163
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(OppenheimerFunds logo)
Oppenheimer
Bond Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prospectus dated April 28, 1999
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer Bond Fund is a mutual fund that seeks a high level of current
income as its goal. It invests primarily in investment-grade debt securities and
U.S. government securities.
This Prospectus contains important information about the Fund's objective,
its investment policies, strategies and risks. It also contains important
information about how to buy and sell shares of the Fund and other account
features. Please read this Prospectus carefully before you invest and keep it
for future reference about your account.
As with all mutual funds, the Securities and Exchange Commission has not
approved or disapproved the Fund's securities nor has it determined that this
Prospectus is accurate or complete. It is a criminal offense to represent
otherwise.
<PAGE>
Contents
About the Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund's Objective and Investment Strategies
Main Risks of Investing in the Fund
The Fund's Past Performance
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
About the Fund's Investments
How the Fund is Managed
About Your Account
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How to Buy Shares
Class A Shares
Class B Shares
Class C Shares
Class Y Shares
Special Investor Services
AccountLink
PhoneLink
OppenheimerFunds Web Site
Retirement Plans
How to Sell Shares
By Mail
By Telephone
By Checkwriting
How to Exchange Shares
Shareholder Account Rules and Policies
Dividends, Capital Gains and Taxes
Financial Highlights
<PAGE>
A B O U T T H E F U N D
The Fund's Objective and Investment Strategies
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What Is the Fund's Investment Objective? The Fund seeks a high level of current
income by investing mainly in debt instruments.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What Does the Fund Invest In? The Fund invests at least 65% of its total assets
in investment-grade debt securities, U.S. government securities and money market
instruments, under normal market conditions. Those investment-grade debt
securities can include domestic and foreign corporate debt obligations, domestic
and foreign government bonds, as well as participation interests in loans,
asset-backed securities, mortgage-related securities (including collateralized
mortgage obligations, or "CMOs") issued by private issuers, and other debt
obligations. In general, these debt securities are referred to as "bonds."
The Fund's investments in U.S. government securities include securities
issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or
federally-chartered corporate entities referred to as "instrumentalities."
These include mortgage-related U.S. government securities and CMOs.
There is no set allocation of the Fund's assets among the classes of
securities the Fund buys to meet the 65% investment-grade securities
requirement, but currently the Fund focuses mainly on U.S. government securities
and investment-grade debt securities to do so because they currently offer
higher yields than money market instruments. However, if market conditions
change, the Fund's portfolio managers might change the relative allocation of
the Fund's assets.
The Fund has no limitations on the range of maturities of the debt
securities in which it can invest and therefore may hold bonds with short-,
medium- or long-term maturities. The Fund can invest up to 35% of its total
assets in high-yield debt securities that are below investment grade (commonly
referred to as "junk bonds"). These investments are more fully explained in
"About the Fund's Investments," below.
? How Do the Portfolio Managers Decide What Securities to Buy or Sell? In
selecting securities for the Fund, the Fund's portfolio managers analyze the
overall investment opportunities and risks in different sectors of the debt
securities markets by focusing on business cycle analysis and relative values
between the corporate and government sectors. The portfolio managers' overall
strategy is to build a broadly diversified portfolio of corporate and government
bonds. The portfolio managers currently focus on the factors below (which may
vary in particular cases and may change over time), looking for:
? Debt securities in market sectors that offer attractive relative
value,
? Investment-grade securities primarily to help reduce credit risk,
o High income potential from different types of corporate and government
securities, and
o Broad portfolio diversification to help reduce the volatility of the
Fund's share prices.
Who Is the Fund Designed For? The Fund is designed for investors seeking high
current income from a fund that invests primarily in investment-grade debt
securities but which can also hold high-yield debt securities below
investment-grade to seek higher income. Those investors should be willing to
assume the credit risks of a fund that typically invests a significant amount of
its assets in corporate debt securities, and the changes in share prices that
can occur when interest rates change. The Fund is intended as a long-term
investment, not a short-term trading vehicle, and may be appropriate for a part
of an investor's retirement plan portfolio. However, the Fund is not a complete
investment program.
Main Risks of Investing in the Fund
All investments carry risks to some degree. The Fund's investments in debt
securities are subject to changes in their value from a number of factors. They
include changes in general bond market movements in the U.S. and abroad (this is
referred to as "market risk"), or the change in value of particular bonds
because of an event affecting the issuer (this is known as "credit risk").
Changes in interest rates can also affect debt securities prices (this is known
as "interest rate risk").
These risks collectively form the risk profile of the Fund, and can affect
the value of the Fund's investments, its investment performance and its price
per share. These risks mean that you can lose money by investing in the Fund.
When you redeem your shares, they may be worth more or less than what you paid
for them.
The Fund's investment Manager, OppenheimerFunds, Inc., tries to reduce
risks by carefully researching securities before they are purchased, and in some
cases by using hedging techniques. The Fund attempts to reduce its exposure to
market risks by diversifying its investments, that is, by not holding a
substantial percentage of the securities of any one issuer and by not investing
too great a percentage of the Fund's assets in any one issuer. Also, the Fund
does not concentrate 25% or more of its investments in the securities of issuers
in any one industry.
However, changes in the overall market prices of securities and the income
they pay can occur at any time. The share price and yield of the Fund will
change daily based on changes in market prices of securities and market
conditions, and in response to other economic events. There is no assurance that
the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
|X| Credit Risk. Debt securities are subject to credit risk. Credit risk
relates to the ability of the issuer of a security to make interest and
principal payments on the security as they become due. If the issuer fails to
pay interest, the Fund's income might be reduced, and if the issuer fails to
repay principal, the value of that bond and of the Fund's shares might be
reduced. Securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury and certain
agencies that are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government
have little credit risk, and securities issued or guaranteed by other U.S.
government agencies have low credit risks. However, debt securities issued by
domestic and foreign corporations and by foreign governments are subject to
risks of default.
? Special Risks of Lower-Grade Securities. Because the Fund can
invest up to 35% of its total assets in securities (including convertible
securities) below investment-grade to seek higher income, the Fund's credit
risks are greater than those of funds that buy only investment-grade securities.
Lower-grade debt securities may be subject to greater market fluctuations and
greater risks of loss of income and principal than investment-grade debt
securities. Securities that are (or that have fallen) below investment-grade are
exposed to a greater risk that the issuers of those securities might not meet
their debt obligations. Those risks can reduce the Fund's share prices and the
income it earns.
? Interest Rate Risks. The values of debt securities (including U.S.
government securities prior to their maturity) are subject to change when
prevailing interest rates change. When interest rates fall, the values of
already-issued debt securities generally rise. When interest rates rise, the
values of already-issued debt securities generally fall, and the securities may
sell at a discount from their face amount. The magnitude of these fluctuations
will often be greater for longer-term debt securities than shorter-term debt
securities. However, interest rate changes may have different effects on the
values of mortgage-related securities because of prepayment risks, discussed
below. The Fund's share prices can go up or down when interest rates change
because of the effect of interest rate changes on the value of the Fund's
investments in debt securities.
The Fund can buy zero-coupon or "stripped" securities, which are
particularly sensitive to interest rate changes and the rate of principal
payments (and prepayments). Their prices may go up or down more than the prices
of other types of debt securities in response to interest rate changes.
? Prepayment Risk. Prepayment risk occurs when the mortgages underlying a
mortgage-related security are prepaid at a rate faster than anticipated (usually
when interest rates fall) and the issuer of the security can prepay the
principal prior to the maturity of the security. Mortgage-related securities
that are subject to prepayment risk, including the mortgage-related securities
that the Fund buys, generally have greater potential for loss than other debt
securities when interest rates change.
The impact of prepayments on the price of a security may be difficult to
predict and may increase the volatility of the price. The Fund might have to
reinvest the proceeds of prepaid securities in new securities offering lower
yields. Additionally, the Fund can buy mortgage-related securities at a premium.
Accelerated prepayments on those securities could cause the Fund to lose the
portion of its principal investment represented by the premium the Fund paid.
If interest rates rise rapidly, prepayments might occur at slower rates
than expected, which could have the effect of lengthening the expected maturity
of a short- or medium-term security. That could cause the security's value to
fluctuate more widely in response to changes in interest rates. In turn, this
could cause the value of the Fund's shares to fluctuate more.
? There are Special Risks in Using Derivative Investments. The Fund can
use derivatives to seek increased income or to try to hedge investment risks. In
general terms, a derivative investment is an investment contract whose value
depends on (or is derived from) the value of an underlying asset, interest rate
or index. Options, futures, interest-only and principal-only securities,
structured notes, interest-rate swap agreements and mortgage-related securities
are examples of derivatives the Fund can use.
If the issuer of the derivative does not pay the amount due, the Fund can
lose money on the investment. Also, the underlying security or investment on
which the derivative is based, and the derivative itself, might not perform the
way the Manager expected it to perform. If that happens, the Fund's share price
could fall or the Fund could get less income than expected. The Fund has limits
on the amount of particular types of derivatives it can hold. However, using
derivatives can cause the Fund to lose money on its investments and/or increase
the volatility of its share prices.
How Risky is the Fund Overall? Debt securities are subject to credit and
interest rate risks that can affect their values and the share prices of the
Fund. Prepayment risks of mortgage-backed securities can cause the Fund to
reinvest proceeds of its investments in lower-yielding securities. In the
OppenheimerFunds spectrum, the Fund generally has more risks than bond funds
that focus primarily on U. S. government securities, but the Fund's emphasis on
investment-grade securities may make its share prices less volatile than
high-yield bond funds or funds that focus on foreign bonds.
An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of any bank and is not insured or
guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government
agency.
The Fund's Past Performance
The bar chart and table below show one measure of the risks of investing
in the Fund, by showing changes in the Fund's performance (for its Class A
shares) from year to year for the past ten calendar years and by showing how the
average annual total returns of the Fund's shares compare to those of a
broad-based market index. The Fund's past investment performance is not
necessarily an indication of how the Fund will perform in the future.
Annual Total Returns (Class A) (as of 12/31 each year)
[See appendix to prospectus for data in bar chart showing annual total
returns]
For the period from 1/1/99 through 3/31/99, the cumulative return (not
annualized) of Class A shares was -0.46%. Sales charges are not included in the
calculations of return in this bar chart, and if those charges were included,
the returns would be less than those shown. During the period covered by the bar
chart, the highest return (not annualized) for a calendar quarter was 6.24%
(2Q'95) and the lowest return (not annualized) for a calendar quarter was -3.16%
(1Q'94).
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Annual Total 1 Year 5 Years 10 Years
Returns for the periods (or life of (or life of (or life of
ended December 31, 1998 class, if less) class, if less) class, if less)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A Shares (inception 0.59% 5.48% 7.81%
4/15/88)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lehman Bros. Corporate 8.57% 7.74% 9.86%
Bond Index
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B Shares (inception -0.14% 5.41% 5.56%
5/3/93)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lehman Bros. Corporate 8.57% 7.74% 7.88%*
Bond Index
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C Shares (inception 3.82% 6.32% N/A
7/11/95)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lehman Bros. Corporate 8.57% 8.42%* N/A
Bond Index
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Life-of-Class index performance is measured from 4/30/93 for Class B and
6/30/95 for Class C.
The table shows the average annual total return for Class A, Class B and Class C
shares and includes the applicable sales charge for each class of shares: for
Class A, the current maximum initial sales charge of 4.75%; for Class B, the
contingent deferred sales charge of 5% (1-year), 2% (5 years) and 1%
(life-of-class); and for Class C, the 1% contingent deferred sales charge for
the 1-year period. Data is not shown for Class Y shares because they were not
offered for a full calendar year.
The returns measure the performance of a hypothetical account and assume that
all dividends and capital gains distributions have been reinvested in additional
shares. Because the Fund invests in debt securities, the Fund's performance is
compared to the Lehman Brothers Corporate Bond Index, which measures the
performance of non-convertible investment-grade domestic corporate debt
securities. However, it must be remembered that the index performance reflects
the reinvestment of income but does not consider the effects of transaction
costs. Also, the index does not include government securities in which the Fund
invests.
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
The Fund pays a variety of expenses directly for management of its assets,
administration, distribution of its shares and other services. Those expenses
are subtracted from the Fund's assets to calculate the Fund's net asset value
per share. All shareholders therefore pay those expenses indirectly.
Shareholders pay other expenses directly, such as sales charges and account
transaction charges. The following tables are provided to help you understand
the fees and expenses you may pay if you buy and hold shares of the Fund. The
numbers below are based on the Fund's expenses during its fiscal year ended
December 31, 1998.
<PAGE>
Shareholder Fees (charges paid directly from your investment):
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B Class C Class Y
Class A Shares Shares Shares Shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Sales Charge
(Load) on purchases 4.75% None None None
(as % of offering price)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Deferred Sales
Charge (Load) (as % of
the lower of the None1 5%2 1%3 None
original offering price
or redemption proceeds)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. A contingent deferred sales charge may apply to redemptions of investments of
$1 million or more ($500,000 for retirement plan accounts) of Class A shares.
See "How to Buy Shares" for details.
2. Applies to redemptions in first year after purchase. The contingent deferred
sales charge declines to 1% in the sixth year and is eliminated after that.
3. Applies to shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase.
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (deducted from Fund assets):
(% of average daily net assets)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A Class B Class C Class Y
Shares Shares Shares Shares
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management Fees 0.74% 0.74% 0.74% 0.74%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and/or 0.25% 1.00% 1.00% None
Service (12b-1) Fees
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Expenses 0.23% 0.23% 0.22% None
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Annual Operating 1.22% 1.97% 1.96% 0.74%
Expenses
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses may vary in future years. "Other expenses" include transfer agent fees,
custodial expenses, and accounting and legal expenses the Fund pays.
Examples. These examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing
in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The examples
assume that you invest $10,000 in a class of shares of the Fund for the time
periods indicated and reinvest your dividends and distributions.
The first example assumes that you redeem all of your shares at the end of
those periods. The second example assumes that you keep your shares. Both
examples also assume that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the
class's operating expenses remain the same. Your actual costs may be higher or
lower because expenses will vary over time. Based on these assumptions your
expenses would be as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If shares are redeemed: 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A Shares $593 $844 $1,113 $1,882
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B Shares $700 $918 $1,262 $1,924
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C Shares $299 $615 $1,057 $2,285
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class Y Shares $ 76 $237 $ 411 $ 918
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If shares are not
redeemed: 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A Shares $593 $844 $1,113 $1,882
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B Shares $200 $618 $1,062 $1,924
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C Shares $199 $615 $1,057 $2,285
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class Y Shares $ 76 $237 $ 411 $ 918
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the first example, expenses include the initial sales charge for Class A and
the applicable Class B or Class C contingent deferred sales charges. In the
second example, the Class A expenses include the sales charge, but Class B and
Class C expenses do not include the contingent deferred sales charges. 1. Class
B expenses for years 7 through 10 are based on Class A expenses,
since Class B shares automatically convert to Class A after 6 years.
About the Fund's Investments
The Fund's Principal Investment Policies. The allocation of the Fund's portfolio
among the different types of permitted investments will vary over time based
upon the evaluation of economic and market trends by the Manager. The Fund's
portfolio might not always include all of the different types of investments
described below. The Statement of Additional Information contains more detailed
information about the Fund's investment policies and risks.
In selecting debt securities and evaluating their yield potential and
credit risk, the Manager does not rely solely on ratings by rating organizations
but evaluates business and economic factors affecting an issuer as well. The
debt securities the Fund buys may be rated by nationally recognized rating
organizations such as Moody's Investors Service or Standard & Poor's, or they
may be unrated securities assigned an equivalent rating by the Manager.
"Investment-grade" rated securities are those in the four highest rating
categories of national ratings organizations. A description of those ratings
definitions is included in Appendix A to the Statement of Additional
Information.
U.S. Government Securities. The Fund can invest in securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury or other agencies or instrumentalities of the
U.S. government. These are referred to as "U.S. government securities" in
this Prospectus.
? U.S. Treasury Obligations. These include Treasury bills (which have
maturities of one year or less when issued), Treasury notes (which have
maturities of from one to ten years when issued), and Treasury bonds (which
have maturities of more than ten years when issued). U.S. Treasury securities
are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States as to timely
payments of interest and repayments of principal. The Fund can also buy U. S.
Treasury securities that have been "stripped" of their coupons by a Federal
Reserve Bank, zero-coupon U.S. Treasury securities described below, and
Treasury Inflation-Protection Securities ("TIPS").
? Obligations Issued or Guaranteed by U.S. Government Agencies or
Instrumentalities. These include direct obligations and mortgage-related
securities that have different levels of credit support from the U.S.
government. Some are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
government, some are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the
U.S. Treasury under certain circumstances, and others are supported only by
the credit of the entity that issued them.
? Mortgage-Related U.S. Government Securities. The Fund can buy
interests in pools of residential or commercial mortgages, in the form of
collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") and other "pass-through"
mortgage securities. CMOs that are U.S. government securities have collateral
to secure payment of interest and principal. They may be issued in different
series each having different interest rates and maturities. The collateral is
either in the form of mortgage pass-through certificates issued or guaranteed
by a U.S. agency or instrumentality or mortgage loans insured by a U.S.
government agency. The Fund can have substantial amounts of its assets
invested in mortgage-related U.S. government securities.
Other Debt Securities. While the Fund invests primarily in investment-grade debt
securities, it is not required to dispose of debt securities that fall below
investment-grade after the Fund buys them. However, the portfolio managers will
monitor those holdings to determine whether the Fund should sell them. While
securities rated "Baa" by Moody's or "BBB" by S&P are considered
"investment-grade," they have some speculative characteristics.
While investment-grade securities are subject to risks of non-payment of
interest and principal, in general, higher-yielding lower-grade bonds, whether
rated or unrated, have greater risks than investment-grade securities. There may
be less of a market for them and therefore they may be harder to sell at an
acceptable price. These risks can reduce the Fund's share prices and the income
it earns.
? Private-Issuer Mortgage-Backed Securities. The Fund can invest in
mortgage-backed securities issued by private issuers, such as banks, savings and
loans, mortgage bankers and other non-governmental issuers, that do not offer
the credit backing of U.S. government securities. These include multi-class debt
or pass-through certificates secured by mortgage loans. Private issuer
mortgage-backed securities are subject to the credit risks of the issuers (as
well as the interest rate risks and prepayment risks of the CMOs discussed
above), although in some cases they may be supported by insurance or guarantees.
? Asset-Backed Securities. The Fund can buy asset-backed securities, which
are fractional interests in pools of loans collateralized by the loans or other
assets or receivables. They are typically issued by trusts and special purpose
corporations that pass the income from the underlying pool to the buyer of the
interest. These securities are subject to prepayment risks and the risk of
default by the issuer as well as by the borrowers of the underlying loans in the
pool.
Short-Term Debt Securities. The Fund can buy high-quality, short-term money
market instruments, including obligations of the U.S. Government and its
agencies, short-term corporate debt obligations, bank certificates of deposit
and bankers' acceptances, and commercial paper, which are short-term, negotiable
promissory notes of companies. Because these instruments tend to offer lower
yields than other debt securities, the Fund ordinarily does not invest in them
to seek high current income, and uses them more for liquidity and cash
management purposes or for defensive purposes when market conditions are
unstable.
? Can the Fund's Investment Objective and Policies Change? The Fund's
Board of Trustees can change non-fundamental investment policies without
shareholder approval, although significant changes will be described in
amendments to this Prospectus. Fundamental policies are those that cannot be
changed without the approval of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting
shares. The Fund's objective is a fundamental policy. Other investment
restrictions that are fundamental policies are listed in the Statement of
Additional Information. An investment policy is not fundamental unless this
Prospectus or the Statement of Additional Information says that it is.
? Portfolio Turnover. The Fund may engage in short-term trading to try to
achieve its objective. It does not expect to have a portfolio turnover rate in
excess of 100% annually. Portfolio turnover affects brokerage costs the Fund
pays. If the Fund realizes capital gains when it sells its portfolio
investments, it must generally pay those gains out to shareholders, increasing
their taxable distributions. The Financial Highlights table at the end of this
Prospectus shows the Fund's portfolio turnover rates during the Fund's five most
recent fiscal years.
Other Investment Strategies. To seek its objective, the Fund can also use the
investment techniques and strategies described below. The Manager might not
always use all of the different types of techniques and investments described
below. These techniques involve certain risks, although some are meant to help
reduce investment or market risks.
|X| "Structured" Notes. The Fund can buy "structured" notes, which are
specially-designed derivative debt investments whose payments of principal or
interest payments are linked to the value of an index (such as a currency or
securities index) or commodity. The terms of the instrument may be "structured"
by the purchaser (the Fund) and the borrower issuing the note.
The principal and/or interest payments depend on the performance of one or
more other securities or indices, and the values of these notes will therefore
fall or rise in response to the changes in the values of the underlying security
or index. They are subject to both credit and interest rate risks and therefore
the Fund could receive more or less than it originally invested when the notes
mature, or it might receive less interest than the stated coupon payment if the
underlying investment or index does not perform as anticipated. Their values may
be very volatile and they may have a limited trading market, making it difficult
for the Fund to sell its investment at an acceptable price.
