File No. 811-3225
File No. 2-73223
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [ ]
Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 [X]
----------
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [ ]
Amendment No. 18 [X]
----------
(Check appropriate box or boxes)
SECURITY MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
700 HARRISON STREET, TOPEKA, KANSAS 66636-0001
(Address of Principal Executive Offices/Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number, including area code:
(785) 431-3127
Copies To:
John D. Cleland, President
Security Municipal Bond Fund Amy J. Lee, Secretary
700 Harrison Street Security Municipal Bond Fund
Topeka, KS 66636-0001 700 Harrison Street
(Name and address of Agent for Service) Topeka, KS 66636-0001
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
[ ] immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
[X] on April 30, 1998, pursuant to paragraph (b)
[ ] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
[ ] on April 30, 1998, pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
[ ] 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
[ ] on April 30, 1998, pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of rule 485
If appropriate, check the following box:
[ ] this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
previously filed post-effective amendment
Title of Securities being Registered: Shares of common stock, par value $0.10.
<PAGE>
SECURITY MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
FORM N-1A
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
Form N-1A
ITEM NUMBER CAPTION
- ----------- -------
PART A PROSPECTUS
- ------ ----------
1. Cover Page
2. Not Applicable
2a. Transaction and Operating Expense Table
3. Financial Highlights; Performance
4. Investment Objectives and Policies of the Funds
5. Management of the Funds; Portfolio Management; Trading
Practices and Brokerage; Year 2000 Compliance
6. General Information; Organization;
Stockholder Inquiries; Dividends and Taxes
7. How to Purchase Shares; Alternative Purchase
Options; Class A Shares; Class A
Distribution Plan; Class B Shares; Class B
Distribution Plan; Calculation and Waiver of
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge;
Arrangements with Broker/Dealers and Others;
Determination of Net Asset Value; Purchases
at Net Asset Value; Stockholder Services;
Accumulation Plan; Exchange Privilege;
Exchange by
Telephone; Retirement Plans; Appendix C
8. How to Redeem Shares; Telephone Redemptions; Systematic
Withdrawal Program
9. Not Applicable
PART B STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- ------ -----------------------------------
10. Cover Page
11. Table of Contents
12. Not Applicable
13. Investment Objectives and Policies of the Funds; Municipal
Bond Fund's
Fundamental Policies; Investment Policy Limitations
14. Officers and Directors
15. Remuneration of Directors and Others
16. Investment Management; Portfolio Management; Distributor;
Custodian, Transfer
Agent and Dividend-Paying Agent
17. Allocation of Portfolio Brokerage
18. Organization
PART B (continued) STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- ------- -----------------------------------
19. How to Purchase Shares; Alternative Purchase
Options; Class A Shares; Class A
Distribution Plan; Class B Shares; Class B
Distribution Plan; Calculation and Waiver of
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge;
Arrangements with Broker/Dealers and Others;
Determination of Net Asset Value; How to
Redeem Shares; How to Exchange Shares;
Telephone Redemptions; Purchases at Net
Asset Value; Accumulation Plan; Systematic
Withdrawal Program; Exchange by Telephone;
Retirement Plans; Individual Retirement
Accounts (IRAs); Roth IRAs; Education IRAs;
SIMPLE IRAs; Pension and Profit Sharing
Plans; 403(b) Retirement Plans;
Simplified Employee Pension Plans (SEPPs); Appendix A
20. Dividends and Taxes
21. Distributor
22. Performance Information; Tax-Exempt vs. Taxable Income
23. Financial Statements; Independent Auditors
<PAGE>
SECURITY FUNDS
PROSPECTUS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITY INCOME FUND
CORPORATE BOND SERIES PROSPECTUS
LIMITED MATURITY BOND SERIES MAY 1, 1998
U.S. GOVERNMENT SERIES
HIGH YIELD SERIES
SECURITY MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
SECURITY CASH FUND
MEMBERS OF THE SECURITY BENEFIT GROUP OF COMPANIES, 700 HARRISON, TOPEKA, KANSAS
66636-0001
The investment objective of the CORPORATE BOND SERIES ("Corporate Bond
Fund") is conservation of principal while generating interest income by
investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of investment grade corporate
debt securities. The investment objective of the LIMITED MATURITY BOND SERIES
("Limited Maturity Bond Fund") is to seek a high level of income consistent with
moderate price fluctuation by investing primarily in short- and
intermediate-term debt securities. The investment objective of the U.S.
GOVERNMENT SERIES ("U.S. Government Fund") is to provide a high level of
interest income with security of principal by investing primarily in securities
which are guaranteed or issued by the U.S. Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities. The investment objective of the HIGH YIELD SERIES ("High
Yield Fund") is to seek high current income. Capital appreciation is a secondary
objective. The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing primarily in a
broad range of income producing securities, including domestic and foreign
high-yield, lower rated debt securities. HIGH YIELD FUND INVESTS PRIMARILY (AND
MAY INVEST UP TO 100% OF ITS ASSETS) IN LOWER RATED BONDS, COMMONLY KNOWN AS
"JUNK BONDS," THAT ENTAIL GREATER RISKS, INCLUDING DEFAULT RISKS, THAN THOSE
FOUND IN HIGHER RATED SECURITIES. INVESTORS SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER THESE
RISKS BEFORE INVESTING. SEE "INVESTMENT METHODS AND RISK FACTORS" - "RISKS
ASSOCIATED WITH LOWER RATED DEBT SECURITIES" ON PAGE 20.
The investment objective of SECURITY MUNICIPAL BOND FUND ("Municipal Bond
Fund") (formerly Security Tax-Exempt Fund) is to obtain as high a level of
interest income exempt from regular federal income taxes as is consistent with
preservation of stockholders' capital by investing primarily in debt securities
which are exempt from federal income tax. Except at times when the Fund is
invested defensively, at least 80 percent of its total assets will be invested
in securities exempt from federal income taxes. The Fund may invest in
securities which generate income that is subject to the federal alternative
minimum tax.
The investment objective of SECURITY CASH FUND ("Cash Fund") is to earn as
high a level of current income as is consistent with preservation of capital and
liquidity through investments in money market instruments with maturities of not
longer than thirteen months. AN INVESTMENT IN CASH FUND IS NEITHER INSURED NOR
GUARANTEED BY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT AND THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT CASH FUND
WILL BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN A STABLE NET ASSET VALUE OF $1.00 PER SHARE.
This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information that a prospective
investor should know about the Funds. It should be read and retained for future
reference. Certain additional information is contained in a Statement of
Additional Information about the Funds, dated May 1, 1998, which has been filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Statement of Additional
Information, as it may be supplemented from time to time, is incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus. It is available at no charge by writing Security
Distributors, Inc., 700 Harrison Street, Topeka, Kansas 66636-0001, or by
calling (785) 431-3127 or (800) 888-2461.
The SEC maintains a web site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains the
Statement of Additional Information, material incorporated by reference and
other information regarding companies that file electronically with the
SEC.
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.
AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND INVOLVES RISK, INCLUDING LOSS OF PRINCIPAL, AND IS NOT
A DEPOSIT OR OBLIGATION OF, OR GUARANTEED BY ANY BANK. THE FUNDS ARE NOT
FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL
RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER AGENCY.
<PAGE>
SECURITY FUNDS
CONTENTS
Transaction and Operating Expense Table.................................. 1
Financial Highlights..................................................... 2
Investment Objective and Policies of the Funds........................... 6
Security Income Fund.............................................. 6
Corporate Bond Fund........................................... 6
Limited Maturity Bond Fund.................................... 7
U.S. Government Fund.......................................... 9
High Yield Fund............................................... 10
Security Municipal Bond Fund...................................... 11
Security Cash Fund................................................ 13
Investment Methods and Risk Factors...................................... 23
Management of the Funds.................................................. 24
Portfolio Management.............................................. 24
Year 2000 Compliance.............................................. 23
How to Purchase Shares................................................... 25
Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond,
U.S. Government, High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds.............. 25
Alternative Purchase Options...................................... 26
Class A Shares.................................................... 26
Security Income and Municipal Bond Funds'
Class A Distribution Plans........................................ 26
Class B Shares.................................................... 27
Class B Distribution Plans........................................ 28
Calculation and Waiver of Contingent Deferred Sales Charges....... 28
Arrangements with Broker-Dealers and Others....................... 28
Cash Fund......................................................... 29
Purchases at Net Asset Value............................................. 30
Trading Practices and Brokerage.......................................... 30
How to Redeem Shares..................................................... 31
Telephone Redemptions ............................................ 31
Dividends and Taxes...................................................... 32
Foreign Taxes..................................................... 34
Determination of Net Asset Value......................................... 34
Performance.............................................................. 35
Stockholder Services..................................................... 35
Accumulation Plan................................................. 35
Systematic Withdrawal Program..................................... 36
Exchange Privilege................................................ 36
Exchange by Telephone............................................. 36
Retirement Plans.................................................. 37
General Information...................................................... 37
Organization...................................................... 37
Stockholder Inquiries............................................. 38
Appendix A .............................................................. 39
Appendix B .............................................................. 41
Appendix C .............................................................. 43
Security Cash Fund Application........................................... 45
<PAGE>
SECURITY FUNDS
PROSPECTUS
TRANSACTION AND OPERATING EXPENSE TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES CORPORATE BOND, LIMITED
MATURITY BOND, U.S. GOVERNMENT,
HIGH YIELD AND MUNICIPAL BOND FUNDS CASH FUND
----------------------------------- ---------
CLASS A CLASS B^1
------- --------
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) 4.75% None None
Maximum Sales Load Imposed on Reinvested Dividends None None None
Deferred Sales Load (as a percentage of original purchase price
or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) None 2 5% during the first year, None
decreasing to 0% in the
sixth and following years
LIMITED U.S.
CORPORATE MATURITY GOVERNMENT HIGH YIELD MUNICIPAL CASH
BOND FUND BOND FUND FUND FUND BOND FUND FUND
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES CLASS A CLASS B CLASS A CLASS B CLASS A CLASS B CLASS A CLASS B CLASS A CLASS B
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Management Fees (after fee waivers)3 .......0.50% 0.50% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.50% 0.50% 0.50%
12b-1 Fees 4 ...............................0.25% 1.00% 0.25% 1.00% 0.25% 1.00% 0.25% 1.00% 0.25% 1.00% None
Other Expenses (after expense
reimbursements)5 ...........................0.32% 0.35% 0.30% 0.50% 0.35% 0.68% 0.62% 0.80% 0.33% 0.56% 0.40%
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Total Fund Operating Expenses (after fee
waivers and expense reimbursements)6 ....1.07% 1.85% 0.55% 1.50% 0.60% 1.68% 0.87% 1.80% 1.08% 2.06% 0.90%
==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ==== ====
EXAMPLE
You would pay the following expenses
on a $1,000 investment, assuming 1 Year $ 58 $ 69 $ 53 $ 65 $ 53 $ 67 $ 56 $ 68 $ 58 $ 71 $ 9
(1) 5 percent annual return and 3 Years 80 88 64 77 66 83 74 87 80 95 29
(2) redemption at the end of each 5 Years 104 120 77 102 79 111 93 127 104 130 50
time period 10 Years 172 217 113 179 119 199 150 212 173 239 111
EXAMPLE
You would pay the following expenses 1 Year $ 58 $ 19 $ 53 $ 15 $ 53 $ 17 $56 $18 $ 58 $ 21 $ 9
on a $1,000 investment, assuming 3 Years 80 58 64 47 66 53 74 57 80 65 29
(1) 5 percent annual return and 5 Years 104 100 77 82 79 91 93 97 104 110 50
(2) no redemption 10 Years 172 217 113 179 119 199 150 212 173 239 111
</TABLE>
1 Class B shares convert tax-free to Class A shares automatically after eight
years.
2 Purchases of Class A shares in amounts of $1,000,000 or more are not subject
to an initial sales load; however, a contingent deferred sales charge of 1%
is imposed in the event of redemption within one year of purchase. See "Class
A Shares" on page 26.
3 During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, the Investment Manager waived
the investment advisory fees of the Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government
and High Yield Funds and, during the fiscal year ending December 31, 1998
will waive the investment advisory fees of such Funds; absent such fee
waivers, "Management Fees" would have been as follows: .50% for each of the
Limited Maturity Bond and U.S. Government Funds and .60% for the High Yield
Fund.
4 Long-term holders of shares that are subject to an asset-based sales charge
may pay more than the equivalent of the maximum front-end sales charge
otherwise permitted by NASD Rules.
5 During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, the Investment Manager
reimbursed certain expenses of Corporate Bond Fund. Absent such
reimbursement, "Other Expenses" would have been .60% for Class B shares of
Corporate Bond Fund.
6 During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, the Investment Manager waived
and/or reimbursed certain expenses of the Funds and, during the fiscal year
ending December 31, 1998 will waive the investment advisory fees of Limited
Maturity Bond, U.S. Government and High Yield Funds. Absent such
reimbursement and waiver, "Total Fund Operating Expenses" would have been as
follows: 2.10% for Class B shares of Corporate Bond Fund; 1.04% for Class A
shares and 1.99% for Class B shares of Limited Maturity Bond Fund; 1.06% for
Class A shares and 2.14% for Class B shares of U.S. Government Fund; and
1.44% for Class A shares and 2.37% for Class B shares of High Yield Fund.
THE ABOVE EXAMPLES SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE
EXPENSES AS ACTUAL EXPENSES MAY BE GREATER OR LESSER THAN THOSE SHOWN. THE
ASSUMED FIVE PERCENT ANNUAL RETURN IS HYPOTHETICAL AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED
A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE ANNUAL RETURN. THE ACTUAL RETURN MAY BE
GREATER OR LESSER THAN THE ASSUMED AMOUNT.
The purpose of the foregoing fee table is to assist the investor in
understanding the various costs and expenses that an investor in Corporate Bond,
Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High Yield, Municipal Bond or Cash Funds
will bear directly or indirectly. For a more detailed discussion of the Funds'
fees and expenses, see the discussion under "Management of the Funds," page
1922. Information on the Funds' 12b-1 Plans may be found under the headings
"Security Income and Municipal Bond Funds' Class A Distribution Plans" on page
225 and "Class B Distribution Plan" on page 246. See "How to Purchase Shares,"
page 214, for more information concerning the sales load. Also, see Appendix C
for a discussion of "Rights of Accumulation" and "Statement of Intention," which
options may serve to reduce the front-end sales load on purchases of Class A
Shares.
<PAGE>
SECURITY FUNDS
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following financial highlights for each of the years in the period ended
December 31, 1997, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP. Such information for
each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 1997, should be read in
conjunction with the financial statements of the Funds and the report of Ernst &
Young LLP, the Funds' independent auditors, appearing in the December 31, 1997
Annual Report which is incorporated by reference in this Prospectus. The Funds'
Annual Report also contains additional information about the performance of the
Funds and may be obtained without charge by calling Security Distributors, Inc.
at 1-800-888-2461. The information for each of the periods preceding and
including the year ended December 31, 1992, is not covered by the report of
Ernst & Young LLP.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Net gain Net Ratio of
Net asset (loss) on Distri- asset expenses
value Net securities Total from Dividends butions Return value Net assets to
beginning investment (realized investment (from net (from of Total end of Total end of average
Fiscal of period income & operations investment capital capital distri- period return period net
year end unrealized) income) gains) butions (a) (thousands) assets
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CORPORATE BOND FUND (CLASS A)
1988 $ 7.78 $.77 $ (.292) $ .478 $(.778) $ --- $ --- $(.778) $7.48 6.5% $ 52,296 1.02%
1989 7.48 .74 (.031) .709 (.739) --- --- (.739) 7.45 9.9% 56,184 1.04%
1990 7.45 .69 (.232) .458 (.688) --- --- (.688) 7.22 6.6% 65,962 1.10%
1991 7.22 .65 .458 1.108 (.648) --- --- (.648) 7.68 16.1% 85,824 1.03%
1992 7.68 .61 .044 .654 (.614) --- --- (.614) 7.72 9.0% 104,492 1.01%
1993 7.72 .52 .521 1.041 (.527) (.424) --- (.951) 7.81 13.4% 118,433 1.02%
1994 7.81 .49 (1.127) (.637) (.493) --- --- (.493) 6.68 (8.3%) 90,593 1.01%
1995(d)(g) 6.68 .47 0.708 1.178 (.468) --- --- (.468) 7.39 18.2% 93,701 1.02%
1996(d)(g) 7.39 .47 (.517) (.047) (.473) --- --- (.473) 6.87 (.5%) 73,360 1.01%
1997(d) 6.87 .45 .19 .64 (.46) --- --- (.46) 7.05 9.7% 56,487 1.07%
CORPORATE BOND FUND (CLASS B)
1993(b) $ 8.59 $.11 $ (.324) $ (.214) $(.112) $(.424)$ --- $(.536) $ 7.84 (2.5%) $ 1,022 1.88%
1994(c) 7.84 .43 (1.129) (.699) (.431) --- --- (.431) 6.71 (9.0%) 3,878 1.85%
1995(c)(d)(g) 6.71 .40 .725 1.125 (.405) --- --- (.405) 7.43 17.3% 5,743 1.85%
1996(c)(d)(g) 7.43 .40 (.517) (.117) (.413) --- --- (.413) 6.90 (1.4%) 7,303 1.85%
1997(c)(d) 6.90 .40 .19 .59 (.40) --- --- (.40) 7.09 8.7% 6,493 1.85%
LIMITED MATURITY BOND FUND (CLASS A)
1995(c)(d)(e)$10.00 $.62 $ .652 $1.272 $(.612) $ --- $ --- $(.612) $10.66 13.0% $ 3,322 .84%
1996(c)(d)(g) 10.66 .72 (.507) .213 (.720) --- (.013) (.733) 10.14 2.1% 4,938 .90%
1997(c)(d)(g) 10.14 .72 .16 .88 (.72) --- --- (.72) 10.30 9.0% 5,490 .55%
LIMITED MATURITY BOND FUND (CLASS B)
1995(c)(d)(e)%10.00 $.53 $ .664 $1.194 $(.524) $ --- $ --- $(.524) $10.67 12.2% $ 752 1.71%
1996(c)(d)(g) 10.67 .63 (.524) .106 (.624) --- (.012) (.636) 10.14 1.1% 761 1.88%
1997(c)(d)(g) 10.14 .61 .14 .75 (.62) --- --- (.62) 10.27 7.7% 1,054 1.50%
U.S. GOVERNMENT FUND (CLASS A)
1988(c) $ 5.00 $.48 $ (.18) $ .30 $(.49) $ --- $ --- $(.49) $ 4.81 6.2% $ 4,229 1.00%
1989(c) 4.81 .46 .078 .538 (.458) --- --- (.458) 4.89 11.8% 4,551 1.11%
1990(c) 4.89 .42 .032 .452 (.412) --- --- (.412) 4.93 9.8% 6,017 1.11%
1991(c) 4.93 .40 .248 .648 (.404) --- (.004) (.408) 5.17 13.8% 7,319 1.11%
1992(c) 5.17 .37 (.126) .244 (.366) --- (.008) (.374) 5.04 5.0% 9,364 1.11%
1993(c) 5.04 .31 .273 .583 (.310) (.344) --- (.654) 4.97 10.9% 10,098 1.10%
1994(c) 4.97 .30 (.621) (.321) (.299) --- --- (.299) 4.35 (6.5%) 8,309 1.10%
1995(c)(d)(g) 4.35 .30 .620 .920 (.30) --- --- (.30) 4.97 21.9% 10,080 1.11%
1996(c)(d)(g) 4.97 .31 (.256) .054 (.314) --- --- (.314) 4.71 1.3% 8,036 .65%
1997(c)(d) 4.71 .32 .10 .42 (.32) --- --- (.32) 4.81 9.2% 7,652 .60%
U.S. GOVERNMENT FUND (CLASS B)
1993(b)(c) $ 5.51 $.04 $ (.193) $ (.153) $(.043) $(.344) $--- $(.387$ 4.97 (1.4%) $ 140 1.61%
1994(c) 4.97 .26 (.624) (.364) (.256) --- --- (.256) 4.35 (7.4%) 321 1.85%
1995(c)(d)(g) 4.35 .26 .625 .885 (.265) --- --- (.265) 4.97 20.9% 582 1.87%
1996(c)(d)(g) 4.97 .25 (.254) (.004) (.256) --- --- (.256) 4.71 (0.02%) 661 1.86%
1997(c)(d) 4.71 .26 .10 .36 (.27) --- --- (.27) 4.80 7.9% 1,091 1.68%
HIGH YIELD FUND (CLASS A)
1996(c)(d)(h)$15.00 $.45 $ .32 $ .77 $(.45) $ --- $ --- $(.45) $15.32 5.2% $ 2,780 1.54%
1997(c)(d) 15.32 1.25 .60 1.85 (1.25) (.21) --- (1.46) 15.71 12.6% 5,179 .87%
HIGH YIELD FUND (CLASS B)
1996(c)(d)(h)$15.00 $.41 $ .32 $ .73 $(.41) $ --- $ --- $(.41) $15.32 4.9% $ 2,719 2.26%
1997(c)(d) 15.32 1.10 .59 1.69 (1.12) (.21) --- (1.33) 15.68 11.5% 4,432 1.80%
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND (CLASS A)
1988(c) $10.76 $.76 $ (.656) $.104 $(.774) $(.12) $ --- $(.894) $ 9.97 1.3% $ 17,814 1.00%
1989 9.97 .73 (.257) .473 (.723) --- --- (.723) 9.72 4.9% 19,898 .98%
1989(f) 9.72 .61 (.106) .504 (.624) --- --- (.624) 9.60 4.1% 20,426 .97%*
1990 9.60 .64 (.072) .568 (.638) --- --- (.638) 9.53 6.2% 20,566 .96%
1991 9.53 .63 .446 1.076 (.636) --- --- (.636) 9.97 11.7% 23,218 .89%
1992 9.97 .61 .092 .702 (.612) --- --- (.612) 10.06 7.3% 28,608 .84%
</TABLE>
Ratio
of net
income Portfolio
to average turnover
net assets rate
- ----------------------------------------------
CORPORATE BOND FUND (CLASS A)
1988 10.04% 83%
1989 9.83% 57%
1990 9.42% 87%
1991 8.75% 32%
1992 7.97% 61%
1993 6.46% 157%
1994 6.91% 204%
1995(d)(g) 6.62% 200%
1996(d)(g) 6.54% 292%
1997(d) 6.50% 120%
CORPORATE BOND FUND (CLASS B)
1993(b) $ 5.16% 164%
1994(c) 6.08% 204%
1995(c)(d)(g) 5.80% 200%
1996(c)(d)(g) 5.70% 292%
1997(c)(d) 5.72% 120%
LIMITED MATURITY BOND FUND (CLASS A)
1995(c)(d)(e)(g)5.97% 4%
1996(c)(d)(g) 6.97% 105%
1997(c)(d)(g) 7.10% 76%
LIMITED MATURITY BOND FUND (CLASS B)
1995(c)(d)(e)(g)5.12% 4%
1996(c)(d)(g) 5.99% 105%
1997(c)(d)(g) 6.15% 76%
U.S. GOVERNMENT FUND (CLASS A)
1988(c) $ 9.83% 107%
1989(c) 9.46% 52%
1990(c) 8.60% 22%
1991(c) 7.94% 41%
1992(c) 7.22% 157%
1993(c) 5.90% 153%
1994(c) 6.47% 220%
1995(c)(d)(g) 6.41% 81%
1996(c)(d)(g) 6.44% 75%
1997(c)(d) 6.10% 39%
U.S. GOVERNMENT FUND (CLASS B)
1993(b)(c) $ 5.54% 114%
1994(c) 5.76% 220%
1995(c)(d)(g) 5.69% 81%
1996(c)(d)(g) 5.23% 75%
1997(c)(d) 5.02% 39%
HIGH YIELD FUND (CLASS A)
1996(c)(d)(h) 7.47% 168%
1997(c)(d) 8.14% 87%
HIGH YIELD FUND (CLASS B)
1996(c)(d)(h) 6.74% 168%
1997(c)(d) 7.21% 87%
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND (CLASS A)
1988(c) 7.60% 83%
1989 7.47% 33%
1989(f) 6.97% 75%
1990 6.75% 74%
1991 6.55% 38%
1992 6.07% 91%
<PAGE>
SECURITY FUNDS
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Net gain Net Ratio of
Net asset (loss) on Distri- asset expenses
value Net securities Total from Dividends butions Return value Net assets to
beginning investment (realized investment (from net (from of Total end of Total end of average
Fiscal of period income & operations investment capital capital distri- period return period net
year end unrealized) income) gains) butions (a) (thousands) assets
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND (CLASS A) (CONTINUED)
1993 $10.06 $.51 $ .702 $1.212 $(.514) $(.388) $ --- $(.902) $10.37 11.6% $32,115 .82%
1994 10.37 .47 (1.317) (.847) (.473) --- --- (.473) 9.05 (8.3%) 24,092 .82%
1995(c)(d)(g) 9.05 .48 .891 1.371 (.481) --- --- (.481) 9.94 15.5% 25,026 .86%
1996(c)(d)(g) 9.94 .45 (.215) .235 (.455) --- --- (.455) 9.72 2.5% 23,304 .78%
1997(d)(g) 9.72 .42 .36 .78 (.42) --- --- (.42) 10.08 8.3% 21,953 .82%
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND (CLASS B)
1993(b) $10.88 $.10 $ (.128) $ (.028) $(.094) $(.388) $--- $(.482) $10.37 (.2%) $ 106 2.89%
1994(c) 10.37 .35 (1.321) (.971) (.349) --- --- (.349) 9.05 (9.5%) 760 2.00%
1995(c)(d)(g) 9.05 .37 .902 1.272 (.372) --- --- (.372) 9.95 14.3% 1,190 2.00%
1996(c)(d)(g) 9.95 .33 (.215) .115 (.335) --- --- (.335) 9.73 1.2% 1,510 2.01%
1997(d)(g) 9.73 .29 .37 .66 (.31) --- --- (.31) 10.08 6.9% 2,344 2.00%
CASH FUND
1988(c) $ 1.00 $.061 $ --- $ .061 $(.061) $ --- $ $(.061) $ 1.00 6.3% $ 43,038 1.00%
1989(c) 1.00 .070 --- .070 (.070) --- --- (.070) 1.00 7.3% 46,625 1.00%
1989(c)(f) 1.00 .069 --- .069 (.069) --- --- (.069) 1.00 7.1% 54,388 1.00%
1990(c) 1.00 .073 --- .073 (.073) --- --- (.073) 1.00 7.6% 65,018 1.00%
1991 1.00 .051 --- .051 (.051) --- --- (.051) 1.00 5.2% 48,843 .96%
1992(c) 1.00 .028 --- .028 (.028) --- --- (.028) 1.00 2.8% 56,694 1.00%
1993(c) 1.00 .023 --- .023 (.023) --- --- (.023) 1.00 2.4% 71,870 1.00%
1994 1.00 .033 --- .033 (.033) --- --- (.033) 1.00 3.4% 58,102 .96%
1995(c)(d)(g) 1.00 .049 --- .049 (.049) --- --- (.049) 1.00 5.0% 38,158 1.00%
1996(c)(d)(g) 1.00 .045 --- .045 (.045) --- --- (.045) 1.00 4.6% 45,331 1.01%
1997(d)(g) 1.00 .05 --- .05 (.05) --- --- (.05) 1.00 4.9% 57,441 .90%
</TABLE>
Ratio
of net
income Portfolio
to average turnover
net assets rate
- ----------------------------------------------
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND (CLASS A) (CONTINUED)
1993 4.92% 118%
1994 4.74% 88%
1995(c)(d)(g) 5.02% 103%
1996(c)(d)(g) 4.67% 54%
1997(d)(g) 4.29% 48%
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND (CLASS B)
1993(b) 2.71% 90%
1994(c) 3.50% 88%
1995(c)(d)(g) 3.90% 103%
1996(c)(d)(g) 3.44% 54%
1997(d)(g) 3.11% 48%
CASH FUND
1988(c) 6.10% ---
1989(c) 7.09% ---
1989(c)(f) 8.26% ---
1990(c) 7.31% ---
1991 5.21% ---
1992(c) 2.75% ---
1993(c) 2.28% ---
1994 3.24% ---
1995(c)(d)(g) 5.00% ---
1996(c)(d)(g) 4.47% ---
1997(d)(g) 4.80% ---
(a) Total return information does not reflect deduction of any sales charge
imposed at the time of purchase for Class A shares or upon redemption for
Class B shares.
(b) Class "B" shares were initially offered on October 19, 1993. Percentage
amounts for the period, except total return, have been annualized.
(c) Fund expenses were reduced by the Investment Manager during the period, and
expense ratios absent such reimbursement would have been as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Corporate Bond Class A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Class B N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.00% 2.19% 2.05% 2.10%
U.S. Government Class A 1.31% 1.37% 1.34% 1.24% 1.20% 1.20% 1.20% 1.22% 1.17% 1.06%
Class B N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 1.75% 2.91% 3.70% 3.26% 2.14%
Limited Maturity Bond Class A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 1.04% 1.40% 1.04%
Class B N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.12% 2.60% 1.99%
High Yield Class A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.11% 1.44%
Class B N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.83% 2.37%
Municipal Bond Class A 1.03% N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.86% 0.78% N/A
Class B N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.32% 2.45% 2.19% N/A
Cash 1.04% 1.13%* 1.01% N/A 1.03% 1.03% N/A 1.04% 1.01% N/A
1.03%**
</TABLE>
* This information represents the expense ratio absent reimbursements for the
period February 1, 1989 through December 31, 1989.
** This information represents the expense ratio absent reimbursements for the
fiscal year ended February 28, 1989.
(d) Net investment income was computed using the average month-end shares
outstanding throughout the period.
(e) Limited Maturity Bond Fund was initially capitalized on January 17, 1995,
with a net asset value of $10 per share. Percentage amounts for the period
have been annualized, except total return.
(f) Effective December 31, 1989, the fiscal year ends of Municipal Bond and Cash
Funds were changed from January 31 and February 28, respectively, to
December 31. The information presented in the table above for the fiscal
year ended December 31 represents 11 months of performance for Municipal
Bond Fund and 10 months of performance for Cash Fund. The data for years
1988 and 1989, are for the fiscal year ended January 31 for Municipal Bond
Fund and for the fiscal year ended February 28 for Cash Fund. Percentage
amounts for the period, except total return, have been annualized.
(g) Expense ratios including reimbursements, were calculated without the
reduction for custodian fees earnings credits beginning February 1, 1995.
Expense ratios with such reductions would have been as follows:
1995 1996 1997
---- ---- ----
Corporate Bond Class A 1.02% 1.01% ---
Class B 1.85% 1.85% ---
U.S. Government Class A 1.10% 0.64% ---
Class B 1.85% 1.85% ---
Limited Maturity Bond Class A 0.81% 0.87% 0.51%
Class B 1.65% 1.85% 1.46%
Municipal Bond Class A 0.85% 0.77% 0.83%
Class B 2.00% 2.00% 2.00%
Cash 1.00% 1.00% 1.00%
(h) High Yield Fund was initially capitalized on August 5, 1996 with a net asset
value of $15.00 per share. Percentage amounts for the period have been
annualized, except for total return.
<PAGE>
SECURITY FUNDS
PROSPECTUS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND
POLICIES OF THE FUNDS
Security Income, Municipal Bond and Cash Funds are diversified open-end
management investment companies, which were organized as Kansas corporations on
September 9, 1970, July 14, 1981, and March 21, 1980, respectively. Each of the
Corporate Bond Fund, Limited Maturity Bond Fund, U.S. Government Fund and High
Yield Fund, series of Security Income Fund, and Security Municipal Bond Fund and
Cash Fund (collectively, "the Funds") has its own investment objective and
policies which are described below. There, of course, can be no assurance that
such investment objectives will be achieved. While there is no present intention
to do so, the investment objective and policies of each Fund may be changed by
the Board of Directors of the Funds without the approval of stockholders.
However, stockholders will be given 30 days written notice of any such change.
If a change in investment objective is made, stockholders should consider
whether the Fund remains an appropriate investment in light of their then
current financial position and needs.
Each of the Funds is also subject to certain investment policy limitations,
which may not be changed without stockholder approval. Among these limitations,
some of the more important ones are that each Fund will not invest more than 5
percent of the value of its assets in any one issuer other than the U.S.
Government or its instrumentalities (for Cash, Municipal Bond and High Yield
Funds, this limitation applies only with respect to 75 percent of the value of
its total assets), purchase more than 10 percent of the outstanding voting
securities of any one issuer or invest 25 percent or more of its total assets in
any one industry. The Municipal Bond Fund will not invest more than 20 percent
of its assets in securities that are not tax-exempt securities, except for
temporary defensive purposes. In addition, the full text of the investment
policy limitations of each Fund is set forth in the Funds' Statement of
Additional Information.
Each of the Funds may borrow money from banks as a temporary measure for
emergency purposes or to facilitate redemption requests. See "Investment Methods
and Risk Factors" for a discussion of borrowing. Pending investment in
securities or to meet potential redemptions, each of the Funds may invest in
certificates of deposit, bank demand accounts, repurchase agreements and high
quality money market instruments.
SECURITY INCOME FUND
Security Income Fund ("Income Fund") is a series investment company, with
each Series representing a different investment objective and having its own
identified assets and net asset values. The investment objectives of Corporate
Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government and High Yield Funds are
described below.
CORPORATE BOND FUND
The investment objective of Corporate Bond Fund is to preserve capital
while generating interest income. In pursuing its investment objective, the Fund
will invest in a broad range of debt securities, including (i) securities issued
by U.S. and Canadian corporations; (ii) securities issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities, including Treasury
bills, certificates of indebtedness, notes and bonds; (iii) securities issued or
guaranteed by the Dominion of Canada or provinces thereof; (iv) securities
issued by foreign governments, their agencies and instrumentalities, and foreign
corporations, provided that such securities are denominated in U.S. dollars; (v)
higher yielding, high risk debt securities (commonly referred to as "junk
bonds"); (vi) certificates of deposit issued by a U.S. branch of a foreign bank
("Yankee CDs"); and (vii) investment grade mortgage backed securities ("MBSs").
Under normal circumstances, at least 65 percent of the Fund's total assets will
be invested in corporate debt securities which at the time of issuance have a
maturity greater than one year.
Corporate Bond Fund will invest primarily in corporate debt securities
rated Baa or higher by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or BBB or
higher by Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") at the time of purchase, or if
unrated, of equivalent quality as determined by the Investment Manager. See
Appendix A to this Prospectus for a description of corporate bond ratings.
Included in such securities may be convertible bonds or bonds with warrants
attached which are rated at least Baa or BBB at the time of purchase, or if
unrated, of equivalent quality as determined by the Investment Manager. A
"convertible bond" is a bond, debenture or preferred share which may be
exchanged by the owner for common stock or another security, usually of the same
company, in accordance with the terms of the issue. A "warrant" confers upon its
holder the right to purchase an amount of securities at a particular time and
price. Securities rated Baa by Moody's or BBB by S&P have speculative
characteristics. See "Investment Methods and Risk Factors" for a discussion of
the risks associated with such securities.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No dealer, salesperson, or other person has been authorized to give any
information or to make any representations, other than those contained in this
Prospectus and in the Statement of Additional Information in connection with the
offer contained in this Prospectus, and, if given or made, such other
information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized
by the Funds, the Investment Manager, or the Distributor.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate Bond Fund may invest up to 25 percent of its net assets in higher
yielding debt securities in the lower rating (higher risk) categories of the
recognized rating services (commonly referred to as "junk bonds"). Such
securities include securities rated Ba or lower by Moody's or BB or lower by S&P
and are regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to the ability of the
issuer to meet principal and interest payments. The Fund will not invest in junk
bonds which are rated in default at the time of purchase. See "Investment
Methods and Risk Factors" for a discussion of the risks associated with
investing in such securities.
For the year ended December 31, 1997, the dollar weighted average of
Corporate Bond Fund's holdings (excluding equities) had the following credit
quality characteristics
PERCENT OF
INVESTMENT NET ASSETS
- ---------- ----------
U.S. Government and
Government Agency Securities ............................. 10.6%
Cash and other Assets, Less Liabilities..................... 4.1%
Rated Fixed Income Securities
AAA....................................................... 5.1%
AA........................................................ 8.9%
A......................................................... 32.0%
Baa/BBB................................................... 15.7%
Ba/BB..................................................... 20.8%
B......................................................... 2.8%
Caa/CCC................................................... 0%
Unrated Securities Comparable in Quality to
A......................................................... 0%
Baa/BBB................................................... 0%
Ba/BB..................................................... 0%
B......................................................... 0%
Caa/CCC................................................... 0%
-----
100%
The foregoing table is intended solely to provide disclosure about Corporate
Bond Fund's asset composition for the year ended December 31, 1997. The asset
composition after this may or may not be approximately the same as shown above.
The Fund may purchase securities which are obligations of, or guaranteed
by, the Dominion of Canada or provinces thereof and debt securities issued by
Canadian corporations. Canadian securities will not be purchased if subject to
the foreign interest equalization tax and unless payable in U.S. dollars.
The Fund may also invest directly of indirectly in common stocks and
securities that are convertible into common stocks ("equity securities");
however, the Fund will not invest more than 10 percent of its total assets in
equity securities. See "Investment Methods and Risk Factors" for a discussion of
the risks associated with investing in equity securities.
The Fund may invest in Yankee CDs which are certificates of deposit issued
by a U.S. branch of a foreign bank denominated in U.S. dollars and held in the
U.S. Yankee CDs are subject to somewhat different risks than are the obligations
of domestic banks. The Fund also may invest in debt securities issued by foreign
governments, their agencies and instrumentalities and foreign corporations,
provided that such securities are denominated in U.S. dollars. The Fund's
investment in foreign securities, including Canadian securities, will not exceed
35 percent of the Fund's net assets. See "Investment Methods and Risk Factors"
for a discussion of the risks associated with investing in foreign securities.
The Fund may invest in investment grade mortgage backed securities (MBSs),
including mortgage pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage
obligations (CMOs). The Fund may invest up to 10 percent of its net assets in
securities known as "inverse floating obligations," "residual interest bonds,"
or "interest-only" (IO) or "principal-only" (PO) bonds, the market values of
which generally will be more volatile than the market values of most MBSs. The
Fund will hold less than 35 percent of its net assets in MBSs. For a discussion
of MBSs and the risks associated with such securities, see "Investment Methods
and Risk Factors."
The Fund may invest in zero coupon securities which are debt securities
that pay no cash income but are sold at substantial discounts from their face
value. Certain zero coupon securities also provide for the commencement of
regular interest payments at a deferred date. See "Investment Methods and Risk
Factors" for a discussion of zero coupon securities.
Corporate Bond Fund may purchase securities on a "when-issued" or "delayed
delivery" basis in excess of customary settlement periods for the types of
security involved. For a discussion of such securities, see "Investment Methods
and Risk Factors." It is anticipated that securities invested in by this Fund
will be held by the Fund on an average from one and a half to three years and
that the average weighted maturity of the Fund's portfolio will range from 5 to
15 years under normal circumstances.
LIMITED MATURITY BOND FUND
The investment objective of the Limited Maturity Bond Fund is to seek a
high level of income consistent with moderate price fluctuation by investing
primarily in short- and intermediate-term bonds. As used herein the term "short-
and intermediate-term bonds" is used to describe any debt security with a
maturity of 15 years or less. In pursuing its investment objective, the Fund
will invest in a broad range of debt securities, including (i) securities issued
by U.S. and Canadian corporations; (ii) securities issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities, including Treasury
bills, certificates of indebtedness, notes and bonds; (iii) securities issued or
guaranteed by, the Dominion of Canada or provinces thereof; (iv) securities
issued by foreign governments, their agencies and instrumentalities, and foreign
corporations, provided that such securities are denominated in U.S. dollars; (v)
higher yielding, high risk debt securities (commonly referred to as "junk
bonds"); (vi) certificates of deposit issued by a U.S. branch of a foreign bank
("Yankee CDs"); (vii) investment grade mortgage backed securities ("MBSs"); and
(viii) investment grade asset-backed securities. High yield debt securities,
Yankee CDs, MBSs and asset-backed securities are described in further detail
under "Investment Methods and Risk Factors." Under normal circumstances, the
Fund will invest at least 65 percent of the value of its total assets in short-
and intermediate-term bonds. It is anticipated that the dollar weighted average
maturity of the Fund's portfolio will range from 2 to 10 years. It will not
exceed 10 years.
Limited Maturity Bond Fund will invest primarily in debt securities rated
Baa or higher by Moody's or BBB or higher by S&P at the time of purchase, or if
unrated, of equivalent quality as determined by the Investment Manager. See
Appendix A to this Prospectus for a description of corporate bond ratings.
Included in such securities may be convertible bonds or bonds with warrants
attached which are rated at least Baa or BBB at the time of purchase, or if
unrated, of equivalent quality as determined by the Investment Manager. A
"convertible bond" is a bond, debenture or preferred share which may be
exchanged, by the owner, for common stock or another security, usually of the
same company, in accordance with the terms of the issue. A "warrant" confers
upon its holder the right to purchase an amount of securities at a particular
time and price. Securities rated Baa by Moody's or BBB by S&P have speculative
characteristics as described under "Investment Methods and Risk Factors"--"Baa
or BBB Securities."
The Fund may invest in higher yielding debt securities in the lower rating
(higher risk) categories of the recognized rating services (commonly referred to
as "junk bonds"); however, the Fund will not hold more than 25 percent of its
net assets in junk bonds. This includes securities rated Ba or lower by Moody's
or BB or lower by S&P, and such securities are regarded as predominantly
speculative with respect to the ability of the issuer to meet principal and
interest payments. The Fund will not invest in junk bonds which are rated in
default at the time of purchase. See "Investment Methods and Risk Factors" for a
discussion of the risks associated with investing in such securities.
For the year ended December 31, 1997, the dollar weighted average of Limited
Maturity Bond Fund's holdings (excluding equities) had the following credit
quality characteristics.
PERCENT OF
INVESTMENT NET ASSETS
- ---------- ----------
U.S. Government and
Government Agency Securities....................... 19.9%
Cash and other Assets, Less Liabilities............... 5.5%
Rated Fixed Income Securities
AAA................................................ 5.4%
AA................................................. 10.3%
A.................................................. 24.5%
Baa/BBB............................................ 9.4%
Ba/BB.............................................. 20.9%
B.................................................. 4.1%
Caa/CCC............................................ 0%
Unrated Securities Comparable in Quality to
A.................................................. 0%
Baa/BBB............................................ 0%
Ba/BB.............................................. 0%
B.................................................. 0%
Caa/CCC............................................ 0%
-----
100%
The foregoing table is intended solely to provide disclosure about Limited
Maturity Bond Fund's asset composition for the year ended December 31, 1997. The
asset composition after this may or may not be approximately the same as shown
above.
The Fund may purchase securities which are obligations of, or guaranteed
by, the Dominion of Canada or provinces thereof and debt securities issued by
Canadian corporations. Canadian securities will not be purchased if subject to
the foreign interest equalization tax and unless payable in U.S. currency.
The Fund may invest in Yankee CDs which are certificates of deposit issued
by a U.S. branch of a foreign bank denominated in U.S. dollars and held in the
United States. Yankee CDs are subject to somewhat different risks than are the
obligations of domestic banks. The Fund may also invest in debt securities
issued by foreign governments, their agencies and instrumentalities, and foreign
corporations, provided that such securities are denominated in U.S. dollars. The
Fund's investment in foreign securities, including Canadian securities, will not
exceed 25 percent of the Fund's net assets. For a discussion of the risks
associated with foreign securities, see "Investment Methods and Risk Factors."
The Fund may invest in U.S. Government securities. U.S. Government
securities include bills, certificates of indebtedness, notes and bonds issued
by the Treasury or by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government. For
a discussion of the varying levels of guarantee associated with particular types
of U.S. Government Securities, see "Investment Methods and Risk Factors" --
"U.S. Government Securities."
The Fund may also invest directly or indirectly in common stocks and
securities that are convertible into common stocks ("equity securities");
however, the Fund will not invest more than 10 percent of its total assets in
equity securities. See "Investment Methods and Factors" for a discussion of the
risks associated with investing in equity securities.
Limited Maturity Bond Fund may acquire certain securities that are
restricted as to disposition under the federal securities laws, provided that
such securities are eligible for resale to qualified institutional investors
pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, and subject to the
Fund's policy that not more than 15 percent of the Fund's net assets will be
invested in illiquid assets. See "Investment Methods and Risk Factors" for a
discussion of Rule 144A Securities.
The Fund may invest in investment grade mortgage backed securities (MBSs),
including mortgage pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage
obligations (CMOs). The Fund may invest up to 10 percent of its net assets in
securities known as "inverse floating obligations," "residual interest bonds,"
and "interest-only" (IO) and "principal-only" (PO) bonds, the market values of
which will generally be more volatile than the market values of most MBSs. The
Fund will hold less than 35 percent of its net assets in MBSs, including CMOs
and mortgage pass-through securities. For a discussion of MBSs and the risks
associated with such securities, see "Investment Methods and Risk Factors."
The Fund also may invest in investment grade "asset-backed securities."
These include secured debt instruments backed by automobile loans, credit card
loans, home equity loans, manufactured housing loans and other types of secured
loans providing the source of both principal and interest. Asset-backed
securities are subject to risks similar to those discussed with respect to MBSs.
See "Investment Methods and Risk Factors."
The Fund may invest in zero coupon securities which are debt securities
that pay no cash income but are sold at substantial discounts from their face
value. Certain zero coupon securities also provide for the commencement of
regular interest payments at a deferred date. See "Investment Methods and Risk
Factors" for a discussion of zero coupon securities.
Limited Maturity Bond Fund may purchase securities on a "when-issued" or
"delayed delivery" basis in excess of customary settlement periods for the type
of security involved. See "Investment Methods and Risk Factors."
From time to time, Limited Maturity Bond Fund may invest part or all of its
assets in commercial notes or money market instruments.
U.S. GOVERNMENT FUND
The investment objective of the U.S. Government Fund is to provide a high
level of interest income with security of principal by investing primarily in
U.S. Government securities. U.S. Government securities include bills,
certificates of indebtedness, notes and bonds issued by the Treasury or by
agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government. Under normal
circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80 percent of the value of its
total assets in U.S. Government securities. For a discussion of the varying
levels of guarantee associated with particular types of U.S. Government
Securities, see "Investment Methods and Risk Practices" --"U.S. Government
Securities."
From time to time the portfolio of the U.S. Government Fund may consist
primarily of Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA") certificates, or
"Ginnie Maes," which are mortgage-backed securities representing part ownership
of a pool of mortgage loans on which timely payment of interest and principal is
guaranteed by GNMA and backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
Government. These loans, issued by lenders such as mortgage bankers, commercial
banks and savings and loan associations, are either insured by the Federal
Housing Administration or guaranteed by the Veterans' Administration. A "pool"
or group of such mortgages is assembled and, after being approved by GNMA, is
offered to investors through securities dealers. Once approved by GNMA, the
timely payment of interest and principal on each mortgage is guaranteed by GNMA
and backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. Ginnie Mae
certificates differ from bonds in that principal is paid back monthly by the
borrower over the term of the loan rather than returned in a lump sum at
maturity. Ginnie Mae certificates are called "pass through" securities because
both interest and principal payments (including prepayments) are passed through
to the holder of the certificate. Upon receipt, principal payments generally
will be used to purchase additional Ginnie Mae certificates or other U.S.
Government securities. Although the Fund invests in securities guaranteed by
GNMA and backed by the U.S. Government, neither the value of the Fund's
portfolio nor the value or yield of its shares is so guaranteed. The Fund may,
for defensive purposes, temporarily invest part or all of its assets in money
market instruments, including deposits and bankers' acceptances in depository
institutions insured by the FDIC, and short-term U.S. Government and agency
securities.
The potential for appreciation in GNMAs, which might otherwise be expected
to occur as a result of a decline in interest rates, may be limited or negated
by increased principal prepayments of the underlying mortgages. Prepayments of
GNMA certificates occur with increasing frequency when mortgage rates decline
because, among other reasons, mortgagors may be able to refinance their
outstanding mortgages at lower interest rates or prepay their existing
mortgages. Such prepayments would then be reinvested by the Fund at the lower
current interest rates.
While mortgages underlying GNMA certificates have a stated maturity of up
to 30 years, it has been the experience of the mortgage industry that the
average life of comparable mortgages, owing to prepayments, refinancings and
payments from foreclosures, is considerably less.
The Fund may invest in other mortgage backed securities (MBSs) as discussed
under "Investment Methods and Risk Factors" -- "Mortgage Backed Securities and
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations." MBSs include certain securities issued by
the United States government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities, such
as GNMAs, and securities issued by private issuers. The Fund may not invest more
than 20 percent of the value of its total assets in MBSs issued by private
issuers.
The Fund may invest in zero coupon securities which are debt securities
that pay no cash income but are sold at substantial discounts from their face
value. Certain zero coupon securities also provide for the commencement of
regular interest payments at a deferred date. See "Investment Methods and Risk
Factors" for a discussion of zero coupon securities.
The Fund will attempt to maximize the return on its portfolio by taking
advantage of market developments and yield disparities, which may include use of
the following strategies:
1. Shortening the average maturity of its portfolio in anticipation of a
rise in interest rates so as to minimize depreciation of principal;
2. Lengthening the average maturity of its portfolio in anticipation of a
decline in interest rates so as to maximize appreciation of principal;
3. Selling one type of U.S. Government obligation and buying another when
disparities arise in the relative values of each; and
4. Changing from one U.S. Government obligation to an essentially similar
U.S. Government obligation when their respective yields are distorted
due to market factors.
These strategies may result in increases or decreases in the Fund's current
income available for distribution to Fund stockholders, and the Fund may hold
obligations which sell at moderate to substantial premiums or discounts from
face value.
HIGH YIELD FUND
The investment objective of the High Yield Fund is to seek high current
income. Capital appreciation is a secondary objective. Under normal
circumstances, the Fund will seek its investment objective by investing
primarily in a broad range of income producing securities, including (i) higher
yielding, higher risk, debt securities (commonly referred to as "junk bonds");
(ii) preferred stock; (iii) securities issued by foreign governments, their
agencies and instrumentalities, and foreign corporations, provided that such
securities are denominated in U.S. dollars; (iv) mortgage-backed securities
("MBSs"); (v) asset-backed securities; (vi) securities issued or guaranteed by
the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities, including
Treasury bills, certificates of indebtedness, notes and bonds; (vii) securities
issued or guaranteed by, the Dominion of Canada or provinces thereof; and (viii)
zero coupon securities. The Fund also may invest up to 35 percent of its assets
in common stocks (which may include ADRs), warrants and rights. Under normal
circumstances, at least 65 percent of the Fund's total assets will be invested
in high-yielding, high risk debt securities.
High Yield Fund may invest up to 100 percent of its assets in debt
securities that, at the time of purchase, are rated below investment grade
("high yield securities" or "junk bonds"), which involve a high degree of risk
and are predominantly speculative. A description of debt ratings is included as
Appendix A to this Prospectus. See "Investment Methods and Risk Factors" for a
discussion of the risks associated with investing in junk bonds. Included in the
debt securities which the High Yield Fund may purchase are convertible bonds, or
bonds with warrants attached. A "convertible bond" is a bond, debenture, or
preferred share which may be exchanged by the owner for common stock or another
security, usually of the same company, in accordance with the terms of the
issue. A "warrant" confers upon the holder the right to purchase an amount of
securities at a particular time and price. See "Investment Methods and Risk
Factors" for a discussion of the risks associated with such securities.
For the year ended December 31, 1997, the dollar weighted average of High
Yield Fund's holdings (excluding equities) had the following credit quality
characteristics.
PERCENT OF
INVESTMENT NET ASSETS
- ---------- ----------
U.S. Government Securities............................ 0%
Cash and other Assets, Less Liabilities............... 4.9%
Rated Fixed Income Securities
AAA................................................ 0.8%
AA................................................. 0%
A.................................................. 1.8%
Baa/BBB............................................ 2.8%
Ba/BB.............................................. 46.4%
B.................................................. 43.3%
D.................................................. 0%
Unrated Securities Comparable in Quality to
A.................................................. 0%
Baa/BBB............................................ 0%
Ba/BB.............................................. 0%
B.................................................. 0%
Caa/CCC............................................ 0%
---------
100.0%
The foregoing table is intended solely to provide disclosure about High Yield
Fund's asset composition for the year ended December 31, 1997. The asset
composition after this may or may not be approximately the same as shown above.
The Fund may purchase securities which are obligations of, or guaranteed
by, the Dominion of Canada or provinces thereof and debt securities issued by
Canadian corporations. Canadian securities will not be purchased if subject to
the foreign interest equalization tax and unless payable in U.S. dollars. The
Fund also may invest in debt securities issued by foreign governments (including
Brady Bonds), their agencies and instrumentalities and foreign corporations
(including those in emerging markets), provided such securities are denominated
in U.S. dollars. The Fund's investment in foreign securities, excluding Canadian
securities, will not exceed 25 percent of the Fund's net assets. See "Investment
Methods and Risk Factors" for a discussion of the risks associated with
investing in foreign securities, Brady Bonds and emerging markets.
The Fund may invest in MBSs, including mortgage pass-through securities and
collateralized mortgage obligations (CMO's). The Fund may invest in securities
known as "inverse floating obligations," "residual interest bonds," or "interest
only" (IO) or "principal only" (PO) bonds, the market values of which generally
will be more volatile than the market values of most MBSs. This is due to the
fact that such instruments are more sensitive to interest rate changes and to
the rate of principal prepayments than are most other MBSs. The Fund will hold
less than 25 percent of its net assets in MBSs. For a discussion of MBSs and the
risks associated with such securities, see "Investment Methods and Risk
Factors."
The Fund also may invest in asset-backed securities which include secured
debt instruments backed by automobile loans, credit card loans, home equity
loans, manufactured housing loans and other types of secured loans providing the
source of both principal and interest payments. Asset-backed securities are
subject to risks similar to those discussed with respect to MBSs. See
"Investment Methods and Risk Factors."
The Fund may invest in U.S. Government securities. U.S. Government
securities include bills, certificates of indebtedness, notes and bonds issued
by the Treasury or by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government. For
a discussion of the varying levels of guarantee associated with particular types
of U.S. Government Securities, see "Investment Methods and Risk Factors" - "U.S.
Government Securities."
The Fund may invest in zero coupon securities which are debt securities
that pay no cash income but are sold at substantial discounts from their face
value. Certain zero coupon securities also provide for the commencement of
regular interest payments at a deferred date. See "Investment Methods and Risk
Factors" for a discussion of zero coupon securities.
The High Yield Fund may acquire certain securities that are restricted as
to disposition under federal securities laws, including securities eligible for
resale to qualified institutional investors pursuant to Rule 144A under the
Securities Act of 1933, subject to the Fund's policy that not more than 10
percent of the Fund's net assets will be invested in illiquid assets. See
"Investment Methods and Risk Factors" for a discussion of restricted securities.
The High Yield Fund may purchase securities on "when issued" or "delayed
delivery" basis in excess of customary settlement periods for the type of
security involved. The Fund also may purchase or sell securities on a "forward
commitment" basis and may enter into "repurchase agreements," "reverse
repurchase agreements" and "roll transactions." The Fund may lend securities to
broker-dealers, other institutions or other persons to earn additional income.
The value of loaned securities may not exceed 33 1/3 percent of the Fund's total
assets. In addition, the Fund may purchase loans, loan participations and other
types of direct indebtedness. See "Investment Methods and Risk Factors" for a
discussion of the risks associated with these investment practices.
The Fund may enter into futures contracts (a type of derivative) (or
options thereon) to hedge all or a portion of its portfolio, as a hedge against
changes in prevailing levels of interest rates or as an efficient means of
adjusting its exposure to the bond market. The Fund will not use futures
contracts for leveraging purposes. The Fund will limit its use of futures
contracts so that initial margin deposits or premiums on such contracts used for
non-hedging purposes will not equal more than 5 percent of the Funds net asset
value. The Fund may purchase call and put options and write such options on a
"covered" basis. The Fund also may enter into interest rate and index swaps and
purchase or sell related caps, floors and collars. The aggregate market value of
the Fund's portfolio securities covering call or put options will not exceed 25
percent of the Fund's net assets. See the discussion of "Options, Futures and
Forward Currency Transactions," and "Swaps, Caps, Floors and Collars" under
"Investment Methods and Risk Factors."
From time to time, the High Yield Fund may invest part or all of its assets
in U.S. Government securities, commercial notes or money market instruments. It
is anticipated that the dollar weighted average maturity of the Fund's portfolio
will range from 5 to 15 years under normal circumstances.
SECURITY MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
The investment objective of Municipal Bond Fund is to obtain as high a
level of interest income exempt from regular federal income taxes as is
consistent with preservation of stockholders' capital. Municipal Bond Fund
attempts to achieve its objective by investing primarily in debt securities, the
interest on which is exempt from federal income taxes. Under normal
circumstances, at least 80 percent of the Fund's net assets will be invested in
municipal obligations the interest on which is exempt from regular federal
income tax. A portion of the Fund's dividends paid in respect of its shares may
be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax.
The securities in which the Fund invests include debt obligations issued by
or on behalf of the states, territories and possessions of the United States,
the District of Columbia, and their political subdivisions, agencies,
authorities and instrumentalities, including multi-state agencies or authorities
(and may include certain private activity bonds the interest on which is subject
to the alternative minimum tax). These securities are referred to as "municipal
securities."
Municipal bonds are debt obligations which generally have a maturity at the
time of issue in excess of one year. They are issued to obtain funds for various
public purposes, including construction of a wide range of public facilities
such as bridges, highways, housing, hospitals, mass transportation, schools,
streets, and water and sewer works. Other public purposes for which municipal
bonds may be issued include the refunding of outstanding obligations, obtaining
funds for general operating expenses and obtaining funds to loan to other public
institutions and facilities. In addition, certain types of industrial
development bonds and other private activity bonds are issued by or on behalf of
public authorities to obtain funds to provide for privately-operated housing
facilities, and certain facilities for water supply, gas, electricity or sewage
or solid waste disposal.
The two principal classifications of municipal bonds are "general
obligation" and "revenue" bonds. General obligation bonds are secured by the
issuer's pledge of its full faith, credit and taxing power for the payment of
principal and interest. Revenue bonds are 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 specific revenue source. Revenue securities may
include private activity bonds. Such bonds may be issued by or on behalf of
public authorities to finance various privately operated facilities and are not
payable from the unrestricted revenues of the issuer. As a result, the credit
quality of private activity bonds is frequently related directly to the credit
standing of private corporations or other entities. In addition, the interest on
private activity bonds issued after August 7, 1986 is subject to the federal
alternative minimum tax. The Fund will not be restricted with respect to the
proportion of its assets that may be invested in such obligations. Accordingly,
the Fund may not be a suitable investment vehicle for individuals or
corporations that are subject to the federal alternative minimum tax. Municipal
Bond Fund will not invest more than 5% of its net assets in securities where the
principal and interest are the responsibility of a private corporation or other
entity which has, including predecessors, less than three years' operational
history.
There are, depending on numerous factors, variations in the risks involved
in holding municipal securities, both within a particular rating classification
and between classifications. The market values of outstanding municipal bonds
will vary as a result of the rating of the issue and changing evaluations of the
ability of the issuer to meet interest and principal payments. Such market
values will also change in response to changes in the interest rates payable on
new issues of municipal bonds. Should such interest rates rise, the values of
outstanding bonds, including those held in Municipal Bond Fund's portfolio,
would decline; should such interest rates decline, the values of outstanding
bonds would increase.
As a result of litigation or other factors, the power or ability of issuers
of municipal securities to pay principal and/or interest might be adversely
affected. Municipal securities are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy,
insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors, such
as the Federal Bankruptcy Code, and laws, if any, which may be enacted by
Congress or state legislatures extending the time for payment of principal or
interest or both, or imposing other constraints upon enforcement of such
obligations or upon the power of municipalities to levy taxes.
Municipal Bond Fund may invest without percentage limitations in issues of
municipal securities which have similar characteristics, such as the location of
their issuers in the same geographic region or the derivation of interest
payments from revenues on similar projects (for example, electric utility
systems, hospitals, or housing finance agencies). Thus, Municipal Bond Fund may
invest more than 25% of its total assets in securities issued in a single state.
However, it may not invest more than 25% of its total assets in one industry.
Consequently, the Fund's portfolio of municipal securities may be more
susceptible to the risks of adverse economic, political, or regulatory
developments than would be the case with a portfolio of securities required to
be more diversified as to geographic region and/or source of revenue.
The Fund's investments in municipal securities are limited to securities of
"investment grade" quality, that is, securities rated within the four highest
rating categories of Moody's (Aaa, Aa, A, Baa), S&P (AAA, AA, A, BBB) or Fitch
(AAA, AA, A, BBB), except that the Fund may purchase unrated municipal
securities (i) where the securities are guaranteed as to principal and interest
by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government or are short-term municipal
securities (those having a maturity of less than one year) of issuers having
outstanding at the time of purchase an issue of municipal bonds having one of
the four highest ratings, or (ii) where, in the opinion of the Sub-Adviser,
Salomon Brothers Asset Management Inc. ("Salomon Brothers"), the unrated
municipal securities are comparable in quality to those within the four highest
ratings. However, Municipal Bond Fund will not purchase an unrated municipal
security (other than a security described in (i) above) if, after such purchase,
more than 20 percent of the Fund's total assets would be invested in such
unrated municipal securities.
With respect to rated securities, there is no percentage limitation on the
amount of the Fund's assets which may be invested in securities within any
particular rating classification, but the Fund anticipates that it will invest
no more than 25 percent of its total assets in securities rated Baa by Moody's
or BBB by Standard & Poor's or Fitch. A description of the ratings is contained
in Appendix B to this Prospectus. Such securities have speculative
characteristics as discussed under "Investment Methods and Risk Factors."
If the Fund holds a security whose rating drops below Baa or BBB, Salomon
Brothers will reevaluate the credit risk presented by the security in light of
current market conditions and determine whether to retain or dispose of such
security. The Fund will not retain securities rated below Baa or BBB in an
amount that exceeds 5 percent of its net assets.
Municipal Bond Fund invests primarily in municipal bonds with maturities
greater than one year. It is expected that the Fund's average portfolio maturity
under normal circumstances will be in the 15- to 25-year range. Municipal Bond
Fund also will invest for various purposes in short-term (maturity equal to or
less than one year) securities which, to the extent practicable will be
short-term municipal securities. Short-term investments may be made, pending
investment of funds in municipal bonds, in order to maintain liquidity, to meet
redemption requests, or to maintain a temporary "defensive" investment position
when, in the opinion of the Investment Manager, it is advisable to do so on
account of current or anticipated market conditions. Except when in a temporary
defensive position, investments in short-term municipal securities will
represent less than 20 percent of the Fund's total assets.
From time to time, on a temporary basis, Municipal Bond Fund may invest in
fixed income obligations on which the interest is subject to federal income tax.
Except when the Fund is in a temporary "defensive" investment position, it will
not purchase a taxable security if, as a result, more than 20 percent of its
total assets would be invested in taxable securities. This limitation is a
fundamental policy of Municipal Bond Fund, and may not be changed without a
majority vote of the Fund's outstanding shares. Temporary taxable investments of
the Fund may consist of obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government
or its agencies or instrumentalities, commercial paper rated A-1 by S&P, Prime-1
by Moody's or F-1 by Fitch, corporate obligations rated AAA or AA by S&P or
Fitch or Aaa or Aa by Moody's, certificates of deposit or bankers' acceptances
of domestic banks or thrifts with at least $2 billion in assets, or repurchase
agreements with such banks or with broker-dealers.
The Fund may invest in zero coupon securities which are debt securities
that pay no cash income but are sold at substantial discounts from their face
value. Certain zero coupon securities also provide for the commencement of
regular interest payments at a deferred date. See "Investment Methods and Risk
Factors" for a discussion of zero coupon securities.
From time to time, Municipal Bond Fund may purchase municipal securities on
a when-issued or delayed delivery basis. The Fund does not believe that its net
asset value or income will be adversely affected by its purchase of municipal
securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis. For further information
regarding when-issued purchases, see "Investment Methods and Risk Factors" and
the Funds' Statement of Additional Information.
Municipal Bond Fund may also purchase from banks or broker/dealers,
municipal securities together with the right to resell the securities to the
seller at an agreed-upon price or yield within a specified period prior to the
maturity date of the securities. Such a right to resell is commonly known as a
"put" and is also referred to as a "stand-by commitment" on the part of the
seller. The price which Municipal Bond Fund pays for the municipal securities
with puts generally is higher than the price which otherwise would be paid for
the municipal securities alone. The Fund uses puts for liquidity purposes in
order to permit it to remain more fully invested in municipal securities than
would otherwise be the case by providing a ready market for certain municipal
securities in its portfolio at an acceptable price. The put generally is for a
shorter term than the maturity of the municipal security and does not restrict
in any way the Fund's ability to dispose of (or retain) the municipal security.
In order to ensure that the interest on municipal securities subject to puts is
tax-exempt to the Fund, it will limit its use of puts in accordance with current
interpretations or rulings of the Internal Revenue Service. Because it is
difficult to evaluate the likelihood of exercise or the potential benefit of a
put, puts will be determined to have a "value" of zero, regardless of whether
any direct or indirect consideration was paid. There is a risk that the seller
of the put may not be able to repurchase the security upon exercise of the put
by Tax-Exempt Fund. For further information regarding puts and stand-by
commitments, see the Funds' Statement of Additional Information.
The Municipal Bond Fund may purchase or sell futures contracts (a type of
derivative) on (a) debt securities that are backed by the full faith and credit
of the U.S. Government, such as long-term U.S. Treasury Bonds and Treasury Notes
and (b) municipal bond indices. The Fund may use futures contracts to hedge all
or a portion of its portfolio, as a hedge against changes in prevailing levels
of interest rates or as an efficient means of adjusting its exposure to the bond
market. The Fund will not use futures contracts for leveraging purposes.
Currently at least one exchange trades futures contracts on an index of
long-term municipal bonds, and the Fund reserves to right to conduct futures
transactions based on an index which may be developed in the future to correlate
with price movements in municipal obligations. It is not presently anticipated
that any of these strategies will be used to a significant degree by the Fund.
For further information regarding futures contracts, see "Investment Methods and
Risk Factors" and the Fund's Statement of Additional Information.
SECURITY CASH FUND
The investment objective of Cash Fund is to seek as high a level of current
income as is consistent with preservation of capital and liquidity. Cash Fund
will attempt to achieve its objective by investing at least 95 percent of its
total assets, measured at the time of investment, in a diversified portfolio of
highest quality money market instruments. Cash Fund may also invest up to 5
percent of its total assets, measured at the time of investment, in money market
instruments that are in the second-highest rating category for short-term debt
obligations. Money market instruments in which the Fund may invest consist of
the following:
U.S. Government Securities -- Obligations issued or guaranteed (as to
principal or interest) by the United States Government or its agencies (such as
the Small Business Administration and Government National Mortgage Association)
or instrumentalities (such as Federal Home Loan Banks and Federal Land Banks)
and instruments fully collateralized with such obligations.
Bank Obligations -- Obligations of banks or savings and loan associations
that are members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and instruments
fully collateralized with such obligations.
Corporate Obligations -- Commercial paper issued by corporations and rated
Prime-1 or Prime-2 by Moody's or A-1 or A-2 by S&P, or other corporate debt
instruments rated Aaa or Aa or better by Moody's or AAA or AA or better by S&P,
subject to the limitations on investment in instruments in the second-highest
rating category, discussed below.
Cash Fund may invest only in U.S. dollar denominated money market
instruments that present minimal credit risk and, with respect to 95 percent of
its total assets, measured at the time of investment, that are of the highest
quality. The Investment Manager will determine whether a security presents
minimal credit risk under procedures adopted by Cash Fund's Board of Directors.
A security will be considered to be highest quality (1) if rated in the highest
category, (e.g., Aaa or Prime-1 by Moody's or AAA or A-1 by S&P) by (i) any two
nationally recognized statistical rating organizations ("NRSROs") or, (ii) if
rated by only one NRSRO, by that NRSRO; (2) if issued by an issuer that has
short-term debt obligations of comparable maturity, priority, and security and
that are rated in the highest rating category by (i) any two NRSROs or, (ii) if
rated by only one NRSRO, by that NRSRO; or (3) an unrated security that is of
comparable quality to a security in the highest rating category as determined by
the Investment Manager and whose acquisition is approved or ratified by the
Board of Directors. With respect to 5 percent of its total assets, measured at
the time of investment, Cash Fund may also invest in money market instruments
that are in the second-highest rating category for short-term debt obligations
(e.g., rated Aa or Prime 2 by Moody's or AA or A-2 by S&P). A money market
instrument will be considered to be in the second-highest rating category under
the criteria described above with respect to investments considered highest
quality, as applied to instruments in the second-highest rating category. See
Appendix A to this Prospectus for a description of the principal types of
securities and instruments in which Cash Fund will invest as well as a
description of the above mentioned ratings.
Cash Fund may not invest more than 5 percent of its total assets, measured
at the time of investment, in the securities of any one issuer that are of the
highest quality or more than the greater of 1 percent of its total assets or
$1,000,000, measured at the time of investment, in securities of any one issuer
that are in the second-highest rating category, except that these limitations
shall not apply to U.S. Government securities. The Fund may exceed the 5 percent
limitation for up to three business days after the purchase of the securities of
any one issuer that are of the highest quality, provided that the Fund has
outstanding at any time not more than one such investment. In the event that an
instrument acquired by Cash Fund ceases to be of the quality that is eligible
for the Fund, the Fund shall promptly dispose of the instrument in an orderly
manner unless the Board of Directors determines that this would not be in the
best interests of the Fund.
Cash Fund will invest in money market instruments of varying maturities
(but no longer than thirteen months) in an effort to earn as high a level of
current income as is consistent with preservation of capital and liquidity. Cash
Fund intends to maintain a dollar-weighted average maturity in its portfolio of
not more than 90 days. The Fund seeks to maintain a stable net asset value of
$1.00 per share, although there can be no assurance that it will be able to do
so.
Cash Fund may acquire one or more of the types of securities listed above
subject to repurchase agreement. Not more than 10 percent of the Fund's total
assets may be invested in illiquid assets, which include repurchase agreements
with maturities of over seven days. Cash Fund may invest in instruments having
rates of interest that are adjusted periodically according to a specified market
rate for such investments ("Variable Rate Instruments"). The interest rate on a
Variable Rate Instrument is ordinarily determined by reference to, or is a
percentage of, an objective standard such as a bank's prime rate or the 91-day
U.S. Treasury Bill rate. Generally, the changes in the interest rate on Variable
Rate Instruments reduce the fluctuation in the market value of such securities.
Accordingly, as interest rates decrease or increase, the potential for capital
appreciation or depreciation is less than for fixed-rate obligations. Cash Fund
determines the maturity of Variable Rate Instruments in accordance with Rule
2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 which allows the Fund to consider
the maturity date of such instruments to be the period remaining until the next
readjustment of the interest rate rather than the maturity date on the face of
the instrument.
Cash Fund may also invest in guaranteed investment contracts ("GICs")
issued by insurance companies, subject to the Fund's policy that not more than
10 percent of the Fund's total assets will be invested in illiquid assets. See
"Investment Methods and Risk Factors" for a discussion of GICs.
Cash Fund may acquire certain securities that are restricted as to
disposition under the federal securities laws, provided that such securities are
eligible for resale to qualified institutional investors pursuant to Rule 144A
under the Securities Act of 1933, and subject to the Fund's policy that not more
than 10 percent of the Fund's total assets will be invested in illiquid assets.
See "Investment Methods and Risk Factors" for a discussion of Rule 144A
Securities.
INVESTMENT METHODS AND RISK FACTORS
Some of the risk factors related to certain securities, instruments and
techniques that may be used by one or more of the Funds are described in the
"Investment Objective and Policies" section of this Prospectus and in the
"Investment Objectives and Policies" and "Investment Policy Limitations"
sections of the Funds' Statement of Additional Information. The following is a
description of certain additional risk factors related to various securities,
instruments and techniques. The risks so described only apply to those Funds
which may invest in such securities and instruments or use such techniques. Also
included is a general description of some of the investment instruments,
techniques and methods which may be used by one or more of the Funds. The
methods described only apply to those Funds which may use such methods.
INVESTMENT VEHICLES
BAA OR BBB SECURITIES -- Certain of the Funds may invest in medium grade
debt securities (debt securities rated Baa by Moody's or BBB by S&P and Fitch at
the time of purchase, or if unrated, of equivalent quality as determined by the
Investment Manager). Baa securities are considered to be "medium grade"
obligations by Moody's and BBB is the lowest classification which is still
considered an "investment grade" rating by S&P and Fitch. Bonds rated Baa by
Moody's or BBB by S&P and Fitch have speculative characteristics and may be more
susceptible than higher grade bonds to adverse economic conditions or other
adverse circumstances which may result in a weakened capacity to make principal
and interest payments. Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond and High Yield
Funds may invest in higher yield debt securities in the lower rating (higher
risk) categories of the recognized rating services (commonly referred to as
"junk bonds"). See Appendix A to this Prospectus for a complete description of
corporate bond ratings and see "Risks Associated with Lower-Rated Debt
Securities (Junk Bonds)."
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES -- Each of the Funds may invest in U.S.
Government securities which include obligations issued or guaranteed (as to
principal and interest) by the United States Government or its agencies (such as
the Small Business Administration, the Federal Housing Administration, and
Government National Mortgage Association), or instrumentalities (such as Federal
Home Loan Banks and Federal Land Banks), and instruments fully collateralized
with such obligations such as repurchase agreements. Some U.S. Government
securities, such as Treasury bills and bonds, are supported by the full faith
and credit of the U.S. Treasury; others are supported by the right of the issuer
to borrow from the Treasury; others, such as those of the Federal National
Mortgage Association, are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S.
Government to purchase the agency's obligations; still others, such as those of
the Student Loan Marketing Association, are supported only by the credit of the
instrumentality. Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) certificates
are mortgage-backed securities representing part ownership of a pool of mortgage
loans on which timely payment of interest and principal is guaranteed by the
full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. Although U.S. Government
securities are guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities, shares of the Funds are not so guaranteed in any way.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES AND WARRANTS -- Certain of the Funds may invest in
debt or preferred equity securities convertible into or exchangeable for equity
securities. Traditionally, convertible securities have paid dividends or
interest at rates higher than common stocks but lower than non-convertible
securities. They generally participate in the appreciation or depreciation of
the underlying stock into which they are convertible, but to a lesser degree. In
recent years, convertibles have been developed which combine higher or lower
current income with options and other features. Warrants are options to buy a
stated number of shares of common stock at a specified price any time during the
life of the warrants (generally two or more years).
EQUITY SECURITIES - Certain Funds may invest directly or indirectly in
common stocks and securities that are convertible into common stocks.
Accordingly, an investment in the Fund is subject to the type of market risk
that is generally associated with equity investments. The value of the Funds'
investments may be affected by changes in the value of the overall stock market
such that the value of an investment in the Fund upon redemption may be more or
less than the initial amount invested.
MORTGAGE BACKED SECURITIES AND COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS --
Certain of the Funds may invest in mortgage-backed securities (MBSs), including
mortgage pass through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs).
MBSs include certain securities issued or guaranteed by the United States
government or one of its agencies or instrumentalities, such as the Government
National Mortgage Association (GNMA), Federal National Mortgage Association
(FNMA), or Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC); securities issued by
private issuers that represent an interest in or are collateralized by
mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or one of
its agencies or instrumentalities; and securities issued by private issuers that
represent an interest in or are collateralized by mortgage loans. A mortgage
pass through security is a pro rata interest in a pool of mortgages where the
cash flow generated from the mortgage collateral is passed through to the
security holder. CMOs are obligations fully collateralized by a portfolio of
mortgages or mortgage-related securities. Certain of the Funds may invest in
securities known as "inverse floating obligations," "residual interest bonds,"
and "interest only" (IO) and "principal only" (PO) bonds, the market values of
which generally will be more volatile than the market values of most MBSs. An
inverse floating obligation is a derivative adjustable rate security with
interest rates that adjust or vary inversely to changes in market interest
rates. The term "residual interest" bond is used generally to describe those
instruments in collateral pools, such as CMOs, which receive any excess cash
flow generated by the pool once all other bondholders and expenses have been
paid. IOs and POs are created by separating the interest and principal payments
generated by a pool of mortgage-backed bonds to create two classes of
securities. Generally, one class receives interest only payments (IOs) and the
other class principal only payments (POs). MBSs have been referred to as
"derivatives" because the performance of MBSs is dependent upon and derived from
underlying securities.
Investment in MBSs poses several risks, including prepayment, market and
credit risks. PREPAYMENT RISK reflects the chance that borrowers may prepay
their mortgages faster than expected, thereby affecting the investment's average
life and perhaps its yield. Borrowers are most likely to exercise their
prepayment options at a time when it is least advantageous to investors,
generally prepaying mortgages as interest rates fall, and slowing payments as
interest rates rise. Certain classes of CMOs may have priority over others with
respect to the receipt of prepayments on the mortgages and the Fund may invest
in CMOs which are subject to greater risk of prepayment. MARKET RISK reflects
the chance that the price of the security may fluctuate over time. The price of
MBSs may be particularly sensitive to prevailing interest rates, the length of
time the security is expected to be outstanding and the liquidity of the issue.
In a period of unstable interest rates, there may be decreased demand for
certain types of MBSs, and a fund invested in such securities wishing to sell
them may find it difficult to find a buyer, which may in turn decrease the price
at which they may be sold. CREDIT RISK reflects the chance that the Fund may not
receive all or part of its principal because the issuer or credit enhancer has
defaulted on its obligations. Obligations issued by U.S. Government-related
entities are guaranteed by the agency or instrumentality, and some, such as GNMA
certificates, are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury;
others are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury;
others, such as those of the FNMA, are supported by the discretionary authority
of the U.S. Government to purchase the agency's obligations; still others, are
supported only by the credit of the instrumentality. Although securities issued
by U.S. Government-related agencies are guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its
agencies or instrumentalities, shares of the Fund are not so guaranteed in any
way. The performance of private label MBSs, issued by private institutions, is
based on the financial health of those institutions.
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES -- Certain of the Funds may also invest in
"asset-backed securities." These include secured debt instruments backed by
automobile loans, credit card loans, home equity loans, manufactured housing
loans and other types of secured loans providing the source of both principal
and interest. Asset-backed securities are subject to risks similar to those
discussed above with respect to MBSs.
WHEN-ISSUED AND FORWARD COMMITMENT SECURITIES -- Certain of the Funds may
purchase securities on a "when-issued" basis and may purchase or sell securities
on a "forward commitment" basis in order to hedge against anticipated changes in
interest rates and prices. 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. When-issued securities and forward
commitments may be sold prior to the settlement date, but the Funds will enter
into when-issued and forward commitments only with the intention of actually
receiving or delivering the securities, as the case may be. No income accrues on
securities which have been purchased pursuant to a forward commitment or on a
when-issued basis prior to delivery of the securities. If a Fund disposes of the
right to acquire a when-issued security prior to its acquisition or disposes of
its right to deliver or receive against a forward commitment, it may incur a
gain or loss. At the time a Fund enters into a transaction on a when-issued or
forward commitment basis, a segregated account consisting of cash or liquid
securities equal to the value of the when-issued or forward commitment
securities will be established and maintained with its custodian and will be
marked to market daily. There is a risk that the securities may not be delivered
and that the Fund may incur a loss.
GUARANTEED INVESTMENT CONTRACTS ("GICS") -- Certain Funds may invest in
GICs. When investing in GICs, the Fund makes cash contributions to a deposit
fund of an insurance company's general account. The insurance company then
credits guaranteed interest to the deposit fund on a monthly basis. The GICs
provide that this guaranteed interest will not be less than a certain minimum
rate. The insurance company may assess periodic charges against a GIC for
expenses and service costs allocable to it, and the charges will be deducted
from the value of the deposit fund. The Security Cash Fund may only invest in
GICs that have received the requisite ratings by one or more NRSROs. Because a
Fund may not receive the principal amount of a GIC from the insurance company on
7 days' notice or less, the GIC is considered an illiquid investment. In
determining average portfolio maturity, GICs will be deemed to have a maturity
equal to the period of time remaining until the next readjustment of the
guaranteed interest rate.
RESTRICTED SECURITIES (RULE 144A SECURITIES) -- Certain of the Funds may
invest in restricted securities which are securities that are restricted as to
disposition under the federal securities laws, provided that such securities are
eligible for resale to qualified institutional investors pursuant to Rule 144A
under the Securities Act of 1933.
The High Yield Fund may purchase restricted securities, including
securities that are not eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A. The Funds may
acquire such securities through private placement transactions, directly from
the issuer or from security holders, generally at higher yields or on terms more
favorable to investors than comparable publicly traded securities. However, the
restrictions on resale of such securities may make it difficult for the Fund to
dispose of such securities at the time considered most advantageous, and/or may
involve expenses that would not be incurred in the sale of securities that were
freely marketable. Risks associated with restricted securities include the
potential obligation to pay all or part of the registration expenses in order to
sell certain restricted securities. A considerable period of time may elapse
between the time of the decision to sell a security and the time the Fund may be
permitted to sell it under an effective registration statement. If, during a
period, adverse conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain a less
favorable price than prevailing when it decided to sell.
The Fund's Board of Directors is responsible for developing and
establishing guidelines and procedures for determining the liquidity of Rule
144A securities. As permitted by Rule 144A, the Board of Directors has delegated
this responsibility to the Investment Manager. In making the determination
regarding the liquidity of Rule 144A securities, the Investment Manager will
consider trading markets for the specific security taking into account the
unregistered nature of a Rule 144A security. In addition, the Investment Manager
may consider: (1) the frequency of trades and quotes; (2) the number of dealers
and potential purchasers; (3) dealer undertakings to make a market; and (4) the
nature of the security and of the market place trades (e.g., the time needed to
dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of
transfer). Investing in Rule 144A securities could have the effect of increasing
the amount of a Fund's assets invested in illiquid securities to the extent that
qualified institutional buyers become uninterested, for a time, in purchasing
these securities.
SOVEREIGN DEBT -- Certain of the Funds may invest in sovereign debt
securities of emerging market governments, including Brady Bonds, provided they
are denominated in U.S. dollars. Sovereign debt securities are those issued by
emerging market governments that are traded in the markets of developed
countries or groups of developed countries. Investments in such securities
involve special risks. The issuer of the debt or the governmental authorities
that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to repay
principal or interest when due in accordance with the terms of such debt.
Periods of economic uncertainty may result in the volatility of market prices of
sovereign debt, and in turn the Fund's net asset value, to a greater extent than
the volatility inherent in domestic fixed income securities. A sovereign
debtor's willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely
manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the
extent of its foreign reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange
on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to
the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor's policy toward principal
international lenders and the political constraints to which a sovereign debtor
may be subject. Emerging market governments could default on their sovereign
debt. Such sovereign debtors also may be dependent on expected disbursements
from foreign governments, multilateral agencies and other entities abroad to
reduce principal and interest arrearages on their debt. The commitment on the
part of these governments, agencies and others to make such disbursements may be
conditioned on a sovereign debtor's implementation of economic reforms and/or
economic performance and the timely service of such debtor's obligations.
Failure to implement such reforms, achieve such levels of economic performance
or repay principal or interest when due, may result in the cancellation of such
third parties' commitments to lend funds to the sovereign debtor, which may
further impair such debtor's ability or willingness to timely service its debt.
The occurrence of political, social or diplomatic changes in one or more of
the countries issuing sovereign debt could adversely affect the Fund's
investments. Emerging markets are faced with social and political issues and
some of them have experienced high rates of inflation in recent years and have
extensive internal debt. Among other effects, high inflation and internal debt
service requirements may adversely affect the cost and availability of future
domestic sovereign borrowing to finance governmental programs, and may have
other adverse social, political and economic consequences. Political changes or
a deterioration of a country's domestic economy or balance of trade may affect
the willingness of countries to service their sovereign debt. Although the
Investment Manager intends to manage the Funds in a manner that will minimize
the exposure to such risks, there can be no assurance that adverse political
changes will not cause a Fund to suffer a loss of interest or principal on any
of its holdings.
In recent years, some of the emerging market countries have encountered
difficulties in servicing their sovereign debt obligations. Some of these
countries have withheld payments of interest and/or principal of sovereign debt.
