<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 14A
Information Required in Proxy Statement
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[X] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule
14a-6(e)(2))
[ ] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
CIGNA INVESTMENT SECURITIES, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
NOT APPLICABLE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a6(i)(1) and 0-11.
1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant
to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee
is calculated and state how it was determined):
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
5) Total fee paid:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials:
-------------------------------------------------------------
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
1) Amount Previously Paid:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3) Filing Party:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4) Date Filed:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
CIGNA INVESTMENT SECURITIES, INC.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
November 1, 1999
To Our Shareholders:
CIGNA Investment Securities, Inc. (the "Fund") will hold a Special Meeting of
Shareholders at The Sheraton Springfield Hotel, One Monarch Place, Springfield,
Massachusetts 01144 on Tuesday, December 7, 1999 at 9:00 a.m., Eastern Time.
Formal notice of the meeting appears on the next page and is followed by the
proxy statement.
I am writing to request that you consider two matters relating to your
investment in the Fund. The Board of Directors asks you to cast your vote in
favor of:
1. Changing the Fund's investment objective to permit a greater percentage of
Fund assets to be invested in high yield, below investment grade
securities; and
2. Amending one of the Fund's fundamental investment restrictions to permit
the Fund to invest in futures and options on futures on foreign currency
in order to hedge currency risk.
We hope you will find it convenient to attend the meeting, but we urge you in
any event to complete and return the enclosed proxy card in the envelope
provided. It is very important that your proxy card be received as soon as
possible so that the necessary quorum will be represented at the meeting. If you
do attend, you may vote in person if you so desire.
Sincerely,
Richard H. Forde
Chairman of the Board of Directors
CIGNA Investment Securities, Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO INDICATE THEIR VOTING INSTRUCTIONS ON THE ENCLOSED
PROXY CARD, DATE AND SIGN IT, AND RETURN IT IN THE ACCOMPANYING ENVELOPE. YOUR
PROMPT ATTENTION IS APPRECIATED.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
CIGNA INVESTMENT SECURITIES, INC.
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Shareholders of CIGNA Investment Securities, Inc.
CIGNA Investment Securities, Inc. (the "Fund") will hold a Special Meeting of
Shareholders at The Sheraton Springfield Hotel, One Monarch Place, Springfield,
Massachusetts 01144 on December 7, 1999 at 9:00 a.m., Eastern Time, for the
following purposes:
(1) A proposed change to the Fund's investment objective.
(2) A proposed change to one of the Fund's fundamental investment restrictions.
(3) Any other business properly brought before the meeting.
Holders of record of the shares of the Fund at the close of business on October
26, 1999 are entitled to vote at the meeting.
Jeffrey S. Winer
Secretary
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
November 1, 1999
<PAGE>
PROXY STATEMENT
SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF
CIGNA INVESTMENT SECURITIES, INC.
PART 1 - INTRODUCTION
This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of
proxies by the Directors of the Fund for use at a Special Meeting of
Shareholders of the Fund to be held at The Springfield Sheraton Hotel, One
Monarch Place, Springfield, Massachusetts 01144 on December 7, 1999 at 9:00
a.m., Eastern Time, and at any postponement or adjournment thereof.
The Board of Directors has sent you this proxy statement to ask for your
vote on the following proposals:
1. Approval of Change to Investment Objective
2. Approval of Change to Fundamental Investment Restriction
PART 2 - THE FUND'S PROPOSALS
PROPOSAL 1 APPROVAL OF CHANGE TO INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
At a Special Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Fund held on
September 29, 1999, the Fund's Board of Directors approved, subject to
shareholder approval, a change in the Fund's investment objective to permit up
to 35% of Fund assets to be invested in high yield, below investment grade
bonds. These securities are commonly known as junk bonds. Presently, the Fund
may invest up to 15% of its assets in high yield, below investment grade
securities.
The Fund's investment objective currently reads as follows:
to generate income and obtain capital appreciation by investing at least
85% of its total assets in investment grade debt securities and preferred
stocks. Total return results are emphasized over current yield.
The proposed investment objective for the Fund is:
to generate income and obtain capital appreciation by investing, under
normal market conditions, at least 65% of its total assets in investment
grade debt securities and preferred stocks.
Thus, under the proposed amendment to the Fund's investment objective, the
Fund will continue to invest, under normal market conditions, at least 65% of
its assets in investment grade debt securities and preferred stocks.