? Foreign Securities. The Fund typically invests a portion of its assets
in foreign debt securities, and it has no limit on the amount of its assets that
can be invested in foreign securities that are investment-grade. The Fund can
buy debt securities issued by foreign governments or companies. The Fund can buy
securities of governments and companies in both developed markets and emerging
markets. Debt securities issued or guaranteed by a foreign government or its
agencies might not be backed by the "full faith and credit" of the government.
The Fund's foreign debt investments can be denominated in U.S. dollars or
in foreign currencies. The Fund will buy foreign currency only in connection
with the purchase and sale of foreign securities and not for speculation.
? Risks of Foreign Investing. While foreign securities offer
special investment opportunities, there are also special risks that can
reduce the Fund's share prices and returns. The change in value of a foreign
currency against the U.S. dollar will result in a change in the U.S. dollar
value of securities denominated in that foreign currency. Currency rate
changes can also affect the distributions the Fund makes from the income it
receives from foreign securities as foreign currency values change against
the U.S. dollar. Foreign investing can result in higher transaction and
operating costs for the Fund. Foreign issuers are not subject to the same
accounting and disclosure requirements that U.S. companies are subject to.
The value of foreign investments may be affected by exchange control
regulations, expropriation or nationalization of a company's assets, foreign
taxes, delays in settlement of transactions, changes in governmental economic or
monetary policy in the U.S. or abroad, or other political and economic factors.
? Zero-Coupon and "Stripped" Securities. Some of the government and
corporate debt securities the Fund buys are zero-coupon bonds that pay no
interest and are issued at a substantial discount from their face value.
"Stripped" securities are the separate income or principal components of a debt
security. Some CMOs or other mortgage-related securities may be stripped, with
each component having a different proportion of principal or interest payments.
One class might receive all the interest (these are called "interest-only"
securities) and the other all the principal payments (these are "principal-only"
securities).
Zero-coupon and stripped securities are subject to greater fluctuations in
price from interest rate changes than interest-bearing securities. The Fund may
have to pay out the imputed income on zero coupon securities without receiving
the actual cash currently. The prices of interest-only securities are
particularly sensitive to changes in interest rates.
The values of interest-only mortgage related securities are also very
sensitive to prepayments of underlying mortgages. When underlying mortgages are
prepaid at faster-than-anticipated rates, the Fund loses the anticipated cash
flow from the interest on those mortgages. Principal-only securities may also be
volatile when interest rates fall and prepayments tend to rise. The timing of
the cash flows to these securities increases, increasing their fluctuations in
value. The market for some of these securities may be limited, making it
difficult for the Fund to dispose of its holdings at an acceptable price when it
wants to sell them.
? Preferred Stock. Unlike common stock, preferred stock typically has a
stated dividend rate. Preferred stock dividends may be cumulative (they remain a
liability of the company until they are paid) or non-cumulative. When interest
rates rise, the value of preferred stock having a fixed dividend rate tends to
fall. The right to payment of dividends on preferred stock is generally
subordinate to the rights of a corporation's debt securities.
? Illiquid and Restricted Securities. Investments may be illiquid because
there is no active trading market for them, making it difficult to value them or
dispose of them promptly at an acceptable price. A restricted security is one
that has a contractual restriction on its resale or which cannot be sold
publicly until it is registered under the Securities Act of 1933. The Fund will
not invest more than 10% of its net assets in illiquid or restricted securities
(the Fund's Board of Trustees can increase that limit to 15%). Certain
restricted securities that are eligible for resale to qualified institutional
purchasers may not be subject to that limit. The Manager monitors holdings of
illiquid securities on an ongoing basis to determine whether to sell any
holdings to maintain adequate liquidity.
? Hedging. The Fund can buy and sell certain kinds of futures contracts,
put and call options, interest rate swaps and forward contracts. These are all
referred to as "hedging instruments." The Fund is not required to use hedging
instruments to seek its objective. The Fund does not use hedging instruments for
speculative purposes, and has limits on its use of them.
The Fund could buy and sell options, interest rate swaps, futures and
forward contracts for a number of purposes. It might do so to try to manage its
exposure to the possibility that the prices of its portfolio securities may
fall, or to establish a position in the securities market as a temporary
substitute for purchasing individual securities. It might do so to try to manage
its exposure to changing interest rates. Forward contracts can be used to try to
manage foreign currency risks on the Fund's foreign investments. Foreign
currency options could be used to try to protect against declines in the dollar
value of foreign securities the Fund owns, or to protect against an increase in
the dollar cost of buying foreign securities.
Options trading involves the payment of premiums and has special tax
effects on the Fund. There are also special risks in particular hedging
strategies. If the Manager used a hedging instrument at the wrong time or judged
market conditions incorrectly, the strategy could reduce the Fund's return. The
Fund could also experience losses if the prices of its futures and options
positions were not correlated with its other investments or if it could not
close out a position because of an illiquid market.
Year 2000 Risks. Because many computer software systems in use today cannot
distinguish the year 2000 from the year 1900, the markets for securities in
which the Fund invests could be detrimentally affected by computer failures
beginning January 1, 2000. Failure of computer systems used for securities
trading could result in settlement and liquidity problems for the Fund and other
investors. That failure could have a negative impact on handling securities
trades, pricing and accounting services. Data processing errors by government
issuers of securities could result in economic uncertainties, and those issuers
might incur substantial costs in attempting to prevent or fix such errors, all
of which could have a negative effect on the Fund's investments and returns.
The Manager, the Distributor and the Transfer Agent have been working on
necessary changes to their computer systems to deal with the year 2000 and
expect that their systems will be adapted in time for that event, although there
cannot be assurance of success. Additionally, the services they provide depend
on the interaction of their computer systems with those of brokers, information
services, the Fund's Custodian and other parties. Therefore, any failure of the
computer systems of those parties to deal with the year 2000 might also have a
negative effect on the services they provide to the Fund. The extent of that
risk cannot be ascertained at this time.
How the Fund Is Managed
The Manager. The Fund's investment Manager, OppenheimerFunds, Inc., chooses the
Fund's investments and handles its day-to-day business. The Manager carries out
its duties, subject to the policies established by the Board of Trustees, under
an Investment Advisory Agreement that states the Manager's responsibilities. The
Agreement sets the fees the Fund pays to the Manager and describes the expenses
that the Fund is responsible to pay to conduct its business.
The Manager has operated as an investment adviser since 1959. The Manager
(including subsidiaries) currently manages investment companies, including other
Oppenheimer funds, with assets of more than $100 billion as of March 31, 1999,
and with more than 4 million shareholder accounts. The Manager is located at Two
World Trade Center, 34th Floor, New York, New York 10048-0203.
? Portfolio Managers. The portfolio managers of the Fund are David P.
Negri and John Kowalik. Each is a Vice President of the Fund, a Senior Vice
President of the Manager and an officer and portfolio manager of other
Oppenheimer funds. They are the persons principally responsible for the
day-to-day management of the Fund's portfolio, in Mr. Negri's case since July
10, 1995, and in Mr. Kowalik's case since July 1, 1998. Mr. Negri has been
employed as a portfolio manager by the Manager since July 1988. Mr. Kowalik
joined the Manager in July 1998 and was previously Managing Director and
Senior Portfolio Manager of Prudential Global Advisers (from 1989 to June
1998).
? Advisory Fees. Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays
the Manager an advisory fee at an annual rate that declines on additional assets
as the Fund grows: 0.75% of the first $200 million of average annual net assets
of the Fund, 0.72% of the next $200 million, 0.69% of the next $200 million,
0.66% of the next $200 million, 0.60% of the next $200 million and 0.50% of
average annual net assets in excess of $1 billion. The Fund's management fee for
its last fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 was 0.74% of average annual net
assets for each class of shares.
A B O U T Y O U R A C C O U N T
How to Buy Shares
How Are Shares Purchased? You can buy shares several ways -- through any dealer,
broker or financial institution that has a sales agreement with the Fund's
Distributor, or directly through the Distributor, or automatically through an
Asset Builder Plan under the OppenheimerFunds AccountLink service. The
Distributor may appoint certain servicing agents to accept purchase (and
redemption) orders. The Distributor, in its sole discretion, may reject any
purchase order for the Fund's shares.
|X| Buying Shares Through Your Dealer. Your dealer will place your
order with the Distributor on your behalf.
|X| Buying Shares Through the Distributor. Complete an OppenheimerFunds
New Account Application and return it with a check payable to "OppenheimerFunds
Distributor, Inc." Mail it to P.O. Box 5270, Denver, Colorado 80217. If you
don't list a dealer on the application, the Distributor will act as your agent
in buying the shares. However, we recommend that you discuss your investment
with a financial advisor before you make a purchase to be sure that the Fund is
appropriate for you.
|X| Buying Shares by Federal Funds Wire. Shares purchased through the
Distributor may be paid for by Federal Funds wire. The minimum investment is
$2,500. Before sending a wire, call the Distributor's Wire Department at
1-800-525-7048 to notify the Distributor of the wire, and to receive further
instructions.
|X| Buying Shares Through OppenheimerFunds AccountLink. With AccountLink,
shares are purchased for your account on the regular business day the
Distributor is instructed by you to initiate the Automated Clearing House (ACH)
transfer to buy the shares. You can provide those instructions automatically,
under an Asset Builder Plan, described below, or by telephone instructions using
OppenheimerFunds PhoneLink, also described below. Please refer to "AccountLink,"
below for more details.
|X| Buying Shares Through Asset Builder Plans. You may purchase shares of
the Fund (and up to four other Oppenheimer funds) automatically each month from
your account at a bank or other financial institution under an Asset Builder
Plan with AccountLink. Details are in the Asset Builder Application and the
Statement of Additional Information.
How Much Must You Invest? You can open a Fund account with a minimum initial
investment of $1,000 and make additional investments at any time with as little
as $25. There are reduced minimum investments under special investment plans.
|_| With Asset Builder Plans, 403(b) plans, Automatic Exchange Plans and
military allotment plans, you can make initial and subsequent investments for as
little as $25. Subsequent purchases of at least $25 can be made by telephone
through AccountLink.
? Under retirement plans, such as IRAs, pension and profit-sharing plans
and 401(k) plans, you can start your account with as little as $250. If your IRA
is started under an Asset Builder Plan, the $25 minimum applies.
Additional purchases may be as little as $25.
|_| The minimum investment requirement does not apply to reinvesting
dividends from the Fund or other Oppenheimer funds (a list of them appears in
the Statement of Additional Information, or you can ask your dealer or call the
Transfer Agent), or reinvesting distributions from unit investment trusts that
have made arrangements with the Distributor.
At What Price Are Shares Sold? Shares are sold at their offering price (the net
asset value per share plus any initial sales charge that applies). The offering
price that applies to a purchase order is based on the next calculation of the
net asset value per share that is made after the Distributor receives the
purchase order at its offices in Denver, Colorado, or after any agent appointed
by the Distributor receives the order and sends it to the Distributor.
|_| The net asset value of each class of shares is determined as of the
close of The New York Stock Exchange, on each day the Exchange is open for
trading (referred to in this Prospectus as a "regular business day"). The
Exchange normally closes at 4:00 P.M., New York time, but may close earlier on
some days. All references to time in this Prospectus mean "New York time."
The net asset value per share is determined by dividing the value of the
Fund's net assets attributable to a class by the number of shares of that class
that are outstanding. To determine net asset value, the Fund's Board of Trustees
has established procedures to value the Fund's securities, in general based on
market value. The Board has adopted special procedures for valuing illiquid and
restricted securities and obligations for which market values cannot be readily
obtained. Because some foreign securities trade in markets and exchanges that
operate on U.S. holidays and weekends, the value of some of the Fund's foreign
investments may change on days when investors cannot buy or redeem Fund shares.
|_| To receive the offering price for a particular day, in most cases the
Distributor or its designated agent must receive your order by the time of day
The New York Stock Exchange closes that day. If your order is received on a day
when the Exchange is closed or after it has closed, the order will receive the
next offering price that is determined after your order is received.
|_| If you buy shares through a dealer, your dealer must receive the order
by the close of The New York Stock Exchange and transmit it to the Distributor
so that it is received before the Distributor's close of business on a regular
business day (normally 5:00 P.M.) to receive that day's offering price.
Otherwise, the order will receive the next offering price that is determined.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What Classes of Shares Does the Fund Offer? The Fund offers investors four
different classes of shares. The different classes of shares represent
investments in the same portfolio of securities, but the classes are subject
to different expenses and will likely have different share prices. When you
buy shares, be sure to specify the class of shares. If you do not choose a
class, your investment will be made in Class A shares.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|X| Class A Shares. If you buy Class A shares, you pay an initial sales
charge (on investments up to $1 million for regular accounts or $500,000 for
certain retirement plans). The amount of that sales charge will vary depending
on the amount you invest. The sales charge rates are listed in "How Can I Buy
Class A Shares?" below.
|X| Class B Shares. If you buy Class B shares, you pay no sales charge
at the time of purchase, but you will pay an annual asset-based sales charge,
and if you sell your shares within six years of buying them, you will
normally pay a contingent deferred sales charge. That contingent deferred
sales charge varies depending on how long you own your shares, as described in
"How Can I Buy Class B Shares?" below.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|X| Class C Shares. If you buy Class C shares, you pay no sales charge at
the time of purchase, but you will pay an annual asset-based sales charge, and
if you sell your shares within 12 months of buying them, you will normally pay a
contingent deferred sales charge of 1%, as described in "How Can I Buy Class C
Shares?" below.
Class Y Shares. Class Y shares are offered only to certain institutional
investors that have special agreements with the Distributor.
Which Class of Shares Should You Choose? Once you decide that the Fund is an
appropriate investment for you, the decision as to which class of shares is best
suited to your needs depends on a number of factors that you should discuss with
your financial advisor. Some factors to consider are how much you plan to invest
and how long you plan to hold your investment. If your goals and objectives
change over time and you plan to purchase additional shares, you should
re-evaluate those factors to see if you should consider another class of shares.
The Fund's operating costs that apply to a class of shares and the effect of the
different types of sales charges on your investment will vary your investment
results over time.
The discussion below is not intended to be investment advice or a
recommendation, because each investor's financial considerations are different.
You should review these factors with your financial advisor. The discussion
below assumes that you will purchase only one class of shares, and not a
combination of shares of different classes.
|X| How Long Do You Expect to Hold Your Investment? While future financial
needs cannot be predicted with certainty, knowing how long you expect to hold
your investment will assist you in selecting the appropriate class of shares.
Because of the effect of class-based expenses, your choice will also depend on
how much you plan to invest. For example, the reduced sales charges available
for larger purchases of Class A shares may, over time, offset the effect of
paying an initial sales charge on your investment, compared to the effect over
time of higher class-based expenses on shares of Class B or Class C.
|_| Investing for the Shorter Term. If you have a relatively
short-term investment horizon (that is, you plan to hold your shares for not
more than six years), you should probably consider purchasing Class A or Class C
shares rather than Class B shares. That is because of the effect of the Class B
contingent deferred sales charge if you redeem within six years, as well as the
effect of the Class B asset-based sales charge on the investment return for that
class in the short-term. Class C shares might be the appropriate choice
(especially for investments of less than $100,000), because there is no initial
sales charge on Class C shares, and the contingent deferred sales charge does
not apply to amounts you sell after holding them one year.
However, if you plan to invest more than $100,000 for the shorter term,
then as your investment horizon increases toward six years, Class C shares might
not be as advantageous as Class A shares. That is because the annual asset-based
sales charge on Class C shares will have a greater impact on your account over
the longer term than the reduced front-end sales charge available for larger
purchases of Class A shares.
And for investors who invest $1 million or more, in most cases Class A
shares will be the most advantageous choice, no matter how long you intend to
hold your shares. For that reason, the Distributor normally will not accept
purchase orders of $500,000 or more of Class B shares or $1 million or more of
Class C shares from a single investor.
|_| Investing for the Longer Term. If you are investing less than
$100,000 for the longer-term, for example for retirement, and do not expect to
need access to your money for seven years or more, Class B shares may be
appropriate.
Of course, these examples are based on approximations of the effect of
current sales charges and expenses projected over time, and do not detail all of
the considerations in selecting a class of shares. You should analyze your
options carefully with your financial advisor before making that choice.
|X| Are There Differences in Account Features That Matter to You? Some
account features may not be available to Class B or Class C shareholders. Other
features (such as Automatic Withdrawal Plans) may not be advisable (because of
the effect of the contingent deferred sales charge) for Class B or Class C
shareholders. Therefore, you should carefully review how you plan to use your
investment account before deciding which class of shares to buy.
Additionally, the dividends payable to Class B and Class C shareholders
will be reduced by the additional expenses borne by those classes that are not
borne by Class A shares, such as the Class B and Class C asset-based sales
charge described below and in the Statement of Additional Information. Share
certificates are not available for Class B and Class C shares, and if you are
considering using your shares as collateral for a loan, that may be a factor to
consider.
|X| How Does It Affect Payments to My Broker? A salesperson, such as a
broker, may receive different compensation for selling one class of shares than
for selling another class. It is important to remember that Class B and Class C
contingent deferred sales charges and asset-based sales charges have the same
purpose as the front-end sales charge on sales of Class A shares: to compensate
the Distributor for commissions and expenses it pays to dealers and financial
institutions for selling shares. The Distributor may pay additional compensation
from its own resources to securities dealers or financial institutions based
upon the value of shares of the Fund owned by the dealer or financial
institution for its own account or for its customers.
Special Sales Charge Arrangements and Waivers. Appendix C to the Statement of
Additional Information details the conditions for the waiver of sales charges
that apply in certain cases, and the special sales charge rates that apply to
purchases of shares of the Fund by certain groups, or under specified retirement
plan arrangements or in other special types of transactions.
How Can I Buy Class A Shares? Class A shares are sold at their offering price,
which is normally net asset value plus an initial sales charge. However, in some
cases, described below, purchases are not subject to an initial sales charge,
and the offering price will be the net asset value. In other cases, reduced
sales charges may be available, as described below or in the Statement of
Additional Information. Out of the amount you invest, the Fund receives the net
asset value to invest for your account.
The sales charge varies depending on the amount of your purchase. A
portion of the sales charge may be retained by the Distributor or allocated to
your dealer as commission. The Distributor reserves the right to reallow the
entire commission to dealers. The current sales charge rates and commissions
paid to dealers and brokers are as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Front-End Sales Front-End Sales
Charge As a Charge As a Commission As
Percentage of Percentage of Net Percentage of
Amount of Purchase Offering Price Amount Invested Offering Price
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than $50,000 4.75% 4.98% 4.00%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$50,000 or more but 4.50% 4.71% 3.75%
less than $100,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$100,000 or more
but less than 3.50% 3.63% 2.75%
$250,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$250,000 or more
but less than 2.50% 2.56% 2.00%
$500,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$500,000 or more
but less than $1 2.00% 2.04% 1.60%
million
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|X| Class A Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. There is no initial sales
charge on purchases of Class A shares of any one or more of the Oppenheimer
funds aggregating $1 million or more or for certain purchases by particular
types of retirement plans described in Appendix C to the Statement of Additional
Information. The Distributor pays dealers of record commissions in an amount
equal to 1.0% of purchases of $1 million or more other than by those retirement
accounts. For those retirement plan accounts, the commission is 1.0% of the
first $2.5 million, plus 0.50% of the next $2.5 million, plus 0.25% of purchases
over $5 million, calculated on a calendar year basis. In either case, the
commission will be paid only on purchases that were not previously subject to a
front-end sales charge and dealer commission.1
1 No commission will be paid on sales of Class A shares purchased with the
redemption proceeds of shares of another mutual fund offered as an investment
option in a retirement plan in which Oppenheimer funds are also offered as
investment options under a special arrangement with the Distributor, if the
purchase occurs more than 30 days after the Oppenheimer funds are added as an
investment option under that plan.
If you redeem any of those shares within 18 months of the end of the
calendar month of their purchase, a contingent deferred sales charge (called the
"Class A contingent deferred sales charge") may be deducted from the redemption
proceeds. That sales charge will be equal to 1.0% of the lesser of (1) the
aggregate net asset value of the redeemed shares at the time of redemption
(excluding shares purchased by reinvestment of dividends or capital gain
distributions) or (2) the original net asset value of the redeemed shares.
However, the Class A contingent deferred sales charge will not exceed the
aggregate amount of the commissions the Distributor paid to your dealer on all
purchases of Class A shares of all Oppenheimer funds you made that were subject
to the Class A contingent deferred sales charge.
In determining whether a contingent deferred sales charge is payable when
shares are redeemed, the Fund will first redeem shares that are not subject to
the sales charge, including shares purchased by reinvestment of dividends and
capital gains. Then the Fund will redeem other shares in the order in which you
purchased them. The Class A contingent deferred sales charge is waived in
certain cases described in Appendix C to the Statement of Additional
Information.