These difficulties have also led to agreements to restructure external debt
obligations -- in particular, commercial bank loans, typically by rescheduling
principal payments, reducing interest rates and extending new credits to finance
interest payments on existing debt. In the future, holders of emerging market
sovereign debt securities may be requested to participate in similar
rescheduling of such debt. Certain emerging market countries are among the
largest debtors to commercial banks and foreign governments. At times certain
emerging market countries have declared a moratorium on the payment of principal
and interest on external debt; such a moratorium is currently in effect in
certain emerging market countries. There is no bankruptcy proceeding by which a
creditor may collect in whole or in part sovereign debt on which an emerging
market government has defaulted.
The ability of emerging market governments to make timely payments on their
sovereign debt securities is likely to be influenced strongly by a country's
balance of trade and its access to trade and other international credits. A
country whose exports are concentrated in a few commodities could be vulnerable
to a decline in the international prices of one or more of such commodities.
Increased protectionism on the part of a country's trading partners could also
adversely affect its exports. Such events could diminish a country's trade
account surplus, if any. To the extent that a country receives payment for its
exports in currencies other than hard currencies, its ability to make hard
currency payments could be affected.
Investors also should be aware that certain sovereign debt instruments in
which a Fund may invest involve great risk. As noted above, sovereign debt
obligations issued by emerging market governments generally are deemed to be the
equivalent in terms of quality to securities rated below investment grade by
Moody's and S&P. Such securities are regarded as predominantly speculative with
respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal in
accordance with the terms of the obligations and involve major risk exposure to
adverse conditions. Some of such securities, with respect to which the issuer
currently may not be paying interest or may be in payment default, may be
comparable to securities rated D by S&P or C by Moody's. The Fund may have
difficulty disposing of and valuing certain sovereign debt obligations because
there may be a limited trading market for such securities. Because there is no
liquid secondary market for many of these securities, the Fund anticipates that
such securities could be sold only to a limited number of dealers or
institutional investors. Certain sovereign debt securities may be illiquid.
BRADY BONDS -- Certain of the Funds may invest in "Brady Bonds," which are
debt restructurings that provide for the exchange of cash and loans for newly
issued bonds. Brady Bonds are securities created through the exchange of
existing commercial bank loans to public and private entities in certain
emerging markets for new bonds in connection with debt restructuring under a
debt restructuring plan introduced by former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury,
Nicholas F. Brady. Brady Bonds recently have been issued by the governments of
Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Jordan,
Mexico, Nigeria, The Philippines, Poland, Uruguay, and Venezuela, and are
expected to be issued by other emerging market countries. Approximately $150
billion in principal amount of Brady Bonds has been issued to date. Fund
investors should recognize that Brady Bonds have been issued only recently and,
accordingly, do not have a long payment history. Brady Bonds may be
collateralized or uncollateralized, are issued in various currencies (primarily
the U.S. dollar) and are actively traded in the secondary market for Latin
American debt. The Salomon Brothers Brady Bond Index provides a benchmark that
can be used to compare returns of emerging market Brady Bonds with returns in
other bond markets, e.g., the U.S. bond market.
The High Yield Fund may invest only in collateralized Brady Bonds,
denominated in U.S. dollars. U.S. dollar-denominated, collateralized Brady
Bonds, which may be fixed rate par bonds or floating rate discount bonds, are
collateralized in full as to principal by U.S. Treasury zero coupon bonds having
the same maturity as the bonds. Interest payments on such bonds generally are
collateralized by cash or securities in an amount that, in the case of fixed
rate bonds, is equal to at least one year of rolling interest payments or, in
the case of floating rate bonds, initially is equal to at least one year's
rolling interest payments based on the applicable interest rate at the time and
is adjusted at regular intervals thereafter.
LOAN PARTICIPATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS -- The High Yield Fund may invest in
fixed and floating rate loans ("Loans") arranged through private negotiations
between a corporate or foreign entity and one or more financial institutions
("Lenders"). Certain of the Fund's investments in Loans in emerging markets are
expected to be in the form of participations in Loans ("Participations") and
assignments of portions of Loans from third parties ("Assignments").
Participations typically will result in the Fund having a contractual
relationship only with the Lender, not with the borrower. The Fund will have the
right to receive payments of principal, interest and any fees to which it is
entitled only from the Lender selling the Participation and only upon receipt by
the Lender of the payments from the borrower. In connection with purchasing
Participations, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by
the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement relating to the Loan ("Loan
Agreement"), nor any rights of set-off against the borrower, and the Fund may
not directly benefit from any collateral supporting the Loan in which it has
purchased the Participation. As a result, the Fund will assume the credit risk
of both the borrower and the Lender that is selling the Participation.
In the event of the insolvency of the Lender selling a Participation, the
Fund may be treated as a general creditor of the Lender and may not benefit from
any set-off between the Lender and the borrower. The Fund will acquire
Participations only if the Lender interpositioned between the Fund and the
borrower is determined by the Investment Manager to be creditworthy. When the
Fund purchases Assignments from Lenders, the Fund will acquire direct rights
against the borrower on the Loan. However, since Assignments are arranged
through private negotiations between potential assignees and assignors, the
rights and obligations acquired by the Fund as the purchaser of an Assignment
may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the assigning Lender.
The Fund may have difficulty disposing of Assignments and Participations.
The liquidity of such securities is limited and the Fund anticipates that such
securities could be sold only to a limited number of institutional investors.
The lack of a liquid secondary market could have an adverse impact on the value
of such securities and on the Fund's ability to dispose of particular
Assignments or Participations when necessary to meet the Fund's liquidity needs
or in response to a specific economic event, such as a deterioration in the
creditworthiness of the borrower. The lack of a liquid secondary market for
Assignments and Participations also may make it more difficult for the fund to
assign a value to those securities for purposes of valuing the Fund's portfolio
and calculating its net asset value.
ZERO COUPON SECURITIES -- Certain of the Funds may invest in certain zero
coupon securities that are "stripped" U.S. Treasury notes and bonds. The Funds
also may invest in zero coupon and other deep discount securities issued by
foreign governments and domestic and foreign corporations, including certain
Brady Bonds and other foreign debt and payment-in-kind securities. Zero coupon
securities pay no interest to holders prior to maturity, and payment-in-kind
securities pay interest in the form of additional securities. However, a portion
of the original issue discount on zero coupon securities and the "interest" on
payment-in-kind securities will be included in the investing Fund's income.
Accordingly, for the Fund to qualify for tax treatment as a regulated investment
company and to avoid certain taxes (see "Taxes" in the Statement of Additional
Information), the Fund may be required to distribute an amount that is greater
than the total amount of cash it actually receives. These distributions must be
made from the Fund's cash assets or, if necessary, from the proceeds of sales of
portfolio securities. The Fund will not be able to purchase additional
income-producing securities with cash used to make such distributions and its
current income ultimately may be reduced as a result. Zero coupon and
payment-in-kind securities usually trade at a deep discount from their face or
par value and will be subject to greater fluctuations of market value in
response to changing interest rates than debt obligations of comparable
maturities that make current distributions of interest in cash.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS, REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND ROLL TRANSACTIONS
- -- Each of the Funds may enter into repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements
are transactions in which the purchaser buys a debt security from a bank or
recognized securities dealer and simultaneously commits to resell that security
to the bank or dealer at an agreed upon price, date and market rate of interest
unrelated to the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased security. Repurchase
agreements are considered to be loans which must be fully collateralized
including interest earned thereon during the entire term of the agreement. If
the institution defaults on the repurchase agreement, the Fund will retain
possession of the underlying securities. If bankruptcy proceedings are commenced
with respect to the seller, realization on the collateral by the Fund may be
delayed or limited and the Fund may incur additional costs. In such case, the
Fund will be subject to risks associated with changes in market value of the
collateral securities. The Fund intends to enter into repurchase agreements only
with banks and broker/dealers believed to present minimal credit risks.
The High Yield Fund may also enter into reverse repurchase agreements with
the same parties with whom it may enter into repurchase agreements. Under a
reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund would sell securities and agree to
repurchase them at a particular price at a future date. Reverse repurchase
agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities retained in
lieu of sale by the Fund may decline below the price of the securities the Fund
has sold but is obligated to repurchase. In the event the buyer of securities
under a reverse repurchase agreement files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent,
such buyer or its trustee or receiver may receive an extension of time to
determine whether to enforce the Fund's obligation to repurchase the securities,
and the Fund's use of the proceeds of the reverse repurchase agreement may
effectively be restricted pending such decision.
The High Yield Fund also may enter into "dollar rolls," in which the Fund
sells fixed income securities for delivery in the current month and
simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon
and maturity) securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the
Fund would forego principal and interest paid on such securities. The Fund would
be compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the forward
price for the future purchase, as well as by the interest earned on the cash
proceeds of the initial sale. See "Investment Objectives and Policies" in the
Statement of Additional Information.
INVESTMENT METHODS
BORROWING -- Each of the Funds may borrow money from banks as a temporary
measure for emergency purposes, or to facilitate redemption requests.
From time to time, it may be advantageous for the Funds to borrow money
rather than sell existing portfolio positions to meet redemption requests.
Accordingly, the Funds may borrow from banks and the High Yield Fund may borrow
through reverse repurchase agreements and "roll" transactions, in connection
with meeting requests for the redemption of Fund shares. High Yield Fund may
borrow up to 33 1/3 percent; Limited Maturity Bond, Municipal Bond and Cash
Funds may each borrow up to 10 percent; and Corporate Bond and U.S. Government
Fund may borrow up to 5 percent of total Fund assets. To the extent that a Fund
purchases securities while it has outstanding borrowings, it is using leverage,
i.e., using borrowed funds for investment. Leveraging will exaggerate the effect
on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of a Fund's
portfolio. Money borrowed for leveraging will be subject to interest costs that
may or may not be recovered by appreciation of the securities purchased; in
certain cases, interest costs may exceed the return received on the securities
purchased. A Fund also may be required to maintain minimum average balances in
connection with such borrowing or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a
line of credit; either of these requirements would increase the cost of
borrowing over the stated interest rate. It is not expected that Cash Fund would
purchase securities while it had borrowings outstanding.
OPTIONS AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS -- In seeking to protect against interest
rate changes that are adverse to its present or prospective positions, the High
Yield Fund may employ certain risk management practices involving the use of
options and futures contracts and options on futures contracts on U.S. and
foreign government securities. The Municipal Bond Fund may employ the use of
futures contracts on U.S. government securities and municipal bond indices. The
High Yield Fund also may enter into interest rate and index swaps and purchase
or sell related caps, floors and collars. Investment in derivative securities
will be utilized for hedging purposes and not for speculation. See "Swaps, Caps,
Floors and Collars" below. See also "Derivative Instruments: Options and Futures
Strategies" in the Statement of Additional Information. There can be no
assurance that a Fund's risk management practices will succeed.
Certain Funds may purchase put and call options and write such options on a
"covered" basis on securities that are traded on recognized securities exchanges
and over-the-counter ("OTC") markets. The Fund will cause its custodian to
segregate cash or liquid securities having a value sufficient to meet the Fund's
obligations under the option. The Funds also may enter into interest rate
futures contracts and purchase and write options to buy and sell such futures
contracts, to the extent permitted under regulations of the Commodities Futures
Trading Commission ("CFTC"). The Funds will not employ these practices for
speculation; however, these practices may result in the loss of principal under
certain conditions. In addition, certain provisions of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended ("Code"), limit the extent to which a Fund may enter into
forward contracts or futures contracts or engage in options transactions. See
"Taxes" in the Statement of Additional Information.
SWAPS, CAPS, FLOORS AND COLLARS -- High Yield Fund may enter into interest
rate and index swaps, and the purchase or sale of related caps, floors and
collars. The Fund expects to enter into these transactions primarily to preserve
a return or spread on a particular investment or portion of its portfolio as a
technique for managing the portfolio's duration (i.e., the price sensitivity to
changes in interest rates) or to protect against any increase in the price of
securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date. The Fund intends to
use these transactions as hedges and not as speculative investments, and will
not sell interest rate caps or floors if it does not own securities or other
instruments providing the income the Fund may be obligated to pay.
Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of
their respective commitments to pay or receive interest (for example, an
exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments) with respect to a
notional amount of principal.
The purchase of a cap entitles the purchaser to receive payments on a
notional principal amount from the party selling the cap to the extent that a
specified index exceeds a predetermined interest rate. The purchase of an
interest rate floor entitles the purchaser to receive payments on a notional
principal amount from the party selling the floor to the extent that a specified
index falls below a predetermined interest rate or amount. A collar is a
combination of a cap and a floor that preserves a certain return within a
predetermined range of interest rates or values.
AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS (ADRS) -- The High Yield Fund may invest in
sponsored ADRs. ADRs are dollar-denominated receipts issued generally by U.S.
banks and which represent the deposit with the bank of a foreign company's
securities. ADRs are publicly traded on exchanges or over-the-counter in the
United States. Investors should consider carefully the substantial risks
involved in investing in securities issued by companies of foreign nations,
which are in addition to the usual risks inherent in domestic investments. See
"Foreign Investment Risks," below.
LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES -- Certain Funds may lend securities to
broker-dealers, institutional investors, or other persons to earn income. The
principal risk is the potential insolvency of the broker-dealer or other
borrower. In this event, the Fund could experience delays in recovering its
securities and possibly capital losses. Any loan will be continuously secured by
collateral at least equal to the value of the security loaned. Such lending
could result in delays in receiving additional collateral or in the recovery of
the securities or possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower
fail financially.
RISK FACTORS
GENERAL RISK FACTORS -- Each Fund's net asset value will fluctuate,
reflecting fluctuations in the market value of its portfolio positions. The
value of fixed income securities held by the Funds generally fluctuates
inversely with interest rate movements. In other words, bond prices generally
fall as interest rates rise and generally rise as interest rates fall. Longer
term bonds held by the Funds are subject to greater interest rate risk. There is
no assurance that any Fund will achieve its investment objective.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT RISK -- Investment in foreign securities involves risks
and considerations not present in domestic investments. Foreign companies
generally are not subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial
reporting standards, practices and requirements comparable to those applicable
to U.S. companies. The securities of non-U.S. issuers generally are not
registered with the SEC, nor are the issuers thereof usually subject to the
SEC's reporting requirements. Accordingly, there may be less publicly available
information about foreign securities and issuers than is available with respect
to U.S. securities and issuers. A Fund's income and gains from foreign issuers
may be subject to non-U.S. withholding or other taxes, thereby reducing their
income and gains. In addition, with respect to some foreign countries, there is
the increased possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, limitations
on the removal of funds or other assets of the Fund, political or social
instability, or diplomatic developments which could affect the investments of
the Fund in those countries. Moreover, individual foreign economies may differ
favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of
gross national product, rate of inflation, rate of savings and capital
reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments positions.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTMENT IN EMERGING MARKETS -- Certain of the
Funds may invest in emerging markets. Because of the special risks associated
with investing in emerging markets, an investment in a Fund making such
investments should be considered speculative. Investors are strongly advised to
consider carefully the special risks involved in emerging markets, which are in
addition to the usual risks of investing in developed foreign markets around the
world. Investing in emerging markets involves risks relating to potential
political economic instability within such markets and the risks of
expropriation, nationalization, confiscation of assets and property or the
imposition of restrictions on foreign investment and on repatriation of capital
invested. In the event of such expropriation, nationalization or other
confiscation in any emerging market, the Fund could lose its entire investment
in that market. Many emerging market countries have experienced substantial, and
in some periods extremely high, rates of inflation for many years. Inflation and
rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had and may continue to have negative
effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging market
countries. Economies in emerging markets generally are dependent heavily upon
international trade and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be affected
adversely by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative
currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the
countries with which they trade. These economies also have been and may continue
to be affected adversely by economic conditions in the countries with which they
trade.
The securities markets of emerging countries are substantially smaller,
less developed, less liquid and more volatile than the securities markets of the
United States and other more developed countries. Disclosure and regulatory
standards in many respects are less stringent than in the United States and
other major markets. There also may be a lower level of monitoring and
regulation of emerging securities markets and the activities of investors in
such markets, and enforcement of existing regulations has been extremely
limited. Investments may also be made in former communist countries. There is a
possibility that these countries may revert to communism. In addition, brokerage
commissions, custodial services and other costs relating to investment in
foreign markets generally are more expensive than in the United States,
particularly with respect to emerging markets. Such markets have different
settlement and clearance procedures. In certain markets there have been times
when settlements have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities
transactions, making it difficult to conduct such transactions. The inability of
a Fund to make intended securities purchases due to settlement problems could
cause it to forego attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of
a portfolio security caused by settlement problems could result either in losses
to a Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio security or, if a
Fund has entered into a contract to sell the security, could result in possible
liability to the purchaser.
The risk also exists that an emergency situation may arise in one or more
emerging markets as a result of which trading of securities may cease or may be
substantially curtailed and prices for a Fund's portfolio securities in such
markets may not be readily available. Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act permits a
registered investment company to suspend redemption of its shares for any period
during which an emergency exists, as determined by the SEC. Accordingly, when a
Fund believes that appropriate circumstances warrant, it will promptly apply to
the SEC for a determination that an emergency exists within the meaning of
Section 22(e) of the 1940 Act. During the period commencing from a Fund's
identification of such conditions until the date of SEC action, the portfolio
securities of a Fund in the affected markets will be valued at fair value as
determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Fund's Board of
Directors.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH LOWER-RATED DEBT SECURITIES (JUNK BONDS) -- Certain
of the Funds may invest in higher yielding debt securities in the lower rating
(higher risk) categories of the recognized rating services (commonly referred to
as "junk bonds"). Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C by S&P and rated Ba, B, Caa,
Ca and C by Moody's, is 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. For S&P, BB indicates the lowest
degree of speculation and C the highest degree of speculation. For Moody's, Ba
indicates the lowest degree of speculation and C the highest degree of
speculation. While such debt will likely have some quality and protective
characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk
exposures to adverse conditions. Similarly, debt rated Ba or BB and below is
regarded by the relevant rating agency as speculative. Debt rated C by Moody's
or S&P is the lowest quality debt that is not in default as to principal or
interest and such issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor
prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing. Such securities are
also generally considered to be subject to greater risk than higher quality
securities with regard to a deterioration of general economic conditions.
Ratings of debt securities represent the rating agency's opinion regarding their
quality and are not a guarantee of quality. Rating agencies 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 quality in response to subsequent events, so that an issuer's
current financial condition may be better or worse than a rating indicates.
The market value of lower quality debt securities tend to reflect
individual developments of the issuer to a greater extent than do higher quality
securities, which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of
interest rates. In addition, lower quality debt securities tend to be more
sensitive to economic conditions and generally have more volatile prices than
higher quality securities. Issuers of lower quality securities are often highly
leveraged and may not have available to them more traditional methods of
financing. For example, during an economic downturn or a sustained period of
rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers of lower quality securities may
experience financial stress. During such periods, such issuers may not have
sufficient revenues to meet their interest payment obligations. The issuer's
ability to service its debt obligations may also be adversely affected by
specific developments affecting the issuer, such as the issuer's inability to
meet specific projected business forecasts or the unavailability of additional
financing. Similarly, certain emerging market governments that issue lower
quality debt securities are among the largest debtors to commercial banks,
foreign governments and supranational organizations such as the World Bank and
may not be able or willing to make principal and/or interest repayments as they
come due. The risk of loss due to default by the issuer is significantly greater
for the holders of lower quality securities because such securities are
generally unsecured and are often subordinated to other creditors of the issuer.
Lower quality debt securities of corporate issuers frequently have call or
buy-back features which would permit an issuer to call or repurchase the
security from the Fund. If an issuer exercises these provisions in a declining
interest rate market, the Fund may have to replace the security with a lower
yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for investors. In addition,
the Fund may have difficulty disposing of lower quality securities because there
may be a thin trading market for such securities. There may be no established
retail secondary market for many of these securities, and the Fund anticipates
that such securities could be sold only to a limited number of dealers or
institutional investors. The lack of a liquid secondary market also may have an
adverse impact on market prices of such instruments and may make it more
difficult for the Fund to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of
valuing the securities in the portfolio of the Fund.
Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on
fundamental analysis, may also decrease the values and liquidity of lower
quality securities, especially in a thinly traded market. The High Yield Fund
also may acquire lower quality debt securities during an initial underwriting or
may acquire lower quality debt securities which are sold without registration
under applicable securities laws. Such securities involve special considerations
and risks.
Factors having an adverse effect on the market value of lower rated
securities or their equivalents purchased by the Fund will adversely impact net
asset value of the Fund. See "Risk Factors" in the Statement of Additional
Information. In addition to the foregoing, such factors may include: (i)
potential adverse publicity; (ii) heightened sensitivity to general economic or
political conditions; and (iii) the likely adverse impact of a major economic
recession. The Fund also may incur additional expenses to the extent it is
required to seek recovery upon a default in the payment of principal or interest
on its portfolio holdings, and the Fund may have limited legal recourse in the
event of a default. Debt securities issued by governments in emerging markets
can differ from debt obligations issued by private entities in that remedies
from defaults generally must be pursued in the courts of the defaulting
government, and legal recourse is therefore somewhat diminished. Political
conditions, in terms of a government's willingness to meet the terms of its debt
obligations, also are of considerable significance. There can be no assurance
that the holders of commercial bank debt may not contest payments to the holders
of debt securities issued by governments in emerging markets in the event of
default by the governments under commercial bank loan agreements.
The Investment Manager will attempt to minimize the speculative risks
associated with investments in lower quality securities through credit analyses
and by carefully monitoring current trends in interest rates, political
developments and other factors. Nonetheless, investors should carefully review
the investment objectives and policies of the Funds and consider their ability
to assume the investment risks involved before making an investment in the
Funds.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS
The management of the Funds' business and affairs is the responsibility of
the Board of Directors. Security Management Company, LLC (the "Investment
Manager"), 700 Harrison Street, Topeka, Kansas, is responsible for selection and
management of the Funds' portfolio investments. The Investment Manager is a
limited liability company which is ultimately controlled by Security Benefit
Life Insurance Company, a life insurance company with over $7.4 billion of
insurance in force. The Investment Manager also acts as investment adviser to
Security Equity, Growth and Income, and Ultra Funds and SBL Fund. The Investment
Manager currently manages approximately $4.6 billion in assets.
The Investment Manager has engaged Salomon Brothers Asset Management
Inc ("Salomon Brothers"), 7 World Trade Center, New York, NY 10048, to provide
investment advisory services to the Municipal Bond Fund. Salomon Brothers is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Salomon Brothers Holding Company, Inc., which is
wholly-owned by Salomon Smith Barney Holdings, Inc., which is, in turn,
wholly-owned by Travelers Group, Inc. Salomon Brothers was incorporated in 1987
and together with Salomon Brothers affiliates in London, Frankfurt, Tokyo and
Hong Kong, provides a broad range of investment advisory services to various
individuals and institutional clients located throughout the world and serves as
investment adviser to various investment companies. Currently Salomon Brothers
and its affiliates manage approximately $26.6 billion in assets.
Subject to the supervision and direction of the Funds' Board of Directors,
the Investment Manager manages the Fund portfolios in accordance with each
Fund's stated investment objective and policies and makes all investment
decisions. As to the Municipal Bond Fund, the Investment Manager supervises the
management of the Fund's portfolio by the Sub-Adviser, Salomon Brothers. The
Investment Manager has agreed that total annual expenses of the respective Funds
(including for any fiscal year, the management fee, but excluding interest,
taxes, brokerage commissions, extraordinary expenses and Class B distribution
fees) shall not for the Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government
and High Yield Funds exceed the level of expenses which the Funds are permitted
to bear under the most restrictive expense limitation imposed by any state in
which shares of the Fund are then qualified for sale and shall not for Cash Fund
exceed one percent of each Fund's average net assets for the year. (The
Investment Manager is not aware of any state that currently imposes limits on
the level of mutual fund expenses.) The Investment Manager has agreed that total
expenses of Municipal Bond Fund (including for any fiscal year, the management
fee, but excluding interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses and Class A and Class
B distribution fees) shall not exceed one percent of the Fund's average net
assets for the year. The Investment Manager will contribute such funds to the
Funds or waive such portion of its compensation as may be necessary to insure
that such total annual expenses do not exceed any such limitation. As
compensation for its management services, the Investment Manager receives on an
annual basis, .5 percent of the average daily net assets of Corporate Bond,
Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, Municipal Bond and Cash Funds and .6
percent of the average daily net assets of the High Yield Fund, computed on a
daily basis and payable monthly.
The Investment Manager also acts as the administrative agent for the Funds,
and as such performs administrative functions, and the bookkeeping, accounting
and pricing functions for the Funds. For this service the Investment Manager
receives on an annual basis, a fee of .09 percent of the average daily net
assets of Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High Yield and
Municipal Bond Funds and .045 percent of the average daily net assets of Cash
Fund, calculated daily and payable monthly. The Investment Manager also acts as
the transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent for the Funds. The Funds'
expenses include fees paid to the Investment Manager as well as expenses of
brokerage commissions, interest, taxes, Class B distribution fees and
extraordinary expenses approved by the Board of Directors of the Funds.
For the year ended December 31, 1997, the total expenses, as a percentage
of average net assets, were 1.07 percent for Class A and 1.85 percent for Class
B shares of Corporate Bond Fund; .60 percent for Class A and 1.68 percent for
Class B shares of U.S. Government Fund; .55 percent for Class A and 1.50 percent
for Class B shares of Limited Maturity Bond Fund; .87 percent of Class A shares
and 1.80 percent of Class B shares of High Yield Fund; .82 percent for Class A
shares and 2.00 percent for Class B shares of Municipal Bond Fund; and .90
percent for Cash Fund.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
The Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government Bond, High
Yield, Municipal Bond and Cash Funds are managed by the Investment Manager's
Fixed Income Team with certain portfolio managers being responsible for the
day-to-day management of each particular Fund. Steve Bowser, Second Vice
President and Portfolio Manager, and David Eshnaur, Assistant Vice President and
Portfolio Manager of the Investment Manager, have day-to-day responsibility for
managing Corporate Bond and Limited Maturity Bond Funds. Mr. Bowser has managed
the Funds since June 1997 and Mr. Eshnaur has managed the Funds since January
1998. Mr. Bowser also has day-to-day responsibility for managing U.S. Government
Fund since 1995. Tom Swank, Vice President and Portfolio Manager of the
Investment Manager, and David Eshnaur have day-to-day responsibility for
managing the High Yield Fund. Mr. Swank has managed the Fund since its inception
in 1996 and Mr. Eshnaur has managed the Fund since July 1997. Municipal Bond
Fund is managed by Marybeth Whyte of Salomon Brothers. Ms. Whyte has had
day-to-day responsibility for managing the Fund since May 1998.
Steve Bowser joined the Investment Manager in 1992. Prior to joining the
Investment Manager, he was Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager with
the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka from 1989 to 1992. He was employed at the
Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City in 1988 and began his career with the Farm
Credit System from 1982 to 1987, serving as a Senior Financial Analyst and
Assistant Controller. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Kansas
State University in 1982. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
David Eshnaur is Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager of the
Investment Manager. Mr. Eshnaur has 15 years of investment experience. Prior to
joining the Investment Manager in 1997, he worked at Waddell & Reed in the
positions of Assistant Vice President, Assistant Portfolio Manager, Senior
Analyst, Industry Analyst and Account Administrator. Mr. Eshnaur earned a
Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Coe College and an
M.B.A. degree in Finance from the University of Missouri - Kansas City.
Tom Swank has over ten years of experience in the investment field. He is a
Chartered Financial Analyst. Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 1992, he
was an Investment Underwriter and Portfolio Manager for U.S. West Financial
Services, Inc. from 1986 to 1992. From 1984 to 1986, he was a Commercial Credit
Officer for United Bank of Denver. From 1982 to 1984, he was employed as a Bank
Holding Company examiner for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City - Denver
Branch. Mr. Swank graduated from Miami University in Ohio with a Bachelor of
Science degree in finance in 1982 and earned a Master of Business Administration
degree from the University of Colorado.
Marybeth Whyte is a Senior Portfolio Manager at Salomon Brothers. Prior to
joining Salomon Brothers in 1994, Ms. Whyte was a Senior Vice President and head
of the Municipal Bond Area at Fiduciary Trust Company International, where her
responsibilities included actively managing and advising portfolios with assets
of approximately $1.3 billion. Ms. Whyte was a member of the Fixed Income
Investment Policy Committee at Fiduciary Trust Company International. Ms.
Whyte's previous experience includes managing high net worth individual
portfolios, mutual funds and pension funds while employed by U.S. Trust Company
and Bernstein-Macaulay Inc. Ms. Whyte received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
from S.U.N.Y Oneonta and an M.B.A. in Finance from Bernard M. Baruch College.
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE
Like other mutual funds, as well as other financial and business
organizations around the world, the Funds could be adversely affected if the
computer systems used by the Investment Manager, and other service providers, in
performing its administrative functions do not properly process and calculate
date-related information and data before, during and after January 1, 2000. Some
computer software and hardware systems currently cannot distinguish between the
year 2000 and the year 1900 or some other date because for the way date fields
were encoded.
The Investment Manager has adopted a plan to be "Year 2000 Compliant" with
respect to both its internally built systems as well as systems provided by
external vendors. "Year 2000 Compliant" means that systems and programs which
require modification will have the date fields expanded to include the century
information and that for interfaces to external organizations as well as new
systems development the year portion of the date field will be expanded to four
digits using the format YYYYMMDD. The Investment Manager's overall approach to
addressing the Year 2000 issue is as follows: (1) to inventory its internal and
external hardware, software, telecommunications and data transmissions to
customers and conduct a risk assessment with respect to the impact that a
failure of any such system would have on its business operations; (2) to modify
or replace its internal systems and obtain vendor certifications of Year 2000
compliance for systems provided by vendors or replace such systems that are not
Year 2000 Compliant; and (3) to implement and test its systems for Year 2000
compliance. The Investment Manager has completed the inventory of its internal
and external systems and has made substantial progress toward completing the
modification/replacement of its internal systems as well as towards obtaining
Year 2000 Compliant certifications from its external vendors. Overall systems
testing is scheduled to commence in December 1998 and extend into the first six
months of 1999.
Although the Investment Manager has taken steps to ensure that its systems
will function properly before, during and after the Year 2000, its key operating
systems and information sources are provided by or through external vendors
which creates uncertainty to the extent the Investment Manager is relying on the
assurance of such vendors as to whether their systems will be Year 2000
Compliant. The costs or consequences of incomplete or untimely resolution of the
Year 2000 issue are unknown to the Investment Manager at this time but could
have a material adverse impact on the operations of the Funds and the Investment
Manager.
The Year 2000 problem is expected to impact companies, which may include
issuers of portfolio securities held by the Funds, to varying degrees based upon
various factors, including, but not limited to, the company's industry and
degree of technological sophistication. The Funds and the Investment Manager are
unable to predict what impact, if any, the Year 2000 Problem will have on
issuers of the portfolio securities held by the Funds.
HOW TO PURCHASE SHARES
As discussed below, shares of Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S.
Government, High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds may be purchased with either a
front-end or contingent deferred sales charge. Shares of Cash Fund are offered
by the Fund without a sales charge. Each of the Funds reserves the right to
withdraw all or any part of the offering made by this prospectus and to reject
purchase orders.
As a convenience to investors and to save operating expenses, the Funds do
not issue certificates for Fund shares except upon written request by the
stockholder.
CORPORATE BOND, LIMITED MATURITY BOND, U.S. GOVERNMENT, HIGH YIELD AND MUNICIPAL
BOND FUNDS
Security Distributors, Inc. (the "Distributor"), a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Security Benefit Group, Inc., is principal underwriter for Corporate Bond,
Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds.
Shares of these Funds may be purchased through authorized investment dealers. In
addition, banks and other financial institutions that have an agreement with the
Distributor may make shares of these Funds available to their customers. The
minimum initial purchase must be $100 and subsequent purchases must be $100
unless made through an Accumulation Plan which allows subsequent purchases of
$20.
Orders for the purchase of shares of Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond,
U.S. Government, High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds will be confirmed at an
offering price equal to the net asset value per share next determined after
receipt of the order in proper form by the Distributor (generally as of the
close of the Exchange on that day) plus the sales charge in the case of Class A
shares. Orders received by dealers or other firms prior to the close of the
Exchange and received by the Distributor prior to the close of its business day
will be confirmed at the offering price effective as of the close of the
Exchange on that day.
Orders for shares received by broker/dealers prior to that day's close of
trading on the New York Stock Exchange and transmitted to the Fund prior to its
close of business that day will receive the offering price equal to the net
asset value per share computed at the close of trading on the Exchange on the
same day plus, in the case of Class A shares, the sales charge. Orders received
by broker/dealers after that day's close of trading on the Exchange and
transmitted to the Fund prior to the close of business on the next business day
will receive the next business day's offering price.
ALTERNATIVE PURCHASE OPTIONS
Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High Yield and Municipal
Bond Funds offer two classes of shares:
CLASS A SHARES - FRONT-END LOAD OPTION. Class A shares are sold with a
sales charge at the time of purchase. Class A shares are not subject to a sales
charge when they are redeemed (except that shares sold in an amount of
$1,000,000 or more without a front-end sales charge will be subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge for one year.) See Appendix C on page 3941 for
a discussion of possible reductions in the front-end sales charge.
CLASS B SHARES - BACK-END LOAD OPTION. Class B shares are sold without a
sales charge at the time of purchase, but are subject to a deferred sales charge
if they are redeemed within five years of the date of purchase. Class B shares
will automatically convert tax-free to Class A shares at the end of eight years
after purchase.
The decision as to which class is more beneficial to an investor depends on
the amount and intended length of the investment. Investors who would rather pay
the entire cost of distribution at the time of investment, rather than spreading
such cost over time, might consider Class A shares. Other investors might
consider Class B shares, in which case 100 percent of the purchase price is
invested immediately, depending on the amount of the purchase and the intended
length of investment. The Funds will not normally accept any purchase of Class B
shares in the amount of $250,000 or more.
Dealers or others receive different levels of compensation depending on
which class of shares they sell.
CLASS A SHARES
Class A shares of Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government,
High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds are offered at net asset value plus an
initial sales charge as follows:
SALES CHARGE
-----------------------------------
Applicable
Percentage Percentage Percentage
Amount of of of Reallowable
Purchases at Offering Net Amount to Dealers
Offering Price Price Invested
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Less than $50,000 4.75% 4.99% 4.00%
$50,000 but less than $100,000 3.75% 3.90% 3.00%
$100,000 but less than
$250,000 2.75% 2.83% 2.20%
$250,000 but less than
$1,000,000 1.75% 1.78% 1.40%
$1,000,000 and over None None (See below)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Purchases of Class A shares of the Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond,
U.S. Government, High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds in amounts of $1,000,000 or
more are made at net asset value (without a sales charge), but are subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge of one percent in the event of redemption
within one year following purchase. For a discussion of the contingent deferred
sales charge, see "Calculation and Waiver of Contingent Deferred Sales Charges"
on page 27.
The Distributor will pay a commission to dealers on such purchases of
$1,000,000 or more as follows: 1.00 percent on sales up to $5,000,000, plus .50
percent on sales of $5,000,000 or more up to $10,000,000 and .10 percent on any
amount of $10,000,000 or more.
CLASS A DISTRIBUTION PLANS
In addition to the sales charge deducted from Class A shares at the time of
purchase, each of Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High
Yield and Municipal Bond Funds is authorized, under a Distribution Plan pursuant
to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Class A
Distribution Plan"), to use its assets to finance certain activities relating to
the distribution of its shares to investors. Each Fund's Plan permits payments
to be made by these Funds to the Distributor, to finance various activities
relating to the distribution of their Class A shares to investors, including,
but not limited to, the payment of compensation (including incentive
compensation to securities dealers and other financial institutions and
organizations) to obtain various distribution-related and/or administrative
services for the Funds.
Under each Fund's Class A Distribution Plan, a monthly payment is made to
the Distributor in an amount computed at an annual rate of .25 percent of the
average daily net asset value of Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S.
Government, High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds' Class A shares. The
distribution fee is charged to each Fund in proportion to the relative net
assets of their Class A shares. The distribution fees collected may be used by
Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government and High Yield Funds to
finance joint distribution activities, for example advertisements promoting each
of the Funds and the costs of such joint activities will be allocated among the
Funds on a fair and equitable basis, including on the basis of the relative net
assets of their Class A shares.
Each Class A Distribution Plan authorizes payment by the Class A shares of
these Funds of the cost of preparing, printing and distributing prospectuses and
Statements of Additional Information to prospective investors and of
implementing and operating the Plan.
In addition, compensation to securities dealers and others is paid from
distribution fees at an annual rate of .25 percent of the average daily net
asset value of Class A shares sold by such dealers and remaining outstanding on
the Funds' books to obtain certain administrative services for the Funds' Class
A stockholders. The services include, among other things, processing new
stockholder account applications and serving as the primary source of
information to customers in answering questions concerning the Funds and their
transactions with the Funds. The Distributor is also authorized to engage in
advertising, the preparation and distribution of sales literature and other
promotional activities on behalf of Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S.
Government, High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds. Other promotional activities
which may be financed pursuant to the Plans include (i) informational meetings
concerning these Funds for registered representatives interested in selling
shares of the Funds and (ii) bonuses or incentives offered to all or specified
dealers on the basis of sales of a specified minimum dollar amount of Class A
shares of these Funds by the registered representatives employed by such
dealer(s). The expenses associated with the foregoing activities will include
travel expenses, including lodging. Additional information may be obtained by
referring to the Funds' Statement of Additional Information.
Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High Yield and
Municipal Bond Funds' Class A Distribution Plan may be terminated at any time by
vote of the directors of the respective Fund, who are not interested persons of
the Fund as defined in the 1940 Act or by vote of a majority of the Fund's
outstanding Class A shares. In the event any Class A Distribution Plan is
terminated by its Class A stockholders or the Board of Directors, the payments
made to the Distributor pursuant to the Plans up to that time would be retained
by the Distributor. Any expenses incurred by the Distributor in excess of those
payments would be absorbed by the Distributor.
CLASS B SHARES
Class B shares of Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government,
High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds are offered at net asset value, without an
initial sales charge. With certain exceptions, these Funds may impose a deferred
sales charge on Class B shares redeemed within five years of the date of
purchase. No deferred sales charge is imposed on amounts redeemed thereafter. If
imposed, the deferred sales charge is deducted from the redemption proceeds
otherwise payable. The deferred sales charge is retained by the Distributor.
Whether a contingent deferred sales charge is imposed and the amount of the
charge will depend on the number of years since the stockholder made a purchase
payment from which an amount is being redeemed, according to the following
schedule:
YEAR SINCE CONTINGENT DEFERRED
PURCHASE WAS MADE SALES CHARGE
First 5%
Second 4%
Third 3%
Fourth 3%
Fifth 2%
Sixth and following 0%
Class B shares (except shares purchased through the reinvestment of
dividends and other distributions paid with respect to Class B shares) will
automatically convert on the eighth anniversary of the date such shares were
purchased to Class A shares which are subject to a lower distribution fee. This
automatic conversion of Class B shares will take place without imposition of a
front-end sales charge or exchange fee. (Conversion of Class B shares
represented by stock certificates will require the return of the stock
certificates to the Investment Manager.) All shares purchased through
reinvestment of dividends and other distributions paid with respect to Class B
shares ("reinvestment shares") will be considered to be held in a separate
subaccount. Each time any Class B shares (other than those held in the
subaccount) convert to Class A shares, a pro rata portion of the reinvestment
shares held in the subaccount will also convert to Class A shares. Class B
shares so converted will no longer be subject to the higher expenses borne by
Class B shares. Because the net asset value per share of the Class A shares may
be higher or lower than that of the Class B shares at the time of conversion,
although the dollar value will be the same, a stockholder may receive more or
less Class A shares than the number of Class B shares converted. Under current
law, it is the Funds' opinion that such a conversion will not constitute a
taxable event under federal income tax law. In the event that this ceases to be
the case, the Board of Directors will consider what action, if any, is
appropriate and in the best interests of the Class B stockholders.
CLASS B DISTRIBUTION PLANS
Each of Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High Yield
and Municipal Bond Funds bears some of the costs of selling its Class B shares
under a Distribution Plan adopted with respect to its Class B shares ("Class B
Distribution Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of
1940 ("1940 Act"). Each Fund's Plan provides for payments at an annual rate of
1.00 percent of the average daily net asset value of its Class B shares. Amounts
paid by the Funds are currently used to pay dealers and other firms that make
Class B shares available to their customers (1) a commission at the time of
purchase normally equal to 4.00 percent of the value of each share sold and (2)
a service fee payable for the first year, initially, and for each year
thereafter, quarterly, in an amount equal to .25 percent annually of the average
daily net asset value of Class B shares sold by such dealers and other firms and
remaining outstanding on the books of the Funds.
NASD Rules limit the aggregate amount that each of the Funds may pay
annually in distribution costs for the sale of its Class B shares to 6.25
percent of gross sales of Class B shares since the inception of the Distribution
Plan, plus interest at the prime rate plus one percent on such amount (less any
contingent deferred sales charges paid by Class B stockholders to the
Distributor). The Distributor intends, but is not obligated, to continue to
apply or accrue distribution charges incurred in connection with the Class B
Distribution Plan which exceed current annual payments permitted to be received
by the Distributor from the Funds. The Distributor intends to seek full payment
of such charges from the Fund (together with annual interest thereon at the
prime rate plus one percent) at such time in the future as, and to the extent
that, payment thereof by the Funds would be within permitted limits.
Each Fund's Class B Distribution Plan may be terminated at any time by vote
of its directors who are not interested persons of the Fund as defined in the
1940 Act or by vote of a majority of the outstanding Class B shares. In the
event the Class B Distribution Plan is terminated by the Class B stockholders or
the Funds' Board of Directors, the payments made to the Distributor pursuant to
the Plan up to that time would be retained by the Distributor. Any expenses
incurred by the Distributor in excess of those payments would be absorbed by the
Distributor. The Funds make no payments in connection with the sale of their
Class B shares other than the distribution fee paid to the Distributor.
CALCULATION AND WAIVER OF
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES
Any contingent deferred sales charge imposed upon redemption of Class A
shares (purchased in an amount of $1,000,000 or more) and Class B shares is a
percentage of the lesser of (1) the net asset value of the shares redeemed or
(2) the net cost of such shares. No contingent deferred sales charge is imposed
upon redemption of amounts derived from (1) increases in the value above the net
cost of such shares due to increases in the net asset value per share of the
Fund; (2) shares acquired through reinvestment of income dividends and capital
gain distributions; or (3) Class A shares (purchased in an amount of $1,000,000
or more) held for more than one year or Class B shares held for more than five
years. Upon request for redemption, shares not subject to the contingent
deferred sales charge will be redeemed first. Thereafter, shares held the
longest will be the first to be redeemed.
The contingent deferred sales charge is waived: (1) following the death of
a stockholder if redemption is made within one year after death; (2) upon the
disability (as defined in Section 72(m)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code) of a
stockholder prior to age 65 if redemption is made within one year after the
disability, provided such disability occurred after the stockholder opened the
account; (3) in connection with required minimum distributions in the case of an
IRA, SAR-SEP or Keogh or any other retirement plan qualified under section
401(a), 401(k) or 403(b) of the Code; and (4) in the case of distributions from
retirement plans qualified under section 401(a) or 401(k) of the Internal
Revenue Code due to (i) returns of excess contributions to the plan, (ii)
retirement of a participant in the plan, (iii) a loan from the plan (repayment
of loans, however, will constitute new sales for purposes of assessing the
contingent deferred sales charge, (iv) "financial hardship" of a participant in
the plan, as that term is defined in Treasury Regulation section
1.401(k)1(d)(2), as amended from time to time, (v) termination of employment of
a participant in the plan, (vi) any other permissible withdrawal under the terms
of the plan. The contingent deferred sales charge also will be waived in the
case of redemptions of Class B shares of the Funds pursuant to a systematic
withdrawal program. See "Systematic Withdrawal Program," page 34 for details.
ARRANGEMENTS WITH BROKER-DEALERS AND OTHERS
The Distributor, from time to time, will provide promotional incentives or
pay a bonus to certain dealers whose representatives have sold or are expected
to sell significant amounts of the Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S.
Government, High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds and/or certain other Funds
managed by the Investment Manager. Such promotional incentives will include
payment for attendance (including travel and lodging expenses) by qualifying
registered representatives (and members of their families) at sales seminars at
luxury resorts within or outside the United States. Bonus compensation may
include reallowance of the entire sales charge and may also include, with
respect to Class A shares, an amount which exceeds the entire sales charge and,
with respect to Class B shares, an amount which exceeds the maximum commission.
The Distributor, or the Investment Manager, may also provide financial
assistance to certain dealers in connection with conferences, sales or training
programs for their employees, seminars for the public, advertising, sales
campaigns, and/or shareholder services and programs regarding one or more of the
funds managed by the Investment Manager. Certain of the promotional incentives
or bonuses may be financed by payments to the Distributor under a Rule 12b-1
Distribution Plan. The payment of promotional incentives and/or bonuses will not
change the price an investor will pay for shares or the amount that the Funds
will receive from such sale. No compensation will be offered to the extent it is
prohibited by the laws of any state or self-regulatory agency, such as the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"). A Dealer to whom
substantially the entire sales charge on Class A shares is reallowed may be
deemed to be an "underwriter" under federal securities laws.
The Distributor also may pay banks and other financial services firms that
facilitate transactions in shares of the Funds for their clients a transaction
fee up to the level of the payments made allowable to dealers for the sale of
such shares as described above. Banks currently are prohibited under the
Glass-Steagall Act from providing certain underwriting or distribution services.
If banking firms were prohibited from acting in any capacity or providing any of
the described services, the Funds' Board of Directors would consider what
action, if any, would be appropriate.
In addition, state securities laws on this issue may differ from the
interpretations of federal law expressed herein and banks and financial
institutions may be required to register as dealers pursuant to state law.
The Investment Manager or Distributor also may pay a marketing allowance to
dealers who meet certain eligibility criteria. This allowance is paid with
reference to new sales of shares of Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S.
Government, High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds in a calendar year. To be
eligible for this allowance in any given year, the dealer must sell a minimum of
$2,000,000 of Class A and Class B shares during that year. The marketing
allowance ranges from .15 percent to .75 percent of aggregate new sales
depending upon the volume of shares sold. See the Funds' Statement of Additional
Information for more detailed information about the marketing allowance.
CASH FUND
Shares of Cash Fund are offered at net asset value next determined after an
order is accepted. There is no sales charge or load. The minimum initial
investment in Cash Fund is $100 for each account. Subsequent investments may be
made in any amount of $20 or more. Cash Fund purchases may be made in any of the
following ways:
1. BY MAIL
(a) A check or negotiable bank draft should be sent to:
Security Cash Fund
P.O. Box 2548
Topeka, Kansas 66601
(b) Make check or draft payable to "SECURITY CASH FUND."
(c) For initial investment include a completed investment application found
on page 4 of this prospectus.
2. BY WIRE
(a) Call the Fund to advise of the investment. The Fund will supply an
account number at the time of the initial investment and provide
instructions for having your bank wire federal funds.
(b) For an initial investment, you must also send a completed investment
application to the Fund.
3. THROUGH BROKER/DEALERS
Investors may, if they wish, invest in Cash Fund by purchasing shares
through registered broker/dealers. Such broker/dealers who process orders on
behalf of their customers may charge a fee for their services. Investments made
directly without the assistance of a broker/dealer are without charge.
Since Cash Fund invests in money market securities which require immediate
payment in federal funds, monies received from the sales of its shares must be
monies held by a commercial bank and be on deposit at one of the Federal Reserve
Banks. A record date for each stockholder's investment is established each
business day and used to distribute the following day's dividend. If federal
funds are received prior to 2:00 p.m. (Central time) the investment will be made
on that day and the investor will receive the following day's dividend. Federal
funds received after 2:00 p.m. on any business day will not be invested until
the following business day. The Fund will not be responsible for any delays in
the wire transfer system. All checks are accepted subject to collection at full
face value in United States funds and must be drawn in United States dollars on
a United States bank.
The Investment Manager may, at its expense, pay a service fee to dealers
who satisfy certain criteria established by the Investment Manager from time to
time relating to the volume of their sales of Cash Fund during prior periods and
certain other factors, including providing certain services to their clients who
are stockholders of the Fund. Currently, service fees are paid on the aggregate
value of Cash Fund accounts opened after July 31, 1990, at the following annual
rate: .25 percent of aggregate net asset value for amounts of $1,000,000 or
more.
PURCHASES AT NET ASSET VALUE
Class A shares of Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond Fund, U.S.
Government, High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds may be purchased at net asset
value by (1) directors, officers and employees of the Funds, the Funds'
Investment Manager or Distributor; directors, officers and employees of Security
Benefit Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries; agents licensed with
Security Benefit Life Insurance Company; spouses or minor children of any such
agents; as well as the following relatives of any such directors, officers and
employees (and their spouses): spouses, grandparents, parents, children,
grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews; (2) any trust, pension, profit
sharing or other benefit plan established by any of the foregoing corporations
for persons described above; (3) retirement plans where third party
administrators of such plans have entered into certain arrangements with the
Distributor or its affiliates provided that no commission is paid to dealers;
and (4) officers, directors, partners or registered representatives (and their
spouses and minor children) of broker/dealers who have a selling agreement with
the Distributor. Such sales are made upon the written assurance of the purchaser
that the purchase is made for investment purposes and that the securities will
not be transferred or resold except through redemption or repurchase by or on
behalf of the Funds.
Class A shares of Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government,
High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds may also be purchased at net asset value
when the purchase is made on the recommendation of (i) a registered investment
adviser, trustee or financial intermediary who has authority to make investment
decisions on behalf of the investor; or (ii) a certified financial planner or
registered broker-dealer who either charges periodic fees to its customers for
financial planning, investment advisory or asset management services, or
provides such services in connection with the establishment of an investment
account for which a comprehensive "wrap fee" is imposed. The Distributor must be
notified when a purchase is made that qualifies under this provision.
TRADING PRACTICES AND BROKERAGE
The portfolio turnover rate for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997,
was as follows: Corporate Bond Fund - 120 percent; U.S. Government Fund - 39
percent; Limited Maturity Bond Fund - 76 percent; High Yield Fund - 87 percent;
Municipal Bond Fund - 48 percent. The Corporate Bond and Limited Maturity Bond
Funds' portfolio turnover rate generally is expected to be less than 100
percent, and that of the U.S. Government Fund may exceed 100 percent, but is not
expected to do so. The portfolio turnover rate for the High Yield Fund may
exceed 100 percent but it is generally not expected to exceed 150 percent.
Higher portfolio turnover subjects a fund to increased brokerage costs and may,
in some cases, have adverse tax effects on a fund or its stockholders.
Cash Fund is expected to have a high portfolio turnover rate due to the
short maturities of its portfolio securities; this should not, however, affect
the Fund's income or net asset value since brokerage commissions are not
normally paid in connection with the purchase or sale of money market
instruments.
Transactions in portfolio securities are effected in the manner deemed to
be in the best interests of each Fund. In selecting a broker or dealer to
execute a specific transaction, all relevant factors will be considered.
Portfolio transactions may be directed to brokers who furnish investment
information or research services to the Investment Manager or who sell shares of
the Funds. The Investment Manager may, consistent with the NASD's Conduct
Rules, consider sales of shares of the Fund in the selection of a broker.
Securities held by the Funds also may be held by other investment advisory
clients of the Investment Manager, including other investment companies, and by
the Investment Manager's parent company, Security Benefit Life Insurance Company
("SBL"). Purchases or sales of the same security occurring on the same day
(which may include orders from SBL) may be aggregated and executed as a single
transaction, subject to the Investment Manager's obligation to seek best
execution. Aggregated purchases or sales are generally effected at an average
price and on a pro rata basis (transaction costs will also be shared on a pro
rata basis) in proportion to the amounts desired to be purchased or sold. See
the Funds' Statement of Additional Information for a more detailed description
of aggregated transactions.
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
A stockholder may redeem shares at the net asset value next determined
after the time when such shares are tendered for redemption.
Shares will be redeemed on request of the stockholder in proper order to
the Funds' Investment Manager, Security Management Company, LLC, which serves as
the Funds' transfer agent. A request is made in proper order by submitting the
following items to the Investment Manager: (1) a written request for redemption
signed by all registered owners exactly as the account is registered, including
fiduciary titles, if any, and specifying the account number and the dollar
amount or number of shares to be redeemed; (2) a guarantee of all signatures on
the written request or on the share certificate or accompanying stock power; (3)
any share certificates issued for any of the shares to be redeemed; and (4) any
additional documents which may be required by the Investment Manager for
redemption by corporations or other organizations, executors, administrators,
trustees, custodians or the like. Transfers of shares are subject to the same
requirements. The signature guarantee must be provided by an eligible guarantor
institution, such as a bank, broker, credit union, national securities exchange
or savings association. A signature guarantee is not required for redemptions of
$10,000 or less, requested by and payable to all stockholders of record for an
account, to be sent to the address of record. The Investment Manager reserves
the right to reject any signature guarantee pursuant to its written procedures
which may be revised in the future. To avoid delay in redemption or transfer,
stockholders having questions should contact the Investment Manager by calling
1-800-888-2461, extension 3127.
The redemption price will be the net asset value of the shares next
computed after the redemption request in proper order is received by the
Investment Manager. In addition, stockholders of Cash Fund will receive any
undistributed dividends, including any dividend declared on the day of the
redemption. Payment of the amount due on redemption, less any applicable
deferred sales charge, will be made by check, or by wire at the sole discretion
of the Investment Manager, within seven days after receipt of the redemption
request in proper order. If a wire transfer is requested, the Investment Manager
must be provided with the name and address of the stockholder's bank as well as
the account number to which payment is to be wired. Checks will be mailed to the
stockholder's registered address (or as otherwise directed). Remittance by wire
(to a commercial bank account in the same name(s) as the shares are registered),
by certified or cashier's check, or by express mail, if requested, will be at a
charge of $15, which will be deducted from the redemption proceeds.
Cash Fund offers redemption by check. If blank checks are requested on the
Checking Privilege Request Form, the Fund will make a supply available. Such
checks may be drawn in any amount of $100 or more. When a check is presented to
Cash Fund for payment, it will redeem sufficient full and fractional shares to
cover the check. Such shares will be redeemed at the price next calculated
following receipt of any check which does not exceed the value of the account.
The price of Cash Fund shares may fluctuate from day-to-day and the price at the
time of redemption, by check or otherwise, may be less than the amount invested.
Redemption by check is not available if any shares are held in certificate form
or if shares being redeemed have not been on the Fund's books for at least 15
days. The availability of checkwriting privileges may encourage multiple
redemptions on an account. Whenever multiple redemptions occur, the difficulty
of monitoring the shareholder's cost basis in his or her investment increases.
In addition to the foregoing redemption procedures, the Funds repurchase
shares from broker/dealers at the price determined as of the close of business
on the day such offer is confirmed. Dealers may charge a commission on the
repurchase of shares.
At various times, requests may be made to redeem shares for which good
payment has not yet been received. Accordingly, payment of redemption proceeds
may be delayed until such time as good payment has been collected for the
purchase of the shares in question, which may take up to 15 days from the
purchase date.
Requests may also be made to redeem shares in an account for which the
stockholder's tax identification number has not been provided. To the extent
permitted by law, the redemption proceeds from such an account will be reduced
by $50 to reimburse for the penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue Service for
failure to report the tax identification number.
TELEPHONE REDEMPTIONS
Stockholders may redeem uncertificated shares in amounts up to $10,000 by
telephone request, provided that the stockholder has completed the Telephone
Redemption section of the application or a Telephone Redemption form which may
be obtained from the Investment Manager. The proceeds of a telephone redemption
will be sent to the stockholder at his or her address as set forth in the
application or in a subsequent written authorization with a signature guarantee.
Once authorization has been received by the Investment Manager, a stockholder
may redeem shares by calling the Funds at (800) 888-2461, extension 3127, on
weekdays (except holidays) between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Central
time. Redemption requests received by telephone after the close of the New York
Stock Exchange (normally 3 p.m. Central time) will be treated as if received on
the next business day. Telephone redemptions are not accepted for IRA and
403(b)(7) accounts. A stockholder who authorizes telephone redemptions
authorizes the Investment Manager to act upon the instructions of any person
identifying themselves as the owner of the account or the owner's broker. The
Investment Manager has established procedures to confirm that instructions
communicated by telephone are genuine and will be liable for any losses due to
fraudulent or unauthorized instructions if it fails to comply with its
procedures. The Investment Manager's procedures require that any person
requesting a telephone redemption provide the account registration and number
and the owner's tax identification number, and such instructions must be
received on a recorded line. Neither the Fund, the Investment Manager, nor the
Distributor shall be liable for any loss, liability, cost or expense arising out
of any telephone redemption request, provided the Investment Manager complied
with its procedures. Thus, a stockholder who authorizes telephone redemptions
may bear the risk of loss from a fraudulent or unauthorized request. The
telephone redemption privilege may be changed or discontinued at any time by the
Investment Manager or the Funds.
During periods of severe market or economic conditions, telephone
redemptions may be difficult to implement and stockholders should make
redemptions by mail as described in "How to Redeem Shares" on page 29.
DIVIDENDS AND TAXES
It is the policy of Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government,
High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds to pay dividends from net investment income
monthly. It is the policy of Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S.
Government, High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds to distribute realized capital
gains (if any) in excess of any capital losses and capital loss carryovers, at
least once a year. Because Class A shares of Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity
Bond, U.S. Government, High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds bear most of the
costs of distribution of such shares through payment of a front-end sales
charge, while Class B shares of these Funds bear such costs through a higher
distribution fee, expenses attributable to Class B shares, generally, will be
higher and as a result, income distributions paid by these Funds with respect to
Class B shares generally will be lower than those paid with respect to Class A
shares. Any such dividend payment or capital gains distribution will result in a
decrease of the net asset value of the shares in an amount equal to the payment
or distribution. All dividends and distributions are automatically reinvested on
the payable date in shares of the Funds at net asset value as of the record date
(reduced by an amount equal to the amount of the dividend or distribution)
unless the Investment Manager is previously notified in writing by the
stockholder that such dividends or distributions are to be received in cash. A
stockholder may also request that such dividends or distributions be directly
deposited to the stockholder's bank account. Dividends or distributions paid
with respect to Class A shares and received in cash may, within 30 days of the
payment date, be reinvested without a sales charge.
Each of Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government and High
Yield Funds (series of Income Fund), is to be treated separately in determining
the amounts of income and capital gains distributions. For this purpose, each
series will reflect only the income and gains, net of losses, of that series.
The following summarizes certain federal income tax considerations
generally affecting the Funds, their stockholders and each underlying Series.
See the Statement of Additional Information for further details. No attempt is
made to present a detailed explanation of the tax treatment of the Funds or
their stockholders, and the discussion here and in the Statement of Additional
Information is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. The
discussion is based upon present provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code"), the regulations promulgated thereunder, and
judicial and administrative ruling authorities, all of which are subject to
change, which change may be retroactive. The discussion applies only to
beneficial owners of Fund shares in whose hands such shares are capital assets
within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code, and may not apply to certain
types of beneficial owners of shares (such as insurance companies, tax-exempt
organizations, and broker-dealers who may be subject to special rules. Persons
who may be subject to tax in more than one country should consult the provisions
of any applicable tax treaty to determine the potential tax consequences to
them. Prospective investors should consult their own tax advisors with regard to
the federal tax consequences of the purchase ownership, and disposition of Fund
shares, as well as the tax consequences arising under the laws of any state,
foreign country, or other taxing jurisdiction.
Certain requirements relating to the qualification of a Fund as a regulated
investment company may limit the extent to which a Fund will be able to engage
in certain investment practices, including transactions in options, futures
contracts, forwards, swaps and other types of derivative securities
transactions. In addition, if a Fund were unable to dispose of portfolio
securities due to settlement problems relating to foreign investments or due to
the holding of illiquid securities, the Fund's ability to qualify as a regulated
investment company might be affected.
Cash Fund's policy is to declare daily dividends of all of its net income
each day the Fund is open for business, increased or decreased by any realized
capital gains or losses. Such dividends are automatically credited to
stockholder accounts. Unless stockholders elect to receive cash, they will
receive such dividends in additional shares on the last business day of each
month at the net asset value on that date. If cash payment of dividends is
desired, investors may so indicate in the appropriate section of the Cash Fund
application and checks will be mailed within five business days after the
beginning of the month. Confirmation of Cash Fund dividends will be sent
quarterly, and confirmations of purchases and redemptions will be sent monthly.
The amount of dividends may fluctuate from day to day. If on any day net
realized or unrealized losses on portfolio securities exceed Cash Fund's income
for that day and results in a decline of net asset value per share below $1.00,
the dividend for that day will be omitted until the net asset value per share
subsequently returns to $1.00 per share.
The Funds will not pay dividends or distributions of less than $25 in cash
but will automatically reinvest them.
Each of the Funds intends to qualify to be taxed seperately as a "regulated
investment company" under the Internal Revenue Code. As a regulated investment
company, each Fund generally is exempt from federal income tax on its net
investment income and realized capital gains which it distributes to
stockholders, provided the Fund continues to so qualify and distributes all or
substantially all of its net investment income and net realized capital gain to
its stockholders. Furthermore, the Funds generally will not be subject to excise
taxes imposed on certain regulated investment companies provided that each Fund
distributes 98 percent of its ordinary income and 98 percent of its net capital
gain income each year.
Municipal Bond Fund intends to qualify to pay "exempt interest dividends"
to its stockholders. Municipal Bond Fund will be so qualified if, at the close
of each quarter of its taxable year, at least 50 percent of the value of its
total assets consists of securities on which the interest payments are exempt
from federal tax. To the extent that Municipal Bond Fund's dividends distributed
to stockholders are derived from earnings on interest income exempt from federal
tax and are designated as "exempt-interest dividends" by the Fund, they will be
excludable from a stockholder's gross income for federal income tax purposes.
The Fund will inform stockholders annually as to the portion of that year's
distributions from the Fund which constituted "exempt-interest dividends."
Although exempt-interest dividends paid by the Municipal Bond Fund will be
excluded by shareholders of the Fund from their gross income for regular federal
income tax purposes, under the Code all or a portion of such dividends may be
(i) a preference item for purposes of the alternative minimum tax, (ii) a
component of the "ACE" adjustment for purposes of determining the amount of
corporate alternative minimum tax or (iii) a factor in determining the extent to
which a shareholder's Social Security or railroad retirement benefits are
taxable. Moreover, the receipt of exempt-interest dividends from the Fund affect
the federal tax liability of certain foreign corporations, S Corporations and
insurance companies. Furthermore, under the Code, interest on indebtedness
incurred or continued to purchase or carry portfolio shares, which interest is
deemed to relate to exempt-interest dividends, will not be deductible by
shareholders of the Fund for federal income tax purposes.
The exemption of exempt-interest dividend income from regular federal
income taxation does not necessarily result in similar exemptions for such
income under tax laws of state or local taxing authorities. In general, states
exempt from state income tax only that portion of any exempt-interest dividend
that is derived from interest received by a regulated investment company on its
holdings of obligations issued by that state or its political subdivisions and
instrumentalities.
To the extent that Municipal Bond Fund's dividends are derived from
interest on its temporary taxable investments or from an excess of net
short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss, they are considered
taxable ordinary income for federal income tax purposes. Such dividends do not
qualify for the dividends-received deduction for corporations. Distributions by
Municipal Bond Fund, if any, of net long-term capital gains in excess of net
short-term capital losses from the sale of securities are taxable to
stockholders as long-term capital gain regardless of the length of time the
stockholder has owned Fund shares, and will be taxable at a maximum rate of 20%
or 28%, depending upon the Fund's holding period for the securities sold.
Furthermore, a loss realized by a stockholder on the redemption, sale or
exchange of shares of Municipal Bond Fund with respect to which exempt-interest
dividends have been paid will be disallowed to the extent of the amount of such
exempt-interest dividends if such shares have been held by the stockholder for
six months or less.
Distributions of net investment income and realized net short-term capital
gain by Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High Yield and
Cash Funds are taxable to stockholders as ordinary income whether received in
cash or reinvested in additional shares. Distributions of net capital gain,
whether received in cash or reinvested in Fund shares, will generally be taxable
to shareholders as either "20% Rate Gain" or "28% Rate Gain" depending upon the
Fund's holding period for the assets sold. "20% Rate Gains" arise from sales of
assets held by a Fund for more than 18 months and are subject to a maximum tax
rate of 20%; "28% Rate Gains" arise from sales of assets held by a Fund for more
than one year but no more than 18 months and are subject to a maximum tax rate
of 28%. Net capital gains from assets held for one year or less will be taxed as
ordinary income. Distributions will be subject to these capital gains rates
regardless of how long shareholder has held Fund shares. Since Cash Fund
normally will not invest in securities having a maturity of more than one year,
it should not realize any long-term capital gains or losses.
At December 31, 1997, Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S.
Government and Municipal Bond Funds, respectively, had accumulated net realized
losses on sales of investments in the following amounts: $13,192,318, $62,591,
$960,570 and $1,246,957.
Certain dividends declared in October, November or December of a calendar
year are taxable to stockholders as though received on December 31 of that year
if paid to stockholders during January of the following calendar year.
Advice as to each year's taxable dividends and distributions, if
applicable, will be mailed on or before January 31 of the following year.
Stockholders should consult their tax adviser to determine the effect of
federal, state and local tax consequences to them from an investment in the
Funds.
The Funds are required by law to withhold 31 percent of taxable dividends
and distributions (including redemption proceeds) to stockholders who do not
furnish their correct taxpayer identification numbers, or are otherwise subject
to the backup withholding provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.
FOREIGN TAXES
Investment income and gains received from sources within foreign countries
may be subject to foreign income and other taxes. In this regard, withholding
tax rates in countries with which the United States does not have a tax treaty
are often as high as 30 percent or more. The United States has entered into tax
treaties with many foreign countries which entitle certain investors to a
reduced tax rate (generally ten to fifteen percent) or to exemptions from tax.
If applicable, the Funds will operate so as to qualify for such reduced tax
rates or tax exemptions whenever possible. The payment of such taxes will reduce
the amount of dividends and distributions paid to the Funds' stockholders. So
long as a Fund qualifies as a regulated investment company, certain distribution
requirements are satisfied, and more than 50% of such Fund's assets at the close
of the taxable year consists of securities of foreign corporation, the Fund may
elect, subject to limitation, to pass through its foreign tax credits to its
stockholders.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value per share of each Fund is determined as of the close of
regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (normally 3 p.m. Central
time) on each day that the Exchange is open for trading. The determination is
made by dividing the value of the portfolio securities of each Fund plus any
cash or other assets, less all liabilities, by the number of shares outstanding
of the Fund.
Securities which are listed or traded on a national securities exchange are
valued at the last sale price. If there are no sales on a particular day, then
the securities are valued at the last bid price. All other securities for which
market quotations are readily available are valued on the basis of the last
current bid price. If there is no bid price or if the bid price is deemed to be
unsatisfactory by the Board of Directors or by the Investment Manager, then the
securities are valued in good faith by such method as the Board of Directors
determines will reflect the fair market value.
Valuations of Municipal Bond Fund's municipal securities are supplied by a
pricing service approved by the Board of Directors. Valuations furnished by the
pricing service are based upon appraisals from recognized municipal securities
dealers derived from information concerning market transactions and quotations.
Securities for which market quotations are not readily available (which are
expected to constitute the majority of Municipal Bond Fund's portfolio
securities) are valued by the pricing service considering such factors as yields
or prices of municipal bonds of comparable quality, type of issue, coupon,
maturity and rating, indications as to value from dealers, and general market
conditions. The Fund's officers, under the general supervision of its Board of
Directors, will regularly review procedures used by, and valuations provided by,
the pricing service.
U.S. Government Fund values U.S. Government securities at market value, if
available. If market quotations are not available, the Fund will value
securities, other than securities with 60 days or less to maturity as discussed
below, at fair prices based on market quotations for securities of similar type,
yield, quality and duration.
The securities held by Cash Fund are valued on the basis of the amortized
cost valuation technique which does not take into account unrealized gains or
losses. The amortized cost valuation technique involves valuing an instrument at
its cost and thereafter assuming a constant amortization to maturity of any
discount or premium, regardless of the impact of fluctuating interest rates on
the market value of the instrument. A similar procedure may be used for valuing
securities held by the U.S. Government and Municipal Bond Funds having 60 days
or less remaining to maturity, with the value of the security on the 61st day
being used rather than cost.
Because the expenses of distribution are borne by Class A shares of
Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High Yield and Municipal
Bond Funds through a front-end sales charge and by Class B shares of such Funds
through an ongoing distribution fee, the expenses attributable to each class of
shares will differ, resulting in different net asset values. The net asset value
of Class B shares will generally be lower than the net asset value of Class A
shares as a result of the distribution fee charged to Class B shares. It is
expected, however, that the net asset value per share will tend to converge
immediately after the payment of dividends which will differ in amount for Class
A and B shares by approximately the amount of the different distribution
expenses attributable to Class A and B shares.
PERFORMANCE
The Funds may, from time to time, include performance data in
advertisements or reports to stockholders or prospective investors. Such
performance data may include quotations of "yield" for each of the Funds,
"effective yield" for Cash Fund, "taxable-equivalent yield" for Municipal Bond
Fund and "average annual total return" and "aggregate total return" for
Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High Yield and Municipal
Bond Funds.
For Cash Fund, yield is calculated by measuring the income generated by a
hypothetical investment in the Fund over a seven-day period. This income is then
annualized by assuming that the amount of income generated over the seven-day
period is generated each week over a 52-week period and is shown as a percentage
of the investment.
Cash Fund's effective yield will be calculated similarly but, when
annualized, income earned by an investment in the Fund is assumed to be
reinvested. The effective yield will be slightly higher than the yield because
of the compounding effect of this assumed reinvestment.
With respect to Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government,
High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds, yield is based on the investment income per
share earned during a particular 30-day period (including dividends and
interest), less expenses accrued during the period ("net investment income"),
and will be computed by dividing net investment income per share by the maximum
public offering price per share on the last day of the period.
Municipal Bond Fund's taxable-equivalent yield begins with that portion of
the Fund's yield which is tax-exempt (determined using the same general formula
used to calculate yield), which is then adjusted by an amount necessary to give
the taxable yield equivalent to the tax-exempt yield at a stated income tax
rate, and added to that portion of the Fund's yield, if any, which is not
tax-exempt.
Average annual total return will be expressed in terms of the average
annual compounded rate of return of a hypothetical investment in Corporate Bond,
Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High Yield or Municipal Bond Fund over
periods of one, five and ten years (up to the life of the Fund). Such average
annual total return figures will reflect the deduction of the maximum sales
charge and a proportional share of Fund expenses on an annual basis, and will
assume that all dividends and distributions are reinvested when paid.
Aggregate total return will be calculated for any specified period by
assuming a hypothetical investment in Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond,
U.S. Government, High Yield or Municipal Bond Fund on the date of the
commencement of the period and assuming that all dividends and distributions are
reinvested when paid. The net increase or decrease in the value of the
investment over the period will be divided by its beginning value to arrive at
aggregate total return.
In addition, total return may also be calculated for several consecutive
one-year periods, expressing the total return as a percentage increase or
decrease in the value of the investment for each year relative to the ending
value for the previous year. Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S.
Government, High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds may from time to time quote
total return that does not reflect deduction of any applicable sales charge,
which charges, if reflected, would reduce the total return quoted.
Quotations of performance reflect only the performance of a hypothetical
investment in a Fund during the particular time period on which the calculations
are based. Such quotations for the Funds will vary based on changes in market
conditions and the level of the Fund's expenses, and no reported performance
figure should be considered an indication of performance which may be expected
in the future.
In connection with communicating performance to current or prospective
stockholders, the Funds also may compare these figures to the performance of
other mutual funds tracked by mutual fund rating services or other unmanaged
indexes which may assume reinvestment of dividends but generally do not reflect
deductions for administrative and management costs and expenses. Corporate Bond,
Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds will
include performance data for both Class A and Class B shares of the Funds in any
advertisement or report including performance data of the Fund.
For a more detailed description of the methods used to calculate
performance, see the Funds' Statement of Additional Information.
STOCKHOLDER SERVICES
ACCUMULATION PLAN
An investor in Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High
Yield or Municipal Bond Fund may choose to begin a voluntary Accumulation Plan.
This allows for an initial investment of $100 minimum and subsequent investments
of $20 minimum at any time. An Accumulation Plan involves no obligation to make
periodic investments and is terminable at will.
Payments are made by sending a check to the Distributor who (acting as an
agent for the dealer) will purchase whole and fractional Fund shares as of the
close of business on such day as the payment is received. The investor will
receive a confirmation and statement after each investment. Investors may choose
to use "Secur-O-Matic" (automatic bank draft) to make their Fund purchases.
There is no additional charge for choosing to use Secur-O-Matic. An application
may be obtained by writing Security Distributors, Inc., 700 SW Harrison Street,
Topeka, Kansas 66636-0001 or by calling (785) 431-3127 or (800) 888-2461,
extension 3127.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PROGRAM
Stockholders who wish to receive regular payments of $25 or more may
establish a Systematic Withdrawal Program. Liquidation in this manner will only
be allowed if shares with a current offering price of $5,000 or more are
deposited with the Investment Manager, which will act as agent for the
stockholder under the program. Payments are available on a monthly, quarterly,
semiannual or annual basis. Shares are liquidated at net asset value. The
stockholder will receive a confirmation following each transaction. The program
may be terminated on written notice, or it will terminate automatically if all
shares are liquidated or withdrawn from the account.
A stockholder may establish a Systematic Withdrawal Program with respect to
Class B shares without the imposition of any applicable contingent deferred
sales charge, provided that such withdrawals do not in any 12-month period,
beginning on the date the Program is established, exceed 10 percent of the value
of the account on that date ("Free Systematic Withdrawals"). Free Systematic
Withdrawals are not available if a Program established with respect to Class B
shares provides for withdrawals in excess of 10 percent of the value of the
account in any Program year and, as a result, all withdrawals under such a
Program would be subject to any applicable contingent deferred sales charge.
Free Systematic Withdrawals will be made first by redeeming those shares that
are not subject to the contingent deferred sales charge and then by redeeming
shares held the longest. The contingent deferred sales charge applicable to a
redemption of Class B shares requested while Free Systematic Withdrawals are
being made will be calculated as described under "Calculation and Waiver of
Contingent Deferred Sales Charges," page 247. A Systematic Withdrawal form may
be obtained from the Funds.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
Stockholders who own shares of the Funds may exchange those shares for
shares of another of the Funds, or for shares of the other mutual funds
distributed by the Distributor, which currently include Security Growth and
Income, Equity, Global, Asset Allocation, Social Awareness, Value, Ultra,
Emerging Markets Total Return, Global Asset Allocation and Global High Yield
Funds. Exchanges may be made only in those states where shares of the fund into
which an exchange is to be made are qualified for sale. No service fee is
presently imposed on such an exchange. Class A and Class B shares of the Funds
may be exchanged for Class A and Class B shares, respectively, of another fund
distributed by the Distributor or for shares of Cash Fund, which offers a single
class of shares. Any applicable contingent deferred sales charge will be
calculated from the date of the initial purchase without regard to the time
shares were held in Cash Fund.
For tax purposes, an exchange is a sale of shares which may result in a
taxable gain or loss. Special rules may apply to determine the amount of gain or
loss on an exchange occurring within ninety days after the exchanged shares were
acquired.
Exchanges of Class A shares from Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond,
U.S. Government, High Yield, Municipal Bond, Emerging Markets Total Return,
Global Asset Allocation and Global High Yield Funds are made at net asset value
without a front-end sales charge if (1) the shares have been owned for not less
than 90 consecutive days prior to the exchange, (2) the shares were acquired
pursuant to a prior exchange from a Security Fund which assessed a sales charge
on the original purchase, or (3) the shares were acquired as a result of the
reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions. Exchanges of Class A
shares from Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High Yield,
Municipal Bond, Emerging Markets Total Return, Global Asset Allocation and
Global High Yield Funds, other than those described above, are made at net asset
value plus the sales charge described in the prospectus of the other Security
Fund being acquired, less the sales charge paid on the shares of these Funds at
the time of original purchase.
Because Cash Fund does not impose a sales charge or commission in
connection with sales of its shares, any exchange of Cash Fund shares acquired
through direct purchase or reinvestment of dividends will be based on the
respective net asset values of the shares involved and a sales charge will be
imposed equal to the sales charge that would be charged such stockholder if he
or she were purchasing for cash.
Stockholders should contact the Fund before requesting an exchange in order
to ascertain whether any sales charges are applicable to the shares to be
exchanged. In effecting the exchanges of Fund shares, the Investment Manager
will first cause to be exchanged those shares which would not be subject to any
sales charges.
Exchanges are made upon receipt of a properly completed Exchange
Authorization form. This privilege may be changed or discontinued at any time at
the discretion of the management of the Funds upon 60 days' notice to
stockholders. A current prospectus of the fund into which an exchange is made
will be given to each stockholder exercising this privilege.
EXCHANGE BY TELEPHONE
To exchange shares by telephone, a stockholder must hold shares in
non-certificate form and must either have completed the Telephone Exchange
section of the application or a Telephone Transfer Authorization form which may
be obtained from the Investment Manager. Once authorization has been received by
the Investment Manager, a stockholder may exchange shares by telephone by
calling the Funds at (800) 888-2461, extension 3127, on weekdays (except
holidays) between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Central time. Exchange
requests received by telephone after the close of the New York Stock Exchange
(normally 3 p.m. Central time) will be treated as if received on the next
business day.
A stockholder who authorizes telephone exchanges authorizes the Investment
Manager to act upon the instructions of any person by telephone to exchange
shares between any identically registered accounts with the Funds listed above.
The Investment Manager has established procedures to confirm that instructions
communicated by telephone are genuine and will be liable for any losses due to
fraudulent or unauthorized instructions if it fails to comply with its
procedures. The Investment Manager's procedures require that any person
requesting an exchange by telephone provide the account registration and number
and the owner's tax identification number and such instructions must be received
on a recorded line. Neither the Fund, the Investment Manager nor the Distributor
will be liable for any loss, liability, cost or expense arising out of any
request, including any fraudulent request, provided the Investment Manager
complied with its procedures. Thus, a stockholder who authorizes telephone
exchanges may bear the risk of loss from a fraudulent or unauthorized request.
In periods of severe market or economic conditions, the telephone exchange
of shares may be difficult to implement and stockholders should make exchanges
by writing to Security Distributors, Inc., 700 Harrison Street, Topeka, Kansas
66636-0001. The telephone exchange privilege may be changed or discontinued at
any time at the discretion of the management of the Funds.
RETIREMENT PLANS
The Funds have available tax-qualified retirement plans for individuals,
prototype plans for the self-employed, pension and profit sharing plans for
corporations and custodial accounts for employees of public school systems and
organizations meeting the requirements of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code. Further information concerning these plans is contained in the
Funds' Statement of Additional Information.
GENERAL INFORMATION
ORGANIZATION
The Articles of Incorporation of Income and Municipal Bond Funds provide
for the issuance of an indefinite number of shares of capital stock in one or
more classes or series, and the Articles of Incorporation of Cash Fund provide
for the issuance of an indefinite number of shares of capital stock in one or
more series.
Income Fund has authorized capital stock of $1.00 par value. Its shares are
currently issued in seven series, Corporate Bond Fund, Limited Maturity Bond
Fund, U.S. Government Fund, High Yield Fund, Emerging Markets Total Return Fund,
Global Asset Allocation Fund and Global High Yield Fund. The shares of each
series represent a pro rata beneficial interest in that series' net assets and
in the earnings and profits or losses derived from the investment of such
assets.
Municipal Bond and Cash Funds have authorized capital stock of $0.10 par
value per share.
Each of the Funds (except Cash Fund) currently issues two classes of shares
which participate proportionately based on their relative net asset values in
dividends and distributions and have equal voting, liquidation and other rights
except that (i) expenses related to the distribution of each class of shares or
other expenses that the Board of Directors may designate as class expenses from
time to time, are borne solely by each class; (ii) each class of shares has
exclusive voting rights with respect to any Distribution Plan adopted for that
class; (iii) each class has different exchange privileges; and (iv) each class
has a different designation.
When issued and paid for, each Fund's shares will be fully paid and
nonassessable by the Funds. Shares may be exchanged as described above under
"Exchange Privilege," but will have no other preference, conversion, exchange or
preemptive rights. Shares are transferable, redeemable and assignable and have
cumulative voting privileges for the election of directors.
On certain matters, such as the election of directors, all shares of each
series of Income Fund vote together, with each share having one vote. On other
matters affecting a particular series, such as the Investment Advisory Contract
or the fundamental investment policies, only shares of that series are entitled
to vote, and a majority vote of the shares of that series is required for
approval of the proposal.
The Funds do not generally hold annual meetings of stockholders and will do
so only when required by law. Stockholders may remove directors from office by
votes cast in person or by proxy at a meeting of stockholders. Such a meeting
will be called at the written request of the holders of 10 percent of a Fund's
outstanding shares.
Although each Fund offers only its own shares, it is possible one Fund
might become liable for any misstatement, inaccuracy or incomplete disclosure in
this prospectus relating to another of the Funds. The Board of Directors of the
Funds has considered this risk and has approved the use of a combined
prospectus.
STOCKHOLDER INQUIRIES
Stockholders who have questions concerning their account or wish to obtain
additional information may write to the Security Funds at 700 SW Harrison
Street, Topeka, Kansas 66636-0001, or call (785) 431-3127 or 1-800-888-2461,
extension 3127.
<PAGE>
SECURITY FUNDS
PROSPECTUS APPENDIX A
APPENDIX A
DESCRIPTION OF SHORT-TERM INSTRUMENTS
The types of instruments that will form the major part of Cash Fund's
investments are described below:
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. Federal agency securities are debt obligations
which principally result from lending programs of the U.S. Government. Housing
and agriculture have traditionally been the principal beneficiaries of federal
credit programs, and agencies involved in providing credit to agriculture and
housing account for the bulk of the outstanding agency securities.
Some U.S. Government securities, such as Treasury bills and bonds, are
supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury; others are
supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury; others, such
as those of the Federal National Mortgage Association, are supported by the
discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase the agency's
obligations; still others such as those of the Student Loan Marketing
Association, are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality.
U.S. Treasury bills are issued with maturities of any period up to one
year. Three-month bills are currently offered by the Treasury on a 13-week cycle
and are auctioned each week by the Treasury. Bills are issued in bearer form
only and are sold only on a discount basis, and the difference between the
purchase price and the maturity value (or the resale price if they are sold
before maturity) constitutes the interest income for the investor.
CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT. A certificate of deposit is a negotiable receipt
issued by a bank or savings and loan association in exchange for the deposit of
funds. The issuer agrees to pay the amount deposited plus interest to the bearer
of the receipt on the date specified on the certificate.
COMMERCIAL PAPER. Commercial paper is generally defined as unsecured
short-term notes issued in bearer form by large well-known corporations and
finance companies. Maturities on commercial paper range from a few days to nine
months. Commercial paper is also sold on a discount basis.
BANKER'S ACCEPTANCES. A banker's acceptance generally arises from a
short-term credit arrangement designed to enable businesses to obtain funds to
finance commercial transactions. Generally, an acceptance is a time draft drawn
on a bank by an exporter or an importer to obtain a stated amount of funds to
pay for specific merchandise. The draft is then "accepted" by a bank that, in
effect, unconditionally guarantees to pay the face value of the instrument on
its maturity date.
DESCRIPTION OF COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
A Prime rating is the highest commercial paper rating assigned by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"). Issuers rated Prime are further referred to
by use of numbers 1, 2 and 3 to denote relative strength within this highest
classification. Among the factors considered by Moody's in assigning ratings are
the following: (1) evaluation of the management of the issuer; (2) economic
evaluation of the issuer's industry or industries and an appraisal of
speculative type risks which may be inherent in certain areas; (3) evaluation of
the issuer's products in relation to competition and customer acceptance; (4)
liquidity; (5) amount and quality of long-term debt; (6) trend of earnings over
a period of ten years; (7) financial strength of a parent company and the
relationships which exist with the issuer; and (8) recognition by management of
obligations which may be present or may arise as a result of public interest
questions and preparations to meet such obligations.
