assets and liabilities, a statement of operations, a
statement of changes in net assets, notes to financial statements, financial
highlights, a statement of investments and the auditors' report thereon) are
included in the Annual Report to Shareholders of the Trust delivered along with
this SAI and are incorporated herein by reference.
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A - DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS
1. CORPORATE AND MUNICIPAL BONDS (INCLUDING CONVERTIBLE BONDS)
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. ("MOODY'S")
Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged by Moody's 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.
Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards.
Together with the Aaa group, they comprise what are generally known as
high-grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of
protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective
elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present
which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are to
be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving security to
principal and interest are considered adequate but elements may be present which
suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.
Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations, i.e., they
are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payment 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: Those bonds in the Aa, A, Baa, or B groups which Moody's believes possess
the strongest investment attributes are designated by the symbols Aa1, A1, Baa1,
Ba1, and B1.
STANDARD AND POOR'S CORPORATION ("S&P")
Bonds rated AAA have the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to pay
interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
Bonds rated AA have a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
and differ from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
<PAGE>
Bonds rated A have a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal,
although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than debt rated in higher rated
categories.
Bonds rated BBB are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and
repay principal. Whereas, they normally exhibit adequate protection parameters,
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to
weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for debt in this category
than in higher rated categories.
Bonds rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C are regarded, on balance, as predominantly
speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay
principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. BB indicates the
lowest degree of speculation and C the highest degree of speculation. While such
bonds will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these are
outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
Bonds rated BB have less near-term vulnerability to default than other
speculative issues. However, they face major ongoing uncertainties or exposure
to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead to
inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments.
Bonds rated B have a greater vulnerability to default but currently have the
capacity to meet interest payments and principal payments. Adverse business,
financial, or economic conditions will likely impair capacity or willingness to
pay interest and repay principal.
Bonds rated CCC have currently identifiable vulnerability to default, and are
dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions to meet
timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. In the event of adverse
business, financial, or economic conditions, they are not likely to have the
capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
Bonds rated CC typically are subordinated to senior debt which is assigned an
actual or implied CCC debt rating. This rating may also be used to indicate
imminent default.
The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has
been filed, but debt service payments are continued. The rating Cl is reserved
for income bonds on which no interest is being paid.
Bonds are rated D when the issue is in payment default, or the obligor has filed
for bankruptcy. 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 that such payments will be made
during such grace period.
Note: The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus (+)
or minus (-) sign to show the relative standing within the rating category.
FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. ("FITCH")
AAA Bonds are considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit
quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest and
repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable
events.
AA Bonds are considered to be investment grade and of very high credit quality.
The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is very strong,
although not quite as strong as bonds rated AAA. Because bonds rated in the AAA
and AA categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable future
developments, shorter-term debt of these issuers is generally rate F-1+.
A Bonds are considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality. The
obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be
strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and
circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
<PAGE>
BBB Bonds are considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered
to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances,
however, are more likely to have adverse impact on these bonds, and therefore
impair timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings of these bonds will fall
below investment grade is higher than for bonds with higher ratings.
BB Bonds are considered speculative. The obligor's ability to pay interest and
repay principal may be affected over time by adverse economic changes. However,
business and financial alternatives can be identified which could assist the
obligor in satisfying its debt service requirements.
B Bonds are considered highly speculative. While bonds in this class are
currently meeting debt service requirements, the probability of continued timely
payment of principal and interest reflects the obligor's limited margin of
safety and the need for reasonable business and economic activity throughout the
life of the issue.
CCC Bonds have certain identifiable characteristics which, if not remedied, may
lead to default. The ability to meet obligations requires an advantageous
business and economic environment.
CC Bonds are minimally protected. Default in payment of interest and/or
principal seems probable over time.
C Bonds are in imminent default in payment of interest or principal.
DDD, DD, and D Bonds are in default on interest and/or principal payments. Such
bonds are extremely speculative and should be valued on the basis of their
ultimate recovery value in liquidation or reorganization of the obligor. DDD
represents the highest potential for recovery on these bonds, and D represents
the lowest potential for recovery.
Plus (+) and minus (-) signs are used with a rating symbol to indicate the
relative position of a credit within the rating category. Plus and minus signs,
however, are not used in the AAA, DDD, DD, or D categories.
2. SHORT TERM MUNICIPAL LOANS
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
MIG-1/VMIG-1. This designation denotes best quality. There is present strong
protection by established cash flows, superior liquidity support or demonstrated
broadbased access to the market for refinancing.
MIG-2/VMIG-2. This designation denotes high quality. Margins of protection are
ample although not so large as in the MIG-1/VMIG-1 group.
MIG 3/VMIG 3. This designation denotes favorable quality. All security elements
are accounted for but there is lacking the undeniable strength of the preceding
grades. Liquidity and cash flow protection may be narrow and market access for
refinancing is likely to be less well established.
MIG 4/VMIG 4. This designation denotes adequate quality. Protection commonly
regarded as required of an investment security is present and although not
distinctly or predominantly speculative, there is specific risk.
STANDARD AND POOR'S CORPORATION
SP-1. Very strong or strong capacity to pay principal and interest. Those issues
which are determined to possess overwhelming safety characteristics will be
given a plus (+) designation.
SP-2. Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest.
<PAGE>
SP-3. Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
3. OTHER MUNICIPAL SECURITIES AND COMMERCIAL PAPER
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
Moody's two highest ratings for short-term debt, including commercial paper, are
Prime-1 and Prime-2. Both are judged investment grade, to indicate the relative
repayment ability of rated issuers.
Issuers rated Prime-1 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 charges
and high internal cash generation.
- Well-established access to a range of financial markets and
assured sources of alternate liquidity.
Issuers rated Prime-2 by Moody's have a strong ability for repayment of senior
short-term debt obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of the
characteristics of issuers rated Prime-1 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.
STANDARD AND POOR'S CORPORATION
S&P's two highest commercial paper ratings are A and B. Issues assigned an A
rating are regarded as having the greatest capacity for timely payment. Issues
in this category are delineated with the numbers 1, 2 and 3 to indicate the
relative degree of safety. An A-1 designation indicates that the degree of
safety regarding timely payment is either overwhelming or very strong. Those
issues determined to possess overwhelming safety characteristics are denoted
with a plus (+) sign designation. The capacity for timely payment on issues with
an A-2 designation is strong. However, the relative degree of safety is not as
high as for issues designated A-1. A-3 issues have a satisfactory capacity for
timely payment. They are, however, somewhat more vulnerable to the adverse
effects of changes in circumstances than obligations carrying the higher
designations. Issues rated B are regarded as having only an adequate capacity
for timely payment. However, such capacity may be damaged by changing conditions
or short-term adversities.
FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
Fitch's short-term ratings apply to debt obligations that are payable on demand
or have original maturities of generally up to three years, including commercial
paper, certificates of deposit, medium-term notes, and municipal and investment
notes.
F-1+. Issues assigned this rating are regarded as having the strongest degree of
assurance for timely payment.
F-1. Issues assigned this rating reflect an assurance of timely payment only
slightly less in degree than issues rated F-1+.
F-2. Issues assigned this rating have a satisfactory degree of assurance for
timely payment, but the margin of safety is not as great as for issues assigned
F-1+ or F-1 rating.
F-3. Issues assigned this rating have characteristics suggesting that the
degree of assurance for timely payment is adequate, however, near-term adverse
changes could cause these securities to be rated below investment grade.
<PAGE>
F-S. Issues assigned this rating have characteristics suggesting a minimal
degree of assurance for timely payment and are vulnerable to near-term adverse
changes in financial and economic conditions.
D. Issues assigned this rating are in actual or imminent payment default.
<PAGE>
NEW HAMPSHIRE BOND FUND
APPENDIX B - DESCRIPTION OF MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
1. MUNICIPAL BONDS
Municipal Bonds which meet longer term capital needs and generally have
maturities of more than one year when issued, have three principal
classifications:
General Obligation Bonds are issued by such entities as states, counties,
cities, towns, and regional districts. The proceeds of these obligations are
used to fund a wide range of public projects, including construction or
improvement of schools, highways and roads, and water and sewer systems. The
basic security behind General Obligation Bonds is the issuer's pledge of its
full faith and credit and taxing power for the payment of principal and
interest. The taxes that can be levied for the payment of debt service may be
limited or unlimited as to the rate or amount of special assessments.
Revenue Bonds in recent years have come to include an increasingly wide variety
of types of municipal obligations. As with other kinds of municipal obligations,
the issuers of revenue bonds may consist of virtually any form of state or local
governmental entity, including states, state agencies, cities, counties,
authorities of various kinds, such as public housing or redevelopment
authorities, and special districts, such as water, sewer or sanitary districts.
Generally, revenue bonds are secured by the revenues or net revenues derived
from a particular facility, group of facilities, or, in some cases, the proceeds
of a special excise or other specific revenue source. Revenue bonds are issued
to finance a wide variety of capital projects including electric, gas, water and
sewer systems; highways, bridges, and tunnels; port and airport facilities;
colleges and universities; and hospitals. Many of these bonds provide additional
security in the form of a debt service reserve fund to be used to make principal
and interest payments. Various forms of credit enhancement, such as a bank
letter of credit or municipal bond insurance, may also be employed in revenue
bond issues. Housing authorities have a wide range of security, including
partially or fully insured mortgages, rent subsidized and/or collateralized
mortgages, and/or the net revenues from housing or other public projects. Some
authorities provide further security in the form of a state's ability (without
obligation) to make up deficiencies in the debt service reserve fund.
In recent years, revenue bonds have been issued in large volumes for projects
that are privately owned and operated as described below.
Private Activity Bonds are considered municipal bonds if the interest paid
thereon is exempt from Federal income tax and are issued by or on behalf of
public authorities to raise money to finance various privately operated
facilities for business and manufacturing, housing and health. These bonds are
also used to finance public facilities such as airports, mass transit systems
and ports. The payment of the principal and interest on such bonds is dependent
solely on the ability of the facility's user to meet its financial obligations
and the pledge, if any, of real and personal property as security for such
payment.
While, at one time, the pertinent provisions of the Internal Revenue Code (the
"Code") permitted private activity bonds to bear tax-exempt interest in
connection with virtually any type of commercial or industrial project (subject
to various restrictions as to authorized costs, size limitations, state per
capita volume restrictions, and other matters), the types of qualifying projects
under the Code have become increasingly limited, particularly since the
enactment of the Tax Reform Act of 1986. Under current provisions of the Code,
tax-exempt financing remains available, under prescribed conditions, for
owner-occupied housing, certain privately owned and operated rental multi-family
housing facilities, nonprofit hospital and nursing home projects, certain
manufacturing or industrial projects, and solid waste disposal projects, among
others, and for the refunding (that is, the tax-exempt refinancing) of various
kinds of other private commercial projects originally financed with tax-exempt
bonds. In future years, the types of projects qualifying under the Code for
tax-exempt financing are expected to become increasingly limited.
<PAGE>
Because of terminology formerly used in the Code, virtually any form of private
activity bond may still be referred to as an "industrial development bond," but
more and more frequently revenue bonds have become classified according to the
particular type of facility being financed, such as hospital revenue bonds,
nursing home revenue bonds, multifamily housing revenues bonds, single family
housing revenue bonds, industrial development revenue bonds and solid waste
resource recovery revenue bonds.
Tax-exempt bonds are also categorized according to whether the interest is or is
not includible in the calculation of alternative minimum taxes imposed on
individuals, according to whether the costs of acquiring or carrying the bonds
are or are not deductible in part by banks and other financial institutions, and
according to other criteria relevant for Federal income tax purposes. Due to the
increasing complexity of Code and related requirements governing the issuance of
tax-exempt bonds, industry practice has uniformly required, as a condition to
the issuance of such bonds, but particularly for revenue bonds, an opinion of
nationally recognized bond counsel as to the tax-exempt status of interest on
the bonds.
2. MUNICIPAL NOTES
Municipal Notes generally are used to provide for short-term capital needs and
usually have maturities of one year or less. They include the following:
Tax Anticipation Notes are issued to finance working capital needs of
municipalities. Generally, they are issued in anticipation of various seasonal
tax revenues, such as income, sales, use and business taxes, and are payable
from these specific future taxes.
Revenue Anticipation Notes are issued in expectation of receipt of other types
of revenues, such as Federal revenues available under the Federal Revenue
Sharing Programs.
Bond Anticipation Notes are issued to provide interim financing until long-term
financing can be arranged. In most cases, the long-term bonds then provide the
money for the repayment of the Notes.
Construction Loan Notes are sold to provide construction financing. After
successful completion and acceptance, many projects receive permanent financing
through the Federal Housing Administration under the Federal National Mortgage
Association or the Government National Mortgage Association.
Tax-Exempt Commercial Paper is a short-term obligation with a stated maturity
of 365 days or less. It is issued by agencies of state and local governments to
finance seasonal working capital needs or as short-term financing in
anticipation of longer term financing.
3. MUNICIPAL LEASES
Municipal Leases, which may take the form of a lease or an installment
purchase or conditional sale contract, are issued by state and local
governments and authorities to acquire a wide variety of equipment and
facilities such as fire and sanitation vehicles, telecommunications equipment
and other capital assets. Municipal leases frequently have special risks not
normally associated with general obligation or revenue bonds. Leases and
installment purchase or conditional sale contracts (which normally provide
for title to the leased asset to pass eventually to the government issuer)
have evolved as a means for governmental issuers to acquire property and
equipment without meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements for
the issuance of debt. The debt-issuance limitations of many state
constitutions and statutes are deemed to be inapplicable because of the
inclusion in many leases or contracts of "non-appropriation" clauses that
provide that the governmental issuer has no obligation to make future
payments under the lease or contract unless money is appropriated for such
purpose by the appropriate legislative body on a yearly or other periodic
basis. To reduce this risk, the Fund will only purchase municipal leases
subject to a non-appropriation clause when the payment of principal and
accrued interest is backed by an unconditional irrevocable letter of credit
or guarantee of a bank or other entity that meets the criteria described in
the Prospectus.
<PAGE>
PAYSON VALUE FUND
PAYSON BALANCED FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment Advisor: Account Information and
H.M. Payson & Co. Shareholder Servicing:
One Portland Square Forum Financial Corp.
P.O. Box 31 P.O. Box 446
Portland, Maine 04112 Portland, Maine 04112
207-772-3761 207-879-0009
800-456-6710
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
August 1, 1996
Forum Funds (the "Trust") is a registered open-end investment company. This
Statement of Additional Information supplements the Prospectus offering shares
of Payson Value Fund and Payson Balanced Fund (collectively the "Funds" and
individually a "Fund") and should be read only in conjunction with the
Prospectus, a copy of which may be obtained by an investor without charge by
contacting the Trust's Distributor, Forum Financial Services, Inc., Two Portland
Square, Portland, Maine 04101.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
----
1. Investment Policies..........................
2. Investment Limitations.......................
3. Performance Data.............................
4. Management...................................
5. Determination of Net Asset Value.............
6. Portfolio Transactions.......................
7. Additional Purchase and
Redemption Information....................
8. Taxation.....................................
9. Other Information............................
Appendix A - Description of Securities Ratings
THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT A PROSPECTUS AND IS AUTHORIZED
FOR DISTRIBUTION TO PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ONLY IF PRECEDED OR ACCOMPANIED BY AN
EFFECTIVE PROSPECTUS.
B-1
<PAGE>
1. INVESTMENT POLICIES
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), Standard & Poor's Corporation
("S&P") and other nationally recognized statistical rating organizations
("NRSROs") are private services that provide ratings of the credit quality of
debt obligations, including convertible securities. A description of the range
of ratings assigned to bonds and other securities by several NRSROs is included
in Appendix A to this Statement of Additional Information. The Funds may use
these ratings to determine whether to purchase, sell or hold a security.
However, ratings are general and are not absolute standards of quality.
Consequently, securities with the same maturity, interest rate and rating may
have different market prices. If an issue of securities ceases to be rated or
if its rating is reduced after it has been purchased by a Fund, H.M. Payson &
Co. (the "Advisor"), the Funds' investment advisor will determine whether the
Fund should continue to hold the obligation. Credit ratings attempt to evaluate
the safety of principal and interest payments and do not evaluate the risks of
fluctuations in market value. Also, rating agencies may fail to make timely
changes in credit ratings. An issuer's current financial condition may be
better or worse than a rating indicates.
Each Fund may retain securities whose rating has been lowered below the lowest
permissible rating category (or that are unrated and determined by the Advisor
to be of comparable quality) if the Advisor determines that retaining such
security is in the best interests of the Fund.
WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES AND FORWARD COMMITMENTS
Each Fund may purchase securities offered on a "when-issued" basis and may
purchase or sell securities on a "forward commitment" basis. When such
transactions are negotiated, the price, which is generally expressed in yield
terms, is fixed at the time the commitment is made, but delivery and payment for
the securities take place at a later date. Normally, the settlement date occurs
within two months after the transaction, but delayed settlements beyond two
months may be negotiated. During the period between a commitment and
settlement, no payment is made for the securities purchased by the purchaser
and, thus, no interest accrues to the purchaser from the transaction. At the
time a Fund makes the commitment to purchase securities on a when-issued or
delayed delivery basis, the Fund will record the transaction as a purchase and
thereafter reflect the value each day of such securities in determining its net
asset value.