The Class A contingent deferred sales charge is not charged on exchanges
of shares under the Fund's exchange privilege (described below). However, if the
shares acquired by exchange are redeemed within 18 calendar months of the end of
the calendar month in which the exchanged shares were originally purchased, then
the sales charge will apply.
How Can I Reduce Sales Charges for Class A Share Purchases? You may be eligible
to buy Class A shares at reduced sales charge rates under the Fund's "Right of
Accumulation" or a Letter of Intent, as described in "Reduced Sales Charges" in
the Statement of Additional Information:
|X| Waivers of Class A Sales Charges. The Class A initial and contingent
deferred sales charges are not imposed in the circumstances described in
Appendix C to the Statement of Additional Information. In order to receive a
waiver of the Class A contingent deferred sales charge, you must notify the
Transfer Agent when purchasing shares whether any of the special conditions
apply.
How Can I Buy Class B Shares? Class B shares are sold at net asset value per
share without an initial sales charge. However, if Class B shares are redeemed
within 6 years of their purchase, a contingent deferred sales charge will be
deducted from the redemption proceeds. The Class B contingent deferred sales
charge is paid to compensate the Distributor for its expenses of providing
distribution-related services to the Fund in connection with the sale of Class B
shares.
The contingent deferred sales charge will be based on the lesser of the
net asset value of the redeemed shares at the time of redemption or the original
net asset value. The contingent deferred sales charge is not imposed on:
|_| the amount of your account value represented by an increase in net
asset value over the initial purchase price, |_| shares purchased by the
reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions, or |_| shares
redeemed in the special circumstances described in Appendix C to the
Statement of Additional Information.
To determine whether the contingent deferred sales charge applies to a
redemption, the Fund redeems shares in the following order:
1. shares acquired by reinvestment of dividends and capital gains
distributions,
2. shares held for over 6 years, and
3. shares held the longest during the 6-year period.
The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge will depend on the
number of years since you invested and the dollar amount being redeemed,
according to the following schedule:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge on
Years Since Beginning of Month in Which Redemptions in That Year
Purchase Order was Accepted (As % of Amount Subject to Charge)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0 - 1 5.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 - 2 4.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 - 3 3.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 - 4 3.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 - 5 2.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 - 6 1.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 and following None
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the table, a "year" is a 12-month period. In applying the sales charge, all
purchases are considered to have been made on the first regular business day of
the month in which the purchase was made.
|X| Automatic Conversion of Class B Shares. Class B shares automatically
convert to Class A shares 72 months after you purchase them. This conversion
feature relieves Class B shareholders of the asset-based sales charge that
applies to Class B shares under the Class B Distribution and Service Plan,
described below. The conversion is based on the relative net asset value of the
two classes, and no sales load or other charge is imposed. When Class B shares
convert, any other Class B shares that were acquired by the reinvestment of
dividends and distributions on the converted shares will also convert to Class A
shares. The conversion feature is subject to the continued availability of a tax
ruling described in the Statement of Additional Information.
How Can I Buy Class C Shares? Class C shares are sold at net asset value per
share without an initial sales charge. However, if Class C shares are redeemed
within 12 months of their purchase, a contingent deferred sales charge of 1.0%
will be deducted from the redemption proceeds. The Class C contingent deferred
sales charge is paid to compensate the Distributor for its expenses of providing
distribution-related services to the Fund in connection with the sale of Class C
shares.
The contingent deferred sales charge will be based on the lesser of the
net asset value of the redeemed shares at the time of redemption or the original
net asset value. The contingent deferred sales charge is not imposed on:
|_| the amount of your account value represented by the increase in
net asset value over the initial purchase price,
o shares purchased by the reinvestment of dividends or capital gains
distributions, or
o shares redeemed in the special circumstances described in Appendix C to
the Statement of Additional Information.
To determine whether the contingent deferred sales charge applies to a
redemption, the Fund redeems shares in the following order:
1. shares acquired by reinvestment of dividends and capital gains
distributions,
2. shares held for over 12 months, and
3. shares held the longest during the 12-month period.
Who Can Buy Class Y Shares? Class Y shares are sold at net asset value per share
without sales charge directly to certain institutional investors that have
special agreements with the Distributor for this purpose. They may include
insurance companies, registered investment companies and employee benefit plans
for example. Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, an affiliate of the
Manager, may purchase Class Y shares of the Fund and other Oppenheimer funds (as
well as Class Y shares of funds advised by MassMutual) for asset allocation
programs, investment companies or separate investment accounts it sponsors and
offers to its customers. Individual investors are not able to buy Class Y shares
directly.
An institutional investor that buys Class Y shares for its customers'
accounts may impose charges on those accounts. The procedures for buying,
selling, exchanging and transferring the Fund's other classes of shares and the
special account features available to investors buying those other classes of
shares do not apply to Class Y shares. An exception is that the time those
orders must be received by the Distributor or its agents or by the Transfer
Agent is the same for Class Y as for other share classes. However, those
instructions must be submitted by the institutional investor, not by its
customers for whose benefit the shares are held.
Distribution and Service (12b-1) Plans.
|X| Service Plan for Class A Shares. The Fund has adopted a Service Plan
for Class A shares. It reimburses the Distributor for a portion of its costs
incurred for services provided to accounts that hold Class A shares.
Reimbursement is made quarterly at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average
annual net assets of Class A shares of the Fund. The Distributor currently uses
all of those fees to pay dealers, brokers, banks and other financial
institutions quarterly for providing personal service and maintenance of
accounts of their customers that hold Class A shares.
|X| Distribution and Service Plans for Class B and Class C Shares. The
Fund has adopted Distribution and Service Plans for Class B and Class C shares
to pay the Distributor for its services in distributing Class B and Class C
shares and servicing accounts. Under the plans, the Fund pays the Distributor an
annual asset-based sales charge of 0.75% per year on Class B shares and on Class
C shares. The Distributor also receives a service fee of 0.25% per year under
each plan.
The asset-based sales charge and service fees increase Class B and Class C
expenses by 1.00% of the net assets per year of the respective class. Because
these fees are paid out of the Fund's assets on an on-going basis, over time
these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more than
other types of sales charges.
The Distributor uses the service fees to compensate dealers for providing
personal services for accounts that hold Class B or Class C shares. The
Distributor pays the 0.25% service fees to dealers in advance for the first year
after the shares were sold by the dealer. After the shares have been held for a
year, the Distributor pays the service fees to dealers on a quarterly basis.
The Distributor currently pays sales commission of 3.75% of the purchase
price of Class B shares to dealers from its own resources at the time of sale.
Including the advance of the service fee, the total amount paid by the
Distributor to the dealer at the time of sales of Class B shares is therefore
4.00% of the purchase price. The Distributor retains the Class B asset-based
sales charge.
The Distributor currently pays sales commissions of 0.75% of the purchase
price of Class C shares to dealers from its own resources at the time of sale.
Including the advance of the service fee, the total amount paid by the
Distributor to the dealer at the time of sale of Class C shares is therefore
1.00% of the purchase price. The Distributor pays the asset-based sales charge
as an ongoing commission to the dealer on Class C shares that have been
outstanding for a year or more.
Special Investor Services
AccountLink. You can use our AccountLink feature to link your Fund account
with an account at a U.S. bank or other financial institution. It must be an
Automated Clearing House (ACH) member. AccountLink lets you:
|_| transmit funds electronically to purchase shares by telephone (through
a service representative or by PhoneLink) or automatically under Asset
Builder Plans, or |_| have the Transfer Agent send redemption proceeds or
transmit dividends and distributions directly to your bank account. Please
call
the Transfer Agent for more information.
You may purchase shares by telephone only after your account has been
established. To purchase shares in amounts up to $250,000 through a telephone
representative, call the Distributor at 1-800-852-8457. The purchase payment
will be debited from your bank account.
AccountLink privileges should be requested on your Application or your
dealer's settlement instructions if you buy your shares through a dealer. After
your account is established, you can request AccountLink privileges by sending
signature-guaranteed instructions to the Transfer Agent. AccountLink privileges
will apply to each shareholder listed in the registration on your account as
well as to your dealer representative of record unless and until the Transfer
Agent receives written instructions terminating or changing those privileges.
After you establish AccountLink for your account, any change of bank account
information must be made by signature-guaranteed instructions to the Transfer
Agent signed by all shareholders who own the account.
PhoneLink. PhoneLink is the OppenheimerFunds automated telephone system that
enables shareholders to perform a number of account transactions automatically
using a touch-tone phone. PhoneLink may be used on already-established Fund
accounts after you obtain a Personal Identification Number (PIN), by calling the
special PhoneLink number, 1-800-533-3310.
|X| Purchasing Shares. You may purchase shares in amounts up to $100,000
by phone, by calling 1-800-533-3310. You must have established AccountLink
privileges to link your bank account with the Fund to pay for these purchases.
|X| Exchanging Shares. With the OppenheimerFunds exchange privilege,
described below, you can exchange shares automatically by phone from your Fund
account to another OppenheimerFunds account you have already established by
calling the special PhoneLink number.
|X| Selling Shares. You can redeem shares by telephone automatically by
calling the PhoneLink number and the Fund will send the proceeds directly to
your AccountLink bank account. Please refer to "How to Sell Shares," below for
details.
Can I Submit Transaction Requests by Fax? You may send requests for certain
types of account transactions to the Transfer Agent by fax (telecopier). Please
call 1-800-525-7048 for information about which transactions may be handled this
way. Transaction requests submitted by fax are subject to the same rules and
restrictions as written and telephone requests described in this Prospectus.
OppenheimerFunds Internet Web Site. You can obtain information about the Fund,
as well as your account balance, on the OppenheimerFunds Internet web site, at
http://www.oppenheimerfunds.com. Additionally, shareholders listed in the
account registration (and the dealer of record) may request certain account
transactions through a special section of that web site. To perform account
transactions, you must first obtain a personal identification number (PIN) by
calling the Transfer Agent at 1-800-533-3310. If you do not want to have
Internet account transaction capability for your account, please call the
Transfer Agent at 1-800-525-7048.
Automatic Withdrawal and Exchange Plans. The Fund has several plans that enable
you to sell shares automatically or exchange them to another OppenheimerFunds
account on a regular basis. Please call the Transfer Agent or consult the
Statement of Additional Information for details.
Reinvestment Privilege. If you redeem some or all of your Class A or Class B
shares of the Fund, you have up to 6 months to reinvest all or part of the
redemption proceeds in Class A shares of the Fund or other Oppenheimer funds
without paying a sales charge. This privilege applies only to Class A shares
that you purchased subject to an initial sales charge and to Class A or Class B
shares on which you paid a contingent deferred sales charge when you redeemed
them. This privilege does not apply to Class C or Class Y shares. You must be
sure to ask the Distributor for this privilege when you send your payment.
Retirement Plans. You may buy shares of the Fund for your retirement plan
account. If you participate in a plan sponsored by your employer, the plan
trustee or administrator must buy the shares for your plan account. The
Distributor also offers a number of different retirement plans that can be used
by individuals and employers:
|X| Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), including regular IRAs, Roth
IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, rollover and Education IRAs.
|X| SEP-IRAs, which are Simplified Employee Pensions Plan IRAs for small
business owners or self-employed individuals.
|X| 403(b)(7) Custodial Plans, that are tax deferred plans for employees
of eligible tax-exempt organizations, such as schools, hospitals and charitable
organizations.
|X| 401(k) Plans, which are special retirement plans for businesses.
|X| Pension and Profit-Sharing Plans, designed for businesses and
self-employed individuals.
Please call the Distributor for OppenheimerFunds retirement plan
documents, which include applications and important plan information.
How to Sell Shares
You can sell (redeem) some or all of your shares on any regular business
day. Your shares will be sold at the next net asset value calculated after your
order is received in proper form (which means that it must comply with the
procedures described below) and is accepted by the Transfer Agent. The Fund lets
you sell your shares by writing a letter, by using the Fund's checkwriting
privilege or by telephone. You can also set up Automatic Withdrawal Plans to
redeem shares on a regular basis. If you have questions about any of these
procedures, and especially if you are redeeming shares in a special situation,
such as due to the death of the owner or from a retirement plan account, please
call the Transfer Agent first, at 1-800-525-7048, for assistance.
|X| Certain Requests Require a Signature Guarantee. To protect you and the
Fund from fraud, the following redemption requests must be in writing and must
include a signature guarantee (although there may be other situations that also
require a signature guarantee):
|_| You wish to redeem $50,000 or more and receive a check |_| The
redemption check is not payable to all shareholders listed on
the account statement
|_| The redemption check is not sent to the address of record on your
account statement
|_| Shares are being transferred to a Fund account with a different
owner or name
|_| Shares are being redeemed by someone (such as an Executor) other
than the owners
|X| Where Can I Have My Signature Guaranteed? The Transfer Agent will
accept a guarantee of your signature by a number of financial institutions,
including: a U.S. bank, trust company, credit union or savings association,
or by a foreign bank that has a U.S. correspondent bank, or by a U.S.
registered dealer or broker in securities, municipal securities or government
securities, or by a U.S. national securities exchange, a registered
securities association or a clearing agency. If you are signing on behalf of
a corporation, partnership or other business or as a fiduciary, you must also
include your title in the signature.
|X| Retirement Plan Accounts. There are special procedures to sell shares
in an OppenheimerFunds retirement plan account. Call the Transfer Agent for a
distribution request form. Special income tax withholding requirements apply to
distributions from retirement plans. You must submit a withholding form with
your redemption request to avoid delay in getting your money and if you do not
want tax withheld. If your employer holds your retirement plan account for you
in the name of the plan, you must ask the plan trustee or administrator to
request the sale of the Fund shares in your plan account.
How Do I Sell Shares by Mail? Write a letter of instructions that includes:
|_| Your name |_| The Fund's name |_| Your Fund account number (from your
account statement) |_| The dollar amount or number of shares to be
redeemed |_| Any special payment instructions |_| Any share certificates
for the shares you are selling |_| The signatures of all registered owners
exactly as the account is
registered,
|_| Any special documents requested by the Transfer Agent to assure proper
authorization of the person asking to sell the shares.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Use the following address for requests by mail:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OppenheimerFunds Services
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P.O. Box 5270
Denver, Colorado 80217-5270
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Send courier or express mail requests to:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OppenheimerFunds Services
10200 E. Girard Avenue, Building D
Denver, Colorado 80231
How Do I Sell Shares by Telephone? You and your dealer representative of record
may also sell your shares by telephone. To receive the redemption price on a
regular business day, your call must be received by the Transfer Agent by the
close of The New York Stock Exchange that day, which is normally 4:00 P.M., but
may be earlier on some days. You may not redeem shares held in an
OppenheimerFunds retirement plan account or under a share certificate by
telephone.
|_| To redeem shares through a service representative, call
1-800-852-8457
|_| To redeem shares automatically on PhoneLink, call 1-800-533-3310
Whichever method you use, you may have a check sent to the address on the
account statement, or, if you have linked your Fund account to your bank account
on AccountLink, you may have the proceeds sent to that bank account.
<PAGE>
Are There Limits on Amounts Redeemed by Telephone?
|X| Telephone Redemptions Paid by Check. Up to $50,000 may be redeemed by
telephone in any 7-day period. The check must be payable to all owners of record
of the shares and must be sent to the address on the account statement. This
service is not available within 30 days of changing the address on an account.
|X| Telephone Redemptions Through AccountLink. There are no dollar limits
on telephone redemption proceeds sent to a bank account designated when you
establish AccountLink. Normally the ACH transfer to your bank is initiated on
the business day after the redemption. You do not receive dividends on the
proceeds of the shares you redeemed while they are waiting to be transferred.
How Do I Write Checks Against My Account? To write checks against your Fund
account, request that privilege on your account Application, or contact the
Transfer Agent for signature cards. They must be signed (with a signature
guarantee) by all owners of the account and returned to the Transfer Agent so
that checks can be sent to you to use. Shareholders with joint accounts can
elect in writing to have checks paid over the signature of one owner. If you
previously signed a signature card to establish checkwriting in another
Oppenheimer fund, simply call 1-800-525-7048 to request checkwriting for an
account in this Fund with the same registration as the other account.
? Checks can be written to the order of whomever you wish, but may not be
cashed at the bank through which they are payable or the Fund's custodian bank.
? Checkwriting privileges are not available for accounts holding
shares that are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge.
? Checks must be written for at least $100.
? Checks cannot be paid if they are written for more than your account
value.
? You may not write a check that would require the Fund to redeem shares
that were purchased by check or Asset Builder Plan payments within the prior 10
days.
? Don't use your checks if you changed your Fund account number, until
you receive new checks.
Can I Sell Shares Through My Dealer? The Distributor has made arrangements to
repurchase Fund shares from dealers and brokers on behalf of their customers.
Brokers or dealers may charge for that service. If your shares are held in the
name of your dealer, you must redeem them through your dealer.
How to Exchange Shares
Shares of the Fund may be exchanged for shares of certain Oppenheimer
funds at net asset value per share at the time of exchange, without sales
charge. To exchange shares, you must meet several conditions:
|_| Shares of the fund selected for exchange must be available for sale in
your state of residence.
|_| The prospectuses of this Fund and the fund whose shares you want to
buy must offer the exchange privilege.
|_| You must hold the shares you buy when you establish your account for
at least 7 days before you can exchange them. After the account is open 7 days,
you can exchange shares every regular business day.
|_| You must meet the minimum purchase requirements for the fund you
purchase by exchange.
|_| Before exchanging into a fund, you should obtain and read its
prospectus.
Shares of a particular class of the Fund may be exchanged only for shares
of the same class in the other Oppenheimer funds. For example, you can exchange
Class A shares of this Fund only for Class A shares of another fund. In some
cases, sales charges may be imposed on exchange transactions. For tax purposes,
exchanges of shares involve a sale of the shares of the fund you own and a
purchase of the shares of the other fund, which may result in a capital gain or
loss. Please refer to "How to Exchange Shares" in the Statement of Additional
Information for more details.
How Do I Submit Exchange Requests? Exchanges may be requested in writing or
by telephone:
n Written Exchange Requests. Submit an OppenheimerFunds Exchange Request form,
signed by all owners of the account. Send it to the Transfer Agent at the
address on the back cover. Exchanges of shares held under certificates cannot be
processed unless the Transfer Agent receives the certificates with the request.
|X| Telephone Exchange Requests. Telephone exchange requests may be made
either by calling a service representative at 1-800-852-8457, or by using
PhoneLink for automated exchanges by calling 1-800-533-3310. Telephone exchanges
may be made only between accounts that are registered with the same name(s) and
address. Shares held under certificates may not be exchanged by telephone.
You can find a list of Oppenheimer funds currently available for exchanges
in the Statement of Additional Information or obtain one by calling a service
representative at 1-800-525-7048. That list can change from time to time.
Are There Limitations on Exchanges? There are certain exchange policies you
should be aware of:
|_| Shares are normally redeemed from one fund and purchased from the
other fund in the exchange transaction on the same regular business day on which
the Transfer Agent receives an exchange request that conforms to the policies
described above. It must be received by the close of The New York Stock Exchange
that day, which is normally 4:00 P.M. but may be earlier on some days. However,
either fund may delay the purchase of shares of the fund you are exchanging into
up to seven days if it determines it would be disadvantaged by a same-day
exchange. For example, the receipt of multiple exchange requests from a "market
timer" might require the Fund to sell securities at a disadvantageous time
and/or price.
|_| Because excessive trading can hurt fund performance and harm
shareholders, the Fund reserves the right to refuse any exchange request that it
believes will disadvantage it, or to refuse multiple exchange requests submitted
by a shareholder or dealer.
|_| The Fund may amend, suspend or terminate the exchange privilege at any
time. Although the Fund will attempt to provide you notice whenever it is
reasonably able to do so, it may impose these changes at any time.
|_| If the Transfer Agent cannot exchange all the shares you request
because of a restriction cited above, only the shares eligible for exchange will
be exchanged.