Commercial paper rated "A" by Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") has the
highest rating and is regarded as having the greatest capacity for timely
payment. Commercial paper rated A-1 by S&P has the following characteristics:
(1) liquidity ratios are adequate to meet cash requirements; (2) long-term
senior debt is rated "A" or better; (3) the issuer has access to at least two
additional channels of borrowing; (4) basic earnings and cash flow have an
upward trend with allowance made for unusual circumstances; (5) typically, the
issuer's industry is well established and the issuer has a strong position
within the industry; and (6) the reliability and quality of management are
unquestioned. Relative strength or weakness of the above factors determine
whether the issuer's commercial paper is rated A-1, A-2 or A-3.
DESCRIPTION OF CORPORATE BOND RATINGS
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
AAA -- Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They
carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as
"gilt-edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally
stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are
likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair
the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
AA -- Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as
high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of
protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective
elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present
which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
A -- Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes
and are to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving
security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be
present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.
BAA -- Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade
obligations, i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured.
Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present, but
certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically
unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment
characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.
BA -- Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements;
their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of
interest and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well
safeguarded during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of
position characterizes bonds in this class.
B -- Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the
desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of
maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be
small.
CAA -- Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be
in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal
or interest.
CA -- Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative
in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other market
shortcomings.
C -- Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and
issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever
attaining any real investment standing.
NOTE: Moody's applies numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 in each generic rating
classification from Aa through B. 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 modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower
end of its generic rating category.
STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION
AAA -- Bonds rated AAA have the highest rating assigned by Standard &
Poor's to a debt obligation. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is
extremely strong.
AA -- 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.
A -- 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 bonds in higher rated
categories.
BBB -- 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 a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for
bonds in this category than for bonds in higher rated categories.
BB, B, CCC, CC -- Bonds rated BB, B, CCC and CC are regarded, on balance,
as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay
interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of obligations. BB
indicates the lowest degree of speculation and CC the highest degree of
speculation. While such bonds will likely have some quality and protective
characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk
exposures to adverse conditions.
C -- The rating C is reserved for income bonds in which no interest is
being paid.
D -- Debt rated D is in default and payment of interest and/or repayment of
principal is in arrears.
NOTE: Standard & Poor's ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition
of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major categories.
<PAGE>
SECURITY FUNDS
PROSPECTUS
APPENDIX B
DESCRIPTION OF MUNICIPAL BOND RATINGS
The following are summaries of the ratings used by Moody's, Standard &
Poor's and Fitch's applicable to permitted investments of Municipal Bond Fund:
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.*
AAA -- Municipal bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best
quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally
referred to as "gilt-edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are
most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
AA -- Municipal bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality
by all standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally
known as high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because
margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of
protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements
present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa
securities.
A -- Municipal bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment
attributes and are to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors
giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements
may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the
future.
BAA -- Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade
obligations, i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured.
Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present, but
certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically
unreliable over any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment
characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.
NOTE: Moody's applies numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 in each generic rating
classification from Aa through B in its corporate bond ratings. Although
Industrial Revenue Bonds and Environmental Control Revenue Bonds are tax-exempt
issues, they are included in the corporate bond 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 modifier 3 indicates
that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating category. Moody's
does not apply numerical modifiers other than Aa1, A1 and Baa1 in its municipal
bond rating system, which offer the maximum security within the Aa, A and Baa
groups, respectively.
STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION**
AAA -- Municipal bonds rated AAA are highest grade obligations. They
possess the ultimate degree of protection as to principal and interest.
AA -- Municipal bonds rated AA also qualify as high grade obligations, and
in the majority of instances differ from AAA issues only in small degree.
A -- Municipal bonds rated A are regarded as upper medium grade. They have
considerable investment strength but are not entirely free from adverse effects
of changes in economic and trade conditions. Interest and principal are regarded
as safe.
BBB -- Bonds rated BBB are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
principal and interest. Whereas they normally exhibit adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay principal and interest for bonds in
this category than for bonds in the A category.
NOTE: Standard & Poor's ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the
addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major
categories.
FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
AAA -- Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit
quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest and
repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable
events.
AA -- Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is very
strong, although not quite as strong as bonds rated "AAA." Because bonds rated
in the "AAA" and "AA" categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable
future developments, short-term debt of these issuers is generally rated "F-1+".
A -- Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality.
The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be
strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and
circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
BBB -- Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay 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.
NOTE: Plus and minus signs are used with a rating symbol to indicate the
relative position of a credit within the rating category. Plus and minus signs,
however, are not used in the "AAA" category.
<PAGE>
RATINGS OF SHORT-TERM SECURITIES
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE
The following ratings apply to short-term municipal notes and loans:
MIG 1 -- Loans bearing this designation are of the best quality, enjoying
strong protection from established cash flows for their servicing or from
established and broadbased access to the market for refinancing, or both.
MIG 2 -- Loans bearing this designation are of high quality with margins of
protection ample although not so large as in the preceding group.
The following ratings apply to both commercial paper and municipal paper:
PRIME-1 -- Issuers receiving this rating have a superior capacity for
repayment of short-term promissory obligations.
PRIME-2 -- Issuers receiving this rating have a strong capacity for
repayment of short-term promissory obligations.
STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION
The following ratings apply to short-term municipal notes:
AAA -- This is the highest rating assigned by S&P to a debt obligation and
indicates an extremely strong capacity to repay principal and pay interest.
AA -- Notes rated AA have a very strong capacity to repay principal and pay
interest and differ from AAA issues only in small degree.
The following ratings apply both to commercial paper and municipal paper:
A-1 -- This designation indicates that the degree of safety regarding
timely payment is very strong.
A-2 -- Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is
strong. However, the relative degree of safety is not as overwhelming as for
issues designated A-1.
FITCH INVESTORS SERVICE
The following ratings apply to commercial paper:
F-1+ -- Exceptionally strong credit quality. Issues assigned this rating
are regarded as having the strongest degree of assurance for timely payment.
F-1 -- Very strong credit quality. Issues assigned this rating reflect an
assurance of timely payment only slightly less in degree than issues rated
"F-1+".
F-2 -- 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".
*Moody's Investors Service, Inc. rates bonds of issuers which have $600,000 or
more of debt, except bonds of educational institutions, projects under
construction, enterprises without established earnings records and situations
where current financial data is unavailable.
**Standard & Poor's Corporation rates all governmental bodies having $1,000,000
or more of debt outstanding unless adequate information is not available.
<PAGE>
SECURITY FUNDS
PROSPECTUS APPENDIX C
APPENDIX C
REDUCED SALES CHARGES
CLASS A SHARES
Initial sales charges may be reduced or eliminated for persons or
organizations purchasing Class A shares of the Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity
Bond, U.S. Government, High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds alone or in
combination with Class A shares of certain other Security Funds.
For purposes of qualifying for reduced sales charges on purchases made
pursuant to Rights of Accumulation or a Statement of Intention (also referred to
as a "Letter of Intent"), the term "Purchaser" includes the following persons:
an individual; an individual, his or her spouse and children under the age of
21; a trustee or other fiduciary of a single trust estate or single fiduciary
account established for their benefit; an organization exempt from federal
income tax under Section 501(c)(3) or (13) of the Internal Revenue Code; or a
pension, profit-sharing or other employee benefit plan whether or not qualified
under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code.
RIGHTS OF ACCUMULATION
To reduce sales charges on purchases of Class A shares of Corporate Bond,
Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High Yield or Municipal Bond Fund, a
Purchaser may combine all previous purchases of the Fund with a contemplated
current purchase and receive the reduced applicable front end sales charge. The
Distributor must be notified when a sale takes place which might qualify for the
reduced charge on the basis of previous purchases.
Rights of accumulation also apply to purchases representing a combination
of the Class A shares of Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government,
High Yield, Municipal Bond, Growth and Income, Equity, Global, Asset Allocation,
Social Awareness, Value or Ultra Fund in those states where shares of the Fund
being purchased are qualified for sale.
STATEMENT OF INTENTION
A Purchaser of Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High
Yield or Municipal Bond Fund may choose to sign a Statement of Intention within
90 days after the first purchase to be included thereunder, which will cover
future purchases of Class A shares of those Funds, Security Equity, Global,
Asset Allocation, Social Awareness, Value, Growth and Income or Ultra Fund. The
amount of these future purchases shall be specified and must be made within a
13-month period (or 36-month period for purchases of $1 million or more) to
become eligible for the reduced front-end sales charge applicable to the actual
amount purchased under the statement. Five percent (5%) of the amount specified
in the Statement of Intention will be held in escrow shares until the Statement
is completed or terminated. These shares may be redeemed by the Fund if the
Purchaser is required to pay additional sales charges. Any dividends paid by the
Fund will be payable with respect to escrow shares. The Purchaser bears the risk
that the escrow shares may decrease in value.
A Statement of Intention may be revised during the 13-month (or, if
applicable, 36-month) period. Additional shares received from reinvestment of
income dividends and capital gains distributions are included in the total
amount used to determine reduced sales charges.
REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE
Stockholders who redeem their Class A shares of Corporate Bond, Limited
Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High Yield or Municipal Bond Fund have a
one-time privilege (1) to reinstate their accounts by purchasing shares without
a sales charge up to the dollar amount of the redemption proceeds; or (2) to the
extent the redeemed shares would have been eligible for the exchange privilege,
to purchase shares of another of the Funds, Security Growth and Income, Equity,
Global, Asset Allocation, or Ultra Fund, without a sales charge up to the dollar
amount of the redemption proceeds. To exercise this privilege, a stockholder
must provide written notice and the amount to be reinvested to the Fund within
30 days after the redemption request.
The reinstatement or exchange will be made at the net asset value next
determined after the reinvestment is received by the Fund.
<PAGE>
SECURITY INCOME FUND
o CORPORATE BOND SERIES
o LIMITED MATURITY BOND SERIES
o U.S. GOVERNMENT SERIES
o HIGH YIELD SERIES
SECURITY MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
(formerly Security Tax-Exempt Fund)
SECURITY CASH FUND
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
MAY 1, 1998
RELATING TO THE PROSPECTUS DATED MAY 1, 1998,
AS IT MAY BE SUPPLEMENTED FROM TIME TO TIME
(785) 431-3127
(800) 888-2461
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT MANAGER
Security Management Company, LLC
700 SW Harrison Street
Topeka, Kansas 66636-0001
DISTRIBUTOR
Security Distributors, Inc.
700 SW Harrison Street
Topeka, Kansas 66636-0001
CUSTODIAN
UMB Bank, N.A.
928 Grand Avenue
Kansas City, Missouri 64106
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Ernst & Young LLP
One Kansas City Place
1200 Main Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64105-2143
<PAGE>
SECURITY INCOME FUND
SECURITY MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
(formerly Security Tax-Exempt Fund)
SECURITY CASH FUND
Members of The Security Benefit Group of Companies
700 SW Harrison, Topeka, Kansas 66636-0001
STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
May 1, 1998
(RELATING TO THE PROSPECTUS DATED MAY 1, 1998,
AS IT MAY BE SUPPLEMENTED FROM TIME TO TIME)
This Statement of Additional Information is not a Prospectus. It should be
read in conjunction with the Prospectus dated May 1, 1998, as it may be
supplemented from time to time. A Prospectus may be obtained by writing or
calling Security Distributors, Inc., 700 SW Harrison, Topeka, Kansas 66636-0001,
or by calling (785) 431-3127 or (800) 888-2461, ext. 3127.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<PAGE>
Page
General Information..................................... 1
Investment Objectives and Policies of the Funds......... 2
Security Income Fund................................. 2
Corporate Bond Fund................................ 2
Limited Maturity Bond Fund......................... 3
U.S. Government Fund............................... 5
High Yield Fund.................................... 7
Security Municipal Bond Fund......................... 8
Security Cash Fund................................... 12
Investment Methods and Risk Factors..................... 14
Investment Policy Limitations........................... 26
Income Fund's Fundamental Policies................... 26
Municipal Bond Fund's Fundamental Policies........... 27
Cash Fund's Fundamental Policies..................... 28
Officers and Directors.................................. 29
Remuneration of Directors and Others.................... 31
How to Purchase Shares.................................. 31
Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond,
U.S. Government, High Yield and
Municipal Bond Funds............................... 32
Alternative Purchase Options......................... 32
Class A Shares....................................... 32
Security Income Fund's and Municipal Bond Funds'
Class A Distribution Plans......................... 33
Class B Shares....................................... 34
Class B Distribution Plan............................ 35
Calculation and Waiver of Contingent Deferred Sales
Charges............................................ 35
Arrangements With Broker/Dealers and Others.......... 36
Cash Fund............................................ 37
Purchases at Net Asset Value............................ 38
Accumulation Plan....................................... 38
Systematic Withdrawal Program........................... 38
Investment Management................................... 39
Portfolio Management................................. 41
Code of Ethics....................................... 42
Distributor............................................. 42
Allocation of Portfolio Brokerage....................... 43
Determination of Net Asset Value........................ 44
How to Redeem Shares.................................... 45
Telephone Redemptions................................ 47
How to Exchange Shares.................................. 47
Exchange by Telephone................................ 48
Dividends and Taxes..................................... 48
Organization............................................ 53
Custodian, Transfer Agent and Dividend-Paying Agent..... 54
Independent Auditors.................................... 54
Performance Information................................. 54
Retirement Plans........................................ 56
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)................... 57
Roth IRAs............................................... 57
Education IRAs.......................................... 57
SIMPLE IRAs............................................. 57
Pension and Profit-Sharing Plans........................ 58
403(b) Retirement Plans................................. 58
Simplified Employee Pension Plans (SEPPs)............... 59
Financial Statements.................................... 59
Tax-Exempt vs. Taxable Income........................... 59
Appendix A.............................................. 60
<PAGE>
GENERAL INFORMATION
Security Income Fund, Security Municipal Bond Fund (formerly Security
Tax-Exempt Fund) and Security Cash Fund, which were organized as Kansas
corporations on April 20, 1965, July 14, 1981 and March 21, 1980, respectively,
are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as investment
companies. The name of Security Municipal Bond Fund (formerly Security
Tax-Exempt Fund) was changed effective May 1, 1998. Such registration does not
involve supervision by the Securities and Exchange Commission of the management
or policies of the Funds. The Funds are diversified, open-end management
investment companies that, upon the demand of the investor, must redeem their
shares and pay the investor the current net asset value thereof. ( See "How to
Redeem Shares," page 45.)
Each of the Corporate Bond Series ("Corporate Bond Fund"), Limited Maturity
Bond Series ("Limited Maturity Bond Fund"), U.S. Government Series ("U.S.
Government Fund") and High Yield Series ("High Yield Fund") of Security Income
Fund, Security Municipal Bond Fund ("Municipal Bond Fund"), and Security Cash
Fund ("Cash Fund") (the "Funds") has its own investment objective and policies
which are described below. While there is no present intention to do so, the
investment objective and policies of each Fund, unless otherwise noted, may be
changed by its Board of Directors without the approval of stockholders. Each of
the Funds is also required to operate within limitations imposed by its
fundamental investment policies which may not be changed without stockholder
approval. These limitations are set forth below under "Investment Policy
Limitations," page 256. An investment in one of the Funds does not constitute a
complete investment program.
The value of the shares of each Fund fluctuates with the value of the
portfolio securities. Each Fund may realize losses or gains when it sells
portfolio securities and will earn income to the extent that it receives
dividends or interest from its investments. (See "Dividends and Taxes," page
48.)
The shares of Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High
Yield and Municipal Bond Funds are sold to the public at net asset value, plus a
sales commission which is divided between the principal distributor and dealers
who sell the shares ("Class A shares"), or at net asset value with a contingent
deferred sales charge ("Class B shares"). The shares of Cash Fund are sold to
the public at net asset value. There is no sales charge or load when purchasing
shares of Cash Fund. (See "How to Purchase Shares," page 312.)
The Funds receive investment advisory, administrative, accounting, and
transfer agency services from Security Management Company, LLC (the "Investment
Manager") for a fee. The Investment Manager has agreed that the aggregate annual
expenses (including the management compensation but excluding brokerage
commissions, interest, taxes, extraordinary expenses and Class B distribution
fees) shall not for Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government and
High Yield Funds exceed any expense limitation imposed by any state and shall
not for Cash Fund exceed 1% of the average net assets of the Fund for the year.
The Investment Manager has also agreed that the aggregate annual expenses
(including the management compensation but excluding interest, taxes,
extraordinary expenses and Class A and Class B distribution fees) shall not for
Municipal Bond Fund exceed 1% of the average net assets of the Fund for the
year. (See page 39 for a discussion of the Investment Manager and the Investment
Advisory Contract.)
Each Fund will pay all of its expenses not assumed by the Investment
Manager or Security Distributors, Inc. (the "Distributor") including
organization expenses; directors' fees; fees of custodian; taxes and
governmental fees; interest charges; any membership dues; brokerage commissions;
expenses of preparing and distributing reports to stockholders; costs of
stockholder and other meetings; and legal, auditing and accounting expenses.
Each Fund will also pay for the preparation and distribution of the prospectus
to its stockholders and all expenses in connection with its registration under
the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the registration of its capital stock
under federal and state securities laws. Each Fund will pay nonrecurring
expenses as may arise, including litigation expenses affecting it.
Under Distribution Plans adopted with respect to the Class A shares of
Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High Yield and Municipal
Bond Funds pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the
"1940 Act"), these Funds are authorized to pay to the Distributor, an annual fee
of .25% of the average daily net assets of the Class A shares of the Corporate
Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High Yield and Municipal Bond
Funds to finance various distribution-related activities. (See "Security Income
and Municipal Bond Funds' Class A Distribution Plans," page 33.)
Under Distribution Plans adopted with respect to the Class B shares of
Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High Yield and Municipal
Bond Funds pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, each Fund is authorized to
pay to the Distributor, an annual fee of 1.00% of the average daily net assets
of the Class B Shares of the respective Funds to finance various
distribution-related activities. (See "Class B Distribution Plan," page 35.)
The Funds may utilize short-term trading to a limited extent in order to
take advantage of differentials in bond yields consistent with their respective
investment objectives. The portfolio turnover rate for the Funds' Class A and B
shares for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 was: Corporate Bond - 120% ;
U.S. Government - 39%; Limited Maturity Bond - 76%; High Yield - 87%; and
Municipal Bond - 48%. The portfolio turnover rate for the Funds' Class A and B
shares for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, was: Corporate Bond - 292%;
U.S. Government - 75%; Limited Maturity Bond -105%; and Municipal Bond - 54%.
The annualized portfolio turnover rate for the Class A and B shares of High
Yield Fund for the period August 5, 1996 (date of inception) to December 31,
1996 was 168%. Portfolio turnover is the percentage of the lower of security
sales or purchases to the average portfolio value and would be 100% if all
securities in the Fund were replaced within a period of one year.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES OF THE FUNDS
SECURITY INCOME FUND
Security Income Fund ("Income Fund") consists of seven diversified Series
(Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High Yield, MFR
Emerging Markets Total Return, MFR Global Asset Allocation and MFR Global High
Yield (formerly Global Aggressive Bond) Funds), each of which represents a
different investment objective and which has its own identified assets and net
asset values. The investment objectives of Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity
Bond, U.S. Government and High Yield Funds are each described below. There are
risks inherent in the ownership of any security and there can be no assurance
that such investment objectives will be achieved. Some of the risks are
described below.
Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond and U.S. Government Funds will
purchase solely debt securities and will not invest in securities which are not
publicly traded or marketable. Short-term obligations may be purchased in any
amount as the Investment Manager deems appropriate for defensive or liquidity
purposes. Each Fund's portfolio may include a significant amount of debt
securities which sell at discounts from their face amount as a result of current
market conditions. For example, debt securities with fixed-rate coupons are
generally sold at a discount from their face amount during periods of rising
interest rates.
Income Fund makes no representation that the stated investment objective of
any Series will be achieved. Although there is no present intention to do so,
the investment objective of any Series of the Fund may be altered by the Board
of Directors without the approval of stockholders of the Series.
CORPORATE BOND FUND
The investment objective of the Corporate Bond Fund is to conserve capital
while generating interest income. In pursuing its investment objective, the Fund
will invest in a broad range of debt securities, including (i) securities issued
by U.S. and Canadian corporations; (ii) securities issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities, including Treasury
bills, certificates of indebtedness, notes and bonds; (iii) securities issued or
guaranteed by the Dominion of Canada or provinces thereof; (iv) securities
issued by foreign governments, their agencies and instrumentalities, and foreign
corporations, provided that such securities are denominated in U.S. dollars; (v)
higher yielding, high risk debt securities (commonly referred to as "junk
bonds"); (vi) certificates of deposit issued by a U.S. branch of a foreign bank
("Yankee CDs"); (vii) investment grade mortgage-backed securities ("MBSs"); and
(viii) zero coupon securities. Under normal circumstances, at least 65% of the
Fund's total assets will be invested in corporate debt securities which at the
time of issuance have a maturity greater than one year.
Corporate Bond Fund will invest primarily in corporate debt securities
rated Baa or higher by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or BBB or
higher by Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") at the time of purchase, or if
unrated, of equivalent quality as determined by the Investment Manager. See
Appendix A to the Prospectus for a description of corporate bond ratings.
Included in such securities may be convertible bonds or bonds with warrants
attached which are rated at least Baa or BBB at the time of purchase, or if
unrated, of equivalent quality as determined by the Investment Manager. A
"convertible bond" is a bond, debenture or preferred share which may be
exchanged by the owner for common stock or another security, usually of the same
company, in accordance with the terms of the issue. A "warrant" confers upon its
holder the right to purchase an amount of securities at a particular time and
price. Securities rated Baa by Moody's or BBB by S&P have speculative
characteristics. See "Investment Methods and Risk Factors" for a discussion of
the risks associated with such securities.
Corporate Bond Fund may invest up to 25% of its net assets in higher
yielding debt securities in the lower rating (higher risk) categories of the
recognized rating services (commonly referred to as "junk bonds"). Such
securities include securities rated Ba or lower by Moody's or BB or lower by S&P
and are regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to the ability of the
issuer to meet principal and interest payments. The Fund will not invest in junk
bonds which are rated in default at the time of purchase. See "Investment
Methods and Risk Factors" for a discussion of the risks associated with
investing in such securities.
The Fund may purchase securities which are obligations of, or guaranteed
by, the Dominion of Canada or provinces thereof and debt securities issued by
Canadian corporations. Canadian securities will not be purchased if subject to
the foreign interest equalization tax and unless payable in U.S. dollars.
The Fund may invest in Yankee CDs which are certificates of deposit issued
by a U.S. branch of a foreign bank denominated in U.S. dollars and held in the
U.S. Yankee CDs are subject to somewhat different risks than are the obligations
of domestic banks. The Fund also may invest in debt securities issued by foreign
governments, their agencies and instrumentalities and foreign corporations,
provided that such securities are denominated in U.S. dollars. The Fund's
investment in foreign securities, including Canadian securities, will not exceed
25% of the Fund's net assets. See "Investment Methods and Risk Factors" for a
discussion of the risks associated with investing in foreign securities. The
Fund may also invest in zero coupon securities which are debt securities that
pay no cash income but are sold at substantial discounts from their face value.
Certain zero coupon securities also provide for the commencement of regular
interest payments at a deferred date.
The Fund may also invest directly or indirectly in common stocks and
securities that are convertible into common stocks ("equity securities");
however, the Fund will not invest more than 10 percent of its total assets in
equity securities. See "Investment Methods and Risk Factors" for a discussion of
the risks associated with investing in equity securities.
The Fund may invest in investment grade mortgage-backed securities (MBSs),
including mortgage pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage
obligations (CMOs). The Fund may invest up to 10% of its net assets in
securities known as "inverse floating obligations," "residual interest bonds,"
or "interest-only" (IO) or "principal-only" (PO) bonds, the market values of
which generally will be more volatile than the market values of most MBSs. The
Fund will hold less than 35% of its net assets in MBSs. For a discussion of MBSs
and the risks associated with such securities, see "Investment Methods and Risk
Factors."
Corporate Bond Fund may purchase securities on a "when issued" or "delayed
delivery" basis in excess of customary settlement periods for the types of
security involved. For a discussion of such securities, see "Investment Methods
and Risk Factors." It is anticipated that securities invested in by this Fund
will be held by the Fund on an average from one and a half to three years and
that the average weighted maturity of the Fund's portfolio will range from 5 to
15 years under normal circumstances.
Corporate Bond Fund may invest in repurchase agreements on an overnight
basis. See the discussion of repurchase agreements under "Investment Methods and
Risk Factors." The Fund may borrow money from banks as a temporary measure for
emergency purposes or to facilitate redemption requests. Borrowing is discussed
in more detail under "Investment Methods and Risk Factors." Pending investment
in securities or to meet potential redemptions, the Fund may invest in
certificates of deposit, bank demand accounts and high quality money market
instruments.
LIMITED MATURITY BOND FUND
The investment objective of the Limited Maturity Bond Fund is to seek a
high level of income consistent with moderate price fluctuation by investing
primarily in short- and intermediate-term bonds. As used herein the term "short-
and intermediate-term bonds" is used to describe any debt security with a
maturity of 15 years or less. In pursuing its investment objective, the Fund
will invest in a broad range of debt securities, including (i) securities issued
by U.S. and Canadian corporations; (ii) securities issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities, including Treasury
bills, certificates of indebtedness, notes and bonds; (iii) securities issued or
guaranteed by, the Dominion of Canada or provinces thereof; (iv) securities
issued by foreign governments, their agencies, and instrumentalities, and
foreign corporations, provided that such securities are denominated in U.S.
dollars; (v) higher yielding, high risk debt securities (commonly referred to as
"junk bonds"); (vi) certificates of deposit issued by a U.S. branch of a foreign
bank ("Yankee CDs"); (vii) mortgage-backed securities ("MBSs"); (viii)
investment grade asset-backed securities; and (ix) zero coupon securities. High
yield debt securities, Yankee CDs, MBSs and asset-backed securities are
described in further detail under "Investment Methods and Risk Factors." Under
normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 65% of the value of its
total assets in short- and intermediate-term bonds. It is anticipated that the
Fund's dollar weighted average maturity will range from 2 to 10 years. It is not
expected to exceed 10 years.
Limited Maturity Bond Fund will invest primarily in debt securities rated
Baa or higher by Moody's or BBB or higher by S&P at the time of purchase, or if
unrated, of equivalent quality as determined by the Investment Manager. Baa
securities are considered to be "medium grade" obligations by Moody's and BBB is
the lowest classification which is still considered an "investment grade" rating
by S&P. Included in such securities may be convertible bonds or bonds with
warrants attached which are rated at least Baa or BBB at the time of purchase,
or if unrated, of equivalent quality as determined by the Investment Manager. A
"convertible bond" is a bond, debenture or preferred share which may be
exchanged, by the owner, for common stock or another security, usually of the
same company, in accordance with the terms of the issue. A "warrant" confers
upon its holder the right to purchase an amount of securities at a particular
time and price. Bonds rated Baa by Moody's or BBB by S&P have speculative
characteristics and may be more susceptible than higher grade bonds to adverse
economic conditions or other adverse circumstances which may result in a
weakened capacity to make principal and interest payments. See Appendix A to the
Prospectus for a description of corporate bond ratings.
The Fund may invest in higher yielding debt securities in the lower rating
(higher risk) categories of the recognized rating services (commonly referred to
as "junk bonds"); however, the Fund will never hold more than 25% of its net
assets in junk bonds. This includes securities rated Ba or lower by Moody's or
BB or lower by S&P and are regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to
the ability of the issuer to meet principal and interest payments. The Fund will
not invest in junk bonds which are in default at the time of purchase. However,
the Investment Manager will not rely principally on the ratings assigned by the
rating services. Because the Fund may invest in lower rated or unrated
securities of comparable quality, the achievement of the Fund's investment
objective may be more dependent on the Investment Manager's own credit analysis
than would be true if investing in higher rated securities.
The Fund may purchase securities which are obligations of, or guaranteed
by, the Dominion of Canada or provinces thereof and debt securities issued by
Canadian corporations. Canadian securities will not be purchased if subject to
the foreign interest equalization tax and unless payable in U.S. currency.
The Fund may invest in Yankee CDs which are Certificates of Deposit issued
by a U.S. branch of a foreign bank denominated in U.S. dollars and held in the
United States. Yankee CDs are subject to somewhat different risks than are the
obligations of domestic banks. The Fund may also invest up to 25% of its net
assets in debt securities issued by foreign governments, their agencies and
instrumentalities, and foreign corporations, provided that such securities are
denominated in U.S. dollars. The Fund's investment in foreign securities,
including Canadian securities will not exceed 25% of the Fund's net assets.
Investment in securities of foreign issuers presents certain risks, including
future political and economic developments and the possible imposition of
foreign governmental laws and restrictions, reduced availability of public
information concerning issuers, and the fact that foreign issuers are not
generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting
standards or to other regulatory practices and requirements comparable to those
applicable to domestic issuers.
The Fund may invest in U.S. Government securities. Some U.S. Government
securities, such as Treasury bills and bonds, are supported by the full faith
and credit of the U.S. Treasury; others, such as those of the Federal National
Mortgage Association, are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S.
Government to purchase the agency's obligations; still others such as those of
the Student Loan Marketing Association, are supported only by the credit of the
instrumentality. U.S. Government securities include bills, certificates of
indebtedness, notes and bonds issued by the Treasury or by agencies or
instrumentalities of the U.S. Government. The Fund may also invest in zero
coupon securities which are debt securities that pay no cash income but are sold
at substantial discounts from their face value. Certain zero coupon securities
also provide for the commencement of regular interest payments at a deferred
date.
The Fund may also invest directly or indirectly in common stocks and
securities that are convertible into common stocks ("equity securities");
however, the Fund will not invest more than 10 percent of its total assets in
equity securities. See "Investment Methods and Risk Factors" for a discussion of
the risks associated with investing in equity securities.
Limited Maturity Bond Fund may acquire certain securities that are
restricted as to disposition under the federal securities laws, provided that
such securities are eligible for resale to qualified institutional investors
pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, and subject to the
Fund's policy that not more than 15% of the Fund's total assets will be invested
in illiquid assets. See "Investment Methods and Risk Factors" for a discussion
of Rule 144A Securities.
The Fund may invest in investment grade mortgage-backed securities (MBSs),
including mortgage pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage
obligations (CMOs). The Fund may invest up to 10% of its net assets in
securities known as "inverse floating obligations," "residual interest bonds,"
or "interest-only" (IO) and "principal-only" (PO) bonds, the market values of
which will generally be more volatile than the market values of most MBSs. The
Fund will hold less than 35% of its net assets in MBSs, including CMOs and
mortgage pass-through securities.
The Fund may also invest in investment grade "asset-backed securities."
These include secured debt instruments backed by automobile loans, credit card
loans, home equity loans, manufactured housing loans and other types of secured
loans providing the source of both principal and interest.
Limited Maturity Bond Fund may purchase securities on a "when issued" or
"delayed delivery" basis in excess of customary settlement periods for the type
of security involved. Securities purchased on a when issued basis are subject to
market fluctuations and no interest or dividends accrue to the Fund prior to the
settlement date. The Fund will establish a segregated account with its custodian
bank in which it will maintain cash or liquid securities equal in value to
commitments for such when issued securities.
Limited Maturity Bond Fund may invest in repurchase agreements on an
overnight basis. See the discussion of repurchase agreements under "Investment
Methods and Risk Factors." The Fund may borrow money from banks as a temporary
measure for emergency purposes or to facilitate redemption requests. Borrowing
is discussed in more detail under "Investment Methods and Risk Factors." Pending
investment in securities or to meet potential redemptions, the Fund may invest
in certificates of deposit, bank demand accounts and high quality money market
instruments.
From time to time, Limited Maturity Bond Fund may invest part or all of its
assets in commercial notes or money market instruments.
U.S. GOVERNMENT FUND
The investment objective of the U.S. Government Fund is to provide a high
level of interest income with security of principal by investing primarily in
U.S. Government securities. U.S. Government securities are obligations of, or
guaranteed (as to principal and interest) by, the U.S. Government, its agencies
(such as the Federal Housing Administration and Government National Mortgage
Association) or instrumentalities (such as Federal Home Loan Banks and Federal
Land Banks), and instruments fully collateralized with such obligations such as
repurchase agreements. U.S. Government securities include bills, Certificates of
Indebtedness, notes and bonds issued by the Treasury or by agencies or
instrumentalities of the U.S. Government. The Fund may, for defensive purposes,
temporarily invest part or all of its assets in money market instruments
including deposits and bankers acceptances in depository institutions insured by
the FDIC, and short-term U.S. Government and agency securities.
Some U.S. Government securities, such as treasury bills and bonds, are
supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury, others are
supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury, others, such
as those of the Federal National Mortgage Association, are supported by the
discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase the agency's
obligations; still others such as those of the Student Loan Marketing
Association, are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality. Under
normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of the value of its
total assets in U.S. Government securities.
U.S. Government Fund may invest in repurchase agreements on an overnight
basis. See the discussion of repurchase agreements under "Investment Methods and
Risk Factors." The Fund may borrow money from banks as a temporary measure for
emergency purposes or to facilitate redemption requests. Borrowing is discussed
in more detail under "Investment Methods and Risk Factors." Pending investment
in securities or to meet potential redemptions, the Fund may invest in
certificates of deposit, bank demand accounts and high quality money market
instruments.
From time to time the portfolio of the U.S. Government Fund may consist
primarily of Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) certificates. GNMA
certificates are mortgage-backed securities representing part ownership of a
pool of mortgage loans. These loans, issued by lenders such as mortgage bankers,
commercial banks and savings and loan associations, are either issued by the
Federal Housing Administration or guaranteed by the Veterans Administration. A
"pool" or group of such mortgages is assembled and, after being approved by
GNMA, is offered to investors through securities dealers. Once approved by GNMA,
the timely payment of interest and principal on each mortgage is guaranteed by
GNMA and backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. GNMA
certificates differ from bonds in that principal is paid back monthly by the
borrower over the term of the loan rather than returned in a lump sum at
maturity. GNMA certificates are called "pass through" securities because both
interest and principal payments (including prepayments) are passed through to
the holder of the certificate.
The Fund may invest in other mortgage-backed securities (MBSs) as discussed
under "Investment Methods and Risk Factors - Mortgage-Backed Securities and
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations" in the Prospectus. MBSs include certain
securities issued by the United States government or one of its agencies or
instrumentalities, such as GNMAs, or securities issued by private issuers. The
Fund may not invest more than 20% of the value of its total assets in MBSs
issued by private issuers. The Fund may also invest in zero coupon securities
which are debt securities that pay no cash income but are sold at substantial
discounts from their face value. Certain zero coupon securities also provide for
the commencement of regular interest payments at a deferred date.
The Fund will attempt to maximize the return on its portfolio by taking
advantage of market developments and yield disparities, which may include use of
the following strategies:
1. Shortening the average maturity of its portfolio in anticipation of a
rise in interest rates so as to minimize depreciation of principal;
2. Lengthening the average maturity of its portfolio in anticipation of a
decline in interest rates so as to maximize appreciation of principal;
3. Selling one type of U.S. Government obligation and buying another when
disparities arise in the relative values of each; and
4. Changing from one U.S. Government obligation to an essentially similar
U.S. Government obligation when their respective yields are distorted
due to market factors.
These strategies may result in increases or decreases in the Fund's current
income available for distribution to Fund shareholders, and the Fund may hold
obligations which sell at moderate to substantial premiums or discounts from
face value. Moreover, if the Fund's expectations of changes in interest rates or
its evaluation of the normal yield relationship between two obligations proves
to be incorrect, the Fund's income, net asset value per share and potential
capital gain may be decreased or its potential capital loss may be increased. It
is anticipated that securities invested in by this Fund will be held by the Fund
on an average from three to five years.
While there is minimal credit risk involved in the purchase of U.S.
Government securities, as with any fixed income security the market value is
generally affected by changes in the level of interest rates. An increase in
interest rates will tend to reduce the market value of fixed income investments,
and a decline in interest rates will tend to increase their value. In addition,
while debt securities with longer maturities normally produce higher yields,
they are subject to potentially greater capital changes in market value than
obligations with shorter maturities.
The potential for appreciation in GNMAs and other MBSs, which might
otherwise be expected to occur as a result of a decline in interest rates, may
be limited or negated by increased principal prepayments of the underlying
mortgages. Prepayments of MBSs occur with increasing frequency when mortgage
rates decline because, among other reasons, mortgagors may be able to refinance
their outstanding mortgages at lower interest rates or prepay their existing
mortgages. Such prepayments would then be reinvested by the Fund at the lower
current interest rates.
While mortgages underlying GNMA certificates have a stated maturity of up
to 30 years, it has been the experience of the mortgage industry that the
average life of comparable mortgages, owing to prepayments, refinancings and
payments from foreclosures, is considerably less. Yield tables, published in
1981, utilize a 12-year average life assumption for GNMA pools of 26-30 year
mortgages, and GNMA certificates continue to be traded based on this assumption.
Recently it has been observed that mortgage pools issued at high interest rates
have experienced accelerated prepayment rates as interest rates decline, which
would result in a shorter average life than 12 years.
HIGH YIELD FUND
The investment objective of High Yield Fund is to seek high current income.
Capital appreciation is a secondary objective. Under normal circumstances, the
Fund will seek its investment objective by investing primarily in a broad range
of income producing securities, including (i) higher yielding, higher risk, debt
securities (commonly referred to as "junk bonds"); (ii) preferred stock; (iii)
securities issued by foreign governments, their agencies and instrumentalities,
and foreign corporations, provided that such securities are denominated in U.S.
dollars; (iv) mortgage-backed securities ("MBSs"); (v) asset-backed securities;
(vi) securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or any of its
agencies or instrumentalities, including Treasury bills, certificates of
indebtedness, notes and bonds; (vii) securities issued or guaranteed by, the
Dominion of Canada or provinces thereof; and (viii) zero coupon securities. The
Fund may also invest up to 35% of its assets in common stock (which may include
ADRs), warrants and rights. Under normal circumstances, at least 65% of the
Fund's total assets will be invested in high-yielding, high risk debt
securities.
High Yield Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in debt securities
that, at the time of purchase, are rated below investment grade ("high yield
securities" or "junk bonds"), which involve a high degree of risk and are
predominantly speculative. For a description of debt ratings and a discussion of
the risks associated with investing in junk bonds, see "Investment Methods and
Risk Factors." Included in the debt securities which the Fund may purchase are
convertible bonds, or bonds with warrants attached. A "convertible bond" is a
bond, debenture, or preferred share which may be exchanged by the owner for
common stock or another security, usually of the same company, in accordance
with the terms of the issue. A "warrant" confers upon the holder the right to
purchase an amount of securities at a particular time and price. See "Investment
Methods and Risk Factors" for a discussion of the risks associated with such
securities.
High Yield Fund may purchase securities which are obligations of, or
guaranteed by, the Dominion of Canada or provinces thereof and debt securities
issued by Canadian corporations. Canadian securities will not be purchased if
subject to the foreign interest equalization tax and unless payable in U.S.
dollars. The Fund may also invest in debt securities issued by foreign
governments (including Brady Bonds), their agencies and instrumentalities and
foreign corporations (including those in emerging markets), provided such
securities are denominated in U.S. dollars. The Fund's investment in foreign
securities, excluding Canadian securities, will not exceed 25% of the Fund's net
assets. See "Investment Method and Risk Factors" for a discussion of the risks
associated with investing in foreign securities and emerging markets.
High Yield Fund may invest in MBSs, including mortgage pass-through
securities and collateralized mortgage obligations (CMO's). The Fund may invest
in securities known as "inverse floating obligations," "residual interest
bonds," and "interest only" (IO) and "principal only" (PO) bonds, the market
values of which generally will be more volatile than the market values of most
MBSs. This is due to the fact that such instruments are more sensitive to
interest rate changes and to the rate of principal prepayments than are most
other MBSs. See the discussion of such instruments under "Investment Methods and
Risk Factors." The Fund will hold less than 25% of its net assets in MBSs. For a
discussion of MBSs and the risks associated with such securities, see
"Investment Methods and Risk Factors."
The Fund may also invest in "asset-backed securities." These include
secured debt instruments backed by automobile loans, credit card loans, home
equity loans, manufactured housing loans and other types of secured loans
providing the source of both principal and interest. Asset-backed securities are
subject to risks similar to those discussed with respect to MBSs. See
"Investment Methods and Risk Factors."
The Fund may invest in U.S. Government securities. U.S. Government
securities include bills, certificates of indebtedness, notes and bonds issued
by the Treasury or by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government. High
Yield Fund may also invest in zero coupon securities which are debt securities
that pay no cash income but are sold at substantial discounts from their face
value. Certain zero coupon securities also provide for the commencement of
regular interest payments at a deferred date.
High Yield Fund may acquire certain securities that are restricted as to
disposition under federal securities laws, including securities eligible for
resale to qualified institutional investors pursuant to Rule 144A under the
Securities Act of 1933, subject to the Fund's policy that not more than 10% of
the Fund's net assets will be invested in illiquid assets. See "Investment
Methods and Risk Factors" for a discussion of restricted securities.
The Fund may purchase securities on "when issued" or "delayed delivery"
basis in excess of customary settlement periods for the type of security
involved. The Fund may also purchase or sell securities on a "forward
commitment" basis and may enter into "repurchase agreements", "reverse
repurchase agreements" and "roll transactions." The Fund may lend securities to
broker-dealers, other institutions or other persons to earn additional income.
The value of loaned securities may not exceed 33 1/3% of the Fund's total
assets. In addition, the Fund may purchase loans, loan participations and other
types of direct indebtedness.
High Yield Fund may enter into futures contracts (a type of derivative) (or
options thereon) to hedge all or a portion of its portfolio, as a hedge against
changes in prevailing levels of interest rates or as an efficient means of
adjusting its exposure to the bond market. The Fund will not use futures
contracts for leveraging purposes. The Fund will limit its use of futures
contracts so that initial margin deposits or premiums on such contracts used for
non-hedging purposes will not equal more than 5% of the Fund's net asset value.
The Fund may purchase call and put options and write such options on a "covered"
basis. The Fund may also enter into interest rate and index swaps and purchase
or sell related caps, floors and collars. The aggregate market value of the
Fund's portfolio securities covering call or put options will not exceed 25% of
the Fund's net assets. See "Investment Methods and Risk Factors" for a
discussion of the risks associated with these types of investments.
As an operating policy, the Fund will not purchase securities on margin.
The Fund may, however, obtain such short-term credits as are necessary for the
clearance of purchases and sales of securities. In addition, the Fund may enter
into certain derivative transactions, consistent with its investment program,
which require the deposit of "margin" or a premium to initiate such a
transaction. As an operating policy, the Fund will not loan its assets to any
person or individual, except by the purchase of bonds or other debt obligations
customarily sold to institutional investors. The Fund may, however, lend
portfolio securities as described in the prospectus and this statement of
additional information. In addition, the Fund does not interpret this
restriction as prohibiting investment in loan participations and assignments as
described in the prospectus. As an operating policy, the Fund will not engage in
short sales.
The Fund's investment in warrants, valued at the lower of cost or market,
will not exceed 5% of the Fund's net assets. Included within this amount, but
not to exceed 2% of the Fund's net assets, may be warrants which are not listed
on the New York or American Stock Exchange. Warrants acquired by the Fund in
units or attached to securities may be deemed to be without value.
From time to time, High Yield Fund may invest part or all of its assets in
U.S. Government securities, commercial notes or money market instruments. It is
anticipated that the dollar weighted average maturity of the Fund will range
from 5 to 15 years under normal circumstances.
SECURITY MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
The investment objective of Municipal Bond Fund is to obtain as high a
level of interest income exempt from regular federal income taxes as is
consistent with preservation of stockholders' capital. Municipal Bond Fund
attempts to achieve its objective by investing primarily in debt securities, the
interest on which is exempt from regular federal income taxes under the Internal
Revenue Code. The Fund may invest in securities which generate income that is
subject to the federal alternative minimum tax. There is no assurance that
Municipal Bond Fund's objective will be achieved.
The tax-exempt securities in which Municipal Bond Fund invests include debt
obligations issued by or on behalf of the states, territories and possessions of
the United States, the District of Columbia, and their political subdivisions,
agencies, authorities and instrumentalities, including multi-state agencies or
authorities. These securities are referred to as "municipal securities" and are
described in more detail below.
Municipal Bond Fund's investments in municipal securities are limited to
securities of "investment grade" quality, that is securities rated within the
four highest rating categories of Moody's (Aaa, Aa, A, Baa), S&P (AAA, AA, A,
BBB) or Fitch (AAA, AA, A, BBB), except that the Fund may purchase unrated
municipal securities (i) where the securities are guaranteed as to principal and
interest by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government or are short-term
municipal securities (those having a maturity of less than one year) of issuers
having outstanding at the time of purchase an issue of municipal bonds having
one of the four highest ratings, or (ii) where, in the opinion of the Investment
Manager, the unrated municipal securities are comparable in quality to those
within the four highest ratings. However, Municipal Bond Fund will not purchase
an unrated municipal security (other than a security described in (i) above) if,
after such purchase, more than 20% of the Fund's total assets would be invested
in such unrated municipal securities.
With respect to rated securities, there is no percentage limitation on the
amount of Municipal Bond Fund's assets which may be invested in securities
within any particular rating classification. A description of the ratings is
contained in Appendix B to the Prospectus. Baa securities are considered "medium
grade" obligations by Moody's, and BBB is the lowest classification which is
still considered an "investment grade" rating by S&P and Fitch. Baa securities
are described by Moody's as obligations on which "interest payments and
principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
length of time." According to Moody's, "such bonds lack outstanding investment
characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well." According
to Fitch, "adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances are more
likely to have adverse impact on these bonds, and therefore impair timely
payment." The ratings of Moody's, S&P and Fitch represent their respective
opinions of the quality of the securities they undertake to rate and such
ratings are general and are not absolute standards of quality.
Although Municipal Bond Fund invests primarily in municipal bonds with
maturities greater than one year, it also will invest for various purposes in
short-term (maturity equal to or less than one year) securities which, to the
extent practicable, will be short-term municipal securities. (See "Municipal
Securities," below.) Short-term investments may be made, pending investment of
funds in municipal bonds, in order to maintain liquidity to meet redemption
requests, or to maintain a temporary "defensive" investment position when, in
the opinion of the Investment Manager, it is advisable to do so on account of
current or anticipated market conditions. Except when in a temporary "defensive"
position, investments in short-term municipal securities will represent less
than 20% of the Fund's total assets.
From time to time, on a temporary basis, Municipal Bond Fund may invest in
fixed-income obligations on which the interest is subject to federal income tax.
Except when the Fund is in a temporary "defensive" investment position, it will
not purchase a taxable security if, as a result, more than 20% of its total
assets would be invested in taxable securities. This limitation is a fundamental
policy of Municipal Bond Fund, and may not be changed without a majority vote of
the Fund's outstanding securities. Temporary taxable investments of the Fund may
consist of obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its
agencies or instrumentalities, commercial paper rated A-1 by S&P, Prime-1 by
Moody's or F-1 by Fitch, corporate obligations rated AAA or AA by S&P and Fitch
or Aaa or Aa by Moody's, certificates of deposit or bankers' acceptances of
domestic banks or thrifts with at least $2 billion in assets, or repurchase
agreements with such banks or with broker/dealers. Municipal Bond Fund may
invest its assets in bank demand accounts, pending investment in other
securities or to meet potential redemptions or expenses. Repurchase agreements
may be entered into with respect to any securities eligible for investment by
the Fund, including municipal securities. The Fund may also invest in zero
coupon securities which are debt securities that pay no cash income but are sold
at substantial discounts from their face value. Certain zero coupon securities
also provide for the commencement of regular interest payments at a deferred
date.
Municipal Bond Fund may invest in repurchase agreements which are
agreements by which a purchaser (e.g., Municipal Bond Fund) acquires a security
and simultaneously commits to resell that security to the seller (a bank or
broker/dealer) at an agreed upon price on an agreed upon date within a number of
days (usually not more than seven) from the date of purchase. Income earned by
the Fund on repurchase agreements is not exempt from federal income tax even if
the transaction involves municipal securities. Municipal Bond Fund may not enter
into a repurchase agreement having more than seven days remaining to maturity
if, as a result, such agreements, together with any other securities which are
illiquid or not readily marketable, would exceed 10% of the net assets of the
Fund. See the discussion of repurchase agreements under "Investment Methods and
Risk Factors."
Municipal Bond Fund may borrow money from banks as a temporary measure for
emergency purposes or to facilitate redemption requests. Borrowing is discussed
in more detail under "Investment Methods and Risk Factors." Pending investment
in securities or to meet potential redemptions, the Fund may invest in
certificates of deposit, bank demand accounts and high quality money market
instruments.
Municipal Bond Fund may purchase or sell futures contracts on (a) debt
securities that are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government,
such as long-term U.S. Treasury Bonds and Treasury Notes and (b) municipal bond
indices. Currently at least one exchange trades futures contracts on an index of
long-term municipal bonds, and the Fund reserves to right to conduct futures
transactions based on an index which may be developed in the future to correlate
with price movements in municipal obligations. It is not presently anticipated
that any of these strategies will be used to a significant degree by the Fund.
For further information regarding futures contracts, see "Investment Methods and
Risk Factors".
See Appendix B to the prospectus for a further description of Moody's, S&P
and Fitch ratings relating to municipal securities. As noted earlier, when
Municipal Bond Fund is in a temporary "defensive" position, there is no limit on
its investments in short-term municipal securities and taxable securities.
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
MUNICIPAL BONDS. Municipal bonds are debt obligations which generally have
a maturity at the time of issue in excess of one year. They are issued to obtain
funds for various public purposes, including construction of a wide range of
public facilities such as bridges, highways, housing, hospitals, mass
transportation, schools, streets, and water and sewer works. Other public
purposes for which municipal bonds may be issued include the refunding of
outstanding obligations, obtaining funds for general operating expenses and
obtaining funds to loan to other public institutions and facilities. In
addition, certain types of industrial development bonds and other private
activity bonds are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain funds
to provide for privately-operated housing facilities, and certain facilities for
water supply, gas, electricity or sewage or solid waste disposal.
The two principal classifications of municipal bonds are "general
obligation" and "revenue" bonds. General obligation bonds are secured by the
issuer's pledge of its full faith, credit and taxing power for the payment of
principal and interest. Revenue bonds are 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 specific revenue source. Revenue securities may
include private activity bonds. Such bonds may be issued by or on behalf of
public authorities to finance various privately operated facilities and are not
payable from the unrestricted revenues of the issuer. As a result, the credit
quality of private activity bonds is frequently related directly to the credit
standing of private corporations or other entities. In addition, the interest on
private activity bonds issued after August 7, 1986 is subject to the federal
alternative minimum tax. The Fund will not be restricted with respect to the
proportion of its assets that may be invested in such obligations. Accordingly,
the Fund may not be a suitable investment vehicle for individuals or
corporations that are subject to the federal alternative minimum tax. Municipal
Bond Fund will not invest more than 5% of its net assets in securities where the
principal and interest are the responsibility of a private corporation or other
entity which has, including predecessors, less than three years' operational
history.
There are, depending on numerous factors, variations in the risks involved
in holding municipal securities, both within a particular rating classification
and between classifications. The market values of outstanding municipal bonds
will vary as a result of the rating of the issue and changing evaluations of the
ability of the issuer to meet interest and principal payments. Such market
values will also change in response to changes in the interest rates payable on
new issues of municipal bonds. Should such interest rates rise, the values of
outstanding bonds, including those held in Municipal Bond Fund's portfolio,
would decline; should such interest rates decline, the values of outstanding
bonds would increase.
As a result of litigation or other factors, the power or ability of issuers
of municipal securities to pay principal and/or interest might be adversely
affected. Municipal securities are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy,
insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors, such
as the Federal Bankruptcy Code, and laws, if any, which may be enacted by
Congress or state legislatures extending the time for payment of principal or
interest or both, or imposing other constraints upon enforcement of such
obligations or upon the power of municipalities to levy taxes.
Municipal Bond Fund may invest without percentage limitations in issues of
municipal securities which have similar characteristics, such as the location of
their issuers in the same geographic region or the derivation of interest
payments from revenues on similar projects (for example, electric utility
systems, hospitals, or housing finance agencies). Thus, Municipal Bond Fund may
invest more than 25% of its total assets in securities issued in a single state.
However, it may not invest more than 25% of its total assets in one industry.
(See "Investment Policy Limitations," page 256.) Consequently, the Fund's
portfolio of municipal securities may be more susceptible to the risks of
adverse economic, political, or regulatory developments than would be the case
with a portfolio of securities required to be more diversified as to geographic
region and/or source of revenue.
Interest on certain types of private activity bonds (for example,
obligations to finance certain exempt facilities which may be leased to or used
by persons other than the issuer) will not be exempt from federal income tax
when received by "substantial users" or persons related to "substantial users"
as defined in the Internal Revenue Code. The term "substantial user" generally
includes any "non-exempt person" who regularly uses in trade or business a part
of a facility financed from the proceeds of private activity bonds. Municipal
Bond Fund may invest periodically in private activity bonds and, therefore, may
not be an appropriate investment for entities which are substantial users of
facilities financed by those bonds or "related persons" of substantial users.
Generally, an individual will not be a related person of a substantial user
under the Code unless the person or his immediate family (spouse, brothers,
sisters and lineal descendants) directly or indirectly owns in the aggregate
more than 50% in value of the equity of the substantial user.
From time to time, proposals have been introduced before Congress for the
purpose of restricting or eliminating the federal income tax exemption for
interest on future issues of municipal securities. It can be expected that
similar proposals may be introduced in the future. If such a proposal were
enacted, the availability of municipal securities for investment by Municipal
Bond Fund and the value of the Fund's portfolio would be affected. In that
event, the Directors would reevaluate the Fund's investment objective and
policies.
WHEN-ISSUED PURCHASES. From time to time, in the ordinary course of
business, Municipal Bond Fund may purchase municipal securities on a when-issued
or delayed delivery basis--i.e., delivery and payment can take place a month or
more after the date of the transactions. Securities so purchased are subject to
market fluctuation and no interest accrues to the purchaser during this period.
At the time the Fund makes the commitment to purchase a municipal security on a
when-issued or delayed delivery basis, it will record the transaction and
thereafter reflect the value, each day, of the security in determining its net
asset value. Municipal Bond Fund will also establish a segregated account with
its custodian bank in which it will maintain cash or liquid securities equal in
value to commitments for such when-issued or delayed delivery securities.
Municipal Bond Fund does not believe that its net asset value or income will be
adversely affected by its purchase of municipal securities on a when-issued or
delayed delivery basis. Upon the settlement date of the when-issued securities,
the Fund ordinarily will meet its obligation to purchase the securities from
available cash flow, use of the cash (or liquidation of securities) held in the
segregated account or sale of other securities. Although it would not normally
expect to do so, the Fund also may meet its obligation from the sale of the
when-issued securities themselves (which may have a current market value greater
or less than the Fund's payment obligation). Sale of securities to meet such
obligations carries with it a greater potential for the realization of net
capital gains, which are not exempt from federal income tax.
PUTS OR STAND-BY COMMITMENTS. Municipal Bond Fund may purchase, from banks
or broker/dealers, municipal securities together with the right to resell the
securities to the seller at an agreed-upon price or yield within a specified
period prior to the maturity date of the securities. Such a right to resell is
commonly known as a "put" and is also referred to as a "stand-by commitment" on
the part of the seller. The price which the Fund pays for the municipal
securities with puts generally is higher than the price which otherwise would be
paid for the municipal securities alone. Municipal Bond Fund uses puts for
liquidity purposes in order to permit it to remain more fully invested in
municipal securities than would otherwise be the case by providing a ready
market for certain municipal securities in its portfolio at an acceptable price.
The put generally is for a shorter term than the maturity of the municipal
security and does not restrict in any way the Fund's ability to dispose of (or
retain) the municipal security.
In order to ensure that the interest on municipal securities subject to
puts is tax-exempt to the Fund, it will limit its use of puts in accordance with
current interpretations or rulings of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The
IRS has issued a ruling (Rev. Rul. 82-144) in which it determined that a
regulated investment company was the owner, for tax purposes, of municipal
securities subject to puts (with the result that interest on those securities
would not lose its tax-exempt status when paid to the company). The IRS position
in Rev. Rul. 82-144 relates to a particular factual situation, in which (i) the
price paid for the puts was in addition to the price of the municipal securities
subject to the puts, (ii) the puts established the price at which the seller
must repurchase the securities, (iii) the puts were nonassignable and terminated
upon disposal of the underlying securities by the Fund, (iv) the puts were for
periods substantially less than the terms of the underlying securities, (v) the
puts did not include call arrangements or restrict the disposal of the
underlying securities by the Fund and gave the seller no rights in the
underlying securities, and (vi) the securities were acquired by the Fund for its
own account and not as security for a loan from the seller.
Because it is difficult to evaluate the likelihood of exercise or the
potential benefit of a put, puts will be determined to have a "value" of zero,
regardless of whether any direct or indirect consideration was paid. Amounts
paid by Municipal Bond Fund for a put will be reflected as unrealized
depreciation in the underlying security for the period during which the
commitment is held, and therefore will reduce any potential gains on the sale of
the underlying security by the cost of the put. There is a risk that the seller
of the put may not be able to repurchase the security upon exercise of the put
by the Fund.
SHORT-TERM MUNICIPAL SECURITIES. Although Municipal Bond Fund's portfolio
generally will consist primarily of municipal bonds, for liquidity purposes, and
from time to time for defensive purposes, a portion of its assets may be
invested in short-term municipal securities (i.e., those with less than one year
remaining to maturity).
Short-term municipal securities consist of short-term municipal notes and
short-term municipal loans and obligations, including municipal paper, master
demand notes and variable-rate demand notes. Short-term municipal notes include
tax anticipation notes (notes issued in anticipation of the receipt of tax
funds), bond anticipation notes (notes issued in anticipation of receipt of the
proceeds of bond placements), revenue anticipation notes (notes issued in
anticipation of the receipt of revenues other than taxes or bond placements),
and project notes (obligations of municipal housing agencies on which the
payment of principal and interest ordinarily is backed by the full faith and
credit of the U.S. government). Municipal paper typically consists of the very
short-term unsecured negotiable promissory notes of municipal issuers.
The Fund may invest in tax-exempt master demand notes. A municipal master
demand note is an arrangement under which the Fund participates in a note
agreement between a bank acting on behalf of its clients and a municipal
borrower, whereby amounts maintained by the Fund in an account with the bank are
provided to the municipal borrower and payments of interest and principal on the
note are credited to the Fund's account. Interest rates on master demand notes
typically are tied to market interest rates, and therefore may fluctuate daily.
The amounts borrowed under these notes may be repaid at any time by the borrower
without penalty, and must be repaid upon the demand of Municipal Bond Fund.
Municipal Bond Fund may also invest in variable-rate demand notes.
Variable-rate demand notes are tax-exempt obligations which are payable by the
municipal issuer at par value plus accrued interest on demand by the Fund
(generally with three to ten days' notice). If no demand is made, the note will
mature on a specified date from one to thirty years from its issuance. Payment
on the note may be backed by a stand-by letter of credit. The yield on a
variable rate demand note is adjusted automatically to reflect a particular
market rate (which may not be the same market rate as that applicable to a
master demand note). Variable-rate demand notes typically are callable by the
issuer prior to maturity.
Where short-term municipal securities are rated, the Municipal Bond Fund
will limit its investments to "high quality" short-term securities. For
short-term municipal notes this includes ratings of SP-2 or better by S&P, MIG 2
or better (or VMIG-2 or better, in the case of variable rate demand notes) by
Moody's or F-2 or better by Fitch; for municipal paper this includes A-2 or
better by S&P, Prime-2 or better by Moody's or F-2 or better by Fitch. Unrated
short-term municipal securities will be included within the Fund's overall
limitation on investments in unrated municipal securities. This limitation
provides that not more than 20% of Municipal Bond Fund's total assets may be
invested in unrated municipal securities, exclusive of unrated securities which
are guaranteed as to principal and interest by the full faith and credit of the
U.S. government or are issued by an issuer having outstanding an issue of
municipal bonds within one of the four highest ratings classifications.
Municipal Bond Fund also may engage to a limited extent in portfolio
trading consistent with its investment objective. Securities may be sold in
anticipation of a market decline (a rise in interest rates) or purchased in
anticipation of a market rise (a decline in interest rates) and later sold. In
addition, a security may be sold and another of comparable quality purchased at
approximately the same time to take advantage of what the Fund believes to be a
temporary disparity in the normal yield relationship between the two securities.
These yield disparities may occur for reasons not directly related to the
investment quality of a particular issue or the general movement of interest
rates, such as changes in the overall demand for, or supply of, various types of
municipal securities.
SECURITY CASH FUND
The investment objective of Cash Fund is to seek as high a level of current
income as is consistent with preservation of capital and liquidity. No
assurances can be given that Cash Fund will achieve its objective. The Fund will
attempt to achieve its objective by investing at least 95% of its total assets,
measured at the time of investment, in a diversified portfolio of highest
quality money market instruments. Cash Fund may also invest up to 5% of its
total assets, measured at the time of investment, in money market instruments
that are in the second-highest rating category for short-term debt obligations.
Money market instruments in which Cash Fund may invest consist of the following:
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. Obligations issued or guaranteed (as to
principal or interest) by the United States Government or its agencies (such as
the Small Business Administration, the Federal Housing Administration and
Government National Mortgage Association) or instrumentalities (such as Federal
Home Loan Banks and Federal Land Banks) and instruments fully collateralized
with such obligations.
BANK OBLIGATIONS. Obligations of banks or savings and loan associations
that are members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and instruments
fully collateralized with such obligations.
CORPORATE OBLIGATIONS. Commercial paper issued by corporations and rated
Prime-1 or Prime-2 by Moody's, or A-1 or A-2 by S&P, or other corporate debt
instruments rated Aaa or Aa or better by Moody's or AAA or AA or better by S&P,
subject to the limitations on investment in instruments in the second-highest
rating category, discussed below.
Cash Fund may invest in certificates of deposit issued by banks or other
bank demand accounts, pending investment in other securities or to meet
potential redemptions or expenses.
Cash Fund may invest only in U.S. dollar denominated money market
instruments that present minimal credit risk and, with respect to 95% of its
total assets, measured at the time of investment, that are of the highest
quality. The Investment Manager will determine whether a security presents
minimal credit risk under procedures adopted by the Fund's Board of Directors. A
security will be considered to be highest quality (1) if rated in the highest
rating category, (e.g., Aaa or Prime-1 by Moody's or AAA or A-1 by S&P) by (i)
any two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations ("NRSRO's") or,
(ii) if rated by only one NRSRO, by that NRSRO; (2) if issued by an issuer that
has short-term debt obligations of comparable maturity, priority, and security
and that are rated in the highest rating category by (i) any two NRSRO's or,
(ii) if rated by only one NRSRO, by that NRSRO; or (3) an unrated security that
is of comparable quality to a security in the highest rating category as
determined by the Investment Manager. With respect to 5% of its total assets,
measured at the time of investment, Cash Fund may also invest in money market
instruments that are in the second-highest rating category for short-term debt
obligations (e.g., rated Aa or Prime-2 by Moody's or AA or A-2 by S&P). A money
market instrument will be considered to be in the second-highest rating category
under the criteria described above with respect to instruments considered
highest quality, as applied to instruments in the second-highest rating
category. See Appendix A to the Prospectus for a description of the principal
types of securities and instruments in which the Fund will invest as well as a
description of the above mentioned ratings.
Cash Fund may not invest more than 5% of its total assets, measured at the
time of investment, in the securities of any one issuer that are of the highest
quality or more than the greater of 1% of its total assets or $1,000,000,
measured at the time of investment, in securities of any one issuer that are in
the second-highest rating category, except that these limitations shall not
apply to U.S. Government securities. The Fund may exceed the 5% limitation for
up to three business days after the purchase of the securities of any one issuer
that are of the highest quality, provided that the Fund does not have
outstanding at any time more than one such investment. In the event that an
instrument acquired by Cash Fund is downgraded, the Investment Manager, under
procedures approved by the Board of Directors, shall promptly reassess whether
such security presents minimal credit risk and determine whether or not to
retain the instrument, or Investment Manager may forego the reassessment of
credit risk if the security is disposed of or matures within five business days
of downgrade and the Board is subsequently notified of the Investment Manager's
actions. In the event that an instrument acquired by Cash Fund ceases to be of
the quality that is eligible for the Fund, the Fund shall promptly dispose of
the instrument in an orderly manner unless the Board of Directors determines
that this would not be in the best interests of the Fund.
Cash Fund may acquire one or more of the above types of securities subject
to repurchase agreements. A repurchase transaction involves a purchase by the
Fund of a security from a selling financial institution, such as a bank, savings
and loan association or broker/dealer, which agrees to repurchase such security
at a specified price and at a fixed time in the future, usually not more than
seven days from the date of purchase. Not more than 10% of Cash Fund's total
assets will be invested in illiquid assets, which include repurchase agreements
with maturities of more than seven days. See the discussion of repurchase
agreements under "Investment Methods and Risk Factors."
Cash Fund may borrow money from banks as a temporary measure for emergency
purposes or to facilitate redemption requests. Borrowing is discussed in more
detail under "Investment Methods and Risk Factors." Pending investment in
securities or to meet potential redemptions, the Fund may invest in certificates
of deposit, bank demand accounts and high quality money market instruments.
Cash Fund may also invest in guaranteed investment contracts ("GICs")
issued by insurance companies, subject to the Fund's policy that not more than
10% of the Fund's total assets will be invested in illiquid assets. See the
discussion of GICs under "Investment Methods and Risk Factors."
RULE 144A SECURITIES. Certain of the securities acquired by Cash Fund may
be restricted as to disposition under federal securities laws, provided that
such restricted securities are eligible for resale to qualified institutional
investors pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 (the
"Securities Act"). Rule 144A provides a nonexclusive safe harbor exemption from
the registration requirements of the Securities Act for the resale of certain
securities to certain qualified buyers. One of the primary purposes of the Rule
is to create some resale liquidity for certain securities that would otherwise
be treated as illiquid investments. In accordance with Cash Fund's policies, the
Fund is not permitted to invest more than 10% of its total net assets in
illiquid securities. See the discussion of Rule 144A Securities under
"Investment Methods and Risk Factors."
VARIABLE RATE INSTRUMENTS. Cash Fund may invest in instruments having rates
of interest that are adjusted periodically according to a specified market rate
for such investments ("Variable Rate Instruments"). The interest rate on a
Variable Rate Instrument is ordinarily determined by reference to, or is a
percentage of, an objective standard such as a bank's prime rate or the 91-day
U.S. Treasury Bill rate. Cash Fund does not purchase certain Variable Rate
Instruments that have a preset cap above which the rate of interest may not
rise. Generally, the changes in the interest rate on Variable Rate Instruments
reduce the fluctuation in the market value of such securities. Accordingly, as
interest rates decrease or increase, the potential for capital appreciation or
depreciation is less than for fixed-rate obligations. Cash Fund determines the
maturity of Variable Rate Instruments in accordance with Rule 2a-7 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 which allows the Fund generally to consider the
maturity date of such instruments to be the period remaining until the next
readjustment of the interest rate rather than the maturity date on the face of
the instrument.
While Cash Fund does not intend to engage in short-term trading, portfolio
securities may be sold without regard to the length of time that they have been
held. A portfolio security could be sold prior to maturity to take advantage of
new investment opportunities or yield differentials, or to preserve gains or
limit losses due to changing economic conditions or the financial condition of
the issuer, or for other reasons. While Cash Fund is expected to have a high
portfolio turnover due to the short maturities of its portfolio securities, this
should not affect the Fund's income or net asset value since brokerage
commissions are not normally paid in connection with the purchase or sale of
money market instruments.
Cash Fund will invest in money market instruments of varying maturities
(but no longer than 13 months) in an effort to earn as high a level of current
income as is consistent with preservation of capital and liquidity. The Fund
intends to maintain a weighted average maturity in its portfolio of not more
than 90 days. In addition to general market risks, Fund investments in
nongovernment obligations are subject to the ability of the issuer to satisfy
its obligations.
Cash Fund also intends to maintain a net asset value per share of $1.00,
although there can be no assurance it will be able to do so. It is the Fund's
policy to declare dividends on a daily basis of an amount equal to the net
income plus or minus any realized capital gains or losses. (See "Dividends and
Taxes," page 48.)
INVESTMENT METHODS AND RISK FACTORS
Some of the risk factors related to certain securities, instruments and
techniques that may be used by one or more of the Funds are described in the
"Investment Objectives and Policies" and "Investment Methods and Risk Factors"
sections of the Prospectus and in this Statement of Additional Information. The
following is a description of certain additional risk factors related to various
securities, instruments and techniques. The risks so described only apply to
those Funds which may invest in such securities and instruments or which use
such techniques. Also included is a general description of some of the
investment instruments, techniques and methods which may be used by one or more
of the Funds. The methods described only apply to those Funds which may use such
methods. Although a Fund may employ the techniques, instruments and methods
described below, consistent with its investment objective and policies and any
applicable law, no Fund will be required to do so.
GENERAL RISK FACTORS. Each Fund's net asset value will fluctuate,
reflecting fluctuations in the market value of its portfolio positions. The
value of fixed income securities held by the Funds generally fluctuates
inversely with interest rate movements. In other words, bond prices generally
fall as interest rates rise and generally rise as interest rates fall. Longer
term bonds held by the Funds are subject to greater interest rate risk. There is
no assurance that any Fund will achieve its investment objective.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS, REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS AND ROLL TRANSACTIONS.
Each of the Funds may enter into repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements
are transactions in which the purchaser buys a debt security from a bank or
recognized securities dealer and simultaneously commits to resell that security
to the bank or dealer at an agreed upon price, date and market rate of interest
unrelated to the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased security. Repurchase
agreements are considered to be loans which must be fully collateralized
including interest earned thereon during the entire term of the agreement. If
the institution defaults on the repurchase agreement, the Fund will retain
possession of the underlying securities. If bankruptcy proceedings are commenced
with respect to the seller, realization on the collateral by the Fund may be
delayed or limited and the Fund may incur additional costs. In such case, the
Fund will be subject to risks associated with changes in market value of the
collateral securities. The Fund intends to enter into repurchase agreements only
with banks and broker/dealers believed to present minimal credit risks.
Accordingly, the Funds will enter into repurchase agreements only with (a)
brokers having total capitalization of at least $40 million and a ratio of
aggregate indebtedness to net capital of no more than 4 to 1, or, alternatively,
net capital equal to 6% of aggregate debit balances, or (b) banks having at
least $1 billion in assets and a net worth of at least $100 million as of its
most recent annual report. In addition, the aggregate repurchase price of all
repurchase agreements held by the Fund with any broker shall not exceed 15% of
the total assets of the Fund or $5 million, whichever is greater.
The High Yield Fund may also enter into reverse repurchase agreements with
the same parties with whom it may enter into repurchase agreements. Under a
reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund would sell securities and agree to
repurchase them at a particular price at a future date. Reverse repurchase
agreements involve the risk that the market value of the securities retained in
lieu of sale by a Fund may decline below the price of the securities the Fund
has sold but is obligated to repurchase. In the event the buyer of securities
under a reverse repurchase agreement files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent,
such buyer or its trustee or receiver may receive an extension of time to
determine whether to enforce the Fund's obligation to repurchase the securities,
and the Fund's use of the proceeds of the reverse repurchase agreement may
effectively be restricted pending such decision.
The High Yield Fund also may enter into "dollar rolls," in which the Fund
sells fixed income securities for delivery in the current month and
simultaneously contracts to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon
and maturity) securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the
Fund would forego principal and interest paid on such securities. The Fund would
be compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the forward
price for the future purchase, as well as by the interest earned on the cash
proceeds of the initial sale.
BORROWING. Each of the Funds may borrow money from banks as a temporary
measure for emergency purposes, or to facilitate redemption requests.
From time to time, it may be advantageous for the Funds to borrow money
rather than sell existing portfolio positions to meet redemption requests.
Accordingly, the Funds may borrow from banks and High Yield Fund may borrow
through reverse repurchase agreements and "roll" transactions, in connection
with meeting requests for the redemption of Fund shares. High Yield Fund may
borrow up to 33 1/3%, Limited Maturity Bond, Municipal Bond and Cash Funds may
each borrow up to 10% and Corporate Bond and U.S. Government Funds may each
borrow up to 5% of total Fund assets. To the extent that a Fund purchases
securities while it has outstanding borrowings, it is using leverage, i.e. using
borrowed funds for investment. Leveraging will exaggerate the effect on net
asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of a Fund's
portfolio. Money borrowed for leveraging will be subject to interest costs that
may or may not be recovered by appreciation of the securities purchased; in
certain cases, interest costs may exceed the return received on the securities
purchased. A Fund also may be required to maintain minimum average balances in
connection with such borrowing or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a
line of credit; either of these requirements would increase the cost of
borrowing over the stated interest rate. It is not expected that Cash Fund would
purchase securities while it had borrowings outstanding.
LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES. For the purpose of generating income,
certain of the Funds may make secured loans of Fund securities amounting to not
more than 33 1/3% of its total assets. Securities loans are made to
broker/dealers, institutional investors, or other persons pursuant to agreements
requiring that the loans be continuously secured by collateral at least equal at
all times to the value of the securities loaned marked to market on a daily
basis. The collateral received will consist of cash, U.S. Government securities,
letters of credit or such other collateral as may be permitted under its
investment program. While the securities are being loaned, the Fund will
continue to receive the equivalent of the interest or dividends paid by the
issuer on the securities, as well as interest on the investment of the
collateral or a fee from the borrower. The Fund has a right to call each loan
and obtain the securities on five business days' notice or, in connection with
securities trading on foreign markets, within such longer period of time which
coincides with the normal settlement period for purchases and sales of such
securities in such foreign markets. The Fund will not have the right to vote
securities while they are being loaned, but it will call a loan in anticipation
of any important vote. The risks in lending portfolio securities, as with other
extensions of secured credit, consist of possible delay in receiving additional
collateral or in the recovery of the securities or possible loss of rights in
the collateral should the borrower fail financially. Loans will only be made to
persons deemed by the Investment Manager to be of good standing and will not be
made unless, in the judgment of the Investment Manager, the consideration to be
earned from such loans would justify the risk.
GUARANTEED INVESTMENT CONTRACTS ("GICS"). Certain of the Funds may invest
in GICs. When investing in GICs, the Fund makes cash contributions to a deposit
fund of an insurance company's general account. The insurance company then
credits guaranteed interest to the deposit fund on a monthly basis. The GICs
provide that this guaranteed interest will not be less than a certain minimum
rate. The insurance company may assess periodic charges against a GIC for
expenses and service costs allocable to it, and the charges will be deducted
from the value of the deposit fund. Cash Fund may invest only in GICs that have
received the requisite ratings by one or more NRSROs. Because a Fund may not
receive the principal amount of a GIC from the insurance company on 7 days'
notice or less, the GIC is considered an illiquid investment. In determining
average portfolio maturity, GICs generally will be deemed to have a maturity
equal to the period of time remaining until the next readjustment of the
guaranteed interest rate.
RESTRICTED SECURITIES (RULE 144A SECURITIES). Certain of the Funds may
invest in restricted securities which are securities that are restricted as to
disposition under the federal securities laws, provided that such securities are
eligible for resale to qualified institutional investors pursuant to Rule 144A
under the Securities Act of 1933. Rule 144A permits the resale to "qualified
institutional buyers" of "restricted securities" that, when issued, were not of
the same class as securities listed on a U.S. securities exchange or quoted in
the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System (the
"Rule 144A Securities"). A "qualified institutional buyer" is defined by Rule
144A generally as an institution, acting for its own account or for the accounts
of other qualified institutional buyers, that in the aggregate owns and invests
on a discretionary basis at least $100 million in securities of issuers not
affiliated with the institution. A dealer registered under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), acting for its own account or the
accounts of other qualified institutional buyers, that in the aggregate owns and
invests on a discretionary basis at least $10 million in securities of issuers
not affiliated with the dealer may also qualify as a qualified institutional
buyer, as well as an Exchange Act registered dealer acting in a riskless
principal transaction on behalf of a qualified institutional buyer.
The Funds' Board of Directors is responsible for developing and
establishing guidelines and procedures for determining the liquidity of Rule
144A Securities. As permitted by Rule 144A, the Board of Directors has delegated
this responsibility to the Investment Manager. In making the determination
regarding the liquidity of Rule 144A Securities, the Investment Manager will
consider trading markets for the specific security taking into account the
unregistered nature of a Rule 144A security. In addition, the Investment Manager
may consider: (1) the frequency of trades and quotes; (2) the number of dealers
and potential purchasers; (3) dealer undertakings to make a market; and (4) the
nature of the security and of the market place trades (e.g., the time needed to
dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and the mechanics of
transfer). Investing in Rule 144A Securities could have the effect of increasing
the amount of a Fund's assets invested in illiquid securities to the extent that
qualified institutional buyers become uninterested, for a time, in purchasing
these securities.
The High Yield Fund also may purchase restricted securities that are not
eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A. The Fund may acquire such securities
through private placement transactions, directly from the issuer or from
security holders, generally at higher yields or on terms more favorable to
investors than comparable publicly traded securities. However, the restrictions
on resale of such securities may make it difficult for the Fund to dispose of
such securities at the time considered most advantageous, and/or may involve
expenses that would not be incurred in the sale of securities that were freely
marketable. Risks associated with restricted securities include the potential
obligation to pay all or part of the registration expenses in order to sell
certain restricted securities. A considerable period of time may elapse between
the time of the decision to sell a security and the time the Fund may be
permitted to sell it under an effective registration statement. If, during a
period, adverse conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain a less
favorable price than prevailing when it decided to sell.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH LOWER-RATED DEBT SECURITIES (JUNK BONDS). Certain of
the Funds may invest in higher yielding debt securities in the lower rating
(higher risk) categories of the recognized rating services (commonly referred to
as "junk bonds"). Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C by S&P and rated Ba, B, Caa,
Ca and C by Moody's, is 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. For S&P, BB indicates the lowest
degree of speculation and C the highest degree of speculation. For Moody's, Ba
indicates the lowest degree of speculation and C the highest degree of
speculation. While such debt will likely have some quality and protective
characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk
exposures to adverse conditions. Similarly, debt rated Ba or BB and below is
regarded by the relevant rating agency as speculative. Debt rated C by Moody's
or S&P is the lowest quality debt that is not in default as to principal or
interest and such issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor
prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing. Such securities are
also generally considered to be subject to greater risk than higher quality
securities with regard to a deterioration of general economic conditions.
Ratings of debt securities represent the rating agency's opinion regarding their
quality and are not a guarantee of quality. Rating agencies 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 quality in response to subsequent events, so that an issuer's
current financial condition may be better or worse than a rating indicates.
The market value of lower quality debt securities tend to reflect
individual developments of the issuer to a greater extent than do higher quality
securities, which react primarily to fluctuations in the general level of
interest rates. In addition, lower quality debt securities tend to be more
sensitive to economic conditions and generally have more volatile prices than
higher quality securities. Issuers of lower quality securities are often highly
leveraged and may not have available to them more traditional methods of
financing. For example, during an economic downturn or a sustained period of
rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers of lower quality securities may
experience financial stress. During such periods, such issuers may not have
sufficient revenues to meet their interest payment obligations. The issuer's
ability to service its debt obligations may also be adversely affected by
specific developments affecting the issuer, such as the issuer's inability to
meet specific projected business forecasts or the unavailability of additional
financing. Similarly, certain emerging market governments that issue lower
quality debt securities are among the largest debtors to commercial banks,
foreign governments and supranational organizations such as the World Bank and
may not be able or willing to make principal and/or interest repayments as they
come due. The risk of loss due to default by the issuer is significantly greater
for the holders of lower quality securities because such securities are
generally unsecured and are often subordinated to other creditors of the issuer.
Lower quality debt securities of corporate issuers frequently have call or
buy-back features which would permit an issuer to call or repurchase the
security from the Fund. If an issuer exercises these provisions in a declining
interest rate market, the Fund may have to replace the security with a lower
yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for investors. In addition,
the Fund may have difficulty disposing of lower quality securities because there
may be a thin trading market for such securities. There may be no established
retail secondary market for many of these securities, and the Fund anticipates
that such securities could be sold only to a limited number of dealers or
institutional investors. The lack of a liquid secondary market also may have an
adverse impact on market prices of such instruments and may make it more
difficult for the Fund to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of
valuing the securities in the portfolio of the Fund.
Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on
fundamental analysis, may also decrease the values and liquidity of lower
quality securities, especially in a thinly traded market. The High Yield Fund
may acquire lower quality debt securities during an initial underwriting or may
acquire lower quality debt securities which are sold without registration under
applicable securities laws. Such securities involve special considerations and
risks.
Factors having an adverse effect on the market value of lower rated
securities or their equivalents purchased by a Fund will adversely impact net
asset value of the Fund. See "Risk Factors" in the Prospectus. In addition to
the foregoing, such factors may include: (i) potential adverse publicity; (ii)
heightened sensitivity to general economic or political conditions; and (iii)
the likely adverse impact of a major economic recession. The Fund also may incur
additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek recovery upon a default
in the payment of principal or interest on its portfolio holdings, and the Fund
may have limited legal recourse in the event of a default. Debt securities
issued by governments in emerging markets can differ from debt obligations
issued by private entities in that remedies from defaults generally must be
pursued in the courts of the defaulting government, and legal recourse is
therefore somewhat diminished. Political conditions, in terms of a government's
willingness to meet the terms of its debt obligations, also are of considerable
significance. There can be no assurance that the holders of commercial bank debt
would not contest payments to the holders of debt securities issued by
governments in emerging markets in the event of default by the governments under
commercial bank loan agreements.
The Investment Manager will attempt to minimize the speculative risks
associated with investments in lower quality securities through credit analyses
and by carefully monitoring current trends in interest rates, political
developments and other factors. Nonetheless, investors should carefully review
the investment objectives and policies of the Funds and consider their ability
to assume the investment risks involved before making an investment in the
Funds.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES AND WARRANTS. Certain of the Funds may invest in
debt or preferred equity securities convertible into or exchangeable for equity
securities. Traditionally, convertible securities have paid dividends or
interest at rates higher than common stocks but lower than nonconvertible
securities. They generally participate in the appreciation or depreciation of
the underlying stock into which they are convertible, but to a lesser degree. In
recent years, convertibles have been developed which combine higher or lower
current income with options and other features. Warrants are options to buy a
stated number of shares of common stock at a specified price any time during the
life of the warrants (generally two or more years).
EQUITY SECURITIES. Certain Funds may invest directly or indirectly in
common stocks and securities that are convertible into common stocks.
Accordingly, an investment in the Fund is subject to the type of market risk
that is generally associated with equity investments. The value of the Funds'
investments may be affected by changes in the value of the overall stock market
such that the value of an investment in the Fund upon redemption may be more or
less than the initial amount invested.
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES AND COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS. Certain
of the Funds may invest in mortgage-backed securities (MBSs), including mortgage
pass-through securities and collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs). MBSs
include certain securities issued or guaranteed by the United States Government
or one of its agencies or instrumentalities, such as the Government National
Mortgage Association (GNMA), Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), or
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC); securities issued by private
issuers that represent an interest in or are collateralized by mortgage-backed
securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or one of its agencies or
instrumentalities; and securities issued by private issuers that represent an
interest in or are collateralized by mortgage loans. A mortgage pass-through
security is a pro rata interest in a pool of mortgages where the cash flow
generated from the mortgage collateral is passed through to the security holder.
CMOs are obligations fully collateralized by a portfolio of mortgages or
mortgage-related securities. Certain of the Funds may invest in securities known
as "inverse floating obligations," "residual interest bonds," or "interest-only"
(IO) and "principal-only" (PO) bonds, the market values of which will generally
be more volatile than the market values of most MBSs. An inverse floating
obligation is a derivative adjustable rate security with interest rates that
adjust or vary inversely to changes in market interest rates. The term "residual
interest" bond is used generally to describe those instruments in collateral
pools, such as CMOs, which receive any excess cash flow generated by the pool
once all other bondholders and expenses have been paid. IOs and POs are created
by separating the interest and principal payments generated by a pool of
mortgage-backed bonds to create two classes of securities. Generally, one class
receives interest only payments (IOs) and the other class principal only
payments (POs). MBSs have been referred to as "derivatives" because the
performance of MBSs is dependent upon and derived from underlying securities.