The use of when-issued transactions and forward commitments enables the Funds to
hedge against anticipated changes in interest rates and prices. For instance,
in periods of rising interest rates and falling bond prices, a Fund might sell
securities which it owned on a forward commitment basis to limit its exposure to
falling prices. In periods of falling interest rates and rising bond prices, a
Fund might sell a security and purchase the same or a similar security on a
when-issued or forward commitment basis, thereby obtaining the benefit of
currently higher cash yields. However, if the Advisor were to forecast
incorrectly the direction of interest rate movements, the Fund might be required
to complete such when-issued or forward commitment transactions at prices
inferior to the current market values.
When-issued securities and forward commitments may be sold prior to the
settlement date, but the Funds enter into when-issued and forward commitment
transactions only with the intention of actually receiving or delivering the
securities, as the case may be. If a Fund, however, chooses to dispose of the
right to acquire a when-issued security prior to its acquisition or to dispose
of its right to deliver or receive against a forward commitment, it can incur a
gain or loss. When-issued securities may include bonds purchased on a "when, as
and if issued" basis under which the issuance of the securities depends upon the
occurrence of a subsequent event. Any significant commitment of a Fund's assets
to the purchase of securities on a "when, as and if issued" basis may increase
the volatility of its net asset value.
Each Fund will establish and maintain with its custodian a separate account with
cash, U.S. Government Securities (as defined in the Prospectus) and other liquid
high-grade debt securities in an amount at least equal to its commitments to
purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis.
B-2
<PAGE>
ILLIQUID SECURITIES
Each Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities. The
term "illiquid securities" for this purpose means securities that cannot be
disposed of within seven days in the ordinary course of business at
approximately the amount at which the Fund has valued the securities and
includes, among other things, purchased over-the-counter (OTC) options and
repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days.
The Trust's Board of Directors ("Board") has the ultimate responsibility for
determining whether specific securities are liquid or illiquid. The Board has
delegated the function of making day-to-day determinations of liquidity to the
Advisor, pursuant to guidelines approved by the Board. The Advisor takes into
account a number of factors in reaching liquidity decisions, including but not
limited to: (1) the frequency of trades and quotations for the security; (2) the
number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security and the number of
other potential buyers; (3) the willingness of dealers to undertake to make a
market in the security; and (4) the nature of the marketplace trades, including
the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and
the mechanics of the transfer. The Advisor monitors the liquidity of the
securities in each Fund's portfolio and reports periodically on such decisions
to the Board.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES
The Funds may invest in convertible securities. A convertible security is a
bond, debenture, note, preferred stock or other security that may be converted
into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a
different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or
formula. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or
accrued on debt or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible
security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion,
convertible securities have characteristics similar to nonconvertible debt
securities in that they ordinarily provide a stable stream of income with
generally higher yields than those of common stocks of the same or similar
issuers. Convertible securities rank senior to common stock in a corporation's
capital structure but are usually subordinated to comparable nonconvertible
securities. Although no securities investment is without some risk, investment
in convertible securities generally entails less risk than in the issuer's
common stock. However, the extent to which such risk is reduced depends in
large measure upon the degree to which the convertible security sells above its
value as a fixed income security. Convertible securities have unique investment
characteristics in that they generally (1) have higher yields than common
stocks, but lower yields than comparable non-convertible securities, (2) are
less subject to fluctuation in value than the underlying stocks since they have
fixed income characteristics and (3) provide the potential for capital
appreciation if the market price of the underlying common stock increases.
The value of a convertible security is a function of its "investment value"
(determined by its yield comparison with the yields of other securities of
comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege) and its
"conversion value" (the security's worth, at market value, if converted into the
underlying common stock). The investment value of a convertible security is
influenced by changes in interest rates, with investment value declining as
interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates decline. The credit
standing of the issuer and other factors also may have an effect on the
convertible security's investment value. The conversion value of a convertible
security is determined by the market price of the underlying common stock. If
the conversion value is low relative to the investment value, the price of the
convertible security is governed principally by its investment value and
generally the conversion value decreases as the convertible security approaches
maturity. To the extent the market price of the underlying common stock
approaches or exceeds the conversion price, the price of the convertible
security will be increasingly influenced by its conversion value. In addition,
a convertible security generally will sell at a premium over its conversion
value determined by the extent to which investors place value on the right to
acquire the underlying common stock while holding a fixed income security.
A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer
at a price established in the convertible security's governing instrument. If a
convertible security held by a Fund is called for redemption, the Fund will be
required to permit the issuer to redeem the security, convert it into the
underlying common stock or sell it to a third party.
B-3
<PAGE>
TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE POSITION.
When a Fund assumes a temporary defensive position it may invest in (i) short-
term U.S. Government Securities, (ii) certificates of deposit, bankers'
acceptances and interest-bearing savings deposits of commercial banks doing
business in the United States that have, at the time of investment, total assets
in excess of one billion dollars and that are insured by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation, (iii) commercial paper of prime quality rated Prime-2 or
higher by Moody's or A-2 or higher by S&P or, if not rated, determined by the
Adviser to be of comparable quality, (iv) repurchase agreements covering any of
the securities in which the Fund may invest directly and (v) money market mutual
funds.
The Funds may invest in the securities of other investment companies within the
limits proscribed by the 1940 Act. Under normal circumstances, each Fund
intends to invest less than 5% of the value of its net assets in the securities
of other investment companies. In addition to the Fund's expenses (including
the various fees), as a shareholder in another investment company, a Fund would
bear its pro rata portion of the other investment company's expenses (including
fees).
FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS
Each Fund may in the future seek to hedge against a decline in the value of
securities it owns or an increase in the price of securities which it plans to
purchase through the writing and purchase of exchange-traded and over-the-
counter options and the purchase and sale of futures contracts and options on
those futures contracts. Payson Value Fund may buy or sell stock index futures
contracts, such as contracts on the S&P 500 stock index, and Payson Balanced
Fund may buy and sell bond index futures contracts. In addition, both Funds may
buy or sell futures contracts on Treasury bills, Treasury bonds and other
financial instruments. The Funds may write covered options and buy options on
the futures contracts in which they may invest.
In addition, the Funds may write (sell) covered put and call options and may buy
put and call options on debt securities and bond indices. An option is covered
if, so long as the Fund is obligated under the option, it owns an offsetting
position in the underlying security, currency or futures contract or maintains
cash, U.S. Government Securities or other liquid, high-grade debt securities in
a segregated account with a value at all times sufficient to cover the Fund's
obligation under the option.
The Funds' use of options and futures contracts would subject the Funds to
certain investment risks and transaction costs to which they might not otherwise
be subject. These risks include: (1) dependence on the Advisor's ability to
predict movements in the prices of individual securities and fluctuations in the
general securities markets; (2) imperfect correlation between movements in the
prices of options, futures contracts or related options and movements in the
price of the securities hedged or used for cover; (3) the fact that skills and
techniques needed to trade these instruments are different from those needed to
select the other securities in which the Funds invest; (4) lack of assurance
that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular instrument at any
particular time; and (5) the possible need to defer closing out of certain
options, futures contracts and related options to avoid adverse tax
consequences. Other risks include the inability of the Fund, as the writer of
covered call options, to benefit from the appreciation of the underlying
securities above the exercise price and the possible loss of the entire premium
paid for options purchased by the Fund.
Each Fund will not hedge more than 30% of its total assets by selling futures
contracts, buying put options and writing call options. In addition, each Fund
will not buy futures contracts or write put options whose underlying value
exceeds 10% of the Fund's total assets and will not purchase call options if the
value of purchased call options would exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets. A
Fund will not enter into futures contracts and options thereon if immediately
thereafter more than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets would be
invested in these options or committed to margin on futures contracts.
A Fund will only invest in futures and options contracts after providing notice
to its shareholders and filing a notice of eligibility (if required) and
otherwise complying with the requirements of the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission ("CFTC"). The CFTC's rules provide that the Funds are permitted to
purchase such futures or options
B-4
<PAGE>
contracts only (1) for bona fide hedging purposes within the meaning of the
rules of the CFTC; provided, however, that in the alternative with respect to
each long position in a futures or options contract entered into by a Fund, the
underlying commodity value of such contract at all times does not exceed the sum
of cash, short-term United States debt obligations or other United States dollar
denominated short-term money market instruments set aside for this purpose by
the Fund, accrued profit on the contract held with a futures commission merchant
and cash proceeds from existing Fund investments due in 30 days; and (2) subject
to certain limitations.
2. INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS
The Funds have adopted the following fundamental investment limitations which
are in addition to those contained in the Funds' Prospectus and which may not be
changed without shareholder approval. Each Fund may not:
(1) Borrow money, except for temporary or emergency purposes (including
the meeting of redemption requests) and except for entering into
reverse repurchase agreements, and provided that borrowings do not
exceed 33 1/3% of the Fund's total assets (computed immediately after
the borrowing).
(2) Purchase securities, other than U.S. Government Securities, if,
immediately after each purchase, more than 25% of the Fund's total
assets taken at market value would be invested in securities of
issuers conducting their principal business activity in the
same industry.
(3) Purchase securities, other than U.S. Government Securities, of any one
issuer, if (a) more than 5% of the Fund's total assets taken at market
value would at the time of purchase be invested in the securities of
that issuer, or (b) such purchase would at the time of purchase cause
the Fund to hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of
that issuer. Up to 75% of the Fund's total assets may be invested
without regard to this limitation.
(4) Act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers, except to the
extent that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio
securities, the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter for purposes
of the Securities Act of 1933.
(5) Make loans to other persons except for loans of portfolio securities
and except through the use of repurchase agreements and through the
purchase of commercial paper or debt securities which are otherwise
permissible investments.
(6) Purchase or sell real estate or any interest therein, except that the
Fund may invest in securities issued or guaranteed by corporate or
governmental entities secured by real estate or interests therein,
such as mortgage pass-throughs and collateralized mortgage
obligations, or issued by companies that invest in real estate or
interests therein.
(7) Purchase or sell physical commodities or contracts relating to
physical commodities, provided that currencies and currency-related
contracts will not be deemed to be physical commodities.
(8) Issue senior securities except pursuant to Section 18 of the
Investment Company Act of 1940 ("1940 Act") and except that the Fund
may borrow money subject to investment limitations specified in the
Fund's Prospectus.
(9) Invest in interests in oil or gas or interests in other mineral
exploration or development programs.
Each Fund has adopted the following nonfundamental investment limitations that
may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval. Each Fund may not:
B-5
<PAGE>
(a) Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except to secure permitted
indebtedness. The deposit in escrow of securities in connection with
the writing of put and call options, collateralized loans of
securities and collateral arrangements with respect to margin for
futures contracts are not deemed to be pledges or hypothecations for
this purpose.
(b) Invest in securities of another registered investment company, except
in connection with a merger, consolidation, acquisition or
reorganization; and except that the Fund may invest in money market
funds and privately-issued mortgage related securities to the extent
permitted by the 1940 Act.
(c) Purchase securities on margin, or make short sales of securities,
except for the use of short-term credit necessary for the clearance of
purchases and sales of portfolio securities, but the Fund may make
margin deposits in connection with permitted transactions in options,
futures contracts and options on futures contracts.
(d) Invest in securities (other than fully-collateralized debt
obligations) issued by companies that have conducted continuous
operations for less than three years, including the operations of
predecessors, unless guaranteed as to principal and interest by an
issuer in whose securities the Fund could invest, if as a result, more
than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets would be so invested.
(e) Invest in or hold securities of any issuer if officers and directors
of the Trust or the Advisor, individually owning beneficially more
than 1/2 of 1% of the securities of the issuer, in the aggregate own
more than 5% of the issuer's securities.
(f) Purchase securities for investment while any borrowing equaling 10% or
more of the Fund's total assets is outstanding or borrow for purposes
other than meeting redemptions in an amount exceeding 10% of the value
of the Fund's total assets.
(g) Acquire securities or invest in repurchase agreements with respect to
any securities if, as a result, more than (i) 15% of the Fund's net
assets (taken at current value) would be invested in repurchase
agreements not entitling the holder to payment of principal within
seven days and in securities which are not readily marketable,
including securities that are illiquid by virtue of restrictions on
the sale of such securities to the public without registration under
the Securities Act of 1933 ("Restricted Securities") or (ii) 10% of
the Fund's total assets would be invested in Restricted Securities.
(h) Invest in oil, gas or other mineral exploration or development
programs, or leases, provided that the Fund may invest in securities
issued by companies engaged in such activities.
(i) Purchase or sell real property (including limited partnership
interests but excluding readily marketable interests in real estate
investment trusts or readily marketable securities of companies which
invest in real estate.)
(j) Invest in warrants if (i) more than 5% of the value of the Fund's net
assets will be invested in warrants (valued at the lower of cost or
market) or (ii) more than 2% of the value of the Fund's net assets
would be invested in warrants which are not listed on the New York
Stock Exchange or the American Stock Exchange. For purpose of this
limitation, warrants acquired by the Fund in units or attached to
securities are deemed to have no value.
Except as required by the 1940 Act, if any percentage restriction on investment
or utilization of assets is adhered to at the time an investment is made, a
later change in percentage resulting from a change in the market values of the
Fund's assets or purchases and redemptions of shares will not be considered a
violation of the limitation.
B-6
<PAGE>
3. PERFORMANCE DATA
The Funds may quote performance in various ways. All performance information
supplied by the Funds in advertising is historical and is not intended to
indicate future returns. A Fund's net asset value, yield and total return
fluctuate in response to market conditions and other factors, and the value of
Fund shares when redeemed may be more or less than their original cost.
Total returns for the year ended March 31, 1996 and average annual total returns
for the periods from commencement of operations to through March 31, 1996 are as
follows.
TOTAL RETURN SINCE
TOTAL RETURN 1 YEAR INCEPTION
------------------- ---------
PAYSON VALUE FUND
27.77% 15.25%
TOTAL RETURN SINCE
TOTAL RETURN 1 YEAR INCEPTION
------------------- ---------
PAYSON BALANCED FUND
21.70% 12.01%
Payson Value Fund commenced operations on July 31, 1992. Payson Balanced Fund
commenced operations on November 25, 1991.
In performance advertising the Funds may compare any of their performance
information with data published by independent evaluators such as Morningstar,
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., IBC/Donoghue, Inc., CDC/Wiesenberger or other
companies which track the investment performance of investment companies ("Fund
Tracking Companies"). In addition, a Fund may compare any of its performance
information with the performance of recognized stock, bond and other indexes,
including but not limited to the Salomon Brothers Bond Index, the Shearson
Lehman Bond Index, the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index, the
Dow Jones Industrial Average, and changes in the Consumer Price Index as
published by the U.S. Department of Commerce. A Fund may refer in such
materials to mutual fund performance rankings and other data published by Fund
Tracking Companies. Performance advertising may also refer to discussions of a
Fund and comparative mutual fund data and ratings reported in independent
periodicals, such as newspapers and financial magazines.
YIELD CALCULATIONS
Yields for a Fund used in advertising are computed by dividing the Fund's
interest income for a given 30-day or one-month period, net of expenses, by the
average number of shares entitled to receive distributions during the period,
dividing this figure by the Fund's net asset value per share at the end of the
period and annualizing the result (assuming compounding of income) in order to
arrive at an annual percentage rate. In general, interest income is reduced
with respect to bonds purchased at a premium over their par value by subtracting
a portion of the premium from income on a daily basis, and is increased with
respect to bonds purchased at a discount by adding a portion of the discount to
daily income. Capital gain and loss generally are excluded from these
calculations.
Income calculated for the purpose of determining a Fund's yield differs from
income as determined for other accounting purposes. Because of the different
accounting methods used, and because of the compounding assumed in yield
calculations, the yield quoted for a Fund may differ from the rate of
distribution the Fund paid over the same period or the rate of income reported
in the Fund's financial statements.
Although published yield information is useful to investors in reviewing a
Fund's performance, investors should be aware that a Fund's yield for any given
period is not an indication or representation by the Fund of future yields or
rates of return on the Fund's shares. Also, Processing Organizations may charge
their customers direct fees in
B-7
<PAGE>
connection with an investment in a Fund, which will have the effect of reducing
the Fund's net yield to those shareholders. The yields of each Fund are not
fixed or guaranteed, and an investment in a Fund is not insured or guaranteed.
Accordingly, yield information may not necessarily be used to compare shares of
a Fund with investment alternatives which, like money market instruments or bank
accounts, may provide a fixed rate of interest. Also, it may not be appropriate
to compare a Fund's yield information directly to similar information regarding
investment alternatives which are insured or guaranteed.
TOTAL RETURN CALCULATIONS
Each of the Funds may advertise total return. Total returns quoted in
advertising reflect all aspects of a Fund's return, including the effect of
reinvesting dividends and capital gain distributions, and any change in the
Fund's net asset value per share over the period. Average annual returns are
calculated by determining the growth or decline in value of a hypothetical
historical investment in a Fund over a stated period, and then calculating the
annually compounded percentage rate that would have produced the same result if
the rate of growth or decline in value had been constant over the period. While
average annual returns are a convenient means of comparing investment
alternatives, investors should realize that the performance is not constant over
time but changes from year to year, and that average annual returns represent
averaged figures as opposed to the actual year-to-year performance of the Funds.