Shareholder Account Rules and Policies
More information about the Fund's policies and procedures for buying, and
selling and exchanging shares is contained in the Statement of Additional
Information.
|X| The offering of shares may be suspended during any period in which the
determination of net asset value is suspended, and the offering may be suspended
by the Board of Trustees at any time the Board believes it is in the Fund's best
interest to do so.
|X| Telephone Transaction Privileges for purchases, redemptions or
exchanges may be modified, suspended or terminated by the Fund at any time. If
an account has more than one owner, the Fund and the Transfer Agent may rely on
the instructions of any one owner. Telephone privileges apply to each owner of
the account and the dealer representative of record for the account unless the
Transfer Agent receives cancellation instructions from an owner of the account.
|X| The Transfer Agent will record any telephone calls to verify data
concerning transactions and has adopted other procedures to confirm that
telephone instructions are genuine, by requiring callers to provide tax
identification numbers and other account data or by using PINs, and by
confirming such transactions in writing. The Transfer Agent and the Fund will
not be liable for losses or expenses arising out of telephone instructions
reasonably believed to be genuine.
|X| Redemption or transfer requests will not be honored until the Transfer
Agent receives all required documents in proper form. From time to time, the
Transfer Agent in its discretion may waive certain of the requirements for
redemptions stated in this Prospectus.
|X| Dealers that can perform account transactions for their clients by
participating in NETWORKING through the National Securities Clearing Corporation
are responsible for obtaining their clients' permission to perform those
transactions, and are responsible to their clients who are shareholders of the
Fund if the dealer performs any transaction erroneously or improperly.
|X| The redemption price for shares will vary from day to day because the
value of the securities in the Fund's portfolio fluctuates. The redemption
price, which is the net asset value per share, will normally differ for each
class of shares. The redemption value of your shares may be more or less than
their original cost.
|X| Payment for redeemed shares ordinarily is made in cash. It is
forwarded by check or through AccountLink (as elected by the shareholder) within
seven days after the Transfer Agent receives redemption instructions in proper
form. However, under unusual circumstances determined by the Securities and
Exchange Commission, payment may be delayed or suspended. For accounts
registered in the name of a broker-dealer, payment will normally be forwarded
within three business days after redemption.
|X| The Transfer Agent may delay forwarding a check or processing a
payment via AccountLink for recently purchased shares, but only until the
purchase payment has cleared. That delay may be as much as 10 days from the date
the shares were purchased. That delay may be avoided if you purchase shares by
Federal Funds wire or certified check, or arrange with your bank to provide
telephone or written assurance to the Transfer Agent that your purchase payment
has cleared.
|X| Involuntary redemptions of small accounts may be made by the Fund if
the account value has fallen below $1,000 for reasons other than the fact that
the market value of shares has dropped. In some cases involuntary redemptions
may be made to repay the Distributor for losses from the cancellation of share
purchase orders.
|X| Shares may be "redeemed in kind" under unusual circumstances (such as
a lack of liquidity in the Fund's portfolio to meet redemptions). This means
that the redemption proceeds will be paid with liquid securities from the Fund's
portfolio.
|X| "Backup Withholding" of federal income tax may be applied against
taxable dividends, distributions and redemption proceeds (including exchanges)
if you fail to furnish the Fund your correct, certified Social Security or
Employer Identification Number when you sign your application, or if you
under-report your income to the Internal Revenue Service.
|X| To avoid sending duplicate copies of materials to households, the Fund
will mail only one copy of each annual and semi-annual report to shareholders
having the same last name and address on the Fund's records. However, each
shareholder may call the Transfer Agent at 1-800-525-7048 to ask that copies of
those materials be sent personally to that shareholder.
Dividends, Capital Gains and Taxes
Dividends. The Fund intends to declare dividends separately for each class of
shares from net investment income on each regular business day and to pay those
dividends to shareholders monthly on a date selected by the Board of Trustees.
Daily dividends will not be declared or paid on newly-purchased shares until
Federal Funds are available to the Fund from the purchase payment for the
shares.
The Fund attempts to pay dividends on Class A shares at a constant level.
There is no assurance that it will be able to do so. The Board of Trustees may
change the targeted dividend rate at any time without prior notice to
shareholders. Additionally, the amount of those dividends and the dividends paid
on Class B and Class C shares may vary over time, depending on market
conditions, the composition of the Fund's portfolio, and expenses borne by the
particular class of shares. Dividends and other distributions paid on Class A
and Class Y shares will generally be higher than dividends for Class B and Class
C shares, which normally have higher expenses than Class A or Class Y. The Fund
cannot guarantee that it will pay any dividends or other distributions.
<PAGE>
Capital Gains. The Fund may realize capital gains on the sale of portfolio
securities. If it does, it may make distributions out of any net short-term or
long-term capital gains in December of each year. The Fund may make supplemental
distributions of dividends and capital gains following the end of its fiscal
year. There can be no assurance that the Fund will pay any capital gains
distributions in a particular year.
What Choices Do I Have for Receiving Distributions? When you open your account,
specify on your application how you want to receive your dividends and
distributions. You have four options:
|X| Reinvest All Distributions in the Fund. You can elect to reinvest
all dividends and long-term capital gains distributions in additional shares
of the Fund.
|X| Reinvest Long-Term Capital Gains Only. You can elect to reinvest
long-term capital gains distributions in the Fund while receiving dividends by
check or having them sent to your bank account through AccountLink.
|X| Receive All Distributions in Cash. You can elect to receive a
check for all dividends and long-term capital gains distributions or have
them sent to your bank through AccountLink.
|X| Reinvest Your Distributions in Another OppenheimerFunds Account.
You can reinvest all distributions in the same class of shares of another
OppenheimerFunds account you have established.
Taxes. If your shares are not held in a tax-deferred retirement account, you
should be aware of the following tax implications of investing in the Fund.
Distributions are subject to federal income tax and may be subject to state or
local taxes. Dividends paid from short-term capital gains and net investment
income are taxable as ordinary income. Long-term capital gains are taxable as
long-term capital gains when distributed to shareholders. It does not matter how
long you have held your shares. Whether you reinvest your distributions in
additional shares or take them in cash, the tax treatment is the same.
Every year the Fund will send you and the IRS a statement showing the
amount of any taxable distribution you received in the previous year. Any
long-term capital gains will be separately identified in the tax information the
Fund sends you after the end of the calendar year.
|X| Avoid "Buying a Distribution". If you buy shares on or just before the
Fund declares a capital gain distribution, you will pay the full price for the
shares and then receive a portion of the price back as a taxable capital gain.
|X| Remember, There May be Taxes on Transactions. Because the Fund's share
price fluctuates, you may have a capital gain or loss when you sell or exchange
your shares. A capital gain or loss is the difference between the price you paid
for the shares and the price you received when you sold them.
Any capital gain is subject to capital gains tax.
<PAGE>
|X| Returns of Capital Can Occur. In certain cases, distributions
made by the Fund may be considered a non-taxable return of capital to
shareholders. If that occurs, it will be identified in notices to
shareholders.
This information is only a summary of certain federal income tax
information about your investment. You should consult with your tax adviser
about the effect of an investment in the Fund on your particular tax situation.
<PAGE>
Financial Highlights
The Financial Highlights Table is presented to help you understand the Fund's
financial performance for the past 5 fiscal years. Certain information reflects
financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table
represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment
in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This
information has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, the Fund's independent
auditors, whose report, along with the Fund's financial statements, is included
in the Statement of Additional Information, which is available on request.
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class A
------------------------------------------------
Year Ended December 31,
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Operating Data
Net asset value, beginning
of period $10.97 $10.70 $10.98 $10.01 $11.12
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income .71 .77 .78 .69 .65
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) (.11) .27 (.28) .96 (1.08)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total income (loss) from
investment operations .60 1.04 .50 1.65 (.43)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends and distributions
to shareholders:
Dividends from net
investment income (.71) (.77) (.75) (.68) (.65)
Dividends in excess of net
investment income -- -- -- -- (.03)
Tax return of capital -- -- (.03) -- --
---- ---- ------ ---- ----
Total dividends and
distributions to
shareholders (.71) (.77) (.78) (.68) (.68)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of
period $10.86 $10.97 $10.70 $10.98 $10.01
====== ====== ====== ====== ======
Financial Highlights
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Return, at Net Asset
Value(/3/) 5.61% 10.13% 4.87% 16.94%
(3.87)%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period
(in thousands) $246,668 $190,706 $193,515 $169,059 $ 96,640
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average net assets (in
thousands) $217,944 $187,458 $178,130 $116,940 $102,168
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to average net
assets:
Net investment income 6.46% 7.20% 7.35% 6.47% 6.25%
Expenses, before voluntary
reimbursement
by the Manager 1.22% 1.27% 1.30% 1.27% 1.06%
Expenses, net of voluntary
reimbursement
by the Manager N/A N/A N/A 1.26% N/A
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover
rate(/5/) 67.3% 50.5% 53.7% 175.4% 70.3%
</TABLE>
1. For the period from April 27, 1998 (inception of offering) to December 31,
1998 2. For the period from July 11, 1995 (inception of offering) to December
31, 1995. 3. Assumes a hypothetical initial investment on the business day
before the first day of the fiscal period (or inception of offering), with all
dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment
date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day
of the fiscal period. Sales charges are not reflected in the total returns.
Total returns are not annualized for periods of less than one full year. 4.
Annualized. 5. The lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for a
period, divided by the monthly average of the market value of portfolio
securities owned during the period. Securities with a maturity or expiration
date at the time of acquisition of one year or less are excluded from the
calculation. Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term
securities) for the period ended December 31, 1998 were $263,925,338 and
$208,096,512, respectively. For the period ended December 31, 1995, purchases
and sales of investment securities included mortgage dollar-rolls.
36
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class B
------------------------------------------
Year Ended December 31,
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Operating Data
Financial Highlights (continued)
Net asset value, beginning of
period $10.97 $10.69 $10.98 $10.01 $11.11
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income .62 .69 .70 .63 .58
Net realized and unrealized gain
(loss) (.10) .28 (.29) .94 (1.08)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total income (loss) from
investment operations .52 .97 .41 1.57 (.50)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends and distributions to
shareholders:
Dividends from net investment
income (.63) (.69) (.67) (.60) (.57)
Dividends in excess of net
investment income -- -- -- -- (.03)
Tax return of capital -- -- (.03) -- --
---- ---- ------ ---- ----
Total dividends and distributions
to shareholders (.63) (.69) (.70) (.60) (.60)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $10.86 $10.97 $10.69 $10.98 $10.01
====== ====== ====== ====== ======
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Return, at Net Asset
Value(/3/) 4.81% 9.41% 3.99% 16.06%
(4.53)%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period (in
thousands) $88,061 $48,255 $38,826 $39,187 $3,451
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average net assets (in thousands) $64,330 $41,439 $38,068 $12,823 $2,747
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to average net assets:
Net investment income 5.68% 6.42% 6.59% 5.84% 5.53%
Expenses, before voluntary
reimbursement
by the Manager 1.97% 2.02% 2.05% 2.12% 1.78%
Expenses, net of voluntary
reimbursement
by the Manager N/A N/A N/A 2.08% N/A
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate(/5/) 67.3% 50.5% 53.7% 175.4% 70.3%
</TABLE>
1. For the period from April 27, 1998 (inception of offering) to December 31,
1998 2. For the period from July 11, 1995 (inception of offering) to December
31, 1995. 3. Assumes a hypothetical initial investment on the business day
before the first day of the fiscal period (or inception of offering), with all
dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment
date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day
of the fiscal period. Sales charges are not reflected in the total returns.
Total returns are not annualized for periods of less than one full year. 4.
Annualized. 5. The lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for a
period, divided by the monthly average of the market value of portfolio
securities owned during the period. Securities with a maturity or expiration
date at the time of acquisition of one year or less are excluded from the
calculation. Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term
securities) for the period ended December 31, 1998 were $263,925,338 and
$208,096,512, respectively. For the period ended December 31, 1995, purchases
and sales of investment securities included mortgage dollar-rolls.
37
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class C Class Y
------------------------------- ------------
Period Ended
Year Ended December 31, December 31,
1998 1997 1996 1995(/2/)
1998(/1/)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share Operating Data
Financial Highlights (continued)
Net asset value,
beginning of period $10.98 $10.70 $10.99 $10.89 $10.88
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income .62 .69 .70 .28 .49
Net realized and
unrealized gain (loss) (.10) .28 (.29) .10 (.02)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Total income (loss) from
investment operations .52 .97 .41 .38 .47
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends and
distributions to
shareholders:
Dividends from net
investment income (.63) (.69) (.67) (.28) (.49)
Dividends in excess of
net investment income -- -- -- -- --
Tax return of capital -- -- (.03) -- --
---- ---- ------ ---- ----
Total dividends and
distributions to
shareholders (.63) (.69) (.70) (.28) (.49)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of
period $10.87 $10.98 $10.70 $10.99 $10.86
====== ====== ====== ====== ======
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Return, at Net
Asset Value(/3/) 4.81% 9.39% 4.00% 3.76% 4.40%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of
period (in thousands) $21,796 $9,188 $4,322 $3,971 $1
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average net assets (in
thousands) $15,198 $6,134 $3,404 $ 979 $1
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to average net
assets:
Net investment income 5.66% 6.36% 6.60% 6.32%(/4/)
6.84%(/4/)
Expenses, before
voluntary reimbursement
by the Manager 1.96% 2.02% 2.05% 2.25%(/4/)
0.74%(/4/)
Expenses, net of
voluntary reimbursement
by the Manager N/A N/A N/A 1.96%(/4/) N/A
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover
rate(/5/) 67.3% 50.5% 53.7% 175.4% 67.3%
</TABLE>
1. For the period from April 27, 1998 (inception of offering) to December 31,
1998 2. For the period from July 11, 1995 (inception of offering) to December
31, 1995. 3. Assumes a hypothetical initial investment on the business day
before the first day of the fiscal period (or inception of offering), with all
dividends and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment
date, and redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day
of the fiscal period. Sales charges are not reflected in the total returns.
Total returns are not annualized for periods of less than one full year. 4.
Annualized. 5. The lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for a
period, divided by the monthly average of the market value of portfolio
securities owned during the period. Securities with a maturity or expiration
date at the time of acquisition of one year or less are excluded from the
calculation. Purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term
securities) for the period ended December 31, 1998 were $263,925,338 and
$208,096,512, respectively. For the period ended December 31, 1995, purchases
and sales of investment securities included mortgage dollar-rolls.
38
<PAGE>
For More Information About Oppenheimer Bond Fund:
The following additional information about the Fund is available without charge
upon request:
Statement of Additional Information
This document includes additional information about the Fund's investment
policies, risks, and operations. It is incorporated by reference into this
Prospectus (which means it is legally part of this Prospectus).
Annual and Semi-Annual Reports
Additional information about the Fund's investments and performance is available
in the Fund's Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to shareholders. The Annual Report
includes a discussion of market conditions and investment strategies that
significantly affected the Fund's performance during its last fiscal year.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
How to Get More Information:
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
You can request the Statement of Additional Information, the Annual and
Semi-Annual Reports, and other information about the Fund or your account:
By Telephone:
Call OppenheimerFunds Services toll-free:
1-800-525-7048
By Mail:
Write to:
OppenheimerFunds Services
P.O. Box 5270
Denver, Colorado 80217-5270
On the Internet:
You can read or down-load documents on the OppenheimerFunds web site:
http://www.oppenheimerfunds.com You can also obtain copies of the Statement of
Additional Information and other Fund documents and reports by visiting the
SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. (Phone 1-800-SEC-0330) or the
SEC's Internet web site at http://www.sec.gov. Copies may be obtained upon
payment of a duplicating fee by writing to the SEC's Public Reference Section,
Washington, D.C. 20549-6009.
No one has been authorized to provide any information about the Fund or to make
any representations about the Fund other than what is contained in this
Prospectus. This Prospectus is not an offer to sell shares of the Fund, nor a
solicitation of an offer to buy shares of the Fund, to any person in any state
or other jurisdiction where it is unlawful to make such an offer.
The Fund's shares are distributed by: OppenheimerFunds Distribution, Inc.
SEC File No. 811-3420
PR0705.001.0299 Printed on recycled paper.
<PAGE>
Appendix to Prospectus of
Oppenheimer Bond Fund
Graphic material included in the Prospectus of Oppenheimer Bond Fund (the
"Fund") under the heading "Annual Total Return (Class A) (as of 12/31 each
year)":
A bar chart will be included in the Prospectus of the Fund depicting the
annual total returns of a hypothetical investment in Class A shares of the Fund
for each of the ten most recent calendar years, without deducting sales charges.
Set forth below are the relevant data points that will appear in the bar chart:
Calendar
Year Annual
Ended: Total Return:
12/31/89 11.31%
12/31/90 4.74%
12/31/91 18.28%
12/31/92 6.77%
12/31/93 10.30%
12/31/94 -3.87%
12/31/95 16.94%
12/31/96 4.87%
12/31/97 10.13%
12/31/98 5.61%
<PAGE>
Oppenheimer Bond Fund
6803 South Tucson Way, Englewood, Colorado 80112
1-800-525-7048
Statement of Additional Information dated April 28, 1999
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Statement of Additional Information is not a Prospectus. This
document contains additional information about the Fund and supplements
information in the Prospectus dated April 28, 1999. It should be read together
with the Prospectus. You can obtain the Prospectus by writing to the Fund's
Transfer Agent, OppenheimerFunds Services, at P.O. Box 5270, Denver, Colorado
80217, or by calling the Transfer Agent at the toll-free number shown above, or
by downloading it from the OppenheimerFunds Internet web site at
www.oppenheimerfunds.com.
Contents
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page
About the Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional Information About the Fund's Investment Policies and Risks.. 2
The Fund's Investment Policies..................................... 2
Other Investment Techniques and Strategies......................... 7
Investment Restrictions............................................ 29
How the Fund is Managed ............................................... 31
Organization and History........................................... 31
Trustees and Officers.............................................. 33
The Manager........................................................ 38
Brokerage Policies of the Fund......................................... 39
Distribution and Service Plans......................................... 41
Performance of the Fund................................................ 44
About Your Account
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How To Buy Shares...................................................... 50
How To Sell Shares..................................................... 58
How To Exchange Shares................................................. 63
Dividends, Capital Gains and Taxes..................................... 66
Additional Information About the Fund.................................. 68
Financial Information About the Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Independent Auditors' Report........................................... 69
Financial Statements................................................... 70
Appendix A: Ratings Definitions........................................ A-1
Appendix B: Industry Classifications................................... B-1
Appendix C: Special Sales Charge Arrangements and Waivers.............. C-1
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
A B O U T T H E F U N D
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional Information About the Fund's Investment Policies and Risks
The investment objective, the principal investment policies and the main
risks of the Fund are described in the Prospectus. This Statement of Additional
Information contains supplemental information about those policies and risks and
the types of securities that the Fund's investment Manager, OppenheimerFunds,
Inc., can select for the Fund. Additional information is also provided about the
strategies that the Fund may use to try to achieve its objectives.
The Fund's Investment Policies. The composition of the Fund's portfolio and the
techniques and strategies that the Manager may use in selecting portfolio
securities will vary over time. The Fund is not required to use all of the
investment techniques and strategies described below in seeking its goal. It may
use some of the special investment techniques and strategies at some times or
not at all.
In selecting securities for the Fund's portfolio, the Manager evaluates
the merits of particular securities primarily through the exercise of its own
investment analysis. In the case of non-governmental issues, that process may
include, among other things, evaluation of the issuer's historical operations,
prospects for the industry of which the issuer is part, the issuer's financial
condition, its pending product developments and business (and those of
competitors), the effect of general market and economic conditions on the
issuer's business, and legislative proposals that might affect the issuer. In
the case of foreign issuers, the Manager may consider general economic
conditions, the conditions of a particular country's economy in relation to the
U.S. economy or other foreign economies, general political conditions in a
country or region, the effect of taxes, the efficiencies and costs of particular
markets (as well as their liquidity) and other factors.
? Debt Securities. The Fund can invest in a variety of debt
securities to seek its objective. Foreign debt securities are subject to the
risks of foreign securities described below. In general, debt securities are
also subject to two additional types of risk: credit risk and interest rate
risk.
|_| Credit Risk. Credit risk relates to the ability of the issuer to
meet interest or principal payments or both as they become due. In general,
lower-grade, higher-yield bonds are subject to credit risk to a greater extent
than lower-yield, higher-quality bonds.
The Fund's investments primarily are investment-grade debt securities and
U.S. government securities. U.S. government securities, although unrated, are
generally considered to be equivalent to securities in the highest rating
categories. Investment-grade bonds are bonds rated at least "Baa" by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc., or at least "BBB" by Standard & Poor's Rating Service
or Duff & Phelps, Inc., or that have comparable ratings by another
nationally-recognized rating organization. The Fund can also buy
non-investment-grade debt securities (commonly referred to as "junk bonds").
In making investments in debt securities, the Manager may rely to some
extent on the ratings of ratings organizations or it may use its own research to
evaluate a security's credit-worthiness. If securities the Fund buys are
unrated, to be considered part of the Fund's holdings of investment-grade
securities, they must be judged by the Manager to be of comparable quality to
bonds rated as investment grade by a rating organization.
? Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk refers to the fluctuations
in value of debt securities resulting from the inverse relationship between
price and yield. For example, an increase in general interest rates will tend to
reduce the market value of already-issued debt securities, and a decline in
general interest rates will tend to increase their value. In addition, debt
securities having longer maturities tend to offer higher yields, but are subject
to potentially greater fluctuations in value from changes in interest rates than
obligations having shorter maturities.
Fluctuations in the market value of debt securities after the Fund buys
them will not affect the interest income payable on those securities (unless the
security pays interest at a variable rate pegged to interest rate changes).
However, those price fluctuations will be reflected in the valuations of the
securities, and therefore the Fund's net asset values will be affected by those
fluctuations.