CMOs may be issued in a variety of classes and the Funds may invest in
several CMO classes, including, but not limited to Floaters, Planned
Amortization Classes (PACs), Scheduled Classes (SCHs), Sequential Pay Classes
(SEQs), Support Classes (SUPs), Target Amortization Classes (TACs) and Accrual
Classes (Z Classes). CMO classes vary in the rate and time at which they receive
principal and interest payments. SEQs, also called plain vanilla, clean pay, or
current pay classes, sequentially receive principal payments from underlying
mortgage securities when the principal on a previous class has been completely
paid off. During the months prior to their receipt of principal payments, SEQs
receive interest payments at the coupon rate on their principal. PACs are
designed to produce a stable cash flow of principal payments over a
predetermined period of time. PACs guard against a certain level of prepayment
risk by distributing prepayments to SUPs, also called companion classes. TACs
pay a targeted principal payment schedule, as long as prepayments are not made
at a rate slower than an expected constant prepayment speed. If prepayments
increase, the excess over the target is paid to SUPs. SEQs may have a less
stable cash flow than PACs and TACs and, consequently, have a greater potential
yield. PACs generally pay a lower yield than TACs because of PACs' lower risk.
Because SUPs are directly affected by the rate of prepayment of underlying
mortgages, SUPs may experience volatile cash flow behavior. When prepayment
speeds fluctuate, the average life of a SUP will vary. SUPs, therefore, are
priced at a higher yield than less volatile classes of CMOs. Z Classes do not
receive payments, including interest payments, until certain other classes are
paid off. At that time, the Z Class begins to receive the accumulated interest
and principal payments. A Floater has a coupon rate that adjusts periodically
(usually monthly) by adding a spread to a benchmark index subject to a lifetime
maximum cap. The yield of a Floater is sensitive to prepayment rates and the
level of the benchmark index.
Investment in MBSs poses several risks, including prepayment, market and
credit risks. Prepayment risk reflects the chance that borrowers may prepay
their mortgages faster than expected, thereby affecting the investment's average
life and perhaps its yield. Borrowers are most likely to exercise their
prepayment options at a time when it is least advantageous to investors,
generally prepaying mortgages as interest rates fall, and slowing payments as
interest rates rise. Certain classes of CMOs may have priority over others with
respect to the receipt of prepayments on the mortgages and the Fund may invest
in CMOs which are subject to greater risk of prepayment as discussed above.
Market risk reflects the chance that the price of the security may fluctuate
over time. The price of MBSs may be particularly sensitive to prevailing
interest rates, the length of time the security is expected to be outstanding
and the liquidity of the issue. In a period of unstable interest rates, there
may be decreased demand for certain types of MBSs, and a Fund invested in such
securities wishing to sell them may find it difficult to find a buyer, which may
in turn decrease the price at which they may be sold. Credit risk reflects the
chance that the Fund may not receive all or part of its principal because the
issuer or credit enhancer has defaulted on its obligations. Obligations issued
by U.S. Government-related entities are guaranteed by the agency or
instrumentality, and some, such as GNMA certificates, are supported by the full
faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury; others are supported by the right of the
issuer to borrow from the Treasury; others, such as those of the FNMA, are
supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase the
agency's obligations; still others, are supported only by the credit of the
instrumentality. Although securities issued by U.S. Government-related agencies
are guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, shares
of the Fund are not so guaranteed in any way. The performance of private label
MBSs, issued by private institutions, is based on the financial health of those
institutions.
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES. Certain of the Funds may also invest in
"asset-backed securities." These include secured debt instruments backed by
automobile loans, credit card loans, home equity loans, manufactured housing
loans and other types of secured loans providing the source of both principal
and interest. Asset-backed securities are subject to risks similar to those
discussed above with respect to MBSs.
WHEN-ISSUED AND FORWARD COMMITMENT SECURITIES. Certain of the Funds may
purchase securities on a "when-issued" basis and may purchase or sell securities
on a "forward commitment" basis in order to hedge against anticipated changes in
interest rates and prices. 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. When-issued securities and forward
commitments may be sold prior to the settlement date, but the Funds will enter
into when-issued and forward commitments only with the intention of actually
receiving or delivering the securities, as the case may be. No income accrues on
securities which have been purchased pursuant to a forward commitment or on a
when-issued basis prior to delivery of the securities. If a Fund disposes of the
right to acquire a when-issued security prior to its acquisition or disposes of
its right to deliver or receive against a forward commitment, it may incur a
gain or loss. At the time a Fund enters into a transaction on a when-issued or
forward commitment basis, a segregated account consisting of cash or liquid
securities equal to the value of the when-issued or forward commitment
securities will be established and maintained with its custodian and will be
marked to market daily. There is a risk that the securities may not be delivered
and that the Fund may incur a loss.
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS: OPTIONS AND FUTURES STRATEGIES
WRITING COVERED CALL OPTIONS. Certain of the Funds may write (sell) covered
call options. Covered call options generally will be written on securities and
currencies which, in the opinion of the Investment Manager are not expected to
make any major price moves in the near future but which, over the long term, are
deemed to be attractive investments.
A call option gives the holder (buyer) the right to purchase a security or
currency at a specified price (the exercise price) at any time until a certain
date (the expiration date). So long as the obligation of the writer of a call
option continues, the writer may be assigned an exercise notice by the
broker/dealer through whom such option was sold, requiring it to deliver the
underlying security or currency against payment of the exercise price. This
obligation terminates upon the expiration of the call option, or such earlier
time at which the writer effects a closing purchase transaction by purchasing an
option identical to that previously sold. The Investment Manager believes that
writing covered call options is less risky than writing uncovered or "naked"
options, which the Funds will not do.
Portfolio securities on which call options may be written will be purchased
solely on the basis of investment considerations consistent with that Fund's
investment objectives. When writing a covered call option, the Fund in return
for the premium gives up the opportunity for profit from a price increase in the
underlying security above the exercise price, and retains the risk of loss
should the price of the security decline. Unlike one who owns securities not
subject to an option, a Fund has no control over when it may be required to sell
the underlying securities, since the option may be exercised at any time prior
to the option's expiration. If a call option which a Fund has written expires,
the Fund will realize a gain in the amount of the premium; however, such gain
may be offset by a decline in the market value of the underlying security during
the option period. If the call option is exercised, a Fund will realize a gain
or loss from the sale of the underlying security.
The premium which a Fund receives for writing a call option is deemed to
constitute the market value of an option. The premium the Fund will receive from
writing a call option will reflect, among other things, the current market price
of the underlying security, the relationship of the exercise price to such
market price, the historical price volatility of the underlying security, and
the length of the option period. In determining whether a particular call option
should be written on a particular security, the Investment Manager will consider
the reasonableness of the anticipated premium and the likelihood that a liquid
secondary market will exist for those options. The premium received by a Fund
for writing covered call options will be recorded as a liability in the Fund's
statement of assets and liabilities. This liability will be adjusted daily to
the option's current market value, which will be the latest sales price at the
time which the net asset value per share of the Fund is computed at the close of
regular trading on the NYSE (currently, 3:00 p.m. Central time, unless weather,
equipment failure or other factors contribute to an earlier closing time), or,
in the absence of such sale, the latest asked price. The liability will be
extinguished upon expiration of the option, the purchase of an identical option
in a closing transaction, or delivery of the underlying security upon the
exercise of the option.
Closing transactions will be effected in order to realize a profit on an
outstanding call option, to prevent an underlying security from being called, or
to permit the sale of the underlying security. Furthermore, effecting a closing
transaction will permit a Fund to write another call option on the underlying
security with either a different exercise price, expiration date or both. If the
Fund desires to sell a particular security from its portfolio on which it has
written a call option, or purchased a put option, it will seek to effect a
closing transaction prior to, or concurrently with, the sale of the security.
There is no assurance that the Fund will be able to effect such closing
transactions at favorable prices. If the Fund cannot enter into such a
transaction, it may be required to hold a security that it might otherwise have
sold, in which case it would continue to be at market risk with respect to the
security.
The Fund will pay transaction costs in connection with the writing of
options and in entering into closing purchase contracts. Transaction costs
relating to options activity normally are higher than those applicable to
purchases and sales of portfolio securities.
Call options written by the Fund normally will have expiration dates of
less than nine months from the date written. The exercise price of the options
may be below, equal to or above the current market values of the underlying
securities at the time the options are written. From time to time, the Fund may
purchase an underlying security for delivery in accordance with the exercise of
an option, rather than delivering such security from its portfolio. In such
cases, additional costs will be incurred.
The Fund will realize a profit or loss from a closing purchase transaction
if the cost of the transaction is less or more, respectively, than the premium
received from the writing of the option. Because increases in the market price
of a call option generally will reflect increases in the market price of the
underlying security, any loss resulting from the repurchase of a call option is
likely to be offset in whole or in part by appreciation of the underlying
security owned by the Fund.
PURCHASING CALL OPTIONS. Certain Funds may purchase call options. As the
holder of a call option, the Fund would have the right to purchase the
underlying security at the exercise price at any time during the option period.
The Fund may enter into closing sale transactions with respect to such options,
exercise them or permit them to expire. Call options may be purchased by the
Fund for the purpose of acquiring the underlying security for its portfolio.
Utilized in this fashion, the purchase of call options would enable the Fund to
acquire the security at the exercise price of the call option plus the premium
paid. At times, the net cost of acquiring the security in this manner may be
less than the cost of acquiring the security directly. This technique also may
be useful to a Fund in purchasing a large block of securities that would be more
difficult to acquire by direct market purchases. So long as it holds such a call
option rather than the underlying security itself, the Fund is partially
protected from any unexpected decline in the market price of the underlying
security and in such event could allow the call option to expire, incurring a
loss only to the extent of the premium paid for the option.
The Fund also may purchase call options on underlying securities it owns in
order to protect unrealized gains on call options previously written by it. A
call option would be purchased for this purpose where tax considerations make it
inadvisable to realize such gains through a closing purchase transaction. Call
options also may be purchased at times to avoid realizing losses that would
result in a reduction of the Fund's current return. For example, the Fund has
written a call option on an underlying security having a current market value
below the price at which such security was purchased by the Fund, an increase in
the market price could result in the exercise of the call option written by the
Fund and the realization of a loss on the underlying security with the same
exercise price and expiration date as the option previously written.
Aggregate premiums paid for put and call options will not exceed 5% of the
Fund's total assets at the time of purchase.
WRITING COVERED PUT OPTIONS. Certain of the Funds may write covered put
options. A put option gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell, and
the writer (seller) the obligation to buy, the underlying security at the
exercise price during the option period. The option may be exercised at any time
prior to its expiration date. The operation of put options in other respects,
including their related risks and rewards, is substantially identical to that of
call options.
The Fund would write put options only on a covered basis, which means that
the Fund would either (i) set aside cash or liquid securities in an amount not
less than the exercise price at all times while the put option is outstanding
(the rules of the Options Clearing Corporation currently require that such
assets be deposited in escrow to secure payment of the exercise price), (ii)
sell short the security underlying the put option at the same or higher price
than the exercise price of the put option, or (iii) purchase a put option, if
the exercise price of the purchased put option is the same or higher than the
exercise price of the put option sold by the Fund. The Fund generally would
write covered put options in circumstances where the Investment Manager wishes
to purchase the underlying security for the Fund's portfolio at a price lower
than the current market price of the security. In such event, the Fund would
write a put option at an exercise price which, reduced by the premium received
on the option, reflects the lower price it is willing to pay. Since the Fund
also would receive interest on debt securities maintained to cover the exercise
price of the option, this technique could be used to enhance current return
during periods of market uncertainty. The risk in such a transaction would be
that the market price of the underlying security would decline below the
exercise price less the premiums received.
PURCHASING PUT OPTIONS. Certain of the Funds may purchase put options. As
the holder of a put option, the Fund would have the right to sell the underlying
security at the exercise price at any time during the option period. The Fund
may enter into closing sale transactions with respect to such options, exercise
them or permit them to expire.
The Fund may purchase a put option on an underlying security ("protective
put") owned by the Fund as a hedging technique in order to protect against an
anticipated decline in the value of the security. Such hedge protection is
provided only during the life of the put option when the Fund, as the holder of
the put option, is able to sell the underlying security at the put exercise
price regardless of any decline in the underlying security's market price. For
example, a put option may be purchased in order to protect unrealized
appreciation of a security when the Investment Manager deems it desirable to
continue to hold the security because of tax considerations. The premium paid
for the put option and any transaction costs would reduce any capital gain
otherwise available for distribution when the security eventually is sold.
Certain Funds also may purchase put options at a time when the Fund does
not own the underlying security. By purchasing put options on a security it does
not own, the Fund seeks to benefit from a decline in the market price of the
underlying security. If the put option is not sold when it has remaining value,
and if the market price of the underlying security remains equal to or greater
than the exercise price during the life of the put option, the Fund will lose
its entire investment in the put option. In order for the purchase of a put
option to be profitable, the market price of the underlying security must
decline sufficiently below the exercise price to cover the premium and
transaction cost, unless the put option is sold in a closing sale transaction.
The premium paid by the Fund when purchasing a put option will be recorded
as an asset in the Fund's statement of assets and liabilities. This asset will
be adjusted daily to the option's current market value, which will be the latest
sale price at the time at which the net asset value per share of the Fund is
computed (at the close of regular trading on the NYSE), or, in the absence of
such sale, the latest bid price. The asset will be extinguished upon expiration
of the option, the writing of an identical option in a closing transaction, or
the delivery of the underlying security upon the exercise of the option.
INTEREST RATE FUTURES CONTRACTS. Certain Funds may enter into interest rate
futures contracts ("Futures" or "Futures Contracts") as a hedge against changes
in prevailing levels of interest rates. A Fund's hedging may include sales of
Futures as an offset against the effect of expected increases in interest rates,
and purchases of Futures as an offset against the effect of expected declines in
interest rates.
The Funds will not enter into Futures Contracts for speculation and will
only enter into Futures Contracts which are traded on national futures exchanges
and are standardized as to maturity date and underlying financial instrument.
The principal interest rate exchanges in the United States are the Board of
Trade of the City of Chicago and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Futures
exchanges and trading are regulated under the Commodity Exchange Act by the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC"). Futures are exchanged in London
at the London International Financial Futures Exchange.
Although techniques other than sales and purchases of Futures Contracts
could be used to reduce a Fund's exposure to interest rate fluctuations, the
Fund may be able to hedge exposure more effectively and at a lower cost through
using Futures Contracts.
The Fund will not enter into a Futures Contract if, as a result thereof,
more than 5% of the Fund's total assets (taken at market value at the time of
entering into the contract) would be committed to "margin" (down payment)
deposits on such Futures Contracts.
A Futures Contract provides for the future sale by one party and purchase
by another party of a specified amount of a specific financial instrument (debt
security) for a specified price at a designated date, time and place. Brokerage
fees are incurred when a Futures Contract is bought or sold, and margin deposits
must be maintained at all times the Futures Contract is outstanding.
Although Futures Contracts typically require future delivery of and payment
for financial instruments, Futures Contracts usually are closed out before the
delivery date. Closing out an open Futures Contract sale or purchase is effected
by entering into an offsetting Futures Contract purchase or sale, respectively,
for the same aggregate amount of the identical financial instrument and the same
delivery date. If the offsetting purchase price is less than the original sale
price, the Fund realizes a gain; if it is more, the Fund realizes a loss.
Conversely, if the offsetting sale price is more than the original purchase
price, the Fund realizes a gain; if it is less, the Fund realizes a loss. The
transaction costs also must be included in these calculations. There can be no
assurance, however, that the Fund will be able to enter into an offsetting
transaction with respect to a particular Futures Contract at a particular time.
If the Fund is not able to enter into an offsetting transaction, the Fund will
continue to be required to maintain the margin deposits on the Futures Contract.
Persons who trade in Futures Contracts may be broadly classified as
"hedgers" and "speculators." Hedgers, such as the Funds, whose business activity
involves investment or other commitment in securities or other obligations, use
the Futures markets primarily to offset unfavorable changes in value that may
occur because of fluctuations in the value of the securities and obligations
held or expected to be acquired by them. Debtors and other obligors also may
hedge the interest cost of their obligations. The speculator, like the hedger,
generally expects neither to deliver nor to receive the financial instrument
underlying the Futures Contract, but, unlike the hedger, hopes to profit from
fluctuations in prevailing interest rates.
The Fund's Futures transactions will be entered into for traditional
hedging purposes; that is, Futures Contracts will be sold to protect against a
decline in the price of securities that the Fund owns, or Futures Contracts will
be purchased to protect the Fund against an increase in the price of securities
it has committed to purchase or expects to purchase.
"Margin" with respect to Futures Contracts is the amount of funds that must
be deposited by the Fund, in a segregated account with the Fund's broker, in
order to initiate Futures trading and to maintain the Fund's open positions in
Futures Contracts. A margin deposit made when the Futures Contract is entered
into ("initial margin") is intended to assure the Fund's performance of the
Futures Contract. The margin required for a particular Futures Contract is set
by the exchange on which the Futures Contract is traded, and may be modified
significantly from time to time by the exchange during the term of the Futures
Contract. Futures Contracts customarily are purchased and sold on margins that
may range upward from less than 5% of the value of the Futures Contract being
traded.
If the price of an open Futures Contract changes (by increase in the case
of a sale or by decrease in the case of a purchase) so that the loss on the
Futures Contract reaches a point at which the margin on deposit does not satisfy
margin requirements, the broker will require an increase in the margin deposit
("margin variation"). If the value of a position increases because of favorable
price changes in the Futures Contract so that the margin deposit exceeds the
required margin, however, the broker will pay the excess to the Fund. In
computing daily net asset values, the Fund will mark to market the current value
of its open Futures Contracts. The Fund expects to earn interest income on its
margin deposits.
MUNICIPAL BOND INDEX FUTURES CONTRACTS. The Municipal Bond Fund may enter
into municipal bond index futures contracts. A municipal bond index futures
contract is an agreement to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to
the difference between the value of the index at the beginning and at the end of
the contract period. In a substantial majority of these transactions, the Fund
will purchase such securities upon termination of the futures position but,
under unusual market conditions, a futures position may be terminated without
the corresponding purchase of securities.
RISKS OF USING FUTURES CONTRACTS. The prices of Futures Contracts are
volatile and are influenced, among other things, by actual and anticipated
changes in interest rates, which in turn are affected by fiscal and monetary
policies and national and international political and economic events.
There is a risk of imperfect correlation between changes in prices of
Futures Contracts and prices of the securities in the Fund's portfolio being
hedged. The degree of imperfection of correlation depends upon circumstances
such as: variations in speculative market demand for Futures and for debt
securities, including technical influences in Futures trading; and differences
between the financial instruments being hedged and the instruments underlying
the standard Futures Contracts available for trading, with respect to interest
rate levels, maturities, and creditworthiness of issuers. A decision of whether,
when, and how to hedge involves skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived
hedge may be unsuccessful to some degree because of unexpected market behavior
or interest rate trends.
Because of the low margin deposits required, Futures trading involves an
extremely high degree of leverage. As a result, a relatively small price
movement in a Futures Contract may result in immediate and substantial loss, as
well as gain, to the investor. For example, if at the time of purchase, 10% of
the value of the Futures Contract is deposited as margin, a subsequent 10%
decrease in the value of the Futures Contract would result in a total loss of
the margin deposit, before any deduction for the transaction costs, if the
account were then closed out. A 15% decrease would result in a loss of 150% of
the original margin deposit, if the Contract were closed out. Thus, a purchase
or sale of a Futures Contract may result in losses in excess of the amount
invested in the Futures Contract. However, the Fund presumably would have
sustained comparable losses if, instead of the Futures Contract, it had invested
in the underlying financial instrument and sold it after the decline.
Furthermore, in the case of a Futures Contract purchase, in order to be
certain that the Fund has sufficient assets to satisfy its obligations under a
Futures Contract, the Fund sets aside and commits to back the Futures Contract
an amount of cash and liquid securities equal in value to the current value of
the underlying instrument less margin deposit.
In the case of a Futures contract sale, the Fund either will set aside
amounts, as in the case of a Futures Contract purchase, own the security
underlying the contract or hold a call option permitting the Fund to purchase
the same Futures Contract at a price no higher than the contract price. Assets
used as cover cannot be sold while the position in the corresponding Futures
Contract is open, unless they are replaced with similar assets. As a result, the
commitment of a significant portion of the Fund's assets to cover could impede
portfolio management or the Fund's ability to meet redemption requests or other
current obligations.
Most U.S. Futures exchanges limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in
Futures Contract prices during a single trading day. The daily limit establishes
the maximum amount that the price of a Futures Contract may vary either up or
down from the previous day's settlement price at the end of a trading session.
Once the daily limit has been reached in a particular type of Futures Contract,
no trades may be made on that day at a price beyond that limit. The daily limit
governs only price movement during a particular trading day and therefore does
not limit potential losses, because the limit may prevent the liquidation of
unfavorable positions. Futures Contract prices occasionally have moved to the
daily limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading,
thereby preventing prompt liquidation of Futures positions and subjecting some
Futures traders to substantial losses.
OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS. Options on Futures Contracts are similar to
options on securities except that options on Futures Contracts give the
purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a position in a
Futures Contract (a long position if the option is a call and a short position
if the option is a put), rather than to purchase or sell the Futures Contract,
at a specified exercise price at any time during the period of the option. Upon
exercise of the option, the delivery of the Futures position by the writer of
the option to the holder of the option will be accompanied by delivery of the
accumulated balance in the writer's Futures margin account which represents the
amount by which the market price of the Futures Contract, at exercise, exceeds
(in the case of a call) or is less than (in the case of a put) the exercise
price of the option on the Futures Contract. If an option is exercised on the
last trading day prior to the expiration date of the option, the settlement will
be made entirely in cash equal to the difference between the exercise price of
the option and the closing level of the securities or index upon which the
Futures Contracts are based on the expiration date. Purchasers of options who
fail to exercise their options prior to the exercise date suffer a loss of the
premium paid.
As an alternative to purchasing call and put options on Futures, the Fund
may purchase call and put options on the underlying securities themselves. Such
options would be used in a manner identical to the use of options on Futures
Contracts.
To reduce or eliminate the leverage then employed by the Fund, or to reduce
or eliminate the hedge position then currently held by the Fund, the Fund may
seek to close out an option position by selling an option covering the same
securities or contract and having the same exercise price and expiration date.
Trading in options on Futures Contracts began relatively recently. 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.
INTEREST RATE SWAPS. The High Yield Fund may enter into interest rate and
index swaps and the purchase or sale of related caps, floors and collars. The
Fund usually will enter into interest rate swaps on a net basis if the contract
so provides, that is, the two payment streams are netted out in a cash
settlement on the payment date or dates specified in the instrument, with the
Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two
payments. Inasmuch as swaps, caps, floors and collars are entered into for good
faith hedging purposes, the Fund and the Investment Manager, believe that they
do not constitute senior securities under the 1940 Act if appropriately covered
and, thus, will not treat them as being subject to the Fund's borrowing
restrictions. The Fund will not enter into any swap, cap, floor, collar or other
derivative transaction unless, at the time of entering into the transaction, the
unsecured long-term debt rating of the counterparty combined with any credit
enhancements is rated at least A by Moody's or S&P or has an equivalent rating
from a nationally recognized statistical rating organization or is determined to
be of equivalent credit quality by the Investment Manager. If a counterparty
defaults, the Fund may have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements
related to the transactions. The swap market has grown substantially in recent
years, with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as
principals and as agents utilizing standardized swap documentation. As a result,
the swap market has become relatively liquid. Caps, floors and collars are more
recent innovations for which standardized documentation has not yet been fully
developed and, for that reason, they are less liquid than swaps.
EMERGING COUNTRIES. Certain of the Funds may invest in debt securities in
emerging markets. Investing in securities in emerging countries may entail
greater risks than investing in debt securities in developed countries. These
risks include (i) less social, political and economic stability; (ii) the small
current size of the markets for such securities and the currently low or
nonexistent volume of trading, which result in a lack of liquidity and in
greater price volatility; (iii) certain national policies which may restrict the
Fund's investment opportunities, including restrictions on investment in issuers
or industries deemed sensitive to national interests; (iv) foreign taxation; and
(v) the absence of developed structures governing private or foreign investment
or allowing for judicial redress for injury to private property.
FOREIGN INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS. Certain countries prohibit or impose
substantial restrictions on investments in their capital markets, particularly
their equity markets, by foreign entities such as the Funds. As illustrations,
certain countries require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign
persons, or limit the amount of investment by foreign persons in a particular
company, or limit the investments by foreign persons to only a specific class of
securities of a company that may have less advantageous terms than securities of
the company available for purchase by nationals. Moreover, the national policies
of certain countries may restrict investment opportunities in issuers or
industries deemed sensitive to national interests. In addition, some countries
require governmental approval for the repatriation of investment income, capital
or the proceeds of securities sales by foreign investors. A Fund could be
adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required
governmental approval for repatriation, as well as by the application to it of
other restrictions on investments.
POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC RISKS. Investing in securities of non-U.S. companies
may entail additional risks due to the potential political and economic
instability of certain countries and the risks of expropriation,
nationalization, confiscation or the imposition of restrictions on foreign
investment and on repatriation of capital invested. In the event of such
expropriation, nationalization or other confiscation by any country, a Fund
could lose its entire investment in any such country.
An investment in a Fund which invests in non-U.S. companies is subject to
the political and economic risks associated with investments in foreign markets.
Even though opportunities for investment may exist in emerging markets, any
change in the leadership or policies of the governments of those countries or in
the leadership or policies of any other government which exercises a significant
influence over those countries, may halt the expansion of or reverse the
liberalization of foreign investment policies now occurring and thereby
eliminate any investment opportunities which may currently exist.
Investors should note that upon the accession to power of authoritarian
regimes, the governments of a number of emerging market countries previously
expropriated large quantities of real and personal property similar to the
property which will be represented by the securities purchased by a Fund. The
claims of property owners against those governments were never finally settled.
There can be no assurance that any property represented by securities purchased
by a Fund will not also be expropriated, nationalized, or otherwise confiscated.
If such confiscation were to occur, the Fund could lose a substantial portion of
its investments in such countries. The Fund's investments would similarly be
adversely affected by exchange control regulation in any of those countries.
RELIGIOUS AND ETHNIC INSTABILITY. Certain countries in which a Fund may
invest may have vocal minorities that advocate radical religious or
revolutionary philosophies or support ethnic independence. Any disturbance on
the part of such individuals could carry the potential for wide-spread
destruction or confiscation of property owned by individuals and entities
foreign to such country and could cause the loss of the Fund's investment in
those countries.
NON-UNIFORM CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STANDARDS AND GOVERNMENTAL REGULATION.
Foreign companies are subject to accounting, auditing and financial standards
and requirements that differ, in some cases significantly, from those applicable
to U.S. companies. In particular, the assets, liabilities and profits appearing
on the financial statements of such a company may not reflect its financial
position or results of operations in the way they would be reflected had such
financial statements been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles. Most of the foreign securities held by a Fund will not be
registered with the SEC or regulators of any foreign country, nor will the
issuers thereof be subject to the SEC's reporting requirements. Thus, there will
be less available information concerning foreign issuers of securities held by
the Fund than is available concerning U.S. issuers. In instances where the
financial statements of an issuer are not deemed to reflect accurately the
financial situation of the issuer, the Investment Manager will take appropriate
steps to evaluate the proposed investment, which may include on-site inspection
of the issuer, interviews with its management and consultations with
accountants, bankers and other specialists. There is substantially less publicly
available information about foreign companies than there are reports and ratings
published about U.S. companies and the U.S. Government. In addition, where
public information is available, it may be less reliable than such information
regarding U.S. issuers.
ADVERSE MARKET CHARACTERISTICS. Securities of many foreign issuers may be
less liquid and their prices more volatile than securities of comparable U.S.
issuers. In addition, foreign securities exchanges and brokers generally are
subject to less governmental supervision and regulation than in the U.S., and
foreign securities exchange transactions usually are subject to fixed
commissions, which generally are higher than negotiated commissions on U.S.
transactions. In addition, foreign securities exchange transactions may be
subject to difficulties associated with the settlement of such transactions.
Delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when assets of the Fund
are uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of the Fund to
make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause it to
miss attractive opportunities. Inability to dispose of a portfolio security due
to settlement problems either could result in losses to the Fund due to
subsequent declines in value of the portfolio security or, if the Fund has
entered into a contract to sell the security, could result in possible liability
to the purchaser. The Investment Manager will consider such difficulties when
determining the allocation of the Fund's assets.
NON-U.S. WITHHOLDING TAXES. A Fund's investment income and gains from
foreign issuers may be subject to non-U.S. withholding and other taxes, thereby
reducing the Fund's investment income and gains.
COSTS. Investors should understand that the expense ratio of the Funds that
invest in foreign securities can be expected to be higher than investment
companies investing in domestic securities since the cost of maintaining the
custody of foreign securities and the rate of advisory fees paid by the Funds
are higher.
EASTERN EUROPE. Changes occurring in Eastern Europe and Russia today could
have long-term potential consequences. As restrictions fall, this could result
in rising standards of living, lower manufacturing costs, growing consumer
spending, and substantial economic growth. However, investment in the countries
of Eastern Europe and Russia is highly speculative at this time. Political and
economic reforms are too recent to establish a definite trend away from
centrally-planned economies and state owned industries. In many of the countries
of Eastern Europe and Russia, there is no stock exchange or formal market for
securities. Such countries may also have government exchange controls,
currencies with no recognizable market value relative to the established
currencies of western market economies, little or no experience in trading in
securities, no financial reporting standards, a lack of a banking and securities
infrastructure to handle such trading, and a legal tradition which does not
recognize rights in private property. In addition, these countries may have
national policies which restrict investments in companies deemed sensitive to
the country's national interest.
AMERICAN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS (ADRS). The High Yield Fund may invest in
ADRs. ADRs are dollar-denominated receipts issued generally by U.S. banks and
which represent the deposit with the bank of a foreign company's securities.
ADRs are publicly traded on exchanges or over-the-counter in the United States.
Investors should consider carefully the substantial risks involved in investing
in securities issued by companies of foreign nations, which are in addition to
the usual risks inherent in domestic investments. See "Foreign Investment
Restrictions," above.
INVESTMENT POLICY LIMITATIONS
Each of the Funds operate within certain fundamental investment policy
limitations. These limitations may not be changed for the Funds without approval
of the lesser of (i) 67% or more of the voting securities present at a meeting
if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of that
Fund are present or represented by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the
outstanding voting securities of that Fund.
INCOME FUND'S FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES
The fundamental investment policies of the Income Fund, which are
applicable to each of the Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government
and High Yield Funds are:
1. Not to invest in companies having a record of less than three years'
continuous operation, which may include the operations of predecessor
companies; provided, however, that this investment policy does not apply to
the High Yield Fund.
2. Not to invest in the securities of an issuer if the officers and directors
of the Fund, Underwriter or Manager own more than 1/2 of 1% of such
securities or if all such persons together own more than 5% of such
securities.
3. Not to invest more than 5% of its assets in the securities of any one
issuer (other than securities of the U.S. Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities); provided, however, that for the High Yield Fund, this
limitation applies only with respect to 75% of the value of its total
assets.
4. Not to purchase more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities (or of
any class of outstanding securities) of any one issuer (other than
securities of the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities).
5. Not to invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control of
management.
6. Not to act as underwriter of securities of other issuers.
7. Not to invest in an amount equal to, or in excess of, 25% of its total
assets in any particular industry (other than securities of the U.S.
Government, its agencies or instrumentalities).
8. Not to purchase or sell real estate. (This policy shall not prevent the
Fund from investing in securities or other instruments backed by real
estate or in securities of companies engaged in the real estate business.)
9. Not to buy or sell commodities or commodity contracts; provided, however,
that the Funds may, to the extent appropriate under their investment
programs, purchase securities of companies engaged in such activities, may
enter into transactions in financial futures contracts and related options
for hedging purposes, may engage in transactions on a when-issued or
forward commitment basis and may enter into forward currency contracts.
10. Not to make loans to other persons other than for the purchase of publicly
distributed debt securities and U.S. Government obligations or by entry
into repurchase agreements; provided, however, that this investment
limitation does not apply to the High Yield Fund.
11. Not to invest its assets in puts, calls, straddles, spreads, or any
combination thereof; provided, however, that this investment policy does
not apply to High Yield Fund.
12. Not to invest in limited partnerships or similar interests in oil, gas,
mineral lease, mineral exploration or development programs; provided,
however, that the Fund may invest in the securities of other corporations
whose activities include such exploration and development.
13. With respect to each of the Corporate Bond and U.S. Government Funds, not
to borrow money except for emergency purposes, and then not in excess of 5%
of its total assets at the time the loan is made. (Any such borrowings will
be made on a temporary basis from banks and will not be made for investment
purposes.) With respect to the Limited Maturity Bond Fund, not to borrow
money in excess of 10% of its total assets at the time the loan is made,
and then only as a temporary measure for emergency purposes, to facilitate
redemption requests, or for other purposes consistent with the Fund's
investment objectives and policies. With respect to High Yield Fund, not to
borrow money, except that (a) the Fund may enter into certain futures
contracts and options related thereto; (b) the Fund may enter into
commitments to purchase securities in accordance with the Fund's investment
program, including delayed delivery and when-issued securities and reverse
repurchase agreements, and (c) for temporary emergency purposes, High Yield
Fund may borrow in amounts not exceeding 33 1/3% of the value of its total
assets at the time when the loan is made.
14. Not to purchase securities of any other investment company; provided,
however that Limited Maturity Bond Fund and the High Yield Fund may
purchase securities of any investment company if in compliance with the
Investment Company Act of 1940.
15. With respect to each of the Corporate Bond and U.S. Government Funds, not
to issue senior securities; provided, however, that Limited Maturity Bond
Fund and the High Yield Fund may issue senior securities if in compliance
with the Investment Company Act of 1940.
16. With respect to Corporate Bond and U.S. Government Funds, not to invest in
restricted securities (restricted securities are securities for which an
active and substantial market does not exist at the time of purchase or
upon subsequent valuation, or for which there are legal or contractual
restrictions as to disposition); provided, however that Limited Maturity
Bond Fund may invest in restricted securities if those securities are
eligible for resale to qualified institutional investors pursuant to Rule
144A under the Securities Act of 1933; and High Yield Fund may not invest
more than 15% of its total assets in illiquid securities.
The above limitations, other than those relating to borrowing, are
applicable at the time of investment, and later increases or decreases in
percentages resulting from changes in value of net assets will not result in
violation of such limitations. The Fund interprets Fundamental Policy (8) to
prohibit the purchase of real estate limited partnerships.
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND'S FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES
Municipal Bond Fund's fundamental investment policies are:
1. Not to invest less than 80% of its assets in securities which are exempt
from regular federal income tax but which may be subject to alternative
minimum tax, except for temporary defensive purposes;
2. Not to borrow money, except that borrowings from banks for temporary or
emergency purposes may be made in an amount up to 10% of the Fund's total
assets at the time the loan is made;
3. Not to issue senior securities as defined in the Investment Company Act of
1940 except insofar as the Fund may be deemed to have issued senior
securities by reason of borrowing money for temporary or emergency purposes
or purchasing securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis;
4. Not to purchase any securities on margin (except for such short-term
credits as are necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of
portfolio securities) or sell any securities short;
5. Not to make loans, except that this does not prohibit the purchase of a
portion of an issue of publicly distributed bonds, debentures, notes or
other debt securities, or entry into a repurchase agreement;
6. Not to engage in the business of underwriting securities issued by other
persons except to the extent that the Fund may technically be deemed to be
an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933 in purchasing and selling
portfolio securities;
7. Not to invest in real estate, real estate mortgage loans, commodities,
commodity futures contracts or interests in oil, gas or other mineral
exploration or development programs, provided that this limitation shall
not prohibit the purchase of securities issued by companies, including real
estate investment trusts, which invest in real estate or interests therein
nor transactions in financial futures contracts;
8. Not to purchase a security if, as a result, with respect to 75% of the
value of the Fund's total assets, more than 5% of the value of its total
assets would be invested in securities of any one issuer (other than
obligations issued by the U.S. government, its agencies or
instrumentalities);
9. Not to purchase securities of other investment companies, or acquire voting
securities, except in connection with a merger, consolidation, acquisition
or reorganization;
10. Not to invest more than 25% of its total assets in securities the issuers
of which are in the same industry. For purposes of this limitation, the
U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, and state or municipal
governments and their political subdivisions are not considered members of
any industry;
11. Not to pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except to secure
borrowings permitted by fundamental investment policy number (2) above;
12. Not to write, purchase or sell put or call options or combinations thereof,
except that it may purchase and hold puts or "stand-by commitments"
relating to municipal securities, as described in this prospectus;
13. Not to invest in securities which are not readily marketable, securities
the disposition of which is restricted under federal securities laws or
repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days (collectively
"illiquid securities") if, as a result, more than 10% of the Fund's net
assets would be invested in illiquid securities.
For purposes of restrictions (8) and (10) above, each governmental
subdivision, i.e., state, territory, possession of the United States or any
political subdivision of any of the foregoing, including agencies, authorities,
instrumentalities, or similar entities, or of the District of Columbia shall be
considered a separate issuer if its assets and revenues are separate from those
of the governmental body creating it and the security is backed only by its own
assets and revenues. Further, in the case of an industrial development bond, if
the security is backed only by the assets and revenues of a non-governmental
user, then such non-governmental user will be deemed to be the sole issuer. If
an industrial development bond or government issued security is guaranteed by a
governmental or other entity, such guarantee would be considered a separate
security issued by the guarantor.
The above limitations are applicable at the time of investment, and later
increases or decreases in percentages resulting from changes in value or net
assets will not result in violation of such limitations.
CASH FUND'S FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES
Cash Fund's fundamental investment policies are:
1. Not to purchase any securities other than those referred to under "Security
Cash Fund," page 12;
2. Not to borrow money, except that the Fund may borrow for temporary purposes
or to meet redemption requests which might otherwise require the untimely
disposition of a security (not for leveraging) in amounts not exceeding 10%
of the current value of its total assets (including the amount borrowed)
less liabilities (not including the amount borrowed) at the time the
borrowing is made. It is intended that any such borrowing will be
liquidated before additional portfolio securities are purchased;
3. Not to pledge its assets or otherwise encumber them in excess of 10% of its
net assets (taken at market value at the time of pledging) and then only to
secure borrowings effected within the limitations set forth in restriction
2;
4. Not to make loans of money or securities, except (a) by the purchase of
debt obligations in which the Fund may invest consistent with its
investment objectives and policies or (b) by investment in repurchase
agreements, subject to limitations described under "Security Cash Fund,"
page 12;
5. Not to invest in the securities of an issuer if the officers and directors
of the Fund or Manager own more than 1/2 of 1% of such securities, or if
all such persons together own more than 5% of such securities;
6. Not to purchase a security if, as a result, with respect to 75% of the
value of the Fund's total assets, more than 5% of the value of its total
assets would be invested in the securities of any one issuer (other than
obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities);
7. Not to purchase more than 10% of any class of securities of any issuer.
(For purposes of this restriction, all outstanding debt securities of any
issuer are considered one class.)
8. Not to invest more than 25% of the market or other fair value of its total
assets in the securities of issuers, all of which conduct their principal
business activities in the same industry. (For purposes of this
restriction, utilities will be divided according to their services; for
example, gas, gas transmission, electric, water and telephone utilities
will each be treated as being a separate industry. This restriction does
not apply to investment in bank obligations or obligations issued or
guaranteed by the United States Government or its agencies or
instrumentalities.)
9. Not to purchase securities on margin, except for such short-term credits as
are necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio
securities;
10. Not to invest more than 5% of the market or other fair value of its total
assets in securities of companies having a record, together with
predecessors, of less than three years of continuous operation. (This
restriction shall not apply to banks or any obligation of the United States
Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.)
11. Not to engage in the underwriting of securities except insofar as the Fund
may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933 in disposing
of a portfolio security;
12. Not to make short sales of securities;
13. Not to purchase or sell real estate, although it may purchase securities of
issuers which engage in real estate operations, securities which are
secured by interests in real estate, or securities representing interests
in real estate;
14. Not to invest for the purpose of exercising control of management of
another company;
15. Not to purchase oil, gas or other mineral leases, rights, or royalty
contracts or exploration or development programs, except that the Fund may
invest in the securities of companies which invest in or sponsor such
programs;
16. Not to purchase securities of other investment companies, except in
connection with a merger, consolidation, reorganization or acquisition of
assets;
17. Not to write, purchase or sell puts, calls, or combinations thereof;
18. Not to purchase or sell commodities or commodity futures contracts;
19. Not to issue senior securities as defined in the Investment Company Act of
1940.
Any investment restriction except restriction 2, which involves a maximum
or minimum percentage of securities or assets shall not be considered to be
violated unless an excess over or a deficiency under the percentage occurs
immediately after, and is caused by, an acquisition or disposition of securities
or utilization of assets by Cash Fund.
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
The officers and directors of the Funds and their principal occupations for
at least the last five years are as follows. Unless otherwise noted, the address
of each officer and director is 700 Harrison Street, Topeka, Kansas 66636-0001.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------
NAME, ADDRESS AND POSITIONS HELD WITH THE FUNDS PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS DURING PAST FIVE YEARS
- --------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
JOHN D. CLELAND,* President and Director Senior Vice President and Managing Member Representative,
Security Management Company, LLC; Senior Vice President,
Security Benefit Group, Inc. and Security Benefit Life
Insurance Company.
DONALD A. CHUBB, JR.,** Director Business broker, Griffith & Blair Realtors. Prior to 1997,
2222 SW 29th Street President, Neon Tube Light Company, Inc.
Topeka, Kansas 66611
PENNY A. LUMPKIN,** Director Vice President, Palmer Companies, Inc. (Wholesalers,
3616 Canterbury Town Road Retailers and Developers) and Bellaire Shopping Center
Topeka, Kansas 66610 (Leasing and Shopping Center Management); Secretary
Treasurer, Palmer News, Inc. (Wholesale Distributors).
MARK L. MORRIS, JR.,** Director Retired Former General Partner, Mark Morris Associates
5500 SW 7th Street (Veterinary Research and Education).
Topeka, Kansas 66606
MAYNARD OLIVERIUS, Director President and Chief Executive Officer, Stormont-Vail
1500 SW 10th Avenue HealthCare.
Topeka, Kansas 66604
JAMES R. SCHMANK,* Vice President and Director President and Managing Member Representative, Security
(Municipal Bond and Cash Funds) Management Company, LLC; Senior Vice President, Security
Benefit Group, Inc. and Security Benefit Life Insurance
Company.
MARIA FIORINI RAMIREZ,* Director (Income Fund) President and Chief Executive Officer, Maria Fiorini
One Liberty Plaza, 46th Floor Ramirez, Inc.
New York, New York 10006
MARK E. YOUNG, Vice President Vice President, Security Management Company, LLC; Second
Vice President, Security Benefit Group, Inc. and Security
Benefit Life Insurance Company.
JANE A. TEDDER, Vice President Vice President and Senior Economist, Security Management
Company, LLC; Vice President, Security Benefit Group, Inc.
and Security Benefit Life Insurance Company.
AMY J. LEE, Secretary Secretary, Security Management Company, LLC; Vice
President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant
Secretary, Security Benefit Group, Inc. and Security
Benefit Life Insurance Company.
BRENDA M. HARWOOD, Treasurer Assistant Vice President and Treasurer, Security Management
Company, LLC; Assistant Vice President, Security Benefit
Group, Inc. and Security Benefit Life Insurance Company.
STEVEN M. BOWSER, Vice President Second Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Security
(Income Fund) Management Company, LLC; Second Vice President, Security
Benefit Group, Inc. and Security Benefit Life Insurance
Company. Prior to October 1992, Assistant Vice President
and Portfolio Manager, Federal Home Loan Bank.
THOMAS A. SWANK, Vice President Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Security Management
(Income Fund) Company, LLC; Vice President and Chief Investment Officer,
Security Benefit Group, Inc. and Security Benefit Life
Insurance Company.
DAVID ESHNAUR, Vice President Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager, Security
Management Company, LLC. Prior to July 1997, Assistant
Vice President and Assistant Portfolio Manager, Waddell &
Reed.
CHRISTOPHER D. SWICKARD, Assistant Secretary Assistant Secretary, Security Management Company, LLC;
Assistant Vice President and Assistant Counsel, Security
Benefit Group, Inc. and Security Benefit Life Insurance
Company. Prior to June 1992, student at Washburn
University School of Law.
</TABLE>
- ----------------------
* These directors are deemed to be "interested persons" of the Funds under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
** These directors serve on the Funds' audit committee, the purpose of which
is to meet with the independent auditors, to review the work of the
auditors, and to oversee the handling by Security Management Company, LLC
of the accounting functions for the Funds.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The officers of the Funds hold identical offices with each of the other
Funds managed by the Investment Manager, except Ms. Tedder who is also Vice
President of SBL Fund and Security Equity Fund; and Mr. Eshnaur, who is also
Vice President of SBL Fund. The directors of the Funds, except Maria Fiorini
Ramirez, also serve as directors of each of the other Funds managed by the
Investment Manager. See the table under "Investment Management," page 39, for
positions held by such persons with the Investment Manager. Ms. Lee holds
identical offices for the Distributor (Security Distributors, Inc.). Messrs.
Cleland, Schmank and Young are also directors and Vice Presidents of the
Distributor, and Ms. Harwood is Treasurer of the Distributor.
REMUNERATION OF DIRECTORS AND OTHERS
The Funds' directors, except those directors who are "interested persons"
of the Funds, receive from each Fund an annual retainer of $1,667 and a fee of
$1,000 per meeting, plus reasonable travel costs, for each meeting of the board
attended. In addition, certain directors who are members of the Funds' joint
audit committee receive a fee of $1,000 per meeting and reasonable travel costs
for each meeting of the Funds' audit committee attended. The meeting fee
(including the audit committee meeting) and travel costs are paid
proportionately by each of the seven registered investment companies to which
the Adviser provides investment advisory services (collectively, the "Security
Fund Complex") based on the Fund's net assets.
The Funds do not pay any fees to, or reimburse expenses of, their directors
who are considered "interested persons" of the Fund. The aggregate compensation
paid by the Fund to each of the directors during the fiscal year ended December
31, 1997, and the aggregate compensation paid to each of the directors during
calendar year 1997 by the Security Fund Complex, are set forth in the
accompanying chart. Each of the directors is a director of each of the other
registered investment companies in the Security Fund Complex.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PENSION OR RETIREMENT
BENEFITS ACCRUED AS ESTIMATED
AGGREGATE COMPENSATION PART OF FUND EXPENSES ANNUAL TOTAL COMPENSATION
NAME OF ------------------------------- ------------------------------- BENEFITS FROM THE SECURITY
DIRECTOR OF INCOME MUNICIPAL CASH INCOME MUNICIPAL CASH UPON FUND COMPLEX,
THE FUND FUND BOND FUND FUND FUND BOND FUND FUND RETIREMENT INCLUDING THE FUNDS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Willis A. Anton, Jr.* $ 394 $ 394 $ 394 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 4,725
Donald A. Chubb, Jr. 1,971 1,971 1,971 0 0 0 0 23,650
John D. Cleland 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Donald L. Hardesty* 1,788 1,788 1,788 0 0 0 0 21,450
Penny A. Lumpkin 1,971 1,971 1,971 0 0 0 0 23,650
Mark L. Morris, Jr. 1,971 1,971 1,971 0 0 0 0 23,650
James R. Schmank 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Harold G. Worswick** 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Hugh L. Thompson 1,788 1,788 1,788 0 0 0 0 21,450
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Mr. Anton retired as a fund director February 1997. Mr. Hardesty resigned
as a fund director effective April 1998.
** Mr. Worswick retired as a fund director February 1996. The amount of
deferred compensation accrued for Mr. Worswick as of December 31, 1997, was
$22,560. Mr. Worswick received deferred compensation in the amount of
$15,266 during the year ended December 31, 1997.
As of March 31, 1998, the Funds' officers and directors (as a group)
beneficially owned less than 1% of the total outstanding Class A shares of
Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government and High Yield Funds.
Cash Fund's officers and directors (as a group) beneficially owned less than 1%
of the total outstanding shares as of March 31, 1998. As of March 31, 1998,
Municipal Bond Fund's officers and directors (as a group) beneficially owned
27,067 of Class A shares of Municipal Bond Fund which represented approximately
1.24% of the total outstanding Class A shares on that date.
HOW TO PURCHASE SHARES
As discussed below, shares of Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S.
Government, High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds may be purchased with either a
front-end or contingent deferred sales charge. Shares of Cash Fund are offered
by the Fund without a sales charge. Each of the Funds reserves the right to
withdraw all or any part of the offering made by this prospectus and to reject
purchase orders.
As a convenience to investors and to save operating expenses, the Funds do
not issue certificates for Fund shares except upon written request by the
stockholder.
CORPORATE BOND, LIMITED MATURITY BOND, U.S. GOVERNMENT, HIGH YIELD AND MUNICIPAL
BOND FUNDS
Security Distributors, Inc. (the "Distributor"), 700 SW Harrison, Topeka,
Kansas, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Security Benefit Group, Inc., is principal
underwriter for Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High
Yield and Municipal Bond Funds. Investors may purchase shares of these Funds
through authorized dealers who are members of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. In addition, banks and other financial institutions may
make shares of the Funds available to their customers. (Banks and other
financial institutions that make shares of the Funds available to their
customers in Texas must be registered with that state as securities dealers.)
The minimum initial purchase must be $100 and subsequent purchases must be $100
unless made through an Accumulation Plan which allows a minimum initial purchase
of $100 and subsequent purchases of $20. (See "Accumulation Plan," page 38.) An
application may be obtained from the Distributor.
Orders for the purchase of shares of the Funds will be confirmed at an
offering price equal to the net asset value per share next determined after
receipt of the order in proper form by the Distributor (generally as of the
close of the Exchange on that day) plus the sales charge in the case of Class A
shares of the Funds. Orders received by dealers or other firms prior to the
close of the Exchange and received by the Distributor prior to the close of its
business day will be confirmed at the offering price effective as of the close
of the Exchange on that day. Dealers and other financial services firms are
obligated to transmit orders promptly.
ALTERNATIVE PURCHASE OPTIONS
Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High Yield and
Municipal Bond Funds offer two classes of shares:
CLASS A SHARES - FRONT-END LOAD OPTION. Class A shares are sold with a
sales charge at the time of purchase. Class A shares are not subject to a sales
charge when they are redeemed (except that shares sold in an amount of
$1,000,000 or more without a front-end sales charge will be subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge of 1% for one year). See Appendix A for a
discussion of "Rights of Accumulation" and "Statement of Intention," which
options may serve to reduce the front-end sales charge.
CLASS B SHARES - BACK-END LOAD OPTION. Class B shares are sold without a
sales charge at the time of purchase, but are subject to a deferred sales charge
if they are redeemed within five years of the date of purchase. Class B shares
will automatically convert tax-free to Class A shares at the end of eight years
after purchase.
The decision as to which class is more beneficial to an investor depends on
the amount and intended length of the investment. Investors who would rather pay
the entire cost of distribution at the time of investment, rather than spreading
such cost over time, might consider Class A shares. Other investors might
consider Class B shares, in which case 100% of the purchase price is invested
immediately, depending on the amount of the purchase and the intended length of
investment. The Funds will not normally accept any purchase of Class B shares in
the amount of $250,000 or more.
Dealers or others may receive different levels of compensation depending on
which class of shares they sell.
CLASS A SHARES
Class A shares of Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government,
High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds are offered at net asset value plus an
initial sales charge as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SALES CHARGE
-----------------------------------------------------------
APPLICABLE PERCENTAGE
AMOUNT OF PURCHASE PERCENTAGE OF PERCENTAGE OF NET REALLOWABLE
AT OFFERING PRICE OFFERING PRICE AMOUNT INVESTED TO DEALERS
- ------------------------------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Less than $50,000........................ 4.75% 4.99% 4.00%
$50,000 but less than $100,000........... 3.75 3.90 3.00
$100,000 but less than $250,000.......... 2.75 2.83 2.20
$250,000 but less than $1,000,000........ 1.75 1.78 1.40
$1,000,000 or more....................... None None (See below)
- ------------------------------------------- -------------------- -------------------- -----------------
</TABLE>
Purchases of Class A shares of these Funds in amounts of $1,000,000 or more
are at net asset value (without a sales charge), but are subject to a contingent
deferred sales charge of 1% in the event of redemption within one year following
purchase. For a discussion of the contingent deferred sales charge, see
"Calculation and Waiver of Contingent Deferred Sales Charges" page 35. The
Distributor will pay a commission to dealers on purchases of $1,000,000 or more
as follows: 1.00% on sales up to $5,000,000, plus .50% on sales of $5,000,000 or
more up to $10,000,000, and .10% on any amount of $10,000,000 or more.
SECURITY INCOME AND MUNICIPAL BOND FUNDS' CLASS A DISTRIBUTION PLANS
As discussed in the prospectus, each of Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity
Bond, U.S. Government, High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds has a Distribution
Plan for its Class A shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company
Act of 1940. Each Plan authorizes these Funds to pay an annual fee to the
Distributor of .25% of the average daily net asset value of the Class A shares
of each Fund to finance various activities relating to the distribution of such
shares of the Funds to investors. These expenses include, but are not limited
to, the payment of compensation (including compensation to securities dealers
and other financial institutions and organizations) to obtain various
administrative services for each Fund. These services include, among other
things, processing new shareholder account applications and serving as the
primary source of information to customers in answering questions concerning
each Fund and their transactions with the Fund. The Distributor is also
authorized to engage in advertising, the preparation and distribution of sales
literature and other promotional activities on behalf of each Fund. The
Distributor is required to report in writing to the Board of Directors of Income
Fund and the board will review at least quarterly the amounts and purpose of any
payments made under the Plan. The Distributor is also required to furnish the
board with such other information as may reasonably be requested in order to
enable the board to make an informed determination of whether the Plan should be
continued.
For Income Fund, the Plan became effective on August 15, 1985, and was
renewed by the directors of Income Fund on February 6, 1998, as to each of
Corporate Bond and U.S. Government Funds. The Plan was adopted with respect to
Limited Maturity Bond on October 21, 1994 and was renewed by the directors of
Income Fund on February 6, 1998. The Plan was adopted with respect to the High
Yield Fund on May 3, 1996, and renewed by the directors of Income Fund on
February 6, 1998. For Municipal Bond Fund, the Plan became effective on May 1,
1998. Each Plan will continue from year to year, provided that such continuance
is approved at least annually by a vote of a majority of the Board of Directors
of each Fund, including a majority of the independent directors cast in person
at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such continuance. The Plan can
also be terminated at any time on 60 days' written notice, without penalty, if a
majority of the disinterested directors or the Class A shareholders vote to
terminate the Plan. Any agreement relating to the implementation of the Plan
terminates automatically if it is assigned. The Plans may not be amended to
increase materially the amount of payments thereunder without approval of the
Class A shareholders of the Funds.
Because all amounts paid pursuant to the Distribution Plan are paid to the
Distributor, the Investment Manager and its officers, directors and employees,
including Messrs. Cleland and Schmank (directors of the Fund), Messrs. Young,
Schmank and Swickard, Ms. Tedder, Ms. Lee and Ms. Harwood (officers of the
Fund), all may be deemed to have a direct or indirect financial interest in the
operation of the Distribution Plan. None of the independent directors has a
direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Distribution Plan.
Benefits from the Distribution Plan may accrue to the Funds and their
stockholders from the growth in assets due to sales of shares to the public
pursuant to the Distribution Agreement with the Distributor. Increases in the
Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High Yield and Municipal
Bond Funds' net assets from sales pursuant to its Distribution Plan and
Agreement may benefit shareholders by reducing per share expenses, permitting
increased investment flexibility and diversification of the Fund's assets, and
facilitating economies of scale (e.g., block purchases) in the Fund's securities
transactions.
Distribution fees paid by Class A stockholders of Corporate Bond, Limited
Maturity Bond, U.S. Government and High Yield Funds to the Distributor under the
Plan for the year ended December 31, 1997, totaled $194,234. In addition, $4,310
was carried forward from the previous plan year. Approximately $112,360 of this
amount was paid as a service fee to broker/dealers and $90,489 was spent on
promotions, resulting in a deficit of $12,926 going into the 1998 plan year. The
amount spent on promotions consists primarily of amounts reimbursed to dealers
for expenses (primarily travel, meals and lodging) incurred in connection with
attendance by their representatives at educational meetings concerning Corporate
Bond and U.S. Government Funds. The Distributor may engage the services of an
affiliated advertising agency for advertising, preparation of sales literature
and other distribution-related activities.
CLASS B SHARES
Class B shares of Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government,
High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds are offered at net asset value, without an
initial sales charge. With certain exceptions, these Funds may impose a deferred
sales charge on shares redeemed within five years of the date of purchase. No
deferred sales charge is imposed on amounts redeemed thereafter. If imposed, the
deferred sales charge is deducted from the redemption proceeds otherwise payable
to the stockholder. The deferred sales charge is retained by the Distributor.
Whether a contingent deferred sales charge is imposed and the amount of the
charge will depend on the number of years since the stockholder made a purchase
payment from which an amount is being redeemed, according to the following
schedule:
YEAR SINCE PURCHASE PAYMENT WAS MADE CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE
------------------------------------ --------------------------------
First 5%
Second 4%
Third 3%
Fourth 3%
Fifth 2%
Sixth and Following 0%
Class B shares (except shares purchased through the reinvestment of
dividends and other distributions with respect to Class B shares) will
automatically convert on the eighth anniversary of the date such shares were
purchased to Class A shares which are subject to a lower distribution fee. This
automatic conversion of Class B shares will take place without imposition of a
front-end sales charge or exchange fee. (Conversion of Class B shares
represented by stock certificates will require the return of the stock
certificates to the Investment Manager.) All shares purchased through
reinvestment of dividends and other distributions with respect to Class B shares
("reinvestment shares") will be considered to be held in a separate subaccount.
Each time any Class B shares (other than those held in the subaccount) convert
to Class A shares, a pro rata portion of the reinvestment shares held in the
subaccount will also convert to Class A shares. Class B shares so converted will
no longer be subject to the higher expenses borne by Class B shares. Because the
net asset value per share of the Class A shares may be higher or lower than that
of the Class B shares at the time of conversion, although the dollar value will
be the same, a shareholder may receive more or less Class A shares than the
number of Class B shares converted. Under current law, it is the Funds' opinion
that such a conversion will not constitute a taxable event under federal income
tax law. In the event that this ceases to be the case, the Board of Directors
will consider what action, if any, is appropriate and in the best interests of
the Class B stockholders.
CLASS B DISTRIBUTION PLAN
Each of Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High Yield
and Municipal Bond Funds bear some of the costs of selling its Class B shares
under a Distribution Plan adopted with respect to its Class B shares ("Class B
Distribution Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of
1940 ("1940 Act"). This Plan was adopted by the Board of Directors of Corporate
Bond, U.S. Government and Municipal Bond Funds on July 23, 1993 and was renewed
on February 6, 1998. The Plan was adopted with respect to Limited Maturity Bond
Fund on October 21, 1994 and was renewed on February 6, 1998. The Plan was
adopted with respect to the High Yield Fund on May 3, 1996, and renewed by the
directors of Income Fund on February 6, 1998. The Plan provides for payments at
an annual rate of 1.00% of the average daily net asset value of Class B shares.
Amounts paid by the Funds are currently used to pay dealers and other firms that
make Class B shares available to their customers (1) a commission at the time of
purchase normally equal to 4.00% of the value of each share sold and (2) a
service fee payable for the first year, initially, and for each year thereafter,
quarterly, in an amount equal to .25% annually of the average daily net asset
value of Class B shares sold by such dealers and other firms and remaining
outstanding on the books of the Funds.
Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD")
limit the aggregate amount that each Fund may pay annually in distribution costs
for the sale of its Class B shares to 6.25% of gross sales of Class B shares
since the inception of the Distribution Plan, plus interest at the prime rate
plus 1% on such amount (less any contingent deferred sales charges paid by Class
B shareholders to the Distributor). The Distributor intends, but is not
obligated, to continue to pay or accrue distribution charges incurred in
connection with the Class B Distribution Plan which exceed current annual
payments permitted to be received by the Distributor from the Funds. The
Distributor intends to seek full payment of such charges from the Fund (together
with annual interest thereon at the prime rate plus 1%) at such time in the
future as, and to the extent that, payment thereof by the Funds would be within
permitted limits.
Each Fund's Class B Distribution Plan may be terminated at any time by vote
of its directors who are not interested persons of the Fund as defined in the
1940 Act or by vote of a majority of the outstanding Class B shares. In the
event the Class B Distribution Plan is terminated by the Class B stockholders or
the Funds' Board of Directors, the payments made to the Distributor pursuant to
the Plan up to that time would be retained by the Distributor. Any expenses
incurred by the Distributor in excess of those payments would be absorbed by the
Distributor. Distribution fees paid by Class B stockholders of Corporate Bond,
Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds to
the Distributor under the Plan for the year ended December 31, 1997, totaled
$134,594. The Funds make no payments in connection with the sales of their Class
B shares other than the distribution fee paid to the Distributor.
CALCULATION AND WAIVER OF CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGES
Any contingent deferred sales charge imposed upon redemption of Class A
shares (purchased in an amount of $1,000,000 or more) and Class B shares is a
percentage of the lesser of (1) the net asset value of the shares redeemed or
(2) the net cost of such shares. No contingent deferred sales charge is imposed
upon redemption of amounts derived from (1) increases in the value above the net
cost of such shares due to increases in the net asset value per share of the
Fund; (2) shares acquired through reinvestment of income dividends and capital
gain distributions; or (3) Class A shares (purchased in an amount of $1,000,000
or more) held for more than one year or Class B shares held for more than five
years. Upon request for redemption, shares not subject to the contingent
deferred sales charge will be redeemed first. Thereafter, shares held the
longest will be the first to be redeemed.
The contingent deferred sales charge is waived: (1) following the death of
a stockholder if redemption is made within one year after death, (2) upon the
disability (as defined in Section 72(m)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code) of a
stockholder prior to age 65 if redemption is made within one year after the
disability, provided such disability occurred after the stockholder opened the
account; (3) in connection with required minimum distributions in the case of an
IRA, SAR-SEP or Keogh or any other retirement plan qualified under Section
401(a), 401(k) or 403(b) of the Code; and (4) in the case of distributions from
retirement plans qualified under Section 401(a) or 401(k) of the Internal
Revenue Code due to (i) returns of excess contributions to the plan, (ii)
retirement of a participant in the plan, (iii) a loan from the plan (repayment
of loans, however, will constitute new sales for purposes of assessing the
CDSC), (iv) "financial hardship" of a participant in the plan, as that term is
defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.401(k)-1(d)(2), as amended from time to
time, (v) termination of employment of a participant in the plan, (vi) any other
permissible withdrawal under the terms of the plan. The contingent deferred
sales charge will also be waived in the case of redemptions of shares of the
Funds pursuant to a Systematic Withdrawal Program (refer to page 38 for
details).
ARRANGEMENTS WITH BROKER/DEALERS AND OTHERS
The Investment Manager or Distributor, from time to time, will provide
promotional incentives or pay a bonus to certain dealers whose representatives
have sold or are expected to sell significant amounts of the Funds and/or
certain other Funds managed by the Investment Manager. Such promotional
incentives will include payment for attendance (including travel and lodging
expenses) by qualifying registered representatives (and members of their
families) to sales seminars at luxury resorts within or without the United
States. Bonus compensation may include reallowance of the entire sales charge
and may also include, with respect to Class A shares, an amount which exceeds
the entire sales charge and, with respect to Class B shares, an amount which
exceeds the maximum commission. The Distributor, or the Investment Manager, may
also provide financial assistance to certain dealers in connection with
conferences, sales or training programs for their employees, seminars for the
public, advertising, sales campaigns, and/or shareholder services and programs
regarding one or more of the funds managed by the Investment Manager. Certain of
the promotional incentives or bonuses may be financed by payments to the
Distributor under a Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan. The payment of promotional
incentives and/or bonuses will not change the price an investor will pay for
shares or the amount that the Funds will receive from such sale. No compensation
will be offered to the extent it is prohibited by the laws of any state or
self-regulatory agency, such as the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc. ("NASD"). A Dealer to whom substantially the entire sales charge of Class A
shares is reallowed may be deemed to be an "underwriter" under federal
securities laws.
The Distributor also may pay banks and other financial services firms that
facilitate transactions in shares of the funds for their clients a transaction
fee up to the level of the payments made allowable to dealers for the sale of
such shares as described above. Banks currently are prohibited under the
Glass-Steagall Act from providing certain underwriting or distribution services.
If banking firms were prohibited from acting in any capacity or providing any of
the described services, the Fund's Board of Directors would consider what
action, if any, would be appropriate.
In addition, state securities laws on this issue may differ from the
interpretations of federal law expressed herein and banks and financial
institutions may be required to register as dealers pursuant to state law.
The Investment Manager or Distributor also may pay a marketing allowance to
dealers who meet certain eligibility criteria. This allowance is paid with
reference to new sales of Fund shares (except shares of Cash Fund) in a calendar
year and may be discontinued at any time. To be eligible for this allowance in
any given year, the dealer must sell a minimum of $2,000,000 of Class A and
Class B shares during that year. The applicable marketing allowance factors are
set forth below.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
APPLICABLE MARKETING
AGGREGATE NEW SALES ALLOWANCE FACTOR*
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than $2 million................................... .00%
$2 million but less than $5 million.................... .15%
$5 million but less than $10 million................... .25%
$10 million but less than $15 million.................. .35%
$15 million but less than $20 million.................. .50%
$20 million or more.................................... .75%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The maximum marketing allowance factor applicable per this schedule will be
applied to all new sales in the calendar year to determine the marketing
allowance payable for such year.
For the calendar year ended December 31, 1997, the following dealers
received a marketing allowance:
DEALER AMOUNT
- --------------------------------------------------------- ---------
Legend Equities Corp.................................... $ 149,054
Investment Advisors & Consultants, Inc.................. 24,480
VSR Financial Services, Inc............................. 19,859
Hepfner Securities Corp................................. 13,671
OFG Financial Services, Inc............................. 6,555
Berthel Fisher & Company Financial Services, Inc........ 6,038
SunAmerica.............................................. 4,022
J. D. Andrews........................................... 3,493
George K. Baum & Co., Inc............................... 3,799
KMS..................................................... 3,034
---------
$ 231,932
=========
CASH FUND
Cash fund offers a single class of shares which is offered at net asset
value next determined after an order is accepted. There is no sales charge or
load. The minimum initial investment in Cash Fund is $100 for each account.
Subsequent investments may be made in any amount of $20 or more. Cash Fund
purchases may be made in any of the following ways:
1. BY MAIL.
(a) A check or negotiable bank draft should be sent to:
Security Cash Fund
P.O. Box 2548
Topeka, Kansas
66601-2548
(b) Make check or draft payable to "Security Cash Fund."
(c) For initial investment include a completed investment application
found at the back of the prospectus.
2. BY WIRE.
(a) Call the Fund to advise of the investment. The Fund will supply an
account number at the time of the initial investment and provide
instructions for having your bank wire federal funds.
(b) For an initial investment, you must also send a completed investment
application to the Fund.
3. THROUGH BROKER/DEALERS. Investors may, if they wish, invest in Cash Fund by
purchasing shares through registered broker/dealers. Such broker/dealers
who process orders on behalf of their customers may charge a fee for their
services. Investments made directly without the assistance of a
broker/dealer are without charge.
Since Cash Fund invests in money market securities which require immediate
payment in federal funds, monies received from the sales of its shares must be
monies held by a commercial bank and be on deposit at one of the Federal Reserve
Banks. A record date for each stockholder's investment is established each
business day and used to distribute the following day's dividend. If federal
funds are received prior to 2:00 p.m. (Central time) the investment will be made
on that day and the investor will receive the following day's dividend. Federal
funds received after 2:00 p.m. on any business day will not be invested until
the following business day. Cash Fund will not be responsible for any delays in
the wire transfer system. All checks are accepted subject to collection at full
face value in United States funds and must be drawn in United States dollars on
a United States bank.
PURCHASES AT NET ASSET VALUE
Class A shares of Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government,
High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds may be purchased at net asset value by (1)
directors, officers and employees of the Funds, the Funds' Investment Manager or
Distributor; directors, officers and employees of Security Benefit Life
Insurance Company and its subsidiaries; agents licensed with Security Benefit
Life Insurance Company; spouses or minor children of any such agents; as well as
the following relatives of any such directors, officers and employees (and their
spouses): spouses, grandparents, parents, children, grandchildren, siblings,
nieces and nephews; (2) any trust, pension, profit sharing or other benefit plan
established by any of the foregoing corporations for persons described above;
(3) retirement plans where third party administrators of such plans have entered
into certain arrangements with the Distributor or its affiliates provided that
no commission is paid to dealers; and (4) officers, directors, partners or
registered representatives (and their spouses and minor children) of
broker/dealers who have a selling agreement with the Distributor. Such sales are
made upon the written assurance of the purchaser that the purchase is made for
investment purposes and that the securities will not be transferred or resold
except through redemption or repurchase by or on behalf of the Funds.
Life agents and associated personnel of broker/dealers must obtain a
special application from their employer or from the Distributor, in order to
qualify for such purchases.
Class A shares of Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government,
High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds may also be purchased at net asset value
when the purchase is made on the recommendation of (i) a registered investment
adviser, trustee or financial intermediary who has authority to make investment
decisions on behalf of the investor; or (ii) a certified financial planner or
registered broker-dealer who either charges periodic fees to its customers for
financial planning, investment advisory or asset management services, or
provides such services in connection with the establishment of an investment
account for which a comprehensive "wrap fee" is imposed. The Distributor must be
notified when a purchase is made that qualifies under this provision.
ACCUMULATION PLAN
Investors in Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High
Yield or Municipal Bond Fund may purchase shares on a periodic basis under an
Accumulation Plan which provides for an initial investment of $100 minimum, and
subsequent investments of $20 minimum at any time. An Accumulation Plan is a
voluntary program, involving no obligation to make periodic investments, and is
terminable at will. Payments are made by sending a check to the Distributor who
(acting as an agent for the dealer) will purchase whole and fractional shares of
the Funds as of the close of business on the day such payment is received. A
confirmation and statement of account will be sent to the investor following
each investment. Certificates for whole shares will be issued upon request. No
certificates will be issued for fractional shares which may be withdrawn only by
redemption for cash.
Investors may choose to use "Secur-O-Matic" (automatic bank draft) to make
their Fund purchases. There is no additional charge for using Secur-O-Matic. An
application may be obtained from the Funds.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PROGRAM
A Systematic Withdrawal Program may be established by stockholders who wish
to receive regular monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual payments of $25 or
more. A Program may also be based upon the liquidation of a fixed or variable
number of shares provided that the minimum amount is withdrawn. However, the
Funds do not recommend this (or any other amount) as an appropriate withdrawal.
Shares with a current offering price of $5,000 or more must be deposited with
the Investment Manager acting as agent for the stockholder under the Program.
There is no service charge on the Program as the Investment Manager pays the
costs involved.
Sufficient shares will be liquidated at net asset value to meet the
specified withdrawals. Liquidation of shares may deplete or possibly use up the
investment, particularly in the event of a market decline. Payments cannot be
considered as actual yield or income since part of such payments is a return of
capital and may constitute a taxable event to the stockholder. The maintenance
of a Withdrawal Program concurrently with purchases of additional shares of
Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High Yield or Municipal
Bond Fund would be disadvantageous because of the sales commission payable in
respect to such purchases. During the withdrawal period, no payments will be
accepted under an Accumulation Plan. Income dividends and capital gains
distributions are automatically reinvested at net asset value. If an investor
has an Accumulation Plan in effect, it must be terminated before a Systematic
Withdrawal Program may be initiated.
The stockholder receives confirmation of each transaction showing the
source of the payment and the share balance remaining in the Program. A Program
may be terminated on written notice by the stockholder or the Funds, and it will
terminate automatically if all shares are liquidated or withdrawn from the
account.
A stockholder may establish a Systematic Withdrawal Program with respect to
Class B shares without the imposition of any applicable contingent deferred
sales charge, provided that such withdrawals do not in any 12-month period,
beginning on the date the Program is established, exceed 10% of the value of the
account on that date ("Free Systematic Withdrawals"). Free Systematic
Withdrawals are not available if a Program established with respect to Class B
shares provides for withdrawals in excess of 10% of the value of the account in
any Program year and, as a result, all withdrawals under such a Program are
subject to any applicable contingent deferred sales charge. Free Systematic
Withdrawals will be made first by redeeming those shares that are not subject to
the contingent deferred sales charge and then by redeeming shares held the
longest. The contingent deferred sales charge applicable to a redemption of
Class B shares requested while Free Systematic Withdrawals are being made will
be calculated as described under "Calculation and Waiver of Contingent Deferred
Sales Charges," page 35. A Systematic Withdrawal form may be obtained from the
Funds.
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
Security Management Company, LLC (the "Investment Manager"), 700 Harrison
Street, Topeka, Kansas, has served as investment adviser to Income Fund,
Municipal Bond Fund and Cash Fund, respectively, since September 14, 1970,
October 7, 1983 and June 23, 1980. The current Investment Advisory Contracts for
Income Fund, Municipal Bond Fund and Cash Fund, respectively, are dated March
27, 1987, October 7, 1983 and June 23, 1980, and were renewed by the Funds'
Board of Directors at a regular meeting held February 6, 1998. The Investment
Manager also acts as investment adviser to Security Equity Fund, Security Growth
and Income Fund, Security Ultra Fund and SBL Fund. The Investment Manager is a
limited liability company controlled by its members, Security Benefit Life
Insurance Company and Security Benefit Group, Inc. ("SBG"). SBG is an insurance
and financial services holding company wholly-owned by Security Benefit Life
Insurance Company, 700 Harrison Street, Topeka, Kansas 66636-0001. Security
Benefit Life, a life insurance company with over $7.4 billion of insurance in
force, is incorporated under the laws of Kansas.
Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Contracts, the Investment Manager
furnishes investment advisory, statistical and research services to the Funds,
supervises and arranges for the purchase and sale of securities on behalf of the
Funds, provides for the maintenance and compilation of records pertaining to the
investment advisory functions, and also makes certain guarantees with respect to
the Funds' annual expenses. The Investment Manager guarantees that the aggregate
annual expenses of the respective Funds (including for any fiscal year, the
management fee, but excluding interest, taxes, brokerage commissions,
extraordinary expenses and Class B distribution fees) shall not for Corporate
Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government and High Yield Funds exceed the
level of expenses which the Fund is permitted to bear under the most restrictive
expense limitation imposed by any state in which shares of the Fund are then
qualified for sale and shall not for Cash Fund exceed 1% of the Fund's average
net assets for the year. (The Investment Manager is not aware of any state that
currently imposes limits on the level of mutual fund expenses.) For Municipal
Bond Fund, the Investment Manager guarantees that the aggregate annual expenses
of the Fund (including for any fiscal year, the management fee, but excluding
interest, taxes extraordinary expenses, and Class A and Class B distribution
fees) shall not exceed 1% of the Fund's average net assets for the year. The
Investment Manager will contribute such funds or waive such portion of its
management fee as may be necessary to insure that the aggregate expenses of the
Funds will not exceed the guaranteed maximum.
The Investment Manager has engaged Salomon Brothers Asset Management Inc
("Salomon Brothers"), 7 World Trade Center, New York, NY 10048, to provide
investment advisory services to the Municipal Bond Fund pursuant to a
Sub-Advisory Agreement, dated as of May 1, 1998. Pursuant to this agreement,
Salomon Brothers furnishes investment advisory, statistical and research
facilities, supervises and arranges for the purchase and sale of securities on
behalf of Municipal Bond Fund and provides for the compilation and maintenance
of records pertaining to such investment advisory services, subject to the
control and supervision of the Fund's Board of Directors and the Investment
Manager. For such services, the Investment Manager pays Salomon Brothers an
amount equal to .22% of the average net assets of Municipal Bond Fund, computed
on a daily basis and payable monthly. The Sub-Advisory Agreement may be
terminated without penalty at any time by either party on 60 days' written
notice and is automatically terminated in the event of its assignment or in the
event that the Investment Advisory Contract between the Investment Manager and
the Fund is terminated, assigned or not renewed.
Salomon Brothers is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Salomon Brothers Holding
Company, Inc., which is wholly-owned by Salomon Smith Barney Holdings, Inc.,
which is, in turn, wholly-owned by Travelers Group, Inc. Salomon Brothers was
incorporated in 1987 and together with Salomon Brothers affiliates in London,
Frankfurt, Tokyo and Hong Kong, provides a broad range of investment advisory
services to various individuals and institutional clients located throughout the
world and serves as investment adviser to various investment companies.
Currently Salomon Brothers and its affiliates manage approximately $26.6 billion
in assets.
For services provided to the Funds, the Investment Manager is entitled to
receive compensation on an annual basis equal to .5% of the average daily
closing value of the Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government,
Municipal Bond and Cash Fund's net assets and .60% of the average daily closing
value of the High Yield Fund, each computed on a daily basis and payable
monthly. During the fiscal years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, the
Funds paid the following amounts to the Investment Manager for its services:
1997 - $450,862, 1996 - $534,366, and 1995 - $549,076 for Income Fund; 1997 -
$115,812, 1996 - $120,946, and 1995 - $128,492 for Municipal Bond Fund; and 1997
- - $238,616, 1996 - $247,304, and 1995 - $254,139 for Cash Fund. For the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996, 1995 , the Investment Manager agreed to limit the
total expenses (including its compensation, but excluding interest, taxes and
extraordinary expenses and Class B distribution fees) of the Class A shares of
Corporate Bond, U.S. Government and Limited Maturity Bond Funds to 1.1% of the
average daily net assets and the Class B shares to 1.85% of the average daily
net assets of the respective Funds. Accordingly, the Investment Manager
reimbursed those Funds in the following amounts: 1997 - $42,687, 1996 - $60,974,
and 1995 - $16,803 for U.S. Government Fund; 1997 - $17,462, 1996 - $10,663, and
1995 - $15,121 for Corporate Bond Fund; and 1997 - $30,621; 1996 - $27,868 and
1995 - $8,640 for Limited Maturity Bond Fund. For the year ended December 31,
1997, the Investment Manager also agreed to limit the total expenses (including
its compensation, but excluding interest, taxes and extraordinary expenses and
Class B distribution fees) of High Yield Fund to 1.0% of the average daily net
assets of Class A shares and 2.75% of Class B shares of the Fund. Accordingly,
the Investment Manager reimbursed the High Yield Fund the amount of $41,748. For
the year ended December 31, 1995, expenses incurred by Cash Fund exceeded 1% of
the average net assets and accordingly, the Investment Manager reimbursed Cash
Fund in the amount of $12,968. For the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995,
expenses incurred by Municipal Bond Fund exceeded 1% of the average net assets
and accordingly, the Investment Manager reimbursed Municipal Bond Fund the
following amounts: 1996 - $2,358 and 1995 - $4,504. In addition, the Investment
Manager agreed to waive the investment advisory fees of Limited Maturity Bond,
U.S. Government and High Yield Funds for the fiscal years ended December 31,
1998, 1997 and 1996.
Each Fund will pay all of its expenses not assumed by the Investment
Manager or the Distributor including organization expenses; directors' fees;
fees and expenses of custodian; taxes and governmental fees; interest charges;
membership dues; brokerage commissions; reports; proxy statements; costs of
stockholder and other meetings; Class B distribution fees; and legal, auditing
and accounting expenses. Each Fund will also pay for the preparation and
distribution of the prospectus to its stockholders and all expenses in
connection with its registration under federal and state securities laws. Each
Fund will pay nonrecurring expenses as may arise, including litigation affecting
it.
The Investment Advisory Contracts between Security Management Company, LLC
and Income Fund, Municipal Bond Fund and Cash Fund, dated March 27, 1987,
October 7, 1983 and June 23, 1980, respectively, expire on April 1, 1999, May 1,
1999 and June 1, 1999. The contracts are renewable annually by the Funds' Board
of Directors or by a vote of a majority of a Fund's outstanding securities and,
in either event, by a majority of the board who are not parties to the contract
or interested persons of any such party. The contracts provide that they may be
terminated without penalty at any time by either party on 60 days' notice and
are automatically terminated in the event of assignment.
Pursuant to Administrative Services Agreements with the Funds dated April
1, 1987, the Investment Manager also acts as the administrative agent for the
Funds and as such performs administrative functions and the bookkeeping,
accounting and pricing functions for the Funds. For these services the
Investment Manager receives, on an annual basis, a fee of .09% of the average
net assets of Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High Yield
and Municipal Bond Funds and .045% of the average net assets of Cash Fund,
calculated daily and payable monthly. During the fiscal years ended December 31,
1997, 1996, and 1995 , the Funds paid the following amounts for administrative
services: 1997 - $80,734, 1996 - $95,487, and 1995 - $98,667 for Income Fund;
1997 - $20,846, 1996 - $22,530, and 1995 - $23,129 for Municipal Bond Fund; and
1997 - $21,990, 1996 - $21,721, and 1995 - $22,898 for Cash Fund.
Under the Administrative Services Agreements identified above, the
Investment Manager also acts as the transfer agent for the Funds. As such, the
Investment Manager performs all shareholder servicing functions, including
transferring record ownership, processing purchase and redemption transactions,
answering inquiries, mailing stockholder communications and acting as the
dividend disbursing agent. For these services, the Investment Manager receives
an annual maintenance fee of $8.00 per account, a fee of $1.00 per shareholder
transaction, and a fee of $1.00 ($.50 for Cash Fund) per dividend transaction.
During the fiscal years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995, the Funds paid
the following amounts for transfer agency services: 1997 - $141,412, 1996 -
$128,776, and 1995 - $127,227 for Income Fund; 1997 - $15,105, 1996 - $16,538,
and 1995 - $16,716 for Municipal Bond Fund; and 1997 - $119,258, 1996 -
$130,682, and 1995 - $152,798 for Cash Fund.
The total expenses of the Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S.
Government, High Yield, Municipal Bond and Cash Funds for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1997 were $779,490, $40,141, $66,075, $93,993, $207,999, and
$420,214, respectively. The expense ratio for fiscal year 1997 was 1.07% and
1.85%, respectively of the average net assets of Class A and B shares of the
Corporate Bond Fund and .55% and 1.50%, respectively, of the average net assets
of Class A and Class B shares of Limited Maturity Bond Fund. The expense ratio
for the fiscal year 1997 was .60% and 1.68%, respectively, of the net assets of
Class A and Class B shares of U.S. Government Fund; .87% and 1.80%,
respectively, of the net assets of Class A and Class B shares of High Yield
Fund; .82% and 2.00%, respectively, of the net assets of Class A and Class B
shares of Municipal Bond Fund; and .90% of Cash Fund. The expense figures quoted
are net of expense reimbursements and by fees paid indirectly as a result of
earnings credits earned on overnight cash balances.
The following persons are affiliated with the Funds and also with the
Investment Manager in these capacities:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------
NAME POSITIONS WITH THE FUNDS POSITIONS WITH SECURITY MANAGEMENT COMPANY, LLC
- ------------------------- -------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
James R. Schmank Vice President President and Managing Member Representative
John D. Cleland President and Director Senior Vice President and Managing Member Representative
Jane A. Tedder Vice President Vice President and Senior Economist
Mark E. Young Vice President Vice President
Amy J. Lee Secretary Secretary
Brenda M. Harwood Treasurer Assistant Vice President and Treasurer
Steven M. Bowser Vice President Second Vice President and Portfolio Manager
(Income Fund only)
Thomas A. Swank Vice President Vice President and Portfolio Manager
(Income Fund only)
David Eshnaur Vice President Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager
(Income Fund only)
Christopher D. Swickard Assistant Secretary Assistant Secretary
</TABLE>
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
The Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government Bond, High
Yield, Municipal Bond and Cash Funds are managed by the Investment Manager's
Fixed Income Team with portfolio managers being responsible for the day-to-day
management of each particular Fund. Steve Bowser, Second Vice President and
Portfolio Manager of the Investment Manager, and David Eshnaur, Assistant Vice
President and Portfolio Manager of the Investment Manager, have day-to-day
responsibility for managing Corporate Bond and Limited Maturity Bond Funds. Mr.
Bowser has managed the Funds since June 1997 and Mr. Eshnaur has managed the
Funds since January 1998. Mr. Bowser also has had day-to-day responsibility for
managing U.S. Government Fund since 1995. Tom Swank and David Eshnaur have
day-to-day responsibility for managing the High Yield Fund. Mr. Swank has
managed the Fund since its inception in 1996 and Mr. Eshnaur has managed the
Fund since July 1997. Municipal Bond Fund is managed by Marybeth Whyte of
Salomon Brothers. She has had day-to-day responsibility for managing the Fund
since May 1998.