Average annual total return is calculated by finding the average annual
compounded rates of return of a hypothetical investment over a given period
according to the following formula:
n
P(1+T) = ERV
Where:
P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000;
T = average annual total return;
n = number of years; and
ERV = ending redeemable value.
ERV is the value, at the end of the applicable period, of a hypothetical $1,000
payment made at the beginning of the applicable period.
In addition to average annual returns, each Fund may quote unaveraged or
cumulative total returns reflecting the simple change in value of an investment
over a stated period. Total returns may be broken down into their components of
income and capital (including capital gain and changes in share price) in order
to illustrate the relationship of these factors and their contributions to total
return. Total returns, yields and other performance information may be quoted
numerically or in a table, graph or similar illustration.
Period total return is calculated according to the following formula:
PT = (ERV/P-1)
Where:
PT = period total return.
The other definitions are the same as in
average annual total return above.
B-8
<PAGE>
4. MANAGEMENT
The trustees and officers of the Trust and their principal occupations during
the past five years are set forth below. Each Trustee who is an "interested
person" (as defined by the 1940 Act) of the Trust is indicated by an asterisk.
John Y. Keffer,* Chairman and President (age 53)
President and Director, Forum Financial Services, Inc. (a registered
broker-dealer), Forum Financial Corp. (a registered transfer agent) and
Forum Advisors, Inc. (a registered investment adviser). Mr. Keffer is a
Trustee and/or officer of various registered investment companies for which
Forum Financial Services, Inc. serves as manager, administrator and/or
distributor. His address is Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101.
Costas Azariadis, Trustee (age 52)
Professor of Economics, University of California, Los Angeles, since July
1992. Prior thereto, Dr. Azariadis was Professor of Economics at the
University of Pennsylvania. His address is Department of Economics,
University of California, Los Angeles, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles,
California 90024.
James C. Cheng, Trustee (age 53)
President of Technology Marketing Associates (a marketing consulting
company) since September 1991. Prior thereto, Mr. Cheng was President and
Chief Executive Officer of Network Dynamics, Incorporated (a software
development company). His address is 27 Temple Street, Belmont,
Massachusetts 02178.
J. Michael Parish, Trustee (age 52)
Partner at the law firm of Winthrop Stimson Putnam & Roberts since 1989.
Prior thereto, he was a partner at LeBoeuf, Lamb, Leiby & MacRae, a law
firm of which he was a member from 1974 to 1989. His address is 40 Wall
Street, New York, New York 10005.
Mark D. Kaplan, Vice President, Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Secretary (age
40)
Managing Director at Forum Financial Services, Inc. since September 1995.
Prior thereto, Mr. Kaplan was Managing Director and Director of Research at
H.M. Payson & Co. His address is Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine
04101.
Michael D. Martins, Treasurer (age 30)
Director of Fund Accounting at Forum Financial Corp. since June 1995.
Prior thereto, he served as a manager in the New York City office of
Deloitte & Touche LLP, where he was employed for over five years. His
address is Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101.
David I. Goldstein, Secretary (age 34)
Counsel, Forum Financial Services, Inc., with which he has been associated
since 1991. Prior thereto, Mr. Goldstein was associated with the law firm
of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart. Mr. Goldstein is also Secretary or Assistant
Secretary of various registered investment companies for which Forum
Financial Services, Inc. serves as manager, administrator and/or
distributor. His address is Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101.
B-9
<PAGE>
Don L. Evans, Assistant Secretary (age 47)
Assistant Counsel, Forum Financial Services, Inc., with which he has been
associated since August 1995. Prior thereto, Mr. Evans was associated with
the law firm of Bisk & Lutz and prior thereto the law firm of Weiner &
Strother. Mr. Evans is also Assistant Secretary of various registered
investment companies for which Forum Financial Services, Inc. serves as
manager, administrator and/or distributor. His address is Two Portland
Square, Portland, Maine.
M. Paige Turney, Assistant Secretary (age 27).
Fund Administrator, Forum Financial Services, Inc., with which she has been
associated since 1995. Ms. Miles was employed from 1992 as a Senior Fund
Accountant with First Data Corporation in Boston, Massachusetts. Prior
thereto she was a student at Montana State University Her address is Two
Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101.
John Y. Keffer is an interested person of the Trust as that term is defined in
the 1940 Act.
ADVISOR
The Advisor furnishes at its own expense all services, facilities and personnel
necessary in connection with managing each Fund's investments and effecting
portfolio transactions for each Fund, pursuant to an investment advisory
agreement between the Advisor and the Trust (the "Advisory Agreement"). The
Advisory Agreement provides, with respect to each Fund, for an initial term of
two years from its effective date and for its continuance in effect for
successive twelve-month periods thereafter, provided the agreement is
specifically approved at least annually by the Board or, with respect to either
Fund, by vote of the shareholders of that Fund, and in either case by a majority
of the directors who are not parties to the Advisory Agreement or interested
persons of any such party.
The Advisory Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Trust with respect
to a Fund on 60 days' written notice when authorized either by vote of the
Fund's shareholders or by a vote of a majority of the Board, or by the Advisor
on not more than 60 days' nor less than 30 days' written notice, and will
automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. The Advisory Agreement
also provides that, with respect to each Fund, the Advisor shall not be liable
for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any act or omission in the
performance of its duties to the Fund, except for willful misfeasance, bad faith
or gross negligence in the performance of the Advisor's duties or by reason of
reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Advisory Agreement.
In addition, under the Advisory Agreement, if the Advisor ceases to act as a
Fund's investment advisor, or in the event the Advisor so requests in writing,
the Trust will change a Fund's name so as not to include the word "Payson." The
Advisory Agreement provides that the Advisor may render services to others.
For its services under the Investment Advisory Agreement, H.M. Payson & Co.
receives with respect to each Fund a fee at an annual rate of 0.80% and 0.60% of
the average daily net assets of Payson Value Fund and Payson Balanced Fund,
respectively. Fees payable under the Advisory Agreement with respect to each
Fund are outlined in the following tables:
PAYSON VALUE FUND
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
MARCH 31 GROSS FEE WAIVED FEE NET FEE
- -------- --------- ---------- -------
1996 $71,662 $0 $71,662
1995 $51,285 $0 $51,285
1994 $27,628 $1,434 $26,194
B-10
<PAGE>
PAYSON BALANCED FUND
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
MARCH 31 GROSS FEE WAIVED FEE NET FEE
- -------- --------- ---------- -------
1996 $95,588 $0 $95,588
1995 $75,058 $0 $75,058
1994 $50,158 $2,662 $47,496
In addition to receiving its advisory fee from the Funds, the Advisor may also
act and be compensated as investment manager for its clients with respect to
assets which are invested in a Fund. In some instances the Advisor may elect to
credit against any investment management fee received from a client who is also
a shareholder in a Fund an amount equal to all or a portion of the fees received
by the Advisor or any affiliate of the Advisor from a Fund with respect to the
client's assets invested in that Fund.
MANAGER AND DISTRIBUTOR
Forum Financial Services, Inc. ("Forum") was incorporated under the laws of the
State of Delaware on February 7, 1986 and supervises the overall management of
the Trust (which includes, among other responsibilities, negotiation of
contracts and fees with, and monitoring of performance and billing of, the
transfer agent and custodian and arranging for maintenance of books and records
of the Trust), provides the Trust with general office facilities and serves as
distributor of shares of the Funds pursuant to a management and distribution
agreement between Forum and the Trust (the "Management and Distribution
Agreement"). The Management and Distribution Agreement provided, with respect
to each Fund, for an initial term of one year from its effective date and for
its continuance in effect for successive twelve-month periods thereafter,
provided the agreement is specifically approved at least annually by the Board
or, with respect to either Fund, by the shareholders of that Fund, and in either
case by a majority of the directors who are not parties to the Management and
Distribution Agreement or interested persons of any such party and do not have
any direct or indirect financial interest in the Distribution Plan or in any
agreement related to the Distribution Plan. (See "Management -- Distribution
Plan.")
The Management and Distribution Agreement terminates automatically if it is
assigned and may be terminated without penalty with respect to either Fund by
vote of that Fund's shareholders or by either party on not more than 60 days'
nor less than 30 days' written notice. The Management and Distribution
Agreement also provides that Forum shall not be liable for any error of judgment
or mistake of law or for any act or omission in the administration or management
of the Trust, except for willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in
the performance of Forum's duties or by reason of reckless disregard of its
obligations and duties under the Management and Distribution Agreement.
For its services under the Management Agreement, Forum receives with respect to
each Fund a fee at an annual rate of 0.20% of the average daily net assets of
the Fund. Fees payable under the Management Agreement with respect to each Fund
are outlined in the following tables:
PAYSON VALUE FUND
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
MARCH 31 GROSS FEE WAIVED FEE NET FEE
- -------- --------- ---------- -------
1996 $17,916 $17,916 $0
1995 $12,821 $12,821 $0
1994 $6,907 $6,907 $0
B-11
<PAGE>
PAYSON BALANCED FUND
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
MARCH 31 GROSS FEE WAIVED FEE NET FEE
- -------- --------- ---------- -------
1996 $31,863 $31,863 $0
1995 $25,019 $25,019 $0
1994 $16,719 $16,719 $0
Forum has agreed to reimburse the Trust for certain of the Funds' operating
expenses (exclusive of interest, taxes, brokerage, fees and organization
expenses, all to the extent permitted by applicable state law or regulation)
which in any year exceed the limits prescribed by any state in which the Funds'
shares are qualified for sale. Forum believes that currently the most
restrictive expense ratio limitation imposed by any state is 2-1/2% of the first
$30 million of each Funds' average net assets, 2% of the next $70 million of its
average net assets and 1-1/2% of its average net assets in excess of $100
million. For the purpose of this obligation to reimburse expenses, the Funds'
annual expenses are estimated and accrued daily, and any appropriate estimated
payments will be made by Forum monthly.
Subject to the obligations of Forum to reimburse the Trust for its excess
expenses as described in the Prospectus, the Trust has confirmed its obligation
to pay all of its other expenses, including: interest charges, taxes, brokerage
fees and commissions; certain insurance premiums; fees, interest charges and
expenses of the custodian, transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent;
telecommunications expenses; auditing, legal and compliance expenses; costs of
forming the corporation and maintaining corporate existence; costs of preparing
and printing the Trust's prospectuses, statements of additional information,
account application forms and shareholder reports and delivering them to
existing and prospective shareholders; costs of maintaining books of original
entry for portfolio and fund accounting and other required books and accounts
and of calculating the net asset value of shares of the Trust; costs of
reproduction, stationery and supplies; compensation of directors, officers and
employees of the Trust and costs of other personnel performing services for the
Trust who are not officers of the Advisor, Forum or their respective affiliates;
costs of corporate meetings; Securities and Exchange Commission registration
fees and related expenses; state securities laws registration fees and related
expenses; fees payable to the Advisor under the Advisory Agreement and to Forum
under the Management and Distribution Agreement and all other fees and expenses
paid by the Trust under the Distribution Plan.
Pursuant to the Management and Distribution Agreement, Forum receives, and may
reallow to certain financial institutions, the sales charge paid by the
purchasers of each Fund's shares.
Forum provides persons satisfactory to the Board to serve as officers of the
Trust. Those officers, as well as certain other employees and directors of the
Trust, may be directors, officers or employees of (and persons providing
services to the Trust may include) Forum, its affiliates or affiliates of the
Advisor.
DISTRIBUTION PLAN
In accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, the Trust adopted a
distribution plan (the "Plan") which provides that all written agreements
relating to the Plan must be in a form satisfactory to the Board. In addition,
the Plan requires the Trust, the Advisor and Forum to prepare, at least
quarterly, written reports setting forth all amounts expended for distribution
purposes by the Trust, the Advisor and Forum pursuant to the Plan and
identifying the distribution activities for which those expenditures were made.
The Plan provides that it will remain in effect for one year from the date of
its adoption and thereafter shall continue in effect provided it is approved at
least annually by the shareholders or by the Board, including a majority of
directors who are not interested persons of the Trust and who have no direct or
indirect interest in the operation of the Plan or in any agreement related to
the Plan. The Plan further provides that it may not be amended to increase
materially the costs which may be borne by the Trust for distribution pursuant
to the Plan without shareholder approval and that other material amendments of
the Plan must be approved by the directors in the manner described
B-12
<PAGE>
in the preceding sentence. The Plan may be terminated at any time by a vote of
the Board or, with respect to either Fund, by the Fund's shareholders.
During the fiscal year ended March 31, 1996, neither Fund paid any distribution
related expenses pursuant to the Distribution Plan.
TRANSFER AGENT
Forum Financial Corp. (the "Transfer Agent") acts as transfer agent of the Trust
pursuant to a transfer agency agreement (the "Transfer Agency Agreement"). The
Transfer Agency Agreement provided, with respect to each Fund, for an initial
term of one year from its effective date and for its continuance in effect for
successive twelve-month periods thereafter, provided that the agreement is
specifically approved at least annually by the Board or, with respect to either
Fund, by a vote of the shareholders of that Fund, and in either case by a
majority of the directors who are not parties to the Transfer Agency Agreement
or interested persons of any such party at a meeting called for the purpose of
voting on the Transfer Agency Agreement.
Among the responsibilities of the Transfer Agent as agent for the Trust are:
(1) answering customer inquiries regarding account status and history, the
manner in which purchases and redemptions of shares of the Funds may be effected
and certain other matters pertaining to the Funds; (2) assisting shareholders in
initiating and changing account designations and addresses; (3) providing
necessary personnel and facilities to establish and maintain shareholder
accounts and records, assisting in processing purchase and redemption
transactions and receiving wired funds; (4) transmitting and receiving funds in
connection with customer orders to purchase or redeem shares; (5) verifying
shareholder signatures in connection with changes in the registration of
shareholder accounts; (6) furnishing periodic statements and confirmations of
purchases and redemptions; (7) arranging for the transmission of proxy
statements, annual reports, prospectuses and other communications from the Trust
to its shareholders; (8) arranging for the receipt, tabulation and transmission
to the Trust of proxies executed by shareholders with respect to meetings of
shareholders of the Trust; and (9) providing such other related services as the
Trust or a shareholder may reasonably request.
The Transfer Agent or any sub-transfer agent or processing agent may also act
and receive compensation as custodian, investment manager, nominee, agent or
fiduciary for its customers or clients who are shareholders of the Funds with
respect to assets invested in the Funds. The Transfer Agent or any sub-transfer
agent or other processing agent may elect to credit against the fees payable to
it by its clients or customers all or a portion of any fee received from the
Trust or from the Transfer Agent with respect to assets of those customers or
clients invested in the Funds. The Transfer Agent, Forum or sub-transfer agents
or processing agents retained by the Transfer Agent may be Processing
Organizations (as defined in the Prospectus) and, in the case of sub-transfer
agents or processing agents, may also be affiliated persons of the Transfer
Agent or Forum.
For its services under the Transfer Agency Agreement, Forum receives, with
respect to each Series: (i) a fee at an annual rate of 0.25 percent of the
average daily net assets of the Series and (ii) a fee of $12,000 per year; such
amounts to be computed and paid monthly in arrears by the Fund; and (iii) Annual
Shareholder Account Fees of $18.00 per shareholder account; such fees to be
computed as of the last business day of the prior month. Fees payable under the
Transfer Agent Agreement with respect to each Fund are outlined in the following
tables:
PAYSON VALUE FUND
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
MARCH 31 GROSS FEE WAIVED FEE NET FEE
- -------- --------- ---------- -------
1996 $38,519 $21,273 $17,246
1995 $16,027 $3,820 $12,207
1994 $ 8,634 $8,634 $0
B-13
<PAGE>
PAYSON BALANCED FUND
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
MARCH 31 GROSS FEE WAIVED FEE NET FEE
- -------- --------- ---------- -------
1996 $58,767 $37,798 $20,969
1995 $31,274 $19,059 $12,215
1994 $20,899 $20,899 $0
Pursuant to a Fund Accounting Agreement, the Transfer Agent also provides the
Fund with portfolio accounting, including the calculation of the Fund's net
asset value. For these services, the Transfer Agent receives an annual fee
ranging from $36,000 to $60,000 depending upon the amount and type of the Fund's
portfolio transactions and positions. Fees payable under the Fund Accounting
Agreement with respect to fund accounting services for the Fund are outlined in
the following table:
The Transfer Agent or any sub-transfer agent or processing agent may also act
and receive compensation for acting as custodian, investment manager, nominee,
agent or fiduciary for its customers or clients who are shareholders of the Fund
with respect to assets invested in the Fund.