? Special Risks of Lower-Grade Securities. The Fund can invest in
lower-grade debt securities. Because lower-grade securities tend to offer higher
yields than investment-grade securities, the Fund might invest in lower-grade
securities if the Manager is trying to achieve higher income.
"Lower-grade" debt securities are those rated below "investment grade,"
which means they have a rating lower than "Baa" by Moody's or lower than "BBB"
by Standard & Poor's or Duff & Phelps, or similar ratings by other rating
organizations. If they are unrated, and are determined by the Manager to be of
comparable quality to debt securities rated below investment grade, they are
considered part of the Fund's portfolio of lower-grade securities.
Some of the special credit risks of lower-grade securities are discussed
below. There is a greater risk that the issuer may default on its obligation to
pay interest or to repay principal than in the case of investment-grade
securities. The issuer's low creditworthiness may increase the potential for its
insolvency. An overall decline in values in the high yield bond market is also
more likely during a period of a general economic downturn. An economic downturn
or an increase in interest rates could severely disrupt the market for high
yield bonds, adversely affecting the values of outstanding bonds as well as the
ability of issuers to pay interest or repay principal. In the case of foreign
high yield bonds, these risks are in addition to the special risks of foreign
investing discussed in the Prospectus and in this Statement of Additional
Information.
To the extent they can be converted into stock, convertible securities may
be less subject to some of the risks of volatility than non-convertible high
yield bonds, since stock may be more liquid and less affected by some of these
risk factors.
While securities rated "Baa" by Moody's or "BBB" by Standard & Poor's or
Duff & Phelps are investment grade and are not regarded as junk bonds, those
securities may be subject to special risks and have some speculative
characteristics. Definitions of the debt security ratings categories of Moody's,
Standard & Poor's, Fitch/IBCA and Duff & Phelps are included in Appendix A to
this Statement of Additional Information.
? Mortgage-Related Securities. Mortgage-related securities are a form of
derivative investment collateralized by pools of commercial or residential
mortgages. Pools of mortgage loans are assembled as securities for sale to
investors by government agencies or entities or by private issuers. These
securities include collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs"), mortgage
pass-through securities, stripped mortgage pass-through securities, interests in
real estate mortgage investment conduits ("REMICs") and other real
estate-related securities.
Mortgage-related securities that are issued or guaranteed by agencies or
instrumentalities of the U.S. government have relatively little credit risk
(depending on the nature of the issuer) but are subject to interest rate risks
and prepayment risks, as described in the Prospectus.
As with other debt securities, the prices of mortgage-related securities
tend to move inversely to changes in interest rates. The Fund can buy
mortgage-related securities that have interest rates that move inversely to
changes in general interest rates, based on a multiple of a specific index.
Although the value of a mortgage-related security may decline when interest
rates rise, the converse is not always the case.
In periods of declining interest rates, mortgages are more likely to be
prepaid. Therefore, a mortgage-related security's maturity can be shortened by
unscheduled prepayments on the underlying mortgages. Therefore, it is not
possible to predict accurately the security's yield. The principal that is
returned earlier than expected may have to be reinvested in other investments
having a lower yield than the prepaid security. Therefore, these securities may
be less effective as a means of "locking in" attractive long-term interest
rates, and they may have less potential for appreciation during periods of
declining interest rates, than conventional bonds with comparable stated
maturities.
Prepayment risks can lead to substantial fluctuations in the value of a
mortgage-related security. In turn, this can affect the value of the Fund's
shares. If a mortgage-related security has been purchased at a premium, all or
part of the premium the Fund paid may be lost if there is a decline in the
market value of the security, whether that results from interest rate changes or
prepayments on the underlying mortgages. In the case of stripped
mortgage-related securities, if they experience greater rates of prepayment than
were anticipated, the Fund may fail to recoup its initial investment on the
security.
During periods of rapidly rising interest rates, prepayments of
mortgage-related securities may occur at slower than expected rates. Slower
prepayments effectively may lengthen a mortgage-related security's expected
maturity. Generally, that would cause the value of the security to fluctuate
more widely in responses to changes in interest rates. If the prepayments on the
Fund's mortgage-related securities were to decrease broadly, the Fund's
sensitivity to interest rate changes would increase.
As with other debt securities, the values of mortgage-related securities
may be affected by changes in the market's perception of the creditworthiness of
the entity issuing the securities or guaranteeing them. Their values may also be
affected by changes in government regulations and tax policies.
? Collateralized Mortgage Obligations. Collateralized
mortgage obligations or "CMOs," are multi-class bonds that are backed by
pools of mortgage loans or mortgage pass-through certificates. They may be
collateralized by:
(1) pass-through certificates issued or guaranteed by Government National
Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), Federal National Mortgage
Association (Fannie Mae), or Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation (Freddie Mac),
(2) unsecuritized mortgage loans insured by the Federal Housing
Administration or guaranteed by the Department of Veterans' Affairs,
(3) unsecuritized conventional mortgages, (4) other mortgage-related securities,
or (5) any combination of these.
Each class of CMO, referred to as a "tranche," is issued at a specific
coupon rate and has a stated maturity or final distribution date. Principal
prepayments on the underlying mortgages may cause the CMO to be retired much
earlier than the stated maturity or final distribution date. The principal and
interest on the underlying mortgages may be allocated among the several classes
of a series of a CMO in different ways. One or more tranches may have coupon
rates that reset periodically at a specified increase over an index. These are
floating rate CMOs, and typically have a cap on the coupon rate. Inverse
floating rate CMOs have a coupon rate that moves in the reverse direction to an
applicable index. The coupon rate on these CMOs will increase as general
interest rates decrease. These are usually much more volatile than fixed rate
CMOs or floating rate CMOs.
? U.S. Government Securities. These are securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury or other U.S. government agencies or
federally-chartered corporate entities referred to as "instrumentalities."
The obligations of U.S. government agencies or instrumentalities in which the
Fund can invest may or may not be guaranteed or supported by the "full faith
and credit" of the United States. "Full faith and credit" means generally
that the taxing power of the U.S. government is pledged to the payment of
interest and repayment of principal on a security. If a security is not
backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, the owner of the
security must look principally to the agency issuing the obligation for
repayment. The owner might not be able to assert a claim against the United
States if the issuing agency or instrumentality does not meet its commitment.
? U.S. Treasury Obligations. These include Treasury bills (which
have maturities of one year or less when issued), Treasury notes (which have
maturities of from one to ten years when issued), and Treasury bonds (which
have maturities of more than ten years when issued). Treasury securities are
backed by the full faith and credit of the United States as to timely
payments of interest and repayments of principal. Other U.S. Treasury
obligations the Fund can buy include U. S. Treasury securities that have been
"stripped" by a Federal Reserve Bank, zero-coupon U.S. Treasury securities
described below, and Treasury Inflation-Protection Securities ("TIPS").
? Obligations Issued or Guaranteed by U.S. Government Agencies or
Instrumentalities. These include direct obligations and mortgage-related
securities that have different levels of credit support from the government.
Some are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, such as
Government National Mortgage Association pass-through mortgage certificates
(called "Ginnie Maes"). Some are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow
from the U.S. Treasury under certain circumstances, such as Federal National
Mortgage Association bonds. Others are supported only by the credit of the
entity that issued them, such as Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
obligations.
? Mortgage-Related U.S. Government Securities. These include
interests in pools of residential or commercial mortgages, in the form of
collateralized mortgage obligations and other "pass-through" mortgage
securities. CMOs that are U.S. government securities have collateral to
secure payment of interest and principal. They may be issued in different
series with different interest rates and maturities. The collateral is either
in the form of mortgage pass-through certificates issued or guaranteed by a
U.S. agency or instrumentality or mortgage loans insured by a U.S. government
agency. The Fund can have significant amounts of its assets invested in
mortgage-related U.S. government securities.
The prices and yields of CMOs are determined, in part, by assumptions
about the cash flows from the rate of payments of the underlying mortgages.
Changes in interest rates may cause the rate of expected prepayments of those
mortgages to change. In general, prepayments increase when general interest
rates fall and decrease when interest rates rise.
If prepayments of mortgages underlying a CMO occur faster than expected
when interest rates fall, the market value and yield of the CMO will be reduced.
Additionally, the Fund may have to reinvest the prepayment proceeds in other
securities paying interest at lower rates, which could reduce the Fund's yield.
When interest rates rise rapidly, if prepayments occur more slowly than
expected, a short- or medium-term CMO can in effect become a long-term security,
subject to greater fluctuations in value. These are the prepayment risks
described above and can make the prices of CMOs very volatile when interest
rates change. The prices of longer-term debt securities tend to fluctuate more
than those of shorter-term debt securities. That volatility will affect the
Fund's share prices.
? Commercial (Privately-Issued) Mortgage Related Securities. The Fund can
invest in commercial mortgage-related securities issued by private entities.
Generally these are multi-class debt or pass-through certificates secured by
mortgage loans on commercial properties. They are subject to the credit risk of
the issuer. These securities typically are structured to provide protection to
investors in senior classes from possible losses on the underlying loans. They
do so by having holders of subordinated classes take the first loss if there are
defaults on the underlying loans. They may also be protected to some extent by
guarantees, reserve funds or additional collateralization mechanisms.
? Asset-Backed Securities. Asset-backed securities are fractional
interests in pools of assets, typically accounts receivable or consumer loans.
They are issued by trusts or special-purpose corporations. They are similar to
mortgage-backed securities, described above, and are backed by a pool of assets
that consist of obligations of individual borrowers. The income from the pool is
passed through to the holders of participation interest in the pools. The pools
may offer a credit enhancement, such as a bank letter of credit, to try to
reduce the risks that the underlying debtors will not pay their obligations when
due.
The value of an asset-backed security is affected by changes in the
market's perception of the asset backing the security, the creditworthiness of
the servicing agent for the loan pool, the originator of the loans, or the
financial institution providing any credit enhancement, and is also affected if
any credit enhancement has been exhausted. The risks of investing in
asset-backed securities are ultimately related to payment of consumer loans by
the individual borrowers. As a purchaser of an asset-backed security, the Fund
would generally have no recourse to the entity that originated the loans in the
event of default by a borrower. The underlying loans are subject to prepayments,
which may shorten the weighted average life of asset-backed securities and may
lower their return, in the same manner as in the case of mortgage-backed
securities and CMOs, described above.
? Participation Interests. The Fund can invest in participation interests,
subject to the Fund's limitation on investments in illiquid investments. A
participation interest is an undivided interest in a loan made by the issuing
financial institution in the proportion that the buyer's participation interest
bears to the total principal amount of the loan. Not more than 5% of the Fund's
net assets can be invested in participation interests of the same borrower. The
issuing financial institution may have no obligation to the Fund other than to
pay the Fund the proportionate amount of the principal and interest payments it
receives.
Participation interests are primarily dependent upon the creditworthiness
of the borrowing corporation, which is obligated to make payments of principal
and interest on the loan. There is a risk that a borrower may have difficulty
making payments. If a borrower fails to pay scheduled interest or principal
payments, the Fund could experience a reduction in its income. The value of that
participation interest might also decline, which could affect the net asset
value of the Fund's shares. If the issuing financial institution fails to
perform its obligations under the participation agreement, the Fund might incur
costs and delays in realizing payment and suffer a loss of principal and/or
interest.
? Portfolio Turnover. "Portfolio turnover" describes the rate at which the
Fund traded its portfolio securities during its last fiscal year. For example,
if a fund sold all of its securities during the year, its portfolio turnover
rate would have been 100%. The Fund's portfolio turnover rate will fluctuate
from year to year, but the Fund does not expect to have a portfolio turnover
rate of more than 100% annually.
Increased portfolio turnover may result in higher brokerage and
transaction costs for the Fund, which may reduce its overall performance.
Additionally, the realization of capital gains from selling portfolio securities
may result in distributions of taxable long-term capital gains to shareholders,
since the Fund will normally distribute all of its capital gains realized each
year, to avoid excise taxes under the Internal Revenue Code.
Other Investment Techniques and Strategies. In seeking its objective, the Fund
may from time to time use the types of investment strategies and investments
described below. It is not required to use all of these strategies at all times,
and at times may not use them.
? Foreign Securities. "Foreign securities" include equity and debt
securities issued or guaranteed by companies organized under the laws of
countries other than the United States and debt securities issued or guaranteed
by governments other than the U.S. government or by foreign supra-national
entities, such as the World Bank. Those securities may be traded on foreign
securities exchanges or in the foreign over-the-counter markets. Securities
denominated in foreign currencies issued by U.S. companies are also considered
to be "foreign securities." The Fund expects to have investments in foreign
securities as part of its normal investment strategy.
Securities of foreign issuers that are represented by American Depository
Receipts or that are listed on a U.S. securities exchange or traded in the U.S.
over-the-counter markets are not considered "foreign securities" for the purpose
of the Fund's investment allocations, because they are not subject to many of
the special considerations and risks, discussed below, that apply to foreign
securities traded and held abroad.
Investing in foreign securities offers potential benefits not available
from investing solely in securities of domestic issuers. They include the
opportunity to invest in foreign issuers that appear to offer income potential,
or in foreign countries with economic policies or business cycles different from
those of the U.S., or to reduce fluctuations in portfolio value by taking
advantage of foreign securities markets that do not move in a manner parallel to
U.S. markets. The Fund will hold foreign currency only in connection with the
purchase or sale of foreign securities.
? Foreign Debt Obligations. The debt obligations of a foreign
government and its agencies and instrumentalities may or may not be supported by
the full faith and credit of the foreign government. The Fund can buy securities
issued by certain "supra-national" entities, which include entities designated
or supported by governments to promote economic reconstruction or development,
international banking organizations and related government agencies. Examples
are the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (commonly called
the "World Bank"), the Asian Development bank and the Inter-American Development
Bank.
The governmental members of these supra-national entities are
"stockholders" that typically make capital contributions and may be committed to
make additional capital contributions if the entity is unable to repay its
borrowings. A supra-national entity's lending activities may be limited to a
percentage of its total capital, reserves and net income. There can be no
assurance that the constituent foreign governments will continue to be able or
willing to honor their capitalization commitments for those entities.
The Fund can invest in U.S. dollar-denominated "Brady Bonds." These
foreign debt obligations may be fixed-rate par bonds or floating-rate discount
bonds. They are generally collateralized in full as to repayment of principal at
maturity by U.S. Treasury zero-coupon obligations that have the same maturity as
the Brady Bonds. Brady Bonds can be viewed as having three or four valuation
components: (i) the collateralized repayment of principal at final maturity;
(ii) the collateralized interest payments; (iii) the uncollateralized interest
payments; and (iv) any uncollateralized repayment of principal at maturity.
Those uncollateralized amounts constitute what is called the "residual risk."
If there is a default on collateralized Brady Bonds resulting in
acceleration of the payment obligations of the issuer, the zero-coupon U.S.
Treasury securities held as collateral for the payment of principal will not be
distributed to investors, nor will those obligations be sold to distribute the
proceeds. The collateral will be held by the collateral agent to the scheduled
maturity of the defaulted Brady Bonds. The defaulted bonds will continue to
remain outstanding, and the face amount of the collateral will equal the
principal payments which would have then been due on the Brady Bonds in the
normal course. Because of the residual risk of Brady Bonds and the history of
defaults with respect to commercial bank loans by public and private entities of
countries issuing Brady Bonds, Brady Bonds are considered speculative
investments.
Because the Fund can purchase securities denominated in foreign
currencies, a change in the value of a foreign currency against the U.S. dollar
could result in a change in the amount of income the Fund has available for
distribution. Because a portion of the Fund's investment income may be received
in foreign currencies, the Fund will be required to compute its income in U.S.
dollars for distribution to shareholders, and therefore the Fund will absorb the
cost of currency fluctuations. After the Fund has distributed income, subsequent
foreign currency losses may result in the Fund's having distributed more income
in a particular fiscal period than was available from investment income, which
could result in a return of capital to shareholders.
? Risks of Foreign Investing. Investments in foreign securities
may offer special opportunities for investing but also present special
additional risks and considerations not typically associated with investments
in domestic securities. Some of these additional risks are:
o reduction of income by foreign taxes;
o fluctuation in value of foreign investments due to changes in currency
rates or currency control regulations (for example, currency
blockage);
o transaction charges for currency exchange;
o lack of public information about foreign issuers;
o lack of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards
in foreign countries comparable to those applicable to domestic
issuers;
o less volume on foreign exchanges than on U.S. exchanges;
o greater volatility and less liquidity on foreign markets than in the
U.S.;
o less governmental regulation of foreign issuers, securities exchanges
and brokers than in the U.S.;
o greater difficulties in commencing lawsuits;
o higher brokerage commission rates than in the U.S.;
o increased risks of delays in settlement of portfolio transactions or
loss of certificates for portfolio securities;
o possibilities in some countries of expropriation, confiscatory
taxation, political, financial or social instability or adverse
diplomatic developments; and
o unfavorable differences between the U.S. economy and foreign
economies.
In the past, U.S. government policies have discouraged certain
investments abroad by U.S. investors, through taxation or other restrictions,
and it is possible that such restrictions could be re-imposed.
? Special Risks of Emerging Markets. Emerging and developing markets
abroad may also offer special opportunities for investing but have greater risks
than more developed foreign markets, such as those in Europe, Canada, Australia,
New Zealand and Japan. There may be even less liquidity in their securities
markets, and settlements of purchases and sales of securities may be subject to
additional delays. They are subject to greater risks of limitations on the
repatriation of income and profits because of currency restrictions imposed by
local governments. Those countries may also be subject to the risk of greater
political and economic instability, which can greatly affect the volatility of
prices of securities in those countries. The Manager will consider these factors
when evaluating securities in these markets, and the Fund currently does not
expect to invest a substantial portion of its assets in emerging markets.
? Risks of Conversion to Euro. On January 1, 1999, eleven countries
in the European Union adopted the euro as their official currency. However,
their current currencies (for example, the franc, the mark, and the lira) will
also continue in use until January 1, 2002. After that date, it is expected that
only the euro will be used in those countries. A common currency is expected to
confer some benefits in those markets, by consolidating the government debt
market for those countries and reducing some currency risks and costs. But the
conversion to the new currency will affect the Fund operationally and also has
potential risks, some of which are listed below. Among other things, the
conversion will affect:
o issuers in which the Fund invests, because of changes in
the competitive environment from a consolidated currency market and
greater operational costs from converting to the new currency. This
might depress securities values.
o vendors the Fund depends on to carry out its business, such as its
custodian bank (which holds the foreign securities the Fund buys), the
Manager (which must price the Fund's investments to deal with the
conversion to the euro) and brokers, foreign markets and securities
depositories. If they are not prepared, there could be delays in
settlements and additional costs to the Fund.
o exchange contracts and derivatives that are outstanding during the
transition to the euro. The lack of currency rate calculations between the
affected currencies and the need to update the Fund's contracts could pose
extra costs to the Fund.
The Manager has upgraded (at its expense) its computer and bookkeeping
systems to deal with the conversion. The Fund's custodian bank has advised the
Manager of its plans to deal with the conversion, including how it will update
its record keeping systems and handle the redenomination of outstanding foreign
debt. The Fund's portfolio manager will also monitor the effects of the
conversion on the issuers in which the Fund invests. The possible effect of
these factors on the Fund's investments cannot be determined with certainty at
this time, but they may reduce the value of some of the Fund's holdings and
increase its operational costs.
? Zero-Coupon Securities. The Fund can buy zero-coupon and
delayed-interest securities, and "stripped" securities. Stripped securities are
debt securities whose interest coupons are separated from the security and sold
separately. The Fund can buy different types of zero-coupon or stripped
securities, including, among others, foreign debt securities and U.S. Treasury
notes or bonds that have been stripped of their interest coupons, U.S. Treasury
bills issued without interest coupons, and certificates representing interests
in stripped securities.
Zero-coupon securities do not make periodic interest payments and are sold
at a deep discount from their face value. The buyer recognizes a rate of return
determined by the gradual appreciation of the security, which is redeemed at
face value on a specified maturity date. This discount depends on the time
remaining until maturity, as well as prevailing interest rates, the liquidity of
the security and the credit quality of the issuer. In the absence of threats to
the issuer's credit quality, the discount typically decreases as the maturity
date approaches. Some zero-coupon securities are convertible, in that they are
zero-coupon securities until a predetermined date, at which time they convert to
a security with a specified coupon rate.
Because zero-coupon securities pay no interest and compound semi-annually
at the rate fixed at the time of their issuance, their value is generally more
volatile than the value of other debt securities. Their value may fall more
dramatically than the value of interest-bearing securities when interest rates
rise. When prevailing interest rates fall, zero-coupon securities tend to rise
more rapidly in value because they have a fixed rate of return.
The Fund's investment in zero-coupon securities may cause the Fund to
recognize income and make distributions to shareholders before it receives any
cash payments on the zero-coupon investment. To generate cash to satisfy those
distribution requirements, the Fund may have to sell portfolio securities that
it otherwise might have continued to hold or to use cash flows from other
sources such as the sale of Fund shares.