-1-
<PAGE>
REASON FOR CHANGING OBJECTIVE, AND RELATED RISKS
Based on advice from the Fund's investment adviser, CIGNA Investments,
Inc. ("CIGNA Investments"), the Board of Directors recommends changing the
Fund's investment objective in order to provide the Fund with the ability to
invest a higher percentage of assets in high yield securities. These securities
carry higher yields and greater opportunity for capital appreciation than
investment grade securities. While there can be no guarantee, the Board of
Directors believes that permitting the Fund to invest to a greater degree in
high yield securities will result in improved Fund performance. Historically,
the Fund's shares have traded at a discount to the Fund's net asset value. If
increased investment in high yield securities is successful in improving the
dividend the Fund generates, this may in turn cause the market value of the
Fund's shares to increase, thus reducing the discount.
Investments in high yield securities, while generally providing greater
potential opportunity for capital appreciation and higher yields than
investments in higher rated securities, also entail greater risk, including the
possibility of default or bankruptcy of the issuer of such securities. There is
the risk that investing more assets in high yield securities could actually have
a negative effect on Fund performance. Risk of default or bankruptcy may be
greater in periods of economic uncertainty or recession, as the issuers of high
yield securities may be less able to withstand general economic downturns. CIGNA
Investments seeks to reduce risk through diversification, credit analysis and
attention to current developments and trends in both the economy and financial
markets.
The values of high-yield, high risk securities tend to reflect individual
corporate developments or adverse economic changes to a greater extent than
higher rated securities, which react primarily to fluctuations in the general
level of interest rates. Periods of economic uncertainty and changes generally
result in increased volatility in the market prices and yields of high-yield,
high risk securities and, thus, in the Fund's net asset value. Further, these
fixed-income securities are considered by the rating agencies, on balance, as
predominantly speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay
principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation and will generally
involve more credit risk than securities in the higher rating categories; the
Fund may incur additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek recovery
upon a default in the payment of principal of or interest on its portfolio
holdings. Changes by recognized rating services in their ratings of any
fixed-income security and in the ability of an issuer to make payments of
interest and principal may also affect the value of the Fund's investments.
High-yield, high risk securities are frequently subordinated to the prior
payment of senior indebtedness. Moreover, the securities are traded in markets
that may be relatively less liquid than the market for higher rated securities
because the lower rated securities may be held by relatively few purchases.
Under adverse market or economic conditions or in the event of adverse changes
in the financial condition of the issuer, the Fund may find it more difficult to
sell such securities when CIGNA Investments believes it advisable to do so or
may be able to sell such securities only at prices lower than if the securities
were more widely held. In such circumstances, the Fund may also find it more
difficult to determine the fair value of such
-2-
<PAGE>
securities for purposes of computing the Fund's net asset value. The Fund, in
most instances, utilizes an independent pricing service to determine the fair
value of its high yield securities for financial statement purposes since market
quotations are not readily ascertainable. Securities for which market quotations
are not readily available will be valued at fair value as determined in good
faith by or under the direction of the Board of Directors of the Fund. Changes
in the value of portfolio securities will not necessarily affect cash income
derived from such securities, but will affect the Fund's net asset value.
Some lower-rated securities are issued to raise funds in connection with
the acquisition of a company, in a so-called "leveraged buy-out" transaction.
The highly leveraged capital structure of such issuers may make them especially
vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions.
Generally, when interest rates rise, the value of fixed rate debt
obligations, including high-yield, high risk securities, tends to decrease; when
interest rates fall, the value of fixed rate debt obligations tends to increase.
If an issuer of a high-yield, high risk security containing redemption or call
provisions exercises either provision in a declining interest rate market, the
Fund would have to replace the security, which could result in a decreased
return for shareholders.
The credit ratings issued by credit rating services may not fully reflect
the true risks of an investment. For example, credit ratings typically evaluate
the safety of principal and interest payments, not market value risk, of
high-yield high risk securities. Also, credit rating agencies may fail to change
on a timely basis a credit rating to reflect changes in economic or company
conditions that affect a security's market value. Although CIGNA Investments
considers ratings of recognized rating services such as Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. and Standard & Poor's Corporation, CIGNA Investments primarily
relies on its own credit analysis, which includes a study of existing debt,
capital structure, history and the current trend of earnings. CIGNA Investments
continually monitors the investments in the Fund's portfolio and carefully
evaluates whether to dispose of or retain high-yield, high risk securities whose
credit ratings have changed.
REQUIRED VOTE: This change in investment objective requires the
approval of the lesser of (a) the vote of the holders of 67% or more of
the outstanding shares of the Fund present in person or by proxy at a
meeting of shareholders, if the holders of more than 50% of the
outstanding shares are present or represented by proxy; or (b) the vote
of the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.
THE FUND'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU APPROVE THIS CHANGE
IN INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE.