PAYSON VALUE FUND
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
MARCH 31 GROSS FEE WAIVED FEE NET FEE
- -------- --------- ---------- -------
1996 $37,000 $0 $37,000
1995 $36,000 $0 $36,000
1994 $37,000 $0 $37,000
PAYSON BALANCED FUND
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
MARCH 31 GROSS FEE WAIVED FEE NET FEE
- -------- --------- ---------- -------
1996 $38,000 $0 $38,000
1995 $36,000 $0 $36,000
1994 $37,000 $0 $37,000
5. DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The Trust does not determine net asset value on the following holidays: New
Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial
Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Purchases and redemptions are effected at the time of the next determination of
net asset value following the receipt of any purchase or redemption order.
6. PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and sales of debt securities for Payson Balanced Fund usually are
principal transactions. Portfolio Securities for that Fund are normally
purchased directly from the issuer or from an underwriter or market maker for
the securities. There usually are no brokerage commissions paid for such
purchases. Purchases from underwriters of portfolio securities include a
commission or concession paid by the issuer to the underwriter, and purchases
from dealers serving as market makers include the spread between the bid and
asked prices.
B-14
<PAGE>
Payson Value Fund will, and Payson Balanced Fund may, effect purchases and sales
through brokers who charge commissions. Allocations of transactions to brokers
and dealers and the frequency of transactions are determined by the Advisor in
its best judgment and in a manner deemed to be in the best interest of
shareholders of the Fund rather than by any formula. The primary consideration
is prompt execution of orders in an effective manner and at the most favorable
price available to the Fund. For the fiscal years ended March 31, 1996, 1995,
and 1994, the aggregate brokerage commissions paid by Payson Value Fund were
$27,008, $15,276, and $8,809, respectively. For the fiscal years ended March
31, 1996, 1995, and 1994, the aggregate brokerage commissions paid by Payson
Balanced Fund were $36,756, $27,143, and $22,915, respectively.
A Fund may not always pay the lowest commission or spread available. Rather, in
determining the amount of commission, including certain dealer spreads, paid in
connection with Fund transactions, the Advisor takes into account such factors
as size of the order, difficulty of execution, efficiency of the executing
broker's facilities (including the services described below) and any risk
assumed by the executing broker. The Advisor may also take into account
payments made by brokers effecting transactions for a Fund (i) to the Fund or
(ii) to other persons on behalf of the Fund for services provided to it for
which it would be obligated to pay.
In addition, the Adviser may give consideration to research and investment
analysis services furnished by brokers or dealers to the Adviser for its use and
may cause the Fund to pay these brokers a higher amount of commission than may
be charged by other brokers. Such research and analysis is of the types
described in Section 28(e)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, and is designed to augment the Adviser's own internal research and
investment strategy capabilities. The Adviser may use the research and analysis
in connection with services to clients other than the Fund, and the Adviser's
fee is not reduced by reason of the Adviser's receipt of the research services.
Investment decisions for the Funds will be made independently from those for any
other account or investment company that is or may in the future become managed
by the Advisor or its affiliates. If, however, a Fund and other investment
companies or accounts managed by the Advisor are contemporaneously engaged in
the purchase or sale of the same security, the transactions may be averaged as
to price and allocated equitably to each account. In some cases, this policy
might adversely affect the price paid or received by a Fund or the size of the
position obtainable for the Fund. In addition, when purchases or sales of the
same security for a Fund and for other investment companies and accounts managed
by the Advisor occur contemporaneously, the purchase or sale orders may be
aggregated in order to obtain any price advantages available to large
denomination purchases or sales.
In the future the Funds, consistent with the policy of obtaining best net
results, may conduct brokerage transactions through the Advisor's affiliates,
affiliates of those persons or Forum. If a Fund anticipates conducting
brokerage transactions through these persons, the Board will adopt procedures in
conformity with applicable rules under the 1940 Act to ensure that all brokerage
commissions paid to these persons are reasonable and fair.
7. ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION
Shares of each Fund are sold on a continuous basis by the distributor.
Set forth below is an example of the method of computing the offering price of
each Fund's shares. The example assumes a purchase of shares of beneficial
interest aggregating less than $100,000 subject to the schedule of sales charges
set forth in the Prospectuses at a price based on the net asset value per share
of each Fund on March 31, 1996.
B-15
<PAGE>
PAYSON PAYSON
VALUE BALANCED
FUND FUND
---- ----
Net Asset Value Per Share $ 15.99 $ 13.70
Sales Charge, 4.0% of offering
price (4.17% of net asset value
per share) $ 0.67 $ 0.57
Offering to Public $ 16.66 $ 14.27
In addition to the situations described in the Prospectus under "Purchases and
Redemptions of Shares," the Trust may redeem shares involuntarily, from time to
time, to reimburse a Fund for any loss sustained by reason of the failure of a
shareholder to make full payment for shares purchased by the shareholder or to
collect any charge relating to transactions effected for the benefit of a
shareholder which is applicable to a Fund's shares as provided in the
Prospectus.
The Trust has filed a formal election with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pursuant to which a Fund will only effect a redemption in portfolio
securities if a shareholder is redeeming more than $250,000 or 1% of the Fund's
total net assets, whichever is less, during any 90-day period.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
The exchange privilege permits shareholders of the Funds to exchange their
shares for shares of any other fund of the Trust or shares of certain other
portfolios of investment companies which retain Forum or its affiliates as
investment adviser or, distributor and which participate in the Trust's exchange
privilege program ("Participating Fund"). For Federal income tax purposes,
exchange transactions are treated as sales on which a purchaser will realize a
capital gain or loss depending on whether the value of the shares redeemed is
more or less than his basis in such shares at the time of the transaction.
By use of the exchange privilege, the shareholder authorizes the Transfer Agent
to act upon the instruction of any person representing himself to either be, or
to have the authority to act on behalf of, the investor and believed by the
Transfer Agent to be genuine. The records of the Transfer Agent of such
instructions are binding. Proceeds of an exchange transaction may be invested
in another Participating Fund in the name of the shareholder.
Exchange transactions will be made on the basis of relative net asset values per
share at the time of the exchange transaction plus any sales charge applicable
to the Participating Fund whose shares are being acquired. Shares of any
Participating Fund may be redeemed and the proceeds used to purchase, without a
sales charge, shares of any other Participating Fund that are offered without a
sales charge. Shares of any Participating Fund purchased with a sales charge
may be redeemed and the proceeds used to purchase, without a sales charge,
shares of any other Participating Fund otherwise sold with the same sales
charge. If the Participating Fund purchased in the exchange transaction imposes
a higher sales charge than was paid originally on the exchanged shares, the
shareholder will be responsible for the difference between the two sales
charges. Shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends and
distributions are deemed to have been acquired with a sales charge rate equal to
that paid on the shares on which the dividend or distribution was paid.
The terms of the exchange privilege are subject to change, and the privilege may
be terminated by any of the Participating Funds or the Trust. However the
privilege will not be terminated, and no material change that restricts the
availability of the privilege to shareholders will be implemented, without
reasonable advance notice to shareholders.
B-16
<PAGE>
PAYROLL PURCHASE PROGRAM
Shares of the Funds may be purchased by employees of employers participating in
the Payroll Purchase Program ("PPP"). Employers wishing to participate must
arrange payroll deduction or other bulk transmission of investments to the
Funds. An employer may not participate unless, at all times, at least five of
the employer's employees are participating in this program.
Once an employer chooses to participate in PPP through a payroll deduction or
other bulk purchase plan, subsequent investments will be automatic and will
continue until such time as the investor notifies the applicable Fund and his
employer to discontinue further investments. Due to the varying procedures to
prepare, process and forward the transmission to the Fund, there may be a delay
between the time of the deduction and the time the money reaches the Fund. An
investment in the Fund will be made at the applicable offering price determined
on the day that both the check and the payroll deduction data are received in
required form by the Transfer Agent.
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT CUSTODIAL ACCOUNT
The Funds offer an individual retirement plan (the "IRA") for individuals who
wish to use shares of the Funds as a medium for funding individual retirement
savings. Under the IRA, distributions of net investment income and capital gain
will be automatically reinvested in the IRA established for the investor. The
Funds' custodian furnishes custodial services to the IRAs for a service fee.
Shareholders wishing to use a Fund's IRA should contact the Transfer Agent for
further details and information.
8. TAXATION
Qualification as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986 does not involve governmental supervision of management or investment
practices or policies. Investors should consult their own counsel for a
complete understanding of the requirements the Funds must meet to qualify for
such treatment. The information set forth in the Prospectus and the following
discussion relate solely to Federal income taxes on dividends and distributions
by a Fund and assume that each Fund qualifies as a regulated investment company.
Investors should consult their own counsel for further details and for the
application of state and local tax laws to the investor's particular situation.
Payson Value Fund expects to derive a substantial amount of its gross income
(exclusive of capital gain) from dividends. Accordingly, that portion of that
Fund's dividends so derived will qualify for the dividends-received deduction
for corporations. Payson Balanced Fund expects to derive substantially all of
its gross income (exclusive of capital gain) from sources other than dividends.
Accordingly, it is expected that most of that Fund's dividends or distributions
will not qualify for the dividends-received deduction for corporations.
Certain listed options and regulated futures contracts are considered "section
1256 contracts" for Federal income tax purposes. Section 1256 contracts held by
a Fund at the end of each taxable year will be "marked to market" and treated
for Federal income tax purposes as though sold for fair market value on the last
business day of such taxable year. Gain or loss realized by a Fund on section
1256 contracts generally will be considered 60% long-term and 40% short-term
capital gain or loss. A Fund can elect to exempt its section 1256 contracts
which are part of a "mixed straddle" from the application of section 1256.
With respect to equity or over-the-counter put and call options, gain or loss
realized by a Fund upon the lapse or sale of such options held by the Fund will
be either long-term or short-term capital gain or loss depending upon the
respective Fund's holding period with respect to such option. However, gain or
loss realized upon the lapse or closing out of such options that are written by
a Fund will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. In general, if a
Fund exercises an option, or if an option that a Fund has written is exercised,
gain or loss on the option will not be separately recognized but the premium
received or paid will be included in the calculation of gain or loss upon
disposition of the property underlying the option.
B-17
<PAGE>
9. OTHER INFORMATION
CUSTODIAN
Pursuant to a Custodian Agreement, The First National Bank of Boston, 100
Federal Street, Boston, MA 02106, acts as the custodian of the Funds' assets.
The custodian's responsibilities include safeguarding and controlling the Funds'
cash and securities, determining income and collecting interest on Fund
investments.
COUNSEL
Legal matters in connection with the issuance of shares of beneficial interest
of the Trust are passed upon by the law firm of Seward & Kissel, One Battery
Park Plaza, New York, New York 10004
AUDITORS
Deloitte & Touche LLP, Two World Financial Center, New York, New York 10281-
1438, independent auditors, act as auditors for the Trust.
THE TRUST AND ITS SHARES
The Trust was originally incorporated in Maryland on March 24, 1980 and assumed
the name of Forum Funds, Inc. on March 16, 1987. On January 5, 1996, Forum
Funds, Inc. was reorganized as a Delaware business trust. The Trust has an
unlimited number of authorized shares of beneficial interest. The Board may,
without shareholder approval, divide the authorized shares into an unlimited
number of separate portfolios or series (such as the Fund) and may in the future
divide portfolios or series into two or more classes of shares (such as Investor
and Institutional Shares). Currently the authorized shares of the Trust are
divided into 15 separate series.
Each share of each fund of the Trust and each class of shares has equal
dividend, distribution, liquidation and voting rights, and fractional shares
have those rights proportionately, except that expenses related to the
distribution of the shares of each class (and certain other expenses such as
transfer agency and administration expenses) are borne solely by those shares
and each class votes separately with respect to the provisions of any Rule 12b-1
plan which pertain to the class and other matters for which separate class
voting is appropriate under applicable law. Generally, shares will be voted in
the aggregate without reference to a particular portfolio or class, except if
the matter affects only one portfolio or class or voting by portfolio or class
is required by law, in which case shares will be voted separately by portfolio
or class, as appropriate. Delaware law does not require the Trust to hold annual
meetings of shareholders, and it is anticipated that shareholder meetings will
be held only when specifically required by Federal or state law. Shareholders
have available certain procedures for the removal of Trustees. There are no
conversion or preemptive rights in connection with shares of the Trust. All
shares when issued in accordance with the terms of the offering will be fully
paid and nonassessable. Shares are redeemable at net asset value, at the option
of the shareholders, subject to any contingent deferred sales charge that may
apply. A shareholder in a portfolio is entitled to the shareholder's pro rata
share of all dividends and distributions arising from that portfolio's assets
and, upon redeeming shares, will receive the portion of the portfolio's net
assets represented by the redeemed shares.
As of July 8, 1996, the officers and Directors of the Trust as a group owned
less than 1% of the outstanding shares of each Fund. Also as of that date, the
shareholders listed below owned or owned of record more than 5% of either Fund.
From time to time, certain shareholders may own a large percentage of the shares
of a Fund. Accordingly, those shareholders may be able to greatly affect (if not
determine) the outcome of a shareholder vote. As noted, certain of these
shareholders are known to the Trust to hold their shares of record only and have
no beneficial interest, including the right to vote, in the shares.
B-18
<PAGE>
PAYSON VALUE FUND
PERCENTAGE OF
FUND
SHAREHOLDER SHARES OWNED
----------- ------------
Ala & Co.
c/o H.M. Patson & Co.
P.O. Box 31
Portland, ME 04112 18.15%
Payse & Co.
c/o H.M. Payson & Co.
P.O. Box 31
Portland, ME 04112 17.99%
PAYSON BALANCED FUND
PERCENTAGE OF
FUND
SHAREHOLDER SHARES OWNED
----------- ------------
Ala & Co.
c/o H.M. Patson & Co.
P.O. Box 31
Portland, ME 04112 20.27%
Payse & Co.
c/o H.M. Payson & Co.
P.O. Box 31
Portland, ME 04112 15.07%
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements of Payson Balanced Fund for the year ended March 31,
1996, which are included in the Annual Report to Shareholders of the Trust and
delivered along with this Statement of Additional Information, are incorporated
herein by reference.
B-19
<PAGE>
PAYSON VALUE FUND
PAYSON BALANCED FUND
APPENDIX A - DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS
1. CORPORATE BONDS
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. ("MOODY'S")
Moody's rates corporate bond issues, including convertible debt issues, as
follows:
Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged by Moody's 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.
Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards.
Together with the Aaa group, they comprise what are generally known as high-
grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of
protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective
elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present
which make the long term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
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.
Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations, i.e., they
are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payment 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: Those bonds in the Aa, A, Baa, Ba or B groups which Moody's believes
possess the strongest investment attributes are designated by the symbols Aa1,
A1, Baa1, Ba1, and B1.
B-20
<PAGE>
STANDARD AND POOR'S CORPORATION ("S&P")
S&P rates corporate bond issues, including convertible debt issues, as follows:
Bonds rated AAA have the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to pay
interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
Bonds rated AA have a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
and differ from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
Bonds rated A have a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal,
although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than debt rated in higher rated
categories.
Bonds rated BBB are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and
repay principal. Whereas they normally exhibit adequate protection parameters,
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to
weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for debt in this category
than in higher rated categories.
Bonds rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C are regarded, on balance, as predominantly
speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay
principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. BB indicates the
lowest degree of speculation and C the highest degree of speculation. While
such bonds will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these
are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse
conditions. Bonds rated BB have less near-term vulnerability to default than
other speculative issues. However, they face major ongoing uncertainties or
exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead
to inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments.
Bonds rated B have a greater vulnerability to default but currently have the
capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse business,
financial, or economic conditions will likely impair capacity or willingness to
pay interest and repay principal.
Bonds rated CCC have currently identifiable vulnerability to default, and are
dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions to meet
timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. In the event of adverse
business, financial, or economic conditions, they are not likely to have the
capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
Bonds rated CC typically are debt subordinated to senior debt which is assigned
an actual or implied CCC debt rating. This rating may also be used to indicate
imminent default.
The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has
been filed, but debt service payments are continued. The rating Cl is reserved
for income bonds on which no interest is being paid.
Bonds are rated D when the issue is in payment default, or the obligor has filed
for bankruptcy. Bonds rated D are in payment default or the obligor has filed
for bankruptcy. 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 that such payments will made during
such grace period.
Note: The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus (+)
or minus (-) sign to show the relative standing within the rating category.
FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. ("FITCH")
Fitch rates corporate bond issues, including convertible debt issues, as
follows:
B-21
<PAGE>
AAA Bonds are considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit
quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest and
repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable
events.
AA Bonds are considered to be investment grade and of very high credit quality.
The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is very strong,
although not quite as strong as bonds rated AAA. Because bonds rated in the AAA
and AA categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable future
developments, shorter-term debt of these issuers is generally rate F-1+.
A Bonds are considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality. The
obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be
strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and
circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
BBB Bonds are considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is
considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and
circumstances, however, are more likely to have adverse impact on these bonds,
and therefore impair timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings of these
bonds will fall below investment grade is higher than for bonds with higher
ratings.
BB Bonds are considered speculative. The obligor's ability to pay interest and
repay principal may be affected over time by adverse economic changes. However,
business and financial alternatives can be identified which could assist the
obligor in satisfying its debt service requirements.
B Bonds are considered highly speculative. While bonds in this class are
currently meeting debt service requirements, the probability of continued timely
payment of principal and interest reflects the obligor's limited margin of
safety and the need for reasonable business and economic activity throughout the
life of the issue.