Mr. Bowser joined the Investment Manager in 1992 and has managed the U.S.
Government Fund since 1995. Prior to joining the Investment Manager, he was
Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager with the Federal Home Loan Bank
of Topeka from 1989 to 1992. He was employed at the Federal Reserve Bank of
Kansas City in 1988 and began his career with the Farm Credit System from 1982
to 1987, serving as a Senior Financial Analyst and Assistant Controller. He
graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Kansas State University in
1982.
David Eshnaur is Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager of the
Investment Manager. Mr. Eshnaur has 15 years of investment experience. Prior to
joining the Investment Manager in 1997, he worked at Waddell & Reed in the
positions of Assistant Vice President, Assistant Portfolio Manager, Senior
Analyst, Industry Analyst and Account Administrator. Mr. Eshnaur earned a
Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Coe College and an
M.B.A. degree in Finance from the University of Missouri - Kansas City.
Tom Swank, Portfolio Manager of the Investment Manager, has over ten years
of experience in the investment field. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst.
Prior to joining the Investment Manager in 1992, he was an Investment
Underwriter and Portfolio Manager for U.S. West Financial Services, Inc. from
1986 to 1992. From 1984 to 1986, he was a Commercial Credit Officer for United
Bank of Denver. From 1982 to 1984, he was employed as a Bank Holding Company
examiner for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City - Denver Branch. Mr. Swank
graduated from Miami University in Ohio with a Bachelor of Science degree in
finance in 1982 and earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the
University of Colorado.
Marybeth Whyte is a Senior Portfolio Manager at Salomon Brothers. Prior to
joining Salomon Brothers in 1994, Ms. Whyte was a Senior Vice President and head
of the Municipal Bond Area at Fiduciary Trust Company International, where her
responsibilities included actively managing and advising portfolios with assets
of approximately $1.3 billion. Ms. Whyte was a member of the Fixed Income
Investment Policy Committee at Fiduciary Trust Company International. Ms.
Whyte's previous experience includes managing high net worth individual
portfolios, mutual funds and pension funds while employed by U.S. Trust Company
and Bernstein-Macaulay Inc. Ms. Whyte received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
from S.U.N.Y Oneonta and an M.B.A. in Finance from Bernard M. Baruch College.
CODE OF ETHICS
The Funds, the Investment Manager and the Distributor have a written Code
of Ethics which requires all access persons to obtain prior clearance before
engaging in any personal securities transactions. Access persons include
officers and directors of the Funds and Investment Manager and employees that
participate in, or obtain information regarding, the purchase or sale of
securities by the Funds or whose job relates to the making of any
recommendations with respect to such purchases or sales. All access persons must
report their personal securities transactions within ten days of the end of each
calendar quarter. Access persons will not be permitted to effect transactions in
a security if it: (a) is being considered for purchase or sale by one or more of
the Funds; (b) is being purchased or sold by one or more of the Funds; or (c) is
being offered in an initial public offering. In addition, portfolio managers are
prohibited from purchasing or selling a security within seven calendar days
before or after a Fund that he or she manages trades in that security. Any
material violation of the Code of Ethics is reported to the Board of the Funds.
The Board also reviews the administration of the Code of Ethics on an annual
basis.
DISTRIBUTOR
Security Distributors, Inc. (the "Distributor"), a Kansas corporation and
wholly-owned subsidiary of Security Benefit Group, Inc., serves as the principal
underwriter for shares of Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S.
Government, High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds pursuant to Distribution
Agreements dated March 27, 1984, as amended, and October 7, 1983, respectively.
The Distributor also acts as principal underwriter for the following investment
companies: Security Equity Fund, Security Growth and Income Fund, Security Ultra
Fund, Variflex Variable Annuity Account (Variflex), Variflex Variable Annuity
Account (Variflex Educator Series), SBL Variable Annuity Account VIII (Variflex
LS), SBL Variable Annuity Account VIII (Variflex Signature), the Parkstone
Variable Annuity Account and Security Varilife Separate Account.
The Distributor receives a maximum commission on Class A Shares of 4.75%
and allows a maximum discount of 4.0% from the offering price to authorized
dealers on Fund shares sold. The discount is alike for all dealers, but the
Distributor may increase it for specific periods at its discretion. Salespersons
employed by dealers may also be licensed to sell insurance with Security Benefit
Life.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, the Distributor (i) received
gross underwriting commissions on Class A shares, (ii) retained net underwriting
commissions on Class A shares, and (iii) received contingent deferred sales
charges on redemptions of Class B shares in the amounts set forth in the table
below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMPENSATION
GROSS UNDERWRITING NET UNDERWRITING ON
FUND COMMISSIONS COMMISSIONS REDEMPTION
- -------------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------------ -------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Corporate Bond Fund........................ $26,659 $5,221 $15,849
Limited Maturity Bond Fund................. 11,846 2,232 893
U.S. Government Bond Fund.................. 10,659 1,979 2,159
High Yield Fund............................ 1,161 736 1,161
Municipal Bond Fund........................ 3,510 2,581 3,510
- -------------------------------------------- -------------------- ------------------ -------------------
</TABLE>
The Distributor received gross underwriting commissions on sales of Class A
shares and contingent deferred sales charges on redemptions for Class B shares
of $132,788 for Income Fund and $42,066 for Municipal Bond Fund and retained net
underwriting commissions of $39,452 for Income Fund and $13,059 for Municipal
Bond Fund for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996. The Distributor received
gross underwriting commissions on sales of Class A shares of $80,868 and
$244,043 for Income Fund and $20,691 and $64,008 for Municipal Bond Fund and
retained net underwriting commissions of $9,910 and $48,307 for Income Fund and
$4,103 and $13,009 for Municipal Bond Fund for the fiscal years ended December
31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
The Distributor, on behalf of the Funds, may act as a broker in the
purchase and sale of securities not effected on a securities exchange, provided
that any such transactions and any commissions shall comply with requirements of
the Investment Company Act of 1940 and all rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission. The Distributor has not acted as a broker.
Each Fund's Distribution Agreement is renewable annually either by the
Funds' Board of Directors or by a vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding
securities, and, in either event, by a majority of the board who are not parties
to the agreement or interested persons of any such party. The agreements may be
terminated by either party upon 60 days' written notice.
ALLOCATION OF PORTFOLIO BROKERAGE
Transactions in portfolio securities shall be effected in such manner as
deemed to be in the best interest of each respective Fund. In reaching a
judgment relative to the qualifications of a broker or dealer to obtain the best
execution of a particular transaction, all relevant factors and circumstances
will be taken into account by the Investment Manager, including consideration of
the overall reasonableness of commissions paid to a broker, the firm's general
execution and operational capabilities, and its reliability and financial
condition. The Funds do not anticipate that they will incur a significant amount
of brokerage commissions because fixed income securities are generally traded on
a "net" basis--that is, in principal amount without the addition or deduction of
a stated brokerage commission, although the net price usually includes a profit
to the dealer. The Funds will deal directly with the selling or purchasing
principal without incurring charges for the services of a broker on its behalf
unless it is determined that a better price or execution may be obtained by
utilizing the services of a broker. The Funds also may purchase portfolio
securities in underwritings where the price includes a fixed underwriter's
concession or discount. Money market instruments may be purchased directly from
the issuer at no commission or discount.
Portfolio transactions that require a broker may be directed to brokers who
furnish investment information or research services to the Investment Manager.
Such investment information and research services include advice as to the value
of securities, the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling
securities and the availability of securities and purchasers or sellers of
securities, and furnishing analyses and reports concerning issues, industries,
securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy, and performance of
accounts. Such investment information and research services may be furnished by
brokers in many ways, including: (1) on-line data base systems, the equipment
for which is provided by the broker, that enable registrant to have real-time
access to market information, including quotations; (2) economic research
services, such as publications, chart services and advice from economists
concerning macroeconomic information; and (3) analytical investment information
concerning particular corporations. If a transaction is directed to a broker
supplying such information or services, the commission paid for such transaction
may be in excess of the commission another broker would have charged for
effecting that transaction, provided that the Investment Manager shall have
determined in good faith that the commission is reasonable in relation to the
value of the investment information or the research services provided, viewed in
terms of either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities of
the Investment Manager with respect to all accounts as to which it exercises
investment discretion. The Investment Manager may use all, none, or some of such
information and services in providing investment advisory services to each of
the mutual funds under its management, including the Funds.
In addition, brokerage transactions may be placed with broker/dealers who
sell shares of the Funds managed by the Investment Manager who may or may not
also provide investment information and research services. The Investment
Manager may, consistent with the NASD Rules of Fair Practice, consider sales of
Fund shares in the selection of a broker/dealer.
Securities held by the Funds may also be held by other investment advisory
clients of the Investment Manager, including other investment companies. In
addition, the Investment Manager's parent company, Security Benefit Life
Insurance Company ("SBL"), may also hold some of the same securities as the
Funds. When selecting securities for purchase or sale for a Fund, the Investment
Manager may at the same time be purchasing or selling the same securities for
one or more of such other accounts. Subject to the Investment Manager's
obligation to seek best execution, such purchases or sales may be executed
simultaneously or "bunched." It is the policy of the Investment Manager not to
favor one account over the other. Any purchase or sale orders executed
simultaneously (which may also include orders from SBL) are allocated at the
average price and as nearly as practicable on a pro rata basis (transaction
costs will also generally be shared on a pro rata basis) in proportion to the
amounts desired to be purchased or sold by each account. In those instances
where it is not practical to allocate purchase or sale orders on a pro rata
basis, then the allocation will be made on a rotating or other equitable basis.
While it is conceivable that in certain instances this procedure could adversely
affect the price or number of shares involved in the Fund's transaction, it is
believed that the procedure generally contributes to better overall execution of
the Funds' portfolio transactions. The Board of Directors of the Funds has
adopted guidelines governing this procedure and will monitor the procedure to
determine that the guidelines are being followed and that the procedure
continues to be in the best interest of the Fund and its stockholders. With
respect to the allocation of initial public offerings ("IPOs"), the Investment
Manager may determine not to purchase such offerings for certain of its clients
(including investment company clients) due to the limited number of shares
typically available to the Investment Manager in an IPO. No brokerage
commissions were paid by the Funds for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996,
and 1995.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value per share of each Fund is determined as of the close of
regular trading hours on the New York Stock Exchange (normally 3:00 p.m. Central
time) on each day that the Exchange is open for trading, which is Monday through
Friday except for the following dates when the Exchange is closed in observance
of Federal holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents'
Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day
and Christmas Day. The determination is made by dividing the total value of the
portfolio securities of each Fund, plus any cash or other assets (including
dividends accrued but not collected), less all liabilities, by the number of
shares outstanding of the Fund.
Securities listed or traded on a national securities exchange are valued at
the last sale price. If there are no sales on a particular day, then the
securities are valued at the last bid price. All other securities, held by
Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government and High Yield Funds, for
which market quotations are readily available, are valued on the basis of the
last current bid price. If there is no bid price, or if the bid price is deemed
to be unsatisfactory by the Board of Directors, then the securities shall be
valued in good faith by such method as the Board of Directors determines will
reflect fair market value. Valuations of the Funds' securities are supplied by a
pricing service approved by the Board of Directors.
U.S. Government Fund will generally value securities at market value, if
available. If market value is not available, the Fund will value securities,
other than securities with 60 days or less to maturity as discussed below, at
prices based on market quotations for securities of similar type, yield, quality
and duration.
Valuations furnished by the pricing service with respect to Municipal Bond
Fund's municipal securities are based upon appraisals from recognized municipal
securities dealers derived from information concerning market transactions and
quotations. Securities for which market quotations are readily available are
valued at the last reported sale price, or, if no sales are reported on that
day, at the mean between the latest available bid and asked prices. Securities
for which market quotations are not readily available (which are expected to
constitute the majority of Municipal Bond Fund's portfolio securities) are
valued at the best available current bid price by the pricing service,
considering such factors as yields or prices of municipal bonds of comparable
quality, type of issue, coupon, maturity and rating, indications as to value
from dealers, and general market conditions. The Fund's officers, under the
general supervision of the Board of Directors, will regularly review procedures
used by, and valuations provided by, the pricing service. Municipal Bond Fund's
taxable short-term securities for which market quotations are readily available
will be valued at market value, which is the last reported sale price or, if no
sales are reported on that day, at the mean between the latest available bid and
asked prices except that securities having 60 days or less remaining to maturity
may be valued at their amortized cost as discussed below.
Cash Fund's securities are valued by the amortized cost valuation technique
which does not take into consideration unrealized gains or losses. The amortized
cost valuation technique involves valuing an instrument at its cost and
thereafter assuming a constant amortization to maturity of any discount or
premium regardless of the impact of fluctuating interest rates on the market
value of the instrument. While this method provides certainty in valuation, it
may result in periods during which value, as determined by amortized cost, is
higher or lower than the price Cash Fund would receive if it sold the
instrument.
During periods of declining interest rates, the daily yield on shares of
Cash Fund computed as described above may tend to be higher than a like
computation made by a fund with identical investments utilizing a method of
valuation based upon market prices and estimates of market prices for all of its
portfolio instruments. Thus, if the use of amortized cost by Cash Fund resulted
in lower aggregate portfolio value on a particular day, a prospective investor
in the Fund would be able to obtain a somewhat higher yield than would result
from investment in a fund utilizing solely market values and existing investors
in Cash Fund would receive less investment income. The converse would apply in a
period of rising interest rates.
The use of amortized cost and the maintenance of Cash Fund's per share net
asset value at $1.00 is based on its election to operate under the provisions of
Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. As a condition of operating
under that rule, the Fund must maintain a dollar-weighted average portfolio
maturity of 90 days or less, purchase only instruments having remaining
maturities of thirteen months or less, and invest only in securities which are
determined by the Board of Directors to present minimal credit risks and which
are of high quality as determined by any major rating service, or in the case of
any instrument not so rated, considered by the Board of Directors to be of
comparable quality.
The Board of Directors has established procedures designed to maintain Cash
Fund's price per share, as computed for the purpose of sales and redemptions, at
$1.00. These procedures include a review of the Fund's holdings by the Board of
Directors at such intervals as they deem appropriate to determine whether the
Fund's net asset value calculated by using available market quotations deviates
from $1.00 per share based on amortized cost. If any deviation exceeds 1/2 of
1%, the Board of Directors will promptly consider what action, if any, will be
initiated. In the event the Board of Directors determines that a deviation
exists which may result in material dilution or other unfair results to
investors or existing shareholders, they have agreed to take such corrective
action as they regard as necessary and appropriate, including the sale of Cash
Fund instruments prior to maturity to shorten average Fund maturity or
withholding dividends. Cash Fund will use its best efforts to maintain a
constant net asset value per share of $1.00. See "Security Cash Fund," page 12,
and "Dividends and Taxes," page 48. Since dividends from net investment income
will be accrued daily and paid monthly, the net asset value per share of Cash
Fund will ordinarily remain at $1.00, but the Fund's daily dividends will vary
in amount.
U.S. Government Fund and Municipal Bond Fund may use the amortized cost
valuation technique utilized by Cash Fund for securities with maturities of 60
days or less. In addition, U.S. Government and Municipal Bond Funds may use a
similar procedure for securities having 60 days or less remaining to maturity
with the value of the security on the 61st day being used rather than the cost.
The Funds will accept orders from dealers on each business day up to 4:30
p.m. (Central time).
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
A stockholder may redeem shares at the net asset value next determined
after such shares are tendered for redemption. The amount received may be more
or less than the investor's cost, depending upon the market value of the
portfolio securities at the time of redemption.
Shares will be redeemed on request of the stockholder in proper order to
the Investment Manager, which serves as the Funds' transfer agent. A request is
made in proper order by submitting the following items to the Investment
Manager: (1) a written request for redemption signed by all registered owners
exactly as the account is registered, including fiduciary titles, if any, and
specifying the account number and the dollar amount or number of shares to be
redeemed; (2) a guarantee of all signatures on the written request or on the
share certificate or accompanying stock power; (3) any share certificates issued
for any of the shares to be redeemed; and (4) any additional documents which may
be required by the Investment Manager for redemption by corporations or other
organizations, executors, administrators, trustees, custodians or the like.
Transfers of share ownership are subject to the same requirements. A signature
guarantee is not required for redemptions of $10,000 or less, requested by and
payable to all stockholders of record for an account, to be sent to the address
of record. The signature guarantee must be provided by an eligible guarantor
institution, such as a bank, broker, credit union, national securities exchange
or savings association. The Investment Manager reserves the right to reject any
signature guarantee pursuant to its written procedures which may be revised in
the future. To avoid delay in redemption or transfer, stockholders having
questions should contact the Investment Manager.
The amount due on redemption, will be the net asset value of the shares
next computed after the redemption request in proper order is received by the
Investment Manager less any applicable deferred sales charge. In addition,
stockholders of Cash Fund will receive any undistributed dividends, including
any dividend declared on the day of the redemption. Payment of the redemption
price will be made by check (or by wire at the sole discretion of the Investment
Manager if wire transfer is requested, including name and address of the bank
and the stockholder's account number to which payment is to be wired) within
seven days after receipt of the redemption request in proper order. The check
will be mailed to the stockholder's registered address (or as otherwise
directed). Remittance by wire (to a commercial bank account in the same name(s)
as the shares are registered) or by express mail, if requested, will be at a
charge of $15, which will be deducted from the redemption proceeds.
Cash Fund offers redemption by check. If blank checks are requested on the
Check Writing Request form, the Fund will make a supply available. Checks for
the Cash Fund may be drawn payable to the order of any payee (not to cash) in
any amount of $100 or more. Checks may be cashed or deposited like any other
check drawn on a bank. When a check is presented to the Fund for payment, it
will redeem sufficient full and fractional shares to cover the check. Such
shares will be redeemed at the price next calculated following receipt of any
check which does not exceed the value of the account. The price of Cash Fund
shares may fluctuate from day-to-day and the price at the time of redemption, by
check or otherwise, may be less than the amount invested. Any check presented
for payment which is more than the value of the account will be returned without
payment, marked "Insufficient Funds." Each new stockholder will initially
receive twelve checks free of charge and such additional checks as may be
required. Since the amount available for withdrawal fluctuates daily, it is not
practical for a stockholder to attempt to withdraw the entire investment by
check. The Fund reserves the right to terminate this service at any time with
respect to existing as well as future stockholders. Redemption by check is not
available if any shares are held in certificate form or if shares being redeemed
have not been on the Fund's books for at least 15 days.
When investing in the Funds, stockholders are required to furnish their tax
identification number and to state whether or not they are subject to
withholding for prior underreporting, certified under penalties of perjury as
prescribed by the Internal Revenue Code. To the extent permitted by law, the
redemption proceeds of stockholders who fail to furnish this information will be
reduced by $50 to reimburse for the IRS penalty imposed for failure to report
the tax identification number on information reports.
Payment in cash of the amount due on redemption, less any applicable
deferred sales charge, for shares redeemed will be made within seven days after
tender, except that the Funds may suspend the right of redemption during any
period when trading on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted or such
Exchange is closed for other than weekends or holidays, or any emergency is
deemed to exist by the Securities and Exchange Commission. When a redemption
request is received, the redemption proceeds are deposited into a redemption
account established by the Distributor and the Distributor sends a check in the
amount of redemption proceeds to the stockholder. The Distributor earns interest
on the amounts maintained in the redemption account. Conversely, the Distributor
causes payments to be made to the Funds in the case of orders for purchase of
Fund shares before it actually receives federal funds.
In addition to the foregoing redemption procedure, the Funds repurchase
shares from broker/dealers at the price determined as of the close of business
on the day such offer is confirmed. Dealers may charge a commission on the
repurchase of shares.
The repurchase or redemption of shares held in a tax-qualified retirement
plan must be effected through the trustee of the plan and may result in adverse
tax consequences. (See "Retirement Plans," page 56.)
At various times the Funds may be requested to redeem shares for which they
have not yet received good payment. Accordingly, the Funds may delay the mailing
of a redemption check until such time as they have assured themselves that good
payment (e.g., cash or certified check on a U.S. bank) has been collected for
the purchase of such shares, which may take up to 15 days from the purchase
date.
Municipal Bond Fund's Articles of Incorporation provide that, in order to
minimize expenses, the Fund may, pursuant to a resolution of the Board of
Directors, adopt a procedure whereby it would redeem stockholder accounts in
which there are fewer than 50 shares (or such lesser amount as the board
determines) after having given the stockholders at least 60 days' written notice
and an opportunity to increase the account to at least 50 shares. This procedure
can be implemented only after six months' prior notice to all stockholders that
the procedure will be put into effect. The Board of Directors has no present
plan to implement an involuntary redemption procedure.
TELEPHONE REDEMPTIONS
Stockholders of the Funds may redeem uncertificated shares in amounts up to
$10,000 by telephone request, provided that the stockholder has completed the
Telephone Redemption section of the application or a Telephone Redemption form
which may be obtained from the Investment Manager. The proceeds of a telephone
redemption will be sent to the stockholder at his or her address as set forth in
the application or in a subsequent written authorization. Once authorization has
been received by the Investment Manager, a stockholder may redeem shares by
calling the Funds at (800) 888-2461, extension 3127, on weekdays (except
holidays) between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Central time. Redemption
requests received by telephone after the close of the New York Stock Exchange
(normally 3:00 p.m. Central time) will be treated as if received on the next
business day. Telephone redemptions are not accepted for IRA and 403(b)(7)
accounts. A stockholder who authorizes telephone redemptions authorizes the
Investment Manager to act upon the instructions of any person identifying
themselves as the owner of the account or the owner's broker. The Investment
Manager has established procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by
telephone are genuine and will be liable for any losses due to fraudulent or
unauthorized instructions if it fails to comply with its procedures. The
Investment Manager's procedures require that any person requesting a redemption
by telephone provide the account registration and number, the owner's tax
identification number, and the dollar amount or number of shares to be redeemed,
and such instructions must be received on a recorded line. Neither the Fund, the
Investment Manager, nor the Distributor will be liable for any loss, liability,
cost or expense arising out of any redemption request provided that the
Investment Manager complied with its procedures. Thus, a stockholder who
authorizes telephone redemptions may bear the risk of loss from a fraudulent or
unauthorized request. The telephone redemption privilege may be changed or
discontinued at any time by the Investment Manager or the Funds.
During periods of severe market or economic conditions, telephone
redemptions may be difficult to implement and stockholders should make
redemptions by mail as described under "How to Redeem Shares," page 45.
HOW TO EXCHANGE SHARES
Pursuant to arrangements with the Distributor, stockholders of the Funds
may exchange their shares for shares of another of the Funds, or for shares of
the other mutual funds distributed by the Distributor, which currently include
Security Equity, Growth and Income, Global, Ultra, Asset Allocation, Social
Awareness, Emerging Markets Total Return, Global Asset Allocation and Global
High Yield Funds. Such transactions generally have the same tax consequences as
ordinary sales and purchases and are not tax-free exchanges.
Class A and Class B shares of the Funds may be exchanged for Class A and
Class B shares, respectively, of another of the funds distributed by the
Distributor or for shares of Cash Fund, which offers a single class of shares.
Any applicable contingent deferred sales charge will be calculated from the date
of the initial purchase without regard to the time shares were held in Cash
Fund.
Because Cash Fund does not impose a sales charge in connection with sales
of its shares, any exchange of Cash Fund shares acquired through direct purchase
or reinvestment of dividends will be based upon the respective net asset values
of the shares involved next determined after the exchange is accepted, and a
sales charge will be imposed equal to the sales charge that would be applicable
if the stockholder were purchasing shares of the other Fund involved for cash.
The amount of such sales charge will be paid by Cash Fund on behalf of the
exchanging stockholder directly to the Distributor and the net asset value of
the shares being exchanged will be reduced by a like amount.
Stockholders making such exchanges must provide the Investment Manager with
sufficient information to permit verification of their prior ownership of shares
of one of the other Security Funds. Shares of Cash Fund begin earning dividends
on the day after the date an exchange into such shares is effected. Any such
exchange is subject to the minimum investment and eligibility requirements of
each Fund. No service fee is presently imposed on such an exchange.
Exchanges may be accomplished by submitting a written request to the
Investment Manager, 700 Harrison Street, Topeka, Kansas 66636-0001.
Broker/dealers who process exchange orders on behalf of their customers may
charge a fee for their services. Such fee would be in addition to any of the
sales or other charges referred to above but may be avoided by making exchange
requests directly to the Investment Manager. Due to the high cost of exchange
activity and the maintenance of accounts having a net value of less than $100,
Cash Fund reserves the right to totally convert the account if at any time an
exchange request results in an account being lowered below the $100 minimum.
An exchange of shares, as described above, may result in the realization of
a capital gain or loss for federal income tax purposes, depending on the cost or
other value of the shares exchanged. No representation is made as to whether
gain or loss would result from any particular exchange or as to the manner of
determining the amount of gain or loss. (See "Dividends and Taxes," page 48.)
Before effecting any exchange described herein, the investor may wish to seek
the advice of a financial or tax adviser.
Exchanges of shares of the Funds may be made only in jurisdictions where
shares of the fund being acquired may lawfully be sold. More complete
information about the other Security Funds, including charges and expenses, are
contained in the current prospectus describing each Fund. Stockholders are
advised to obtain and review carefully, the applicable prospectus prior to
effecting any exchange. A copy of such prospectus will be given any requesting
stockholder by the Distributor.
The exchange privilege may be changed or discontinued any time at the
discretion of the management of the Funds upon 60 days' notice to stockholders.
It is contemplated, however, that this privilege will be extended in the absence
of objection by regulatory authorities and provided that shares of the various
funds are available and may be lawfully sold in the jurisdiction in which the
stockholder resides.
EXCHANGE BY TELEPHONE
To exchange shares by telephone, a stockholder must have completed either
the Telephone Exchange section of the application or a Telephone Transfer
Authorization form which may be obtained from the Investment Manager.
Authorization must be on file with the Investment Manager before exchanges may
be made by telephone. Once authorization has been received by the Investment
Manager, a stockholder may exchange shares by telephone by calling the Funds at
(800) 888-2461, extension 3127, on weekdays (except holidays) between the hours
of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Central time. Exchange requests received by telephone
after the close of the New York Stock Exchange (normally 3:00 p.m. Central time)
will be treated as if received on the next business day. Shares which are held
in certificate form may not be exchanged by telephone. The telephone exchange
privilege is only permitted between accounts with identical registration. The
Investment Manager has established procedures to confirm that instructions
communicated by telephone are genuine and will be liable for any losses due to
fraudulent or unauthorized instructions, if it fails to comply with its
procedures. The Investment Manager's procedures require that any person
requesting an exchange by telephone provide the account registration and number,
the tax identification number, the dollar amount or number of shares to be
exchanged, and the names of the Security Funds from which and into which the
exchange is to be made, and such instructions must be received on a recorded
line. Neither the Funds, the Investment Manager, nor the Distributor will be
liable for any loss, liability, cost or expense arising out of any request,
including any fraudulent request provided the Investment Manager complied with
its procedures. Thus, a stockholder who authorizes telephone exchanges may bear
the risk of loss from a fraudulent or unauthorized request. This telephone
exchange privilege may be changed or discontinued at any time at the discretion
of the management of the Funds. In particular, the Funds may set limits on the
amount and frequency of such exchanges, in general or as to any individual who
abuses such privilege.
DIVIDENDS AND TAXES
The following summarizes certain federal income tax considerations
generally affecting the Funds and their stockholders. No attempt is made to
present a detailed explanation of the tax treatment of the Funds or their
stockholders, and the discussion here is not intended as a substitute for
careful tax planning. The discussion is based upon present provisions of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the regulations
promulgated thereunder, and judicial and administrative ruling authorities, all
of which are subject to change, which change may be retroactive. Prospective
investors should consult their own tax advisors with regard to the federal tax
consequences of the purchase ownership, and disposition of Fund shares, as well
as the tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, foreign country, or
other taxing jurisdiction.
Each Fund intends to qualify annually and to elect to be treated as a
regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code"). To qualify as a regulated investment company, each Fund must,
among other things: (i) derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross
income from dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities
loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or
foreign currencies, or other income derived with respect to its business of
investing in such stock, securities, or currencies ("Qualifying Income Test");
(ii) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of the taxable
year, (a) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund's assets is represented
by cash, cash items, U.S. Government securities, the securities of other
regulated investment companies, and other securities, with such other securities
of any one issuer limited for the purposes of this calculation to an amount not
greater than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets and 10% of the
outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (b) not more than 25% of the
value of its total assets is invested in the securities of any one issuer (other
than U.S. Government securities or the securities of other regulated investment
companies), or of two or more issuers which the Fund controls (as that term is
defined in the relevant provisions of the Code) and which are determined to be
engaged in the same or similar trades or businesses or related trades or
businesses; and (iii) distribute at least 90% of the sum of its investment
company taxable income (which includes, among other items, dividends, interest,
and net short-term capital gains in excess of any net long-term capital losses)
and its net tax-exempt interest each taxable year. The Treasury Department is
authorized to promulgate regulations under which foreign currency gains would
constitute qualifying income for purposes of the Qualifying Income Test only if
such gains are directly related to investing in securities (or options and
futures with respect to securities). To date, no such regulations have been
issued.
A Fund qualifying as a regulated investment company generally will not be
subject to U.S. federal income tax on its investment company taxable income and
net capital gains (any net long-term capital gains in excess of the net
short-term capital losses), if any, that it distributes to shareholders. Each
Fund intends to distribute to its stockholders, at least annually, substantially
all of its investment company taxable income and any net capital gains.
Generally, regulated investment companies, like the Funds, must distribute
amounts on a timely basis in accordance with a calendar year distribution
requirement in order to avoid a nondeductible 4% excise tax. Generally, to avoid
the tax, a regulated investment company must distribute during each calendar
year, (i) at least 98% of its ordinary income (not taking into account any
capital gains or losses) for the calendar year, (ii) at least 98% of its capital
gains in excess of its capital losses (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for
the 12-month period ending on October 31 of the calendar year, and (iii) all
ordinary income and capital gains for previous years that were not distributed
during such years. To avoid application of the excise tax, each Fund intends to
make its distributions in accordance with the calendar year distribution
requirement. A distribution, including an "exempt-interest dividend," will be
treated as paid on December 31 of the calendar year if it is declared by a Fund
in October, November or December of that year to shareholders of record on a
date in such a month and paid by the Fund during January of the following
calendar year. Such distributions are taxable to shareholders in the calendar
year in which the distributions are declared, rather than the calendar year in
which the distributions are received.
If, as a result of exchange controls or other foreign laws or restrictions
regarding repatriation of capital, a Fund were unable to distribute an amount
equal to substantially all of its investment company taxable income (as
determined for U.S. tax purposes) within applicable time periods, the Fund would
not qualify for the favorable federal income tax treatment afforded regulated
investment companies, or, even if it did so qualify, it might become liable for
federal taxes on undistributed income. In addition, the ability of a Fund to
obtain timely and accurate information relating to its investments is a
significant factor in complying with the requirements applicable to regulated
investment companies in making tax-related computations. Thus, if a Fund were
unable to obtain accurate information on a timely basis, it might be unable to
qualify as a regulated investment company, or its tax computations might be
subject to revisions (which could result in the imposition of taxes, interest
and penalties).
It is the policy of Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government,
High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds to pay dividends from net investment income
monthly. It is the policy of the Funds to make distributions of realized capital
gains (if any) in excess of any capital losses and capital loss carryovers at
least once a year. Because Class A shares of the Funds bear most of the costs of
distribution of such shares through payment of a front-end sales charge, while
Class B shares of the Funds bear such costs through a higher distribution fee,
expenses attributable to Class B shares, generally will be higher and as a
result, income distributions paid by the Funds with respect to Class B shares
generally will be lower than those paid with respect to Class A shares. All
dividends and distributions are automatically reinvested on the payable date in
shares of the Fund at net asset value, as of the record date (reduced by an
amount equal to the amount of the dividend or distribution), unless the
Investment Manager is previously notified in writing by the stockholder that
such dividends or distributions are to be received in cash. A stockholder may
request that such dividends or distributions be directly deposited to the
stockholder's bank account. A stockholder who elected not to reinvest dividends
or distributions paid with respect to Class A shares may, at any time within
thirty days after the payment date, reinvest the dividend check without
imposition of a sales charge.
Cash Fund's policy is to declare daily dividends of all of its net
investment income each day the Fund is open for business, increased or decreased
by any realized capital gains or losses. Such dividends are automatically
credited to stockholder accounts. Unless stockholders elect to receive cash,
they will receive such dividends in additional shares on the first business day
of each month at the net asset value on that date. If cash is desired, investors
may indicate so in the appropriate section of the application and checks will be
mailed within five business days after the beginning of the month. The amount of
dividend may fluctuate from day to day. If on any day net realized or unrealized
losses on portfolio securities exceed Cash Fund's income for that day and
results in a decline of net asset value per share below $1.00, the dividend for
that day will be omitted until the net asset value per share subsequently
returns to $1.00 per share.
The Funds will not pay dividends or distributions of less than $25 in cash
but will automatically reinvest them. Distributions of net investment income and
any short-term capital gains by Income Fund or Cash Fund are taxable as ordinary
income whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares. To the
extent that Municipal Bond Fund's dividends are derived from interest on its
temporary taxable investments or from an excess of net short-term capital gain
over net long-term capital loss, its dividends are taxable as ordinary income
whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares. Such dividends do
not qualify for the dividends-received deduction for corporations.
Distributions of net capital gain, whether received in cash or reinvested
in Fund shares, will generally be taxable to shareholders as either "20% Rate
Gain" or "28% Rate Gain," depending upon the Fund's holding period for the
assets sold. "20% Rate Gains" arise from sales of assets held by a Fund for more
than 18 months and are subject to a maximum tax rate of 20%; "28% Rate Gains"
arise from sales of assets held by a Fund for more than one year but no more
than 18 months and are subject to a maximum tax rate of 28%. Net capital gains
from assets held for one year or less will be taxed as ordinary income.
Distributions will be subject to these capital gains rates regardless of how
long a shareholder has held Fund shares. Because Cash Fund normally will not
invest in securities having a maturity of more than one year, it should not
realize any long-term capital gains or losses. Advice as to the tax status of
each year's dividends and distributions will be mailed annually.
Municipal Bond Fund intends to qualify to pay "exempt-interest dividends"
to its stockholders. The Fund will be so qualified if, at the close of each
quarter of its taxable year, at least 50% of the value of its total assets
consists of securities on which the interest payments are exempt from federal
tax. To the extent that Municipal Bond Fund's dividends distributed to
stockholders are derived from earnings on interest income exempt from federal
tax and are designated as "exempt-interest dividends" by the Fund, they will be
excludable from a stockholder's gross income for federal income tax purposes.
Municipal Bond Fund will inform stockholders annually as to the portion of that
year's distributions from the Fund which constituted "exempt-interest
dividends."
Federal tax law imposes an alternative minimum tax with respect to both
corporations and individuals based on certain items of tax preference. Interest
on certain municipal obligations, such as bonds issued to make loans for housing
purposes or to private entities (but not to certain tax-exempt organizations
such as universities and non-profit hospitals) is included as an item of tax
preference in determining the amount of a taxpayer's alternative minimum taxable
income. To the extent that the Fund receives income from municipal obligations
treated as a tax preference item for purposes of the alternative minimum tax, a
portion of the dividends paid by it, although otherwise exempt from federal
income tax, will be taxable to shareholders to the extent that their tax
liability will be determined under the alternative minimum tax. The Fund will
annually supply shareholders with a report indicating the percentage of Fund
income attributable to municipal obligations subject to the alternative minimum
tax. Additionally, taxpayers must disclose to the Internal Revenue Service on
their tax returns the entire amount of tax-exempt interest (including
exempt-interest dividends on shares of the Fund) received or accrued during the
year.
In addition, for corporations, the alternative minimum taxable income is
increased by a percentage of the amount by which an alternative measure of
income ("adjusted current earnings", referred to as "ACE") exceeds the amount
otherwise determined to be the alternative minimum taxable income. Interest on
all municipal obligations, and therefore all exempt-interest dividends paid by
the Fund, is included in calculating ACE. Taxpayers that may be subject to the
alternative minimum tax should consult their tax advisers before investing in
the Municipal Bond Fund.
To the extent that Municipal Bond Fund's interest income is attributable to
private activity bonds, dividends allocable to such income, while exempt from
the regular federal income tax, may constitute an item of tax preference for
purposes of the alternative minimum tax. In addition, for corporate stockholders
of Municipal Bond Fund, exempt interest may comprise part or all of an
adjustment to alternative minimum taxable income.
Stockholders of the Funds who redeem their shares generally will realize
gain or loss upon the sale or redemption (including the exchange of shares for
shares of another fund) which will be capital gain or loss if the shares are
capital assets in the stockholder's hands, and will be taxable to stockholders
as "20% Rate Gains" if the shares had been held for more than 18 months or as
"28% Rate Gains" if the shares had been held for more than one year but no more
than 18 months. Investors should be aware that any loss realized upon the sale
or redemption of shares held for six months or less will be treated as a
long-term capital loss to the extent of any distribution of long-term capital
gain to the stockholder with respect to such shares. In addition, any loss
realized on a sale or exchange of shares will be disallowed to the extent the
shares disposed of are replaced within a period of 61 days, beginning 30 days
before and ending 30 days after the date the shares are disposed of, such as
pursuant to the reinvestment of dividends. In such case, the basis of the shares
acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.
Under certain circumstances, the sales charge incurred in acquiring Class A
shares of a Fund may not be taken into account in determining the gain or loss
on the disposition of those shares. This rule applies in circumstances when
shares of the Fund are exchanged within 90 days after the date they were
purchased and new shares in a regulated investment company are acquired without
a sales charge or at a reduced sales charge. In that case, the gain or loss
recognized on the exchange will be determined by excluding from the tax basis of
the shares exchanged all or a portion of the sales charge incurred in acquiring
those shares. This exclusion applies to the extent that the otherwise applicable
sales charge with respect to the newly acquired shares is reduced as a result of
having incurred the sales charge initially. Instead, the portion of the sales
charge affected by this rule will be treated as an amount paid for the new
shares.
Up to 85% of an individual's Social Security benefits and certain railroad
retirement benefits may be subject to federal income tax. Along with other
factors, total tax-exempt income, including any exempt-interest dividends
received from Municipal Bond Fund, is used to calculate the portion of Social
Security benefits that is taxed.
Under the Internal Revenue Code, a stockholder may not deduct all or a
portion of interest on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry
shares of an investment company paying exempt-interest dividends. In addition,
under rules issued by the Internal Revenue Service for determining when borrowed
funds are considered used for the purposes of purchasing or carrying particular
assets, the purchase of shares may be considered to have been made with borrowed
funds even though the borrowed funds are not directly traceable to the purchase
of shares.
A deductible "environmental tax" of 0.12% is imposed on a corporation's
modified alternative minimum taxable income in excess of $2 million. The
environmental tax will be imposed even if the corporation is not required to pay
an alternative minimum tax because the corporation's regular income tax
liability exceeds its minimum tax liability. To the extent that exempt-interest
dividends paid by Municipal Bond Fund are included in alternative minimum
taxable income, corporate stockholders may be subject to the environmental tax.
Opinions relating to the validity of municipal securities and the exemption
of interest thereon from federal income tax are rendered by bond counsel to the
issuer. Neither the Investment Manager nor Municipal Bond Fund's counsel makes
any review of proceedings relating to the issuance of municipal securities or
the bases of such opinions.
The Funds are required by law to withhold 31% of taxable dividends and
distributions to stockholders who do not furnish their correct taxpayer
identification numbers, or are otherwise subject to the backup withholding
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.
Each of Corporate Bond Fund, Limited Maturity Bond Fund, U.S. Government
Fund and High Yield Fund (the Series of Income Fund) will be treated separately
in determining the amounts of income and capital gains distributions. For this
purpose, each Fund will reflect only the income and gains, net of losses of that
Fund.
A purchase of shares shortly before payment of a dividend or distribution
would be disadvantageous because the dividend or distribution to the purchaser
would have the effect of reducing the per share net asset value of his or her
shares by the amount of the dividends or distributions. In addition all or a
portion of such dividends or distributions, although in effect a return of
capital, are subject to taxes, which may be at ordinary income tax rates.
OPTIONS, FUTURES AND FORWARD CONTRACTS AND SWAP AGREEMENTS. Certain
options, futures contracts, and forward contracts in which a Fund may invest may
be "Section 1256 contracts." Gains or losses on Section 1256 contracts generally
are considered 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gains or losses;
however, foreign currency gains or losses arising from certain Section 1256
contracts may be treated as ordinary income or loss. Also, Section 1256
contracts held by a Fund at the end of each taxable year (and at certain other
times as prescribed pursuant to the Code) are "marked to market" with the result
that unrealized gains or losses are treated as though they were realized.
Generally, the hedging transactions undertaken by a Fund may result in
"straddles" for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The straddle rules may affect
the character of gains (or losses) realized by a Fund. In addition, losses
realized by a Fund on positions that are part of a straddle may be deferred
under the straddle rules, rather than being taken into account in calculating
the taxable income for the taxable year in which such losses are realized.
Because only a few regulations implementing the straddle rules have been
promulgated, the tax consequences of transactions in options, futures, forward
contracts, swap agreements and other financial contracts to a Fund are not
entirely clear. The transactions may increase the amount of short-term capital
gain realized by a Fund which is taxed as ordinary income when distributed to
shareholders.
A Fund may make one or more of the elections available under the Code which
are applicable to straddles. If a Fund makes any of the elections, the amount,
character and timing of the recognition of gains or losses from the affected
straddle positions will be determined under rules that vary according to the
election(s) made. The rules applicable under certain of the elections may
operate to accelerate the recognition of gains or losses from the affected
straddle positions.
Because application of the straddle rules may affect the character of gains
or losses, defer losses and/or accelerate the recognition of gains or losses
from the affected straddle positions, the amount which must be distributed to
shareholders, and which will be taxed to shareholders as ordinary income or
long-term capital gain, may be increased or decreased as compared to a fund that
did not engage in such hedging transactions.
Because only a few regulations regarding the treatment of swap agreements,
and related caps, floors and collars, have been implemented, the tax
consequences of such transactions are not entirely clear. The Funds intend to
account for such transactions in a manner deemed by them to be appropriate, but
the Internal Revenue Service might not necessarily accept such treatment. If it
did not, the status of a Fund as a regulated investment company might be
affected.
The requirements applicable to a Fund's qualification as a regulated
investment company may limit the extent to which a Fund will be able to engage
in transactions in options, futures contracts, forward contracts, swap
agreements and other financial contracts.
MARKET DISCOUNT. If a Fund purchases a debt security at a price lower than
the stated redemption price of such debt security, the excess of the stated
redemption price over the purchase price is "market discount". If the amount of
market discount is more than a DE MINIMIS amount, a portion of such market
discount must be included as ordinary income (not capital gain) by the Fund in
each taxable year in which the Fund owns an interest in such debt security and
receives a principal payment on it. In particular, the Fund will be required to
allocate that principal payment first to the portion of the market discount on
the debt security that has accrued but has not previously been includable in
income. In general, the amount of market discount that must be included for each
period is equal to the lesser of (i) the amount of market discount accruing
during such period (plus any accrued market discount for prior periods not
previously taken into account) or (ii) the amount of the principal payment with
respect to such period. Generally, market discount accrues on a daily basis for
each day the debt security is held by a Fund at a constant rate over the time
remaining to the debt security's maturity or, at the election of the Fund, at a
constant yield to maturity which takes into account the semi-annual compounding
of interest. Gain realized on the disposition of a market discount obligation
must be recognized as ordinary interest income (not capital gain) to the extent
of the "accrued market discount."
ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT. Certain debt securities acquired by the Funds may
be treated as debt securities that were originally issued at a discount. Very
generally, original issue discount is defined as the difference between the
price at which a security was issued and its stated redemption price at
maturity. Although no cash income on account of such discount is actually
received by a Fund, original issue discount that accrues on a debt security in a
given year generally is treated for federal income tax purposes as interest and,
therefore, such income would be subject to the distribution requirements
applicable to regulated investment companies.
Some debt securities may be purchased by the Funds at a discount that
exceeds the original issue discount on such debt securities, if any. This
additional discount represents market discount for federal income tax purposes
(see above).
CONSTRUCTIVE SALES. Recently enacted rules may affect the timing and
character of gain if a Fund engages in transactions that reduce or eliminate its
risk of loss with respect to appreciated financial positions. If the Fund enters
into certain transactions in property while holding substantially identical
property, the Fund would be treated as if it had sold and immediately
repurchased the property and would be taxed on any gain (but no loss) from the
constructive sale. The character of gain from a constructive sale would depend
upon the Fund's holding period in the property. Loss from a constructive sale
would be recognized when the property was subsequently disposed of, and its
character would depend on the Fund's holding period and the application of
various loss deferral provisions of the Code.
FOREIGN TAXATION. Income received by a Fund from sources within a foreign
country may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by that country.
Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate
such taxes. The payment of such taxes will reduce the amount of dividends and
distributions paid to the Funds' stockholders. So long as a Fund qualifies as a
regulated investment company, certain distribution requirements are satisfied,
and more than 50% of such Fund's assets at the close of the taxable year
consists of securities of foreign corporation, the fund may elect, subject to
limitation, to pass through its foreign tax credits to its stockholders.
OTHER TAXES. The foregoing discussion is general in nature and is not
intended to provide an exhaustive presentation of the tax consequences of
investing in a Fund. Distributions may also be subject to additional state,
local and foreign taxes, depending on each shareholder's particular situation.
Depending upon the nature and extent of a Fund's contacts with a state or local
jurisdiction, the Fund may be subject to the tax laws of such jurisdiction if it
is regarded under applicable law as doing business in, or as having income
derived from, the jurisdiction. Persons who may be "substantial users" (or
"related persons" of substantial users) of facilities financed by private
activity bonds should consult their tax adviser before purchasing Municipal Bond
Fund shares. (See "Municipal Securities," page 910.) Shareholders are advised to
consult their own tax advisers with respect to the particular tax consequences
to them of an investment in a Fund.
ORGANIZATION
The Articles of Incorporation of Income and Municipal Bond Funds provide
for the issuance of shares of common stock in one or more classes or series and
the Articles of Cash Fund provide for the issuance of stock in one or more
series.
Income Fund has authorized the issuance of an indefinite number of shares
of capital stock of $1.00 par value and currently issues its shares in seven
series, Corporate Bond Fund, Limited Maturity Bond Fund, U.S. Government Fund,
High Yield Fund, MFR Emerging Markets Total Return Fund, MFR Global Asset
Allocation Fund and MFR Global High Yield Fund (formerly Global Aggressive Bond
Fund). The shares of each Series of Income Fund represent a pro rata beneficial
interest in that Series' net assets and in the earnings and profits or losses
derived from the investment of such assets. Municipal Bond and Cash Funds have
not issued shares in any additional series at the present time. Municipal Bond
and Cash Funds have authorized the issuance of an indefinite number of shares of
capital stock of $0.10 par value.
Each of Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High Yield
and Municipal Bond Funds currently issues two classes of shares which
participate proportionately based on their relative net asset values in
dividends and distributions and have equal voting, liquidation and other rights
except that (i) expenses related to the distribution of each class of shares or
other expenses that the Board of Directors may designate as class expenses from
time to time, are borne solely by each class; (ii) each class of shares has
exclusive voting rights with respect to any Distribution Plan adopted for that
class; (iii) each class has different exchange privileges; and (iv) each class
has a different designation. When issued and paid for, the shares of Corporate
Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High Yield, Municipal Bond and
Cash Funds will be fully paid and nonassessable by the Funds. Shares may be
exchanged as described above under "Exchange Privilege," but will have no other
preference, conversion, exchange or preemptive rights. Shares are transferable,
redeemable and assignable and have cumulative voting privileges for the election
of directors.
On certain matters, such as the election of directors, all shares of the
Series of Income Fund vote together with each share having one vote. On other
matters affecting a particular Series, such as the investment advisory contract
or the fundamental policies, only shares of that Series are entitled to vote,
and a majority vote of the shares of that Series is required for approval of the
proposal.
The Funds do not generally hold annual meetings of stockholders and will do
so only when required by law. Stockholders may remove directors from office by
vote cast in person or by proxy at a meeting of stockholders. Such a meeting
will be called at the written request of 10% of a Fund's outstanding shares.
CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND-PAYING AGENT
UMB Bank, N.A., 928 Grand Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64106 acts as the
custodian for the portfolio securities of Corporate Bond Fund, Limited Maturity
Bond Fund, U.S. Government Fund, High Yield, Municipal Bond Fund and Cash Fund.
Security Management Company, LLC acts as the Funds' transfer and dividend-paying
agent.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The firm of Ernst & Young LLP, One Kansas City Place, 1200 Main Street,
Kansas City, Missouri, has been selected by a majority of the independent
directors of each Fund to serve as the independent auditors of the Funds, and as
such, the firm will perform the annual audit of each Fund's financial
statements.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
The Funds may, from time to time, include performance information in
advertisements, sales literature or reports to stockholders or prospective
investors. Performance information in advertisements or sales literature may be
expressed as yield for each of the Funds, effective yield for Cash Fund, taxable
equivalent yield for Municipal Bond Fund and average annual total return and
aggregate total return for Municipal Bond and Income Funds.
For Cash Fund, the current yield will be based upon the seven calendar days
ending on the date of calculation ("the base period"). The total net investment
income earned, exclusive of realized capital gains and losses or unrealized
appreciation and depreciation, during the base period, on a hypothetical
pre-existing account having a balance of one share will be divided by the value
of the account at the beginning of that period. The resulting figure ("the base
period return") will then be multiplied by 365/7 to obtain the current yield.
Cash Fund's current yield for the seven-day period ended December 31, 1997 was
5.18%.
Cash Fund's effective (or compound) yield for the same period was 5.32%.
The effective yield reflects the compounding of the current yield by reinvesting
all dividends and will be computed by compounding the base period return by
adding 1 to the base period return, raising the sum to a power equal to 365
divided by 7, and subtracting 1 from the result. The yield of the Fund may be
obtained by calling the Fund.
Investors should recognize that investment in Cash Fund is not guaranteed
or insured by any state, federal or government agency or by any other person.
With respect to Income Fund and Municipal Bond Fund, quotations of yield
will be based on the investment income per share earned during a particular
30-day period, less expenses per share accrued during the period ("net
investment income") and will be computed by dividing net investment income by
the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period, according to
the following formula:
A-B
YEILD = 2((----- + 1)^6 - 1)
CD
where A = dividends and interest earned during the period, B = expenses accrued
for the period (net of any reimbursements), C = the average daily number of
shares outstanding during the period that were entitled to receive dividends,
and D = the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period.
Municipal Bond Fund's tax-equivalent yield, like yield, is based on a
30-day period and is computed by dividing that portion of the Fund's yield
(computed as described above) which is tax-exempt by one minus a stated income
tax rate and adding the resulting figure to that portion of the Fund's yield, if
any, that is not tax-exempt.
For the 30-day period ended December 31, 1997, the yield for the Class A
shares of the following Funds was 5.95% for Corporate Bond Fund, 6.78% for
Limited Maturity Bond Fund, 5.78% for the U.S. Government Fund, 11.77% for High
Yield Fund, and 3.70% for Municipal Bond Fund. For the same period, the tax
equivalent yield for the Class A shares of Municipal Bond Fund assuming a 15%
income tax rate and a 28% income tax rate, respectively, was 4.35% and 5.14%.
For the 30-day period ended December 31, 1997, the yield for the Class B
shares of the following Funds was 5.07% for the Corporate Bond Fund, 6.16% for
Limited Maturity Bond Fund, 4.83% for the U.S. Government Fund, 7.10% for High
Yield Fund, and 2.67% for Municipal Bond Fund. For the same period, the tax
equivalent yield for the Class B shares of Municipal Bond Fund assuming a 15%
income tax rate and a 28% income tax rate, respectively, was 3.14% and 3.71%.
There is no assurance that a yield quoted will remain in effect for any
period of time. Inasmuch as certain estimates must be made in computing average
daily yield, actual yields may vary and will depend upon such factors as the
type of instruments in the Fund's portfolio, the portfolio quality and average
maturity of such instruments, changes in interest rates and the actual Fund
expenses. Yield computations will reflect the expense limitations described in
this Prospectus under "Investment Manager."
Quotations of average annual total return will be expressed in terms of the
average annual compounded rate of return of a hypothetical investment in Income
Fund or Municipal Bond Fund over periods of 1, 5 and 10 years (up to the life of
the Fund), calculated pursuant to the following formula:
P(1+T)^N = ERV
(where P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000, T = the average annual
total return, n = the number of years, and ERV = the ending redeemable value of
a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of the period). All average
annual total return figures will reflect the deduction of the maximum initial
sales load in the case of quotations of performance of Class A shares or the
applicable contingent deferred sales charge in the case of quotations of
performance of Class B shares and a proportional share of Fund expenses on an
annual basis, and assume that all dividends and distributions are reinvested
when paid.
For the 1-, 5- and 10-year periods ended December 31, 1997, the average
annual total return for Class A shares of the Corporate Bond Fund was 4.47%,
5.10% and 7.30%, respectively. For the 1-year period ended December 31, 1997,
the average annual total return for Class B shares of Corporate Bond Fund was
3.74%. For the period October 19, 1993 (date of inception) to December 31, 1997,
the average annual total return for Class B shares of the Corporate Bond Fund
was 1.85%.
For the 1-, 5- and 10-year periods ended December 31, 1997, the average
annual total return for Class A shares of the U.S. Government Fund was 4.12%,
6.04% and 7.64%, respectively. For the 1-year period ended December 31, 1997,
the average annual total return for Class B shares of U.S. Government Fund was
2.86%. For the period October 19, 1993 (date of inception) to December 31, 1997,
the average annual total return for Class B shares of the U.S. Government Fund
was 3.38%.
For the 1-, 5- and 10-year periods ended December 31, 1997, the average
annual total return for Class A shares of Municipal Bond Fund was 3.17%, 4.70%
and 6.31%, respectively. For the 1-year period ended December 31, 1997, the
average annual total return for Class B shares of Municipal Bond Fund was 1.94%.
For the period October 19, 1993 (date of inception) to December 31, 1997, the
average annual total return for Class B shares of Municipal Bond Fund was 1.87%.
For the 1-year period ended December 31, 1997, the average annual total
return for Class A and B shares of Limited Maturity Bond Fund was 3.76% and
2.70%, respectively. For the period January 17, 1995 (date of inception) to
December 31, 1997, the average annual total return for Class A and B shares of
Limited Maturity Bond Fund was 6.29% and 5.79%, respectively.
For the 1-year period ended December 31, 1997, the average annual total
return for Class A and B shares of High Yield Fund was 7.25% and 6.45%,
respectively. For the period August 5, 1996 (date of inception) to December 31,
1997, the average annual total return for Class A and B shares of High Yield
Fund was 8.94% and 9.02%, respectively.
The aggregate total return for Income and Municipal Bond Funds is
calculated for any specified period of time pursuant to the following formula:
P(1+T)^N = ERV
(where P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000, T = the total return, and
ERV = the ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the
beginning of the period). All aggregate total return figures will assume that
all dividends and distributions are reinvested when paid. The Funds may, from
time to time, include quotations of total return that do not reflect deduction
of the sales load which, if reflected, would reduce the total return data
quoted.
The aggregate total return on an investment made in Class A shares of the
Corporate Bond Fund, the U.S. Government Fund and Municipal Bond Fund calculated
as described above for the period from December 31, 1987, for the Corporate Bond
Fund, U.S. Government Fund and Municipal Bond Fund, through December 31, 1997
was 102.2%, 108.7% and 84.3%, respectively. These figures reflect deduction of
the maximum initial sales load.
The aggregate total return on an investment made in Class B shares of the
Corporate Bond Fund, the U.S. Government Fund and Municipal Bond Fund calculated
as described above for the period October 19, 1993 through December 31, 1997 was
8.0%, 15.0% and 8.1%, respectively. These figures reflect deduction of the
maximum contingent deferred sales charge.
The aggregate total return on an investment made in Class A and B shares of
the Limited Maturity Bond Fund for the period January 17, 1995 through December
31, 1997 was 19.7% and 18.1%, respectively. These figures reflect deduction of
the maximum initial sales load and deduction of the maximum contingent deferred
sales charge.
The aggregate total return on an investment made in Class A and B shares of
the High Yield Fund for the period August 5, 1996 (date of inception) through
December 31, 1997, was 12.8% and 12.9%, respectively. These figures reflect
deduction of the maximum initial sales load and deduction of the maximum
contingent deferred sales charge.
In addition, quotations of aggregate total return will also be calculated
for several consecutive one-year periods expressing the total return as a
percentage increase or decrease in the value of the investment for each year
relative to the ending value for the previous year.
Quotations of yield, tax-equivalent yield, average annual total return and
aggregate total return will reflect only the performance of a hypothetical
investment during the particular time period shown. Such quotations will vary
based on changes in market conditions and the level of the Fund's expenses, and
no reported performance figure should be considered an indication of performance
which may be expected in the future.
In connection with communicating its yield, tax-equivalent yield, average
annual total return or aggregate total return to current or prospective
stockholders, each Fund also may compare these figures to the performance of
other mutual funds tracked by mutual fund rating services or to other unmanaged
indexes which may assume reinvestment of dividends but generally do not reflect
deductions for administrative and management costs. Each Fund will include
performance data for both Class A and Class B shares of the Fund in any
advertisement or report including performance data of the Fund. Such mutual fund
rating services include the following: Lipper Analytical Services; Morningstar,
Inc.; Investment Company Data; Schabacker Investment Management; Wiesenberger
Investment Companies Service; Computer Directions Advisory (CDA); and Johnson
Charts.
RETIREMENT PLANS
Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High Yield and Cash
Funds offer tax-qualified retirement plans for individuals (Individual
Retirement Accounts, known as IRAs), several prototype retirement plans for the
self-employed (Keogh plans), pension and profit-sharing plans for corporations,
and custodial account plans for employees of public school systems and
organizations meeting the requirements of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code. Actual documents and detailed materials about the plans will be
provided upon request to the Distributor.
Purchases of Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High
Yield and Cash Fund shares under any of these plans are made at the public
offering price next determined after contributions are received by the
Distributor. Shares owned under any of the plans have full dividend, voting and
redemption privileges. Depending upon the terms of the particular plan,
retirement benefits may be paid in a lump sum or in installment payments over a
specified period. There are possible penalties for premature distributions from
such plans.
Security Management Company, LLC is available to act as custodian for the
plans on a fee basis. For IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, Section 403(b) Retirement Plans,
and Simplified Employee Pension Plans (SEPPs), service fees for such custodial
services currently are: (1) $10 for annual maintenance of the account, and (2)
benefit distribution fee of $5 per distribution. Service fees for other types of
plans will vary. These fees will be deducted from the plan assets. Optional
supplemental services are available from Security Benefit Life Insurance Company
for additional charges.
Retirement investment programs involve commitments covering future years.
It is important that the investment objective and structure of Corporate Bond,
Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High Yield and Cash Funds be considered
by the investors for such plans. Investments in insurance and annuity contracts
also may be purchased in addition to shares of the Funds.
A brief description of the available tax-qualified retirement plans is
provided below. However, the tax rules applicable to such qualified plans vary
according to the type of plan and the terms and conditions of the plan itself.
Therefore, no attempt is made to provide more than general information about the
various types of qualified plans. Because Municipal Bond Fund's investment
objective is to obtain a high level of interest income exempt from federal
taxes, Municipal Bond Fund is not an appropriate investment for retirement
plans.
Investors are urged to consult their own attorneys or tax advisers when
considering the establishment and maintenance of any such plans.
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS (IRAS)
Individual Retirement Account Custodial Agreements are available to provide
investment in shares of Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government,
High Yield or Cash Fund, or in other Funds in the Security Group. An individual
may initiate an IRA through the Distributor by executing the custodial agreement
and making a minimum initial investment of at least $100. A $10 annual fee is
charged for maintaining the account.
An individual may make a contribution to a traditional IRA each year of up
to the lesser of $2,000 or 100% of earned income under current tax law. The IRAs
described in this paragraph are called "traditional IRAs" to distinguish them
from the new "Roth IRAs" which become available in 1998. Roth IRAs are described
below. Spousal IRAs allow an individual and his or her spouse to contribute up
to $2,000 to their respective IRAs so long as a joint tax return is filed and
joint income is $4,000 or more. The maximum amount the higher compensated spouse
may contribute for the year is the lesser of $2,000 or 100% of that spouse's
compensation. The maximum the lower compensated spouse may contribute is the
lesser of (i) $2,000 or (ii) 100% of that spouse's compensation plus the amount
by which the higher compensated spouse's compensation exceeds the amount the
higher compensated spouse contributes to his or her IRA.
An individual may make a contribution to a traditional IRA which is
deductible for federal income tax purposes. A contribution is deductible if (i)
neither the individual nor his or her spouse is an active participant in an
employer's retirement plan, or (ii) the individual (and his or her spouse, if
applicable) has an adjusted gross income below a specified level. The income
limits will gradually increase starting with tax years beginning in 1998,
eventually reaching $50,000 - $60,000 for single filers in 2005 and thereafter
(and reaching $80,000 - $100,000 if married jointly in 2007 and thereafter). In
addition, for tax years beginning after 1997, a married individual may make a
deductible IRA contribution even though the individual's spouse is an active
participant in a qualified employer's retirement plan, subject to a phase-out
for adjusted gross income between $150,000 - $160,000. However, an individual
not permitted to make a deductible contribution to an IRA may nevertheless make
nondeductible contributions up to the maximum contribution limit for that year.
The deductibility of IRA contributions under state law varies from state to
state.
Contributions must be made in cash no later than April 15 following the
close of the tax year. No annual contribution is permitted for the year in which
the investor reaches age 70 1/2 or any year thereafter.
In addition to annual contributions, total distributions and certain
partial distributions from certain employer-sponsored retirement plans may be
eligible to be reinvested into a traditional IRA if the reinvestment is made
within 60 days of receipt of the distribution by the taxpayer. Such rollover
contributions are not subject to the limitations on annual IRA contributions
described above.
ROTH IRAS
Section 408A of the Code permits eligible individuals to establish a Roth
IRA for tax years beginning in 1998. Contributions to a Roth IRA are not
deductible, but withdrawals that meet certain requirements are not subject to
federal income tax. The maximum annual contribution amount of $2,000 is phased
out if the individual is single and has an adjusted gross income between $95,000
and $110,000, or if the individual is married and the couple has a combined
adjusted gross income between $150,000 and $160,000. In general, Roth IRAs are
subject to certain required distribution requirements. Unlike a traditional IRA,
Roth IRAs are not subject to minimum required distribution rules during the
owner's life time. Generally, however, the amount remaining in a Roth IRA must
be distributed by the end of the fifth year after the death of the owner.
Beginning in 1998 the owner of a traditional IRA may convert the
traditional IRA into a Roth IRA under certain circumstances. The conversion of a
traditional IRA to a Roth IRA will subject the amount of the converted
traditional IRA to federal income tax. If a traditional IRA is converted to a
Roth IRA in 1998, the taxable amount in the owner's traditional IRA will be
includable in income over a four-year period; for conversions after 1998, the
taxable amount in the owner's traditional IRA will be considered taxable income
for federal income tax purposes for the year of the conversion. Generally, all
amounts in a traditional IRA are taxable except for the owner's prior
non-deductible contributions to the traditional IRA.
EDUCATION IRAS
Section 530 of the Code permits eligible individuals to establish an
Education IRA on behalf of a beneficiary for tax years beginning in 1998.
Contributions to an Education IRA are not deductible, but qualified
distributions to the beneficiary are not subject to federal income tax. The
maximum annual contribution amount of $500 is phased out if the individual is
single and has an adjusted gross income between $95,000 and $110,000, or if the
individual is married and the couple has a combined adjusted gross income
between $150,000 and $160,000. Education IRAs are subject to certain required
distribution requirements. Generally, the amount remaining in an Education IRA
must be distributed by the beneficiary's 30th birthday or rolled into a new
Education IRA for another eligible beneficiary.
SIMPLE IRAS
The Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 created a new retirement
plan, the Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees of Small Employers (SIMPLE
Plans). SIMPLE Plan participants must establish a SIMPLE IRA into which plan
contributions will be deposited.
The Investment Manager makes available SIMPLE IRAs to provide investment in
shares of the Funds. Contributions to a SIMPLE IRA may be either salary deferral
contributions or employer contributions. Contributions must be made in cash and
cannot exceed the maximum amount allowed under the Internal Revenue Code. On a
pre-tax basis, up to $6,000 of compensation (through salary deferrals) may be
contributed to a SIMPLE IRA. In addition, employers are required to make either
(1) a dollar-for-dollar matching contribution or (2) a nonelective contribution
to each participant's account each year. In general, matching contributions must
equal up to 3% of compensation, but under certain circumstances, employers may
make lower matching contributions. Instead of the match, employers may make a
nonelective contribution equal to 2% of compensation (compensation for purposes
of any nonelective contribution is limited to $160,000, as indexed).
Distributions from a SIMPLE IRA are (1) taxed as ordinary income; (2)
includable in gross income; and (3) subject to applicable state tax laws.
Distributions prior to age 59 1/2 may be subject to a 10% penalty tax which
increases to 25% for distributions made before a participant has participated in
the SIMPLE Plan for at least two years. An annual fee of $10 is charged for
maintaining the SIMPLE IRA.
PENSION AND PROFIT-SHARING PLANS
Prototype corporate pension or profit-sharing prototype plans meeting the
requirements of Internal Revenue Code Section 401(a) are available. Information
concerning these plans may be obtained from Security Distributors, Inc.
403(B) RETIREMENT PLANS
Employees of public school systems and tax-exempt organizations meeting the
requirements of Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) may purchase custodial
account plans funded by their employers with shares of Corporate Bond, Limited
Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High Yield or Cash Fund or other Funds in the
Security Group in accordance with Code Section 403(b). Section 403(b) plans are
subject to numerous restrictions on the amount that may be contributed, the
persons who are eligible to participate and on the time when distributions may
commence.
SIMPLIFIED EMPLOYEE PENSION PLANS (SEPPS)
A prototype SEPP is available for corporations, partnerships or sole
proprietors desiring to adopt such a plan for purchases of IRAs for their
employees. Employers establishing a SEPP may contribute a maximum of $30,000 a
year to an IRA for each employee. This maximum is subject to a number of
limitations.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The audited financial statements of the Funds, which are contained in the
Funds' Annual Report dated December 31, 1997, are incorporated herein by
reference. Copies of the Annual Report are provided to every person requesting
the Statement of Additional Information.
TAX-EXEMPT VS. TAXABLE INCOME
The following table shows the approximate taxable yields for individuals
that are equivalent to tax-exempt yields using the 1998 tax rates contained in
the Code. The table illustrates what you would have to earn on taxable
investments to equal a given tax-exempt yield in your federal income tax
bracket. Locate your income (after deductions and exemptions), then locate your
tax bracket based on joint or single tax filing. Read across to the equivalent
taxable yield you would need to match a given tax-free yield. There is, of
course, no assurance that an investment in Municipal Bond Fund will result in
the realization of any particular return.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Your
income
tax
If your taxable income is: bracket And a tax-free yield of:
Joint Return Single Return is: 5% 6% 7% 8% 9% 10% 11% 12%
- ------- -------------------- -------------------- ---------- ------- ------- ------- ------ ------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1998
0 - 36,900 0 - 22,100 15.0% 5.88 7.06 8.24 9.41 10.59 11.76 12.94 14.12
36,901 - 89,150 22,101 - 53,500 28.0 6.94 8.33 9.72 11.11 12.50 13.89 15.28 16.67
89,151 - 140,000 53,501 - 115,000 31.0 7.25 8.70 10.14 11.59 13.04 14.49 15.94 17.39
140,001 - 250,000 115,001 - 250,000 36.0 7.81 9.38 10.94 12.50 14.06 15.63 17.19 18.75
250,001 and over 250,001 and over 39.6 8.28 9.93 11.59 13.25 14.90 16.56 18.21 19.87
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
CLASS A SHARES OF CORPORATE BOND, LIMITED MATURITY BOND, U.S. GOVERNMENT, HIGH
YIELD AND MUNICIPAL BOND FUNDS
REDUCED SALES CHARGES
Initial sales charges may be reduced or eliminated for persons or
organizations purchasing Class A shares of Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity
Bond, U.S. Government, High Yield and Municipal Bond Funds alone or in
combination with Class A shares of other Security Funds.
For purposes of qualifying for reduced sales charges on purchases made
pursuant to Rights of Accumulation, a Statement of Intention or Letters of
Intent, the term "Purchaser" includes the following persons: an individual; his
or her spouse and children under the age 21; a trustee or other fiduciary of a
single trust estate or single fiduciary account established for their benefit;
an organization exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) or (13)
of the Internal Revenue Code; or a pension, profit-sharing or other employee
benefit plan whether or not qualified under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue
Code.
RIGHTS OF ACCUMULATION
To reduce sales charges on purchases of Corporate Bond Fund, Limited
Maturity Bond Fund, U.S. Government Fund, High Yield or Municipal Bond Fund, a
Purchaser may combine all previous purchases with a contemplated current
purchase of Class A shares of a Fund for the purpose of determining the sales
charge applicable to the current purchase. For example, an investor who already
owns Class A shares of a Fund either worth $30,000 at the applicable current
offering price or purchased for $30,000 and who invests an additional $25,000,
is entitled to a reduced sales charge of 3.75% on the latter purchase. The
Distributor must be notified when a sale takes place which would qualify for the
reduced charge on the basis of previous purchases subject to confirmation of the
investor's holdings through the Fund's records. Rights of accumulation apply
also to purchases representing a combination of the Class A shares of Corporate
Bond Fund, Limited Maturity Bond Fund, U.S. Government Fund, High Yield,
Municipal Bond Fund, Security Growth and Income, Security Ultra Fund, or
Security Equity Fund in those states where shares of the Funds being purchased
are qualified for sale.
STATEMENT OF INTENTION
A Purchaser in Corporate Bond, Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government, High
Yield or Municipal Bond Funds may sign a Statement of Intention, which may be
signed within 90 days after the first purchase to be included thereunder, in the
form provided by the Distributor covering purchases of Corporate Bond Fund,
Limited Maturity Bond Fund, U.S. Government Fund, High Yield, Municipal Bond
Fund, Security Equity Fund, Security Growth and Income Fund, or Security Ultra
Fund to be made within a period of 13 months (or a 36-month period for purchases
of $1 million or more) and thereby become eligible for the reduced front-end
sales charge applicable to the actual amount purchased under the Statement. Five
percent of the amount specified in the Statement of Intention will be held in
escrow shares until the Statement is completed or terminated. The shares so held
may be redeemed by the Fund if the investor is required to pay additional sales
charge which may be due if the amount of purchases made by the investor during
the period the Statement is effective is less than the total specified in the
Statement of Intention.
A Statement of Intention may be revised during the 13-month period (or, if
applicable, 36-month period). Additional Class A shares received from
reinvestment of income dividends and capital gains distributions (if any are
realized) are included in the total amount used to determine reduced sales
charges. The Statement is not a binding obligation upon the investor to purchase
or any Fund to sell the full indicated amount. An investor considering signing
such an agreement should read the Statement of Intention carefully. A Statement
of Intention form may be obtained from the Investment Manager.
REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE
Stockholders who redeem their Class A shares of Corporate Bond Fund,
Limited Maturity Bond Fund, U.S. Government Fund, High Yield Fund or Municipal
Bond Fund have a one-time privilege (1) to reinstate their accounts by
purchasing shares of the Fund without a sales charge up to the dollar amount of
the redemption proceeds, or (2) to the extent the redeemed shares would have
been eligible for the exchange privilege, to purchase Class A shares of another
of the Funds, Security Equity Fund, Security Ultra Fund, or Security Growth and
Income Fund up to the dollar amount of the redemption proceeds at a sales charge
equal to the additional sales charge, if any, which would have been applicable
had the redeemed shares been exchanged pursuant to the exchange privilege.
Written notice and a check in the amount of the reinvestment from eligible
stockholders wishing to exercise this reinstatement privilege must be received
by the Fund within thirty days after the redemption request was received (or
such longer period as may be permitted by rules and regulations promulgated
under the Investment Company Act of 1940). The net asset value used in computing
the amount of shares to be issued upon reinstatement or exchange will be the net
asset value on the day that notice of the exercise of the privilege is received.
Stockholders making use of the reinstatement privilege should note that any
gains realized upon the redemption will be taxable while any losses may be
deferred under the "wash sale" provision of the Internal Revenue Code.
<PAGE>
SECURITY FUNDS
ANNUAL REPORT
December 31, 1997
o Security Income Fund
- Corporate Bond Series
- U.S. Government Series
- Limited Maturity Bond Series
- High Yield Series
o Security Tax-Exempt Fund
o Security Cash Fund
[SECURITY DISTRIBUTORS LOGO]
Security Distributors, Inc.
A Member of The Security Benefit
Group of Companies
<PAGE>
SECURITY FUNDS
President's Letter
February 15, 1998
To Our Shareholders:
1997 produced a roller coaster ride for investors in fixed income instruments.
The year began with the thirty-year Treasury bond yielding 6.64%. It traded up
to 7.14% in April, and spent a good part of the year in a range between 6.40%
and 6.80% before beginning a sharp decline in the fourth quarter. The long bond
ended the year at 5.92%, very close to the 5.77% record low since the government
began regular sales of thirty-year bonds in 1977.
The performance of our fixed income portfolios was excellent in 1997. Total
returns ranged from 12.56% on the High Yield Series to 8.97% on the
Intermediate-term Limited Maturity Bond Series, well in line with their peers
and benchmark indexes.(1)
CONTRIBUTORS TO THE RATE DECLINE
The chief economic component behind the decline in interest rates late in the
year we believe was the ultimate recognition that inflation has at long last
been brought under control. This was a result of a combination of the enormously
competitive global economic environment and the extremely astute monetary policy
of our central bank under the direction of Alan Greenspan, as well as that of
other central bankers around the world.
Perhaps the greatest recent influence on the U.S. inflation picture has been and
continues to be the weakened economic conditions in the southeast Asian
countries. As sales decline in their home markets, these countries are
increasing their efforts to export goods to European and American buyers, often
at reduced prices. This price competition makes it necessary for U.S.
manufacturers to drop their price levels in order to remain competitive.
Although the situation may be unpleasant for residents of the Asian countries,
the resulting low inflation rates should benefit our bond markets.
A LOOK INTO THE YEAR AHEAD
Our fixed income portfolios are now being managed by two members of our very
capable fixed income team. Steven Bowser, who has worked with Security Benefit
Group's general account portfolio for the past five years, is overseeing the
investment-grade portions of the portfolio. David Eshnaur, who joined the
Security Management group of investment professionals in 1997, is working with
the high yield issues. In addition, our expanded team of research analysts lend
support to the two managers with their work.
We expect the positive environment for fixed income investors to continue into
1998. The still favorable inflation picture and a continuation of the "flight to
quality" as a result of the uncertain international environment brought about by
problems in southeast Asia give us the prospect of long term interest rates
trading close to the 5.50% level as measured by the thirty-year government bond.
We also believe that there is a reasonable prospect for the Federal Reserve Bank
to reduce short term interest rates, depending on how severe the global economic
problems triggered by the Asian crisis turn out to be.
As always, we appreciate your continuing investments in Security products. We
invite your comments and questions at any time.
/s/ JOHN CLELAND
John Cleland, President
The Security Funds
1
<PAGE>
Manager's Commentary
February 15, 1998
SECURITY INCOME FUND
Corporate Bond Series
The Corporate Bond Series of Security Income Fund completed a successful year in
1997, generating a total return of 9.63% compared with its Lipper peer group
average of 9.17%, and finishing the year in the top quartile of its peer
group.(1) These returns are slightly lower than the benchmark Lehman Brothers
Corporate Bond Index, however, which generated a 10.23% total return for the
year.
RESTRUCTURING STEPS IN 1997
After a disappointing first quarter, we took steps to restructure the portfolio
with an overall emphasis on spreading the risk by sector and by size of
individual holdings. The average quality in the high yield portion of the Series
was upgraded, and issues providing a yield premium over Treasury bonds were
sought.
During the fall months, yield spreads between Treasuries and corporate bond
issues tightened considerably, reducing the attractiveness of corporates. When
the reward for accepting a lower quality was minimal, we chose to buy Treasury
issues instead. This helped overall performance in the fourth quarter, when
Treasury bond prices increased dramatically as investors moved funds from Asian
countries in a "flight to quality."
CURRENT PORTFOLIO STRUCTURE
We were fortunate to have eliminated our Asian exposure in mid-summer, selling
such "Yankee bond" issues as Petronas, Bangkok Bank, and Malayan Bank before the
Asian markets met disaster. (Yankee bonds are issued by foreign corporations,
but denominated in dollars for U.S. investors.) We also sold issues in the
troubled hospital care sector. We broadened our high yield position, emphasizing
the better quality issues, in order to gain additional yield.
At the end of 1997 the portfolio consisted of 41% investment grade corporate
bonds, 21% high yield issues, 13% Yankee bonds, 8% Treasuries, and 16%
mortgage-backed securities, with the remaining 1% in cash. At year-end the
average duration of the Series was 5.9 years, with an overall mid-A credit
quality average. Our target is to have no more than 2% of the assets invested in
any one company, with high yield issues being 1% or less per name.
PLANS FOR THE YEAR AHEAD
We believe this formula of diversification by sector and security will serve us
well in the volatile investment climate we expect in 1998. We will continue to
look for areas in which we can upgrade credit quality and increase yield. If
interest rates begin to reverse direction and move up, we will keep our
portfolio average duration close to that of the benchmark index in order to
reduce volatility. Our sizeable position in very liquid U.S. Treasury issues
allows us to adjust quickly to changes in economic conditions.
We will continue to use the talents of our expanded analytical team to add value
in the portfolio holdings. At this particular stage in the economic cycle, it is
important to excel in individual security selection in order to compete with
one's peers.
Steven M. Bowser
Portfolio Manager
(1) Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect
deduction of the sales charge.
2
<PAGE>
Manager's Commentary
February 15, 1998
CORPORATE BOND SERIES
[LINEAR GRAPH PLOTTED FROM POINTS IN TABLE BELOW]
Security Funds Lehman Brothers
Date Corporate Bond Fund Corporate Bond Index
- ---------- ------------------- --------------------
12/31/1987 .................. $ 10,000.00 $ 10,000
03/31/1988 .................. 9,750.05 10,444
06/30/1988 .................. 9,806.18 10,560
09/30/1988 .................. 10,003.23 10,809
12/31/1988 .................. 10,138.40 10,922
03/31/1989 .................. 10,250.72 11,053
06/30/1989 .................. 10,855.21 11,928
09/30/1989 .................. 10,888.25 12,084
12/31/1989 .................. 11,149.08 12,461
03/31/1990 .................. 11,158.35 12,352
06/30/1990 .................. 11,564.12 12,834
09/30/1990 .................. 11,375.15 12,831
12/31/1990 .................. 11,880.80 13,340
03/31/1991 .................. 12,332.65 13,909
06/30/1991 .................. 12,557.54 14,186
09/30/1991 .................. 13,204.99 15,019
12/31/1991 .................. 13,796.96 15,811
03/31/1992 .................. 13,756.13 15,695
06/30/1992 .................. 14,268.15 16,377
09/30/1992 .................. 14,855.21 17,150
12/31/1992 .................. 15,031.61 17,184
03/31/1993 .................. 15,954.38 18,052
06/30/1993 .................. 16,544.71 18,655
09/30/1993 .................. 17,270.94 19,304
12/31/1993 .................. 17,092.50 19,275
03/31/1994 .................. 16,206.18 18,596
06/30/1994 .................. 15,638.30 18,303
09/30/1994 .................. 15,589.88 18,438
12/31/1994 .................. 15,679.69 18,518
03/31/1995 .................. 16,421.91 19,615
06/30/1995 .................. 17,292.80 21,074
09/30/1995 .................. 17,621.80 21,570
12/31/1995 .................. 18,537.60 22,636
03/31/1996 .................. 17,871.59 22,052
06/30/1996 .................. 17,863.27 22,150
09/30/1996 .................. 18,250.02 22,592
12/31/1996 .................. 18,440.79 23,379
03/31/1997 .................. 18,233.72 23,143
06/30/1997 .................. 18,874.89 24,098
09/30/1997 .................. 19,629.42 25,041
12/31/1997 .................. 20,219.41 25,771
$10,000 OVER TEN YEARS
This chart assumes a $10,000 investment in Class A shares of Corporate Bond
Series on December 31, 1987, and reflects deduction of the 4.75% sales load. On
December 31, 1997, the value of your investment in the Series' Class A shares
(with dividends reinvested) would have grown to $20,219. By comparison, the same
$10,000 investment would have grown to $25,771 based on the performance of the
Lehman Brothers Corporate Bond Index.
The performance illustrated above is based on the performance of Class A shares.
The performance of Class B shares will be greater or less than the performance
shown for Class A shares as a result of the different loads and fees associated
with an investment in Class B shares.
The performance data illustrated above reflects past performance which is not
predictive of future results.
Investments cannot be made directly in an index. The Lehman Brothers Corporate
Bond Index includes all corporate debt securities rated A or higher.
CORPORATE BOND SERIES
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997
Class A Shares Class B Shares
---------------------- -----------------------------
1 Year 4.47% 1 Year 3.74%
5 Years 5.10% Since Inception 1.85%
10 Years 7.30% (10-19-93)
The performance data above represents past performance which is not predictive
of future results. For Class A shares these figures reflect deduction of the
maximum sales charge of 4.75%. For Class B shares the figures reflect deduction
of the maximum contingent deferred sales charge, ranging from 5% in the first
year to 0% in the sixth and following years. The investment return and principal
value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when
redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
3
<PAGE>
Manager's Commentary
February 15, 1998
U.S. GOVERNMENT SERIES
The U.S. Government Series of Security Income Fund returned an attractive 9.19%
in the year just completed.(1) This compared very favorably with the average
8.84% return of its Lipper peers, placing the fund in the top third of the
group. The total return lagged slightly the 9.59% return of the benchmark Lehman
Government Bond Index over the period.
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO OVERALL PERFORMANCE
As interest rates declined during the second half of 1997 we reduced slightly
our holdings in mortgage-backed securities. In times of falling interest rates,
concerns that homeowners will refinance or prepay their mortgages tends to hold
back returns on these types of bonds. The proceeds from the sales were for the
most part used to purchase federal agency securities, which yielded more than
Treasury issues of similar maturities.
PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AT YEAR END
The sector weightings in the portfolio at the end of the year consisted of 43%
federal agency issues, 23% Treasury securities, 33% mortgage-backed bonds, and
about 1% in cash. Although the spread between yields on Treasury bonds and
agency securities were narrow at times during the year, (perhaps reducing the
attractiveness of agency issues) any incremental advantage in yield helps
competitive position based on total return in an all government securities
portfolio.
The portfolio's duration at the close of 1997 was 5.2 years, slightly longer
than the 5.1 year duration of the benchmark index. As interest rates declined
through the second half of the year, we extended duration from the 4.85 year
level at the end of June because longer-maturity bonds generally reap greater
benefits from a drop in yields. The average coupon in the portfolio was 8.01%
versus the benchmark index average 6.92%, primarily because of the greater
representation of mortgage-backed bonds bearing higher coupons.
PLANS FOR THE COMING YEAR
The U.S. Government Series is a high-quality portfolio designed for more
conservative investors. Because of this, we avoid trying to outguess the markets
by dramatically lengthening or shortening the duration of portfolio holdings.
While we make modest adjustments to take advantage of current conditions, as a
general rule we track the characteristics of the benchmark index fairly closely.
We do not anticipate any dramatic change in sector weightings in coming months,
but will monitor the bond markets carefully in an effort to continue to provide
attractive, competitive returns to our shareholders.
Steven M. Bowser
Portfolio Manager
(1) Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect
deduction of the sales charge. The Investment Manager waived its advisory
fee for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 and in the absence of such
waiver, the performance quoted would be reduced.
Although the securities purchased by the U.S. Government Series are
guaranteed as to the timely payment of principal and interest by the U.S.
Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, the shares of the series
itself are not so guaranteed.
4
<PAGE>
Manager's Commentary
February 15, 1998
U.S. GOVERNMENT SERIES
12-31-97
[LINEAR GRAPH PLOTTED FROM POINTS IN TABLE BELOW]
Lehman
Brothers
U.S. Gov't.