? "Stripped" Mortgage-Related Securities. The Fund can invest in
stripped mortgage-related securities that are created by segregating the cash
flows from underlying mortgage loans or mortgage securities to create two or
more new securities. Each has a specified percentage of the underlying
security's principal or interest payments. These are a form of derivative
investment.
Mortgage securities may be partially stripped so that each class receives
some interest and some principal. However, they may be completely stripped. In
that case all of the interest is distributed to holders of one type of security,
known as an "interest-only" security, or "I/O," and all of the principal is
distributed to holders of another type of security, known as a "principal-only"
security or "P/O." Strips can be created for pass through certificates or CMOs.
The yields to maturity of I/Os and P/Os are very sensitive to principal
repayments (including prepayments) on the underlying mortgages. If the
underlying mortgages experience greater than anticipated prepayments of
principal, the Fund might not fully recoup its investment in an I/O based on
those assets. If underlying mortgages experience less than anticipated
prepayments of principal, the yield on the P/Os based on them could decline
substantially.
|X| Floating Rate and Variable Rate Obligations. Variable rate obligations
may have a demand feature that allows the Fund to tender the obligation to the
issuer or a third party prior to its maturity. The tender may be at par value
plus accrued interest, according to the terms of the obligations.
The interest rate on a floating rate note is adjusted automatically
according to a stated prevailing market rate, such as a bank's prime rate, the
91-day U.S. Treasury Bill rate, or some other standard. The instrument's rate is
adjusted automatically each time the base rate is adjusted. The interest rate on
a variable rate note is also based on a stated prevailing market rate but is
adjusted automatically at specified intervals. Generally, the changes in the
interest rate on such securities reduce the fluctuation in their market value.
As interest rates decrease or increase, the potential for capital appreciation
or depreciation is less than that for fixed-rate obligations of the same
maturity. The Manager may determine that an unrated floating rate or variable
rate obligation meets the Fund's quality standards by reason of being backed by
a letter of credit or guarantee issued by a bank that meets those quality
standards.
Floating rate and variable rate demand notes that have a stated maturity
in excess of one year may have features that permit the holder to recover the
principal amount of the underlying security at specified intervals not exceeding
one year and upon no more than 30 days' notice. The issuer of that type of note
normally has a corresponding right in its discretion, after a given period, to
prepay the outstanding principal amount of the note plus accrued interest.
Generally the issuer must provide a specified number of days' notice to the
holder.
Step-coupon bonds have a coupon interest rate that changes periodically
during the life of the security on predetermined dates that are set when the
security is issued.
? "When-Issued" and "Delayed-Delivery" Transactions. The Fund may invest
in securities on a "when-issued" basis and may purchase or sell securities on a
"delayed-delivery" basis. When-issued and delayed-delivery are terms that refer
to securities whose terms and indenture are available and for which a market
exists, but which are not available for immediate delivery.
When such transactions are negotiated, the price (which is generally
expressed in yield terms) is fixed at the time the commitment is made. Delivery
and payment for the securities take place at a later date. The securities are
subject to change in value from market fluctuations during the period until
settlement. The value at delivery may be less than the purchase price. For
example, changes in interest rates in a direction other than that expected by
the Manager before settlement will affect the value of such securities and may
cause a loss to the Fund. During the period between purchase and settlement, no
payment is made by the Fund to the issuer and no interest accrues to the Fund
from the investment until it receives the security at settlement.
The Fund may engage in when-issued transactions to secure what the Manager
considers to be an advantageous price and yield at the time the obligation is
entered into. When the Fund enters into a when-issued or delayed-delivery
transaction, it relies on the other party to complete the transaction. Its
failure to do so may cause the Fund to lose the opportunity to obtain the
security at a price and yield the Manager considers to be advantageous.
When the Fund engages in when-issued and delayed-delivery transactions, it
does so for the purpose of acquiring or selling securities consistent with its
investment objective and policies or for delivery pursuant to options contracts
it has entered into, and not for the purpose of investment leverage. Although
the Fund will enter into delayed-delivery or when-issued purchase transactions
to acquire securities, it may dispose of a commitment prior to settlement. If
the Fund chooses to dispose of the right to acquire a when-issued security prior
to its acquisition or to dispose of its right to delivery or receive against a
forward commitment, it may incur a gain or loss.
At the time the Fund makes the commitment to purchase or sell a security
on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis, it records the transaction on its
books and reflects the value of the security purchased in determining the Fund's
net asset value. In a sale transaction, it records the proceeds to be received.
The Fund will identify on its books liquid assets at least equal in value to the
value of the Fund's purchase commitments until the Fund pays for the investment.
When-issued and delayed-delivery transactions can be used by the Fund as a
defensive technique to hedge against anticipated changes in interest rates and
prices. For instance, in periods of rising interest rates and falling prices,
the Fund might sell securities in its portfolio on a forward commitment basis to
attempt to limit its exposure to anticipated falling prices. In periods of
falling interest rates and rising prices, the Fund might sell portfolio
securities and purchase the same or similar securities on a when-issued or
delayed-delivery basis to obtain the benefit of currently higher cash yields.
? Repurchase Agreements. The Fund can acquire securities subject to
repurchase agreements. It might do so for liquidity purposes to meet anticipated
redemptions of Fund shares, or pending the investment of the proceeds from sales
of Fund shares, or pending the settlement of portfolio securities transactions,
or for temporary defensive purposes.
In a repurchase transaction, the Fund buys a security from, and
simultaneously resells it to, an approved vendor for delivery on an agreed-upon
future date. The resale price exceeds the purchase price by an amount that
reflects an agreed-upon interest rate effective for the period during which the
repurchase agreement is in effect. Approved vendors include U.S. commercial
banks, U.S. branches of foreign banks, or broker-dealers that have been
designated as primary dealers in government securities. They must meet credit
requirements set by the Fund's Board of Trustees from time to time.
The majority of these transactions run from day to day, and delivery
pursuant to the resale typically occurs within one to five days of the purchase.
Repurchase agreements having a maturity beyond seven days are subject to the
Fund's limits on holding illiquid investments. The Fund will not enter into a
repurchase agreement that causes more than 10% of its net assets to be subject
to repurchase agreements having a maturity beyond seven days. There is no limit
on the amount of the Fund's net assets that may be subject to repurchase
agreements having maturities of seven days or less.
Repurchase agreements, considered "loans" under the Investment Company
Act, are collateralized by the underlying security. The Fund's repurchase
agreements require that at all times while the repurchase agreement is in
effect, the value of the collateral must equal or exceed the repurchase price to
fully collateralize the repayment obligation. However, if the vendor fails to
pay the resale price on the delivery date, the Fund may incur costs in disposing
of the collateral and may experience losses if there is any delay in its ability
to do so. The Manager will monitor the vendor's creditworthiness to confirm that
the vendor is financially sound and will continuously monitor the collateral's
value.
? Illiquid and Restricted Securities. Under the policies and procedures
established by the Fund's Board of Trustees, the Manager determines the
liquidity of certain of the Fund's investments. To enable the Fund to sell its
holdings of a restricted security not registered under the Securities Act of
1933, the Fund may have to cause those securities to be registered. The expenses
of registering restricted securities may be negotiated by the Fund with the
issuer at the time the Fund buys the securities. When the Fund must arrange
registration because the Fund wishes to sell the security, a considerable period
may elapse between the time the decision is made to sell the security and the
time the security is registered so that the Fund could sell it. The Fund would
bear the risks of any downward price fluctuation during that period.
The Fund may also acquire restricted securities through private
placements. Those securities have contractual restrictions on their public
resale. Those restrictions might limit the Fund's ability to dispose of the
securities and might lower the amount the Fund could realize upon the sale.
The Fund has limitations that apply to purchases of restricted securities,
as stated in the Prospectus. Those percentage restrictions do not limit
purchases of restricted securities that are eligible for sale to qualified
institutional purchasers under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, if those
securities have been determined to be liquid by the Manager under Board-approved
guidelines. Those guidelines take into account the trading activity for such
securities and the availability of reliable pricing information, among other
factors. If there is a lack of trading interest in a particular Rule 144A
security, the Fund's holdings of that security may be considered to be illiquid.
Illiquid securities include repurchase agreements maturing in more than
seven days and participation interests that do not have puts exercisable within
seven days.
? Forward Rolls. The Fund can enter into "forward roll" transactions with
respect to mortgage-related securities. In this type of transaction, the Fund
sells a mortgage-related security to a buyer and simultaneously agrees to
repurchase a similar security (the same type of security, and having the same
coupon and maturity) at a later date at a set price. The securities that are
repurchased will have the same interest rate as the securities that are sold,
but typically will be collateralized by different pools of mortgages (with
different prepayment histories) than the securities that have been sold.
Proceeds from the sale are invested in short-term instruments, such as
repurchase agreements. The income from those investments, plus the fees from the
forward roll transaction, are expected to generate income to the Fund in excess
of the yield on the securities that have been sold.
The Fund will only enter into "covered" rolls. To assure its future
payment of the purchase price, the Fund will identify on its books liquid assets
in an amount equal to the payment obligation under the roll.
These transactions have risks. During the period between the sale and the
repurchase, the Fund will not be entitled to receive interest and principal
payments on the securities that have been sold. It is possible that the market
value of the securities the Fund sells might decline below the price at which
the Fund is obligated to repurchase securities.
? Investments in Equity Securities. Under normal market conditions the
Fund can invest a portion of assets in common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants
(which might be acquired as part of a "unit" of securities that includes debt
securities) and convertible debt securities, which in some cases are considered
"equity equivalents." However, it does not currently anticipate investing
significant amounts of its assets in equity securities as part of its normal
investment strategy. Certain equity securities may be selected because they may
provide dividend income.
? Risks of Investing in Stocks. Stocks fluctuate in price, and their
short-term volatility at times may be great. To the extent that the Fund invests
in equity securities, the value of the Fund's portfolio will be affected by
changes in the stock markets. Market risk can affect the Fund's net asset value
per share, which will fluctuate as the values of the Fund's portfolio securities
change. The prices of individual stocks do not all move in the same direction
uniformly or at the same time. Different stock markets may behave differently
from each other.
Other factors can affect a particular stock's price, such as poor earnings
reports by the issuer, loss of major customers, major litigation against the
issuer, or changes in government regulations affecting the issuer or its
industry. The Fund can invest in securities of large companies and mid-size
companies, but may also buy stocks of small companies, which may have more
volatile stock prices than large companies.
? Convertible Securities. While some convertible securities are a
form of debt security, in certain cases their conversion feature (allowing
conversion into equity securities) causes them to be regarded by the Manager
more as "equity equivalents." As a result, the rating assigned to the security
might have less impact on the Manager's investment decision with respect to
convertible securities than in the case of non-convertible fixed-income
securities. Convertible debt securities are subject to the credit risks and
interest rate risks described above in "Debt Securities."
The value of a convertible security is a function of its "investment
value" and its "conversion value." If the investment value exceeds the
conversion value, the security will behave more like a debt security and the
security's price will likely increase when interest rates fall and decrease when
interest rates rise. If the conversion value exceeds the investment value, the
security will behave more like an equity security. In that case, it will likely
sell at a premium over its conversion value and its price will tend to fluctuate
directly with the price of the underlying security.
To determine whether convertible securities should be regarded as "equity
equivalents," the Manager examines the following factors: (1) whether, at the
option of the investor, the convertible security can be
exchanged for a fixed number of shares of common stock of the
issuer,
(2) whether the issuer of the convertible securities has restated its
earnings per share of common stock on a fully diluted basis
(considering the effect of conversion of the convertible securities),
and
(3) the extent to which the convertible security may be a defensive "equity
substitute," providing the ability to participate in any appreciation
in the price of the issuer's common stock.
o Preferred Stocks. Preferred stock, unlike common stock, has a stated dividend
rate payable from the corporation's earnings. Preferred stock dividends may be
cumulative or non-cumulative, participating, or auction rate. "Cumulative"
dividend provisions require all or a portion
of prior unpaid dividends to be paid before dividends can be paid on the
issuer's common stock. Preferred stock may be "participating" stock, which means
that it may be entitled to a dividend exceeding the stated dividend in certain
cases.
If interest rates rise, the fixed dividend on preferred stocks may be less
attractive, causing the price of preferred stocks to decline. Preferred stock
may have mandatory sinking fund provisions, as well as provisions allowing calls
or redemptions prior to maturity, which also have a negative impact on prices
when interest rates decline. The rights of preferred stock on distribution of a
corporation's assets in the event of a liquidation are generally subordinate to
the rights associated with a corporation's debt securities. Preferred stock
generally has a preference over common stock on the distribution of a
corporation's assets in the event of liquidation of the corporation.
? Loans of Portfolio Securities. To raise cash for income or liquidity
purposes, the Fund can lend its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and
other types of financial institutions approved by the Fund's Board of Trustees.
These loans are limited to not more than 25% of the value of the Fund's total
assets. The Fund currently does not intend to engage in loans of securities, but
if it does so, such loans will not likely exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets.
There are some risks in connection with securities lending. The Fund might
experience a delay in receiving additional collateral to secure a loan, or a
delay in recovery of the loaned securities if the borrower defaults. The Fund
must receive collateral for a loan. Under current applicable regulatory
requirements (which are subject to change), on each business day the loan
collateral must be at least equal to the value of the loaned securities. It must
consist of cash, bank letters of credit or securities of the U.S. government or
its agencies or instrumentalities, or other cash equivalents in which the Fund
is permitted to invest. To be acceptable as collateral, letters of credit must
obligate a bank to pay amounts demanded by the Fund if the demand meets the
terms of the letter. The terms of the letter of credit and the issuing bank both
must be satisfactory to the Fund.
When it lends securities, the Fund receives amounts equal to the dividends
or interest on loaned securities. It also receives one or more of (a) negotiated
loan fees, (b) interest on securities used as collateral, and (c) interest on
any short-term debt securities purchased with such loan collateral. Either type
of interest may be shared with the borrower. The Fund may also pay reasonable
finder's, custodian and administrative fees in connection with these loans. The
terms of the Fund's loans must meet applicable tests under the Internal Revenue
Code and must permit the Fund to reacquire loaned securities on five days'
notice or in time to vote on any important matter.
|X| Money Market Instruments. The following is a brief description of
the types of the U.S. dollar denominated money market securities the Fund can
invest in. Money market securities are high-quality, short-term debt
instruments that may be issued by the U.S. government, corporations, banks or
other entities. They may have fixed, variable or floating interest rates.
|_| U.S. Government Securities. These include obligations issued
or guaranteed by the U.S. government or any of its agencies or
instrumentalities, described above.
|_|?Bank Obligations. The Fund can buy time deposits,
certificates of deposit and bankers' acceptances. They must be:
o obligations issued or guaranteed by a domestic bank (including
a foreign branch of a domestic bank) having total assets of at
least U.S. $1 billion, or
o obligations of a foreign bank with total assets of at least U.S. $1
billion.
"Banks" include commercial banks, savings banks and savings and loan
associations, which may or may not be members of the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation.
|_|?Commercial Paper. The Fund can invest in commercial paper if it
is rated within the top three rating categories of Standard & Poor's and Moody's
or other rating organizations. If the paper is not rated, it may be purchased if
the Manager determines that it is comparable to rated commercial paper in the
top three rating categories of national rating organizations.
The Fund can buy commercial paper, including U.S. dollar-denominated
securities of foreign branches of U.S. banks, issued by other entities if the
commercial paper is guaranteed as to principal and interest by a bank,
government or corporation whose certificates of deposit or commercial paper may
otherwise be purchased by the Fund.
|_| Variable Amount Master Demand Notes. Master demand notes are
corporate obligations that permit the investment of fluctuating amounts by the
Fund at varying rates of interest under direct arrangements between the Fund, as
lender, and the borrower. They permit daily changes in the amounts borrowed. The
Fund has the right to increase the amount under the note at any time up to the
full amount provided by the note agreement, or to decrease the amount. The
borrower may prepay up to the full amount of the note without penalty. These
notes may or may not be backed by bank letters of credit.
Because these notes are direct lending arrangements between the lender and
borrower, it is not expected that there will be a trading market for them. There
is no secondary market for these notes, although they are redeemable (and thus
are immediately repayable by the borrower) at principal amount, plus accrued
interest, at any time. Accordingly, the Fund's right to redeem such notes is
dependent upon the ability of the borrower to pay principal and interest on
demand.
The Fund has no limitations on the type of issuer from whom these notes
will be purchased. However, in connection with such purchases and on an ongoing
basis, the Manager will consider the earning power, cash flow and other
liquidity ratios of the issuer, and its ability to pay principal and interest on
demand, including a situation in which all holders of such notes made demand
simultaneously. Investments in master demand notes are subject to the limitation
on investments by the Fund in illiquid securities, described in the Prospectus.
Currently, the Fund does not intend that its investments in variable amount
master demand notes will exceed 5% of its total assets.
? Derivatives. The Fund can invest in a variety of derivative
investments to seek income or for hedging purposes. Some derivative
investments the Fund can use are the hedging instruments described below in
this Statement of Additional Information.
Among the derivative investments the Fund can invest in are "index-linked"
or "currency-linked" notes. Principal and/or interest payments on index-linked
notes depend on the performance of an underlying index. Currency-indexed
securities are typically short-term or intermediate-term debt securities. Their
value at maturity or the rates at which they pay income are determined by the
change in value of the U.S. dollar against one or more foreign currencies or an
index. In some cases, these securities may pay an amount at maturity based on a
multiple of the amount of the relative currency movements. This type of index
security offers the potential for increased income or principal payments but at
a greater risk of loss than a typical debt security of the same maturity and
credit quality.
Other derivative investments the Fund can use include "debt exchangeable
for common stock" of an issuer or "equity-linked debt securities" of an issuer.
At maturity, the debt security is exchanged for common stock of the issuer or it
is payable in an amount based on the price of the issuer's common stock at the
time of maturity. Both alternatives present a risk that the amount payable at
maturity will be less than the principal amount of the debt because the price of
the issuer's common stock might not be as high as the Manager expected.
? Hedging. The Fund can use hedging instruments although it is not
obligated to use them in seeking its objective. To attempt to protect against
declines in the market value of the Fund's portfolio, to permit the Fund to
retain unrealized gains in the value of portfolio securities which have
appreciated, or to facilitate selling securities for investment reasons, the
Fund could:
? sell futures contracts,
|_| buy puts on futures or on securities, or
? write covered calls on securities or futures. Covered calls may
also be used to increase the Fund's income, but the Manager does not
expect to engage extensively in that practice.
The Fund can use hedging to establish a position in the securities market
as a temporary substitute for purchasing particular securities. In that case,
the Fund would normally seek to purchase the securities and then terminate that
hedging position. The Fund might also use this type of hedge to attempt to
protect against the possibility that its portfolio securities would not be fully
included in a rise in value of the market. To do so the Fund could:
? buy futures, or
? buy calls on futures or on securities.
The Fund is not obligated to use hedging instruments, even though it is
permitted to use them in the Manager's discretion, as described below. The
Fund's strategy of hedging with futures and options on futures will be
incidental to the Fund's activities in the underlying cash market. The
particular hedging instruments the Fund can use are described below. The Fund
may employ new hedging instruments and strategies when they are developed, if
those investment methods are consistent with the Fund's investment objective and
are permissible under applicable regulations governing the Fund.
<PAGE>
? Futures. The Fund can buy and sell futures contracts that relate
to (1) broadly-based bond or other security indices (these are referred to as
"financial futures"), (2) commodities (these are referred to as "commodity
futures"), (3) debt securities (these are referred to as "interest rate
futures"), and (4) foreign currencies (these are referred to as "forward
contracts").
A broadly-based stock index is used as the basis for trading stock index
futures. In some cases, these futures may be based on stocks of issuers in a
particular industry or group of industries. A stock index assigns relative
values to the securities included in the index and its value fluctuates in
response to the changes in value of the underlying securities. A stock index
cannot be purchased or sold directly. Bond index futures are similar contracts
based on the future value of the basket of securities that comprise the index.
These contracts obligate the seller to deliver, and the purchaser to take, cash
to settle the futures transaction. There is no delivery made of the underlying
securities to settle the futures obligation. Either party may also settle the
transaction by entering into an offsetting contract.
An interest rate future obligates the seller to deliver (and the purchaser
to take) cash or a specified type of debt security to settle the futures
transaction. Either party could also enter into an offsetting contract to close
out the position.
The Fund can invest a portion of its assets in commodity futures
contracts. Commodity futures may be based upon commodities within five main
commodity groups: (1) energy, which includes crude oil, natural gas, gasoline
and heating oil; (2) livestock, which includes cattle and hogs; (3) agriculture,
which includes wheat, corn, soybeans, cotton, coffee, sugar and cocoa; (4)
industrial metals, which includes aluminum, copper, lead, nickel, tin and zinc;
and (5) precious metals, which includes gold, platinum and silver. The Fund may
purchase and sell commodity futures contracts, options on futures contracts and
options and futures on commodity indices with respect to these five main
commodity groups and the individual commodities within each group, as well as
other types of commodities.