CCC Bonds have certain identifiable characteristics which, if not remedied, may
lead to default. The ability to meet obligations requires an advantageous
business and economic environment.
CC Bonds are minimally protected. Default in payment of interest and/or
principal seems probable over time.
C Bonds are in imminent default in payment of interest or principal.
DDD, DD, and D Bonds are in default on interest and/or principal payments. Such
bonds are extremely speculative and should be valued on the basis of their
ultimate recovery value in liquidation or reorganization of the obligor. DDD
represents the highest potential for recovery on these bonds, and D represents
the lowest potential for recovery.
Plus (+) and minus (-) signs are used with a rating symbol to indicate the
relative position of a credit within the rating category. Plus and minus signs,
however, are not used in the AAA, DDD, DD, or D categories.
2. PREFERRED STOCK
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
Moody's rates preferred stock as follows:
An issue rated aaa is considered to be a top-quality preferred stock. This
rating indicates good asset protection and the least risk of dividend impairment
among preferred stock issues.
B-22
<PAGE>
An issue rated aa is considered a high-grade preferred stock. This rating
indicates that there is a reasonable assurance that earnings and asset
protection will remain relatively well maintained in the foreseeable future.
An issue rated a is considered to be an upper-medium grade preferred stock.
While risks are judged to be somewhat greater than in the aaa and aa
classification, earnings and asset protection are, nevertheless, expected to be
maintained at adequate levels.
An issue rated baa is considered to be a medium-grade, neither highly protected
nor poorly secured. Earnings and asset protection appear adequate at present
but may be questionable over any great length of time.
An issue rated ba is considered to have speculative elements and its future
cannot be considered well assured. Earnings and asset protection may be very
moderate and not well safeguarded during adverse periods. Uncertainty of
position characterizes preferred stocks in this class.
An issue which is rated b generally lacks the characteristics of a desirable
investment. Assurance of dividend payments and maintenance of other terms of
the issue over any long period of time may be small.
An issue which is rated caa is likely to be in arrears on dividend payments.
This rating designation does not purport to indicate the future status of
payments.
An issue which is rated ca is speculative in a high degree and is likely to be
in arrears on dividends with little likelihood of eventual payment.
An issue which is rated c can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of
ever attaining any real investment standing. This is the lowest rated class of
preferred or preference stock.
Note: Moody's applies numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 in each rating
classification from aa through b in its preferred stock rating system. The
modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its generic
rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier
3 indicates that the issuer ranks in the lower end of its generic rating
category.
STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION
S&P rates preferred stock as follows:
AAA is the highest rating that is assigned by S&P to a preferred stock issue and
indicates an extremely strong capacity to pay the preferred stock obligations.
A preferred stock issue rated AA also qualifies as a high-quality fixed income
security. The capacity to pay preferred stock obligations is very strong,
although not as overwhelming as for issues rated AAA.
An issue rated A is backed by a sound capacity to pay the preferred stock
obligations, although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances and economic conditions.
An issue rated BBB is regarded as backed by an adequate capacity to pay the
preferred stock obligations. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to make payments for a preferred stock in
this category than for issues in the A category.
Preferred stock rated BB, B, and CCC are regarded, on balance, as predominantly
speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay preferred stock
obligations. BB indicates the lowest degree of speculation and CCC the highest
degree of speculation. While such issues will likely have some quality and
protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major
risk exposures to adverse conditions.
B-23
<PAGE>
The rating CC is reserved for a preferred stock issue in arrears on dividends or
sinking fund payments but that is currently paying.
A preferred stock rated C is a non-paying issue.
A preferred stock rated D is a non-paying issue with the issuer in default on
debt instruments.
To provide more detailed indications of preferred stock quality, 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.
3. SHORT-TERM DEBT (COMMERCIAL PAPER)
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
Moody's two highest ratings for short-term debt, including commercial paper, are
Prime-1 and Prime-2, both are judged investment grade, to indicate the relative
repayment ability of rated issuers.
Issuers rated Prime-1 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 charges and high
internal cash generation.
--- Well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured
sources of alternate liquidity.
Issuers rated Prime-2 by Moody's have a strong ability for repayment of senior
short-term debt obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of the
characteristics of issuers rated Prime-1 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.
STANDARD AND POOR'S CORPORATION
S&P's two highest commercial paper ratings are A and B. Issues assigned an A
rating are regarded as having the greatest capacity for timely payment. Issues
in this category are delineated with the numbers 1, 2 and 3 to indicate the
relative degree of safety. An A-1 designation indicates that the degree of
safety regarding timely payment is either overwhelming or very strong. Those
issues determined to possess overwhelming safety characteristics are denoted
with a plus (+) sign designation. The capacity for timely payment on issues
with an A-2 designation is strong. However, the relative degree of safety is
not as high as for issues designated A-1. A-3 issues have a satisfactory
capacity for timely payment. They are, however, somewhat more vulnerable to the
adverse effects of changes in circumstances than obligations carrying the higher
designations. Issues rated B are regarded as having only an adequate capacity
for timely payment. However, such capacity may be damaged by changing
conditions or short-term adversities.
FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
Fitch's short-term ratings apply to debt obligations that are payable on demand
or have original maturities of generally up to three years, including commercial
paper, certificates of deposit, medium-term notes, and municipal and investment
notes.
F-1+. Issues assigned this rating are regarded as having the strongest degree of
assurance for timely payment.
B-24
<PAGE>
F-1. Issues assigned this rating reflect an assurance of timely payment only
slightly less in degree than issues rated F-1+.
F-2. Issues assigned this rating have a satisfactory degree of assurance for
timely payment, but the margin of safety is not as great as for issues assigned
F-1+ or F-1 ratings.
F-3. Issues assigned this rating have characteristics suggesting that the
degree of assurance for timely payment is adequate, however, near-term adverse
changes could cause these securities to be rated below investment grade.
F-S. Issues assigned this rating have characteristics suggesting a minimal
degree of assurance for timely payment and are vulnerable to near-term adverse
changes in financial and economic conditions.
D.. Issues assigned this rating are in actual or imminent payment default.
B-25
<PAGE>
SPORTSFUND-SM-
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Account Information and
Investment Adviser: Shareholder Servicing: Distributor:
Westwood Ventures, Ltd. Forum Financial Corp. Forum Financial Services, Inc.
450 Seventh Avenue, Suite 3304 P.O. Box 446 Two Portland Square
New York, New York 10123 Portland, Maine 04112 Portland, Maine 04101
(888) 82-SPORT (207) 879-1900
[email protected]
</TABLE>
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
August 1, 1996
Forum Funds (the "Trust") is a registered open-end investment company. This
Statement of Additional Information supplements the Prospectus offering shares
of the Sportsfund (the "Fund") and should be read only in conjunction with the
Prospectus, a copy of which may be obtained by an investor without charge by
contacting the Trust's Distributor at the address listed above.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
----
1. Investment Policies . . . . . . . . . . . .
2. Investment Limitations. . . . . . . . . . .
3. Performance Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4. Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5. Determination of Net Asset Value. . . . . .
6. Portfolio Transactions. . . . . . . . . . .
7. Additional Purchase and
Redemption Information. . . . . . . . . . .
8. Taxation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9. Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Appendix A - Description of Securities Ratings
B-1
<PAGE>
1. INVESTMENT POLICIES
The following discussion is intended to supplement the disclosure in the
Prospectus concerning the Fund's investments, investment techniques and
strategies and the risks associated therewith. The Fund may not make any
investment or employ any investment technique or strategy not referenced in the
Prospectus.
RATINGS AS INVESTMENT CRITERIA
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), Standard & Poor's Corporation
("S&P") and other nationally recognized statistical rating organizations
("NRSROs") are private services that provide ratings of the credit quality of
debt obligations, including convertible securities. A description of the range
of ratings assigned to various types of bonds and other securities by several
NRSROs is included in Appendix A to this Statement of Additional Information.
The Fund may use these ratings to determine whether to purchase, sell or hold a
security. However, ratings are general and are not absolute standards of
quality. Consequently, securities with the same maturity, interest rate and
rating may have different market prices. If an issue of securities ceases to be
rated or if its rating is reduced after it is purchased by the fund, the
investment adviser of the Fund will determine whether the Fund should continue
to hold the obligation. Credit ratings attempt to evaluate the safety of
principal and interest payments and do not evaluate the risks of fluctuations in
market value. Also, rating agencies may fail to make timely changes in credit
ratings. An issuer's current financial condition may be better or worse than a
rating indicates.
The Fund may retain securities whose rating has been lowered below the lowest
permissible rating category (or that are unrated and determined by the
investment adviser to be of comparable quality) if the investment adviser
determines that retaining such security is in the best interests of the Fund.
COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCKS AND THEIR RISKS. Common stockholders are the owners
of the company issuing the stock and, accordingly, vote on various corporate
governance matters such as mergers. They are not creditors of the company, but
rather, upon liquidation of the company, are entitled to their pro rata share of
the company's assets after creditors (including fixed income security holders)
and, if applicable, preferred stockholders are paid. Preferred stock is a class
of stock having a preference over common stock as to dividends and, in the
alternative, as to the recovery of investment. A preferred stockholder is a
shareholder in the company and not a creditor of the company as is a holder of
the company's fixed income securities. Dividends paid to common and preferred
stockholders are distributions of the earnings of the company and not interest
payments, which are expenses of the company. Equity securities owned by the
Fund may be traded in the over-the-counter market or on a securities exchange
and may not be traded every day or in the volume typical of securities traded on
a major U.S. national securities exchange. As a result, disposition by the Fund
of a portfolio security to meet redemptions by interest holders or otherwise may
require the Fund to sell these securities at a discount from market prices, to
sell during periods when disposition is not desirable, or to make many small
sales over a lengthy period of time. The market value of all securities,
including equity securities, is based upon the market's perception of value and
not necessarily the book value of an issuer or other objective measure of a
company's worth.
WARRANTS. The Fund may invest in warrants, which are options to purchase an
equity security at a specified price (usually representing a premium over the
applicable market value of the underlying equity security at the time of the
warrant's issuance) and usually during a specified period of time. Their prices
do not necessarily move parallel to the prices of the underlying securities.
Warrants have no voting rights, receive no dividends and have no rights with
respect to the assets of the issuer. The Fund may not invest more than 5% of
its net assets (at the time of investment) in warrants (other than those that
have been acquired with or attached to other securities).
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES. The Fund may invest in convertible debt and convertible
preferred stock, which may be rated by a nationally recognized statistical
rating organization ("NRSRO") or may be unrated. Convertible securities are
fixed income securities that may be converted at a stated price within a
specific amount of time into a specified number of shares of common stock. A
convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued on
debt or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible security
matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible
securities have characteristics similar to nonconvertible debt securities in
that they ordinarily provide a stream of income with generally higher yields
than those of common
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stocks of the same or similar issuers. Convertible securities rank senior to
common stock in a corporation's capital structure but are usually subordinate to
comparable nonconvertible securities. In general, the value of a convertible
security is the higher of its investment value (its value as a fixed income
security) and its conversion value (the value of the underlying shares of common
stock if the security is converted). The investment value of a convertible
security is influenced by changes in interest rates, with investment value
declining as interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates decline.
The credit standing of the issuer and other factors also may have an effect on
the convertible security's investment value. The conversion value of a
convertible security is determined by the market price of the underlying common
stock.
ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES. The Fund may not invest more than 15% of
its net assets in illiquid securities. Illiquid securities are securities that
cannot be disposed of within seven days in the ordinary course of business at
approximately the amount at which the Fund has valued the securities and
include, among other things, repurchase agreements not entitling the holder to
payment within seven days and "restricted securities," other than those
determined to be liquid pursuant to guidelines established by the Board.
Limitations on resale may have an adverse effect on the marketability of
restricted securities, and the Fund might also have to register restricted
securities in order to dispose of them, resulting in expense and delay. The
Fund might not be able to dispose of illiquid or restricted securities promptly
or at reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty satisfying
redemptions. There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist for any
security at any particular time.
A domestic institutional market has developed for certain securities that are
not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act"). Institutional
investors depend on an efficient institutional market in which the unregistered
security can be readily resold or on the issuer's ability to honor a demand for
repayment of the unregistered security. A security's contractual or legal
restrictions on resale to the general public or to certain institutions may not
be indicative of the liquidity of the security. If such securities are eligible
for purchase by institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under the 1933
Act, the Advisers may determine that such securities are not illiquid securities
under guidelines adopted by the Board. These guidelines take into account
trading activity in the securities and the availability of reliable pricing
information, among other factors. If there is a lack of trading interest in a
particular Rule 144A security, the Fund's holdings of that security may be
illiquid.
WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES AND FORWARD COMMITMENTS
The Fund may purchase securities offered on a "when-issued" basis and may
purchase or sell securities on a "forward commitment" basis. When such
transactions are negotiated, the price, which is generally expressed in yield
terms, is fixed at the time the commitment is made, but delivery and payment for
the securities take place at a later date. Normally, the settlement date occurs
within two months after the transaction, but delayed settlements beyond two
months may be negotiated. During the period between a commitment and
settlement, no payment is made for the securities purchased by the purchaser
and, thus, no interest accrues to the purchaser from the transaction. At the
time the fund makes the commitment to purchase securities on a when-issued or
delayed delivery basis, the Fund will record the transaction as a purchase and
thereafter reflect the value each day of such securities in determining its net
asset value.
The use of when-issued transactions and forward commitments enables the Fund to
hedge against anticipated changes in interest rates and prices. For instance,
in periods of rising interest rates and falling bond prices, the fund might sell
securities which it owned on a forward commitment basis to limit its exposure to
falling prices. In periods of falling interest rates and rising bond prices,
the fund might sell a security and purchase the same or a similar security on a
when-issued or forward commitment basis, thereby obtaining the benefit of
currently higher cash yields. However, if the investment adviser to the fund
were to forecast incorrectly the direction of interest rate movements, the Fund
might be required to complete such when-issued or forward commitment
transactions at prices inferior to the current market values.
When-issued securities and forward commitments may be sold prior to the
settlement date, but the Fund enters into when-issued and forward commitment
transactions only with the intention of actually receiving or delivering the
securities, as the case may be. If the fund, however, chooses to dispose of the
right to acquire a when-issued security prior to its acquisition or to dispose
of its right to deliver or receive against a forward commitment, it can
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incur a gain or loss. When-issued securities may include bonds purchased on a
"when, as and if issued" basis under which the issuance of the securities
depends upon the occurrence of a subsequent event. Any significant commitment
of the fund's assets to the purchase of securities on a "when, as and if issued"
basis may increase the volatility of its net asset value.
The Fund will establish and maintain with its custodian a separate account with
cash, U.S. Government Securities (as defined in the Prospectus) and other liquid
high-grade debt securities in an amount at least equal to its commitments to
purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES
The Fund may invest up to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities. The
term "illiquid securities" for this purpose means securities that cannot be
disposed of within seven days in the ordinary course of business at
approximately the amount at which the Fund has valued the securities and
includes, among other things, purchased over-the-counter (OTC) options and
repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days.
The Trust's Board of Directors ("Board") has the ultimate responsibility for
determining whether specific securities are liquid or illiquid. The Board has
delegated the function of making day-to-day determinations of liquidity to the
investment adviser of the Fund, pursuant to guidelines approved by the Board.
The investment adviser takes into account a number of factors in reaching
liquidity decisions, including but not limited to: (1) the frequency of trades
and quotations for the security; (2) the number of dealers willing to purchase
or sell the security and the number of other potential buyers; (3) the
willingness of dealers to undertake to make a market in the security; and (4)
the nature of the marketplace trades, including the time needed to dispose of
the security, the method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of the
transfer. The investment adviser monitors the liquidity of the securities in
the Fund's portfolio and reports periodically on such decisions to the Board.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES
The Fund may invest in convertible securities. A convertible security is a
bond, debenture, note, preferred stock or other security that may be converted
into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common stock of the same or a
different issuer within a particular period of time at a specified price or
formula. A convertible security entitles the holder to receive interest paid or
accrued on debt or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible
security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion,
convertible securities have characteristics similar to nonconvertible debt
securities in that they ordinarily provide a stable stream of income with
generally higher yields than those of common stocks of the same or similar
issuers. Convertible securities rank senior to common stock in a corporation's
capital structure but are usually subordinated to comparable nonconvertible
securities. Although no securities investment is without some risk, investment
in convertible securities generally entails less risk than in the issuer's
common stock. However, the extent to which such risk is reduced depends in
large measure upon the degree to which the convertible security sells above its
value as a fixed income security. Convertible securities have unique investment
characteristics in that they generally (1) have higher yields than common
stocks, but lower yields than comparable non-convertible securities, (2) are
less subject to fluctuation in value than the underlying stocks since they have
fixed income characteristics and (3) provide the potential for capital
appreciation if the market price of the underlying common stock increases.