PROPOSAL 2 AMENDMENT TO FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTION
Presently, one of the Fund's fundamental investment limitations is that
the Fund will not purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts except for
foreign exchange contracts. The Fund may also invest in interest rate futures
contracts and related options. Arguably, the language restricts the Fund's
ability to use futures and options on futures on foreign currency. The Board of
Directors recommends that this
-3-
<PAGE>
limitation be modified to permit the Fund to purchase and sell futures and
options on futures on foreign currency. The Fund would do so to manage its
exposure to foreign currency.
The Fund may invest 25% of its assets in foreign securities payable in
foreign currencies. To manage its exposure to foreign currencies, the Fund may,
if this proposal is approved by shareholders, purchase and sell foreign currency
futures contracts and options on these futures contracts.
CURRENCY FUTURES AND OPTIONS ON FUTURES
Foreign currency futures contracts are standardized exchange-traded
contracts to buy or sell currency at a future time at a specified price. A
futures contract sale typically creates an obligation of the seller to deliver
the type of asset called for in the contract at the agreed upon price on the
specified date. A futures contract purchase typically creates an obligation of
the purchaser to take delivery of the asset at the agreed upon price on the
specified date. Depending on the change in the value of the asset between the
time the Fund enters into and terminates a futures contract, the Fund realizes a
gain or loss. Options on currency futures contracts provide option holders, in
return for a premium paid, with the right to assume a position in the underlying
futures contract.
If this proposal is approved, the Fund may use these instruments for
both "transaction hedging" and "position hedging." Transaction hedging involves
entering into foreign currency transactions with respect to specific receivables
or payables, generally arising in connection with the purchase or sale of
portfolio securities. The Fund may engage in transaction hedging when it desires
to "lock in" the U.S. dollar price of a security it has agreed to purchase or
sell, or the U.S. dollar equivalent of a dividend or interest payment in a
foreign currency. By transaction hedging the Fund will attempt to protect itself
against a possible loss resulting from an adverse change in the relationship
between the U.S. dollar and the applicable foreign currency during the period
between the date on which the security is purchased or sold, or on which the
dividend or interest payment is earned, and the date on which such payments are
made or received.
Position hedging generally involves using these instruments to protect
against a decline in the value relative to the U.S. dollar of the currencies in
which the Fund's portfolio securities are denominated or quoted.
Transaction and position hedging do not eliminate fluctuations in the
underlying prices of the securities which the Fund owns or intends to purchase
or sell. They simply establish a rate of exchange which one can achieve at some
future point in time. Additionally, although these techniques tend to minimize
the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, they tend
to limit any potential gain which might result from the increase in value of
such currency.
Futures and options transactions involve costs and may result in
losses. Certain risks arise because of the possibility of imperfect correlations
between movements in the prices of futures and options and movements in the
prices of the underlying asset that is the subject of a hedge. Other risks arise
from the Fund's potential inability to close out such positions. There can be no
assurance that the Fund will be able to effect closing transactions at any
particular time or at an acceptable price.
The decision as to whether and to what extent the Fund will use foreign
currency futures and options will depend on a number of factors, including
prevailing market conditions, the composition of the Fund's portfolio and the
availability of suitable transactions. Accordingly, there can be no assuance
that the Fund will engage in these transactions at any given time or from time
to time.
-4-
<PAGE>
The Board of Directors recommends that shareholders approve this
proposal so that the Fund would have these instruments available to assist in
the management of risks associated with holding securities denominated in
foreign currencies.
REQUIRED VOTE: This change in investment restriction requires the
approval of the lesser of (a) the vote of the holders of 67% or more of
the outstanding shares of the Fund present in person or by proxy at a
meeting of shareholders, if the holders of more than 50% of the
outstanding shares are present or represented by proxy; or (b) the vote
of the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.
THE FUND'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU APPROVE THIS CHANGE
IN INVESTMENT RESTRICTION.
PART 3 - MORE ON PROXY VOTING AND SHAREHOLDER MEETINGS
This section provides information on a number of topics relating to
proxy voting and shareholder meetings.
PROXY SOLICITATION METHODS. The Fund will solicit shareholder proxies
in a variety of ways. All shareholders who are entitled to vote will receive
these proxy materials by mail. In addition, the Fund may also arrange for an
outside firm to solicit shareholder votes by telephone on the Fund's behalf.
This procedure will be employed only after all more cost-effective means of
soliciting shareholder votes have been exhausted.
PROXY SOLICITATION COSTS. The Fund will pay all costs of soliciting
proxies from shareholders, including costs relating to the printing, mailing and
tabulation of proxies. By voting immediately, you can help the Fund avoid the
considerable expense of a second solicitation.