Government Bond
Series Index
---------- ----------
12/31/1997 .................. $10,000.00 $10,000.00
03/31/1988 .................. 9,753.16 10,117.69
06/30/1988 .................. 9,911.93 9,941.33
09/30/1988 .................. 10,068.06 9,673.52
12/31/1988 .................. 10,118.03 10,219.24
03/31/1989 .................. 10,223.76 10,556.47
06/30/1989 .................. 10,810.68 10,656.38
09/30/1989 .................. 10,952.93 10,836.28
12/31/1989 .................. 11,313.27 10,938.28
03/31/1990 .................. 11,304.13 11,054.50
06/30/1990 .................. 11,691.71 11,943.56
09/30/1990 .................. 11,842.91 12,042.24
12/31/1990 .................. 12,421.69 12,495.17
03/31/1991 .................. 12,731.06 12,339.91
06/30/1991 .................. 12,944.86 12,771.22
09/30/1991 .................. 13,560.06 12,877.35
12/31/1991 .................. 14,135.00 13,585.14
03/31/1992 .................. 13,960.43 13,879.19
06/30/1992 .................. 14,370.52 14,066.86
09/30/1992 .................. 14,684.87 14,870.35
12/31/1992 .................. 14,832.73 15,667.87
03/31/1993 .................. 15,517.12 15,393.80
06/30/1993 .................. 16,110.77 16,002.98
09/30/1993 .................. 16,643.01 16,792.31
12/31/1993 .................. 16,573.48 16,799.94
03/31/1994 .................. 15,9~3.68 17,558.69
06/30/1994 .................. 15,539.81 18,066.80
09/30/1994 .................. 15,424.29 18,652.97
12/31/1994 .................. 15,488.87 18,590.11
03/31/1995 .................. 16,169.74 18,030.26
06/30/1995 .................. 17,357.83 17,823.48
09/30/1995 .................. 17,853.25 17,899.08
12/31/1995 .................. 18,874.24 17,963.26
03/31/1996 .................. 18,247.54 18,808.53
06/30/1996 .................. 18,268.00 19,975.47
09/30/1996 .................. 18,631.75 20,327.70
12/31/1996 .................. 19,112.58 21,256.22
03/31/1997 .................. 18,969.03 20,775.73
06/30/1997 .................. 19,583.89 20,873.51
09/30/1997 .................. 20,266.46 21,226.26
12/31/1997 .................. 20,871.51 21,845.58
$10,000 OVER TEN YEARS
This chart assumes a $10,000 investment in Class A shares of U.S. Government
Series on December 31, 1987, and reflects deduction of the 4.75% sales load. On
December 31, 1997, the value of your investment in the Series' Class A shares
(with dividends reinvested) would have grown to $20,872. By comparison, the same
$10,000 investment would have grown to $23,424 based on the performance of the
Lehman Brothers Government Bond Index.
The performance illustrated above is based on the performance of Class A shares.
The performance of Class B shares will be greater or less than the performance
shown for Class A shares as a result of the different loads and fees associated
with an investment in Class B shares.
The performance data illustrated above reflects past performance which is not
predictive of future results.
The Lehman Brothers Government Bond Index is made up of all public obligations
of the U.S. Treasury, excluding flower bonds and foreign-targeted issues, all
publicly issued debt of U.S. Government agencies and quasi-federal corporations,
and corporate debt guaranteed by the U.S. Government. Investments cannot be made
directly in an index.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SERIES
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997
CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES
-------------- --------------
1 Year.......... 4.12% 1 Year........... 2.86%
5 Years......... 6.04% Since Inception.. 3.38%
10 Years........ 7.64% (10-19-93)
The performance data above represents past performance which is not predictive
of future results. For Class A shares these figures reflect deduction of the
maximum sales charge of 4.75%. For Class B shares the figures reflect deduction
of the maximum contingent deferred sales charge, ranging from 5% in the first
year to 0% in the sixth and following years. The Investment Manager waived its
advisory fee for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 and in the absence of
such waiver, the performance quoted would be reduced. The investment return and
principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares,
when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
5
<PAGE>
Manager's Commentary
February 15, 1998
LIMITED MATURITY BOND SERIES
The Limited Maturity Bond Series completed 1997 with a strong performance,
returning 8.96% for the year compared with its Lipper peer group average of
8.57%.(1) This placed the Series in the top third of its peer group. The return
also is favorable when viewed against its benchmark, the Lehman Brothers
Intermediate Corporate Bond Index, which gained 8.36% in 1997.
PORTFOLIO CHANGES DURING THE YEAR
The overall theme in portfolio adjustments throughout the year was one of
upgrading average credit quality and lessening risk exposure by reducing the
block size of the bonds. The Yankee bond holdings (bonds issued by foreign
corporations, but denominated in dollars for U.S. investors) selected for the
portfolio are also confined to the higher-quality names with good liquidity,
since obtaining current financial information on foreign corporations can be
more difficult than with domestic companies.
CONTRIBUTORS TO TOTAL RETURN
A strong contributor to the portfolio's return has been our Salomon Brothers
preferred stock. These securities bear a 9.50% coupon, payable quarterly. In
addition, when Salomon Brothers was purchased by Traveler's Corporation their
credit rating was upgraded from the high yield category to investment grade,
giving a boost to the price of the issue.
We avoided a potential negative impact on total return by the early selling of
Yankee bonds such as Bangkok Bank which were located in the Pacific Rim. The
prices of these bonds took a tumble in the second half of the year as the
southeast Asian crisis unfolded.
PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AT YEAR END
At the close of the year the portfolio consisted of 2% U.S. Treasury issues, 12%
Yankee bonds, 18% mortgage-backed securities, 21% high yield bonds, and 42%
investment grade corporate bonds. The average duration of the Series was 4.3
years, just slightly longer than that of the benchmark index 4.1 years.
We believe that the steps taken to diversify the portfolio by sector and to
reduce the size of the holdings in any one name will serve us well in the
volatile investment climate we expect in 1998. We continue to seek out those
areas for investment which will increase the overall yield without adding undue
risk.
We are fortunate to have a staff of talented analysts who monitor the portfolio
securities and seek new names to add. We believe that their efforts will be
invaluable in helping us maintain a solid, rewarding Series for our
shareholders.
Steven M. Bowser
Portfolio Manager
(1) Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect
deduction of the sales charge. The Investment Manager waived its advisory
fee for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 and in the absence of such
waiver, the performance quoted would be reduced.
6
<PAGE>
Manager's Commentary
February 15, 1998
LIMITED MATURITY BOND SERIES
12-31-97
[LINEAR GRAPH PLOTTED FROM POINTS IN TABLE BELOW]
Lehman
Brothers
Intermediate
Limited Term
Maturity Corporate
Bond Series Bond Index
----------- ------------
01/31/1995 .................. $10,000.00 $ 10,192.00
03/31/1995 .................. 9,770.45 10,533.00
06/30/1995 .................. 10,329.35 11,194.00
09/30/1995 .................. 10,457.98 11,424.00
12/31/1995 .................. 10,731.61 11,901.00
03/31/1996 .................. 10,644.16 11,735.00
06/30/1996 .................. 10,711.88 11,793.00
09/30/1996 .................. 10,933.46 12,023.00
12/31/1996 .................. 10,956.04 12,375.00
03/31/1997 .................. 10,936.02 12,325.00
06/30/1997 .................. 11,306.95 12,754.00
09/30/1997 .................. 11,652.69 13,158.00
12/31/1997 .................. 11,939.12 13,412.00
$10,000 OVER TEN YEARS
This chart assumes a $10,000 investment in Class A shares of Limited Maturity
Bond Series on January 17, 1995 (date of inception), and reflects deduction of
the 4.75% sales load. On December 31, 1997, the value of your investment in the
Series' Class A shares (with dividends reinvested) would have grown to $11,939.
By comparison, the same $10,000 investment would have grown to $13,412 based on
the performance of the Lehman Brothers Intermediate Term Corporate Bond Index.
The performance illustrated above is based on the performance of Class A shares.
The performance of Class B shares will be greater or less than the performance
shown for Class A shares as a result of the different loads and fees associated
with an investment in Class B shares.
The performance data illustrated above reflects past performance which is not
predictive of future results.
The Lehman Brothers Intermediate Term Corporate Bond Index includes all
corporate debt securities rated A or higher. Investments cannot be made directly
in an index.
LIMITED MATURITY BOND SERIES
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997
CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES
-------------- --------------
1 Year.......... 3.76% 1 Year.......... 2.70%
Since Inception. 6.29% Since Inception. 5.79%
(1-17-95) (1-17-95)
The performance data above represents past performance which is not predictive
of future results. For Class A shares these figures reflect deduction of the
maximum sales charge of 4.75%. For Class B shares the figures reflect deduction
of the maximum contingent deferred sales charge, ranging from 5% in the first
year to 0% in the sixth and following years. The Investment Manager waived its
advisory fee for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 and in the absence of
such waiver, the performance quoted would be reduced. The investment return and
principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares,
when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
7
<PAGE>
Manager's Commentary
February 15, 1998
HIGH YIELD SERIES
The year ended December 31,1997, was an excellent one for the high yield bond
markets. Declining interest rates helped generate record inflows of cash into
high yield funds. Buyers such as pension funds, insurance companies, and other
investment grade bond buyers moved to the high yield markets in their search for
greater returns.
PORTFOLIO PERFORMANCE IN 1997
The High Yield Series of Security Income Fund produced a total return of 12.57%
for the year, coming close to the 12.76% return of the benchmark Lehman High
Yield Index and slightly lagging the 12.96% average yield of its Lipper peer
group.(1) Although our emphasis on the upper tier of ratings within the high
yield universe may subtract modestly from the portfolio's overall return in
periods of strong bond market performance, we believe that the incremental
reduction in risk justifies the practice.
CONTRIBUTORS TO STRONG PERFORMANCE
Contributing positively to total return, our overweighting in media, finance,
and textile issues served us well. Our media holdings such as Cablevision
Systems, Comcast Corporation, and Adelphia Communications turned in strong
performances. Finance industry bonds including Dollar Financial Group and
Salomon, Inc. were beneficiaries of falling interest rates. The textile industry
overall was a performance laggard, but our holdings in Westpoint Stevens,
Pillowtex Corporation, and Dyersburg Corporation bucked the trend and
contributed strongly to the portfolio's total return.
Throughout the year we had no direct investment in bonds issued by the
governments of emerging market countries nor of corporations located in those
regions. In the latter half of the year those issues declined rapidly in value
as the problems in southeast Asian countries erupted. The portfolio also was
underweighted in bonds of companies operating in the basic industry arenas such
as paper and chemicals. These sectors suffered as commodity prices fell in the
third and fourth quarters of 1997.
The cash holdings in the portfolio increased as we approached year end,
reflecting the overall market's experience of greater cash inflows. We are
putting this money to work carefully, as opportunities to select undervalued
issues arise. One area in which we have begun building a position is the
homebuilding industry, with names such as Toll Brothers, Inc. and Hovnanian
Enterprises. This industry is experiencing increasing strength as interest rates
on home mortgage loans decline.
OUTLOOK FOR 1998
Our outlook for the high yield bond market for the year ahead is positive.
Declining interest rates make the high yield bond market appealing for fixed
income investors as they search for greater yield than that provided by
investment-grade issues. The high yield bond market frequently exhibits lower
volatility than the stock markets, which may attract equity investors to the
arena as well.
Continuing economic stability in the U.S. should keep defaults in high yield
bond issues at or below their historical averages. Individual selection in this
market remains very important, however, in order to reduce risk, we have
expanded our fixed income analytical staff to aid in research in the high yield
market and will continue to use their abilities to the fullest extent to select
the more creditworthy names for the portfolio.
David Eshnaur
Portfolio Manager
Tom Swank
Portfolio Manager
(1) Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect
deduction of the sales charge. The Investment Manager waived its advisory
fee for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 and in the absence of such
waiver, the performance quoted would be reduced.
Investors should remember that while high yield bonds provide potentially
higher yields than many other types of bonds, they also present greater
credit risk.
8
<PAGE>
Manager's Commentary
February 15, 1998
HIGH YIELD SERIES
12-31-97
[LINEAR GRAPH PLOTTED FROM POINTS IN TABLE BELOW]
Lehman
High Brothers
Yield High Yield
Series Index
--------- ----------
08/31/1996 .................. $10,000.00 $10,000
09/30/1996 .................. 9,771.07 10,108
12/31/1996 .................. 10,009.21 10,713
03/31/1997 .................. 10,184.31 10,833
06/30/1997 .................. 10,588.88 11,336
09/30/1997 .................. 10,992.17 11,852
12/31/1997 .................. 11,267.25 12,081
$10,000 OVER TEN YEARS
This chart assumes a $10,000 investment in Class A shares of High Yield Series
on August 15, 1996 (date of inception), and reflects deduction of the 4.75%
sales load. On December 31, 1997, the value of your investment in the Series'
Class A shares (with dividends reinvested) would have grown to $11,267. By
comparison, the same $10,000 investment would have grown to $12,081 based on the
performance of the Lehman Brothers High Yield Bond Index.
The performance illustrated above is based on the performance of Class A shares.
The performance of Class B shares will be greater or less than the performance
shown for Class A shares as a result of the different loads and fees associated
with an investment in Class B shares.
The performance data illustrated above reflects past performance which is not
predictive of future results.
The Lehman Brothers High Yield Bond Index includes local currency-denominated
sovereign debt of 19 countries plus European Currency Units-denominated debt.
Investments cannot be made directly in an index.
HIGH YIELD SERIES
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997
CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES
-------------- --------------
1 Year.......... 7.25% 1 Year.......... 6.45%
Since Inception. 8.94% Since Inception. 12.91%
(8-05-96) (8-05-96)
The performance data above represents past performance which is not predictive
of future results. For Class A shares these figures reflect deduction of the
maximum sales charge of 4.75%. For Class B shares the figures reflect deduction
of the maximum contingent deferred sales charge, ranging from 5% in the first
year to 0% in the sixth and following years. The Investment Manager waived its
advisory fee for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 and in the absence of
such waiver, the performance quoted would be reduced. The investment return and
principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares,
when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
9
<PAGE>
Manager's Commentary
February 15, 1998
SECURITY TAX-EXEMPT FUND
In a year in which Congress took few actions which threatened the status of tax
exempt securities, and in which interest rates in general declined throughout
the year, municipal bond portfolios rewarded their shareholders with attractive
returns. The Security Tax Exempt Fund turned in a respectable 8.26% total return
in 1997, but lagged the peer group average of 9.11% for the year.(1)
TAX EXEMPT VERSUS TAXABLE YIELDS
Although actual returns on tax exempt securities were lower for the year than
their taxable counterparts, when calculated on an after-tax basis they remained
very competitive. For example, a shareholder in the Security Tax Exempt Fund who
is in the 28% tax bracket would have earned the equivalent of 11.47% on a
taxable basis. Similarly, shareholders in the 31% bracket realized a
taxable-equivalent yield of 11.97%. The benchmark index for taxable securities,
the Lehman Brothers Government/Corporate Bond Index, returned 9.65% in 1997.
COMPOSITION OF THE PORTFOLIO
The portfolio assets at year end were invested in securities with an average AA
credit quality. As we have noted in the past, it is often more difficult to
obtain financial information on municipalities than on corporations. In
addition, city and state governments are subject to increased expenses as
Congress pushes the costs of assistance programs back to the state levels. For
these reasons we remain conservative in the credit quality of our tax exempt
investments.
The portfolio average duration at the close of the year was 6.9 years, somewhat
shorter than the 7.25 year average of the benchmark Lehman Brothers Municipal
Bond Index. This hurt overall performance in a year in which declining interest
rates made longer issues more attractive from a total return standpoint.
The largest sector was education revenue bonds, making up 28.8% of assets. These
issues represented a broad geographic distribution, including states from
Florida to New Jersey to Washington and in between. State general obligation
bonds were the second largest category at 21.9% of assets. Sewer revenues and
electric revenues followed, at 18.4% and 13.3% respectively.
LOOKING AHEAD
Although a balanced Federal budget would be healthy for the U.S.
economy now that surpluses appear likely, Congressional representatives are
beginning talk of tax cuts. Such talk often has an adverse effect on municipal
bond markets because of the possibility of reduced advantages over taxable
bonds. This negative effect is usually temporary, ending when agreement is
reached on tax legislation.
We expect that overall, the favorable economic conditions and the potential for
declining interest rates will make fixed income instruments attractive for
investment again in 1998. For those taxpayers in the higher tax brackets,
municipal bond markets should once again be an appropriate place to invest.
Steven M. Bowser
Portfolio Manager
(1) Performance figures are based on Class A shares and do not reflect
deduction of the sales charge.
10
<PAGE>
Manager's Commentary
February 15, 1998
TAX-EXEMPT FUND
12-31-97
[LINEAR GRAPH PLOTTED FROM POINTS IN TABLE BELOW]
Lehman
Tax Brothers
Exempt Municipal
Fund Bond Fund
---------- ----------
12/31/1987 .................. $10,000.00 $10,000.00
03/31/1988 .................. 9,807.91 10,344.37
06/30/1988 .................. 10,041.92 10,544.50
09/30/1988 .................. 10,238.86 10,814.86
12/31/1988 .................. 10,502.39 11,015.17
03/31/1989 .................. 10,319.80 11,088.33
06/30/1989 .................. 10,708.82 11,744.82
09/30/1989 .................. 10,702.98 11,752.52
12/31/1989 .................. 10,965.63 12,203.33
03/31/1990 .................. 10,978.37 12,257.75
06/30/1990 .................. 11,223.32 12,544.22
09/30/1990 .................. 11,245.12 12,551.58
12/31/1990 .................. 11,644.73 13,092.97
03/31/1991 .................. 11,889.41 13,389.21
06/30/1991 .................. 12,100.61 13,674.34
09/30/1991 .................. 12,558.32 14,206.18
12/31/1991 .................. 13,011.37 14,683.22
03/31/1992 .................. 13,015.75 14,727.30
06/30/1992 .................. 13,460.82 15,286.26
09/30/1992 .................. 13,747.41 15,691.89
12/31/1992 .................. 13,959.38 15,977.57
03/31/1993 .................. 14,376.39 16,570.48
06/30/1993 .................. 14,925.64 17,112.66
09/30/1993 .................. 15,460.46 17,690.71
12/31/1993 .................. 15,680.82 17,939.04
03/31/1994 .................. 14,549.84 16,954.31
06/30/1994 .................. 14,657.41 17,141.97
09/30/1994 .................. 14,641.50 17,259.27
12/31/1994 .................. 14,382.28 17,011.42
03/31/1995 .................. 15,351.79 18,214.21
06/30/1995 .................. 15,505.12 18,654.09
09/30/1995 .................. 15,850.20 19,190.60
12/31/1995 .................. 16,608.37 19,982.05
03/31/1996 .................. 16,191.18 19,741.04
06/30/1996 .................. 16,263.54 19,892.38
09/30/1996 .................. 16,614.08 20,350.36
12/31/1996 .................. 17,025.09 20,868.92
03/31/1997 .................. 16,913.83 20,820.29
06/30/1997 .................. 17,464.03 21,540.25
09/30/1997 .................. 17,964.94 22,189.78
12/31/1997 .................. 18,432.51 22,791.52
$10,000 OVER TEN YEARS
This chart assumes a $10,000 investment in Class A shares of Tax Exempt Fund on
December 31, 1987, and reflects deduction of the 4.75% sales load. On December
31, 1997, the value of your investment in the Series' Class A shares (with
dividends reinvested) would have grown to $18,433. By comparison, the same
$10,000 investment would have grown to $22,792 based on the performance of the
Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index.
The performance illustrated above is based on the performance of Class A shares.
The performance of Class B shares will be greater or less than the performance
shown for Class A shares as a result of the different loads and fees associated
with an investment in Class B shares.
The performance data illustrated above reflects past performance which is not
predictive of future results.
The Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Index is a total return performance benchmark
for the long-term, investment-grade tax-exempt bond market. Returns and
attributes are calculated semi-monthly using approximately 15,000 municipal
bonds. Investments cannot be made directly in an index.
TAX-EXEMPT FUND
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997
CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES
-------------- --------------
1 Year........ 3.17% 1 Year.......... 1.94%
5 Years....... 4.70% Since Inception. 1.87%
10 Years...... 6.31% (10-19-93)
The performance data above represents past performance which is not predictive
of future results. For Class A shares these figures reflect deduction of the
maximum sales charge of 4.75%. For Class B shares the figures reflect deduction
of the maximum contingent deferred sales charge, ranging from 5% in the first
year to 0% in the sixth and following years. The investment return and principal
value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when
redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
11
<PAGE>
Manager's Commentary
February 15, 1998
SECURITY CASH FUND
Short-term fixed income investment vehicles such as money market funds saw their
interest rates increase during 1997, unlike their longer-term counterparts which
experienced declining rates. Security Cash Fund returned 4.90% for the year,
matching the average return of its Lipper peer group exactly.
RISING SHORT-TERM RATES
In March the Federal Reserve Board's policy-making arm, the Federal Open Market
Committee, raised its target rate on Federal Funds to 5.50%. The Fed's Funds
rate, the rate at which banks loan overnight funds to each other, is a strong
influence on rate levels for short-term investments such as those used in money
market funds.
The purpose of this rate hike was to keep inflation in the U.S. from escalating.
Investors in long-term bonds watched interest rates decline as the inflation
specter waned. But the Federal Reserve, remaining diligent in its inflation
fight, kept short-term rates at the same level. Investors in Security Cash Fund
thus experienced increased returns over those of the previous year.
MATURITY STRUCTURE OF THE PORTFOLIO
As in the past, we strive to maintain an average maturity within ten days more
or less than that of the benchmark Money Fund Report published by IBC Donoghue.
We avoid trying to outguess the markets by dramatically lengthening or
shortening the average maturity of the fund. Because of the "laddered" structure
of maturities - issues coming due at regular intervals over the life of the
portfolio - we have holdings maturing frequently and can adjust quickly should
there be a sharp change in short-term interest rates.
ASSET SECTORS REPRESENTED IN THE PORTFOLIO
At the end of 1997 the assets in Security Cash Fund consisted of 79% commercial
paper, 12% federal agency securities, and 9% Small Business Administration
issues. As of year-end, the commercial paper in the portfolio was entirely in
the "top tier" of rating agency classifications, rated at least A1 by Standard
and Poor's rating agency or P1 by Moody's Investor Services. The federal agency
holdings at year end were primarily short-term securities issued by The Federal
Home Loan Bank and the Federal National Mortgage Association.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) issues are fully guaranteed by the
federal government as to timely payment of both principal and interest. These
issues, while bearing stated maturities in the twenty- to thirty-year range, are
considered to be short maturity paper because their interest rates reset
periodically (usually monthly or quarterly). This enables the issues to carry
coupons representing recent market levels, staying competitive with other
short-term investment options.
OUTLOOK FOR 1998
The interest rate outlook for short-term fixed income investments in 1998 is
uncertain. Although the U.S. economy has exhibited several signs of strength in
recent months, the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee may be reluctant to
raise interest rates because the impact of the Asian crisis on the U.S. is as
yet unknown. We will continue to monitor markets carefully, and will remain
ready to adjust portfolio holdings as economic conditions warrant.
FIXED INCOME TEAM
The Security Cash Fund is neither insured nor guaranteed by the U.S. Government
and there is no assurance that the fund will be able to maintain a stable net
asset value of $1.00 per share.
12
<PAGE>
Schedule of Investments
December 31, 1997
SECURITY INCOME FUND
CORPORATE BOND SERIES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal Market
CORPORATE BONDS Amount Value
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AIR TRANSPORTATION - 4.3%
<S> <C> <C>
Southwest Airlines Company, 7.875% - 2007 ........................................ $1,250,000 $1,382,812
United Airlines, 11.21% - 2014 ................................................... 950,000 1,315,750
----------
2,698,562
BANKS - 10.7%
ABN AMRO Bank NV, 7.55% - 2006 ................................................... 1,000,000 1,070,000
Abbey National PLC, 6.69% - 2005 ................................................. 1,250,000 1,276,563
BCH Cayman Islands, Ltd., 7.70% - 2006 ........................................... 1,000,000 1,060,000
Bank of New York, Inc., 6.50% - 2003 ............................................. 1,250,000 1,256,250
PNC Funding Corporation, 7.75% - 2004 ............................................ 700,000 749,875
Santander Financial Issuances, Ltd., 7.00% - 2006 ................................ 1,300,000 1,334,125
----------
6,746,813
COMMUNICATIONS - 9.2%
Comcast Corporation, 9.125% - 2006 ............................................... 1,000,000 1,062,500
New Jersey Bell, 6.625% - 2008 ................................................... 1,000,000 1,006,250
Paramount Communications, Inc., 7.50% - 2023 ..................................... 1,000,000 947,500
Rogers Cablesystems, Ltd., 9.625% - 2002 ......................................... 750,000 796,875
Rogers Communication, Inc., 9.125% - 2006 ........................................ 550,000 558,250
Valassis Communications, Inc., 9.55% - 2003 ...................................... 1,250,000 1,404,688
----------
5,776,063
ELECTRIC COMPANIES - 0.9%
AES Corporation, 10.25% - 2006 ................................................... 500,000 542,500
FINANCE - 7.1%
Associates Corporation, N.A., 7.55% - 2006 ....................................... 1,100,000 1,185,250
GE Capital Corporation, 8.625% - 2008 ............................................ 950,000 1,117,438
MCN Investment Corporation, 6.32% - 2003 ......................................... 50,000 49,750
Morgan Stanley Group, 6.875% - 2007 .............................................. 1,050,000 1,076,250
US West Capital Funding, Inc., 7.30% - 2007 ...................................... 1,000,000 1,030,000
----------
4,458,688
FOOD & BEVERAGES - 7.5%
Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc., 7.10% - 2007 ..................................... 1,150,000 1,194,562
Chiquita Brands International, Inc., 10.25% - 2006 ............................... $1,125,000 $1,229,063
Cott Corporation, 9.375% - 2005 .................................................. 1,000,000 1,045,000
Panamerican Beverages, Inc., 8.125% - 2003 ....................................... 1,200,000 1,252,500
----------
4,721,125
FUNERAL HOMES - 2.6%
Loewen Group International, Inc., 8.25% - 2003 ................................... 1,550,000 1,637,187
HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT - 1.4%
Tenet Healthcare, 10.125% - 2005 ................................................. 800,000 872,000
MEDIA - 3.0%
Time Warner Entertainment, 10.15% - 2012 ......................................... 880,000 1,131,900
Westinghouse Electric Company, 8.375% - 2002 ..................................... 700,000 732,375
----------
1,864,275
MANUFACTURING - 1.7%
Caterpillar, Inc., 7.375% - 2097 ................................................. 1,000,000 1,073,750
MOTOR VEHICLES & EQUIPMENT - 2.0%
Chrysler Corporation, 7.45% - 2027 ............................................... 1,200,000 1,293,000
OIL & GAS COMPANIES - 7.2%
Occidental Petroleum, 6.24% - 2000 ............................................... 50,000 50,063
Petroleum Geo-Services, 7.50% - 2007 ............................................. 1,150,000 1,216,125
Seagull Energy Corporation, 8.625% - 2005 ........................................ 1,000,000 1,042,500
Transocean Offshore, Inc., 8.00% - 2027 .......................................... 1,000,000 1,136,250
Union Pacific Resources Group, 7.50% - 2026 ...................................... 1,000,000 1,073,750
----------
4,518,688
PUBLISHING & PRINTING - 2.3%
K-III Communications Corporation, 10.25% - 2004 .................................. 300,000 322,500
Quebecor Printing Capital, 7.25% - 2007 .......................................... 1,100,000 1,160,500
----------
1,483,000
RETAIL - 0.8%
Sears & Roebuck Company, 6.41% - 2007 ............................................ 500,000 502,500
STEEL & METAL PRODUCTS - 1.3%
AK Steel, 10.75% - 2004 .......................................................... 750,000 800,625
TOBACCO PRODUCTS - 0.9%
Philip Morris Company, Inc., 6.80% - 2003 ........................................ 550,000 556,875
See accompanying notes.
13
<PAGE>
Schedule of Investments
December 31, 1997
SECURITY INCOME FUND
CORPORATE BOND SERIES (continued)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal
Amount or
Number Market
CORPORATE BONDS (continued) of Shares Value
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UTILITIES - 2.2%
Tennessee Gas Pipeline, 7.50% - 2017 ............................................. $1,300,000 $1,392,624
----------
Total corporate bonds - 65.1% ............................................................................. 40,938,275
TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES(3)
- -----------------------------
FINANCE - 7.8%
Chase Capital Trust, 6.3625% - 2027(2) ........................................... $1,500,000 1,476,585
Countrywide Capital Industries, Inc., 8.00% - 2026 ............................... $1,000,000 1,053,750
SI Financing, Inc., 9.50% - 2026 ................................................. 48,000 1,296,000
Washington Mutual Capital, 8.375% - 2002 ......................................... $1,000,000 1,097,500
----------
4,923,835
INSURANCE - 1.7%
Travelers Capital Trust, 7.75% - 2036 ............................................ $1,050,000 1,107,750
----------
Total trust preferred securities - 9.5% ................................................................... 6,031,585
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
- --------------------------
U.S. TREASURY NOTE - 1.7%
6.50% - 2006 ............................................................. $1,000,000 1,046,920
U.S. TREASURY BONDS - 5.8%
6.00% - 2026 ............................................................. $1,500,000 1,496,910
6.625% - 2027 ............................................................ $2,000,000 2,169,660
----------
3,666,570
----------
Total U.S. government securities - 7.5% ................................................................... 4,713,490
MORTGAGE BACKED SECURITIES
- --------------------------
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES - 11.6%
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation,
FHR 112 H, 8.80% - 2020 .................................................. $ 505,375 515,693
FHR 1311 J, 7.50% - 2021 ................................................. $1,050,000 1,080,570
FHR 1930 AB, 7.50% - 2023 ................................................ $1,548,244 1,578,885
Federal National Mortgage Association,
FHR 1994-79 B, 7.00% - 2019 .............................................. $1,100,000 1,111,391
FHR 1990-52 D, 9.30% - 2019 .............................................. $ 624,064 637,404
FHR 1990-108 G, 7.00% - 2020 ............................................. $1,000,000 999,426
Government National Mortgage Association,
GNMA 1997-10 B, 7.50% - 2019 ............................................. $ 750,000 765,866
GNMA II 2445, 8.00% - 2027 ............................................... $ 601,917 621,407
-----------
Total U.S. government agencies - 11.6% .................................................................... 7,310,642
NON-AGENCY SECURITIES - 4.3%
Chase Capital Mortgage Securities Company, 1997-1B, 7.37% - 2007 ................. 1,500,000 1,573,125
General Electric Capital Mortgage Securities, 1992-7A, 8.30% -2023 ............... 1,084,848 1,124,015
-----------
2,697,140
Total mortgage backed securities -15.9% .................................................................. $10,007,782
-----------
Total investments - 98.0% ................................................................................ 61,691,132
Cash and other assets, less liabilities - 2.0% ........................................................... 1,288,798
-----------
Total net assets - 100.0% ................................................................................ $62,979,930
===========
SECURITY INCOME FUND
U.S. GOVERNMENT SERIES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. GOVERNMENT & GOVERNMENT AGENCY SECURITIES
- ----------------------------------------------
FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK - 2.1%
8.29% - 2015 ............................................................. $ 150,000 $ 180,359
FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION - 8.2%
7.125% - 2001 ............................................................ 700,000 713,411
FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION - 20.2%
7.40% - 2004 ............................................................. 600,000 644,555
7.875% - 2005 ............................................................ 340,000 376,761
8.10% - 2019 ............................................................. 100,000 120,687
8.28% - 2025 ............................................................. 500,000 625,560
----------
1,767,563
FINANCING CORPORATION - 7.9%
9.65% - 2018 ............................................................. 500,000 692,500
GOVERNMENT NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION - 32.3%
GNMA II #1849 8.50% - 2024 ............................................... 530,345 558,300
GNMA II #411643 7.75% - 2025 ............................................. 687,703 708,719
GNMA II #2270 8.00% - 2026 ............................................... 724,159 747,405
GNMA II #9365 8.25% - 2026 ............................................... 267,249 279,128
GNMA II #365608 7.50% - 2034 ............................................. 520,509 530,737
----------
2,824,289
STUDENT LOAN MARKETING ASSOCIATION - 5.6%
9.25% - 2004 ............................................................. 420,000 491,959
U.S. TREASURY NOTES - 12.4%
8.50% - 2000 ............................................................. 330,000 348,299
6.50% - 2006 ............................................................. 700,000 732,844
----------
1,081,143
U.S. TREASURY BONDS - 9.8%
8.75% - 2008 ............................................................. $ 600,000 $ 682,704
6.00% - 2026 ............................................................. 175,000 174,638
----------
857,342
----------
Total investments - 98.5% ................................................................................. 8,608,566
Cash and other assets, less liabilities - 1.5% ............................................................ 134,021
----------
Total net assets - 100.0% ................................................................................. $8,742,587
==========
See accompanying notes.
14
<PAGE>
Schedule Of Investments
December 31, 1997
SECURITY INCOME FUND
LIMITED MATURITY BOND SERIES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal
Amount or
Number Market
CORPORATE BONDS of Shares Value
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AIR TRANSPORTATION - 3.3%
Southwest Airlines Company, 7.875% - 2007 ........................................ $ 100,000 $ 110,625
United Airlines, 11.21% - 2014 ................................................... 75,000 103,875
----------
214,500
BANKS - 9.9%
ABN AMRO, 7.55% - 2006 ........................................................... 150,000 160,500
Bank Austria, 7.25% - 2017 ....................................................... 160,000 169,800
Bank of New York, Inc., 6.50% - 2003 ............................................. 100,000 100,500
First Union Corporation, 8.125% - 2002 ........................................... 110,000 117,425
Santander Financial Issuances, Ltd., 7.00% - 2006 ................................ 100,000 102,625
----------
650,850
COMMUNICATIONS - CABLE - 8.8%
Centennial Cellular Corporation, 8.875% - 2001 ................................... 100,000 101,875
Comcast Corporation, 9.125% - 2006 ............................................... 100,000 106,250
K-III Communications Corporation, 10.25% - 2004 .................................. 75,000 80,625
New Jersey Bell, 6.875% - 2007 ................................................... 100,000 100,625
Rogers Communication, Inc., 9.125% - 2006 ........................................ 100,000 101,500
Valassis Communications Corporation, 9.55% - 2003 ................................ 75,000 84,281
----------
575,156
ELECTRIC COMPANIES - 2.3%
Consolidated Edison Company of New York, 6.625% - 2002 ........................... 150,000 151,687
ENTERTAINMENT - 1.2%
Speedway Motorsports, Inc., 8.50% - 2007 ......................................... 75,000 76,688
FINANCE - 12.2%
Associates Corporation, N.A., 7.55% - 2006 ....................................... 100,000 107,750
General Electric Capital Corporation, 8.625% - 2008 .............................. 100,000 117,625
Household Finance Corporation, 8.00% - 2004 ...................................... 150,000 162,750
International Lease Finance Corporation, 8.25% - 2000 ............................ 150,000 156,188
MCN Investment Corporation, 6.32% - 2003 ......................................... 150,000 149,250
Morgan Stanley Group, 6.875% - 2007 .............................................. 100,000 102,500
----------
796,063
FOOD & BEVERAGE TRADE - 4.8%
Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc., 7.10% - 2007 ..................................... $ 100,000 $ 103,875
Cott Corporation, 9.375% - 2005 .................................................. 100,000 104,500
PanAmerican Beverage, Inc., 8.125% - 2003 ........................................ 100,000 104,375
----------
312,750
FUNERAL HOMES - 1.6%
Loewen Corporation, 8.25% - 2003 ................................................. 100,000 105,625
HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT - 1.7%
Tenet Healthcare, 10.125% - 2005 ................................................. 100,000 109,000
MANUFACTURING - 1.6%
Shop Vac Corporation, 10.625% - 2003 ............................................. 100,000 108,624
MEDIA - 5.1%
Heritage Media Corporation, 8.75% - 2006 ......................................... 100,000 107,000
News America Holdings, 8.625% - 2003 ............................................. 50,000 54,625
Time-Warner Entertainment Corporation, 10.15% - 2012 ............................. 50,000 64,313
Westinghouse Electric Company, 8.375% - 2002 ..................................... 100,000 104,625
----------
330,563
METALS - 2.3%
Alcan Aluminum, Ltd., 9.20% - 2001 ............................................... 148,000 148,924
MOTOR VEHICLES & EQUIPMENT - 0.8%
Chrysler Corporation, 7.45% - 2027 ............................................... 50,000 53,875
NATURAL GAS COMPANIES - 2.5%
Vastar Resources, Inc., 8.75% - 2005 ............................................. 150,000 167,063
OIL & GAS COMPANIES - 2.4%
Seagull Energy Corporation, 8.625% - 2005 ........................................ 150,000 156,375
PUBLISHING & PRINTING - 1.6%
Quebecor Printing Capital, 7.25% - 2007 .......................................... 100,000 105,500
RETAIL TRADE - 6.2%
Sears Corporation, 6.41% - 2001 .................................................. 150,000 150,750
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 7.50% - 2004 .............................................. 150,000 160,313
Zale's Corporation, 8.50% - 2007 ................................................. 100,000 98,750
----------
409,813
TOBACCO PRODUCTS - 2.4%
Dimon, Inc., 8.875% - 2006 ....................................................... 50,000 54,000
Philip Morris Company, Inc., 6.80% - 2003 ........................................ 50,000 50,625
Standard Commercial Tobacco, 8.875% - 2005 ....................................... 50,000 50,313
----------
154,938
Total corporate bonds - 70.7% ............................................................................. 4,627,994
See accompanying notes.
15
<PAGE>
Schedule of Investments
December 31, 1997
SECURITY INCOME FUND
LIMITED MATURITY BOND SERIES (continued)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal
Amount or
Number Market
TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES(3) of Shares Value
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCE - 1.9%
SI Financing, Inc., 9.50% - 2026 ................................................. 4,560 $ 123,120
INSURANCE - 2.4%
Travelers Capital Trust, 7.75% - 2036 ............................................ $ 150,000 158,250
----------
Total trust preferred securities - 4.3% ................................................................... 281,370
MORTGAGE BACKED SECURITIES
- --------------------------
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES - 14.7%
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation,
FHR 1102 G, 8.00% - 2020 ...................................................... $ 139,293 141,325
FHR 1104 K, 8.50% - 2020 ...................................................... $ 44,000 45,032
FHR 1311 J, 7.50% - 2021 ...................................................... $ 100,000 102,911
FHR 1930 AB, 7.50% - 2023 ..................................................... $ 113,841 116,095
FHR 42 K, 8.00% - 2024 ........................................................ $ 186,000 189,765
Federal National Mortgage Association,
1992-98 PJ, 7.50% - 2019 ...................................................... $ 118,000 119,756
1992-143 J, 7.00% - 2020 ...................................................... $ 100,000 99,680
Government National Mortgage Association,
GNMA II 2445, 8.00% - 2027 .................................................... $ 144,460 149,138
----------
963,702
NON AGENCY SECURITIES - 3.2%
General Electric Capital Mortgage Securities, #1992-7A 8.30% - 2023 .............. $ 100,778 104,417
Sears Mortgage Securities 1994-14 T3, 8.50% - 2022 ............................... $ 100,000 103,226
----------
207,643
----------
Total mortgage backed securities - 17.9% .................................................................. 1,171,345
GOVERNMENT & GOVERNMENT AGENCY SECURITIES
- -----------------------------------------
Canadian Government Agencies - 2.6%
Province of Quebec, 8.625% - 2005 ................................................ $ 150,000 168,750
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES - 1.6%
U.S. Treasury Note, 6.50% - 2006 ................................................. $ 100,000 104,692
----------
Total government & government agency securities - 4.2% .................................................... 273,442
----------
Total investments - 97.1% ................................................................................. 6,354,151
Cash and other assets, less liabilities - 2.9% ............................................................ 190,023
----------
Total net assets - 100.0% ................................................................................. $6,544,174
==========
SECURITY INCOME FUND
HIGH YIELD SERIES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CORPORATE BONDS
- ---------------
AEROSPACE/DEFENSE - 1.3%
Burke Industries, Inc., 10.0% - 2007 ............................................. $ 125,000 $ 129,688
BANKS & CREDIT - 1.1%
Bay View Capital Corporation, 9.125% - 2007 ...................................... 100,000 102,750
BEVERAGES - 2.2%
Cott Corporation, 9.375% - 2005 .................................................. 100,000 104,500
Delta Beverage Group, 9.75% - 2003 ............................................... 100,000 105,500
----------
210,000
BROADCAST MEDIA - 2.9%
Allbritton Communications Company, 9.75% - 2007 .................................. 100,000 102,250
Young Broadcasting, 8.75% - 2007 ................................................. 175,000 173,250
----------
275,500
BUILDING MATERIALS - 3.3%
AAF-McQuay, Inc., 8.875% - 2003 .................................................. 100,000 99,125
Johns Manville International
Group, Inc., 10.875 - 2004 ............................................... 100,000 110,750
Sequa Corporation, 9.375% - 2003 ................................................. 100,000 104,250
----------
314,125
BUSINESS SERVICES - 1.1%
Heritage Media Corporation, 8.75% - 2006 ......................................... 100,000 107,000
CABLE SYSTEMS - 2.5%
Adelphia Communications Corporation, 9.875% - 2007 ............................... 100,000 105,750
Adelphia Communications, 12.50% - 2002 ........................................... 26,000 27,300
Rogers Cablesystems, Ltd., 9.625% - 2002 ......................................... 100,000 106,250
----------
239,300
CHEMICALS - 1.1%
Envirodyne Industries, Inc., 12.00% - 2000 ....................................... 100,000 107,125
COAL MINING - 1.6%
AEI Holdings, 10.00% - 2007 ...................................................... 150,000 153,750
COMMUNICATIONS - 1.5%
Century Communication Corporation, 8.375% - 2007 ................................. 75,000 75,000
Rogers Communications, Inc., 9.125% - 2006 ....................................... 70,000 71,050
----------
146,050
See accompanying notes
16
<PAGE>
Schedule of Investments
December 31, 1997
SECURITY INCOME FUND
HIGH YIELD SERIES (continued)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal
Amount or
Number Market
CORPORATE BONDS (continued) of Shares Value
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMUNICATION SERVICES - 3.5%
Cablevision Systems Corporation, 7.875% - 2004 ................................... $ 100,000 $ 102,125
Century Communications Corporation, 9.50% - 2005 ................................. 125,000 131,563
Comcast Corporation, 9.125% - 2006 ............................................... 100,000 106,250
----------
339,938
ELECTRIC UTILITIES - 3.2%
AES Corporation, 10.25% - 2006 ................................................... 135,000 146,475
Cal Energy Company, Inc., 9.50% - 2006 ........................................... 150,000 163,125
----------
309,600
FINANCIAL SERVICES - 4.5%
Dollar Financial Group, Inc., 10.875% - 2006 ..................................... 100,000 106,875
Emergent Group, Inc., 10.75% - 2004 .............................................. 175,000 175,000
Homeside, Inc., 11.25% - 2003 .................................................... 125,000 148,125
----------
430,000
FOOD AND BEVERAGES - 1.1%
Chiquita Brands International, Inc., 10.25% - 2006 ............................... 100,000 109,250
GAMING - 2.1%
Harrahs Operating, Inc., 8.75% - 2000 ............................................ 100,000 102,375
Station Casinos, Inc., 9.625% - 2003 ............................................. 100,000 103,500
----------
205,875
HEALTH CARE SERVICES - 2.5%
Genesis Eldercare Acquisitions, 9.00% - 2007 ..................................... 75,000 73,500
Tenet Healthcare Corporation, 10.125% - 2005 ..................................... 150,000 163,500
----------
237,000
MANUFACTURING - 4.9%
AGCO Corporation, 8.50% - 2006 ................................................... 100,000 102,500
DESA International, Inc., 9.875% - 2007 .......................................... 150,000 153,750
Shop Vac Corporation, 10.625% - 2003 ............................................. 100,000 108,625
Titan Wheel International, Inc., 8.75% - 2007 .................................... 100,000 104,750
----------
469,625
MISCELLANEOUS - 1.1%
Packard Bioscience Company, 9.375% - 2007 ........................................ 110,000 105,875
OIL - 6.8%
COHO Energy, Inc., 8.875% - 2007 ................................................. $ 150,000 $ 150,375
Crown Central Petroleum, 10.875% - 2005 .......................................... 140,000 148,750
Giant Industries, 9.00% - 2007 ................................................... 125,000 124,375
Seagull Energy Corporation, 8.625% - 2005 ........................................ 75,000 78,188
Southwest Royalties, Inc., 10.50% - 2004 ......................................... 150,000 148,125
----------
649,813
OFFICE EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES - 1.2%
Knoll, Inc., 10.875% - 2006 ...................................................... 100,000 111,750
PACKAGING & CONTAINERS - 3.2%
Huntsman Packaging Corporation, 9.125% - 2007 .................................... 175,000 180,250
Plastic Containers, Inc., 10.00% - 2006 .......................................... 125,000 131,563
----------
311,813
PUBLISHING - 3.7%
Big Flower Press Holdings, Inc., 8.875% - 2007 ................................... 100,000 100,750
Golden Books Publishing, Inc., 7.65% - 2002 ...................................... 100,000 96,250
Hollinger International Publishing, 8.625% - 2005 ................................ 75,000 77,531
K-III Communications Corporation, 10.25% - 2004 .................................. 50,000 53,750
Valissis Communications, Inc., 9.55% - 2003 ...................................... 25,000 28,094
----------
356,375
REAL ESTATE - 1.1%
B.F. Saul REIT, 11.625% - 2002 ................................................... 100,000 106,750
RECREATION - 3.9%
AMF Bowling Worldwide, Inc., 10.875% - 2006 ...................................... 100,000 109,625
Premier Parks, 9.75% - 2007 ...................................................... 150,000 159,375
Speedway Motorsports, Inc., 8.50% - 2007 ......................................... 100,000 102,250
----------
371,250
RESTAURANTS - 3.2%
Carrols Corporation, 11.50% - 2003 ............................................... 175,000 185,938
Friendly Ice Cream Corporation, 10.50% - 2007 .................................... 125,000 125,625
----------
311,563
RETAIL - GROCERY - 1.3%
Marsh Supermarket, Inc., 8.875% - 2007 ........................................... 125,000 126,562
See accompanying notes.
17
<PAGE>
Schedule of Investments
December 31, 1997
SECURITY INCOME FUND
HIGH YIELD SERIES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal
Amount or
Number Market
CORPORATE BONDS (continued) of Shares Value
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL - GENERAL MERCHANDISING - 1.1%
Cole National Group, 9.875% - 2006 ............................................... $ 100,000 $ 106,750
RETAIL - SPECIALTY - 3.0%
Central Tractor, 10.625% - 2007 .................................................. 100,000 105,750
Southland Corporation, 4.50% - 2004 .............................................. 100,000 81,000
Zale's Corporation, 8.50% - 2007 ................................................. 100,000 98,750
----------
285,500
STEEL - 2.6%
AK Steel Corporation, 9.125% - 2006 .............................................. 75,000 77,062
Wheeling-Pittsburgh Corporation, 9.25% - 2007 .................................... 175,000 171,500
----------
248,562
TELECOMMUNICATIONS - 6.4%
Centennial Cellular, Inc., 8.875% - 2001 ......................................... 150,000 152,812
Comcast Cellular Holdings, Inc., 9.50% - 2007 .................................... 150,000 156,750
Intermedia Communications, Inc., 8.50% - 2008 .................................... 125,000 125,000
RCN Corporation, 10.0% - 2007 .................................................... 175,000 180,250
----------
614,812
TEXTILES - 7.3%
Delta Mills, Inc., 9.625% - 2007 ................................................. 125,000 127,187
Dyersburg Corporation, 9.75% - 2007 .............................................. 125,000 130,938
Pillowtex Corporation, 9.00% - 2007 .............................................. 125,000 127,656
Westpoint Stevens, Inc., 9.375% - 2005 ........................................... 150,000 157,125
Worldtex, Inc., 9.625% - 2007 .................................................... 150,000 154,125
----------
697,031
TOBACCO - 1.3%
Dimon, Inc., 8.875% - 2006 ....................................................... 50,000 54,000
Standard Commercial Tobacco, 8.875% - 2005 ....................................... 75,000 75,468
----------
129,468
TRANSPORTATION - 3.3%
Allied Holdings, Inc., 8.625% - 2007 ............................................. 175,000 179,375
Teekay Shipping Corporation, 8.32% - 2008 ........................................ 135,000 137,363
----------
316,738
----------
Total corporate bonds - 90.9% ............................................................................. 8,737,188
TRUST PREFERRED SECURITIES(3)
- -----------------------------
FINANCE - 1.4%
SI Financing, Inc., 9.50% - 2026 ................................................ 5,000 $ 135,000
PREFERRED STOCKS
BANKS AND CREDIT - 2.1%
California Federal Bank, 11.50% .................................................. 1,750 197,750
COMMUNICATIONS - 0.6%
Cablevision Systems, Inc., ....................................................... 541 62,291
PUBLISHING - 0.8%
PRIMEDIA, Inc., 10.00% - 2008 .................................................... 700 73,675
----------
Total preferred stocks - 3.5% ............................................................................. 333,716
----------
Total investments - 95.8% ................................................................................. 9,205,904
Cash and other assets, less liabilities 4.2% .............................................................. 405,561
----------
Total net assets - 100.0% ................................................................................. $9,611,465
==========
SECURITY TAX-EXEMPT FUND
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MUNICIPAL BONDS
- ---------------
EDUCATION REVENUE - 28.8%
Florida State Board of Education Capital Outlay, 5.00% - 2011 .................... $1,000,000 $1,016,250
Illinois Chicago School, A, 4.90% - 2005 ......................................... $1,000,000 1,032,500
Island County Washington School District, South Whidbey, 6.75% - 2007 ............ $1,000,000 1,191,910
Mukwanago, Wisconsin School District, 5.00% - 2004 ............................... $ 500,000 520,000
North Brunswick Township, New Jersey Board of Education, 6.30% - 2013 ............ $1,000,000 1,113,750
Ohio State Public Facilities Series II-B, 5.00% - 2012 ........................... $1,100,000 1,115,125
University of Texas, 4.80% - 2009 ................................................ $1,000,000 1,015,000
----------
7,004,535
ELECTRIC UTILITY REVENUE - 13.3%
Nebraska Public Power District
Revenue, Series A, 6.25% - 2022 .................................................. $1,000,000 1,067,500
Orville, Ohio Electric System Revenue Bond, 5.00% - 2010 ......................... $1,000,000 1,031,250
Washington Public Power Supply System Revenue Nuclear Project #2, 6.30% - 2012 ... $1,000,000 1,130,000
----------
3,228,750
See accompanying notes.
18
<PAGE>
Schedule of Investments
December 31, 1997
SECURITY TAX-EXEMPT FUND (continued)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal
Amount or
Number Market
MUNICIPAL BONDS (continued) of Shares Value
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL OBLIGATION - 21.9%
Clark County, Nevada School District, Series A, 5.50% - 2016 ..................... $1,000,000 $ 1,031,250
Dade County, Florida, 5.75% - 2001 ............................................... 1,000,000 1,056,250
Henderson, Nevada Parks & Recreation, 5.875% - 2004 .............................. 1,000,000 1,089,330
Pennsylvania State, 5.00% - 2006 ................................................. 1,000,000 1,043,750
Rhode Island General Obligation, 5.30% - 2008 .................................... 1,030,000 1,091,800
-----------
5,312,380
SPECIAL OBLIGATION - 4.1%
Massachusetts Special Obligation Bond, 4.80% - 2009 .............................. 1,000,000 1,006,250
PORTS & HARBORS - 2.2%
Kansas City, Missouri Port Authority Riverfront Park, 5.75% - 2005 ............... 500,000 532,500
SEWER REVENUE - 18.4%
DuPage County, Illinois Stormwater Project Refunding, 5.60% - 2021 ............... 1,000,000 1,088,750
Houston, Texas Water & Sewer System Revenue, Series A, 6.20% - 2020 .............. 1,000,000 1,118,750
King County Washington Sewer Revenue, Series A, 6.25% - 2034 ..................... 1,000,000 1,082,500
Los Angeles, California Wastewater System Revenue, 6.00% - 2014 .................. 1,100,000 1,177,000
-----------
4,467,000
TRANSPORTATION - 4.2%
Los Angeles County, California Metro Authority, 5.625% - 2018 .................... 1,000,000 1,035,000
WATER REVENUE - 4.6%
New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation Pollution Control Revenue,
5.75% - 2009 ............................................................. 1,000,000 1,111,250
-----------
Total investments - 97.5% ................................................................................. 23,697,665
Cash and other assets, less liabilities - 2.5% ............................................................ 599,647
-----------
Total net assets - 100.0% ................................................................................. $24,297,312
===========
SECURITY CASH FUND
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMERCIAL PAPER
- ----------------
BROKERAGE - 7.5%
Bear Stearns Companies, Inc., 5.57%, 2-12-98 ..................................... $2,000,000 $1,987,003
Merrill Lynch & Company, Inc., ................................................... 2,320,000
5.57%, 1-06-98 ........................................................... 469,636
5.72%, 1-09-98 ........................................................... 798,983
5.63%, 1-14-98 ........................................................... 948,069
5.60%, 2-20-98 ........................................................... 99,222
----------
4,302,913
BUSINESS SERVICES - 7.6%
General Electric Capital Corporation, ............................................ 2,400,000
5.72%, 1-05-98 ........................................................... 999,364
5.58%, 1-15-98 ........................................................... 1,396,962
Nordstrom Credit, Inc., .......................................................... 2,000,000
6.00%, 1-12-98 ........................................................... 1,996,333
----------
4,392,659
COMBINATION GAS & ELECTRIC - 4.9%
Baltimore Gas & Electric Company, ................................................ 2,803,000
5.95%, 1-07-98 ........................................................... 1,998,017
5.97%, 1-13-98 ........................................................... 801,402
----------
2,799,419
COMPUTER SYSTEMS - 1.3%
International Business Machines Corporation, 5.71%, 1-07-98 ...................... 760,000 759,277
ELECTRIC UTILITIES - 15.0%
Central Louisiana Electric Company, Inc., ........................................ 2,450,000
5.55%, 1-12-98 ........................................................... 1,447,541
5.85%, 1-21-98 ........................................................... 996,750
Interstate Power Company, ........................................................ 2,809,000
5.90%, 1-13-98 ........................................................... 383,245
5.77%, 1-21-98 ........................................................... 996,794
5.75%, 1-26-98 ........................................................... 821,706
6.00%, 1-26-98 ........................................................... 597,500
New England Power Company, ....................................................... 260,000
6.15%, 1-08-98 ........................................................... 259,689
Progress Capital Holdings, Inc., ................................................. 3,040,000
5.84%, 1-13-98 ........................................................... 1,237,586
6.34%, 1-14-98 ........................................................... 448,970
5.87%, 1-16-98 ........................................................... 1,346,698
----------
8,536,479
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT - 4.9%
General Electric Company, ........................................................ 2,830,000
5.53%, 1-13-98 ........................................................... 648,802
5.60%, 1-14-98 ........................................................... 2,175,592
----------
2,824,394
See accompanying notes.
19
<PAGE>
Schedule of Investments
December 31, 1997
SECURITY CASH FUND (continued)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal
Amount or
Number Market
COMMERCIAL PAPER (continued) of Shares Value
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ELECTRONICS - 4.8%
AVNET, Inc., ..................................................................... $2,770,000
5.63% - 1-16-98 .......................................................... $1,995,308
5.65% - 1-23-98 .......................................................... 637,791
5.70% - 1-23-98 .......................................................... 129,547
----------
2,762,646
ENGINEERING - 1.9%
FLUOR Corporation, ............................................................... 1,100,000
5.71% - 1-16-98 .......................................................... 698,335
6.20% - 1-23-98 .......................................................... 398,484
----------
1,096,819
ENTERTAINMENT - 3.4%
The Walt Disney Company, 5.63% - 3-27-98 ......................................... 2,000,000 1,973,414
HARDWARE & TOOLS - 4.2%
Sherwin-Williams Company (PP), 5.83% - 1-09-98 ................................... 2,000,000 1,997,409
Stanley Works, Inc., 5.64%, 2-12-98 .............................................. 425,000 422,204
----------
2,419,613
LEASING - 1.7%
International Lease Financing Corporation, 5.54% - 1-20-98 ....................... 1,000,000 997,076
NATURAL GAS - 6.4%
Bay State Gas Company, ........................................................... 940,000
5.70% - 1-15-98 .......................................................... 239,468
6.10% - 1-15-98 .......................................................... 399,051
5.71% - 1-22-98 .......................................................... 299,001
Questar Corporation .............................................................. 2,725,000
5.80% - 1-05-98 .......................................................... 227,853
6.00% - 1-27-98 .......................................................... 494,846
5.95% - 2-03-98 .......................................................... 1,989,092
----------
3,649,311
POLLUTION CONTROL - 3.7%
Engelhard Corporation, 5.72% - 2-27-98 ........................................... 2,170,000 2,150,347
RETAIL - GROCERY - 4.7%
Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc., ......................................................... 2,700,000
5.50% - 1-06-98 .......................................................... 999,236
5.68% - 2-10-98 .......................................................... 1,689,271
----------
2,688,507
TELECOMMUNICATIONS - 6.4%
AT&T Company, 5.75% - 1-27-98 .................................................... 2,100,000 2,091,279
Bell Atlantic Network Funding Corporation, 5.90% - 1-08-98 ....................... 1,600,000 1,598,164
----------
3,689,443
----------
Total commercial paper - 78.4% ............................................................................ 45,042,317
U.S. GOVERNMENT & AGENCIES
- --------------------------
FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION - 8.7%
5.87% - 1-30-98 .......................................................... $2,000,000 $ 2,000,000
5.90% - 9-30-98 .......................................................... 2,000,000 2,000,000
5.95% - 11-12-98 ......................................................... 1,000,000 1,000,000
-----------
5,000,000
FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION - 3.5%
5.74% - 6-09-98 .......................................................... 2,000,000 2,000,000
SMALL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION POOLS - 8.8%
#501927 - 6.75%, 2017(1) ................................................. 1,810,126 1,827,209
#502398 - 6.125%, 2018(2) ................................................ 855,517 858,725
#503152 - 6.125%, 2020(2) ................................................ 881,942 881,942
#503295 - 6.00%, 2021(2) ................................................. 742,200 742,665
#503303 - 6.00%, 2021(2) ................................................. 727,875 728,331
-----------
5,038,872
-----------
Total U.S. government & agencies - 21.0% .................................................................. 12,038,872
-----------
Total investments - 99.4% ................................................................................. 57,081,189
Cash and other assets, less liabilities - 0.6% ............................................................ 359,596
-----------
Total net assets - 100.0% ................................................................................. $57,440,785
===========
</TABLE>
The identified cost of investments owned at December 31, 1997, was the same for
federal income tax and book purposes, except for the Corporate Bond Series for
which the identified cost for federal income tax purposes was $59,522,510.
PP - indicates private placement.
(1) Variable rate security which may be reset the first of each month.
(2) Variable rate security which may be reset the first of each quarter.
(3) Trust Preferred Securities - Securities issued by financial institutions to
augment their Tier 1 capital base. Issued on a subordinate basis relative to
senior notes or debentures. Institutions may defer cash payments for up to
10 pay periods.
See accompanying notes.
20
<PAGE>
BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Security Income Fund
-----------------------------------------------
Corporate U.S. Limited High Security Security
Bond Government Maturity Yield Tax-exempt Cash
Series Series Bond Series Series Fund Fund
----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- -----------
Assets
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Investments, at value (identified cost $59,519,623,
$8,297,425, $6,201,058, $8,931,926,
$22,653,326 and $12,038,872, respectively) ...... $61,691,132 $8,608,566 $6,354,151 $9,205,904 $23,697,665 $12,038,872
Commercial paper, at amortized cost which
approximates market value ....................... -- -- -- -- -- 45,042,317
Cash .................................................... 459,237 13,534 68,711 222,116 260,727 311,774
Receivables:
Fund shares sold ................................ 34,342 167 -- 8,950 -- 56,082
Securities sold ................................. -- -- -- -- -- 50,703
Interest ........................................ 961,521 130,509 112,851 193,041 353,066 216,444
Prepaid expenses ........................................ 8,884 21,058 15,248 1,837 8,833 60,475
----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- -----------
Total assets .................................... $63,155,116 $8,773,834 $6,550,961 $9,631,848 $24,320,291 $57,776,667
=========== ========== ========== ========== =========== ===========
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
Liabilities:
Payable for:
Securities purchased .................... $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
Fund shares redeemed .................... 101,212 20,000 -- -- 14,419
Dividends payable to shareholders ....... -- -- -- -- -- 258,814
Other Liabilities:
Management fees ......................... 28,405 -- -- -- 10,861 26,240
Custodian fees .......................... 1,502 300 -- 2,474 -- 1,479
Transfer and administration fees ........ 14,367 2,729 1,110 2,475 3,218 13,934
Professional fees ....................... 2,311 4,281 2,983 4,947 5,600 5,017
12b-1 distribution plan fees ............ 18,555 2,717 2,124 10,487 2,088 --
Miscellaneous fees ...................... 8,834 1,220 570 -- 1,212 15,979
----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- -----------
Total liabilities ............... 175,186 31,247 6,787 20,383 22,979 335,882
Net Assets:
Paid in capital ......................................... 73,978,535 9,388,252 6,449,575 9,337,487 24,496,978 57,440,785
Undistributed net investment income ..................... 22,204 3,764 4,097 -- 2,952 --
Accumulated undistributed net realized gain (loss)
on sale of investments .......................... (13,192,318) (960,570) (62,591) -- (1,246,957) --
Net unrealized appreciation
in value of investments ......................... 2,171,509 311,141 153,093 273,978 1,044,339 --
----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- -----------
Net assets .............................. 62,979,930 8,742,587 6,544,174 9,611,465 24,297,312 57,440,785
----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- -----------
Total liabilities and net assets ........ $63,155,116 $8,773,834 $6,550,961 $9,631,848 $24,320,291 $57,776,667
=========== ========== ========== ========== =========== ===========
CLASS "A" SHARES
Capital shares outstanding .............................. 8,013,301 1,590,192 533,063 329,682 2,178,679 57,440,785
Net assets .............................................. $56,486,745 $7,651,715 $5,489,908 $5,179,468 $21,953,078 $57,440,785
Net asset value per share (net assets divided by
shares outstanding) ............................. $ 7.05 $ 4.81 $ 10.30 $ 15.71 $ 10.08 $ 1.00
Add: Selling commission (4.75% of the
offering price) ................................. 0.35 0.24 0.51 0.78 0.50 --
----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- -----------
Offering price per share (net asset value
divided by 95.25%) .............................. $ 7.40 $ 5.05 $ 10.81 $ 16.49 $ 10.58 $ 1.00
=========== ========== ========== ========== =========== ===========
CLASS "B" SHARES
Capital shares outstanding .............................. 915,701 227,094 102,608 282,659 232,655 --
Net assets .............................................. $ 6,493,185 $1,090,872 $1,054,266 $4,431,997 $ 2,344,234 --
Net asset value per share (net assets divided
by shares outstanding) .......................... $ 7.09 $ 4.80 $ 10.27 $ 15.68 $ 10.08 --
=========== ========== ========== ========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
21
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the Year Ended December 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Security Income Fund
---------------------------------------------------
Corporate U.S. Limited High Security Security
Bond Government Maturity Yield Tax-exempt Cash
Series Series Bond Series Series Fund Fund
------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
Interest ............................... $5,127,816 $630,773 $468,723 $656,148 $1,182,900 $2,754,633
EXPENSES:
Management fees ........................ 338,609 42,687 27,818 41,748 115,812 238,616
Custodian fees ......................... 21,291 -- 2,025 1,099 1,344 5,633
Transfer/maintenance fees .............. 108,817 18,944 5,226 8,425 15,105 119,258
Administration fees .................... 60,950 7,684 5,543 6,557 20,846 21,990
Directors' fees ........................ 4,915 941 504 292 9,459 9,581
Professional fees ...................... 5,889 8,642 5,558 6,934 6,812 3,651
Reports to shareholders ................ 7,215 1,299 352 58 730 8,997
Registration fees ...................... 23,469 561 3,301 25,868 24,404 3,011
Other expenses ......................... 4,084 626 277 1,715 322 9,477
12b-1 distribution plan fees ........... 221,713 27,378 22,183 43,045 14,509 --
---------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- ----------
796,952 108,762 72,787 135,741 209,343 420,214
Less: Earnings credits applied ................ -- -- (2,025 -- (1,344 --
Reimbursement of expenses ............... (17,462) (42,687) (30,621) (41,748) -- --
---------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- ----------
Total expenses .......................... 779,490 66,075 40,141 93,993 207,999 420,214
---------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- ----------
Net investment income ................ 4,348,326 564,698 428,582 562,155 974,901 2,334,419
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS):
Net realized gain (loss) during the period on
investments ............................ (819,146) 17,807 14,159 159,295 230,930 --
Net change in unrealized appreciation
during the period on
investments ............................ 2,374,236 149,552 89,543 126,911 592,486 --
---------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- ----------
Net gain ............................. 1,555,090 167,359 103,702 286,206 823,416 --
---------- -------- -------- -------- ---------- ----------
Net increase in net assets
resulting from operations ........ $5,903,416 $732,057 $532,284 $848,361 $1,798,317 $2,334,419
========== ======== ======== ======== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
22
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
For the Year Ended December 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Security Income Fund
---------------------------------------------------
Corporate U.S. Limited High Security Security
Bond Government Maturity Yield Tax-exempt Cash
Series Series Bond Series Series Fund Fund
------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS:
Net investment income ................... $ 4,348,326 $ 564,698 $ 428,582 $ 562,155 $ 974,901 $ 2,334,419
Net realized gain (loss) ................ (819,146) 17,807 14,159 159,295 230,930 --
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
during the period ............... 2,374,236 149,552 89,543 126,911 592,486 --
------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------
Net increase in net assets
resulting from operations 5,903,416 732,057 532,284 848,361 1,798,317 2,334,419
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Net investment income
Class A ......................... (3,949,944) (514,896) (368,619) (321,919) (930,144) (2,334,419)
Class B ......................... (403,170) (46,196) (56,487) (241,725) (47,364) --
Net realized gain
Class A ......................... -- -- -- (67,514) -- --
Class B ......................... -- -- -- (57,795) -- --
------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------
Total distributions to
shareholders .... (4,353,114) (561,092) (425,106) (688,953) (977,508) (2,334,419)
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (a):
Proceeds from sale of shares
Class A ......................... 7,162,943 1,566,140 1,371,189 2,272,583 2,482,623 234,698,276
Class B ......................... 4,821,878 684,955 399,599 1,441,420 1,198,639 --
Dividends reinvested
Class A ......................... 2,918,082 427,733 329,483 389,121 493,192 2,203,684
Class B ......................... 363,965 40,597 56,486 298,860 31,059 --
Shares redeemed
Class A ......................... (28,343,679) (2,531,194) (1,243,300) (358,981) (5,087,737) (224,791,899)
Class B ......................... (6,157,206) (314,008) (175,370) (90,052) (455,776) --
------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------
Net increase (decrease)
from capital share
transactions ............ (19,234,017) (125,777) 738,087 3,952,951 (1,338,000) 12,110,061
------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------
Total increase (decrease)
in net assets ........ (17,683,715) 45,188 845,265 4,112,359 (517,191) 12,110,061
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period ..................... 80,663,645 8,697,399 5,698,909 5,499,106 24,814,503 45,330,724
------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------
End of period ........................... $ 62,979,930 $ 8,742,587 $ 6,544,174 $ 9,611,465 $ 24,297,312 $ 57,440,785
============ =========== =========== =========== ============ =============
Undistributed net investment income
at end of period ........................ $ 22,204 $ 3,764 $ 4,097 $ -- $ 2,952 $ --
============ =========== =========== =========== ============ =============
(a) Shares issued and redeemed
Shares sold
Class A ................. 1,036,267 329,947 136,018 146,171 251,471 234,698,276
Class B ................. 691,990 144,444 39,239 91,689 120,884 --
Dividends reinvested
Class A ................. 425,158 90,953 32,458 24,910 49,419 2,203,684
Class B ................. 52,774 8,630 5,576 19,160 3,160 --
Shares redeemed
Class A ................. (4,129,146) (535,552) (122,325) (22,867) (519,951) (224,791,899)
Class B ................. (886,785) (66,308) (17,298) (5,669) (46,659) --
------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------
Net increase (decrease) . (2,809,742) (27,886) 73,668 253,394 (141,676) 12,110,061
============ =========== =========== =========== ============ =============
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
23
<PAGE>
STATMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
For the Year Ended December 31, 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Security Income Fund
----------------------------------------------------
Corporate U.S. Limited High Security Security
Bond Government Maturity Yield Tax-exempt Cash
Series Series Bond Series Series Fund Fund
------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS
FROM OPERATIONS:
Net investment income ................ $ 5,712,167 $ 685,751 $ 351,230 $ 151,652 $ 1,153,538 $ 2,158,130
Net realized gain (loss) ............. (1,347,012) 182,946 (46,509) (36,585) 56,324 --
Unrealized appreciation
(depreciation) during the
period ....................... (5,522,985) (735,463) (186,260) 147,067 (671,331) --
------------ ------------ ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------
Net increase (decrease) in net
assets resulting from
operations ........... (1,157,830) 133,234 118,461 262,134 538,531 2,158,130
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Net investment income
Class A .............. (5,393,982) (655,579) (304,962) (79,996) (1,107,445) (2,158,130)
Class B .............. (343,417) (32,686) (47,156) (70,935) (44,319) --
Tax return of capital
Class A .............. -- -- (5,684) -- -- --
Class A .............. -- -- (879) -- -- --
------------ ------------ ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------
Total distributions to
shareholders ......... (5,737,399) (688,265) (358,681) (150,931) (1,151,764) (2,158,130)
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS (a):
Proceeds from sale of shares
Class A ...................... 8,731,109 1,930,782 2,444,146 2,644,208 1,613,431 310,586,017
Class B ...................... 3,464,361 375,419 269,401 2,611,381 579,929 --
Dividends reinvested
Class A ...................... 4,241,649 543,532 284,749 79,998 626,193 1,969,086
Class B ...................... 304,987 26,151 47,452 70,935 31,495 --
Cost of shares redeemed
Class A .............. (26,834,054) (3,998,800) (913,142) (48) (3,379,177) 305,382,279)
Class B .............. (1,793,517) (286,899) (267,281) (18,571) (260,053) --
------------ ------------ ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------
Net increase (decrease)
from capital share
transactions ..................... (11,885,465) (1,409,815) 1,865,325 5,387,903 (788,182) 7,172,824
------------ ------------ ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------
Total increase (decrease)
in net assets .................... (18,780,694) (1,964,846) 1,625,105 5,499,106 (1,401,415) 7,172,824
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period .................. 99,444,339 10,662,245 4,073,804 -- 26,215,918 38,157,900
------------ ------------ ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------
End of period ........................ $ 80,663,645 $ 8,697,399 $ 5,698,909 $5,499,106 $24,814,503 $ 45,330,724
============ ============ =========== ========== =========== ============
Undistributed net
investment income at
end of period ...................... $ -- $ 158 $ -- $ 721 $ 5,559 $ --
============ ============ =========== ========== =========== ============
(a) Shares issued and redeemed
Shares sold
Class A .............. 1,257,439 408,653 236,285 176,201 167,132 310,586,017
Class B .............. 497,238 79,022 25,885 174,028 59,521 --
Dividends reinvested
Class A .............. 608,432 115,124 27,590 5,270 65,031 1,969,086
Class B .............. 43,584 5,533 4,593 4,677 3,268 --
Shares redeemed
Class A .............. (3,860,010) (845,356) (88,496) (3) (350,952) (305,382,279)
Class B .............. (256,329) (61,304) (25,864) (1,226) (27,117) --
------------ ------------ ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------
Net increase (decrease) ...... (1,709,646) (298,328) 179,993 358,947 (83,117) 7,172,824
============ ============ =========== ========== =========== ============
</TABLE>
*Period August 5, 1996 (inception) through December 31, 1996.
See accompanying notes.
24
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Selected data for each share of capital stock outstanding throughout each period
CORPORATE BOND SERIES (CLASS A)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Period Ended December 31
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997(d) 1996(d)(f) 1995(d)(f) 1994 1993
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE DATA
NET ASSET VALUE BEGINNING OF PERIOD ............... $ 6.87 $ 7.39 $ 6.68 $ 7.81 $ 7.72
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net Investment Income ............................. 0.45 0.47 0.47 0.49 0.52
Net Gain (Loss) on Securities
(realized & unrealized) ................... 0.19 (0.52) 0.71 (1.13) 0.52
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total from Investment Operations .................. 0.64 (0.05) 1.18 (0.64) 1.04
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends (from Net Investment Income) ............ (0.46) (0.47) (0.47) (0.49) (0.53)
Distributions (from Capital Gains) ................ -- -- -- -- (0.42)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total Distributions ....................... (0.46) (0.47) (0.47) (0.49) (0.95)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
NET ASSET VALUE END OF PERIOD ..................... $ 7.05 $ 6.87 $ 7.39 $ 6.68 $ 7.81
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
TOTAL RETURN (a) .................................. 9.7% (0.5%) 18.2% (8.3%) 13.4%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net Assets End of Period (thousands) .............. $ 56,487 $ 73,360 $ 93,701 $ 90,593 $ 118,433
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets ........... 1.07% 1.01% 1.02% 1.01% 1.02%
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss)
to Average Net Assets ..................... 6.50% 6.54% 6.62% 6.91% 6.46%
Portfolio Turnover Rate ........................... 120% 292% 200% 204% 157%
CORPORATE BOND SERIES (CLASS B)
Fiscal Period Ended December 31
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997(c)(d) 1996(c)(d)(f) 1995(c)(d)(f) 1994(c) 1993(b)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
PER SHARE DATA
NET ASSET VALUE BEGINNING OF PERIOD ................ $ 6.90 $ 7.43 $ 6.71 $ 7.84 $ 8.59
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net Investment Income .............................. 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.43 0.11
Net Gain (Loss) on Securities
(realized & unrealized) .................... 0.19 (0.52) 0.73 (1.13) (0.32)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total from Investment Operations ................... 0.59 (0.12) 1.13 (0.70) (0.21)
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends (from Net Investment Income) ............. (0.40) (0.41) (0.41) (0.43) (0.11)
Distributions (from Capital Gains) ................. -- -- -- -- 0.43)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Distributions ........................ (0.40) (0.41) (0.41) (0.43) (0.54)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
NET ASSET VALUE END OF PERIOD ...................... $ 7.09 $ 6.90 $ 7.43 $ 6.71 $ 7.84
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
TOTAL RETURN(a) .................................... 8.7% (1.4%) 17.3% (9.0%) (2.5%)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net Assets End of Period (thousands) ............... $ 6,493 $ 7,303 $ 5,743 $ 3,878 $ 1,022
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets ............ 1.85% 1.85% 1.85% 1.85% 1.88%
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss)
to Average Net Assets 5.72% 5.70% 5.80% 6.08% 5.16%
Portfolio Turnover Rate 120% 292% 200% 204% 164%
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
25
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Selected data for each share of capital stock outstanding throughout each period
U.S. GOVERNMENT SERIES (CLASS A)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Period Ended December 31
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997(c)(d)(f) 1996(c)(d)(f) 1995(c)(d)(f) 1994(c) 1993(c)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE DATA
NET ASSET VALUE BEGINNING OF PERIOD ................. $ 4.71 $ 4.97 $ 4.35 $ 4.97 $ 5.04
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net Investment Income ............................... 0.32 0.31 0.30 0.30 0.31
Net Gain (Loss) on Securities
(realized & unrealized) ..................... .10 (0.26) 0.62 (0.62) 0.27
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total from Investment Operations .................... 0.42 0.05 0.92 (0.32) 0.58
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends (from Net Investment Income) .............. (0.32) (0.31) (0.30) (0.30) (0.31)
Distributions (from Capital Gains) .................. -- -- -- -- (0.34)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total Distributions ......................... (0.32) (0.31) (0.30) (0.30) (0.65)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
NET ASSET VALUE END OF PERIOD ....................... $ 4.81 $ 4.71 $ 4.97 $ 4.35 $ 4.97
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
TOTAL RETURN (a) .................................... 9.2% 1.3% 21.9% (6.5%) 10.9%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net Assets End of Period (thousands) ................ $ 7,652 $ 8,036 $ 10,080 $ 8,309 $ 10,098
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets ............. 0.60% 0.65% 1.11% 1.10% 1.10%
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss)
to Average Net Assets ....................... 6.10% 6.44% 6.41% 6.47% 5.90%
Portfolio Turnover Rate ............................. 39% 75% 81% 220% 153%
U.S. GOVERNMENT SERIES (CLASS B)
Fiscal Period Ended December 31
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997(c)(d) 1996(c)(d)(f) 1995(c)(d)(f) 1994(c) 1993(b)(c)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
PER SHARE DATA
NET ASSET VALUE BEGINNING OF PERIOD .............. $ 4.71 $ 4.97 $ 4.35 $ 4.97 $ 5.51
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net Investment Income ............................ 0.26 0.25 0.26 0.26 0.04
Net Gain (Loss) on Securities
(realized & unrealized) .................. 0.10 (0.25) 0.63 (0.62) (0.19)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total from Investment Operations ................. 0.36 (0.00) 0.89 (0.36) (0.15)
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends (from Net Investment Income) ........... (0.27) (0.26) (0.27) (0.26) (0.04)
Distributions (from Capital Gains) ............... -- -- -- -- (0.35)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Distributions ...................... (0.27) (0.26) (0.27) (0.26) (0.39)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
NET ASSET VALUE END OF PERIOD .................... $ 4.80 $ 4.71 $ 4.97 $ 4.35 $ 4.97
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
TOTAL RETURN (a) ................................. 7.9% (0.02%) 20.9 (7.4%) (1.4%)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net Assets End of Period (thousands) ............. $ 1,091 $ 661 $ 582 $ 321 $ 140
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets .......... 1.68% 1.86% 1.87% 1.85% 1.61%
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss)
to Average Net Assets .................... 5.02% 5.23% 5.69% 5.76% 5.54%
Portfolio Turnover Rate .......................... 39% 75% 81% 220% 114%
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
26
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Selected data for each share of capital stock outstanding throughout each period
Limited Maturity Bond Series (Class B)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Period Ended December 31
----------------------------------------------------
1997(c)(d)(f) 1996(c)(d)(f) 1995(c)(d)(e)(f)
-------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
NET ASSET VALUE BEGINNING OF PERIOD ........... $ 10.14 $ 10.66 $ 10.00
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net Investment Income ......................... 0.72 0.72 0.62
Net Gain (Loss) on Securities
(realized & unrealized) ............... 0.16 (0.51) 0.65
-------------- -------------- --------------
Total from Investment Operations .............. 0.88 0.21 1.27
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends (from Net Investment Income) ........ (0.72) (0.72) (0.61)
Distributions (from Capital Gains) ............ -- -- --
Return of Capital ............................. -- (0.01) --
-------------- -------------- --------------
Total Distributions ................... (0.72) (0.73) (0.61)
-------------- -------------- --------------
NET ASSET VALUE END OF PERIOD ................. $ 10.30 $ 10.14 $ 10.66
============== ============== ==============
TOTAL RETURN (a) .............................. 9.0% 2.1% 13.0%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net Assets End of Period (thousands) .......... $ 5,490 $ 4,938 $ 3,322
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets ....... 0.55% 0.90% 0.84%
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss)
to Average Net Assets ................. 7.10% 6.97% 5.97%
Portfolio Turnover Rate ....................... 76% 105% 4%
LIMITED MATURITY BOND SERIES (CLASS B)
Fiscal Period Ended December 31
---------------------------------------------------
1997(c)(d)(f) 1996(c)(d)(f) 1995(c)(d)(e)(f)
------------- ------------- ----------------
PER SHARE DATA
NET ASSET VALUE BEGINNING OF PERIOD ........... $ 10.14 $ 10.67 $ 10.00
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net Investment Income ................. 0.61 0.63 0.53
Net Gain (Loss) on Securities
(realized & unrealized) ....... 0.14 (0.52) 0.66
------- ------- -------
Total from Investment Operations ...... 0.75 0.11 1.19
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends (from Net Investment Income) ........ (0.62) (0.62) (0.52)
Distributions (from Capital Gains) ............ -- -- --
Return of Capital ............................. -- (0.01) --
------- ------- -------
Total Distributions ........................... (0.62) (0.64) (0.52)
------- ------- -------
NET ASSET VALUE END OF PERIOD ................. $ 10.27 $ 10.14 $ 10.67
======= ======= =======
TOTAL RETURN (a) .............................. 7.7% 1.1% 12.2%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net Assets End of Period (thousands) .......... $ 1,054 $ 761 $ 752
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets ....... 1.50% 1.88% 1.71%
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss)
to Average Net Assets ................. 6.15% 5.99% 5.12%
Portfolio Turnover Rate ....................... 76% 105% 4%
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
27
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Selected data for each share of capital stock outstanding throughout each period
HIGH YIELD SERIES (CLASS A)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Period
Ended December 31
-------------------------
1997(c)(d) 1996(c)(d)(g)
---------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
PER SHARE DATA
NET ASSET VALUE BEGINNING OF PERIOD ................ $ 15.32 $ 15.00
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net Investment Income .............................. 1.25 0.45
Net Gain (Loss) on Securities
(realized & unrealized) .................... 0.60 0.32
--------- ---------
Total from Investment Operations ... 1.85 0.77
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends (from Net Investment Income) ............. (1.25) (0.45)
Distributions (from Capital Gains) ................. (0.21) --
--------- ---------
Total Distributions ........................ (1.46) (0.45)
--------- ---------
NET ASSET VALUE END OF PERIOD ...................... $ 15.71 $ 15.32
========= =========
TOTAL RETURN (a) ................................... 12.6% 5.2%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net Assets End of Period (thousands) ............... $ 5,179 $ 2,780
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets ............ 0.87% 1.54%
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss)
to Average Net Assets ...................... 8.14% 7.47%
Portfolio Turnover Rate ............................ 87% 168%
HIGH YIELD SERIES (CLASS B)
Fiscal Period
Ended December 31
------------------------
1997(c)(d) 1996(c)(d)(g)
--------- ---------
PER SHARE DATA
NET ASSET VALUE BEGINNING OF PERIOD ................ $ 15.32 $ 15.00
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net Investment Income .............................. 1.10 0.41
Net Gain (Loss) on Securities
(realized & unrealized) .................... 0.59 0.32
--------- ---------
Total from Investment Operations ................... 1.69 0.73
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends (from Net Investment Income) ............. (1.12) (0.41)
Distributions (from Capital Gains) ................. (0.21) --
--------- ---------
Total Distributions ........................ (1.33) (0.41)
--------- ---------
NET ASSET VALUE END OF PERIOD ...................... $ 15.68 $ 15.32
========= =========
TOTAL RETURN (a) ................................... 11.5% 4.9%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net Assets End of Period (thousands) ............... $ 4,432 $ 2,719
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets ............ 1.80% 2.26%
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss)
to Average Net Assets ...................... 7.21% 6.74%
Portfolio Turnover Rate ............................ 87% 168%
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
28
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Selected data for each share of capital stock outstanding throughout each period
SECURITY TAX-EXEMPT FUND (CLASS A)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Period Ended December 31
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997(c)(d) 1996(c)(d)(f) 1995(c)(d)(f) 1994 1993
---------- ------------- ------------- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE DATA
NET ASSET VALUE BEGINNING OF PERIOD .............. $ 9.72 $ 9.94 $ 9.05 $ 10.37 $ 10.06
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net Investment Income ............................ 0.42 0.45 0.48 0.47 0.51
Net Gain (Loss) on Securities
(realized & unrealized) .................. 0.36 (0.21) 0.89 (1.32) 0.70
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total from Investment Operations ................. 0.78 0.24 1.37 (0.85) 1.21
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends (from Net Investment Income) ........... (0.42) (0.46) (0.48) (0.47) (0.51)
Distributions (from Capital Gains) ............... -- -- -- -- (0.39)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total Distributions ...................... (0.42) (0.46) (0.48) (0.47) (0.90)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
NET ASSET VALUE END OF PERIOD .................... $ 10.08 $ 9.72 $ 9.94 $ 9.05 $ 10.37
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
TOTAL RETURN (a) ................................. 8.3% 2.5% 15.5% (8.3%) 11.6%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net Assets End of Period (thousands) ............. $ 21,953 $ 23,304 $ 25,026 $ 24,092 $ 32,115
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets .......... 0.82% 0.78% 0.86% 0.82% 0.82%
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss)
to Average Net Assets .................... 4.29% 4.67% 5.02% 4.74% 4.92%
Portfolio Turnover Rate .......................... 48% 54% 103% 88% 118%
SECURITY TAX-EXEMPT FUND (CLASS B)
Fiscal Period Ended December 31
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997(c)(d) 1996(c)(d)(f) 1995(c)(d)(f) 1994(c) 1993(b)
---------- ------------- ------------- ------- --------
PER SHARE DATA
NET ASSET VALUE BEGINNING OF PERIOD ............... $ 9.73 $ 9.95 $ 9.05 $ 10.37 $ 10.88
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net Investment Income ............................. 0.29 0.33 0.48 0.35 0.10
Net Gain (Loss) on Securities
(realized & unrealized) ................... 0.37 (0.21) 0.89 (1.32) (0.13)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total from Investment Operations .................. 0.66 0.12 1.37 (0.97) (0.03)
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends (from Net Investment Income) ............ (0.31) (0.34) (0.48) (0.35) (0.09)
Distributions (from Capital Gains) ................ -- -- -- -- (0.39)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Distributions ....................... (0.31) (0.34) (0.48) (0.35) (0.48)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
NET ASSET VALUE END OF PERIOD ..................... $ 10.08 $ 9.73 $ 9.94 $ 9.05 $ 10.37
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
TOTAL RETURN (a) .................................. 6.9% 1.2% 14.3% (9.5%) (0.2%)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net Assets End of Period (thousands) .............. $ 2,344 $ 1,510 $ 1,190 $ 760 $ 106
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets ........... 2.00% 2.01% 2.00% 2.00% 2.89%
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss)
to Average Net Assets ..................... 3.11% 3.44% 3.90% 3.50% 2.71%
Portfolio Turnover Rate ........................... 48% 54% 103% 88% 90%
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
29
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Selected data for each share of capital stock outstanding throughout each period
SECURITY CASH FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Period Ended December 31
-------------------------------------------------------------
1997 (d) 1996(c)(d)(f) 1995(c)(d)(f) 1994 1993(c)
-------- ------------- ------------- ---- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE DATA
NET ASSET VALUE BEGINNING OF PERIOD .......................... $1.00 $ 1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $ 1.00
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net Investment Income ........................................ 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.03 0.02
Net Gain (Loss) on Securities
(realized & unrealized) .............................. -- -- -- -- --
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Total from Investment Operations ............................. 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.03 0.02
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends (from Net Investment Income) ....................... (0.05) (0.05) (0.05) (0.03) (0.02)
Distributions (from Capital Gains) ........................... -- -- -- -- --
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Total Distributions .................................. (0.05) (0.05) (0.05) (0.03) (0.02)
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
NET ASSET VALUE END OF PERIOD ................................ $1.00 $ 1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $ 1.00
==== ==== ==== ==== ====
TOTAL RETURN (a) ............................................. 4.9% 4.6% 5.0% 3.4% 2.4%
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net Assets End of Period (thousands) ......................... $57,441 $45,331 $38,158 $58,102 $71,870
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets ...................... 0.90% 1.01% 1.00% 0.96% 1.00%
Ratio of Net Investment Income (Loss)
to Average Net Assets ................................ 4.80% 4.47% 5.00% 3.24% 2.28%
Portfolio Turnover Rate ...................................... -- -- -- -- --
</TABLE>
(a) Total return information does not take into account any charges paid at
time of purchase or contingent deferred sales charges paid at time of
redemption.