The value of a convertible security is a function of its "investment value"
(determined by its yield comparison with the yields of other securities of
comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege) and its
"conversion value" (the security's worth, at market value, if converted into the
underlying common stock). The investment value of a convertible security is
influenced by changes in interest rates, with investment value declining as
interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates decline. The credit
standing of the issuer and other factors also may have an effect on the
convertible security's investment value. The conversion value of a convertible
security is determined by the market price of the underlying common stock. If
the conversion value is low relative to the investment value, the price of the
convertible security is governed principally by its investment value and
generally the conversion value decreases as the convertible security approaches
maturity. To the extent the market price of the underlying common stock
approaches or exceeds the conversion price, the price of the convertible
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security will be increasingly influenced by its conversion value. In addition,
a convertible security generally will sell at a premium over its conversion
value determined by the extent to which investors place value on the right to
acquire the underlying common stock while holding a fixed income security.
A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer
at a price established in the convertible security's governing instrument. If a
convertible security held by the Fund is called for redemption, the Fund will be
required to permit the issuer to redeem the security, convert it into the
underlying common stock or sell it to a third party.
FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS
The Fund may in the future seek to hedge against a decline in the value of
securities it owns or an increase in the price of securities which it plans to
purchase through the writing and purchase of exchange-traded and
over-the-counter options and the purchase and sale of futures contracts and
options on those futures contracts. The Fund may buy or sell futures contracts
on Treasury bills, Treasury bonds and other financial instruments. The Fund may
write covered options and buy options on the futures contracts in which it may
invest.
If the adviser anticipates that interest rates will rise, the fund may sell
futures contracts as a hedge against a decrease in the value of the Fund's
portfolio securities. Conversely, if the adviser anticipates a decline in
interest rates, the fund may purchase futures contracts to protect itself
against an increase in the price of the debt securities that the Fund might wish
to purchase.
In addition, the Fund may write (sell) covered put and call options and may buy
put and call options on debt securities and bond indices. An option is covered
if, so long as the Fund is obligated under the option, it owns an offsetting
position in the underlying security, currency or futures contract or maintains
cash, U.S. Government Securities or other liquid, high-grade debt securities in
a segregated account with a value at all times sufficient to cover the Fund's
obligation under the option.
The Fund's use of options and futures contracts would subject the Fund to
certain investment risks and transaction costs to which they might not otherwise
be subject. These risks include: (1) dependence on the adviser's ability to
predict movements in the prices of individual securities and fluctuations in the
general securities markets; (2) imperfect correlation between movements in the
prices of options, futures contracts or related options and movements in the
price of the securities hedged or used for cover; (3) the fact that skills and
techniques needed to trade these instruments are different from those needed to
select the other securities in which the Fund invests; (4) lack of assurance
that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular instrument at any
particular time; and (5) the possible need to defer closing out of certain
options, futures contracts and related options to avoid adverse tax
consequences. Other risks include the inability of the Fund, as the writer of
covered call options, to benefit from the appreciation of the underlying
securities above the exercise price and the possible loss of the entire premium
paid for options purchased by the Fund. In addition, options and futures
contracts do not pay interest, but may produce taxable capital gains.
The Fund will not hedge more than [ ]% of its total assets by selling futures
contracts, buying put options and writing call options. In addition, the Fund
will not buy futures contracts or write put options whose underlying value
exceeds [ ]% of the Fund's total assets and will not purchase call options if
the value of purchased call options would exceed [ ]% of the Fund's total
assets. The fund will not enter into futures contracts and options thereon if
immediately thereafter more than [ ]% of the value of the Fund's total assets
would be invested in these options or committed to margin on futures contracts.
The fund will only invest in futures and options contracts after providing
notice to its shareholders, filing a notice of eligibility (if required) and
otherwise complying with the requirements of the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission ("CFTC"). The CFTC's rules provide that the Fund is permitted to
purchase futures or options contracts subject to CFTC jurisdiction only (1) for
bona fide hedging purposes within the meaning of the rules of the CFTC;
provided, however, that in the alternative with respect to each long position in
a futures or options contract entered into by the fund, the underlying commodity
value of such contract at all times does not exceed the
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sum of cash, short-term United States debt obligations or other United States
dollar denominated short-term money market instruments set aside for this
purpose by the Fund, cash proceeds from existing Fund investments due in 30 days
and accrued profit on the contract held with a futures commissions merchant; and
(2) subject to certain limitations.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
The Fund may seek additional income by entering into repurchase agreements.
Repurchase agreements are transactions in which the fund purchases a security
and simultaneously commits to resell that security to the seller at an
agreed-upon price on an agreed-upon future date, normally one to seven days
later. The resale price reflects a market rate of interest that is not related
to the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased security. The Trust's custodian
maintains possession of the underlying collateral, which is maintained at not
less than 100% of the repurchase price, and which consists of the types of
securities in which the Fund may invest directly.
LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
The Fund may from time to time lend securities from its portfolio to brokers,
dealers and other financial institutions. Securities loans must be continuously
secured by cash or U.S. Government Securities with a market value, determined
daily, at least equal to the value of the Fund's securities loaned, including
accrued interest. The Fund receives interest in respect of securities loans
from the borrower or from investing cash collateral. The Fund may pay fees to
arrange the loans. The Fund will, as the fundamental policy, limit securities
lending to not more than 10% of the value of its total assets.
TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE POSITION
When the fund assumes a temporary defensive position it may invest in (i)
short-term U.S. Government Securities, (ii) certificates of deposit, bankers'
acceptances and interest-bearing savings deposits of commercial banks doing
business in the United States that have, at the time of investment, total assets
in excess of one billion dollars and that are insured by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation, (iii) commercial paper of prime quality rated Prime-2 or
higher by Moody's or A-2 or higher by S&P or, if not rated, determined by the
adviser to be of comparable quality, (iv) repurchase agreements covering any of
the securities in which the Fund may invest directly and (v) money market mutual
funds.
The Fund may invest in the securities of other investment companies within the
limits proscribed by the 1940 Act. Under normal circumstances, the Fund intends
to invest less than 5% of the value of its net assets in the securities of other
investment companies. In addition to the Fund's expenses (including the various
fees), as a shareholder in another investment company, the fund would bear its
pro rata portion of the other investment company's expenses (including fees).
2. INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS
The Fund has adopted the following fundamental investment limitations which are
in addition to those contained in the Fund's Prospectus and which may not be
changed without shareholder approval. The Fund may not:
(1) Borrow money, except for temporary or emergency purposes
(including the meeting of redemption requests) and except for
entering into reverse repurchase agreements, and provided that
borrowings do not exceed 33 1/3% of the Fund's total assets
(computed immediately after the borrowing).
(2) Purchase securities, other than U.S. Government Securities, if,
immediately after each purchase, more than 25% of the Fund's
total assets taken at market value would be invested in
securities of issuers conducting their principal business
activity in the same industry.
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(3) Purchase securities, other than U.S. Government Securities, of
any one issuer, if (a) more than 5% of the Fund's total assets
taken at market value would at the time of purchase be invested
in the securities of that issuer, or (b) such purchase would at
the time of purchase cause the Fund to hold more than 10% of the
outstanding voting securities of that issuer. Up to 50% of the
Fund's total assets may be invested without regard to this
limitation.
(4) Act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers, except to
the extent that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio
securities, the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter for
purposes of the Securities Act of 1933.
(5) Make loans to other persons except for loans of portfolio
securities and except through the use of repurchase agreements
and through the purchase of commercial paper or debt securities
which are otherwise permissible investments.
(6) Purchase or sell real estate or any interest therein, except
that the Fund may invest in securities issued or guaranteed by
corporate or governmental entities secured by real estate or
interests therein, such as mortgage pass-throughs and
collateralized mortgage obligations, or issued by companies that
invest in real estate or interests therein.
(7) Purchase or sell physical commodities or contracts relating to
physical commodities, provided that currencies and
currency-related contracts will not be deemed to be physical
commodities.
(8) Issue senior securities except pursuant to Section 18 of the
Investment Company Act of 1940 ("1940 Act") and except that the
Fund may borrow money subject to investment limitations
specified in the Fund's Prospectus.
(9) Invest in interests in oil or gas or interests in other mineral
exploration or development programs.
In addition, the Fund has adopted a fundamental investment policy which provides
that notwithstanding any other investment policy or restriction (whether or not
fundamental), the Fund may seek to achieve its investment objective by holding,
as its only investment securities, the securities of another investment company
having substantially the same investment objective and policies as the Fund.
The Fund has adopted the following nonfundamental investment limitations that
may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval. The Fund may not:
(a) Pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except to secure
permitted indebtedness. The deposit in escrow of securities in
connection with the writing of put and call options,
collateralized loans of securities and collateral arrangements
with respect to margin for futures contracts are not deemed to
be pledges or hypothecations for this purpose.
(b) Invest in securities of another registered investment company,
except in connection with a merger, consolidation, acquisition
or reorganization; and except that the Fund may invest in money
market funds and privately-issued mortgage related securities to
the extent permitted by the 1940 Act.
(c) Purchase securities on margin, or make short sales of
securities, except for the use of short-term credit necessary
for the clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio
securities, but the Fund may make margin deposits in connection
with permitted transactions in options, futures contracts and
options on futures contracts.
(d) Invest in securities (other than fully-collateralized debt
obligations) issued by companies that have conducted continuous
operations for less than three years, including the operations
of predecessors, unless guaranteed as to principal and interest
by an issuer in whose securities the
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Fund could invest, if as a result, more than 5% of the value of
the Fund's total assets would be so invested.
(e) Invest in or hold securities of any issuer if officers and
directors of the Trust or the Fund's investment adviser,
individually owning beneficially more than 1/2 of 1% of the
securities of the issuer, in the aggregate own more than 5% of
the issuer's securities.
(f) Purchase securities for investment while any borrowing equaling
5% or more of the Fund's total assets is outstanding or borrow
for purposes other than meeting redemptions in an amount
exceeding 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets.
(g) Acquire securities or invest in repurchase agreements with
respect to any securities if, as a result, more than (i) 15% of
the Fund's net assets (taken at current value) would be invested
in repurchase agreements not entitling the holder to payment of
principal within seven days and in securities which are not
readily marketable, including securities that are illiquid by
virtue of restrictions on the sale of such securities to the
public without registration under the Securities Act of 1933
("Restricted Securities") or (ii) 10% of the Fund's total assets
would be invested in Restricted Securities.
(h) Purchase or sell real property leases (including limited
partnership interests, but excluding readily marketable
interests in real estate investment trusts or readily marketable
securities of companies which invest in real estate.)
Except as required by the 1940 Act, if any percentage restriction on investment
or utilization of assets is adhered to at the time an investment is made, a
later change in percentage resulting from a change in the market values of the
Fund's assets or purchases and redemptions of shares will not be considered a
violation of the limitation.
No more than 25% of the Fund's total assets may be invested in the securities of
one issuer. However, this limitation does not apply to securities of an issuer
payable solely from the proceeds of U.S. Government Securities.
3. PERFORMANCE DATA
The Fund may quote performance in various ways. All performance information
supplied by the Fund in advertising is historical and is not intended to
indicate future returns. The Fund's net asset value, yield and total return
fluctuate in response to market conditions and other factors, and the value of
Fund shares when redeemed may be more or less than their original cost.
In performance advertising the Fund may compare any of its performance
information with data published by independent evaluators such as Morningstar,
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., IBC/Donoghue, Inc., CDA/Wiesenberger or other
companies which track the investment performance of investment companies ("Fund
Tracking Companies"). The Fund may also compare any of its performance
information with the performance of recognized stock, bond and other indexes,
including but not limited to the Salomon Brothers Bond Index, the Shearson
Lehman Bond Index, the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index, the
Dow Jones Industrial Average, and changes in the Consumer Price Index as
published by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Fund may refer to general
market performances over past time periods such as those published by Ibbotson
Associates (for instance, its "Stocks, Bonds, Bills and Inflation Yearbook").
In addition, the Fund may refer in such materials to mutual fund performance
rankings and other data published by Fund Tracking Companies. Performance
advertising may also refer to discussions of the Fund and comparative mutual
fund data and ratings reported in independent periodicals, such as newspapers
and financial magazines.
For example, the Fund may advertise the historical advantages, based on assumed
investments made on particular dates, in long term corporate bonds or in the S&P
500 Composite Stock Index against U.S. Treasury bills, as published by the
companies listed above.
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YIELD CALCULATIONS
Yields for the Fund used in advertising are computed by dividing the Fund's
interest income for a given 30 days or one-month period, net of expenses, by the
average number of shares entitled to receive distributions during the period,
dividing this figure by the Fund's net asset value per share at the end of the
period and annualizing the result (assuming compounding of income) in order to
arrive at an annual percentage rate. Capital gain and loss generally are
excluded from these calculations.
Income calculated for the purpose of determining the Fund's yield differs from
income as determined for other accounting purposes. Because of the different
accounting methods used, and because of the compounding assumed in yield
calculations, the yield quoted for the Fund may differ from the rate of
distribution the Fund paid over the same period or the rate of income reported
in the Fund's financial statements.
Although published yield information is useful to investors in reviewing the
Fund's performance, investors should be aware that the Fund's yield for any
given period is not an indication or representation by the Fund of future yields
or rates of return on the Fund's shares. Also, Processing Organizations may
charge their customers direct fees in connection with an investment in the Fund,
which will have the effect of reducing the Fund's net yield to those
shareholders. The yields of the Fund are not fixed or guaranteed, and an
investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed. Accordingly, yield
information may not necessarily be used to compare shares of the Fund with
investment alternatives which, like money market instruments or bank accounts,
may provide a fixed rate of interest. Also, it may not be appropriate to
compare the Fund's yield information directly to similar information regarding
investment alternatives which are insured or guaranteed.
TOTAL RETURN CALCULATIONS
The Fund may advertise total return. Total returns quoted in advertising
reflect all aspects of the Fund's return, including the effect of reinvesting
dividends and capital gain distributions and any change in the Fund's net asset
value per share over the period. Average annual returns are calculated by
determining the growth or decline in value of a hypothetical historical
investment in the Fund over a stated period, and then calculating the annually
compounded percentage rate that would have produced the same result if the rate
of growth or decline in value had been constant over the period. While average
annual returns are a convenient means of comparing investment alternatives,
investors should realize that the performance is not constant over time but
changes from year to year, and that average annual returns represent averaged
figures as opposed to the actual year-to-year performance of the Fund.
Average annual total return is calculated by finding the average annual
compounded rates of return of a hypothetical investment over a given period
according to the following formula:
n
P(1+T) = ERV
Where:
P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000;
T = average annual total return;
n = number of years; and
ERV = ending redeemable value.
ERV is the value, at the end of the applicable period, of a hypothetical $1,000
payment made at the beginning of the applicable period.
In addition to average annual returns, the Fund may quote unaveraged or
cumulative total returns reflecting the simple change in value of an investment
over a stated period. Total returns may be broken down into their components of
income and capital (including capital gain and changes in share price) in order
to illustrate the
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relationship of these factors and their contributions to total return. Total
returns, yields and other performance information may be quoted numerically or
in a table, graph or similar illustration.
Period total return is calculated according to the following formula:
PT = (ERV/P-1)
Where:
PT = period total return.
The other definitions are the same as in
average annual total return above.
4. MANAGEMENT
The trustees and officers of the Trust and their principal occupations during
the past five years are set forth below. Each Trustee who is an "interested
person" (as defined by the 1940 Act) of the Trust is indicated by an asterisk.
John Y. Keffer,* Chairman and President (age 53)
President and Director, Forum Financial Services, Inc. (a registered
broker-dealer), Forum Financial Corp. (a registered transfer agent) and
Forum Advisors, Inc. (a registered investment adviser). Mr. Keffer is a
Trustee and/or officer of various registered investment companies for
which Forum Financial Services, Inc. serves as manager, administrator
and/or distributor. His address is Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine
04101.
Costas Azariadis, Trustee (age 52)
Professor of Economics, University of California, Los Angeles, since
July 1992. Prior thereto, Dr. Azariadis was Professor of Economics at
the University of Pennsylvania. His address is Department of Economics,
University of California, Los Angeles, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles,
California 90024.
James C. Cheng, Trustee (age 53)
President of Technology Marketing Associates (a marketing consulting
company) since September 1991. Prior thereto, Mr. Cheng was President
and Chief Executive Officer of Network Dynamics, Incorporated (a
software development company). His address is 27 Temple Street,
Belmont, Massachusetts 02178.
J. Michael Parish, Trustee (age 52)
Partner at the law firm of Winthrop Stimson Putnam & Roberts since 1989.
Prior thereto, he was a partner at LeBoeuf, Lamb, Leiby & MacRae, a law
firm of which he was a member from 1974 to 1989. His address is 40 Wall
Street, New York, New York 10005.
Mark D. Kaplan, Vice President, Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Secretary (age
40)
Managing Director at Forum Financial Services, Inc. since September
1995. Prior thereto, Mr. Kaplan was Managing Director and Director of
Research at H.M. Payson & Co. His address is Two Portland Square,
Portland, Maine 04101.
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Michael D. Martins, Treasurer (age 30)
Director of Fund Accounting at Forum Financial Corp. since June 1995.
Prior thereto, he served as a manager in the New York City office of
Deloitte & Touche LLP, where he was employed for over five years. His
address is Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101.