No money is paid or received by the Fund on the purchase or sale of a
future. Upon entering into a futures transaction, the Fund will be required to
deposit an initial margin payment with the futures commission merchant (the
"futures broker"). Initial margin payments will be deposited with the Fund's
custodian bank in an account registered in the futures broker's name. However,
the futures broker can gain access to that account only under specified
conditions. As the future is marked to market (that is, its value on the Fund's
books is changed) to reflect changes in its market value, subsequent margin
payments, called variation margin, will be paid to or by the futures broker
daily.
At any time prior to expiration of the future, the Fund may elect to close
out its position by taking an opposite position, at which time a final
determination of variation margin is made and any additional cash must be paid
by or released to the Fund. Any loss or gain on the future is then realized by
the Fund for tax purposes. All futures transactions, except forward contracts,
are effected through a clearinghouse associated with the exchange on which the
contracts are traded.
<PAGE>
? Put and Call Options. The Fund can buy and sell certain
kinds of put options ("puts") and call options ("calls"). The Fund can buy and
sell exchange-traded and over-the-counter put and call options, including index
options, securities options, currency options, commodities options, and options
on the other types of futures described above.
? Writing Covered Call Options. The Fund can write
(that is, sell) covered calls. If the Fund sells a call option, it must be
covered. That means the Fund must own the security subject to the call while the
call is outstanding, or, for calls on futures and indices, the call may be
covered by segregating liquid assets to enable the Fund to satisfy its
obligations if the call is exercised. Up to 50% of the Fund's total assets may
be subject to calls.
When the Fund writes a call on a security, it receives cash (a premium).
The Fund agrees to sell the underlying security to a purchaser of a
corresponding call on the same security during the call period at a fixed
exercise price regardless of market price changes during the call period. The
call period is usually not more than nine months. The exercise price may differ
from the market price of the underlying security. The Fund has the risk of loss
that the price of the underlying security may decline during the call period.
That risk may be offset to some extent by the premium the Fund receives. If the
value of the investment does not rise above the call price, it is likely that
the call will lapse without being exercised. In that case the Fund would keep
the cash premium and the investment.
When the Fund writes a call on an index, it receives cash (a premium). If
the buyer of the call exercises it, the Fund will pay an amount of cash equal to
the difference between the closing price of the call and the exercise price,
multiplied by a specified multiple that determines the total value of the call
for each point of difference. If the value of the underlying investment does not
rise above the call price, it is likely that the call will lapse without being
exercised. In that case the Fund would keep the cash premium.
The Fund's custodian bank, or a securities depository acting for the
custodian bank, will act as the Fund's escrow agent, through the facilities of
the Options Clearing Corporation ("OCC"), as to the investments on which the
Fund has written calls traded on exchanges or as to other acceptable escrow
securities. In that way, no margin will be required for such transactions. OCC
will release the securities on the expiration of the option or when the Fund
enters into a closing transaction.
When the Fund writes an over-the-counter ("OTC") option, it will enter
into an arrangement with a primary U.S. government securities dealer which will
establish a formula price at which the Fund will have the absolute right to
repurchase that OTC option. The formula price will generally be based on a
multiple of the premium received for the option, plus the amount by which the
option is exercisable below the market price of the underlying security (that
is, the option is "in the money"). When the Fund writes an OTC option, it will
treat as illiquid (for purposes of its restriction on holding illiquid
securities) the mark-to-market value of any OTC option it holds, unless the
option is subject to a buy-back agreement by the executing broker.
To terminate its obligation on a call it has written, the Fund may
purchase a corresponding call in a "closing purchase transaction." The Fund will
then realize a profit or loss, depending upon whether the net of the amount of
the option transaction costs and the premium received on the call the Fund wrote
is more or less than the price of the call the Fund purchases to close out the
transaction. The Fund may realize a profit if the call expires unexercised,
because the Fund will retain the underlying security and the premium it received
when it wrote the call. Any such profits are considered short-term capital gains
for federal income tax purposes, as are the premiums on lapsed calls. When
distributed by the Fund they are taxable as ordinary income. If the Fund cannot
effect a closing purchase transaction due to the lack of a market, it will have
to hold the callable securities until the call expires or is exercised.
The Fund may also write calls on a futures contract without owning the
futures contract or securities deliverable under the contract. To do so, at the
time the call is written, the Fund must cover the call by identifying on it
books an equivalent dollar amount of liquid assets. The Fund will identify
additional liquid assets on its books to cover the call if the value of the
identified assets drops below 100% of the current value of the future. Because
of this asset coverage requirement, in no circumstances would the Fund's receipt
of an exercise notice as to that future require the Fund to deliver a futures
contract. It would simply put the Fund in a short futures position, which is
permitted by the Fund's hedging policies.
? Writing Put Options. The Fund can sell put options
on securities, broadly-based securities indices, foreign currencies and futures.
A put option on securities gives the purchaser the right to sell, and the writer
the obligation to buy, the underlying investment at the exercise price during
the option period. The Fund will not write puts if, as a result, more than 50%
of the Fund's net assets would be required to be segregated to cover such put
options.
If the Fund writes a put, the put must be covered by liquid assets
identified on the Fund's books. The premium the Fund receives from writing a put
represents a profit, as long as the price of the underlying investment remains
equal to or above the exercise price of the put. However, the Fund also assumes
the obligation during the option period to buy the underlying investment from
the buyer of the put at the exercise price, even if the value of the investment
falls below the exercise price.
If a put the Fund has written expires unexercised, the Fund realizes a
gain in the amount of the premium less the transaction costs incurred. If the
put is exercised, the Fund must fulfill its obligation to purchase the
underlying investment at the exercise price. That price will usually exceed the
market value of the investment at that time. In that case, the Fund may incur a
loss if it sells the underlying investment. That loss will be equal to the sum
of the sale price of the underlying investment and the premium received minus
the sum of the exercise price and any transaction costs the Fund incurred.
When writing a put option on a security, to secure its obligation to pay
for the underlying security the Fund will deposit in escrow liquid assets with a
value equal to or greater than the exercise price of the underlying securities.
The Fund therefore forgoes the opportunity of investing the segregated assets or
writing calls against those assets.
As long as the Fund's obligation as the put writer continues, it may be
assigned an exercise notice by the broker-dealer through which the put was sold.
That notice will require the Fund to take delivery of the underlying security
and pay the exercise price. The Fund has no control over when it may be required
to purchase the underlying security, since it may be assigned an exercise notice
at any time prior to the termination of its obligation as the writer of the put.
That obligation terminates upon expiration of the put. It may also terminate if,
before it receives an exercise notice, the Fund effects a closing purchase
transaction by purchasing a put of the same series as it sold. Once the Fund has
been assigned an exercise notice, it cannot effect a closing purchase
transaction.
The Fund may decide to effect a closing purchase transaction to realize a
profit on an outstanding put option it has written or to prevent the underlying
security from being put. Effecting a closing purchase transaction will also
permit the Fund to write another put option on the security, or to sell the
security and use the proceeds from the sale for other investments. The Fund will
realize a profit or loss from a closing purchase transaction depending on
whether the cost of the transaction is less or more than the premium received
from writing the put option. Any profits from writing puts are considered
short-term capital gains for federal tax purposes, and when distributed by the
Fund, are taxable as ordinary income.
? Purchasing Calls and Puts. The Fund can purchase
calls on securities, broadly-based securities indices, foreign currencies and
futures. It may do so to protect against the possibility that the Fund's
portfolio will not participate in an anticipated rise in the securities market.
When the Fund buys a call (other than in a closing purchase transaction), it
pays a premium. The Fund then has the right to buy the underlying investment
from a seller of a corresponding call on the same investment during the call
period at a fixed exercise price.
The Fund benefits only if it sells the call at a profit or if, during the
call period, the market price of the underlying investment is above the sum of
the call price plus the transaction costs and the premium paid for the call and
the Fund exercises the call. If the Fund does not exercise the call or sell it
(whether or not at a profit), the call will become worthless at its expiration
date. In that case the Fund will have paid the premium but lost the right to
purchase the underlying investment.
The Fund can buy puts on securities, broadly-based securities indices,
foreign currencies and futures, whether or not it owns the underlying
investment. When the Fund purchases a put, it pays a premium and, except as to
puts on indices, has the right to sell the underlying investment to a seller of
a put on a corresponding investment during the put period at a fixed exercise
price.
Buying a put on securities or futures the Fund owns enables the Fund to
attempt to protect itself during the put period against a decline in the value
of the underlying investment below the exercise price by selling the underlying
investment at the exercise price to a seller of a corresponding put. If the
market price of the underlying investment is equal to or above the exercise
price and, as a result, the put is not exercised or resold, the put will become
worthless at its expiration date. In that case the Fund will have paid the
premium but lost the right to sell the underlying investment. However, the Fund
may sell the put prior to its expiration. That sale may or may not be at a
profit.
Buying a put on an investment the Fund does not own (such as an index or
future) permits the Fund either to resell the put or to buy the underlying
investment and sell it at the exercise price. The resale price will vary
inversely to the price of the underlying investment. If the market price of the
underlying investment is above the exercise price and, as a result, the put is
not exercised, the put will become worthless on its expiration date.
<PAGE>
When the Fund purchases a call or put on an index or future, it pays a
premium, but settlement is in cash rather than by delivery of the underlying
investment to the Fund. Gain or loss depends on changes in the index in question
(and thus on price movements in the securities market generally) rather than on
price movements in individual securities or futures contracts.
The Fund may buy a call or put only if, after the purchase, the value of
all call and put options held by the Fund will not exceed 5% of the Fund's total
assets.
? Buying and Selling Options on Foreign Currencies.
The Fund can buy and sell calls and puts on foreign currencies. They include
puts and calls that trade on a securities or commodities exchange or in the
over-the-counter markets or are quoted by major recognized dealers in such
options. The Fund could use these calls and puts to try to protect against
declines in the dollar value of foreign securities and increases in the dollar
cost of foreign securities the Fund wants to acquire.
If the Manager anticipates a rise in the dollar value of a foreign
currency in which securities to be acquired are denominated, the increased cost
of those securities may be partially offset by purchasing calls or writing puts
on that foreign currency. If the Manager anticipates a decline in the dollar
value of a foreign currency, the decline in the dollar value of portfolio
securities denominated in that currency might be partially offset by writing
calls or purchasing puts on that foreign currency. However, the currency rates
could fluctuate in a direction adverse to the Fund's position. The Fund will
then have incurred option premium payments and transaction costs without a
corresponding benefit.
A call the Fund writes on a foreign currency is "covered" if the Fund owns
the underlying foreign currency covered by the call or has an absolute and
immediate right to acquire that foreign currency without additional cash
consideration (or it can do so for additional cash consideration held in a
segregated account by its custodian bank) upon conversion or exchange of other
foreign currency held in its portfolio.
The Fund could write a call on a foreign currency to provide a hedge
against a decline in the U.S. dollar value of a security which the Fund owns or
has the right to acquire and which is denominated in the currency underlying the
option. That decline might be one that occurs due to an expected adverse change
in the exchange rate. This is known as a "cross-hedging" strategy. In those
circumstances, the Fund covers the option by identifying liquid assets on its
books having a value equal to its obligation under the option.
? Risks of Hedging with Options and Futures. The use
of hedging instruments requires special skills and knowledge of investment
techniques that are different than what is required for normal portfolio
management. If the Manager uses a hedging instrument at the wrong time or judges
market conditions incorrectly, hedging strategies may reduce the Fund's return.
The Fund could also experience losses if the prices of its futures and options
positions were not correlated with its other investments.
The Fund's option activities could affect its portfolio turnover rate and
brokerage commissions. The exercise of calls written by the Fund might cause the
Fund to sell related portfolio securities, thus increasing its turnover rate.
The exercise by the Fund of puts on securities will cause the sale of underlying
investments, increasing portfolio turnover. Although the decision whether to
exercise a put it holds is within the Fund's control, holding a put might cause
the Fund to sell the related investments for reasons that would not exist in the
absence of the put.
The Fund could pay a brokerage commission each time it buys a call or put,
sells a call or put, or buys or sells an underlying investment in connection
with the exercise of a call or put. Those commissions could be higher on a
relative basis than the commissions for direct purchases or sales of the
underlying investments. Premiums paid for options are small in relation to the
market value of the underlying investments. Consequently, put and call options
offer large amounts of leverage. The leverage offered by trading in options
could result in the Fund's net asset value being more sensitive to changes in
the value of the underlying investment.
If a covered call written by the Fund is exercised on an investment that
has increased in value, the Fund will be required to sell the investment at the
call price. It will not be able to realize any profit if the investment has
increased in value above the call price.
An option position may be closed out only on a market that provides
secondary trading for options of the same series, and there is no assurance that
a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular option. The Fund might
experience losses if it could not close out a position because of an illiquid
market for the future or option.
There is a risk in using short hedging by selling futures or purchasing
puts on broadly-based indices or futures to attempt to protect against declines
in the value of the Fund's portfolio securities. The risk is that the prices of
the futures or the applicable index will correlate imperfectly with the behavior
of the cash prices of the Fund's securities. For example, it is possible that
while the Fund has used hedging instruments in a short hedge, the market might
advance and the value of the securities held in the Fund's portfolio might
decline. If that occurred, the Fund would lose money on the hedging instruments
and also experience a decline in the value of its portfolio securities. However,
while this could occur for a very brief period or to a very small degree, over
time the value of a diversified portfolio of securities will tend to move in the
same direction as the indices upon which the hedging instruments are based.
The risk of imperfect correlation increases as the composition of the
Fund's portfolio diverges from the securities included in the applicable index.
To compensate for the imperfect correlation of movements in the price of the
portfolio securities being hedged and movements in the price of the hedging
instruments, the Fund might use hedging instruments in a greater dollar amount
than the dollar amount of portfolio securities being hedged. It might do so if
the historical volatility of the prices of the portfolio securities being hedged
is more than the historical volatility of the applicable index.
The ordinary spreads between prices in the cash and futures markets are
subject to distortions, due to differences in the nature of those markets.
First, all participants in the futures market are subject to margin deposit and
maintenance requirements. Rather than meeting additional margin deposit
requirements, investors may close futures contracts through offsetting
transactions which could distort the normal relationship between the cash and
futures markets. Second, the liquidity of the futures market depends on
participants entering into offsetting transactions rather than making or taking
delivery. To the extent participants decide to make or take delivery, liquidity
in the futures market could be reduced, thus producing distortion. Third, from
the point of view of speculators, the deposit requirements in the futures market
are less onerous than margin requirements in the securities markets. Therefore,
increased participation by speculators in the futures market may cause temporary
price distortions.
The Fund can use hedging instruments to establish a position in the
securities markets as a temporary substitute for the purchase of individual
securities (long hedging) by buying futures and/or calls on such futures,
broadly-based indices or on securities. It is possible that when the Fund does
so the market might decline. If the Fund then concludes not to invest in
securities because of concerns that the market might decline further or for
other reasons, the Fund will realize a loss on the hedging instruments that is
not offset by a reduction in the price of the securities purchased.
? Forward Contracts. Forward contracts are foreign currency
exchange contracts. They are used to buy or sell foreign currency for future
delivery at a fixed price. The Fund uses them to "lock in" the U.S. dollar price
of a security denominated in a foreign currency that the Fund has bought or
sold, or to protect against possible losses from changes in the relative values
of the U.S. dollar and a foreign currency. The Fund may also use "cross-hedging"
where the Fund hedges against changes in currencies other than the currency in
which a security it holds is denominated.
Under a forward contract, one party agrees to purchase, and another party
agrees to sell, a specific currency at a future date. That date may be any fixed
number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties. The
transaction price is set at the time the contract is entered into. These
contracts are traded in the inter-bank market conducted directly among currency
traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers.
The Fund may use forward contracts to protect against uncertainty in the
level of future exchange rates. The use of forward contracts does not eliminate
the risk of fluctuations in the prices of the underlying securities the Fund
owns or intends to acquire, but it does fix a rate of exchange in advance.
Although forward contracts may reduce the risk of loss from a decline in the
value of the hedged currency, at the same time they limit any potential gain if
the value of the hedged currency increases.
When the Fund enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a
security denominated in a foreign currency, or when it anticipates receiving
dividend payments in a foreign currency, the Fund might desire to "lock-in" the
U.S. dollar price of the security or the U.S. dollar equivalent of the dividend
payments. To do so, the Fund could enter into a forward contract for the
purchase or sale of the amount of foreign currency involved in the underlying
transaction, in a fixed amount of U.S. dollars per unit of the foreign currency.
This is called a "transaction hedge." The transaction hedge will protect the
Fund against a loss from an adverse change in the currency exchange rates during
the period between the date on which the security is purchased or sold or on
which the payment is declared, and the date on which the payments are made or
received.
The Fund could also use forward contracts to lock in the U.S. dollar value
of portfolio positions. This is called a "position hedge." When the Fund
believes that foreign currency might suffer a substantial decline against the
U.S. dollar, it could enter into a forward contract to sell an amount of that
foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of the Fund's portfolio
securities denominated in that foreign currency. When the Fund believes that the
U.S. dollar might suffer a substantial decline against a foreign currency, it
could enter into a forward contract to buy that foreign currency for a fixed
dollar amount. Alternatively, the Fund could enter into a forward contract to
sell a different foreign currency for a fixed U.S. dollar amount if the Fund
believes that the U.S. dollar value of the foreign currency to be sold pursuant
to its forward contract will fall whenever there is a decline in the U.S. dollar
value of the currency in which portfolio securities of the Fund are denominated.
That is referred to as a "cross hedge."
The Fund will cover its short positions in these cases by identifying to
its custodian bank assets having a value equal to the aggregate amount of the
Fund's commitment under forward contracts. The Fund will not enter into forward
contracts or maintain a net exposure to such contracts if the consummation of
the contracts would obligate the Fund to deliver an amount of foreign currency
in excess of the value of the Fund's portfolio securities or other assets
denominated in that currency or another currency that is the subject of the
hedge.
However, to avoid excess transactions and transaction costs, the Fund may
maintain a net exposure to forward contracts in excess of the value of the
Fund's portfolio securities or other assets denominated in foreign currencies if
the excess amount is "covered" by liquid securities denominated in any currency.
The cover must be at least equal at all times to the amount of that excess. As
one alternative, the Fund may purchase a call option permitting the Fund to
purchase the amount of foreign currency being hedged by a forward sale contract
at a price no higher than the forward contract price. As another alternative,
the Fund may purchase a put option permitting the Fund to sell the amount of
foreign currency subject to a forward purchase contract at a price as high or
higher than the forward contact price.
The precise matching of the amounts under forward contracts and the value
of the securities involved generally will not be possible because the future
value of securities denominated in foreign currencies will change as a
consequence of market movements between the date the forward contract is entered
into and the date it is sold. In some cases the Manager might decide to sell the
security and deliver foreign currency to settle the original purchase
obligation. If the market value of the security is less than the amount of
foreign currency the Fund is obligated to deliver, the Fund might have to
purchase additional foreign currency on the "spot" (that is, cash) market to
settle the security trade. If the market value of the security instead exceeds
the amount of foreign currency the Fund is obligated to deliver to settle the
trade, the Fund might have to sell on the spot market some of the foreign
currency received upon the sale of the security. There will be additional
transaction costs on the spot market in those cases.
The projection of short-term currency market movements is extremely
difficult, and the successful execution of a short-term hedging strategy is
highly uncertain. Forward contracts involve the risk that anticipated currency
movements will not be accurately predicted, causing the Fund to sustain losses
on these contracts and to pay additional transactions costs. The use of forward
contracts in this manner might reduce the Fund's performance if there are
unanticipated changes in currency prices to a greater degree than if the Fund
had not entered into such contracts.
At or before the maturity of a forward contract requiring the Fund to sell
a currency, the Fund might sell a portfolio security and use the sale proceeds
to make delivery of the currency. In the alternative the Fund might retain the
security and offset its contractual obligation to deliver the currency by
purchasing a second contract. Under that contract the Fund will obtain, on the
same maturity date, the same amount of the currency that it is obligated to
deliver. Similarly, the Fund might close out a forward contract requiring it to
purchase a specified currency by entering into a second contract entitling it to
sell the same amount of the same currency on the maturity date of the first
contract. The Fund would realize a gain or loss as a result of entering into
such an offsetting forward contract under either circumstance. The gain or loss
will depend on the extent to which the exchange rate or rates between the
currencies involved moved between the execution dates of the first contract and
offsetting contract.
The costs to the Fund of engaging in forward contracts varies with factors
such as the currencies involved, the length of the contract period and the
market conditions then prevailing. Because forward contracts are usually entered
into on a principal basis, no brokerage fees or commissions are involved.
Because these contracts are not traded on an exchange, the Fund must evaluate
the credit and performance risk of the counterparty under each forward contract.