(b) Class "B" shares were initially issued on October 19, 1993. Percentage
amounts for the period, except total return, have been annualized.
(c) Fund expenses were reduced by the Investment Manager and expense ratios
absent such reimbursement would have been as follows:
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Corporate Bond Series Class B ___ 2.00% 2.19% 2.05% 2.10%
U.S. Government Series Class A 1.20% 1.20% 1.22% 1.17% 1.06%
Class B 1.75% 2.91% 3.70% 3.26% 2.14%
Limited Maturity Class A ___ ___ 1.04% 1.40% 1.04%
Bond Series Class B ___ ___ 2.12% 2.60% 1.99%
High Yield Series Class A ___ ___ ___ 2.11% 1.44%
Class B ___ ___ ___ 2.83% 2.37%
Tax-Exempt Fund Class A ___ ___ 0.86% 0.78% 0.83%
Class B ___ 2.32% 2.45% 2.19% 2.00%
Cash Fund 1.03% ___ 1.04% 1.01% ___
(d) Net investment income was computed using the average month-end shares
outstanding throughout the period.
(e) Security Limited Maturity Bond Series was initially capitalized on January
17, 1995, with a net asset value of $10 per share. Percentage amounts for
period have been annualized, except for total return.
(f) Expense ratios including reimbursements, were calculated without the
reduction for custodian fees earnings credits beginning February 1, 1995.
Expense ratios with such reductions would have been as follows:
1995 1996 1997
----- ----- -----
Corporate Bond Series Class A 1.02% 1.01% ___
Class B 1.85% 1.85% ___
U.S. Government Series Class A 1.10% 0.64% ___
Class B 1.85% 1.85% ___
Limited Maturity Class A 0.81% 0.87% 0.51%
Bond Series Class B 1.65% 1.85% 1.46%
Tax-Exempt Fund Class A 0.85% 0.77% 0.83%
Class B 2.00% 2.00% 2.00%
Cash Fund 1.00% 1.00% 1.00%
(g) Security High Yield Series was initially capitalized on August 15, 1996,
with a net asset value of $15 per share. Percentage amounts for the period
have been annualized, except for total return.
See accompanying notes.
30
<PAGE>
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 1997
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Security Income Fund, Security Tax-Exempt Fund and Security Cash Fund (the
Funds) are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as
diversified open-end management investment companies. The shares of Security
Income Fund are currently issued in multiple series, with each series, in
effect, representing a separate Fund. The Income Fund is required to account for
each series separately and to allocate general expenses to each series based on
the net asset value of each series. Class A shares are sold with a sales charge
at the time of purchase. Class A shares are not subject to a sales charge when
they are redeemed. The Funds began offering an additional class of shares ("B"
shares) on October 19, 1993. The shares are offered without a front-end sales
charge but incur additional class-specific expenses. Redemptions of the shares
within five years of acquisition incur a contingent deferred sales charge. The
following is a summary of the significant accounting policies followed by the
Funds in the preparation of their financial statements. These policies are in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
A. SECURITY VALUATION - Valuations of Income Funds' and Tax-Exempt Fund's
securities are supplied by pricing services approved by the Board of Directors.
Securities listed or traded on a national securities exchange are valued on the
basis of the last sales price. If there are no sales on a particular day, then
the securities are valued at the last bid price. Securities for which market
quotations are not readily available are valued by a pricing service considering
securities with similar yields, quality, type of issue, coupon, duration and
rating. If there is no bid price or if the bid price is deemed to be
unsatisfactory by the Board of Directors or by the Funds' investment manager,
then the securities are valued in good faith by such method as the Board of
Directors determines will reflect the fair value. The Funds' officers, under the
general supervision of the Board of Directors, regularly review procedures used
by, and valuations provided by, the pricing service.
Cash Fund, by approval of the Board of Directors, utilizes the amortized
cost method for valuing portfolio securities, whereby all investments are valued
by reference to their acquisition cost as adjusted for amortization of premium
or accretion of discount.
B. OPTIONS - The High Yield Series may purchase put and call options and
write such options on a covered basis on securities that are traded on
recognized securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets. Call and put
options on securities give the holder the right to purchase or sell,
respectively (and the writer the obligation to sell or purchase), a security at
a specified price, until a certain date. The primary risks associated with the
use of options are an imperfect correlation between the change in market value
of the securities held by the Series and the price of the option, the
possibility of an illiquid market, and the inability of the counter-party to
meet the terms of the contract.
The premium received for a written option is recorded as an asset, with an
equal liability which is marked to market based on the option's quoted daily
settlement price. Fluctuation in the value of such instruments are recorded as
unrealized appreciation (depreciation) until terminated, at which time realized
gains and losses are recognized.
C. SECURITY TRANSACTIONS AND INVESTMENT INCOME - Security transactions are
accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Realized gains
and losses are reported on an identified cost basis. Interest income is
recognized on the accrual basis. Premium and discounts (except original issue
discounts) on debt securities are not amortized, except Security Tax-Exempt Fund
which amortizes premiums.
D. DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS - Distributions to shareholders are
recorded on the ex-dividend date. The character of distributions made during the
year from net investment income or net realized gains may differ from their
ultimate characterization for federal income tax purposes. These differences are
primarily due to the recharacterization of foreign currency gains and losses.
E. TAXES - The Funds complied with the requirements of the Internal Revenue
Code applicable to regulated investment companies and distributed all of their
taxable net income and net realized gains sufficient to relieve them from all,
or substantially all, federal income, excise and state income taxes. Therefore,
no provision for federal or state income tax is required.
F. EARNINGS CREDITS - Under the fee schedule with the custodian, the Funds
earn credits based on overnight custody cash balances. These credits are
utilized to reduce related custodial expenses. The custodian fees disclosed in
the statement of operations do not reflect the reduction in expense from the
related earnings credits.
2. MANAGEMENT FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
Management fees are payable to Security Management Company, LLC (SMC)
under investment advisory contracts at an annual rate of .50 of 1% of the
average net assets of each fund, except for the High Yield Series which fees are
.60 of 1% of the average net assets of the Series. The investment advisory
contract for Income Fund provides that the total annual expenses of each Series
of the Fund (including management fees and custodian fees net of earnings
credits, but excluding interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, extraordinary
expenses and distribution fees paid under the Class B distribution plan) will
not exceed the level of expenses which Income Fund is permitted to bear under
the most restrictive expense limitation imposed by any state in which shares of
the Fund are then qualified for sale. For the period ended December 31, 1997,
SMC agreed to limit the total expenses of Corporate Bond Series, U.S. Government
Series and Limited Maturity Bond Series to an annual rate of 1.1% of the average
daily net asset value of Class A shares and 1.85% of Class B shares of each
respective Series. SMC also agreed to limit the total expenses of the High Yield
Series to 2.0% for Class A Shares and 2.75% for Class B shares. In addition, SMC
agreed to waive all of the management fees for the U.S. Government Series,
Limited Maturity Bond Series and the High Yield Series until December 31, 1997.
The investment advisory contract for Tax-Exempt and Cash Funds provides that the
total annual expenses of the Funds net of custodian fee earnings credits will
not exceed an amount equal to an annual rate of 1.0% of the average net assets
of Class A shares
31
<PAGE>
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
and 2.0% of Class B shares of the Tax-Exempt Fund as calculated on a daily
basis.
The Funds have entered into contracts with SMC for transfer agent services
and certain other administrative services which SMC provides to the Funds. SMC
is paid an annual fixed charge per account and shareholder and dividend
transaction fees.
As the administrative agent for the Funds, SMC performs administrative
functions, such as regulatory filings, bookkeeping, accounting and pricing
functions for the Funds. For this service SMC receives on an annual basis, a fee
of .09% of the average daily net assets of Corporate Bond Series, U.S.
Government Series, Limited Maturity Bond Series, High Yield Series, and
Tax-Exempt Fund and .045% of the average daily net assets of Cash Fund
calculated daily and payable monthly.
Income and Tax-Exempt Funds have adopted Distribution Plans related to the
offering of Class B shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act
of 1940. The Plans provide for payments at an annual rate of 1.0% of the average
net assets of Class B shares. Class A shares of Income Fund incur 12b-1
distribution fees at an annual rate of .25% of the average net assets of each
Series.
Security Distributors, Inc. (SDI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Security
Benefit Group, Inc., a financial services holding company, is national
distributor for Income and Tax-Exempt Funds. SDI received net underwriting
commissions on sales of Class A shares and contingent deferred sales charges
(CDSC) on redemptions occurring within 5 years of the date of purchase of Class
B shares, after allowances to brokers and dealers for the period ended December
31, 1997, in the amounts presented below:
Corporate U.S. Limited High Tax-
Bond Government Maturity Yield Exempt
Series Series Series Series Fund
------- ------ ------ ------- -------
SDI underwriting
(Class A) ............ $ 5,221 $1,979 $2,232 $ 736 $ 2,581
CDSC (Class B) ............ $15,849 $2,159 $ 893 $ 1,161 $ 3,510
Broker/Dealer
(Class A) ............ $21,438 $8,680 $9,614 $ 3,565 $ 9,830
Broker/Dealer
(Class B) ............ $47,733 $5,878 $7,825 $16,593 $50,942
Certain officers and directors of the Funds are also officers and/or
directors of Security Benefit Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries, which
include SMC and SDI.
3. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Investment transactions for the period ended December 31,1997, (excluding
overnight investments and short-term debt securities) were as follows:
Corporate U.S. Limited High Tax-
Bond Government Maturity Yield Exempt
Series Series Series Series Fund
----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Purchases ... $76,921,168 $3,386,846 $5,477,011 $9,882,654 $11,105,240
Proceeds from
sales ... $92,603,472 $3,222,884 $4,354,028 $6,018,681 $12,084,148
4. FEDERAL INCOME TAX MATTERS
The amounts of unrealized appreciation (depreciation) as of December 31,
1997, were as follows:
Corporate U.S. Limited High Tax-
Bond Government Maturity Yield Exempt
Series Series Series Series Fund
----------- --------- --------- --------- ----------
Gross unrealized
appreciation $ 2,233,243 $ 311,175 $ 159,906 $ 291,154 $1,044,339
Gross unrealized
depreciation (64,621) (34) (6,813) (17,176) --
----------- --------- --------- --------- ----------
Net unrealized
appreciation $ 2,168,622 $ 311,141 $ 153,093 $ 273,978 $1,044,339
At December 31, 1997, the following Funds had accumulated net realized
capital loss carryovers as shown:
Capital
Loss Expiration
Carryover Year
----------- ------------
Corporate Bond Series ......................... $13,189,431 2002 to 2005
U.S. Government Series ........................ 960,570 2002
Limited Maturity
Bond Series ................................. 62,591 2003 to 2004
Tax-Exempt Fund ............................... 1,246,957 2002
For federal income tax purposes, High Yield Series designated $56,465 as capital
gains dividends.
32
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
Security Income Fund, Security Tax-exempt Fund
and Security Cash Fund
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets, including the schedules of
investments, of SecurityTax-Exempt Fund, Security Cash Fund and the following
series of Security Income Fund (Corporate Bond, U.S. Government, Limited
Maturity Bond and High Yield Series) (the Funds) as of December 31, 1997, and
the related statements of operations and changes in net assets and the financial
highlights for the periods indicated therein. These financial statements and the
financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and
financial highlights based on our audits.
We have conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and the financial
highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements and financial highlights. Our procedures included confirmation of
investments owned as of December 31, 1997, by correspondence with the custodian.
As to securities relating to uncompleted transactions, we performed other audit
procedures. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred
to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
each of the Funds indicated above at December 31, 1997, and the results of their
operations, changes in their net assets and the financial highlights for the
periods indicated therein in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Kansas City, Missouri
February 6, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTICE:
IN THE FUTURE, YOU WILL RECEIVE ONLY ONE COPY PER ADDRESS OF THE PROSPECTUS,
SEMI-ANNUAL AND ANNUAL REPORTS. IF YOU WISH TO CONTINUE RECEIVING ONE FOR EACH
PRIMARY OWNER OF RECORD, WE ASK THAT YOU PLEASE SEND YOUR REQUEST IN WRITING TO
SECURITY BENEFIT, ATTN: PAT RIPPBERGER, 700 SW HARRISON ST., TOPEKA, KS
6636-0001
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
THE SECURITY GROUP OF MUTUAL FUNDS
Security Growth and Income Fund
Security Equity Fund
o Equity Series
o Global Series
o Asset Allocation Series
o Social Awareness Series
o Value Series
o Small Company Series
Security Ultra Fund
Security Income Fund
o Corporate Bond Series
o U.S. Government Series
o Limited Maturity Bond Series
o High Yield Series
Security Tax-Exempt Fund
Security Cash Fund
This report is submitted for the general information of the shareholders of the
Funds. The report is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors in
the Funds unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus which
contains details concerning the sales charges and other pertinent information.
SECURITY FUNDS OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
DIRECTORS
Donald A. Chubb, Jr.
John D. Cleland
Donald L. Hardesty
Bruce Jensen (Income Fund only)
Penny A. Lumpkin
Mark L. Morris, Jr., D.V.M.
Maria Fiorini Ramirez (Income Fund only)
Hugh L. Thompson, Ph.D.
OFFICERS
John D. Cleland, President
James R. Schmank, Vice President and Treasurer
Mark E. Young, Vice President
Steven M. Bowser, Vice President
Jane A. Tedder, Vice President
Barbara J. Davison, Assistant Vice President
Thomas A. Swank, Vice President
Amy J. Lee, Secretary
Christopher D. Swickard, Assistant Secretary
Brenda M. Harwood, Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Secretary
[SECURITY DISTRIBUTORS, INC. LOGO]
SECURITY DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
700 SW Harrison St.
Topeka, KS 66636-0001
(785) 431-3127
(800) 888-2461
<PAGE>
SECURITY MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 24. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
a. Financial Statements
Included in Part A of this Registration Statement:
Per Share Income and Capital Changes
Included in Part B of this Registration Statement:
The audited financial statements contained in the most
recent Annual Report to Stockholders of Security
Tax-Exempt Fund for the year ended December 31, 1997
are incorporated by reference in Part B of this
Registration Statement.
b. Exhibits:
(1) Articles of Incorporation.
(2) Corporate Bylaws.
(3) Not applicable.
(4) Specimen copy of share certificate for Registrant's
shares of capital stock.
(5) (a) Investment Advisory Contract.
(b) Sub-Advisory Agreement.(c)
(6) (a) Distribution Agreement.
(b) Class B Distribution Agreement(c)
(7) Form of Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan.(b)
(8) Custodian Agreement.(b)
(9) Administrative Services and Transfer Agency
Agreement.(b)
(10) Opinion of counsel as to the legality of
securities offered.
(11) Consent of Independent Auditors.
(12) Not applicable.
(13) Not applicable.
(14) Not applicable.
(15) (a) Class A Distribution Plan.
(b) Class B Distribution Plan.(b)
(16) Schedule of Computation of Performance.
(17) Financial Data Schedules.
(18) Multiple Class Plan.(a)
(a) Incorporated herein by reference to the Exhibits filed with the
Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 to Registration Statement
No. 2-73223 (April 29, 1996).
(b) Incorporated herein by reference to the Exhibits filed with the
Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to Registration Statement
No. 2-73223 (April 30, 1997).
(c) Incorporated herein by reference to the Exhibits filed with the
Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to Registration Statement
No. 2-73223 (April 30, 1998).
<PAGE>
ITEM 25. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT.
- -------- --------------------------------------------------------------
Not applicable.
ITEM 26. NUMBER OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES AS OF JANUARY 31, 1998
- -------- ------------------------------------------------------
(1) (2)
Number of Record
TITLE OF CLASS SHAREHOLDERS
-------------- ------------
Shares of Common Stock, Class A 798
Shares of Common Stock, Class B 54
ITEM 27. INDEMNIFICATION.
- -------- ----------------
A policy of insurance covering Security Management Company, LLC,
its affiliates, including Security Distributors, Inc., and all of
the registered investment companies advised by Security Management
Company, LLC insures the Registrant's directors and officers and
others against liability arising by reason of an alleged breach of
duty caused by any negligent act, error or accidental omission in
the scope of their duties.
Paragraph 30 of Registrant's Bylaws, dated February 3, 1995,
provides as follows:
30. INDEMNIFICATION AND LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
Each person who is or was a Director or officer of the
Corporation or is or was serving at the request of the
Corporation as a Director or officer of another corporation
(including the heirs, executors, administrators and estate of
such person) shall be indemnified by the Corporation as of
right to the full extent permitted or authorized by the laws
of the State of Kansas, as now in effect and as hereafter
amended, against any liability, judgment, fine, amount paid
in settlement, cost and expense (including attorneys' fees)
asserted or threatened against and incurred by such person in
his/her capacity as or arising out of his/her status as a
Director or officer of the Corporation or, if serving at the
request of the Corporation, as a Director or officer of
another corporation. The indemnification provided by this
bylaw provision shall not be exclusive of any other rights to
which those indemnified may be entitled under the Articles of
Incorporation, under any other bylaw or under any agreement,
vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise,
and shall not limit in any way any right which the
Corporation may have to make different or further
indemnification with respect to the same or different persons
or classes of persons.
No person shall be liable to the Corporation for any loss,
damage, liability or expense suffered by it on account of any
action taken or omitted to be taken by him/her as a director
or officer of the Corporation or of any other corporation
which he serves as a Director or officer at the request of
the Corporation, if such person (a) exercised the same degree
of care and skill as a prudent man would have exercised under
the circumstances in the conduct of his/her own affairs, or
(b) took or omitted to take such action in reliance upon
advice of counsel for the Corporation, or for such other
corporation, or upon statement made or information furnished
by Directors, officers, employees or agents of the
Corporation, or of such other corporation, which he/she had
no reasonable grounds to disbelieve.
In the event any provision of this Section 30 shall be in
violation of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or of
the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, such provisions
shall be void to the extent of such violations.
On April 22, 1988, the shareholders approved the Board of
Directors' recommendation that the Articles of Incorporation be
amended by adopting the following Article Fifteenth:
"A director shall not be personally liable to the corporation
or to its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of
fiduciary duty as a director, provided that this sentence
shall not eliminate nor limit the liability of a director:
A. for any breach of his or her duty of loyalty to the
corporation or to its stockholders;
B. for acts or omissions not in good faith or which
involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation
of law;
C. for any unlawful dividend, stock purchase or
redemption under the provisions of Kansas
Statutes Annotated (K.S.A.) 17-6424 and amendments
thereto; or
D. for any transaction from which the director derived
an improper personal benefit."
Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and
controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing
provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in
the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment
by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director,
officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful
defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the
securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the
opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the
question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
ITEM 28. BUSINESS OR OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISER
Security Management Company, LLC also acts as investment adviser
to Security Equity Fund, Security Growth and Income Fund, Security
Ultra Fund, Security Cash Fund, SBL Fund, and Corporate Bond,
Limited Maturity Bond, U.S. Government and High Yield Series of
Security Income Fund and also acts as sub-investment adviser to
Global Asset Allocation Series of Security Income Fund.
Business* and Other Connections of the Executive
Name Officers and Directors of Registrant's Adviser
- ------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------
James R. Schmank President and Managing Member Representative
Security Management Company, LLC
Senior Vice President
Security Benefit Life Insurance Company,
Security Benefit Group, Inc.
Vice President and Director
Security Distributors, Inc., Security Growth
and Income Fund, Security Cash Fund, Security
Municipal Bond Fund, Security Ultra Fund,
Security Equity Fund, SBL Fund
Vice President
Security Income Fund
Director
MFR Advisors, Inc.
One Liberty Plaza, 46th Floor
New York, New York 10006
The Parkstone Advantage Fund
3435 Stelzer Road
Columbus, Ohio 43219
Stormont-Vail Foundation
1500 SW 10th
Topeka, Kansas 66604
President and Director
Auburn-Washburn Public Schools
Foundation
5928 SW 53rd
Topeka, Kansas 66610
Trustee
Eugene P. Mitchell Charitable Remainder
Unit Trust (Family Trust)
Business* and Other Connections of the Executive
Name Officers and Directors of Registrant's Adviser
- ------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------
John D. Cleland Senior Vice President and Managing Member
Representative Security Management Company, LLC
President and Director
Security Cash Fund, Security Income Fund,
Security Municipal Bond Fund, SBL Fund,
Security Growth and Income Fund, Security
Equity Fund, Security Ultra Fund
Senior Vice President
Security Benefit Life Insurance Company,
Security Benefit Group, Inc.
Vice President and Director
Security Distributors, Inc.
Trustee and Treasurer
Mount Hope Cemetery Corporation
4700 SW 17th
Topeka, Kansas
Trustee and Investment Committee Chairman
Topeka Community Foundation
5100 SW 10th
Topeka, Kansas
Donald E. Caum Director (until November 1996)
Security Management Company
Senior Vice President
Security Benefit Life Insurance Company,
Security Benefit Group, Inc.
Director
Security Distributors, Inc.
YMCA Metro, Topeka, Kansas
Executive Director
Jayhawk Area Council Boy Scouts of America,
Topeka, Kansas
Metropolitan Ballet, Topeka, Kansas
Business* and Other Connections of the Executive
Name Officers and Directors of Registrant's Adviser
- ------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------
Mark E. Young Vice President
Security Growth and Income Fund, Security Income
Fund, Security Cash Fund, Security Municipal
Bond Fund, Security Ultra Fund, Security Equity
Fund, SBL Fund, Security Management Company,
LLC, Security Benefit Life Insurance Company,
Security Benefit Group, Inc.
Assistant Vice President
First Security Benefit Life Insurance and
Annuity Company of New York
Vice President and Director
Security Distributors, Inc.
Trustee
Topeka Zoological Foundation, Topeka, Kansas
Terry A. Milberger Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager
Security Management Company, LLC
Senior Vice President
Security Benefit Life Insurance Company Security
Benefit Group, Inc.
Vice President
Security Equity Fund, SBL Fund
Michael A. Petersen Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager
Security Management Company, LLC
Vice President
Security Benefit Life Insurance Company,
Security Benefit Group, Inc., SBL Fund, Security
Growth and Income Fund
Jane A. Tedder Vice President and Senior Economist Security
Management Company, LLC
Vice President
Security Benefit Life Insurance Company,
Security Benefit Group, Inc., Security Income
Fund, SBL Fund, Security Equity Fund
Business* and Other Connections of the Executive
Name Officers and Directors of Registrant's Adviser
- ------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------
Amy J. Lee Vice President and Associate General Counsel
Security Benefit Life Insurance Company,
Security Benefit Group, Inc.
Secretary
Security Management Company, LLC, Security
Distributors, Inc., Security Cash Fund,
Security Equity Fund, Security Municipal Bond
Fund, Security Ultra Fund, SBL Fund, Security
Growth and Income Fund, Security Income Fund
Director
Midland Hospice Care, Inc.
200 SW Frazier Court
D Topeka, Kansas 66606
Brenda M. Harwood Assistant Vice President and Treasurer
Security Management Company, LLC
Treasurer
Security Equity Fund, Security Ultra Fund,
Security Growth and Income Fund, Security
Income Fund, Security Cash Fund, SBL Fund,
Security Municipal Bond Fund, Security
Distributors, Inc.
Assistant Vice President
Security Benefit Life Insurance Company,
Security Benefit Group, Inc.
Director
The Parkstone Advantage Fund
3435 Stelzer Road
Columbus, Ohio 43219
Steven M. Bowser Second Vice President and Portfolio Manager
Security Management Company, LLC
Second Vice President
Security Benefit Life Insurance Company,
Security Benefit Group, Inc.
Vice President
Security Income Fund, Security Equity Fund
Business* and Other Connections of the Executive
Name Officers and Directors of Registrant's Adviser
- ------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------
Thomas A. Swank Vice President and Portfolio Manager
Security Management Company, LLC
Vice President and Chief Investment Officer
Security Benefit Life Insurance Company,
Security Benefit Group, Inc.
Vice President
SBL Fund, Security Income Fund, Security Growth
and Income Fund
Cindy L. Shields Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager
Security Management Company, LLC
Assistant Vice President Security Benefit Life
Insurance Company, Security Benefit Group, Inc.
Vice President
Security Ultra Fund, SBL Fund, Security Equity
Fund
Larry L. Valencia Assistant Vice President and Senior Research
Analyst Security Management Company, LLC
James P. Schier Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager
Security Management Company, LLC
Assistant Vice President
Security Benefit Life Insurance Company,
Security Benefit Group, Inc.
Vice President
SBL Fund, Security Equity Fund, Security Growth
and Income Fund, Security Ultra Fund
David Eshnaur Assistant Vice President and Portfolio Manager
Security Management Company, LLC
Assistant Vice President
Security Benefit Life Insurance Company,
Security Benefit Group, Inc.
Vice President
SBL Fund, Security Income Fund, Security Growth
and Income Fund
Business* and Other Connections of the Executive
Name Officers and Directors of Registrant's Adviser
- ------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------
Martha L. Sutherland Second Vice President
Security Management Company, LLC
Vice President
Security Benefit Life Insurance Company
Security Benefit Group, Inc.
Christopher D. Swickard Assistant Secretary
Security Management Company, LLC, Security Cash
Fund, Security Equity Fund, Security Municipal
Bond Fund, Security Ultra Fund, SBL Fund,
Security Growth and Income Fund, Security
Income Fund
Assistant Vice President and Assistant Counsel
Security Benefit Life Insurance Company,
Security Benefit Group, Inc.
*Located at 700 Harrison, Topeka, Kansas 66636-0001
SALOMON BROTHERS ASSET MANAGEMENT INC.:
Salomon Brothers Asset Management Inc., sub-adviser to Security
Municipal Bond Fund, provides a broad range of investment advisory
services to various individuals and institutional clients located
throughout the world and serves as investment adviser to various
investment companies.
For information as to the business, profession, vocation or
employment of a substantial nature of each director, officer or
partner of Salomon Brothers Asset Management Inc., reference is
made to Schedules A and D of Form ADV filed by Salomon Brothers
Asset Management Inc. under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940
(SEC File No. 801-32046) which is incorporated by reference.
ITEM 29. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS
(a) Security Growth and Income Fund
Security Ultra Fund
Security Income Fund
Security Equity Fund
Variflex Variable Separate Account (Variflex)
Variflex Variable Separate Account (Variflex Educator
Series) Varilife Variable Separate Account Parkstone
Variable Annuity Security Varilife Separate Account Variable
Annuity Account VIII (Variflex LS) Variable Annuity Account
VIII (Variflex Signature)
(b)
(1) (2) (3)
Name and Principal Position and Offices Position and Offices
Business Address* with Underwriter with Registrant
- ----------------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------
Richard K Ryan President and Director None
John D. Cleland Vice President and Director President and Director
James R. Schmank Vice President and Director Vice President
Mark E. Young Vice President and Director Vice President
Donald E. Caum Director None
Amy J. Lee Secretary Secretary
Brenda M. Harwood Treasurer Treasurer
William G. Mancuso Regional Vice President None
Susan L. Tully Regional Vice President None
*700 Harrison, Topeka, Kansas 66636-0001
(c) Not applicable.
ITEM 30. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS.
Certain accounts, books and other documents required to be
maintained by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the rules
promulgated thereunder are maintained by Security Management
Company, LLC, 700 Harrison, Topeka, Kansas 66636-0001. Records
relating to the duties of the Registrant's custodian are
maintained by UMB Bank, n.a., 928 Grand Avenue, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106.
ITEM 31. MANAGEMENT SERVICES.
Not applicable.
ITEM 32. UNDERTAKINGS.
(a) Not applicable.
(b) Not applicable.
(c) Registrant hereby undertakes to furnish each person, to whom
a prospectus is delivered, a copy of the Registrant's latest
report to shareholders upon request and without charge.
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment
Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the
requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement pursuant to Rule
485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Topeka, and State of Kansas on the 23rd day of April,
1998.
SECURITY TAX-EXEMPT FUND
(The Registrant)
By: JOHN D. CLELAND
-------------------------------
John D. Cleland, President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration
Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and
on the date indicated:
Date: April 23, 1998
--------------------------------
DONALD A. CHUBB, JR. Director
Donald A. Chubb, Jr.
JOHN D. CLELAND President and Director
John D. Cleland
DONALD L. HARDESTY Director
Donald L. Hardesty
PENNY A. LUMPKIN Director
Penny A. Lumpkin
MARK L. MORRIS, JR. Director
Mark L. Morris, Jr.
JAMES R. SCHMANK Director
James R. Schmank
HUGH L. THOMPSON Director
Hugh L. Thompson
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
(1) Articles of Incorporation
(2) Corporate Bylaws
(3) None
(4) Specimen Stock Certificate
(5) (a) Investment Advisory Contract
(b) None
(6) (a) Distribution Agreement
(b) None
(7) None
(8) None
(9) None
(10) Opinion of Counsel
(11) Consent of Independent Auditors
(12) None
(13) None
(14) None
(15) (a) Class A Distribution Plan
(b) None
(16) Schedule of Computation of Performance
(17) Financial Data Schedules
(18) None
EXHIBIT 99.B1
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
OF
SECURITY TAX-EXEMPT FUND
FIRST. The name of the corporation is: Security Tax-Exempt Fund.
SECOND. The address of its registered office in the State of Kansas is
Security Benefit Group building, 700 Harrison Street, in the City of Topeka,
County of Shawnee. The name of its registered agent at such address is Security
Management Company, Inc.
THIRD. The nature of the business or purposes to be conducted or
promoted by the corporation is:
(a) To engage in the business of an investment company and mutual fund
and to hold, invest and reinvest its funds, and in connection therewith to hold
part or all of its funds in cash, and to purchase or otherwise acquire, hold for
investment or otherwise, trade, purchase on margin, sell, sell short, assign,
pledge, hypothecate, negotiate, transfer, exchange or otherwise dispose of or
turn to account or realize upon, securities (which term "securities" shall for
the purposes of this Article, without limitation of the generality thereof, be
deemed to include any stocks, bonds, shares, debentures, notes, mortgages or
other obligations, and any certificates, receipts, warrants or other instruments
representing rights to receive, purchase or subscribe for the same, or
evidencing or representing any other rights or interests therein, or in any
property or assets) created for issued by any persons, firms associations,
corporations, syndicates, combinations, organizations, governments or
subdivisions thereof; and to exercise, as owner or holder of any securities, all
rights, powers and privileges in respect thereof; and to do any and all acts and
things for the preservation, protection, improvement and enhancement in value of
any and all such securities; and
(b) To engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be
organized under the Kansas General Corporation Code.
In addition to the powers and privileges conferred upon the corporation
by law and those incidental thereto, the corporation shall possess and may
exercise all the powers and privileges which are necessary or convenient to the
conduct, promotion or attainment of the business or purposes of the corporation.
FOURTH. The total number of shares of stock which the corporation shall
have authority to issue is One Hundred Million (100,000,000) shares of common
stock, of the par value of Ten Cents ($.10) per share.
No holder of any shares of stock of the corporation of any class shall be
entitled as such, as a matter of right, to subscribe for or purchase any share
of stock of the corporation of any class whether now or hereafter authorized or
whether issued for cash, property or services or as a dividend or otherwise, or
to subscribe for or purchase any obligations, bonds, notes, debentures, other
securities or stock convertible into shares of stock of the corporation of any
class or carrying or evidencing any right to purchase shares of stock of any
class.
The corporation, pursuant to a resolution by the board of directors and
without the vote or consent of stockholders of the corporation, shall have the
right to redeem at net asset value all share of capital stock of the corporation
in any stockholder account in which there are fewer than 50 shares. Such
resolution shall set forth that redemption of shares in such accounts has been
determined to be in the economic best interests of the corporation or necessary
to reduce disproportionately burdensome expenses in servicing stockholder
accounts. Such resolution shall provide that prior notice of at least six months
shall be given to a stockholder before such redemption of shares, and that the
stockholder before such redemption of shares, and that the stockholder will have
thirty (30 ) days (or such longer period as specified in the resolution) from
the date of the notice to avoid such redemption by increasing his account to at
least 50 shares, or such fewer shares as is specified in the resolution.
FIFTH. The name and mailing address of the incorporator are as follows:
NAME ADDRESS
- ---- -------
Larry D. Armel 700 Harrison Street
Topeka, Kansas 66636
The number of directors of the corporation shall be fixed by, or in the
manner provided in, the bylaws. The names and mailing addresses of the persons
who are to serve as the initial directors of the corporation until the first
annual meeting of stockholders or until their successors are elected and
qualified are as follows:
NAME ADDRESS
- ---- -------
Everett S. Gille 700 Harrison Street
Topeka, Kansas 66636
Robert E. Jacoby 700 Harrison Street
Topeka, Kansas 66636
Mark L. Morris, Jr. 5500 S.W. 7th Street
Topeka, Kansas 66606
Harold G. Worswick 635 Kansas Avenue
Topeka, Kansas 66603
John O. Tollefson Kansas University School of Business
Lawrence, Kansas 66044
SIXTH. The corporation is to have perpetual existence.
SEVENTH. The private property of the stockholders shall not be subject to
the payment of corporate debts to any extent whatsoever.
EIGHTH. Elections of directors need not be by ballot unless the bylaws of
the corporation so provide.
NINTH. The original bylaws of the corporation shall be adopted in any
manner provided by law. Thereafter, the bylaws of the corporation may from time
to time be altered, amended or repealed, or new bylaws may be adopted, in any of
the following ways: (i) by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares
of stock of the corporation entitled to vote, or (ii) by a majority of the full
board of directors, and any change so made by the stockholders may thereafter be
further changed by a majority of the directors; provided, however, that the
power of the board of directors to alter, amend or repeal bylaws, or to adopt
new bylaws, may be denied as to any bylaws or portion thereof by the
stockholders if at the time of enactment the stockholders shall so expressly
provide.
TENTH. The corporation may agree to the terms and conditions upon which
any director, officer, employee or agent accepts his office or position and in
its bylaws, by contract or in any other manner may agree to indemnify and
protect any director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or any
person who serves at the request of the corporation as a director, officer,
employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture trust or
other enterprise, to the extent permitted by the laws of the State of Kansas.
ELEVENTH. Whenever a compromise or arrangement is proposed between this
corporation and its creditors or any class of them or between this corporation
and its stockholders or any class of the, any court of competent jurisdiction
within the State of Kansas, on the application in a summary way of this
corporation or of any creditor or stockholder thereof or on the application of
any receive or receivers appointed for this corporation under the provisions of
K.S.A. 17-6901 or on the application of trustees in dissolution or of any
receiver or receivers appointed for this corporation under the provisions of
K.S.A. 17-6808, may order a meeting of the creditors or class of creditors, or
of the stockholders or class of stockholders of this corporation, as the case
may be, to be summoned in such representing three-fourths in value of the
creditors or class of creditors, or of the stockholders or class of stockholders
of this corporation, as the case may be, agree to any compromise or arrangement
and to any reorganization of this corporation as a consequence of such
compromise or arrangement, the said compromise or arrangement and the said
reorganization, if sanctioned by the court to which the said application has
been made, shall be binding on all the creditors or class of creditors, or on
all the stockholders or class of stockholders, of this corporation, as the case
may be, and also on this corporation.
TWELFTH. Except as may be otherwise provided by statute, the corporation
shall be entitled to treat the registered holder of any share of the corporation
as the owner of such shares and of all rights derived from such shares for all
purposes, and the corporation shall not be obligated to recognize any equitable
or other claim to or interest in such shares or rights on the part of any other
person including, but without limiting the generality of the term "person," a
purchaser, pledgee, assignee or transferee of such shares or rights, unless and
until such person becomes the registered holder of such shares. The foregoing
shall apply whether or not the corporation shall have either actual or
constructive notice of the interest of such person.
THIRTEENTH. Meetings of stockholders may be held within or without the
State of Kansas, as the bylaws may provide. The books of the corporation may be
kept (subject to any provision contained in the statutes of Kansas) outside the
State of Kansas at such place or places as may be designated from time to time
by the board of directors or in the bylaws of the corporation.
FOURTEENTH. The corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or
repeal any provision contained in these Articles of Incorporation in the manner
now or hereafter prescribed by statute, and all rights conferred upon
stockholders herein are granted subject to this reservation.
The undersigned, for the purpose of forming a corporation under the
General Corporation Code of the State of Kansas, does hereby execute these
Articles, and does hereby declare and certify that this in his act and deed and
the facts herein stated are true, and accordingly has executed these Articles
this 14th day of July, 1981.
LARRY D. ARMEL
---------------------------------------------
Larry D. Armel
STATE OF KANSAS )
) ss.
COUNTY OF SHAWNEE )
BE IT REMEMBERED, that on this 14th day of July, 1981, before me, the
undersigned, a Notary Public in and for said county and state, personally
appeared Larry P. Armel, who duly acknowledged before me that he executed the
foregoing instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my
official seal the day and year last above written.
LOIS J. HEDRICK
---------------------------------------------
Notary Public in and for said County and State
(NOTARIAL SEAL)
My commission expires: JANUARY 8, 1984.
<PAGE>
FOR PROFIT
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
OF
SECURITY TAX-EXEMPT FUND
We, Everett S. Gille, President, and Larry D. Armel, Secretary, of
Tax-Exempt Fund, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the
State of Kansas, and whose registered office is at Security Benefit Group
Building, 700 Harrison Street, in the City of Topeka, County of Shawnee, 66636,
Kansas, do hereby certify that at the regular meeting of the board of directors
of said corporation held on the 29th day of March 1983, said board adopted a
resolution setting forth the following amendment to the articles of
incorporation and declaring its advisability:
RESOLVED, that the articles of incorporation of the Fund be amended by
deleting Article FIRST in its entirety, and by inserting, in lieu
thereof, the following new Article FIRST:
"FIRST: The name of the corporation is SECURITY TAX-EXEMPT FUND."
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the articles of incorporation of Security
Tax-Exempt fund, as heretofore amended, be further amended by deleting
Article FOURTH in its entirety and by inserting, in lieu thereof, the
following new Article FOURTH:
"Fourth: The total number of shares of stock which the corporation
shall have authority to issue shall be One Hundred Million
(100,000,000) shares of common stock, each of the par value of Ten
Cents ($.10) per share. The board of directors of the corporation
is expressly authorized to cause shares of common stock of the
corporation authorized herein to be issued in one or more series
and to increase or decrease the number of shares so authorized to
be issued in any such series.
The following provisions are hereby adopted for the purpose of
setting forth the powers, rights, qualifications, limitations or
restrictions of the capital stock of the corporation:
(1) At all meetings of stockholders each stockholder of the
corporation of any class or series shall be entitled to one
vote in person or by proxy on each matter submitted to a
vote at such meeting for each share of capital stock of any
class or series standing in his name on the books of the
corporation on the date, fixed in accordance with the
bylaws, for determination of stockholders entitled to vote
at such meeting. At all elections of directors each
stockholder of any class or series shall be entitled to as
many votes as shall equal the number of shares of stock of
any class or series multiplied by the number of directors to
be elected, and he may cast all of such votes for a single
director or may distribute them among the number to be voted
for, or any two or more of them as he may see fit.
(2) All shares of stock of the corporation of any class or
series shall be nonassessable.
(3) No holder of any shares of stock of the corporation of
any class or series shall be entitled as such, as a matter
of right, to subscribe for or purchase any shares of stock
of the corporation of any class or series, whether now or
hereafter authorized or whether issued for cash, property or
services or as a dividend or otherwise, or to subscribe for
or purchase any obligations, bonds, notes, debentures, other
securities or stock convertible into shares of stock of the
corporation of any class or series or carrying or evidencing
any right to purchase shares of stock of any class or
series.
(4) All persons who shall acquire stock in the corporation
shall acquire the same subject to the provisions of these
articles of incorporation.
The corporation, pursuant to a resolution by the board of
directors and without the vote or consent of stockholders of the
corporation, shall have the right to redeem at net asset value all
shares of capital stock of the corporation in any stockholder
account in which there are fewer than 50 shares. Such resolution
shall set forth that redemption of shares in such accounts has
been determined to be in the economic best interests of the
corporation or necessary to reduce disproportionately burdensome
expenses in servicing stockholder accounts. Such resolution shall
provide that prior notice of at least six months shall be given to
a stockholder before such redemption of shares, and that the
stockholder will have thirty (30) days (or such longer period as
specified in the resolution) from the date of the notice to avoid
such redemption by increasing his account to at least 50 shares,
or such fewer shares as is specified in the resolution."
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the board of directors of this corporation hereby
declares the advisability of the foregoing amendments to the articles of
incorporation of this corporation and hereby recommends that the
stockholders of this corporation adopt said amendments.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that at the annual meeting of stockholders of this
corporation, to be held at the offices of the corporation in Topeka,
Kansas, on April 22, 1983, beginning at 2:00 P.M., the matter of the
aforesaid proposed amendments to the articles of incorporation of this
corporation shall be submitted to the stockholders entitled to vote
thereon.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that in the event the stockholder of this corporation
shall approve and adopt the proposed amendments to the articles of
incorporation of this corporation as heretofore adopted and recommended
by this board of directors, the appropriate officers of this corporation
be, and they hereby are, authorized and directed, for and in behalf of
this corporation, to make, execute, verify, acknowledge and file or
record in any and all appropriate governmental offices any and all
certificates and other instruments, and to take any and all other action
as may be necessary to effectuate the proposed amendments to the articles
of incorporation of this corporation.
We further certify that thereafter, pursuant to said resolution, and in
accordance with the Bylaws of the corporation and the laws of the State of
Kansas, the board of directors called a meeting of stockholders for
consideration of the proposed amendment, and thereafter, pursuant to notice and
in accordance with the statutes of the state of Kansas, on the 22nd day of April
1983, said stockholders convened and considered the proposed amendment.
We further certify that at said meeting a majority of the stockholders
entitled to vote voted in favor of the proposed amendment, and that the votes
were--100,000--(Common Stock) shares in favor of the proposed amendments and -0-
(Common Stock) shares against the amendments.
We further certify that the amendments were duly adopted in accordance
with the provisions of K.S.A. 17-6602, as amended.
We further certify that the capital of said corporation will not be
reduced under or by reason of said amendment.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF we have hereunto set our hands and affixed the seal of
said corporation this 29th day of June 1983.
EVERETT S. GILLE, PRESIDENT
---------------------------------------------
Everett S. Gille, President
LARRY D. ARMEL, SECRETARY
---------------------------------------------
Larry D. Armel, Secretary
State of Kansas )
) ss.
County of Shawnee )
Be it remembered that before me, a Notary Public in and for the aforesaid
county and state, personally appeared: Everett S. Gille, President, and Larry D.
Armel, Secretary of Tax-Exempt Fund, a corporation, who are known to me to be
the same persons who executed the foregoing Certificate of Amendment to Articles
of Incorporation, and duly acknowledged the execution of the same this 29th day
of June 1983.
[SEAL]
LOIS J. HEDRICK
---------------------------------------------
Notary Public
My appointment or commission expire January 8, 1984.
THIS FORM MUST BE SUBMITTED THIS OFFICE IN DUPLICATE.
THE FILING FEE OF $20 MUST ACCOMPANY THIS DOCUMENT.
MAIL THIS DOCUMENT, WITH FEE, TO:
Secretary of State
Capitol, 2nd Floor
Topeka, KS 66612
<PAGE>
CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
OF
Security Tax-Exempt Fund (formerly known as Security Income Fund)
We, Everett S. Gille, President, and Tad Patton, Secretary, of Security Tax
Exempt Fund, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of
Kansas, and whose registered office is at 700 Harrison, in the city of Topeka,
county of Shawnee, 66636, Kansas, do hereby certify that at the organizational
meeting of the Board of Directors of said corporation held on the fourteenth day
of July, 1981, said board adopted a resolution setting forth the following
section of the Articles of Incorporation.
ELEVENTH. Whenever a compromise or arrangement is proposed between
this corporation and its creditors or any class of them or between this
corporation and its stockholders or any class of them, any court of
competent jurisdiction within the State of Kansas, on the application in
a summary way of this corporation or of any creditor or stockholder
thereof or on the application of any receiver or receivers appointed for
this corporation under the provisions of K.S.A. 17-6901 or on the
application of trustees in dissolution or of any receiver or receivers
appointed for this corporation under the provisions of K.S.A. 17-6808,
may order a meeting of the creditors or class of creditors, or of
stockholders or class of stockholders of this corporation, as the case
may be, to be summoned in such MANNER AS THE SAID COURT DIRECTS. IF A
MAJORITY IN NUMBER representing three-fourths in value of the creditors
or class of creditors, or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of
this corporation, as the case may be, agree to any compromise or
arrangement and to any reorganization of this corporation as a
consequence of such compromise or arrangement, the said compromise or
arrangement and the said reorganization, if sanctioned by the court to
which the said application has been made, shall be binding on all the
creditors or class of creditors, or on all the stockholders or class of
stockholders, of this corporation, as the case may be, and also on this
corporation.
Subsequent to the adoption of the Articles of Incorporation by the Board of
Directors of said corporation, the appropriate filings under Kansas law were
made to the Secretary of State and the Register of Deeds of Shawnee County, on
July 14, 1981.
It has now come to the attention of said corporation that the Eleventh section
of the Articles of Incorporation, set forth above, omitted the underlined
section. This error appears to have been merely a typographical error. The
entire line from the resolution adopted by the Board of Directors was
inadvertently not transferred to the cumulative form filed with the Secretary of
State. As corrected this section now conforms to the resolution adopted by the
Board of Directors at its organizational meeting.
We request that the above referenced correction be made to said corporation's
Articles of Incorporation, pursuant to K.S.A. 17-6003 (f).
EVERETT S. GILLE
----------------------------------------
Everett S. Gille - President
TAD PATTON
----------------------------------------
Tad Patton - Secretary
State of Kansas )
) ss.
County of Shawnee )
Be it remembered that before me, a Notary Public in and for the aforesaid
county and state, personally appeared: Everett S. Gille, President, Tad Patton,
Secretary, of Security Tax-Exempt Fund, a corporation, who are known to me to be
the same persons who executed the foregoing Certificate of Amendment to Articles
of Incorporation, and duly acknowledged the execution of the same this 14th day
of December, 1984.
VICKIE JACQUES
----------------------------------------
Notary Public
My appointment or commission expire June 3, 1986.
<PAGE>
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT TO THE
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF
SECURITY TAX-EXEMPT FUND
We Michael J. Provines, President, and Amy J. Lee, Secretary, of the
above named corporation, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of
the State of Kansas, do hereby certify that at a meeting of the Board of
Directors of said corporation, the board adopted a resolution setting forth the
following amendment to the Articles of Incorporation and declaring its
advisability.
"A director shall not be personally liable to the corporation or to its
stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director,
provided that this sentence shall not eliminate nor limit the liability of a
director:
A. for any breach of his or her duty of loyalty to the corporation or
to its stockholder;
B. for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve
intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;
C. for an unlawful dividend, stock purchase or redemption under the
provisions of Kansas Statutes Annotated (K.S.A.) 17-6424 and
amendments thereto; or
D. for any transaction from which the director derived an improper
personal benefit."
We further certify that thereafter, pursuant to said resolution, and in
accordance with the by-laws of the corporation and the laws of the State of
Kansas, the Board of Directors called a meeting of stockholders for
consideration of the proposed amendment and thereafter, pursuant to notice and
in accordance with the statutes of the State of Kansas, the stockholders
convened and considered the proposed amendment.
We further certify that at the meeting a majority of the stockholders
entitled to vote voted in favor of the proposed amendment.
We further certify that the amendment was duly adopted in accordance with
the provisions of K.S.A. 17-6602, as amended.
We further certify that the capital of said corporation will not be
reduced under or by reason of said amendment.
In witness Whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and affixed the seal
of said corporation this 26th day of April, 1988.
MICHAEL J. PROVINES
----------------------------------------
Michael J. Provines, President
AMY J. LEE
----------------------------------------
Amy J. Lee, Secretary
State of Kansas )
) ss.
County of Shawnee )
Be it remembered that before me, a Notary Public in and for the aforesaid
county and state, personally appeared Michael J. Provines, President and Amy J.
Lee, Secretary of the corporation named in this document who are known to me to
be the same persons who executed the foregoing certificate, and duly
acknowledged the execution of the same this 26th day of April 1988.
CONNIE BRUNGARDT
- ----------------------------------------------------------
Notary Public
My appointment or commission expires
11-30-1991.
PLEASE SUBMIT THIS DOCUMENT IN DUPLICATE,
WITH $20 FILING FEE:
Secretary of State
2nd Floor, State Capitol
Topeka, KS 66612-1594
(913) 296-2236
<PAGE>
FOR PROFIT
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT TO THE
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF
SECURITY TAX-EXEMPT FUND
We, Michael J. Provines, President and Amy J. Lee, Secretary, of the
above named corporation, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of
the State of Kansas, do hereby certify that at a meeting of the Board of
Directors of said corporation, the board adopted a resolution setting forth the
following amendment to the Articles of Incorporation and declaring its
advisability:
See attached amendment
We further certify that thereafter, pursuant to said resolution, and in
accordance with the by-laws of the corporation and the laws of the State of
Kansas, the Board of Directors called a meeting of stockholders for
consideration of the proposed amendment, and thereafter, pursuant to notice and
in accordance with the statutes of the State of Kansas, the stockholders
convened and considered the proposed amendment.
We further certify that at the meeting a majority of the stockholders
entitled to vote voted in favor of the proposed amendment.
We further certify that the amendment was duly adopted in accordance with
the provision of K.S.A. 17-6602, as amended.
In Witness Whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and affixed the seal
of said corporation this 27th day of July, 1993.
MICHAEL J. PROVINES
----------------------------------------
Michael J. Provines, President
AMY J. LEE
----------------------------------------
Amy J. See, Secretary
State of Kansas )
) ss.
County of Shawnee )
Be it remembered that before me, a Notary Public in and for the aforesaid
county and state, personally appeared Michael J. Provines, President and Amy J.
Lee, Secretary of the corporation named in this document who are known to me to
be the same persons who executed the foregoing certificate, and duly
acknowledged the execution of the same this 27th day of July 1993.
PEGGY S. AVEY
----------------------------------------
Peggy S. Avey
Notary Public
My appointment or commission expires 11-21-1996.
PLEASE SUBMIT THIS DOCUMENT IN DUPLICATE,
WITH $20 FILING FEE:
Secretary of State
2nd Floor, State Capitol
Topeka, KS 66612-1594
296-4564
<PAGE>
SECURITY TAX-EXEMPT FUND
The Board of Directors of Security Tax-Exempt Fund recommends that the Articles
of Incorporation be amended by deleting Article Fourth in its entirety and by
inserting, in lieu thereof, the following new Article:
FOURTH: The total number of shares of stock which the corporation shall have
authority to issue shall be One Hundred Million (100,000,000) shares of common
stock, each of the par value of Ten Cents ($.10) per share. The board of
directors of the corporation is expressly authorized to cause shares of common
stock of the corporation authorized herein to be issued in one or more classes
or series as may be established from time to time by setting or changing in one
or more respects the voting powers, rights, qualifications, limitations or
restrictions of such shares of stock and to increase or decrease the number of
shares so authorized to be issued in any such class or series.
The following provisions are hereby adopted for the purpose of setting forth the
powers, rights, qualifications, limitations or restrictions of the capital stock
of the corporation (unless provided otherwise by the board of directors with
respect to any such additional class or series at the time of establishing and
designating such additional class or series):
(1) At all meetings of stockholders each stockholder of the corporation of
any class or series shall be entitled to one vote in person or by proxy
on each matter submitted to a vote at such meeting for each share of
capital stock of any class or series standing in the stockholder's name
on the books of the corporation on the date, fixed in accordance with the
bylaws for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at such
meeting. At all elections of directors each stockholder of any class or
series shall be entitled to as many votes as shall equal the number of
shares of stock of any class or series multiplied by the number of
directors to be elected, and stockholders may cast all of such votes for
a single director or may distribute them among the number to be voted
for, or any two or more of them as they may see fit.
(2) All shares of stock of the corporation of any class or series shall be
nonassessable.
(3) No holder of any shares of stock of the corporation of any class or
series shall be entitled as such, as a matter of right, to subscribe for
or purchase any shares of stock of the corporation of any class or
series, whether now or hereafter authorized or whether issued for cash,
property or services or as a dividend or otherwise, or to subscribe for
or purchase any obligations, bonds, notes, debentures, other securities
or stock convertible into shares of stock of the corporation of any class
or series or carrying or evidencing any right to purchase shares of stock
of any class or series.
(4) All persons who shall acquire stock in the corporation shall acquire the
same subject to the provisions of these articles of incorporation.
<PAGE>
CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION
OF SERIES OF COMMON STOCK
OF
SECURITY TAX-EXEMPT FUND
State of Kansas )
) ss.
County of Shawnee )
We, Michael J. Provines, President, and Amy J. Lee, Secretary, of Security
Tax-Exempt Fund, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the
State of Kansas, and whose registered office is Security Benefit Life Building,
700 Harrison Street, Topeka, Shawnee, Kansas, do hereby certify that pursuant to
authority expressly vested in the Board of Directors by the provisions of the
corporation's Articles of Incorporation, the Board of Directors of said
corporation at a meeting duly convened and held on the 23rd day of July 1993,
adopted resolutions setting forth the preferences rights, privileges and
restrictions of the corporation's common stock, which resolutions are provided
in their entirety as follows:
RESOLVED, that pursuant to the authority vested in the Board of Directors of
Security Tax-Exempt Fund by its Articles of Incorporation, the officers of the
Fund are hereby directed and authorized to establish two separate series of
common stock of the corporation, effective October 19, 1993.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the series shall be referred to as Series A and Series B
shares of common stock. The officers of the corporation are hereby directed and
authorized to establish such series of common stock allocating 50,000,000 $0.10
par value shares of the corporation's authorized capital stock to Series A and
allocating the remaining 50,000,000 $0.10 par value shares to Series B.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that Series A shares shall include that stock currently being
issued by the corporation.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the preferences, rights, privileges and restrictions of
the shares of the series of Security Tax-Exempt Fund shall be as follows:
1. Except as set forth below and as may be hereafter established by the
Board of Directors of the corporation all shares of the common stock of
the corporation, regardless of series, shall be equal.
2. At all meetings of stockholders each stockholder of the corporation shall
be entitled to one vote in person or by proxy on each matter submitted to
a vote at such meeting for each share of common stock standing in his or
her name on the books of the corporation on the date, fixed in accordance
with the bylaws, for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at
such meeting. At all elections of directors each stockholder shall be
entitled to as many votes as shall equal the number of shares of stock
multiplied by the number of directors to be elected, and he or she may
cast all of such votes for single director or may distribute them among
the number to be voted for, or any two or more of them as he or she may
see fit. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) if any matter is submitted to
the stockholders which does not affect the interests of all series, then
only stockholders of the affected series shall be entitled to vote and
(ii) in the event the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder shall require a greater or
different vote than would otherwise be required herein or by the Articles
of Incorporation of the corporation, such greater or different voting
requirement shall also be satisfied.
3. (a) The corporation shall redeem any of its shares for which it
has received payment in full that may be presented to the
corporation on any date after the issue date of any such shares at
the net asset value thereof, such redemption and the valuation and
payment in connection therewith to be made in compliance with the
provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rules and
Regulations promulgated thereunder and with the Rules of Fair
Practice of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.,
as from time to time amended.
(b) From and after the close of business on the day when the shares
are properly tendered for repurchase the owner shall, with respect
of said shares, cease to be a stockholder of the corporation and
shall have only the right to receive the repurchase price in
accordance with the provisions hereof. The shares so repurchased
may, as the Board of Directors determines, be held in the treasury
of the corporation and may be resold or, if the laws of Kansas
shall permit, may be retired. Repurchase of shares is conditional
upon the corporation having funds or property legally available
therefor.
4. The corporation, pursuant to a resolution by the Board of Directors and
without the vote or consent of stockholders of the corporation, shall
have the right to redeem at net asset value all shares of capital stock
of the corporation in any stockholder account in which there has been no
investment (other than the reinvestment of income dividend or capital
gains distributions) for at least six months and in which there are fewer
than 25 shares or such few shares as shall be specified in such
resolution. Such resolution shall set forth that redemption of shares in
such accounts has been determined to be in the economic best interests of
the corporation or necessary to reduce disproportionately burdensome
expenses in servicing stockholder accounts. Such resolution shall provide
that prior notice of at least six months shall be given to a stockholder
before such redemption of shares, and that the stockholder will have six
months (or such longer period as specified in the resolution) from the
date of the notice to avoid such redemption by increasing his or her
account to at least 25 shares, or such fewer shares as is specified in
the resolution.
5. All shares of the corporation, upon issuance and sale, shall be fully
paid, nonassessable and redeemable. Within the respective series of the
corporation, all shares have equal voting, participation and liquidation
rights, but have no subscription or preemptive rights.
6. Dividends paid with respect to shares of the corporation, to the extent
any dividends are paid, will be calculated for each series in the same
manner, at the same time, on the same day, and will be paid at the same
dividend rate, except that expenses attributable to a particular series
and payments made pursuant to a 12b-1 Plan or Shareholder Services Plan
will be borne exclusively by the affected series.
7. Expenses attributable to a particular series shall be allocated and
charged to the series to which such expense relates as determined by the
corporation's Board of Directors.
8. On the eighth anniversary of the purchase of Series B shares of the
corporation, Series B shares (except those purchased through the
reinvestment of dividends and other distributions) will automatically
convert to Series A shares of the corporation at the relative net asset
values of each of the series without the imposition of any sales load,
fee or other charge. All shares in a stockholder's account that were
purchased through the reinvestment of dividends and other distributions
paid with respect to Series B shares will be considered to be held in a
separate sub-account. Each time Series B shares are converted to Series A
shares, a pro rata portion of the Series B shares held in the sub-account
will also convert to Series A shares.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands this 5th day of October 1993.
MICHAEL J. PROVINES
----------------------------------------
Michael J. Provines, President
AMY J. LEE
----------------------------------------
Amy J. Lee, Secretary
State of Kansas )
) ss.
County of Shawnee )
Be it remembered, that before Judith M. Ralston a Notary Public in and for the
county and state aforesaid, came Michael J. Provines, President, and Amy J. Lee,
Secretary of Security Tax-Exempt Fund, a Kansas corporation, personally known to
me to be the persons who executed the foregoing instrument of writing as
President and Secretary, respectively, and duly acknowledged the execution of
the same this 5th day of October 1993.
JUDITH M. RALSTON
----------------------------------------
Notary Public
Judith M. Ralston
My Commission Expires: January 1, 1995.
<PAGE>
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT TO THE
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF
SECURITY TAX-EXEMPT FUND
We, John D. Cleland, President, and Amy J. Lee, Secretary, of Security
Tax-Exempt Fund, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the
State of Kansas, do hereby certify that at a meeting of the Board of Directors
of said corporation, the board adopted a resolution setting forth the following
amendment to the Articles of Incorporation and declaring its advisability:
See attached amendment.
We further certify that thereafter, pursuant to said resolution, and in
accordance with the by-laws of the corporation and the laws of the State of
Kansas, the Board of Directors called a meeting of stockholders for
consideration of the proposed amendment, and thereafter, pursuant to notice and
in accordance with the statutes of the state of Kansas, the stockholders
convened and considered the proposed amendment.
We further certify that at the meeting a majority of the stockholders entitled
to vote, voted in favor of the proposed amendment.
We further certify that the amendment was duly adopted in accordance with the
provisions of K.S.A. 17-6602, as amended.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands and affixed the seal of said
corporation this 21st day of December, 1994.
JOHN D. CLELAND
----------------------------------------
John D. Cleland, President
AMY J. LEE
----------------------------------------
Amy J. Lee, Secretary
State of Kansas )
) ss.
County of Shawnee )
Be it remembered, that before me a Notary Public in and for the aforesaid county
and state, personally appeared John D. Cleland, President, and Amy J. Lee,
Secretary of Security Tax-Exempt Fund, who are known to me to be the same
persons who executed the foregoing certificate and duly acknowledged the
execution of the same this 21st day of December, 1994.
JUDITH M. RALSTON
----------------------------------------
Notary Public
Judith M. Ralston
My Commission Expires: January 1, 1995.
PLEASE SUBMIT THIS DOCUMENT IN DUPLICATE,
WITH $20 FILING FEE:
Secretary of State
2nd Floor, State Capitol
Topeka, KS 66612-1594
296-4564
<PAGE>
SECURITY TAX-EXEMPT FUND
The Board of Directors of Security Tax-Exempt Fund recommends that the Articles
of Incorporation be amended by deleting the first paragraph of Article Fourth
and by inserting, in lieu thereof, the following new Article:
FOURTH: The total number of shares of stock which the corporation shall have
authority to issue shall be one billion (1,000,000,000) shares of common stock,
each of the part value of ten cents ($0.10) per share. The board of directors of
the corporation is expressly authorized to cause shares of common stock of the
corporation authorized herein to be issued in one or more classes or series as
may be established from time to time by setting or changing in one or more
respects the voting powers, rights, qualifications, limitations or restrictions
of such shares of stock and to increase or decrease the number of shares so
authorized to be issued in any such class or series.
<PAGE>
CERTIFICATE OF CHANGE OF
DESIGNATION OF COMMON STOCK
OF
SECURITY TAX-EXEMPT FUND
State of Kansas )
) ss.
County of Shawnee )
We, John D. Cleland, President, and Amy J. Lee, Secretary, of Security
Tax-Exempt Fund, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the
State of Kansas, and whose registered office is Security Benefit Life Building,
700 Harrison Street, Topeka, Shawnee, Kansas, do hereby certify that pursuant to
authority expressly vested in the Board of Directors by the provisions of the
corporation's Articles of Incorporation, the Board of Directors of said
corporation at a meeting duly convened and held on the 21st day of October,
1994, adopted resolutions allocating the corporation's authorized capital stock
among the two separate series of common stock of the corporation. Resolutions
were also adopted which reaffirmed the preferences, rights, privileges and
restrictions of the corporation's common stock, which resolutions are provided
in their entirety as follows:
WHEREAS, Security Tax-Exempt Fund issues its stock in two separate series
designated as Series A and Series B;
WHEREAS, the corporation's shareholders will consider an amendment to the
corporation's articles of incorporation to increase the authorized
capital stock of the corporation from 100,000,000 to 1,000,000,000
shares, at a meeting of shareholders to be held December 21, 1994; and
WHEREAS, upon approval by shareholders of the proposed amendment to the
corporation's articles of incorporation, the Board of Directors wishes to
reallocate the 1,000,000,000 shares of authorized capital stock among the
series.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that, upon approval by shareholders of an
amendment to the articles of incorporation increasing the corporation's
authorized capital stock from 100,000,000 to 1,000,000,000 shares, the
officers of the corporation are hereby directed and authorized to
allocate 500,000,000 $0.10 par value shares of the corporation's
authorized capital stock to Series A and the remaining 500,000,000 $0.10
par value shares to Series B.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that, the preferences, rights, privileges and
restrictions of the shares of each of the corporation's series of common
stock, as set forth in the minutes of the July 23, 1993, meeting of this
Board of Directors, are hereby reaffirmed and incorporated by reference
into the minutes of this meeting.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that, the appropriate officers of the corporation be,
and they hereby are, authorized and directed to take such action as may
be necessary under the laws of the State of Kansas or as they deem
appropriate to cause the foregoing resolutions to become effective.
We hereby certify that thereafter in accordance with the by-laws of the
corporation and the laws of the State of Kansas, the Board of Directors called a
meeting of stockholders for consideration of the proposed amendment to the
articles of incorporation, and thereafter, pursuant to notice and in accordance
with the statutes of the State of Kansas, the stockholders convened and
considered the proposed amendment. We further certify that at the meeting a
majority of the stockholders entitled to vote voted in favor of the proposed
amendment which was duly adopted in accordance with the provision of K.S.A.
17-6602, as amended.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands this 21st day of December
1994.
JOHN D. CLELAND
----------------------------------------
John D. Cleland, President
AMY J. LEE
----------------------------------------
Amy J. Lee, Secretary
State of Kansas )
) ss.
County of Shawnee )
Be it remembered, that before me Judith M. Ralston a Notary Public in and for
the county and state aforesaid, came John D. Cleland, President, and Amy J. Lee,
Secretary of Security Tax-Exempt Fund, a Kansas corporation, personally known to
me to be the persons who executed the foregoing instrument of writing as
President and Secretary, respectively, and duly acknowledged the execution of
the same this 21st day of December, 1994.
JUDITH M. RALSTON
----------------------------------------
Notary Public
Judith M. Ralston
My Commission Expires: January 1, 1995.
<PAGE>
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT TO THE
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF
SECURITY TAX-EXEMPT FUND
------------------------
We, John D. Cleland, President, and Amy J. Lee, Secretary, of Security
Tax-Exempt Fund, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the
State of Kansas, do hereby certify that at a regular meeting of the Board of
Directors of said corporation, held on the 2nd day of February, 1996, the board
adopted a resolution setting forth the following amendment to the Articles of
Incorporation and declaring its advisability:
RESOLVED
The Board of Directors of Security Tax-Exempt Fund recommends that the Articles
of Incorporation be amended by deleting Article Fourth in its entirety and by
inserting, in lieu thereof, the following new Article:
FOURTH: The corporation shall have authority to issue an indefinite number of
shares of common stock, of the par value of ten cents ($0.10) per share. The
board of directors of the Corporation is expressly authorized to cause shares of
common stock of the Corporation authorized herein to be issued in one or more
series as may be established from time to time by setting or changing in one or
more respects the voting powers, rights, qualifications, limitations or
restrictions of such shares of stock and to increase or decrease the number of
shares so authorized to be issued in any such series.
We further certify that the amendment was duly adopted in accordance with the
provisions of K.S.A. 17-6602, as amended.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands and affixed the seal of said
corporation this 2nd day of February, 1996.
JOHN D. CLELAND
----------------------------------------
John D. Cleland, President
AMY J. LEE
----------------------------------------
Amy J. Lee, Secretary
State of Kansas )
) ss.
County of Shawnee )
Be it remembered, that before me L. Charmaine Lucas, a Notary Public in and for
the aforesaid county and state personally appeared John D. Cleland, President,
and Amy J. Lee, Secretary of Security Tax-Exempt Fund, who are known to me to be
the same persons who executed the foregoing certificate and duly acknowledged
the execution of the same this 2nd day of February, 1996.
L. CHARMAINE LUCAS
----------------------------------------
Notary Public
L. Charmaine Lucas
My Commission Expires: 04/01/98
<PAGE>
PLEASE SUBMIT THIS DOCUMENT IN DUPLICATE,
WITH $20 FILING FEE:
Secretary of State
2nd Floor, State Capitol
Topeka, KS 66612-1594
296-4564
<PAGE>
CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATIONS
OF COMMON STOCK
OF
SECURITY TAX-EXEMPT FUND
------------------------
State of Kansas )
) ss.
County of Shawnee )
We, John D. Cleland, President, and Amy J. Lee, Secretary, of Security
Tax-Exempt Fund, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the
State of Kansas, and whose registered office is Security Benefit Life Building,
700 Harrison Street, Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas, do hereby certify that
pursuant to authority expressly vested in the Board of Directors by the
provisions of the corporation's Articles of Incorporation, the Board of
Directors of said corporation at a meeting duly convened and held on the 2nd day
of February, 1996, adopted resolutions authorizing the corporation to issue an
indefinite number of shares of capital stock of each of the two series of common
stock of the corporation. Resolutions were also adopted which reaffirmed the
preferences, rights, privileges and restrictions of the separate series of stock
of Security Tax-Exempt Fund, which resolutions are provided in their entirety as
follows:
WHEREAS K.S.A. 17-6602 has been amended to allow he board of directors of
a corporation that is registered as an open-end investment company under
the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act") to approve, by
resolution, an amendment of the corporation's Articles of Incorporation,
to allow the issuance of an indefinite number of shares of the capital
stock of the corporation;
WHEREAS, the corporation is registered as an open-end investment company
under the 1940 Act; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors desire to authorize the issuance of an
indefinite number of shares of capital stock of each of the two series of
common stock of the corporation;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that, the officers of the corporation are
hereby directed and authorized to issue an indefinite number of $0.10 par
value shares of capital stock of each series of the corporation,
consisting of Series A and Series B;
FURTHER RESOLVED, that, the preferences, rights, privileges and
restrictions of the shares of each of the corporation's series of common
stock, as set forth in the minutes of the July 23, 1993, meeting of this
Board of Directors, are hereby reaffirmed and incorporated by reference
into the minutes of this meeting; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, that, the appropriate officers of the corporation be,
and they hereby are, authorized and directed to take such action as may
be necessary under the laws of the State of Kansas or as they deem
appropriate to cause the foregoing resolutions to become effective.
The undersigned do hereby certify that the foregoing amendment to the
corporation's Articles of Incorporation has been duly adopted in accordance with
the provisions of K.S.A. 17-6602.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands this 2nd day of February,
1996.
JOHN D. CLELAND
----------------------------------------
John D. Cleland, President
AMY J. LEE
----------------------------------------
Amy J. Lee, Secretary
State of Kansas )
) ss.
County of Shawnee )
Be it remembered, that before me L. Charmaine Lucas, a Notary Public in and for
the county and state aforesaid, came John D. Cleland, President, and Amy J. Lee,
Secretary of Security Tax-Exempt Fund, a Kansas corporation, personally known to
me to be the persons who executed the foregoing instrument of writing as
President and Secretary, respectively, and duly acknowledged the execution of
the same this 2nd day of February, 1996.
L. CHARMAINE LUCAS
----------------------------------------
Notary Public
L. Charmaine Lucas
My Commission Expires: 04/01/98
<PAGE>
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT
Name of corporation: Security Tax-Exempt Fund
We, John D. Cleland, President and Amy J. Lee, Secretary, of the above
named corporation, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the
State of Kansas, do hereby certify that at a meeting of the Board of Directors
of the corporation, the board adopted a resolution setting forth the following
amendment to the Articles of Incorporation and declaring its advisability:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby approves the
amendment of the Fund's Articles of Incorporation to change the Fund's name
from Security Tax-Exempt Fund to Security Municipal Bond Fund.
We further certify that thereafter, pursuant to the resolution and in
accordance with the bylaws of the corporation and the laws of the State of
Kansas, the Board of Directors called a meeting of stockholders for
consideration of the proposed amendment, and thereafter, pursuant to notice and
in accordance with the statutes of the State of Kansas, the stockholders
convened and considered the proposed amendment.
We further certify that at the meeting a majority of the stockholder
entitled to vote voted in favor of the proposed amendment.
We further certify that the amendment was duly adopted in accordance with
the provisions of K.S.A. 17-6602, as amended.
In Witness Whereof, we have hereunto set our hands this 30th day of April,
1998.
JOHN D. CLELAND
John D. Cleland, President
AMY J. LEE
Amy J. Lee, Secretary
<PAGE>
State of Kansas
County of Shawnee
Be it remembered that before me, a Notary Public in and for the aforesaid
county and state, personally appeared John D. Cleland, President, and Amy J.
Lee, Secretary, of the corporation named in this document, who are known to me
to be the same persons who executed the foregoing certificate and duly
acknowledged its execution of the same this 30th day of April, 1998.
JANA R. SELLEY
Notary Public
Jana R. Selley
My appointment or commission expires June 14, 2000.
EXHIBIT 99.B2
BYLAWS
OF
SECURITY TAX-EXEMPT FUND
OFFICES
-------
1. REGISTERED OFFICE AND REGISTERED AGENT. The location of the registered
office and the name of the registered agent of the Corporation in the
State of Kansas shall be as stated in the Articles of Incorporation or
as shall be determined from time the time by the Board of Directors and
on file in the appropriate public offices of the State of Kansas
pursuant to applicable provisions of law.
2. CORPORATE OFFICES. The Corporation may have such other corporate offices
and places of business anywhere within or without the State of Kansas as
the Board of Directors may from time to time designate or the business
of the Corporation may require.
3. CORPORATE RECORDS. The books and records of the Corporation may be kept
at any one or more offices of the Corporation within or without the
State of Kansas, except that the original or duplicate stock ledger
containing the names and addresses of the stockholders, and the number
of shares held by them, respectively, shall be kept at the registered
office of the Corporation in the State of Kansas.
4. STOCKHOLDERS' RIGHT OF INSPECTION. A stockholder of record, upon written
demand to inspect the records of the Corporation pursuant to any
statutory or other legal right, shall be privileged to inspect such
records only during the usual and customary hours of business and in
such manner will not unduly interfere with the regular conduct of the
business of the Corporation. A stockholder may delegate his/her right of
inspection to a certified or public accountant on the condition, to be
enforced at the option of the Corporation, that the stockholder and
accountant agree with the Corporation to furnish to the Corporation
promptly a true and correct copy of each report with respect to such
inspection made by such accountant. No stockholder shall use, permit to
be used or acquiesce in the use by others of any information so obtained
to the detriment competitively of the Corporation, nor shall he/she
furnish or permit to be furnished any information so obtained to any
competitor or prospective competitor of the Corporation. The Corporation
as a condition precedent to any stockholder's inspection of the records
of the Corporation may require the stockholder to indemnify the
Corporation, in such manner and for such amount as may be determined by
the Board of Directors, against any loss or damage which may be suffered
by it arising out of or resulting from any unauthorized disclosure made
or permitted to be made by such stockholder of information obtained in
the course of such inspection.
SEAL
----
5. SEAL. The Corporation shall have a corporate seal inscribed with the
name of the Corporation and the words "Corporate Seal - Kansas". The
form of the seal may be altered at pleasure and shall be used by causing
it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed, affixed, reproduced or
otherwise used.
STOCKHOLDERS' MEETINGS
----------------------
6. PLACE OF MEETINGS. Meetings of the stockholders may be held at any place
within or without the State of Kansas, as shall be determined from time
to time by the Board of Directors. All meetings of the stockholders for
the election of Directors shall be held at the principal office of the
Corporation in Kansas. Meetings of the stockholders for any purpose
other than the election of Directors may be held at such place as shall
be specified in the notice thereof.
7. ANNUAL MEETING. No annual meeting of stockholders is required to be held
for the purpose of electing directors or any other reason, except when
specifically and expressly required under state or federal law. When an
annual meeting is held for the purpose of electing directors, such
directors shall hold office until the next annual meeting at which
directors are to be elected and until their successors are elected and
qualified, or until their earlier resignation or removal herein.
8. SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of the stockholders for any purpose
or purposes, unless otherwise prescribed by statute, may be called by
the President, or a Vice President, by the Board of Directors or by the
holders of not less than 10% of all outstanding shares of stock entitled
to vote at any annual meeting; and shall be called by any officer
directed to do so by the Board of Directors.
The "call" and the "notice" of any such meeting shall be deemed to be
synonymous.
9. NOTICE OF MEETINGS. Written or printed notice of each meeting of the
stockholders, whether annual or special, stating the place, date and
time thereof and in case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes
thereof shall be delivered or mailed to each stockholder entitled to
vote thereat, not less than ten (10) days nor more than fifty (50) days
prior to the meeting. unless as to a particular matter, other or further
notice is required by law, in which case such other or further notice
shall be given. The Board of Directors may fix in advance a date, which
shall not be more than sixty (60) days nor less than ten (10) days
preceding the date of any meeting of the stockholders, as a record date
for the determination of the stockholders entitled to notice of, and to
vote at, any such meeting and any adjournment thereof; provided,
however, that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for any
adjourned meeting. Any notice of a stockholders' meeting sent by mail
shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail
with postage prepaid thereon, addressed to the stockholder at his/her
address as it appears on the books of the Corporation.
10. REGISTERED STOCKHOLDERS - EXCEPTIONS - STOCK OWNERSHIP PRESUMED. The
Corporation shall be entitled to treat the holders of the shares of
stock of the Corporation, as recorded on the stock record or transfer
books of the Corporation, as the holders of record and as the holders
and owners in fact thereof and, accordingly, the Corporation shall not
be required to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in
any such shares on the part of any other person or other claim to or
interest in any such shares on the part of any other person, firm,
partnership, corporation or association, whether or not the Corporation
shall have express or other notice thereof, except as is otherwise
expressly required by law, and the term "stockholder" as used in these
Bylaws means one who is a holder of record of shares of the Corporation;
provided, however, that if permitted by law,
(a) shares standing in the name of another corporation, domestic or
foreign, may be voted by such officer, agent or proxy as the
Bylaws of such corporation may prescribe, or, in the absence of
such provision, as the Board of Directors of such corporation may
determine;
(b) shares held by a person in a fiduciary capacity may be voted by
such person; and,
(c) a stockholder whose shares are pledged shall be entitled to vote
such shares, unless in the transfer of the shares by the pledgor
on the books of the Corporation, he/she shall have expressly
empowered the pledgee to vote thereon, in which case only the
pledgee or his/her proxy may represent said stock and vote
thereon.
11. CONSENT OF STOCKHOLDERS IN LIEU OF MEETING. To the extent, if any, and
in the manner permitted by statute and unless otherwise provided in the
Articles of Incorporation, any action required to be taken at any annual
or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation, or any action
which may be taken at any annual or special meeting of such
stockholders, may be taken by written consent without a meeting.
12. WAIVER OF NOTICE. Whenever any notice is required to be given under the
provisions of these Bylaws, the Articles of Incorporation of the
Corporation, or of any law, a waiver thereof, if not expressly
prohibited by law, in writing signed by the person or persons entitled
to notice shall, whether before or after the time stated therein, be
deemed the equivalent to the giving of such notice. Attendance of a
person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting,
except when a person attends a meeting for the express purpose of
objecting at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any
business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.
13. QUORUM. Except as otherwise may be provided by law, by the Articles of
Incorporation of the Corporation or by these Bylaws, the holders of a
majority of the stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote
thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall be required
for and shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders
for the transaction of any business. Every decision of a majority in
amount of shares of such quorum shall be valid as a corporate act,
except in those specific instances in which a larger vote is required by
law or by the Articles of Incorporation or by these Bylaws.
If a quorum be not present at any meeting, the stockholders entitled to
vote thereat, present in person or by proxy, shall have power to adjourn
the meeting from time to time without notice other than announcement at
the meeting, until the requisite amount of voting stock shall be
present. If the adjournment is for more than thirty (30) days, or if
after adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting,
a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of
record entitled to vote at the meeting. At any subsequent session of the
meeting at which a quorum is present in person or by proxy any business
may be transacted which could have been transacted at the initial
session of the meeting if a quorum had been present.
14. PROXIES. At any meeting of the stockholders, every stockholder having
the right to vote shall be entitled to vote in person or by proxy
executed by an instrument in writing subscribed by such a stockholder
and bearing a date not more than three (3) years prior to said meeting
unless said instrument provides that it shall be valid for a longer
period.
15. VOTING. Each stockholder shall have one vote for each share of stock
having voting power registered in his/her name on the books of the
Corporation and except where the transfer books of the Corporation shall
have been closed or a date shall have been fixed as a record date for
the determination of its stockholders entitled to vote, no share of
stock shall be voted at any election for directors which shall have been
transferred on the books of the Corporation within twenty (20) days next
preceding such election of Directors. At all elections of Directors,
cumulative voting shall prevail, so that each stockholder shall be
entitled to as many votes as shall equal the number of his/her shares of
stock multiplied by the number of Directors to be elected, and he/she
may cast all of such votes for a single Director or may distribute them
among the number to be voted for, or any two or more as he/she sees fit.
Voting shall be ballot for the election of Directors and on such matters
as may be required by law, provided that voting by ballot on any matter
may be waived by the unanimous consent of those stockholders entitled to
vote present at the meeting. A stockholder holding stock in a fiduciary
capacity shall be entitled to vote the shares so held, and a stockholder
whose stock is pledged shall be entitled to vote unless, in the transfer
by the pledgor on the books of the Corporation, (s)he shall have
expressly empowered the pledgee to vote thereon, in which case only the
pledgee or his/her proxy may represent said stock and vote thereon.
16. STOCKHOLDERS' LISTS. A complete list of the stockholders entitled to
vote at every election of Directors, arranged in alphabetical order,
with the address of and the number of voting shares held by each
stockholder, shall be prepared by the officer having charge of the stock
books of the Corporation and for at least ten (10) days prior to the
date of the election shall be open at the place where the election is to
be held, during the usual hours for business, to the examination of any
stockholder and shall be produced and kept open at the place of the
election during the whole time thereof for the inspection of any
stockholder present. The original or duplicate stock ledger shall be the
only evidence as to who are stockholders entitled to examine such lists,
or the books of the Corporation, or to vote in person or by proxy, at
such election. Failure to comply with the foregoing shall not affect the
validity or any action taken at any such meeting.
17. PRESIDING OFFICIALS. Every meeting of the stockholders, for whatever
object, shall be convened by the President, or by the officer or person
who called the meeting by notice as above provided, but it shall be
presided over by the officers specified in paragraphs 37 and 38 of these
Bylaws; provided, however, that the stockholders at any meeting, by a
majority vote in amount of shares represented thereat, and
notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained elsewhere in these
Bylaws, may select any persons of their choosing to act as Chairman and
Secretary of such meeting or any session thereof.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
18. OFFICES. The Directors may have one or more offices, and keep the books
of the Corporation (except the original or duplicated stock ledgers, and
such other books and records as may by law be required to be kept at a
particular place) at such place or places within or without the State of
Kansas as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine.