David I. Goldstein, Secretary (age 34)
Counsel, Forum Financial Services, Inc., with which he has been
associated since 1991. Prior thereto, Mr. Goldstein was associated with
the law firm of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart. Mr. Goldstein is also Secretary
or Assistant Secretary of various registered investment companies for
which Forum Financial Services, Inc. serves as manager, administrator
and/or distributor. His address is Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine
04101.
Don L. Evans, Assistant Secretary (age 47)
Assistant Counsel, Forum Financial Services, Inc., with which he has
been associated since August 1995. Prior thereto, Mr. Evans was
associated with the law firm of Bisk & Lutz and prior thereto the law
firm of Weiner & Strother. Mr. Evans is also Assistant Secretary of
various registered investment companies for which Forum Financial
Services, Inc. serves as manager, administrator and/or distributor. His
address is Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine.
M. Paige Turney, Assistant Secretary (age 27).
Fund Administrator, Forum Financial Services, Inc., with which she has
been associated since 1995. Ms. Miles was employed from 1992 as a
Senior Fund Accountant with First Data Corporation in Boston,
Massachusetts. Prior thereto she was a student at Montana State
University Her address is Two Portland Square, Portland, Maine 04101.
John Y. Keffer is an interested person of the Trust as that term is defined in
the 1940 Act.
TRUSTEE COMPENSATION. Each Trustee of the Trust (other than John Y. Keffer, who
is an interested person of the Trust) is paid $1,000 for each Board meeting
attended (whether in person or by electronic communication) plus $100 per active
portfolio of the Trust and is paid $1,000 for each committee meeting attended on
a date when a Board meeting is not held. To the extent a meeting relates to
only certain portfolios of the Trust, Trustees are paid the $100 fee only with
respect to those portfolios. Trustees are also reimbursed for travel and
related expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board. No officer of the
Trust is compensated by the Trust.
The following table provides an estimate of the aggregate compensation to be
paid to each Trustee. The Trust has not adopted any form of retirement plan
covering Trustees or officers. Information presented is estimated for the
fiscal year ending March 31, 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Accrued Annual
Aggregate Pension Benefits Upon Total
Trustee Compensation Benefits Retirement Compensation
------- ------------ -------- ---------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Mr. Keffer $4,000 None None $4,000
Mr. Azariadis $4,000 None None $4,000
Mr. Cheng $4,000 None None $4,000
Mr. Parish $4,000 None None $4,000
</TABLE>
COMBINED TABLE FOR CORE
Each of the Trustees of the Trust is also a Trustee of Core Trust. Each Trustee
of Core Trust (other than John Y. Keffer, who is an interested person of Core
Trust) is paid $1,000 for each Core Trust Board meeting attended
B-11
<PAGE>
(whether in person or by electronic communication) plus $100 per active
portfolio of Core Trust and is paid $1,000 for each committee meeting attended
on a date when a Core Trust Board meeting is not held. To the extent a meeting
relates to only certain portfolios of Core Trust, trustees are paid the $100 fee
only with respect to those portfolios. Core Trust trustees are also reimbursed
for travel and related expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Core Trust
Board.
ADVISER
The Fund's investment adviser, Westwood Ventures, Ltd. (the "Adviser") furnishes
at its own expense all services, facilities and personnel necessary in
connection with managing the Fund's investments and effecting portfolio
transactions for the Fund, pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement with the
Trust. The Investment Advisory Agreement provides for an initial term of two
years from its effective date with respect to the Fund and for its continuance
in effect for successive twelve-month periods thereafter, provided the agreement
is specifically approved at least annually by the Board or by vote of the
shareholders of the Fund, and in either case by a majority of the directors who
are not parties to the Investment Advisory Agreement or interested persons of
any such party.
The Investment Advisory Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Trust
with respect to the Fund on 60 days' written notice when authorized either by
vote of its shareholders or by a vote of a majority of the Board, or by the
Adviser on not more than 60 days' nor less than 30 days' written notice, and
will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. The Investment
Advisory Agreement also provides that, with respect to the Fund, the Adviser
shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any act
or omission in the performance of its duties to the Fund, except for willful
misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of the Adviser's
duties or by reason of reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under
the Investment Advisory Agreement. The Investment Advisory Agreement provides
that the Adviser may render services to others.
For services under its Investment Advisory Agreement, the Adviser receives an
advisory fee at an annual rate of 1.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets.
Such fees are accrued daily and paid monthly.
In addition to receiving its advisory fee from the Fund, the Adviser may also
act and be compensated as investment manager for its clients with respect to
assets which are invested in the Fund. In some instances the Adviser may elect
to credit against any investment management fee received from a client who is
also a shareholder in the Fund an amount equal to all or a portion of the fees
received by the Adviser or any affiliate of the Adviser from the Fund with
respect to the client's assets invested in the Fund.
The Adviser has agreed to reimburse the Trust for certain of the Fund's
operating expenses which in any year exceed the limits prescribed by any state
in which the fund's shares are qualified for sale. The Trust may elect not to
qualify its shares for sale in every state.
The manager and distributor believe that currently the most restrictive expense
ratio limitation imposed by any state is 2-1/2% of the first $30 million of the
Fund's average net assets, 2% of the next $70 million of its average net assets
and 1-1/2% of its average net assets in excess of $100 million. For the purpose
of this obligation to reimburse expenses, the Fund's annual expenses are
estimated and accrued daily, and any appropriate estimated payments will be made
by the Adviser or the manager and distributor monthly.
Subject to the above obligations to reimburse the Trust for its excess expenses,
the Trust has confirmed its obligation to pay all its other expenses,
including: interest charges, taxes, brokerage fees and commissions; certain
insurance premiums; fees, interest charges and expenses of the custodian,
transfer agent and dividend disbursing
B-12
<PAGE>
agent; telecommunications expenses; auditing, legal and compliance expenses;
costs of forming the corporation and maintaining corporate existence; costs of
preparing and printing the Trust's prospectuses, statements of additional
information, account application forms and shareholder reports and delivering
them to existing and prospective shareholders; costs of maintaining books of
original entry for portfolio and fund accounting and other required books and
accounts and of calculating the net asset value of shares of the Trust; costs of
reproduction, stationery and supplies; compensation of directors, officers and
employees of the Trust and costs of other personnel performing services for the
Trust who are not officers of the Adviser, the manager and distributor or their
respective affiliates; costs of corporate meetings; Securities and Exchange
Commission registration fees and related expenses; state securities laws
registration fees and related expenses; and fees payable to the Adviser under
the Investment Advisory Agreements.
SUBADVISER
To assist it in carrying out its obligations to the Fund, Westwood has entered
into an investment subadvisory agreement among the Trust, Westwood and Forum
Advisors. Forum Advisors is registered with the SEC as an investment adviser
and, in addition to the Fund, provides investment advice to five other bond and
money market mutual funds. Pursuant to its agreement, Forum Advisors makes
investment decisions for the Fund and continuously reviews, supervises and
administers the Fund's investment program with respect to that portion, if any,
of the Fund's portfolio that Westwood believes should be invested using Forum
Advisors as investment subadviser. Currently, Forum Advisors manages the entire
portfolio of the Fund and has since the Fund's inception. Westwood supervises
the performance of Forum Advisors, including Forum Advisors' adherence to the
Fund's investment objective and policies and pays Forum Advisors a fee for its
services at the rate of 0.50% of the Fund's average daily net assets. Forum
Advisors' fee is subject to a minimum payment from Westwood of $25,000 per
year.
MANAGER AND DISTRIBUTOR
Forum Administrative Services, Inc. (the "Manager") was incorporated under the
laws of the State of Delaware on December 29, 1995 and supervises the overall
management of the Fund (which includes, among other responsibilities,
negotiation of contracts and fees with, and monitoring of performance and
billing of, the transfer agent and custodian and arranging for maintenance of
books and records of the Fund), provides the Fund with general office facilities
and serves as distributor of shares of the Fund pursuant to a management
agreement between the Manager and the Fund (the "Management Agreement"). The
Management Agreement provides, for an initial term of two years from its
effective date and for its continuance in effect for successive twelve-month
periods thereafter, provided the agreement is specifically approved at least
annually by the Board or, with respect to the fund, by the shareholders of that
Fund, and in either case by a majority of the directors who are not parties to
the Management Agreement or interested persons of any such party and do not have
any direct or indirect financial interest in the Distribution Plan or in any
agreement related to the Distribution Plan.
The Management Agreement terminates automatically if it is assigned and may be
terminated without penalty with respect to the fund by vote of that Fund's
shareholders or by either party on not more than 60 days' nor less than 30 days'
written notice. The Management Agreement also provides that the Manager shall
not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any act or
omission in the administration or management of the Fund, except for willful
misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of the Manager's
duties or by reason of reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under
the Management Agreement.
Forum Financial Services, Inc. ("FFSI") (the "Distributor"), an affiliate of
Forum Administrative Services, acts as distributor of the Fund's shares pursuant
to a distribution services agreement (the "Distribution Services Agreement")
and, pursuant thereto, receives, and may reallow to certain financial
institutions, the sales charge paid by the purchasers of the Fund's shares
The Manager provides persons satisfactory to the Board to serve as officers of
the Fund. Those officers, as well as certain other employees and Directors of
the Fund, may be directors, officers or employees of (and persons providing
services to the Fund may include) the Manager, its affiliates or certain
affiliates of the Adviser.
B-13
<PAGE>
For its services under the Management Agreement, the manager receives a fee at
the annual rate of [ %] of the average daily net assets of the Fund.
TRANSFER AGENT
Forum Financial Corp. (the "Transfer Agent") acts as transfer agent of the Trust
pursuant to a transfer agency agreement (the "Transfer Agency Agreement"). The
Transfer Agency Agreement provides for an initial term of two years from its
effective date and for its continuance in effect for successive twelve-month
periods thereafter, provided that the agreement is specifically approved at
least annually by the Board or, by a vote of the shareholders of the Fund, and
in either case by a majority of the directors who are not parties to the
Transfer Agency Agreement or interested persons of any such party at a meeting
called for the purpose of voting on the Transfer Agency Agreement.
Among the responsibilities of the Transfer Agent as agent for the Trust are:
(1) answering customer inquiries regarding account status and history, the
manner in which purchases and redemptions of shares of the Fund may be effected
and certain other matters pertaining to the Fund; (2) assisting shareholders in
initiating and changing account designations and addresses; (3) providing
necessary personnel and facilities to establish and maintain shareholder
accounts and records, assisting in processing purchase and redemption
transactions and receiving wired funds; (4) transmitting and receiving funds in
connection with customer orders to purchase or redeem shares; (5) verifying
shareholder signatures in connection with changes in the registration of
shareholder accounts; (6) furnishing periodic statements and confirmations of
purchases and redemptions; (7) arranging for the transmission of proxy
statements, annual reports, prospectuses and other communications from the Trust
to its shareholders; (8) arranging for the receipt, tabulation and transmission
to the Trust of proxies executed by shareholders with respect to meetings of
shareholders of the Trust; and (9) providing such other related services as the
Trust or a shareholder may reasonably request. For these services, the Transfer
Agent receives a fee of $24,000 per year plus certain account charges and is
reimbursed for its various out-of-pocket costs related to the Fund.
The Transfer Agent is authorized to subcontract any or all of its functions to
one or more qualified sub-transfer agents or processing agents, which may be
processing organizations (as defined in the Prospectus) or its affiliates. The
Transfer Agent may pay those agents for their services, but no such payment will
increase the Transfer Agent's compensation from the Trust. In addition, the
Transfer Agent performs portfolio accounting services for the Fund, including
determination of the Fund's net asset value per share, pursuant to a separate
agreement with the Trust.
The Transfer Agent or any sub-transfer agent or processing agent may also act
and receive compensation as custodian, investment manager, nominee, agent or
fiduciary for its customers or clients who are shareholders of the Fund with
respect to assets invested in the Fund. The Transfer Agent or any sub-transfer
agent or other processing agent may elect to credit against the fees payable to
it by its clients or customers all or a portion of any fee received from the
Trust or from the Transfer Agent with respect to assets of those customers or
clients invested in the Fund. The Transfer Agent, the Manager or sub-transfer
agents or processing agents retained by the Transfer Agent may be Processing
Organizations (as defined in the Prospectus) and, in the case of sub-transfer
agents or processing agents, may also be affiliated persons of the Transfer
Agent or the Manager.
For its services under the Transfer Agency Agreement, Forum receives, with
respect to each Series: (i) a fee at an annual rate of 0.25 percent of the
average daily net assets of the Series and (ii) a fee of $12,000 per year; such
amounts to be computed and paid monthly in arrears by the Fund; and (iii) Annual
Shareholder Account Fees of $18.00 per shareholder account; such fees to be
computed as of the last business day of the prior month. Fees payable under the
Transfer Agent Agreement with respect to each Fund are outlined in the following
tables:
Pursuant to the fund Accounting Agreement, the Transfer Agent also provides the
Fund with portfolio accounting, including the calculation of the Fund's net
asset value. For these services, the Transfer Agent receives an annual fee
ranging from $36,000 to $60,000 depending upon the amount and type of the Fund's
portfolio transactions and positions.
B-14
<PAGE>
5. DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The Fund does not determine net asset value on the following holidays: New
Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial
Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Purchases and
redemptions are effected at the time of the next determination of net asset
value following the receipt of any purchase or redemption order.
6. PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
The Fund may effect purchases and sales through brokers who charge commissions.
Allocations of transactions to brokers and dealers and the frequency of
transactions are determined by the Adviser in its best judgment and in a manner
deemed to be in the best interest of shareholders of the Fund rather than by any
formula. The primary consideration is prompt execution of orders in an
effective manner and at the most favorable price available to the Fund
The Fund may not always pay the lowest commission or spread available. Rather,
in determining the amount of commission, including certain dealer spreads, paid
in connection with Fund transactions, the Advisers take into account such
factors as size of the order, difficulty of execution, efficiency of the
executing broker's facilities (including the services described below) and any
risk assumed by the executing broker. The Adviser may also take into account
payments made by brokers effecting transactions for the Fund (i) to the Fund or
(ii) to other persons on behalf of the Fund for services provided to it for
which it would be obligated to pay.
In addition, the Adviser may give consideration to research and investment
analysis services furnished by brokers or dealers to the Adviser for its use and
may cause the Fund to pay these brokers a higher amount of commission than may
be charged by other brokers. Such research and analysis is of the types
described in Section 28(e)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, and is designed to augment the Adviser's own internal research and
investment strategy capabilities. The Adviser may use the research and analysis
in connection with services to clients other than the Fund, and the Adviser's
fee is not reduced by reason of the Adviser's receipt of the research services.
Investment decisions for the Fund will be made independently from those for any
other account or investment company that is or may in the future become managed
by the Adviser or its affiliates. If, however, the Fund and other investment
companies or accounts managed by the Adviser are contemporaneously engaged in
the purchase or sale of the same security, the transactions may be averaged as
to price and allocated equitably to each account. In some cases, this policy
might adversely affect the price paid or received by the Fund or the size of the
position obtainable for the Fund. In addition, when purchases or sales of the
same security for the Fund and for other investment companies and accounts
managed by the Adviser occur contemporaneously, the purchase or sale orders may
be aggregated in order to obtain any price advantages available to large
denomination purchases or sales.
No portfolio transactions are executed with the Adviser, the Manager or any of
their affiliates.
7. ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION
Shares of the Fund are sold on a continuous basis by the distributor.
Set forth below is a hypothetical example of the method of computing the
offering price of the Fund's shares. The example assumes a purchase of
shares of common stock aggregating less than $50,000 subject to the schedule
of sales charges set forth in the Prospectus at a hypothetical price of
$10.00 per share of the Fund.
B-15
<PAGE>
Net Asset Value Per Share $10.00
Sales Charge, 4.0% of offering
price (4.17% of net asset value
per share) $0.42
Offering to Public $10.42
In addition to the situations described in the Prospectus under "Purchases and
Redemptions of Shares," the Trust may redeem shares involuntarily, from time to
time, to reimburse a portfolio for any loss sustained by reason of the failure
of a shareholder to make full payment for shares purchased by the shareholder or
to collect any charge relating to transactions effected for the benefit of a
shareholder which is applicable to the Fund's shares as provided in the
Prospectus.
The Trust has filed a formal election with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pursuant to which the Fund will only effect a redemption in portfolio
securities if a shareholder is redeeming more than $250,000 or 1% of the Fund's
total net assets, whichever is less, during any 90-day period.
The Fund may wire proceeds of redemptions to shareholders that have elected wire
redemption privileges only if the wired amount is greater than $5,000. In
addition, the Fund will only wire redemption proceeds to financial institutions
located in the United States.
By use of telephone redemption and exchange privileges, the shareholder
authorizes the Transfer Agent to act upon the instruction of any person
representing himself either to be, or to have the authority to act on behalf of,
the investor and believed by the Transfer Agent to be genuine. The records of
the Transfer Agent of such instructions are binding. Proceeds of an exchange
transaction may be invested in another Participating Fund account in the name of
the shareholder.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
The exchange privilege permits shareholders of the Fund to exchange their shares
for shares of any other fund of the Trust or shares of certain other portfolios
of investment companies which retain the Manager or its affiliates as investment
adviser or distributor and which participate in the Trust's exchange privilege
program ("Participating Fund"). For Federal income tax purposes, exchange
transactions are treated as sales on which a purchaser will realize a capital
gain or loss depending on whether the value of the shares redeemed is more or
less than his basis in such shares at the time of the transaction.