QUORUM. In order for the shareholder meeting to go forward, the Fund
must achieve a quorum. This means that a majority of the Fund's shares must be
represented at the meeting--either in person or by proxy. All returned proxies
count towards a quorum, regardless of how they are voted ("For," "Against" or
"Abstain"). The Fund will count abstentions and broker non-votes as present for
establishing a quorum, but which have not been voted. (Broker non-votes are
shares for which (i) the underlying owner has not voted and (ii) the broker
holding the shares does not have discretionary authority to vote on the
particular matter.) For this reason, abstentions and broker non-votes will have
no effect on the outcome of the vote.
REVOKING YOUR PROXY. You may revoke your proxy at any time up until
voting results are announced at the shareholder meeting. You can do this by
writing to the Fund's Secretary, by returning a later dated proxy, or by voting
at the meeting.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR FUND'S NEXT ANNUAL MEETING. Any shareholder
proposals to be included in the proxy statement for the Fund's next annual
meeting must be received by the Fund prior to November 3, 1999.
-5-
<PAGE>
ANNUAL/SEMI-ANNUAL REPORTS. The Fund's most recent annual and
semi-annual reports to shareholders are available at no cost. To request a
report, please call toll-free at 1-800-426-5523 or write to the Fund, P.O. Box
13856, Philadelphia, PA, 19101, Attn: Alfred A. Bingham III. The Fund's 1998
annual report and 1999 semi-annual report were previously mailed to
shareholders.
LITIGATION. The Fund is not involved in any litigation.
OTHER MATTERS. At this point, we know of no other business to be
brought before the shareholder meeting. However, if any other matters do come
up, we will use our best judgment to vote on your behalf. If you object to our
voting other matters on your behalf, please tell us so in writing before the
meeting.
RECORD DATE AND OUTSTANDING SHARES. At the close of business on October
26, 1999, the record date for determination of shareholders entitled to vote at
the meeting, there were x,xxx,xxx outstanding shares. Each share is entitled to
one vote. This proxy statement and the accompanying Notice of Special Meeting of
Shareholders and form of proxy are being mailed on or about November 1, 1999 to
shareholders of record on the record date.
ADDRESS OF CIGNA INVESTMENTS. CIGNA Investments' address is 900
Cottage Grove Road, Hartford, Connecticut 06152.
FUND'S ADDRESS. The principal executive offices of the Fund are located
at Two Liberty Place, 1601 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
19192-2211 and the mailing address of the Fund is P.O. Box 13856, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania 19101.
-6-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
For Against Abstain
1. Change the Fund's investment __ __ __
_ objective to permit investment |__| |__| |__|
/X/ PLEASE MARK VOTES of up to 35% of Fund assets
- -- AS IN THIS EXAMPLE in high yield securities.
CIGNA INVESTMENT SECURITIES, INC.
This proxy will be voted as specified. If you simply sign the
proxy, it will be voted for proposal 1 and proposal 2. In
their discretion, the proxies will also be authorized to vote 2. Amend the Fund's fundamental For Against Abstain
upon such other matters that may properly come before the restriction on commodities to __ __ __
meeting. permit investment in futures and |__| |__| |__|
options on futures on foreign
Mark box at right if an address change or comment has currency.
been noted on the reverse side of this card. _
CONTROL NUMBER: |_|
3. In their discretion upon such For Against Abstain
other matters as may properly
come before the meeting. __ __ __
|__| |__| |__|
</TABLE>
|---------------------------|
Please be sure to sign and date this Proxy |Date |
|--------------------------------------------------|---------------------------|
| |
| Shareholder sign here Co-owner sign here |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
RECORD DATE SHARES:
<PAGE>
CIGNA INVESTMENT SECURITIES, INC.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints Richard H. Forde and Jeffrey S. Winer and either
one of them, proxies of the undersigned, with the power of substitution, to vote
the shares of the undersigned at the Special Meeting of Shareholders of CIGNA
Investment Securities, Inc. (the "Fund'), on Tuesday, December 7, 1999 at 9:00
a.m., Eastern Time, at the Sheraton Springfield Hotel, One Monarch Place,
Springfield, Massachusetts , and at any adjournment thereof, in the manner
directed herein on the matters described in the notice and accompanying proxy
statement for the meeting. The Directors recommend that you vote "FOR" each of
the proposals. As to any other matter, the proxies shall vote in accordance with
their best judgment.
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| PLEASE VOTE, DATE, AND SIGN ON REVERSE SIDE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE |
| ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Please sign this proxy exactly as your name appears on the books of the |
| Fund. Joint owners should each sign personally. Trustees and other |
| fiduciaries should indicate the capacity in which they sign. If a |
| corporation or partnership, this signature should be that of an authorized |
| officer who should state his or her title. |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
HAS YOUR ADDRESS CHANGED? DO YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS?
____________________________ _______________________________________
____________________________ _______________________________________
____________________________ _______________________________________