19. MANAGEMENT. The management of all affairs, property and business of the
corporation shall be vested in a Board of Directors, consisting of a
minimum of six (6) and a maximum of nine (9) directors. Unless required
by the Articles of Incorporation, Directors need not be stockholders.
Each person who shall serve on the Board of Directors and who shall be
recommended and nominated for election or reelection as a director shall
be a person who is in good standing in his/her community and who shall
not, at the time of election or reelection, have attained his/her 70th
birthday. In addition to the power and authorities by these Bylaws and
the Articles of Incorporation expressly conferred upon it, the Board of
Directors may exercise all such powers of the Corporation, and do all
such lawful acts and things as are not by statute or by the Articles of
Incorporation or by these Bylaws directed or required to be exercised or
done by the stockholders.
20. VACANCIES AND NEWLY CREATED DIRECTORSHIPS. Vacancies and newly created
directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of
Directors may be filled by a majority of the Directors then in office,
though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining Director, unless it is
otherwise provided in the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws, and
the Directors so chosen shall hold office until the next annual election
and until their successors are duly elected and qualified, or until
their earlier resignation or removal. If there are no Directors in
office, then an election of Directors may be held in the manner provided
by statute.
21. MEETINGS OF THE NEWLY ELECTED BOARD -- NOTICE. The first meeting of the
members of each newly elected Board of Directors shall be held (a) at
such time and place either within or without the State of Kansas as
shall be suggested or provided by resolution of the stockholders at the
meeting at which such newly elected Board was elected, and no notice of
such meeting shall be necessary to the newly elected Directors in order
legally to constitute the meeting, provided a quorum shall be present,
or (b) if not so suggested or provided for by resolution of the
stockholders or if a quorum shall not be present, at such time and place
as shall be consented to in writing by a majority of the newly elected
Directors, provided that written or printed notice of such meeting shall
be given to each of the other Directors in the same manner as provided
in section 23 of these Bylaws with respect to the giving of notice for
special meetings of the Board except that it shall not be necessary to
state the purpose of the meeting in such notice, or (c) regardless of
whether or not the time and place of such meeting shall be suggested or
provided for by resolution of the stockholders, at such time and place
as shall be consented to in writing by all of the newly elected
Directors.
Every Director of the Corporation, upon his/her election, shall qualify
by accepting the office of the Director, and his/her attendance at, or
his/her written approval of the minutes of, any meeting of the Board
subsequent to his/her election shall constitute his/her acceptance of
such office; or he/she may execute such acceptance by a separate
writing, which shall be placed in the minute book.
22. REGULAR MEETINGS. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held
without notice at such times and places either within or without the
State of Kansas as shall from time to time be fixed by resolution
adopted by the full Board of Directors. Any business may be transacted
at a regular meeting.
23. SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be
called at any time by the Chairman of the Board, the President, and Vice
President or the Secretary, or by any two (2) or more of the Directors.
The place may be within or without the State of Kansas as designated in
the notice.
24. NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETINGS. Written or printed notice of each special
meeting of the Board, stating the place, day and hour of the meeting and
the purpose or purposes thereof, shall be mailed to each Director
addressed to him/her at his/her residence or usual place of business at
least three (3) days before the day on which the meeting is to be held,
or shall be sent to him/her by telegram, or delivered to him/her
personally, at least two (2) days before the day on which the meeting is
to be held. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when
it is deposited in the United States mail with postage thereon addressed
to the Director at his/her residence or usual place of business. If
given by telegraph, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when it
is delivered to the telegraph company. The notice may be given by any
officer having authority to call the meeting. "Notice" and "call" with
respect to such meetings shall be deemed to be synonymous. Any meeting
of the Board of Directors shall be a legal meeting without any notice
thereof having been given if all Directors shall be present.
25. MEETINGS BY CONFERENCE TELEPHONE OR SIMILAR COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT.
Unless otherwise restricted by law, the Articles of Incorporation or
these Bylaws, members of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, or
any committee designated by the board, may participate in a meeting of
the board or committee by means of conference telephone or similar
communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in
the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting pursuant
hereto shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
26. QUORUM. Unless otherwise required by law, the Articles of Incorporation
or these Bylaws, a majority of the total number of Directors shall be
necessary at all meetings to constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business, and except as may be otherwise provided by law, the Articles
of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the act of a majority of the Directors
present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of
the Board of Directors.
If at least two (2) Directors or one-third (1/3) of the whole Board of
Directors, whichever is greater, is present at any meeting at which a
quorum is not present, a majority of the Directors present at such
meeting shall have power successively to adjourn the meeting from time
to time to a subsequent date, without notice to any Directors other than
announcement at the meeting. At such adjourned meeting at which a quorum
is present, any business may be transacted which might have been
transacted at the original meeting with was adjourned.
27. STANDING OR TEMPORARY COMMITTEES. The Board of Directors may, by
resolution or resolutions passed by a majority of the whole Board,
designate one (1) or more committees, each committee to consist of one
(1) or more Directors of the Corporation. The Board may designate one
(1) or more Directors as alternate members of any committee, who may
replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the
committee. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a
committee, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not
disqualified from voting, whether or not he/she or they constitute a
quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors
to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified
member. Any such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution of
the Board of Directors or in these Bylaws, shall have and may exercise
all of the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the
management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and may
authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers which
may require it; but no such committee shall have the power of authority
of the Board of Directors with respect to amending the Articles of
Incorporation, adopting an agreement of merger or consolidation,
recommending to the stockholders the sale, lease or exchange of all or
substantially all of the Corporation's property and assets, recommending
to the stockholders a dissolution of the Corporation or a revocation of
a dissolution, or amending the Bylaws of the Corporation; and, unless
the resolution, these Bylaws or the Articles of Incorporation expressly
so provide, no such committee shall have power or authority to declare a
dividend or to authorize the issuance of stock.
Such committee or committees shall have such name or names as may be
determined from time to time by resolution adopted by the Board of
Directors. All committees so appointed shall, unless otherwise provided
by the Board of Directors, keep regular minutes of the transactions at
their meetings and shall cause them to be recorded in books kept for
that purpose in the office of the Corporation and shall report the same
to the Board of Directors at its next meeting. The Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary of the Corporation may act as Secretary of the
committee if the committee so requests.
28. COMPENSATION. Unless otherwise restricted by the Articles of
Incorporation, the Board of Directors may, by resolution, fix the
compensation to be paid Directors for serving as Directors of the
Corporation and may, by resolution, fix a sum which shall be allowed and
paid for attendance at each meeting of the Board of Directors and may
provide for reimbursement of expenses incurred by Directors in attending
each meeting; provided that nothing herein contained shall be construed
to preclude any Director from serving the Corporation in any other
capacity and receiving his/her regular compensation therefor. Members of
special or standing committees may be allowed similar compensation for
attending committee meetings. Nothing herein contained shall be
construed to preclude any Director or committee member from serving the
Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation therefor.
29. RESIGNATIONS. Any Director may resign at any time upon written notice to
the Corporation. Such resignation shall take effect at the time
specified therein or shall take effect upon receipt thereof by the
Corporation if no time is specified therein, and unless otherwise
specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be
necessary to make it effective.
30. INDEMNIFICATION AND LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS. Each person who
is or was a Director or officer of the Corporation or is or was serving
at the request of the Corporation as a Director or officer of another
corporation (including the heirs, executors, administrators and estate
of such person) shall be indemnified by the Corporation as of right to
the full extent permitted or authorized by the laws of the State of
Kansas, as now in effect and is hereafter amended, against any
liability, judgment, fine, amount paid in settlement, cost and expense
(including attorneys' fees) asserted or threatened against and incurred
by such person in his/her capacity as or arising out of his/her status
as a Director or officer of the Corporation or, if serving at the
request of the Corporation, as a Director or officer of another
corporation. The indemnification provided by this bylaw provision shall
not be exclusive of any other rights to which those indemnified may be
entitled under the Articles of Incorporation, under any other bylaw or
under any agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or
otherwise, and shall not limit in any way any right which the
Corporation may have to make different or further indemnification with
respect to the same or different persons or classes of persons.
No person shall be liable to the Corporation for any loss, damage,
liability or expense suffered by it on account of any action taken or
omitted to be taken by him/her as a Director or officer of the
Corporation or of any other corporation which he/she serves as a
Director or officer at the request of the Corporation, if such person
(a) exercised the same degree of care and skill as a prudent man would
have exercised under the circumstances in the conduct of his/her own
affairs, or (b) took or omitted to take such action in reliance upon
advice of counsel for the Corporation, or for such other corporation, or
upon statement made or information furnished by Directors, officers,
employees or agents of the Corporation, or of such other corporation,
which he/she had no reasonable grounds to disbelieve.
In the event any provision of this section 30 shall be in violation of
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or of the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder, such provisions shall be void to the
extent of such violations.
31. ACTION WITHOUT A MEETING. Unless otherwise restricted by the Articles of
Incorporation or these Bylaws, any action required or permitted to be
taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof
may be taken without a meeting if written consent thereto is signed by
all members of the Board of Directors or of such committee, as the case
may be, and such written consent is filed with the minutes of
proceedings of the Board or committee.
32. NUMBERS AND POWERS OF THE BOARD. The property and business of this
Corporation shall be managed by a Board of Directors, and the number of
Directors to constitute the Board shall be not less than six (6) nor
more than nine (9). Directors need not be stockholders. In addition to
the powers and authorities by these Bylaws expressly conferred upon the
Board of Directors, the Board may exercise all such powers of the
corporation and do or cause to be done all such lawful acts and things
as are not by statute or by the Articles of Incorporation or by these
Bylaws prohibited, or required to be exercised or done by the
stockholders only.
33. TERM OF OFFICE. The first Board of Directors shall be elected at the
first duly held meeting of the incorporators and thereafter they shall
be elected at the annual meetings of the stockholders. Except as may
otherwise be provided by law, the Articles of Incorporation or these
Bylaws, each Director shall hold office until the next annual election
and until a successor shall be duly elected and qualified, or until
his/her written resignation shall have been filed with the Secretary of
the Corporation. Each Director, upon his/her election, shall qualify by
accepting the office of Director by executing and filing with the
Corporation a written acceptance of his/her election which shall be
placed in the minute book.
34. WAIVER. Any notice provided or required to be given to the Directors may
be waived in writing by any of them. Attendance of a Director at any
meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting except where
he/she attends for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction
of any business thereat because the meeting is not lawfully called or
convened.
OFFICERS
35.(a) OFFICERS -- WHO SHALL CONSTITUTE. The officers of the Corporation
shall be a Chairman of the Board, a President, one or more Vice
Presidents, a Secretary, a Treasurer, one or more Assistant Secretaries
and one or more Assistant Treasurers. The Board shall elect a President,
a Secretary and a Treasurer at its first meeting after each annual
meeting of the stockholders. The Board then, or from time to time, may
elect one or more of the other prescribed officers as it may deem
advisable, but need not elect any officers other than a President, a
Secretary and a Treasurer. The Board may, if it desires, elect or
appoint additional officers and may further identify or describe any one
or more of the officers of the Corporation. In the discretion of the
Board of Directors, the office of Chairman of the Board of Directors may
remain unfilled. The Chairman of the Board of Directors, if any, shall
at all times be, and other officers may be, members of the Board of
Directors.
Officers of the Corporation need not be members of the Board of
Directors. Any two (2) or more offices may be held by the same person.
An officer shall be deemed qualified when he/she enters upon the duties
of the office to which he/she has been elected or appointed and
furnishes any bond required by the Board; but the Board may also require
his/her written acceptance and promise faithfully to discharge the
duties of such office.
(b) TERM OF OFFICE. Each officer of the Corporation shall hold his/her
office at the pleasure of the Board of Directors or for such other
period as the Board may specify at the time of his/her election or
appointment, or until his/her death, resignation or removal by the
Board, whichever first occurs. In any event, each officer of the
Corporation who is not reelected or reappointed at the annual election
of officers by the Board next succeeding his/her election or appointment
shall be deemed to have been removed by the Board, unless the Board
provides otherwise at the time of his/her election or appointment.
(c) OTHER AGENTS. The Board from time to time may also appoint such
other agents for the Corporation as it shall deem necessary or
advisable, each of whom shall serve at the pleasure of the Board or for
such period as the Board may specify, and shall exercise such powers,
have such titles and perform such duties as shall be determined from
time to time by the Board or by an officer empowered by the Board to
make such determinations.
36. CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD. If a Chairman of the Board be elected, he/she
shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and Directors at which
he/she may be present and shall have such other duties, powers and
authority as any be prescribed elsewhere in these Bylaws. The Board of
Directors may delegate such other authority and assign such additional
duties to the Chairman of the Board, other than those conferred by law
exclusively upon the President, as it may from time to time determine,
and, to the extent permissible by law, the Board may designate the
Chairman of the Board as the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation
with all of the powers otherwise conferred upon the President of the
Corporation under paragraph 37 of these Bylaws, or it may, from time to
time, divide the responsibilities, duties and authority for the general
control and management of the Corporation's business and affairs between
the Chairman of the Board and the President.
37. THE PRESIDENT. Unless the Board otherwise provides, the President shall
be the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation with such general
executive powers and duties of supervision and management as are usually
vested in the office of the Chief Executive Officer of a corporation,
and he/she shall carry into effect all directions and resolutions of the
Board. The President, in the absence of the Chairman of the Board or if
there be no Chairman of the Board, shall preside at all meetings of the
stockholders and Directors.
The President may execute all bonds, notes, debentures, mortgages and
other instruments for and in the name of the Corporation, may cause the
corporate seal to be affixed thereto, and may execute all other
instruments for and in the name of the Corporation.
Unless the Board otherwise provides, the President, or any person
designated in writing by him/her, shall have full power and authority on
behalf of this Corporation (a) to attend and vote or take action at any
meeting of the holders of securities of corporations in which this
Corporation may hold securities, and at such meetings shall possess and
may exercise any and all rights and powers incident to being a holder of
such securities, and (b) to execute and deliver waivers of notice and
proxies for and in the name of the Corporation with respect to any
securities held by this Corporation.
He/she shall, unless the Board otherwise provides, be ex officio a
member of all standing committees.
He/she shall have such other or further duties and authority as may be
prescribed elsewhere in these Bylaws or from time to time by the Board
of Directors.
If a Chairman of the Board be elected or appointed and designated as the
Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, as provided in paragraph 36
of these Bylaws, the President shall perform such duties as may be
specifically delegated to him/her by the Board of Directors or are
conferred by law exclusively upon him/her, and in the absence,
disability, or inability or refusal to act of the Chairman of the Board,
the President shall perform the duties and exercise the powers of the
Chairman of the Board.
38. VICE PRESIDENT. In the absence of the President or in the event of
his/her disability or inability or refusal to act, any Vice President
may perform the duties and exercise the powers of the President until
the Board otherwise provides. Vice Presidents shall perform such other
duties as the Board may from time to time prescribe.
39. SECRETARY AND ASSISTANT SECRETARIES. The Secretary shall attend all
sessions of the Board and all meetings of the stockholders, shall
prepare minutes of all proceedings at such meetings and shall preserve
them in a minute book of the Corporation. He/she shall perform similar
duties for the executive and other standing committees when requested by
the Board or any such committee.
It shall be the principal responsibility of the Secretary to give, or
cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the stockholders and of the
Board of Directors, but this shall not lessen the authority of others to
give such notice as is authorized elsewhere in these Bylaws.
The Secretary shall see that all books, records, lists and information,
or duplicates, required to be maintained in Kansas, or elsewhere, are so
maintained.
The Secretary shall keep in safe custody the seal of the Corporation,
and shall have authority to affix the seal to any instrument requiring a
corporate seal and, when so affixed, he/she shall attest the seal by
his/her signature. The Board of Directors may give general authority to
any other officer to affix the seal of the Corporation and to attest the
affixing by his/her signature.
The Secretary shall have the general duties, responsibilities and
authorities of a Secretary of a Corporation and shall perform such other
duties and have such other responsibility and authority as may be
prescribed elsewhere in these Bylaws or from time to time by the Board
of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, under
whose direct supervision (s)he shall be.
In the absence of the Secretary or in the event of his/her disability,
or inability or refusal to act, any Assistant Secretary may perform the
duties and exercise the powers of the Secretary until the Board
otherwise provides. Assistant Secretaries shall perform such other
duties as the Board of Directors may from time to time prescribe.
40. TREASURER AND ASSISTANT TREASURERS. The Treasurer shall have
responsibility for the safekeeping of the funds and securities of the
Corporation, shall keep or cause to be kept full and accurate accounts
of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the Corporation and
shall keep, or cause to be kept, all other books of account and
accounting records of the Corporation. He/she shall deposit or cause to
be deposited all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to
the credit of the Corporation in such depositories as may be designated
by the Board of Directors or by any officer of the Corporation to whom
such authority has been granted by the Board.
He/she shall disburse, or permit to be disbursed, the funds of the
Corporation as may be ordered, or authorized generally, by the Board,
and shall render to the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation and
the Directors whenever they may require it, an account of all his/her
transactions as Treasurer and of those under his/her jurisdiction, and
of the financial condition of the Corporation.
He/she shall perform such other duties and shall have such other
responsibility and authority as may be prescribed elsewhere in these
Bylaws or from time to time by the Board of Directors.
He/she shall have the general duties, powers and responsibility of a
Treasurer of a corporation and shall, unless otherwise provided by the
Board, be the Chief Financial and Accounting Officer of the Corporation.
If required by the Board, he/she shall give the Corporation a bond in a
sum and with one or more sureties satisfactory to the Board, for the
faithful performance of the duties of his/her office and for the
restoration to the Corporation, in the case of his/her death,
resignation, retirement or removal from office, of all books, papers,
vouchers, money and other property of whatever kind in his/her
possession or under his/her control which belong to the Corporation.
In the absence of the Treasurer or in the event of his/her disability,
or inability or refusal to act, any Assistant Treasurer may perform the
duties and exercise the powers of the Treasurer until the Board
otherwise provides. Assistant Treasurers shall perform such other duties
and have such other authority as the Board of Directors may from time to
time prescribe.
41. DUTIES OF OFFICERS MAY BE DELEGATED. If any officer of the Corporation
be absent or unable to act, or for any other reason that the Board may
deem sufficient, the Board may delegate, for the time being, some or all
of the functions, duties, powers and responsibilities of any officer to
any other officer, or to any other agent or employee of the Corporation
or other responsible person, provided a majority of the whole Board
concurs.
42. REMOVAL. Any officer or agent elected or appointed by the Board of
Directors, and any employee, may be removed or discharged by the Board
whenever in its judgment the best interests of the Corporation would be
served thereby, but such removal or discharge shall be without prejudice
to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed or discharged.
43. SALARIES AND COMPENSATION. Salaries and compensation of all elected
officers of the Corporation shall be fixed, increased or decreased by
the Board of Directors, but this power, except as to the salary or
compensation of the Chairman of the Board and the President, may, unless
prohibited by law, be delegated by the Board to the Chairman of the
Board or the President, or may be delegated to a committee. Salaries and
compensation of all appointed officer, agents, and employees of the
Corporation may be fixed, increased or decreased by the Board of
Directors, but until action is taken with respect thereto by the Board
of Directors the same fixed, increased or decreased by the Chairman of
the Board, the President or such other officer or officers as may be
empowered by the Board of Directors to do so.
44. DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY TO HIRE, DISCHARGE AND DESIGNATE DUTIES. The
Board from time to time may delegate to the Chairman of the Board, the
President or other officer or executive employee of the Corporation,
authority to hire, discharge and fix and modify the duties, salary or
other compensation of employees of the Corporation under their
jurisdiction, and the Board may delegate to such officer or executive
employee similar authority with respect to obtaining and retaining for
the Corporation the services of attorneys, accountants and other
experts.
STOCK
45. CERTIFICATES FOR SHARES OF STOCK. Certificates for shares of stock shall
be issued in numerical order, and each stockholder shall be entitled to
a certificate signed by, or in the name of the Corporation by, the
Chairman of the Board or the President or a Vice President, and by the
Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer or the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary, certifying the number of shares owned by him/her. To the
extent permitted by statute, any of or all of the signatures on such
certificate may be a facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent or
registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed
upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent
or registrar before such certificate is issued, such certificate may
nevertheless be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if
such officer, transfer agent or registrar who signed such certificate,
or whose facsimile signature shall have been used thereon, had not
ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar of the
Corporation.
46. TRANSFERS OF STOCK. Transfers of stock shall be made only upon the
transfer books of the Corporation, kept at the office of the Corporation
or of the transfer agent designated to transfer the class of stock, and
before a new certificate is issued the old certificate shall be
surrendered for cancellation. Until and unless the Board appoints some
other person, firm or corporation as its transfer agent (and upon the
revocation of any such appointment, thereafter, until a new appointment
is similarly made) the Secretary of the Corporation shall be the
transfer agent of the Corporation without the necessity of any formal
action of the Board, and the Secretary, or any person designated by
him/her, shall perform all of the duties thereof.
47. REGISTERED STOCKHOLDERS. Only registered stockholders shall be entitled
to be treated by the Corporation as the holders and owner in fact of the
shares standing in their respective names, and the Corporation shall not
be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in
such shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall
have express or other notice thereof, except as expressly provided by
the laws of Kansas.
48. LOST CERTIFICATES. The Board of Directors may authorize the Secretary to
direct that a new certificate or certificates be issued in place of any
certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the Corporation,
alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an
affidavit of the fact by the person claiming the certificate or
certificates to be lost, stolen or destroyed. When authorizing such
issue of a replacement certificate or certificates, the Secretary may,
as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of
such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate or certificates, or his/her
legal representative, to give the Corporation and its transfer agents
and registrars, if any, a bond in such sum as it may direct to indemnify
it against any claim that may be made against it with respect to the
certificate or certificates alleged to have been lost, stolen or
destroyed, or with respect to the issuance of such new certificate or
certificates.
49. REGULATIONS. The Board of Directors shall have power and authority to
make all such rules and regulations as it may deem expedient concerning
the issue, transfer, conversion and registration of certificates for
shares of stock of the Corporation, not inconsistent with the laws of
the State of Kansas, the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation
and these Bylaws.
50. FIXING RECORD DATE. In order that the Corporation may determine the
stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of
stockholders or any adjournment thereof, or to express consent to
corporate action in writing without a meeting, or entitled to receive
payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any
rights, or entitled to exercise in respect of any change, conversion or
exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the
Board of Directors may fix, in advance, a record date, which shall not
be more than sixty (60) days not less than ten (10) days before the date
of such meeting, nor more than sixty (60) days prior to any other
action. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of
or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment
of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may fix a
new record date for the adjourned meeting.
DIVIDENDS AND FINANCE
---------------------
51. DIVIDENDS. Dividends upon the outstanding shares of stock of the
Corporation, subject to the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation
and of any applicable law and of these Bylaws, may be declared by the
Board of Directors at any meeting. Subject to such provisions, dividends
may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of stock of the
Corporation.
52. CREATION OF RESERVES. The Directors may set apart out of any of the
funds of the Corporation available for dividends a reserve or reserves
for any proper purpose or may abolish any such reserve in the manner in
which it was created.
53. DEPOSITORIES. The moneys of the Corporation shall be deposited in the
name of the Corporation in such bank or banks or other depositories as
the Board of Directors shall designate, and shall be drawn out only by
check signed by persons designated by resolution adopted by the Board of
Directors, except that the Board of Directors may delegate said powers
in the manner hereinafter provided in this bylaw 53. The Board of
Directors may by resolution authorize an officer or officers of the
Corporation to designate any bank or banks or other depositories in
which moneys of the Corporation may be deposited, and to designate the
persons who may sign checks drawn on any particular account or accounts
of the Corporation, whether created by direct designation of the Board
of Directors or by authorized officer or officers as aforesaid.
54. FISCAL YEAR. The Board of Directors shall have power to fix and from
time to time change the fiscal year of the Corporation. In the absence
of action by the Board of Directors, the fiscal year of the Corporation
shall end each year on the date which the Corporation treated as the
close of its first fiscal year, until such time, if any, as the fiscal
year shall be changed by the Board of Directors.
55. DIRECTORS' STATEMENT. The Board of Directors may present at each annual
meeting of the stockholders, and when called for by vote of the
stockholders shall present to any annual or special meeting of the
stockholders, a full and clear statement of the business and condition
of the Corporation.
56. FIXING OF CAPITAL, TRANSFERS OF SURPLUS. Except as may be specifically
otherwise provided in the Articles of Incorporation, the Board of
Directors is expressly empowered to exercise all authority conferred
upon it or the Corporation by any law or statute, and in conformity
therewith, relative to:
(a) the determination of what part of the consideration received for
shares of the Corporation shall be capital;
(b) increasing or reducing capital;
(c) transferring surplus to capital or capital to surplus;
(d) all similar or related matters;
provided that any concurrent action or consent by or of the Corporation
and its stockholders required to be taken or given pursuant to law shall
be duly taken or given in connection therewith.
57. LOANS TO OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS PROHIBITED. The Corporation shall not
loan money to any officer or director of the Corporation.
58. BOOKS, ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS. The books, accounts and records of the
Corporation, except as may be otherwise required by the laws of the
State of Kansas, may be kept outside the State of Kansas, at such place
or places as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine. The
Board of Directors shall determine whether, to what extent and the
conditions upon which the book, accounts and records of the Corporation,
or any of them, shall be open to the inspection of the stockholders, and
no stockholder shall have any right to inspect any book, account or
record of the Corporation, except as conferred by law or by resolution
of the stockholders or Directors.
INVESTMENT AND MANAGEMENT POLICIES
59. CUSTODY OF SECURITIES. Without limitation as to any restriction imposed
by the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation or by operation of
law on the conduct of the Corporation's investment company business, the
custody of the Corporation's securities shall be subject to the
following requirements:
(a) The securities of the Corporation shall be placed in the custody
and care of a custodian which shall be a bank or trust company
having not less than $2,000,000 aggregate capital, surplus and
undivided profits.
(b) Upon the resignation or inability to serve of the custodian, the
officers and directors shall be required to use their best efforts
to locate a successor, to whom all cash and securities must be
delivered directly, and in the event that no successor can be
found, to submit to stockholders the question of whether the
corporation should be liquidated or shall function without a
custodian.
(c) Any agreement with the custodian shall require it to deliver
securities owned by the Corporation only (1) upon sale of such
securities for the account of the Corporation and receipt of
payment; (2) to the broker or dealer selling the securities in
accordance with "street delivery" custom; (3) on redemption,
retirement of maturity; (4) on conversion or exchange into other
securities pursuant to a conversion or exchange privilege, or plan
of merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization,
readjustment, share split-up, change of par value, deposit in or
withdrawal from a voting trust, or similar transaction or event
affecting the issuer; or (5) pursuant to the redemption in kind of
any securities of the Corporation.
(d) Any agreement with the custodian shall require it to deliver funds
of the Corporation only (1) upon the purchase of securities for
the portfolio of the Corporation and delivery of such securities
to the custodian, or (2) for the redemption of shares by the
Corporation, the payment of interest, dividend disbursements,
taxes, management fees, the making of payments in connection with
the conversion, exchange or surrender of securities owned by the
Corporation and the payment of operating expenses of the
Corporation.
60. RESTRICTIONS ON THE INVESTMENT OF FUNDS. Without limitation as to any
restrictions imposed by the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation
or by operation of law on the conduct of the Corporation's investment
company business, the officers and Directors of the Corporation shall
not permit the Corporation to take any action not permitted by its
fundamental investment policies, as amended, set forth in the
Corporation's registration statement.
61. DISTRIBUTION OF EARNINGS.
A. The Directors by appropriate resolution shall from time to time
distribute the net earnings of the Corporation to its shareholders
pro-rata by mailing checks to the shareholders at the address
shown on the books of the Company.
B. In addition to paying all current expenses, it shall be the duty
of the officers and Directors to set up adequate reserves to cover
taxes, auditors' fees, and any and all necessary expenses that can
be anticipated but are not currently payable, and same shall be
deducted from gross earnings before net earnings may be
distributed.
C. If any of the net earnings of this Corporation is profit from sale
of its securities or from any source that would be considered as
capital gains, this information shall be clearly revealed to the
stockholders and the basis of calculation of such gains set forth.
D. The officers and Directors shall distribute not less than that
amount of net earnings of this Corporation to its shareholders as
may be required or advisable under applicable law and special
distribution of net earnings may be made at the discretion of the
Directors at any time to meet this requirement or for any other
reason.
62. UNDERWRITING OR PRINCIPAL BROKER AGREEMENT.
A. The officers and Directors of this Corporation shall not enter
into an agreement or contract with any person or corporation to
act as underwriter or principal broker for the sale and/or
distribution of its shares, unless said person or corporation is
fully qualified as a broker and has net all the requirements of
the Kansas Corporation Commission and United States Securities and
Exchange Commission and is currently in good standing with said
Commissions.
B. No commission, sales load or discount from the offering price of
said shares shall be greater than that which is permitted under
the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules, regulations and
orders promulgated thereunder.
C. Any such contract so made shall not endure for a period of more
than on year, unless such extension has been duly ratified and
approved by a majority vote of the Directors of the Corporation,
and such contract shall contain a provision that it may be
terminated for cause upon sixty days written notice by either
party.
MISCELLANEOUS
63. WAIVER OF NOTICE. Whenever any notice is required to be given under the
provisions of the statutes of Kansas, or of the Articles of
Incorporation or of these Bylaws, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by
the person or persons entitled to said notice, whether before or after
the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to notice.
Attendance of a person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice
of such meeting, except when the person attends a meeting for the
express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the
transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called
or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose
of, any regular or special meeting of the stockholders, Directors or
members of a committee of directors need be specified in any written
waiver of notice unless so required by the Articles of Incorporation of
these Bylaws.
64. CONTRACTS. The Board of Directors may authorize any officer or officers,
or agent or agents, to enter into any contract or execute and deliver
any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation, and such
authority may be general or confined to specific instances.
65. AMENDMENTS. These Bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed, or new
Bylaws may be adopted, in any of the following ways: (i) by the holders
of a majority of the outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation
entitled to vote, or (ii) by a majority of the full Board of Directors
and any change so made by the stockholders may thereafter be further
changed by a majority of the directors; provided, however, that the
power of the Board of Directors to alter, amend or repeal the Bylaws, or
to adopt new Bylaws, may be denied as to any Bylaws or portion thereof
as the stockholders shall so expressly provide.
CERTIFICATE
The undersigned Secretary of Security Tax-Exempt Fund, a Kansas
Corporation, hereby certifies that the foregoing Bylaws are the amended/restated
Bylaws of said Corporation adopted by the Directors of the Corporation.
Dated: February 3, 1995
...................................
Amy J. Lee
Secretary
EXHIBIT 99.B4
No. SHARES _______________
SECURITY TAX-EXEMPT FUND
INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF KANSAS
Total Authorized Shares:
100,000,000 Shares of Capital Stock, Par Value $0.10 Per Share
THIS CERTIFIES THAT
is the owner of
fully paid and non-assessable shares of Capital Stock, each of the par value of
$0.10 per share, of SECURITY TAX-EXEMPT FUND, transferable on the books of the
corporation by the holder hereof in person or by attorney, upon surrender of
this certificate duly endorsed or assigned.
This certificate and the shares represented hereby are subject to the laws of
the State of Kansas and to the Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws of the
corporation as from time to time amended.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, SECURITY TAX-EXEMPT FUND, has caused its corporate seal to
be affixed hereto and this certificate to be signed by its duly authorized
officers.
Dated Account No.
- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
SECRETARY-ASSISTANT SECRETARY PRESIDENT-VICE PRESIDENT
(SEAL)
EXHIBIT 99.B5A
INVESTMENT ADVISORY CONTRACT
THIS AGREEMENT, made this 7th day of October, 1983, between SECURITY TAX-EXEMPT
FUND, a Kansas corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Fund"), and SECURITY
MANAGEMENT COMPANY, a Kansas corporation (hereinafter referred to as the
"Management Company");
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Fund is engaged in business as an open-end, management investment
company registered under the Federal Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940
Act"); and
WHEREAS, the Company is authorized to issue shares of capital stock in separate
Series, with each such Series representing interests in a separate portfolio of
securities and other assets; and
WHEREAS, the Company intends initially to offer shares in one series to be
designated Security Tax-Exempt Fund (the "Initial Series"), such series together
with all other series subsequently established by the Company with respect to
which the Company desires to retain the Management Company to render investment
advisory services hereunder and with respect to which the Management Company is
willing so to do, being herein collectively referred to as the "Series", and
WHEREAS, the Management Company is willing to provide investment research and
advice to the Fund on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual agreements made
herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. EMPLOYMENT OF MANAGEMENT COMPANY. The Fund hereby employs the Management
Company to act as investment adviser to the Initial Series with respect
to the investment of its assets, and to supervise and arrange the
purchase of securities for the Initial Series and the sale of securities
held in the portfolio of the Initial Series, subject always to the
supervision of the board of directors of the Fund (or a duly appointed
committee thereof), during the period and upon and subject to the terms
and conditions herein set forth. The Management Company hereby accepts
such employment and agrees to perform the services required by this
Agreement for the compensation herein provided.
In the event the Company establishes one or more series other than the
Initial Series with respect to which it desires to retain the Management
Company to render investment advisory services hereunder, it shall notify
the Management Company in writing. If the Management Company is willing
to render such services it shall notify the Company in writing, whereupon
such series shall become a Series subject to the terms and conditions
hereunder, and to such amended or additional provisions as shall be
specifically agreed to by the Company and the Management Company in
accordance with applicable law.
<PAGE>
2. INVESTMENT ADVISORY DUTIES. The Management Company shall regularly
provide each Series with investment research, advice and supervision,
continuously furnish an investment program and recommend which securities
shall be purchased and sold and what portion of the assets of each series
shall be held uninvested and arrange for the purchase of securities and
other investments held in the portfolio of each Series. All investment
advice furnished by the Management Company to each Series under this
Section 2 shall at all times conform to any requirements imposed by the
provisions of the Fund's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, the 1940
Act, the Investment Advisors Act of 1940 and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder, any other applicable provisions of law, and the
terms of the registration statements of the Fund under the Securities Act
of 1933 ("1933 Act") and the 1940 Act, all as from time to time amended.
The Management Company shall advise and assist the officers or other
agents of the Fund in taking such steps as are necessary or appropriate
to carry out the decisions of the board of directors of the Fund (and any
duly appointed committee thereof) with regard to the foregoing matters
and the general conduct of the Fund's business.
3. PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE.
(a) Transactions in portfolio securities shall be effected by the
Management Company, through brokers or otherwise, in the manner
permitted in this Section 3 and in such manner as the Management
Company shall deem to be in the best interests of the Fund after
consideration is given to all relevant factors.
(b) In reaching a judgment relative to the qualification of a broker
to obtain the best execution of a particular transaction, the
Management Company may take into account all relevant factors and
circumstances, including the size of any contemporaneous market in
such securities; the importance to the Fund of speed and
efficiency of execution; whether the particular transaction is
part of a larger intended change in portfolio position in the same
securities; the execution capabilities required by the
circumstances of the particular transaction; the capital required
by the transaction; the overall capital strength of the broker;
the broker's apparent knowledge of or familiarity with sources
from or to whom such securities may be purchased or sold; as well
as the efficiency, reliability and confidentiality with which the
broker has handled the execution of prior similar transactions.
(c) Subject to any statements concerning the allocation of brokerage
contained in the Fund's prospectus, the Management Company is
authorized to direct the execution of portfolio transactions for
the Fund to brokers who furnish investment information or research
services to the Management Company. Such allocation shall be in
such amounts and proportions as the Management Company may
determine. If a transaction is directed to a broker providing
brokerage and research services to the Management Company, the
commission paid for such transaction may be in excess of the
commission another broker would have charged for effecting that
transaction, if the Management Company shall have determined in
good faith that the commission is reasonable in relation to the
value of the brokerage and research services provided,
<PAGE>
viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or the
overall responsibilities of the Management Company with respect to
all accounts as to which it now or hereafter exercises investment
discretion. For purposes of the immediately preceding sentence,
"providing brokerage and research services" shall have the meaning
generally given such terms or similar terms under Section 28(e)(3)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(d) In the selection of a broker for the execution of any transaction
not subject to fixed commission rates, the Management Company
shall have no duty or obligation to seek advance competitive
bidding for the most favorable negotiated commission rate to be
applicable to such transaction, or to select any broker solely on
the basis of its purported or "posted" commission rates.
(e) In connection with transactions on markets other than national or
regional securities exchanges, the Fund will deal directly with
the selling principal or market maker without incurring charges
for the services of a broker on its behalf unless, in the best
judgment of the Management Company, better price or execution can
be obtained in utilizing the services of a broker.
4. ALLOCATION OF EXPENSES AND CHARGES. The Management Company shall provide
investment advisory, statistical and research facilities and all clerical
services relating to research, statistical and investment work, and shall
provide for the compilation and maintenance of such records relating to
these functions as shall be required under applicable law and the rules
and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other than as
specifically indicated in the preceding sentence, the Management Company
shall not be required to pay any expenses of the Fund, and in particular,
but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Management
Company shall not be required to pay office rental or general
administrative expenses; board of directors' fees; legal, auditing and
accounting expenses; insurance premiums; broker's commissions; taxes and
governmental fees; membership dues; fees of custodian, transfer agent,
registrar and dividend disbursing agent (if any); expenses of obtaining
quotations on the Series' portfolio securities and pricing of the Series'
shares; expenses (including clerical expenses) of issue, sale or
redemption of shares of the Fund's capital stock; costs and expenses in
connection with the registration of such capital stock under the 1933 Act
and qualification of the Fund's capital stock under the Blue Sky laws of
the states where such stock is offered; costs and expenses in connection
with the registration of the Fund under the 1940 Act and all periodic and
other reports required thereunder; expenses of preparing reports, proxy
statements, prospectuses and notices to stockholders and of printing and
distributing reports, proxies, prospectuses and notices to existing
stockholders; costs of stationery; costs of stockholder and other
meetings; expenses of maintaining the Fund's corporate existence; and
such nonrecurring expenses as may arise including litigation affecting
the Fund and the legal obligations the Fund may have to indemnify its
officers and directors.
<PAGE>
5. COMPENSATION OF MANAGEMENT COMPANY.
(a) As compensation for the services rendered by the Management
Company as provided herein, for each of the years this agreement
is in effect, the Fund shall pay the Management Company an annual
fee equal to 0.5 of 1% of the average daily closing value of the
net assets of the Initial Series computed on a daily basis. Such
fee shall be adjusted and payable monthly. If this Agreement shall
be effective for only a portion of a year, then the Management
Company's compensation for said year shall be prorated for such
portion. For purposes of this Section 5, the value of the net
assets of the Initial Series shall be computed in the same manner
on each business day as of the normal close of the New York Stock
Exchange as the value of such net assets is computed in connection
with the determination of the net asset value of the shares of the
Initial Series as described in the Fund's prospectus.
(b) For each of the Fund's full fiscal years during the term of this
Agreement, the Management Company guarantees that the aggregate
annual expenses of every character, exclusive of interest and
taxes and extraordinary expenses (such as litigation), but
inclusive of the Management Company's compensation, incurred by
the Series shall not exceed an amount equal to one percent of the
average net assets of the Series for the year, such net assets to
be calculated on a daily basis. The Management Company agrees, on
a monthly basis, to contribute to the Fund such funds or to waive
such portion of its fee as may be necessary to insure that such
aggregate annual expenses will not exceed said amount. If this
Agreement shall be effective for only a portion of one of the
Fund's fiscal years, then the maximum annual expenses shall be
prorated for such portion. Brokerage fees and commissions incurred
in connection with the purchase or sale of any securities by the
Fund shall not be deemed to be expenses within the meaning of this
Paragraph (b).
6. MANAGEMENT COMPANY NOT TO RECEIVE COMMISSIONS. In connection with the
purchase or sale of portfolio securities for the account of the Fund,
neither the Management Company nor any officer or director of the
Management Company shall act as principal or receive any compensation
from the Fund other than its compensation as provided for in Section 5
above. If the Management Company, or any "affiliated person" (as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940) receives any cash credits,
commissions or tender fees from any person in connection with
transactions in the portfolio securities of the Fund (including but not
limited to the tender or delivery of any securities held in such
portfolio), the Management Company shall immediately pay such amount to
the Fund in cash or as a credit against any then earned but unpaid
management fees due by the Fund to the Management Company.
<PAGE>
7. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OF MANAGEMENT COMPANY. So long as the Management
Company shall give the Fund the benefit of its best judgment and effort
in rendering services hereunder, the Management Company shall not be
liable for any errors of judgment or mistake of law, or for any loss
sustained by reason of the adoption of any investment policy or the
purchase, sale or retention of any security on its recommendation,
whether or not such recommendation shall have been based upon its own
investigation and research or upon investigation and research made by any
other individual, firm or corporation, if such recommendation shall have
been made and such other individual, firm or corporation shall have been
selected with due care and in good faith. Nothing herein contained shall,
however, be construed to protect the Management Company against any
liability to the Fund or its contract owners by reason of willful
misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its
duties or by reason of its reckless disregard of its obligations and
duties under this Agreement. As used in this Section 7, "Management
Company" shall include directors, officers and employees of the
Management Company, as well as that corporation itself.
8. OTHER ACTIVITIES NOT RESTRICTED. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent
the Management Company or any officer thereof from acting as investment
adviser for any other person, firm, or corporation, nor shall it in any
way limit or restrict the Management Company or any of its directors,
officers, stockholders or employees from buying, selling, or trading any
securities for its own accounts or for the accounts of others for whom it
may be acting; provided, however, that the Management Company expressly
represents that it will undertake no activities which, in its judgment,
will conflict with the performance of its obligations to the Fund under
this Agreement. The Fund acknowledges that the Management Company acts as
investment adviser to other investment companies, and it expressly
consents to the Management Company acting as such; provided, however,
that if in the opinion of the Management Company, particular securities
are consistent with the investment objectives of, and desirable purchases
or sales for the portfolios of, one or more Series and one or more of
such other investment companies or series of such companies at
approximately the same time, such purchases or sales will be made on a
proportionate basis if feasible, and if not feasible, then on a rotating
or other equitable basis.
9. DURATION AND TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT. This Agreement shall become
effective on the date hereof, provided that on or before that date it has
been approved by a majority of the holders of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund, and shall remain in force, unless sooner
terminated as provided herein, until the first regular or special meeting
of the Fund stockholders following the date shares of capital stock of
the Fund are first offered to the public. This Agreement shall be
presented to each Series of the Fund's stockholders at such meeting for
their approval and shall continue in effect for successive 12-month
periods, unless terminated, provided that each such continuance is
specifically approved at such meeting and at least annually thereafter by
(a) the vote of a majority of the entire board of directors of the Fund,
or, with respect to each Series, by the vote of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities of such Series (as defined in the 1940 Act,
and (b) the vote of a majority of those directors who are not parties to
this Agreement or interested persons (as such term is defined in the 1940
Act) of any such party cast in person at a meeting called for
<PAGE>
the purpose of voting on such approval. In the event that this Agreement
is approved by such vote of the outstanding voting securities of one or
more Series but not of one or more others, this Agreement shall continue
in effect with respect to the former Series and, with respect to the
latter may continue in effect until such approval by the latter Series of
this Agreement or of a new agreement with the Management Company or with
another party is obtained, provided that compensation paid with respect
to such Series pending such approval is no greater than the lesser of the
Management Company's actual costs incurred hereunder or the amount due
pursuant to Section 5 hereof. This Agreement may be terminated at any
time without payment of any penalty, by the Fund upon the vote of a
majority of the Fund's board of directors or, with respect to any Series,
by a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such Series, or by
the Management Company, .in each case on sixty (60) days' written notice
to the other party. This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the
event of its assignment (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act).
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly
executed by their respective corporate officers thereto duly authorized on the
day, month and year first above written.
SECURITY TAX-EXEMPT FUND
(Corporate Seal)
ATTEST: By: Everett S. Gille
--------------------------------------
Everett S. Gille, President
Larry D. Armel
- -----------------------------------
Larry D. Armel, Secretary
SECURITY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
(Corporate Seal)
ATTEST: By: Everett S. Gille
--------------------------------------
Everett S. Gille, President
Larry D. Armel
- -----------------------------------
Larry D. Armel, Secretary
<PAGE>
AMENDMENT TO INVESTMENT ADVISORY CONTRACT
WHEREAS, Security Tax-Exempt Fund (the "Fund") and Security Management Company
(the "Management Company") are parties to an Investment Advisory Contract dated
October 7, 1983 (the "Agreement"), under which the Management Company agrees to
provide investment research and advice to the Fund in return for the
compensation specified in the Agreement;
WHEREAS, effective October 19, 1993, the Fund will offer its shares in two
Classes, Class A shares, which are currently being offered, and a new class,
Class B shares;
WHEREAS, the Fund has adopted a Distribution Plan with respect to its Class B
shares and, as a result, such shares are subject to distribution fees to which
Class A shares are not subject;
WHEREAS, the distribution fees associated with Class B shares require the
amendment of the Agreement relative to that class of shares;
WHEREAS, on October 1, 1993, the initial Class B shareholder of the Fund
approved such amendment to this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the changes to the Agreement which are contemplated by this Amendment
do not affect the interests of Class A shareholders of the Fund;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Fund and the Management Company hereby amend the Investment
Advisory Contract, dated October 7, 1983, effective October 1, 1993, as follows:
A. The Management Company agrees to provide investment research and advice,
to the Fund pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the
Agreement, as amended in section B below.
B. Section 5(b) of the Agreement shall be amended by deleting it in its
entirety and replacing it with the following:
(b) For each of the Fund's full fiscal years during the term of this
Agreement, the Management Company guarantees that the aggregate
annual expenses of every character, exclusive of interest and
taxes, extraordinary expenses (such as litigation), and
distribution fees paid under the Fund's Class B Distribution Plan,
but inclusive of the Management Company's compensation, incurred
by the Fund shall not exceed an amount equal to one percent of the
average net assets of the Fund for the year, such net assets to be
calculated on a daily basis. The Management Company agrees, on a
monthly basis, to contribute to the Fund such funds or to waive
such portion of its fee as may be necessary to insure that such
aggregate annual expenses will not exceed said amount. If this
Agreement shall be effective for only a portion of one of the
Fund's fiscal years, then the maximum annual expenses shall be
prorated for such portion. Brokerage fees and commissions incurred
in connection with the purchase or sale of
<PAGE>
any securities by the Fund shall not be deemed to be expenses
within the meaning of this paragraph (b).
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have made this Amendment to the
Investment Advisory Contract this 1st day of October 1993.
ATTEST: SECURITY INCOME FUND
Amy J. Lee By: Michael J. Provines
- ------------------------------ -----------------------------------------
Amy J. Lee, Secretary
ATTEST: SECURITY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
Amy J. Lee By: Michael J. Provines
- ------------------------------ -----------------------------------------
Amy J. Lee, Secretary
<PAGE>
AMENDMENT TO INVESTMENT ADVISORY CONTRACT
WHEREAS, Security Tax-Exempt Fund (the "Fund") and Security Management Company
(the "Management Company") are parties to an Investment Advisory Contract, dated
October 7, 1983, as amended (the "Agreement"), under which the Management
Company agrees to provide investment research and advice to the Fund in return
for the compensation specified in the Agreement;
WHEREAS, on October 31, 1996, the operations of the Management Company, a Kansas
corporation, will be transferred to Security Management Company, LLC ("SMC,
LLC"), a Kansas limited liability company; and
WHEREAS, SMC, LLC desires to assume all rights, duties and obligations of the
Management Company under the Agreement.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual agreements made
herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. The Agreement is hereby amended to substitute SMC, LLC for Security
Management Company, with the same effect as though SMC, LLC were the
originally named management company, effective November 1, 1996;
2. SMC, LLC agrees to assume the rights, duties and obligations of Security
Management Company pursuant to the terms of the Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amendment to the
Investment Advisory Contract this 1st day of November 1996.
SECURITY TAX-EXEMPT FUND SECURITY MANAGEMENT COMPANY, LLC
By: John D. Cleland By: James R. Schmank
--------------------------------- --------------------------------------
John D. Cleland, President James R. Schmank, President
ATTEST: ATTEST:
Amy J. Lee Amy J. Lee
--------------------------------- --------------------------------------
Amy J. Lee, Secretary Amy J. Lee, Secretary
<PAGE>
AMENDMENT TO INVESTMENT ADVISORY CONTRACT
WHEREAS, Security Tax-Exempt Fund (the "Fund") and Security Management Company,
LLC (the "Management Company") are parties to an Investment Advisory Contract,
dated October 7, 1983, as amended (the "Agreement"), under which the Management
Company agrees to provide investment research and advice to the Fund in return
for the compensation specified in the Agreement; and
WHEREAS, on February 6, 1998, in connection with adopting a Class A Distribution
Plan for the Fund, the Board of Directors of the Fund approved amendment of the
Agreement to exclude the Class A distribution fee from aggregate annual expenses
for the purpose of calculating the one percent limit on of annual expenses.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Fund and the Management Company hereby
amend the Agreement, effective May 1, 1998, by deleting Paragraph 5(b) in its
entirety and replacing it with the following:
(b) For each of the Fund's full fiscal years during the term of this
Agreement, the Management Company guarantees that the aggregate
annual expenses of every character, exclusive of interest and taxes,
extraordinary expenses (such as litigation), and distribution fees
paid under the Fund's Class A and Class B Distribution Plans, but
inclusive of the Management Company's compensation, incurred by the
Fund shall not exceed an amount equal to one percent of the average
net assets of the Fund for the year, such net assets to be calculated
on a daily basis. The Management Company agrees, on a monthly basis,
to contribute to the Fund such funds or to waive such portion of its
fee as may be necessary to insure that such aggregate annual expenses
will not exceed said amount. If this Agreement shall be effective for
only a portion of one of the Fund's fiscal years, then the maximum
annual expenses shall be prorated for such portion. Brokerage fees
and commissions incurred in connection with the purchase or sale of
any securities by the Fund shall not be deemed to be expenses within
the meaning of this paragraph (b).
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amendment to
Investment Advisory Contract this 24th day of April, 1998.
SECURITY TAX-EXEMPT FUND SECURITY MANAGEMENT COMPANY, LLC
By: JOHN D. CLELAND By: JAMES R. SCHMANK
------------------------------------- ---------------------------------
John D. Cleland, President James R. Schmank, President
ATTEST: ATTEST:
AMY J. LEE AMY J. LEE
- ---------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
EXHIBIT 99.B6A
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, made this 7th day of October, 1983, between SECURITY
TAX-EXEMPT FUND, a Kansas corporation (hereinafter referred to as the
"Company"), and SECURITY DISTRIBUTORS, INC., a Kansas corporation (hereinafter
referred to as the "Distributor"),
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Company is engaged in business as an open-end, management
investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the
"1940 Act"); and
WHEREAS, the Company is authorized to issue shares of capital stock in
separate series, with each such series representing interests in a separate
portfolio of securities and other assets; and
WHEREAS, the Company intends initially to offer shares in one series to be
designated Security Tax-Exempt Fund, such series together with all other series
subsequently established by the Company with respect to which the Company
desires to retain the Distributor to render services hereunder and with respect
to which the Distributor is willing so to do, being herein collectively referred
to as the "Series"; and
WHEREAS, the Distributor is willing to act as principal underwriter for the
Company to offer for sale, sell and deliver after sale shares of the Company's
$.10 par value common stock (hereinafter referred to as the "Shares") on the
terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
herein set forth, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. EMPLOYMENT OF DISTRIBUTOR. The Company hereby employs the Distributor to
act as principal underwriter for the Company and hereby agrees that during the
term of this Agreement, and any renewal or extension thereof, or until any prior
termination thereof, the Distributor shall have the exclusive right to offer for
sale and to distribute any and all Shares of each Series issued or to be issued
by the Company. The Distributor hereby accepts such employment and agrees to act
as the distributor of the Shares of each Series issued or to be issues by the
Company during the period this Agreement is in effect and agrees during such
period to offer for sale such Shares as long as such Shares remain available for
sale, unless the Distributor is unable legally to make such offer for sale as
the result of any law or governmental regulation.
2. OFFERING PRICE AND COMMISSIONS. Prior to the issuance of any Shares by the
Company pursuant to any subscription tendered by or through the Distributor and
confirmed for sale to or through the Distributor, the Distributor shall pay or
cause to be paid to the Custodian of the Company in cash, an amount equal to the
net asset value of such Shares at the time of
<PAGE>
acceptance of each such subscription and confirmation by the Company of the sale
of such Shares. The Distributor shall be entitled to charge a commission on each
such sale of Shares in the amount set forth in the Company's prospectus, such
commission to be an amount equal to the difference between the net asset value
and the offering price of the Shares, as such offering price may from time to
time be determined by the board of directors of the Company. All Shares shall be
sold to the public only at their public offering price at the time of such sale,
and the Company shall receive not less than the full net asset value thereof.
3. ALLOCATION OF EXPENSES AND CHARGES. During the period this Agreement is in
effect, the Company shall pay all costs and expenses in connection with its
registration under the 1940 Act and the registration of its Shares under the
Securities Act of 1933 ("1933 Act"), including all expenses in connection with
the preparation and printing of any registration statements and prospectuses
necessary for registration thereunder but excluding any additional costs and
expenses incurred in furnishing the Distributor with prospectuses. The Company
shall also pay all costs, expenses and fees incurred in connection with the
qualification of the Shares under the applicable Blue Sky laws of the states in
which the Shares are offered.
During the period this Agreement is in effect the Distributor will pay or
reimburse the Company for:
(a) All costs and expenses of printing and mailing prospectuses (other than
for existing shareholders) and confirmations (except for reinvested dividends),
and all costs and expenses of preparing, printing and mailing advertising
material, sales literature, circulars, applications, and other materials used or
to be used in connection with the offering for sale and the sale of Shares; and
(b) All clerical and administrative costs in processing the applications for
and in connection with the sale of Shares.
The Distributor agrees to submit to the Company for its prior approval all
advertising material, sales literature, circulars and any other material which
the Distributor proposes to use in connection with the offering for sale of
Shares.
4. DISTRIBUTOR MAY ACT AS BROKER AND RECEIVE COMMISSIONS. Notwithstanding any
other provisions of this Agreement, it is understood and agreed that the
Distributor may act as a broker, on behalf of the Company, in the purchase and
sale of securities not effected on a securities exchange, provided that any such
transactions and any commission paid in connection therewith shall comply in
every respect with the requirements of the 1940 Act and in particular with
Section 17(e) of that Act and the Rules and Regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission promulgated thereunder.
5. AGREEMENTS SUBJECT TO APPLICABLE LAW AND REGULATIONS. The parties hereto
agree that all provisions of this Agreement will be performed in strict
accordance with the requirements of the 1940 Act, the 1933 Act and the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the rules and regulations of the Securities
and Exchange Commission under said statutes, in strict accordance
-2-
<PAGE>
with all applicable state Blue Sky laws and the rules and regulations
thereunder, and in strict accordance with the provisions of the Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company.
6. DURATION AND TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT. This Agreement shall become
effective at the date and time that the Company's prospectus, reflecting the
underwriting arrangements provided by this Agreement, shall become effective
under the 1933 Act, and shall, unless terminated as provided herein, continue in
force for two years from that date, and from year to year thereafter, provided
that such continuance for each successive year is specifically approved in
advance at least annually by either the board of directors or by the vote of a
majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the outstanding voting securities of
the Company and, in either event, by the vote of a majority of the directors of
the Company who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any
such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting upon
such approval. As used in the preceding sentence, the words "interested persons"
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act. Written
notice of any such approval by the board of directors or by the holders of a
majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Company and the directors
who are not such interested persons shall be given promptly to the Distributor.
This Agreement may be terminated at any time without the payment of any
penalty by the Company by giving the Distributor at least sixty (60) days
previous written notice of such intention to terminate. This Agreement may be
terminated by the Distributor at any time by giving the Company at least sixty
(60) days previous written notice of such intention to terminate.
This Agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
As used in the preceding sentence, the word "assignment" shall have the meaning
set forth in Section 2(a)(4) of the 1940 Act.
7. CONSTRUCTION OF AGREEMENT. No provision of this Agreement is intended to
or shall be construed as protecting the Distributor against any liability to the
Company or to the Company's security holders to which the Distributor would
otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross
negligence in the performance of its duties under this Agreement.
Terms or words used in this Agreement, which also occur in the Articles of
Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company, shall have the same meaning herein as
given to such terms or words in the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the
Company.
8. DISTRIBUTOR AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. The Distributor shall be deemed to
be an independent contractor and, except as expressly provided or authorized by
the Company, shall have no authority to act for or represent the Company.
9. NOTICE. Any notice required or permitted to be given hereunder to either
of the parties hereto shall be deemed to have been given if mailed by certified
mail in a postage prepaid envelope addressed to the respective party as follows,
unless any such party has notified the other
-3-
<PAGE>
party hereto that notices thereafter intended for such party shall be mailed to
some other address, in which event notices thereafter shall be addressed to such
party at the address designated in such request:
Security Tax-Exempt Fund
Security Benefit Life Building
700 Harrison
Topeka, Kansas
Security Distributors, Inc.
Security Benefit Life Building
700 Harrison
Topeka, Kansas
10. AMENDMENT OF AGREEMENT. No amendment to this Agreement shall be effective
until approved by (a) a majority of the board of directors of the Company and a
majority of the board of directors of the Company who are not parties to this
Agreement or affiliated persons of any such party, or (b) a vote of the holders
of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Company.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly
executed by their respective corporate officers thereto duly authorized on the
day, month and year first above written.
SECURITY TAX-EXEMPT FUND
By EVERETT S. GILLE
-------------------------------------
President
ATTEST:
LARRY D. ARMEL
- -------------------------------------
Secretary
(SEAL)
SECURITY DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
By GORDON EVANS
-------------------------------------
President
ATTEST:
LARRY D. ARMEL
- -------------------------------------
Secretary
(SEAL)
-4-
<PAGE>
AMENDMENT TO DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
WHEREAS, Security Tax-Exempt Fund (the "Company") and Security Distributors,
Inc. (the "Distributor") are parties to a Distribution Agreement dated October
7, 1983 (the "Distribution Agreement"), under which the Distributor agreed to
act as principal underwriter in connection with sales of the shares of the
Company's capital stock; and
WHEREAS, the Company expects to receive an exemptive order from the Securities
and Exchange Commission allowing the Company to issue and offer for sale two or
more classes of the Company's capital stock; and
WHEREAS, the Company and the Distributor wish to amend the Distribution
Agreement to clarify that the Distribution Agreement applies only to the sale of
shares of the single class of capital stock existing at the time the
Distribution Agreement was initially entered into:
NOW THEREFORE, the Company and Distributor hereby amend the Distribution
Agreement, effective immediately, as follows:
1. The term "Shares" as referred to in the Distribution Agreement shall refer
to the Class A Shares of the Company's $.10 par value stock.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have made this Amendment to the
Distribution Agreement this 1st day of October 1993.
SECURITY TAX-EXEMPT FUND
By M. J. PROVINES
-------------------------------------
President
ATTEST:
AMY J. LEE
- -------------------------------------
Secretary
(SEAL)
SECURITY DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
By HOWARD R. FRICKE
-------------------------------------
President
ATTEST:
AMY J. LEE
- -------------------------------------
Secretary
(SEAL)
<PAGE>
AMENDMENT TO DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
WHEREAS, Security Tax-Exempt Fund (the "Fund") and Security Distributors, Inc.
(the "Distributor") are parties to a Distribution Agreement dated October 7,
1983, as amended (the "Distribution Agreement"), under which the Distributor has
agreed to act as principal underwriter in connection with sales of the shares of
the Fund's Class A common stock;
WHEREAS, on October 19, 1993, the Fund was granted exemptive relief from the
Securities and Exchange Commission allowing the Fund to issue and offer for sale
two or more classes of the Fund's capital stock; and
WHEREAS, on February 6, 1998, the Board of Directors of the Fund approved a
Class A Distribution Plan (the "Class A Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the provisions of which have an effect upon the
relationship between the Fund and the Distributor, and the Distribution
Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Fund and Distributor wish to amend the Distribution Agreement to
incorporate the necessary provisions of the Class A Plan into the Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Fund and Distributor hereby amend the Distribution
Agreement, effective May 1, 1998, by adding new Section 5A, which provides as
follows:
5A. (a) Pursuant to a Class A Distribution Plan adopted by the Fund,
the Fund agrees to make monthly payments to the Distributor in an
amount computed at an annual rate of .25 of 1% of the Fund's average
daily net assets, to finance activities undertaken by the Distributor
for the purpose of distributing the Fund's shares to investors. The
Distributor is obligated to and hereby agrees to use the entire amount
of said fee to finance the following distribution-related activities:
(i) Preparation, printing and distribution of the Prospectus
and Statement of Additional Information and any supplement
thereto used in connection with the offering of the Fund's
shares to the public;
(ii) Printing of additional copies for use by the Distributor
as sales literature, of reports and other communications
which were prepared by the Fund for distribution to
existing shareholders;
(iii) Preparation, printing and distribution of any other sales
literature used in connection with the offering of the
Fund's shares to the public;
(iv) Expenses incurred in advertising, promoting and selling
shares of the Fund to the public;
<PAGE>
(v) Any fees paid by the Distributor to securities dealers who
have executed a Dealer's Distribution Agreement with the
Distributor for account maintenance and personal service
to shareholders of the Fund (a "Service Fee");
(vi) Commissions to sales personnel for selling shares of the
Fund and interest expenses related thereto; and
(vii) Expenses incurred in promoting sales of shares of the Fund
by securities dealers, including the costs of preparation
of materials for presentations, travel expenses, costs of
entertainment, and other expenses incurred in connection
with promoting sales of the Fund shares by dealers.
(b) All payments to the Distributor pursuant to this paragraph are
subject to the following conditions being met by the Distributor.
The Distributor shall furnish the Fund with quarterly written
reports of its expenditures and such other information relating
to expenditures or to the other distribution-related activities
undertaken or proposed to be undertaken by the Distributor during
such fiscal year under its Distribution Agreement with the Fund
as the Fund may reasonably request;
(c) The Dealer's Distribution Agreement (the "Agreement")
contemplated by paragraph 5A(a)(v) above shall permit payments to
securities dealers by the Distributor only in accordance with the
provisions of this paragraph and shall have the approval of the
majority of the Board of Directors of the Fund, including a
majority of the directors who are not interested persons of the
Fund, as required by the Rule. The Distributor may pay to the
other party to any Dealer's Distribution Agreement a quarterly
fee for distribution and marketing services provided by such
other party. Such quarterly fee shall be payable in arrears in an
amount equal to such percentage (not in excess of .000685% per
day) of the aggregate net asset value of the Fund's shares held
by such other party's customers or clients at the close of
business each day as determined from time to time by the
Distributor. The distribution and marketing services contemplated
hereby shall include, but are not limited to, answering inquiries
regarding the Fund, account designations and addresses,
maintaining the investment of such other party's customers or
clients in the Fund and similar services. In determining the
extent of such other party's assistance in maintaining such
investment by its customers or clients, the Distributor may take
into account the possibility that the shares held by such
customer or client would be redeemed in the absence of such
quarterly fee.
<PAGE>
(d) The provisions of the Distribution Plan approved by the Board of
Directors of the Fund on February 6, 1998, are fully incorporated
herein by reference. In the event the Class A Distribution Plan
is not approved by a majority vote of Class A shareholders of the
Fund at the Fund's special meeting to be held April 24, 1998, or
is terminated by the Board of Directors or Class A shareholders
of the Fund as provided therein, this paragraph shall no longer
be effective.
The Fund and Distributor hereby further amend the Distribution Agreement,
effective May 1, 1998, by deleting the second paragraph of Section 6 and
replacing it with the following.
This Agreement may be terminated at any time, without the payment of
any penalty, by vote of a majority of the board of directors of the
Company who are not interested persons of the Company and have no
direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Class A
Distribution Plan or in this Distribution Agreement or by vote of a
majority of the outstanding Class A voting securities of the Company
on sixty (60) day's written notice to the Distributor. This Agreement
may be terminated by the Distributor at any time by giving the Company
sixty (60) days' previous written notice of such intention to
terminate.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amendment to the
Distribution Agreement this 24th day of April, 1998.
SECURITY TAX-EXEMPT FUND
By JAMES R. SCHMANK
-------------------------------------
James R. Schmank, Vice President
ATTEST:
By AMY J. LEE
------------------------------------
Amy J. Lee, Secretary
SECURITY DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
By RICHARD K RYAN
-------------------------------------
Richard K Ryan, President
ATTEST:
By AMY J. LEE
-----------------------------------
Amy J. Lee, Secretary
EXHIBIT 99.B10
April 23, 1998
Security Municipal Bond Fund
700 Harrison Street
Topeka, KS 66636-0001
Dear Sir/Madam:
I refer to the registration statement, File No. 2-73223, of Security Municipal
Bond Fund, a Kansas corporation, hereinafter referred to as the "Company," being
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the purpose of registering
under the Securities Act of 1933 the shares of the Company.
I have examined the Articles of Incorporation and the bylaws of the Company,
minutes of the applicable meetings of the Board of Directors and stockholders of
the Company, and other corporate records, applicable certificates of public
officials, and other documents I have deemed relevant.
Based upon the foregoing, it is my opinion that:
1. The Company is duly organized, existing and in good standing under the laws
of the State of Kansas.
2. The Company has authorization to sell an indefinite number of shares of
capital stock of par value of $0.10 per share pursuant to an indefinite
registration of such shares made effective October 21,1983.
3. All necessary corporate actions have been taken to authorize the sale by
the company, for the consideration set forth in the registration statement,
and, upon the sale by the Company of those shares, they will be duly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
Sincerely,
/s/ AMY J. LEE
Amy J. Lee, Esq.
Secretary
Security Municipal Bond Fund
Item 24.b. Exhibit (11)
EXHIBIT 99.B11
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the references to our firm under the captions "Financial
Highlights" and "Independent Auditors" and to the incorporation by reference of
our report dated February 6, 1998 in Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 to the
Registration Statement (Form N-1A) and related Prospectus of Security Municipal
Bond Fund (formerly Security Tax-Exempt Fund) filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 (Registration No. 2-73223)
and under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (Registration No. 811-3225).
Ernst & Young LLP
Kansas City, Missouri
April 27, 1998
EXHIBIT 99.B15A
SECURITY TAX-EXEMPT FUND
CLASS A
DISTRIBUTION PLAN
1. THE PLAN. This Distribution Plan (the "Plan"), provides for the financing by
Security Tax-Exempt Fund (the "Fund") of activities which are, or may be
deemed to be, primarily intended to result in the sale of class A shares of
the Fund (hereinafter called "distribution-related activities"). The
principal purpose of this Plan is to enable the Fund to supplement
expenditures by Security Distributors, Inc., the Distributor of its shares
(the "Distributor") for distribution-related activities. This Plan is
intended to comply with the requirements of Rule 12b-1 (the "Rule") under
the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act").
The Board of Directors, in considering whether the Fund should implement the
Plan, has requested and evaluated such information as it deemed necessary to
make an informed determination as to whether the Plan should be implemented
and has considered such pertinent factors as it deemed necessary to form the
basis for a decision to use assets of the Fund for such purposes.
In voting to approve the implementation of the Plan, the Directors have
concluded, in the exercise of their reasonable business judgment and in
light of their respective fiduciary duties, that there is a reasonable
likelihood that the Plan will benefit the Fund and its shareholders.
2. COVERED EXPENSES.
(a) The Fund may make payments under this Plan, or any agreement relating
to the implementation of this Plan, in connection with any activities
or expenses primarily intended to result in the sale of class A shares
of the Fund, including, but not limited to, the following
distribution-related activities:
(i) Preparation, printing and distribution of the Prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information and any supplement thereto
used in connection with the offering of the Fund's shares to the
public;
(ii) Printing of additional copies for use by the Distributor as
sales literature, of reports and other communications which were
prepared by the Fund for distribution to existing shareholders;
(iii) Preparation, printing and distribution of any other sales
literature used in connection with the offering of the Fund's
shares to the public;
(iv) Expenses incurred in advertising, promoting and selling shares
of the Fund to the public;
<PAGE>
(v) Any fees paid by the Distributor to securities dealers who have
executed a Dealer's Distribution Agreement with the Distributor
for account maintenance and personal service to shareholders of
the Fund (a "Service Fee");
(vi) Commissions to sales personnel for selling shares of the Fund
and interest expenses related thereto; and
(vii) Expenses incurred in promoting sales of shares of the Fund by
securities dealers, including the costs of preparation of
materials for presentations, travel expenses, costs of
entertainment, and other expenses incurred in connection with
promoting sales of Fund shares by dealers.
(b) Any payments for distribution-related activities shall be made pursuant
to an agreement. As required by the Rule, each agreement relating to
the implementation of this Plan shall be in writing and subject to
approval and termination pursuant to the provisions of Section 7 of
this Plan. However, this Plan shall not obligate the Fund or any other
party to enter into such agreement.
3. AGREEMENT WITH DISTRIBUTOR. All payments to the Distributor pursuant to this
Plan shall be subject to and be made in compliance with a written agreement
between the Fund and the Distributor containing a provision that the
Distributor shall furnish the Fund with quarterly written reports of the
amounts expended and the purposes for which such expenditures were made, and
such other information relating to such expenditures or to the other
distribution-related activities undertaken or proposed to be undertaken by
the Distributor during such fiscal year under its Distribution Agreement
with the Fund as the Fund may reasonably request.
4. DEALER'S DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT. The Dealer's Distribution Agreement (the
"Agreement") contemplated by Section 2(a)(v) above shall permit payment of
Service Fees to securities dealers by the Distributor only in accordance
with the provisions of this paragraph and shall have the approval of the
majority of the Board of Directors of the Fund, including the affirmative
vote of a majority of those Directors who are not interested persons of the
Fund and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation
of the Plan or any agreement related to the Plan ("Independent Directors"),
as required by the Rule. The Distributor may pay to the other party to any
such Agreement a Service Fee for distribution and marketing services
provided by such other party. Such Service Fee shall be payable (a) for the
first year, initially, in an amount equal to .25 percent annually of the
aggregate net asset value of the shares purchased by such other party's
customers or clients, and (b) for each year thereafter, quarterly, in
arrears in an amount equal to such percentage (not in excess of .000685
percent per day or .25 percent annually) of the aggregate net asset value of
the shares held by such other party's customers or clients at the close of
business each day as determined from time to time by the Distributor. The
distribution and marketing services contemplated hereby shall include, but
are not limited to, answering inquiries regarding the Fund, account
designations and addresses, maintaining the investment of such other party's
customers or clients in the Fund and similar services. In
<PAGE>
determining the extent of such other party's assistance in maintaining such
investment by its customers or clients, the Distributor may take into
account the possibility that the shares held by such customer or client
would be redeemed in the absence of such fee.
5. LIMITATIONS ON COVERED EXPENSES. The basic limitation on the expenses
incurred by the Fund under Section 2 of this Plan (including Service Fees)
in any fiscal year of the Fund shall be one-quarter of one percent (.25%) of
the Fund's average daily net assets for such fiscal year. The payments to be
paid pursuant to this Plan shall be calculated and accrued daily and paid
monthly or at such other intervals as the Directors shall determine, subject
to any applicable restriction imposed by rules of the National Association
of Securities Dealers, Inc.
6. INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS. While this Plan is in effect, the selection and
nomination of Independent Directors of the Fund shall be committed to the
discretion of the Independent Directors. Nothing herein shall prevent the
involvement of others in such selection and nomination if the final decision
on any such selection and nomination is approved by a majority of the
Independent Directors.
7. EFFECTIVENESS, CONTINUATION, TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT. This Plan and each
Agreement relating to the implementation of this Plan shall go into effect
when approved.
(a) By vote of the Fund's Directors, including the affirmative vote of a
majority of the Independent Directors, cast in person at a meeting
called for the purpose of voting on the Plan or the Agreement;
(b) By a vote of holders of at least a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Class A shares of the Fund; and
(c) Upon the effectiveness of an amendment to the Fund's registration
statement, reflecting this Plan, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission under the Securities Act of 1933.
This Plan and any Agreements relating to the implementation of this Plan
shall, unless terminated as hereinafter provided, continue in effect from
year to year only so long as such continuance is specifically approved at
least annually by vote of the Fund's Directors, including the affirmative
vote of a majority of its Independent Directors, cast in person at a meeting
called for the purpose of voting on such continuance. This Plan and any
Agreements relating to the implementation of this Plan may be terminated, in
the case of the Plan, at any time or, in the case of any agreements upon not
more than sixty (60) days' written notice to any other party to the
Agreement by vote of a majority of the Independent Directors or by the vote
of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the
Class A shares of the Fund. Any Agreement relating to the implementation of
this Plan shall terminate automatically in the event it is assigned. Any
material amendment to this Plan shall require approval by vote of the Fund's
Directors, including the affirmative vote of a majority of the Independent
Directors, cast in person at a meeting called for the
<PAGE>
purpose of voting on such amendment and, if such amendment materially
increases the limitations on expenses payable under the Plan, it shall also
require approval by a vote of holders of at least a majority of the
outstanding voting securities of the Class A shares of the Fund. As applied
to the Class A shares of the Fund the phrase "majority of the outstanding
voting securities" shall have the meaning specified in Section 2(a) of the
1940 Act.
In the event this Plan should be terminated by the shareholders or Directors
of the Fund, the payments paid to the Distributor pursuant to the Plan up to
the date of termination shall be retained by the Distributor. Any expenses
incurred by the Distributor in excess of those payments will be the sole
responsibility of the Distributor.
8. RECORDS. The Fund shall preserve copies of this Plan and any related
Agreements and all reports made pursuant to Section 3 hereof, for a period
of not less than six (6) years from the date of this Plan, the first two
years in an easily accessible place.
SECURITY TAX-EXEMPT FUND
Date: APRIL 24, 1998 By: JOHN D. CLELAND
--------------------------------- ---------------------------------
Item 24.b. Exhibit (16)
SECURITY MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
(CLASS A)
Yield As Of December 31, 1997
[ (81,674.19-11,145) ]^6
2[------------------------------- + 1 ] - 1
[ (2,180,545.386)(10.58) ]
2[(1.00305716)6 - 1]
2[(1.018483723 - 1)]
2(.018483723)
Yield = .03696 or 3.70%
Average Annual Total Return As Of December 31, 1997 (with deduction of sales
charge)
1. Average Total Return For 1 Year = +3.17%
1000 (1+T) 1 = 1,031.72
(1+T) 1 = (1.03172)1
1+T = .03172
T = .0317
2. Average Total Return For 5 Years = +4.70%
1000 (1+T) 5 = 1,258.18
((1+T) 5)1/5 = (1.25818)1/5
1+T = 1.0470
T = .0470
3. Average Total Return For 10 Years = +6.31%
1000 (1+T) 10 = 1,843.35
((1+T) 10)1/10 = (1.84335)1/10
1+T = 1.0631
T = .0631
<PAGE>
SECURITY MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
(CLASS A)
Average Annual Total Return As Of December 31, 1997 (without deduction of sales
charge)
1. Average Total Return For 1 Year = +8.27%
1000 (1+T) 1 = 1,082.67
(1+T) 1 = (1.08267)1
1+T = .08267
T = .0827
2. Average Total Return For 5 Years = +5.72%
1000 (1+T) 5 = 1,320.63
((1+T) 5)1/5 = (1.32063)1/5
1+T = 1.0572
T = .0572
3. Average Total Return For 10 Years = +6.82%
1000 (1+T) 10 = 1,935.01
((1+T) 10)1/10 = (1.93501)1/10
1+T = 1.0682
T = .0682
<PAGE>
SECURITY MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
(CLASS B)
Yield As Of December 31, 1997
[ (8,695.93-3,547.80) ]^6
2[------------------------------- + 1 ] - 1
[ (230,483.894)(10.08) ]
2[(1.02215891)6 - 1]
2[(1.013369216 - 1)]
2(.013369216)
Yield = .0267 or 2.67%
<PAGE>
TAX EQUIVALENT YIELD COMPUTATION
(AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1997)
CLASS A
- -------
Regular Yield - +3.70%
TAX EQUIVALENT YIELD FOR 15% TAX BRACKET:
- -----------------------------------------
1-.15 = .85
3.70 / .85 = 4.3529 = 4.35%
TAX EQUIVALENT YIELD FOR 28% TAX BRACKET:
- -----------------------------------------
1-.28 = .72
3.70 / .72 = 5.13888 = 5.14%
TAX EQUIVALENT YIELD FOR 31% TAX BRACKET:
- -----------------------------------------
1-.31 = .69
3.70 / .69 = 5.36232 = 5.36%
CLASS B
- -------
Regular Yield - +2.67%
TAX EQUIVALENT YIELD FOR 15% TAX BRACKET:
- -----------------------------------------
1-.15 = .85
2.67 / .85 = 3.1411 = 3.14%
TAX EQUIVALENT YIELD FOR 28% TAX BRACKET:
- -----------------------------------------
1-.28 = .72
2.67 / .72 = 3.70833 = 3.71%
TAX EQUIVALENT YIELD FOR 31% TAX BRACKET:
- -----------------------------------------
1-.31 = .69
2.67 / .69 = 3.86957 = 3.87%
<PAGE>
SECURITY MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
B SHARES
- --------
Total Return from January 1, 1997, to December 31, 1997. Assuming Initial
Investment of $1,000 at offering price at the beginning of period $1,000 / 9.73
= 102.775 shares.
Ending value of initial investment at December 31, 1997, NAV price = 102.775
shares x 10.08 = $1,035.97.
Ending value of shares received from reinvestment of all dividends at NAV =
3.319 shares x 10.08 = $33.46.
Contingent deferred sales charge = 1,000 x .05 = $50.
Total ending redeemable value: 1,035.97
33.46
(50.00)
---------------
1,019.43
Total Return: 1,019.43 - 1,000 = 19.43
19.43 divided by 1,000 = +1.94%
----------------------------------------------
Calendar 1997 % change
= value at end of year............... 1,019.43
less value at beginning.............. 1,000.00
------------
19.43
Change 19.43
-----
Beginning Value 1,000 = +1.94%
<PAGE>
SECURITY MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
(WITHOUT CDSC)
B SHARES
- --------
Total Return from January 1, 1997, to December 31, 1997. Assuming Initial
Investment of $1,000 at offering price at the beginning of period $1,000 / 9.73
= 102.775 shares.
Ending value of initial investment at December 31, 1997, NAV price = 102.775
shares x 10.08 = $1,035.97.
Ending value of shares received from reinvestment of all dividends at NAV =
3.319 shares x 10.08 = $33.46.
Total ending redeemable value: 1,035.97
33.46
--------------
1,069.43
Total Return: 1,069.43 - 1,000 = 69.43
69.43 divided by 1,000 = +6.94%
----------------------------------------------
Calendar 1997 % change
= value at end of year............... 1,069.43
less value at beginning.............. 1,000.00
----------
69.43
Change 69.43
-----
Beginning Value 1,000 = +6.94%
<PAGE>
AGGREGATE TOTAL RETURN
SECURITY MUNICIPAL BOND FUND - CLASS A
For the period of 12/31/87 to 12/31/97 (with deduction of sales charge)
Initial Investment = $1,000
Ending Value Of Investment = 1,843
-----
Net Increase In Value = $ 843
Total Return - NET INCREASE = 843 = 84.3%
-------------- ------
initial investment = 1,000
For the period of 12/31/87 to 12/31/97 (without deduction of sales charge)
Initial Investment = $1,000
Ending Value Of Investment = 1,935
-----
Net Increase In Value = $ 935
Total Return - NET INCREASE = 935 = 93.5%
-------------- ------
initial investment = 1,000
SECURITY MUNICIPAL BOND FUND - CLASS B
For the period of 10/19/93 to 12/31/97 (with deduction of 3% CDSC charge)
Initial Investment = $1,000
Ending Value Of Investment = 1,081
-----
Net Increase In Value = $ 81
Total Return - NET INCREASE = 81 = 8.1%
-------------- -------
initial investment = 1,000
For the period of 10/19/93 to 12/31/97 (without deduction of CDSC charge)
Initial Investment = $1,000
Ending Value Of Investment = 1,111
-----
Net Increase In Value = $ 111
Total Return - NET INCREASE = 111 = 11.1%
-------------- ------
initial investment = 1,000
<PAGE>
SECURITY MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
TOTAL RETURN FROM 12/31/87 TO 12/31/97
CLASS A SHARES
Value of $1,000 investment invested on December 31, 1987, at December 31, 1997,
was $1,935.
(Without Deduction of Sales Charge)
935 / 1,000 = 93.5%
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Ending of Year
Beginning of Value Increase IN Beginning
YEAR YEAR VALUE AT 12/31 VALUE VALUE
---- ------------ ------------ ----- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1988 1,000 1,103 103 / 1,000 = 10.3%
1989 1,103 1,151 48 / 1,103 = 4.4%
1990 1,151 1,222 71 / 1,151 = 6.2%
1991 1,222 1,366 144 / 1,222 = 11.8%
1992 1,366 1,465 99 / 1,366 = 7.2%
1993 1,465 1,646 181 / 1,465 = 12.4%
1994 1,646 1,510 (136) / 1,646 = (8.3)%
1995 1,510 1,744 234 / 1,510 = 15.5%
1996 1,744 1,787 43 / 1,744 = 2.5%
1997 1,787 1,935 148 / 1,787 = 8.3%
</TABLE>
This assumes reinvestment of all dividends.
Initial Investment = $1,000
Ending Value Of Investment = 1,935
-----
Net Increase In Value = $ 935
Total Return - NET INCREASE = 935 = 93.5%
-------------- ------
initial investment = 1,000
<PAGE>
AGGREGATE TOTAL RETURN
Security Municipal Bond Fund (Class B Shares) Quotation of Total Return for the
Period of October 19, 1993, (date of inception) through December 31, 1997
(without deduction of the CDSC charge).
Initial Investment = $1,000.00
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ENDING BEGINNING INCREASE INCREASE BEGINNING %
VALUE VALUE IN VALUE IN VALUE VALUE INCREASE
------- ----------- -------- -------- ----------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Year 1 998 - 1,000 = (2) (2) / 1,000 = (0.20)%
Year 2 903 - 998 = (95) (95) / 998 = (9.50)%
Year 3 1,033 - 903 = 130 130 / 903 = 14.30%
Year 4 1,045 - 1,033 = 12 12 / 1,033 = 1.20%
Year 5 1,069 - 1,045 = 24 24 / 1,045 = 2.30%
</TABLE>
Initial Investment = $1,000
Ending Value Of Investment = 1,069
-----
Net Increase In Value = $ 69
Total Return - NET INCREASE = 69 = 6.90%
-------------- -------
initial investment = 1,000
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000354185
<NAME> SECURITY TAX-EXEMPT FUND
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 001
<NAME> CLASS A
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<CURRENCY> U.S. DOLLARS
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1997
<EXCHANGE-RATE> 1
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 22,654
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 23,698
<RECEIVABLES> 362
<ASSETS-OTHER> 260
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 24,320
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 23
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 23
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 24,497
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 2,179
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 2,398
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 3
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> (1,247)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 1,044
<NET-ASSETS> 24,297
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 1,183
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 208
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 975
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 231
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 592
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 1,798
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 930
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 252
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 520
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 49
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (1,351)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 6
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> (1,478)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 116
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 209
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 23,162
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 9.72
<PER-SHARE-NII> .42
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .36
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> .42
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 10.08
<EXPENSE-RATIO> .82
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000354185
<NAME> SECURITY TAX-EXEMPT FUND
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 002
<NAME> CLASS B
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<CURRENCY> U.S. DOLLARS
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1997
<EXCHANGE-RATE> 1
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 22,654
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 23,698
<RECEIVABLES> 362
<ASSETS-OTHER> 260
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 24,320
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 23
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 23
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 24,497
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 233
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 155
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 3
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> (1,247)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 1,044
<NET-ASSETS> 24,297
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 1,183
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 208
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 975
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 231
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 592
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 1,798
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 47
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 121
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 46
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 3
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 834
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 6
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> (1,478)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 116
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 209
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 23,162
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 9.73
<PER-SHARE-NII> .29
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> .37
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> .31
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 10.08
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 2.0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