Exchange transactions will be made on the basis of relative net asset values per
share at the time of the exchange transaction plus any sales charge applicable
to the Participating Fund whose shares are being acquired. Shares of any
Participating Fund may be redeemed and the proceeds used to purchase, without a
sales charge, shares of any other Participating Fund that are offered without a
sales charge. Shares of any Participating Fund purchased with a sales charge
may be redeemed and the proceeds used to purchase, without a sales charge,
shares of any other Participating Fund otherwise sold with the same sales
charge. If the Participating Fund purchased in the exchange transaction imposes
a higher sales charge than was paid originally on the exchanged shares, the
shareholder will be responsible for the difference between the two sales
charges. Shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends and
distributions are deemed to have been acquired with a sales charge rate equal to
that paid on the shares on which the dividend or distribution was paid.
The terms of the exchange privilege are subject to change, and the privilege may
be terminated by any of the Participating Funds or the Trust. However the
privilege will not be terminated, and no material change that restricts the
availability of the privilege to shareholders will be implemented, without
reasonable advance notice to shareholders.
B-16
<PAGE>
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT CUSTODIAL ACCOUNT
The Fund offers an individual retirement plan (the "IRA") for individuals who
wish to use shares of the Fund as a medium for funding individual retirement
savings. Under the IRA, distributions of net investment income and capital gain
will be automatically reinvested in the IRA established for the investor. The
Fund's custodian furnishes custodial services to the IRAs for a service fee.
Shareholders wishing to use the Fund's IRA should contact the Transfer Agent for
further details and information.
8. TAXATION
Qualification as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986 does not involve governmental supervision of management or investment
practices or policies. Investors should consult their own counsel for a
complete understanding of the requirements the Funds must meet to qualify for
such treatment. The information set forth in the Prospectus and the following
discussion relate solely to Federal income taxes on dividends and distributions
by the fund and assume that the Fund qualifies as a regulated investment
company. Investors should consult their own counsel for further details and for
the application of state and local tax laws to the investor's particular
situation.
The Fund expects to derive substantially all of its gross income (exclusive of
capital gain) from sources other than dividends. Accordingly, it is expected
that most of the Fund's dividends or distributions will not qualify for the
dividends-received deduction for corporations.
Certain listed options and regulated futures contracts are considered "section
1256 contracts" for Federal income tax purposes. Section 1256 contracts held by
the Fund at the end of each taxable year will be "marked to market" and treated
for Federal income tax purposes as though sold for fair market value on the last
business day of such taxable year. Gain or loss realized by the Fund on section
1256 contracts generally will be considered 60% long-term and 40% short-term
capital gain or loss. The Fund can elect to exempt its section 1256 contracts
which are part of a "mixed straddle" from the application of section 1256.
With respect to equity or over-the-counter put and call options, gain or loss
realized by the Fund upon the lapse or sale of such options held by the Fund
will be either long-term or short-term capital gain or loss depending upon the
Fund's holding period with respect to such option. However, gain or loss
realized upon the lapse or closing out of such options that are written by the
Fund will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. In general, if the
Fund exercises an option, or if an option that the Fund has written is
exercised, gain or loss on the option will not be separately recognized but the
premium received or paid will be included in the calculation of gain or loss
upon disposition of the property underlying the option.
9. OTHER INFORMATION
CUSTODIAN
Pursuant to a Custodian Agreement, The First National Bank of Boston, 100
Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02106, acts as the custodian of the
Fund's assets. The custodian's responsibilities include safeguarding and
controlling the Fund's cash and securities, determining income and collecting
interest on Fund investments.
COUNSEL
Legal matters in connection with the issuance of shares of beneficial interest
of the Trust are passed upon by Seward & Kissel, One Battery Park Plaza, New
York, New York 10004.
AUDITORS
Deloitte & Touche LLP, Two World Financial Center, New York, New York
10281-1438 independent auditors, act as auditors for the Trust.
B-17
<PAGE>
THE TRUST AND ITS SHARES
The Trust was organized in Delaware on August 29, 1995; the Trust's succeeded to
the assets and liabilities of Forum Funds, Inc. on January 5, 1996. Forum
Funds, Inc. was incorporated on March 24, 1980 and assumed the name of Forum
Funds, Inc. on March 16, 1987. The Board has the authority to issue an
unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest of separate series with no par
value per share and to create separate classes of shares within each series.
Currently the authorized shares of the Trust are divided into 15 separate
series.
The Trust is a business trust organized under Delaware law. Delaware law
provides that shareholders shall be entitled to the same limitations of personal
liability extended to stockholders of private corporations for profit. The
securities regulators of some states, however, have indicated that they and the
courts in their state may decline to apply Delaware law on this point.
The Trust Instrument contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for
the debts, liabilities, obligations, and expenses of the Trust and requires that
a disclaimer be given in each contract entered into or executed by the Trust or
the Trustees. The Trust Instrument provides for indemnification out of each
series' property of any shareholder or former shareholder held personally liable
for the obligations of the series. The Trust Instrument also provides that each
series shall, upon request, assume the defense of any claim made against any
shareholder for any act or obligation of the series and satisfy any judgment
thereon. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of
shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which Delaware law does not
apply, no contractual limitation of liability was in effect and the portfolio is
unable to meet its obligations. Forum believes that, in view of the above,
there is no risk of personal liability to shareholders.
The Trust Instrument further provides that the Trustees shall not be liable to
any person other than the Trust or its shareholders; moreover, the Trustees
shall not be liable for any conduct whatsoever, provided that a Trustee is not
protected against any liability to which he would otherwise by subject by reason
of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the
duties involved in the conduct of his office.
The Board is required to call a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of
voting upon the removal of any trustee when so requested in writing by the
shareholders of record holding at least 10% of the Trust's outstanding shares.
Each series capital consists of shares of beneficial interest. Shares are fully
paid and nonassessable, except as set forth above with respect to Trustee and
shareholder liability. Shareholders representing 10% or more of the Trust or a
series may, as set forth in the Trust Instrument, call meetings of the Trust or
series for any purpose related to the Trust or series, as the case may be,
including, in the case of a meeting of the entire Trust, the purpose of voting
on removal of one or more Trustees. The Trust or any series may be terminated
upon the sale of its assets to, or merger with, another open-end management
investment company or series thereof, or upon liquidation and distribution of
its assets. Generally such terminations must be approved by the vote of the
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Trust or the series;
however, the Trustees may, without prior shareholder approval, change the form
of organization of the Trust by merger, consolidation or incorporation. If not
so terminated or reorganized, the Trust and its series will continue
indefinitely. Under the Trust Instrument, the Trustees may, without shareholder
vote, cause the Trust to merge or consolidate into one or more trusts,
partnerships or corporations or cause the Trust to merge or consolidate into one
or more trusts, partnerships or corporations or cause the Trust to be
incorporated under Delaware law, so long as the surviving entity is an open-end
management investment company that will succeed to or assume the Trust's
registration statement.
As of July 8, 1996, the officers and Directors of the Trust as a group owned
less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. Shareholders owning 25% or
more of the shares of the Fund or of the Trust as a whole may be deemed to be
controlling persons. By reason of their substantial holdings of shares, these
persons may be able to require the Trust to hold a shareholder meeting to vote
on certain issues and may be able to determine the outcome of any shareholder
vote. Certain of these shareholders may hold their shares of record only and
have no beneficial interest, including the right to vote, in the shares.
B-18
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The fiscal year end of the Fund is March 31. Financial statements for the Fund's
semi-annual period and fiscal year will be distributed to shareholders of
record. The Board in the future may change the fiscal year end of the Fund.
B-19
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A - DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES RATINGS
CORPORATE BONDS (INCLUDING CONVERTIBLE BONDS)
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. ("MOODY'S")
Moody's rates corporate bond issues, including convertible debt issues, as
follows:
Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged by Moody's 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.
Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards.
Together with the Aaa group, they comprise what are generally known as
high-grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of
protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective
elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present
which make the long term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
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.
Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations, i.e., they
are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payment 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: Those bonds in the Aa, A, Baa, Ba or B groups which Moody's believes
possess the strongest investment attributes are designated by the symbols Aa1,
A1, Baa1, Ba1, and B1.
B-20
<PAGE>
STANDARD AND POOR'S CORPORATION ("S&P")
S&P rates corporate bond issues, including convertible debt issues, as follows:
Bonds rated AAA have the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to pay
interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
Bonds rated AA have a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
and differ from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
Bonds rated A have a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal,
although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than debt rated in higher rated
categories.
Bonds rated BBB are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and
repay principal. Whereas they normally exhibit adequate protection parameters,
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to
weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for debt in this category
than in higher rated categories.
Bonds rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C are regarded, on balance, as predominantly
speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay
principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. BB indicates the
lowest degree of speculation and C the highest degree of speculation. While
such bonds will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these
are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse
conditions. Bonds rated BB have less near-term vulnerability to default than
other speculative issues. However, they face major ongoing uncertainties or
exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead
to inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments.
Bonds rated B have a greater vulnerability to default but currently have the
capacity to meet interest payments and principal payments. Adverse business,
financial, or economic conditions will likely impair capacity or willingness to
pay interest and repay principal.
Bonds rated CCC have currently identifiable vulnerability to default, and are
dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions to meet
timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. In the event of adverse
business, financial, or economic conditions, they are not likely to have the
capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
Bonds rated C typically are subordinated to senior debt which as assigned an
actual or implied CCC debt rating. This rating may also be used to indicate
imminent default.
The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has
been filed, but debt service payments are continued. The rating Cl is reserved
for income bonds on which no interest is being paid.
Bonds are rated D when the issue is in payment default, or the obligor has filed
for bankruptcy. Bonds rated D are in payment default or the obligor has filed
for bankruptcy. 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 that such payments will made during
such grace period.
Note: The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus (+)
or minus (-) sign to show the relative standing within the rating category.
B-21
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FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. ("FITCH")
Fitch rates corporate bond issues, including convertible debt issues, as
follows:
AAA Bonds are considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit
quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest and
repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable
events.
AA Bonds are considered to be investment grade and of very high credit quality.
The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is very strong,
although not quite as strong as bonds rated AAA. Because bonds rated in the AAA
and AA categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable future
developments, shorter-term debt of these issuers is generally rate F-1+.
A Bonds are considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality. The
obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be
strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and
circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
BBB Bonds are considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is
considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and
circumstances, however, are more likely to have adverse impact on these bonds,
and therefore impair timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings of these
bonds will fall below investment grade is higher than for bonds with higher
ratings.
BB Bonds are considered speculative. The obligor's ability to pay interest and
repay principal may be affected over time by adverse economic changes. However,
business and financial alternatives can be identified which could assist the
obligor in satisfying its debt service requirements.
B Bonds are considered highly speculative. While bonds in this class are
currently meeting debt service requirements, the probability of continued timely
payment of principal and interest reflects the obligor's limited margin of
safety and the need for reasonable business and economic activity throughout the
life of the issue.
CCC Bonds have certain identifiable characteristics which, if not remedied, may
lead to default. The ability to meet obligations requires an advantageous
business and economic environment.
CC Bonds are minimally protected. Default in payment of interest and/or
principal seems probable over time.
C Bonds are in imminent default in payment of interest or principal.
DDD, DD, and D Bonds are in default on interest and/or principal payments. Such
bonds are extremely speculative and should be valued on the basis of their
ultimate recovery value in liquidation or reorganization of the obligor. DDD
represents the highest potential for recovery on these bonds, and D represents
the lowest potential for recovery.
Plus (+) and minus (-) signs are used with a rating symbol to indicate the
relative position of a credit within the rating category. Plus and minus signs,
however, are not used in the AAA, DDD, DD, or D categories.
B-22
<PAGE>
PREFERRED STOCK
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
Moody's rates preferred stock as follows:
An issue rated aaa is considered to be a top-quality preferred stock. This
rating indicates good asset protection and the least risk of dividend impairment
among preferred stock issues.
An issue rated aa is considered a high-grade preferred stock. This rating
indicates that there is a reasonable assurance that earnings and asset
protection will remain relatively well maintained in the foreseeable future.
An issue rated a is considered to be an upper-medium grade preferred stock.
While risks are judged to be somewhat greater than in the aaa and aa
classification, earnings and asset protection are, nevertheless, expected to be
maintained at adequate levels.
An issue rated baa is considered to be a medium-grade, neither highly protected
nor poorly secured. Earnings and asset protection appear adequate at present
but may be questionable over any great length of time.
An issue rated ba is considered to have speculative elements and its future
cannot be considered well assured. Earnings and asset protection may be very
moderate and not well safeguarded during adverse periods. Uncertainty of
position characterizes preferred stocks in this class.
An issue which is rated b generally lacks the characteristics of a desirable
investment. Assurance of dividend payments and maintenance of other terms of
the issue over any long period of time may be small.
An issue which is rated caa is likely to be in arrears on dividend payments.
This rating designation does not purport to indicate the future status of
payments.
An issue which is rated ca is speculative in a high degree and is likely to be
in arrears on dividends with little likelihood of eventual payment.
An issue which is rated c can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of
ever attaining any real investment standing. This is the lowest rated class of
preferred or preference stock.
Note: Moody's applies numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 in each rating
classification from aa through b in its preferred stock rating system. The
modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its generic
rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier
3 indicates that the issuer ranks in the lower end of its generic rating
category.
STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION
S&P rates preferred stock as follows:
AAA is the highest rating that is assigned by S&P to a preferred stock issue and
indicates an extremely strong capacity to pay the preferred stock obligations.
A preferred stock issue rated AA also qualifies as a high-quality fixed income
security. The capacity to pay preferred stock obligations is very strong,
although not as overwhelming as for issues rated AAA.
An issue rated A is backed by a sound capacity to pay the preferred stock
obligations, although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances and economic conditions.
B-23
<PAGE>
An issue rated BBB is regarded as backed by an adequate capacity to pay the
preferred stock obligations. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to make payments for a preferred stock in
this category than for issues in the A category.
Preferred stock rated BB, B, and CCC are regarded, on balance, as predominantly
speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay preferred stock
obligations. BB indicates the lowest degree of speculation and CCC the highest
degree of speculation. While such issues will likely have some quality and
protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major
risk exposures to adverse conditions.
The rating CC is reserved for a preferred stock issue in arrears on dividends or
sinking fund payments but that is currently paying.
A preferred stock rated C is a non-paying issue.
A preferred stock rated D is a non-paying issue with the issuer in default on
debt instruments.
To provide more detailed indications of preferred stock quality, 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.
COMMERCIAL PAPER
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
Moody's two highest ratings for short-term debt, including commercial paper, are
Prime-1 and Prime-2. Both are judged investment grade, to indicate the relative
repayment ability of rated issuers.
Issuers rated Prime-1 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 charges and high internal cash
generation; well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured
sources of alternate liquidity.
Issuers rated Prime-2 by Moody's have a strong ability for repayment of senior
short-term debt obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of the
characteristics of issuers rated Prime-1 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.
STANDARD AND POOR'S CORPORATION
S&P's two highest commercial paper ratings are A-1 and A-2. Issues assigned an
A rating are regarded as having the greatest capacity for timely payment.
Issues in this category are delineated with the numbers 1, 2 and 3 to indicate
the relative degree of safety. An A-1 designation indicates that the degree of
safety regarding timely payment is either overwhelming or very strong. Those
issues determined to possess overwhelming safety characteristics are denoted
with a plus (+) sign designation. The capacity for timely payment on issues
with an A-2 designation is strong. However, the relative degree of safety is
not as high as for issues designated A-1. A-3 issues have a satisfactory
capacity for timely payment. They are, however, somewhat more vulnerable to the
adverse effects of changes in circumstances than obligations carrying the higher
designations. Issues rated A-2 are regarded as having only an adequate capacity
for timely payment. However, such capacity may be damaged by changing
conditions or short-term adversities.
B-24
<PAGE>
FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
Fitch's short-term ratings apply to debt obligations that are payable on demand
or have original maturities of generally up to three years, including commercial
paper, certificates of deposit, medium-term notes, and municipal and investment
notes.
F-1+. Issues assigned this rating are regarded as having the strongest degree of
assurance for timely payment.
F-1. Issues assigned this rating reflect an assurance of timely payment only
slightly less in degree than issues rated F-1+.
F-2. Issues assigned this rating have a satisfactory degree of assurance for
timely payment, but the margin of safety is not as great as for issues assigned
F-1+ or F-1 rating.
F-3. Issues assigned this rating have characteristics suggesting that the
degree of assurance for timely payment is adequate, however, near-term adverse
changes could cause these securities to be rated below investment grade.
F-S. Issues assigned this rating have characteristics suggesting a minimal
degree of assurance for timely payment and are vulnerable to near-term adverse
changes in financial and economic conditions.
D. Issues assigned this rating are in actual or imminent payment default.
B-25