Although the Fund values its assets daily in terms of U.S. dollars, it
does not intend to convert its holdings of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars
on a daily basis. The Fund may convert foreign currency from time to time, and
will incur costs in doing so. Foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for
conversion, but they do seek to realize a profit based on the difference between
the prices at which they buy and sell various currencies. Thus, a dealer might
offer to sell a foreign currency to the Fund at one rate, while offering a
lesser rate of exchange if the Fund desires to resell that currency to the
dealer.
? Interest Rate Swap Transactions. The Fund can enter into
interest rate swap agreements. In an interest rate swap, the Fund and another
party exchange their right to receive or their obligation to pay interest on a
security. For example, they might swap the right to receive floating rate
payments for fixed rate payments. The Fund can enter into swaps only on
securities that it owns. The Fund will not enter into swaps with respect to more
than 25% of its total assets. Also, the Fund will identify on its book liquid
assets (such as cash or U.S. government securities) to cover any amounts it
could owe under swaps that exceed the amounts it is entitled to receive, and it
will adjust that amount daily, as needed.
Swap agreements entail both interest rate risk and credit risk. There is a
risk that, based on movements of interest rates in the future, the payments made
by the Fund under a swap agreement will be greater than the payments it
received. Credit risk arises from the possibility that the counterparty will
default. If the counterparty defaults, the Fund's loss will consist of the net
amount of contractual interest payments that the Fund has not yet received. The
Manager will monitor the creditworthiness of counterparties to the Fund's
interest rate swap transactions on an ongoing basis.
The Fund can enter into swap transactions with certain counterparties
pursuant to master netting agreements. A master netting agreement provides that
all swaps done between the Fund and that counterparty shall be regarded as parts
of an integral agreement. If amounts are payable on a particular date in the
same currency in respect of one or more swap transactions, the amount payable on
that date in that currency shall be the net amount. In addition, the master
netting agreement may provide that if one party defaults generally or on one
swap, the counterparty may terminate all of the swaps with that party. Under
these agreements, if a default results in a loss to one party, the measure of
that party's damages is calculated by reference to the average cost of a
replacement swap for each swap. It is measured by the mark-to-market value at
the time of the termination of each swap. The gains and losses on all swaps are
then netted, and the result is the counterparty's gain or loss on termination.
The termination of all swaps and the netting of gains and losses on termination
is generally referred to as "aggregation."
? Regulatory Aspects of Hedging Instruments. When using
futures and options on futures, the Fund is required to operate within certain
guidelines and restrictions with respect to the use of futures as established by
the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (the "CFTC"). In particular, the Fund
is exempted from registration with the CFTC as a "commodity pool operator" if
the Fund complies with the requirements of Rule 4.5 adopted by the CFTC. The
Rule does not limit the percentage of the Fund's assets that may be used for
futures margin and related options premiums for a bona fide hedging position.
However, under the Rule, the Fund must limit its aggregate initial futures
margin and related options premiums to not more than 5% of the Fund's net assets
for hedging strategies that are not considered bona fide hedging strategies
under the Rule. Under the Rule, the Fund must also use short futures and options
on futures solely for bona fide hedging purposes within the meaning and intent
of the applicable provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act.
Transactions in options by the Fund are subject to limitations established
by the option exchanges. The exchanges limit the maximum number of options that
may be written or held by a single investor or group of investors acting in
concert. Those limits apply regardless of whether the options were written or
purchased on the same or different exchanges or are held in one or more accounts
or through one or more different exchanges or through one or more brokers. Thus,
the number of options that the Fund may write or hold may be affected by options
written or held by other entities, including other investment companies having
the same adviser as the Fund (or an adviser that is an affiliate of the Fund's
adviser). The exchanges also impose position limits on futures transactions. An
exchange may order the liquidation of positions found to be in violation of
those limits and may impose certain other sanctions.
Under the Investment Company Act, when the Fund purchases a future, it
must maintain liquid assets in an amount equal to the market value of the
securities underlying the future, less the margin deposit applicable to it.
? Tax Aspects of Certain Hedging Instruments. Certain foreign
currency exchange contracts in which the Fund may invest are treated as "Section
1256 contracts" under the Internal Revenue Code. In general, gains or losses
relating to Section 1256 contracts are characterized as 60% long-term and 40%
short-term capital gains or losses under the Code. However, foreign currency
gains or losses arising from Section 1256 contracts that are forward contracts
generally are treated as ordinary income or loss. In addition, Section 1256
contracts held by the Fund at the end of each taxable year are
"marked-to-market," and unrealized gains or losses are treated as though they
were realized. These contracts also may be marked-to-market for purposes of
determining the excise tax applicable to investment company distributions and
for other purposes under rules prescribed pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code.
An election can be made by the Fund to exempt those transactions from this
marked-to-market treatment.
<PAGE>
Certain forward contracts the Fund enters into may result in "straddles"
for federal income tax purposes. The straddle rules may affect the character and
timing of gains (or losses) recognized by the Fund on straddle positions.
Generally, a loss sustained on the disposition of a position making up a
straddle is allowed only to the extent that the loss exceeds any unrecognized
gain in the offsetting positions making up the straddle. Disallowed loss is
generally allowed at the point where there is no unrecognized gain in the
offsetting positions making up the straddle, or the offsetting position is
disposed of.
Under the Internal Revenue Code, the following gains or losses are treated
as ordinary income or loss: (1) gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in
exchange rates that
occur between the time the Fund accrues interest or other receivables
or accrues expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign
currency and the time the Fund actually collects such receivables or
pays such liabilities, and
(2) gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in the value of a foreign
currency between the date of acquisition of a debt security denominated
in a foreign currency or foreign currency forward contracts and the
date of disposition.
Currency gains and losses are offset against market gains and losses on
each trade before determining a net "Section 988" gain or loss under the
Internal Revenue Code for that trade, which may increase or decrease the amount
of the Fund's investment income available for distribution to its shareholders.
Investment Restrictions
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
? What Are "Fundamental Policies?" Fundamental policies are those policies
that the Fund has adopted to govern its investments that can be changed only by
the vote of a "majority" of the Fund's outstanding voting securities. Under the
Investment Company Act, a "majority" vote is defined as the vote of the holders
of the lesser of:
? 67% or more of the shares present or represented by proxy at a
shareholder meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding
shares are present or represented by proxy, or
? more than 50% of the outstanding shares.
The Fund's investment objective is a fundamental policy. Other policies
described in the Prospectus or this Statement of Additional Information are
"fundamental" only if they are identified as such. The Fund's Board of Trustees
can change non-fundamental policies without shareholder approval. However,
significant changes to investment policies will be described in supplements or
updates to the Prospectus or this Statement of Additional Information, as
appropriate. The Fund's most significant investment policies are described in
the Prospectus.
<PAGE>
|_|Does the Fund Have Additional Fundamental Policies? The following
investment restrictions are fundamental policies of the Fund.
|_| The Fund cannot buy securities issued or guaranteed by any one issuer
if more than 5% of its total assets would be invested in securities of that
issuer or if it would then own more than 10% of that issuer's voting securities.
That restriction applies to 75% of the Fund's total assets. The limit does not
apply to securities issued by the U.S. government or any of its agencies or
instrumentalities.
|_| The Fund cannot concentrate its investments (that means it cannot
invest 25% or more of its total assets) in any one industry. Gas, water,
electric and telephone utilities are considered to be separate industries for
this purpose.
|_| The Fund cannot make loans. However, the Fund can invest in
obligations that it can buy consistent with its investment objective and
policies and can enter into repurchase agreements. The Fund may also lend its
portfolio securities.
|_| The Fund cannot invest in oil, gas or other mineral leases, rights,
royalty contracts or exploration or development programs, real estate or real
estate mortgage loans. However, the Fund can purchase and sell securities issued
or secured by companies that invest in or deal in real estate and by companies
that are not principally engaged in the business of buying and selling the
leases, rights, contracts or programs described above.
|_| The Fund cannot underwrite securities. A permitted exception is in
case it is deemed to be an underwriter under the Securities Act of 1933 when
reselling any securities held in its own portfolio.
|_| The Fund cannot invest in or hold securities of any issuer if, to the
knowledge of the Fund or its parent Trust, officers and Directors or Trustees of
the Fund, its parent Trust or Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company
individually beneficially own more than 1/2 of 1% of the securities of that
issuer and together own more than 5% of the securities of that issuer.
|_| The Fund cannot mortgage, pledge or hypothecate its assets. However,
to secure permitted borrowings, the Fund can pledge securities having a market
value (at the time of the pledge) not exceeding 15% of the cost of the Fund's
total assets. This restriction does not prohibit the Fund from permitted
transactions in options, futures contracts and options on futures or from
entering into reverse repurchase agreements and lending its portfolio
securities.
|_| The Fund cannot make loans to an officer, trustee or employee of the
Fund's parent Trust or to any officer, director or employee of Massachusetts
Mutual Life Insurance Company, or to that company.
o The Fund cannot borrow money or enter into reverse repurchase agreements for
investment purposes but can borrow money from banks or enter into reverse
repurchase agreements as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency
purposes. The aggregate amount of borrowings and commitments under reverse
repurchase agreements must not exceed 10% of the market value of the Fund's
total assets at the time of borrowing or entering into a reverse repurchase
agreement. The Fund cannot purchase additional portfolio securities while the
aggregate amount of its borrowings and reverse repurchase agreement commitments
exceed 5% of its net assets. Portfolio lending is not considered to be
"borrowing money" under this restriction.
|_| The Fund cannot issue "senior securities," but this does not prohibit
certain investment activities for which assets of the Fund are designated as
segregated, or margin, collateral or escrow arrangements are established, to
cover the related obligations. Examples of those activities include borrowing
money, reverse repurchase agreements, delayed-delivery and when-issued
arrangements for portfolio securities transactions, and contracts to buy or sell
derivatives, hedging instruments, options or futures.
|_| The Fund cannot make short sales except for transactions referred to
as "short-sales-against-the-box." (Because changes in federal income tax laws
would not enable the Fund to defer realization of gain or loss for federal
income tax purposes, these transactions are not likely to be used by the Fund).
For purposes of the Fund's policy not to concentrate its investments, the
Fund has adopted the industry classifications set forth in Appendix B to this
Statement of Additional Information. That is not a fundamental policy.
Unless the Prospectus or this Statement of Additional Information states
that a percentage restriction applies on an ongoing basis, it applies only at
the time the Fund makes an investment. The Fund need not sell securities to meet
the percentage limits if the value of the investment increases in proportion to
the size of the Fund.
|_| Does the Fund Have Additional Restrictions That Are Not
"Fundamental" Policies?
The Fund has additional operating policies that are not "fundamental," and
which can be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval:
o The Fund cannot invest in any company for the purpose of exercising
control or management of that company.
o The Fund cannot buy the securities of any company that has a history
(including that of any predecessor, controlling person, guarantor or
general partner) of less than three years of continuous operations or
relevant business experience if that purchase would cause more than 5%
of the Fund's assets to be invested in those types of companies.
How the Fund is Managed
Organization and History. The Fund is a series of Oppenheimer Integrity Funds
(referred to as the Fund's parent Trust in this document). The Fund's parent
Trust was established in 1982 as MassMutual Liquid Assets Trust, an open-end
diversified management investment company, with an unlimited number of
authorized shares of beneficial interest. The Fund was reorganized from a
closed-end investment company called MassMutual Income Investors, Inc. into a
series of the Trust on April 15, 1988. The Fund and the Trust were originally
managed by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, the Manager's indirect
parent company. On March 29, 1991, the Manager became the Fund's investment
advisor, and the Trust changed its name to Oppenheimer Integrity Funds. The Fund
was then called Oppenheimer Investment Grade Bond Fund and changed its name to
Oppenheimer Bond Fund on July 10, 1995.
The Fund is governed by the Board of Trustees of
its parent Trust. The Board is responsible for protecting the interests of
shareholders under Massachusetts law. The Trustees meet periodically throughout
the year to oversee the Fund's activities, review its performance, and review
the actions of the Manager.
|X| Classes of Shares. The Board of Trustees has the power, without
shareholder approval, to divide unissued shares of the Fund into two or more
classes. The Board has done so, and the Fund currently has four classes of
shares: Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Y. All classes invest in the same
investment portfolio. Each class of shares: o has its own dividends and
distributions, o pays certain expenses which may be different for the different
classes, o may have a different net asset value, o may have separate voting
rights on matters in which interests of one
class are different from interests of another class, and o votes as a
class on matters that affect that class alone.
Shares are freely transferable, and each share of each class has one vote
at shareholder meetings, with fractional shares voting proportionally on matters
submitted to the vote of shareholders. Each share of the Fund represents an
interest in the Fund proportionately equal to the interest of each other share
of the same class.
The Trustees are authorized to create new series and classes of shares of
the Trust. The Trustees may reclassify unissued shares of the Fund into
additional series or classes of shares. The Trustees also may divide or combine
the shares of a class into a greater or lesser number of shares without changing
the proportionate beneficial interest of a shareholder in the Fund. Shares do
not have cumulative voting rights or preemptive or subscription rights. Shares
may be voted in person or by proxy at shareholder meetings.
|X| Meetings of Shareholders. As a Massachusetts business trust, the Fund
is not required to hold, and does not plan to hold, regular annual meetings of
shareholders. The Fund will hold meetings when required to do so by the
Investment Company Act or other applicable law. It will also do so when a
shareholder meeting is called by the Trustees or upon proper request of the
shareholders.
Shareholders have the right, upon the declaration in writing or vote of
two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Trust, to remove a Trustee. The
Trustees will call a meeting of shareholders to vote on the removal of a Trustee
upon the written request of the record holders of 10% of the Trust's outstanding
shares. If the Trustees receive a request from at least 10 shareholders stating
that they wish to communicate with other shareholders to request a meeting to
remove a Trustee, the Trustees will then either make the Fund's shareholder list
available to the applicants or mail their communication to all other
shareholders at the applicants' expense. The shareholders making the request
must have been shareholders for at least six months and must hold shares of the
Trust valued at $25,000 or more or constituting at least 1% of the Trust's
outstanding shares, whichever is less. The Trustees may also take other action
as permitted by the Investment Company Act.
|X| Shareholder and Trustee Liability. The Fund's Declaration of Trust
contains an express disclaimer of shareholder or Trustee liability for the
Trust's or the Fund's obligations. It also provides for indemnification and
reimbursement of expenses out of the Fund's property for any shareholder held
personally liable for its obligations. The Declaration of Trust also states that
upon request, the Trust shall assume the defense of any claim made against a
shareholder for any act or obligation of the Trust and shall satisfy any
judgment on that claim. Massachusetts law permits a shareholder of a business
trust (such as the Trust) to be held personally liable as a "partner" under
certain circumstances. However, the risk that a Fund shareholder will incur
financial loss from being held liable as a "partner" of the Trust is limited to
the relatively remote circumstances in which the Fund or the Trust would be
unable to meet its obligations.
The Fund's contractual arrangements state that any person doing business
with the Fund (and each shareholder of the Fund) agrees under its Declaration of
Trust to look solely to the assets of the Fund for satisfaction of any claim or
demand that may arise out of any dealings with the Fund. The Trustees shall have
no personal liability to any such person, to the extent permitted by law.
Trustees and Officers of the Fund. The Fund's Trustees and officers and their
principal occupations and business affiliations during the past five years are
listed below. Trustees denoted with an asterisk (*) below are deemed to be
"interested persons" of the Fund under the Investment Company Act. All of the
Trustees are also trustees, directors or managing general partners of the
following Denver-based Oppenheimer funds2:
Oppenheimer Cash Reserves Oppenheimer Total Return Fund, Inc.
Oppenheimer Champion Income Fund Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds
Oppenheimer Capital Income Fund Panorama Series Fund, Inc.
Oppenheimer High Yield Fund Centennial America Fund, L. P.
Oppenheimer International Bond Fund Centennial California Tax Exempt Trust
Oppenheimer Integrity Funds Centennial Government Trust
Oppenheimer Limited-Term Government
Fund Centennial Money Market Trust
Oppenheimer Main Street Funds, Inc. Centennial New York Tax Exempt Trust
Oppenheimer Municipal Fund Centennial Tax Exempt Trust
Oppenheimer Real Asset Fund
Oppenheimer Strategic Income Fund
Ms. Macaskill and Messrs. Swain, Bishop, Bowen, Donohue, Farrar and Zack,
who are officers of the Fund, respectively hold the same offices with the other
Denver-based Oppenheimer funds. As of April 1, 1999, the Trustees and officers
of the Fund as a group owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.
The foregoing statement does not reflect shares held of record by an employee
benefit plan for employees of the Manager other than shares beneficially owned
under that plan by the officers of the Fund listed below. Ms. Macaskill and Mr.
Donohue, are trustees of that plan.
2. Ms. Macaskill and Mr. Bowen are not Trustees or Directors of Oppenheimer
Integrity Funds, Oppenheimer Strategic Income Fund, Panorama Series Fund, Inc.
or Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds. Mr. Fossel and Mr. Bowen are not Trustees
of Centennial New York Tax Exempt Trust or Managing General Partners of
Centennial America Fund, L.P.
Robert G. Avis,* Trustee; Age: 67
One North Jefferson Ave., St. Louis, Missouri 63103
Vice Chairman of A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. (a broker-dealer) and A.G.
Edwards, Inc. (its parent holding company); Chairman of A.G.E. Asset
Management and A.G. Edwards Trust Company (its affiliated investment adviser
and trust company, respectively).
William A. Baker, Trustee; Age: 84
197 Desert Lakes Drive, Palm Springs, California 92264
Management Consultant.
Charles Conrad, Jr., Trustee; Age: 68
1501 Quail Street, Newport , Beach, CA 92660
Chairman and CEO of Universal Space Lines, Inc. (a space services management
company); formerly Vice President of McDonnell Douglas Space Systems Co., prior
to which he was associated with the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration.
Jon S. Fossel, Trustee; Age: 56
P.O. Box 44, Mead Street, Waccabuc, New York 10597
Formerly Chairman and a director of the Manager, President and a director of
Oppenheimer Acquisition Corp. ("OAC"), the Manager's parent holding company,
and Shareholder Services, Inc. ("SSI") and Shareholder Financial Services,
Inc. ("SFSI"), transfer agent subsidiaries of the Manager.
Sam Freedman, Trustee; Age: 58
4975 Lakeshore Drive, Littleton, Colorado 80123
Formerly Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of OppenheimerFunds Services,
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and a director of SSI, Chairman, Chief
Executive and Officer and director of SFSI, Vice President and director of OAC
and a director of OppenheimerFunds, Inc.
Raymond J. Kalinowski, Trustee; Age: 69
44 Portland Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63131
Director of Wave Technologies International, Inc. (a computer products
training company), self-employed consultant (securities matters).
C. Howard Kast, Trustee; Age: 77
2552 East Alameda, Denver, Colorado 80209
Formerly Managing Partner of Deloitte, Haskins & Sells (an accounting firm).
Robert M. Kirchner, Trustee; Age: 77
7500 E. Arapahoe Road, Englewood, Colorado 80112
President of The Kirchner Company (management consultants).
<PAGE>
Ned M. Steel, Trustee; Age: 83
3416 South Race Street, Englewood, Colorado 80110
Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter; a director of Visiting Nurse
Corporation of Colorado.
James C. Swain, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee*; Age: 65 6803
South Tucson Way, Englewood, Colorado 80112 Vice Chairman of the Manager (since
September 1988); formerly President and a director of Centennial Asset
Management Corporation, an investment adviser subsidiary of the Manager
("Centennial"), and Chairman of the Board of SSI.
Bridget A. Macaskill, President; Age: 50 Two World Trade Center, 34th Floor, New
York, New York 10048 President (since June 1991), Chief Executive Officer (since
September 1995) and a Director (since December 1994) of the Manager; President
and director (since June 1991) of HarbourView Asset Management Corp., an
investment advisor subsidiary of the Manager ("HarbourView"); Chairman and a
director of SSI (since August 1994), and SFSI (September 1995); President (since
September 1995) and a director (since October 1990) of OAC; President (since
September 1995) and a director (since November 1989) of Oppenheimer Partnership
Holdings, Inc., a holding company subsidiary of the Manager; a director of
Oppenheimer Real Asset Management, Inc. (since July 1996); President and a
director (since October 1997) of OppenheimerFunds International Ltd., an
offshore fund manager subsidiary of the Manager ("OFIL"); Chairman, President
and a director of Oppenheimer Millennium Funds plc (since October 1997);
President and a director of other Oppenheimer funds; a director of Hillsdown
Holdings plc (a U.K. food company).
Brian W. Wixted, Treasurer; Age: 39.
6803 South Tucson Way, Englewood, Colorado 80112
Senior Vice President and Treasurer (since April 1999) of the Manager; formerly
Principal and Chief Operating Officer, Bankers Trust Company Mutual Fund
Services Division (1995-1999); Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CS
First Boston Investment Management Corp. (1991-1995); and Vice President and
Accounting Manager, Merrill Lynch Asset Management (1987-1991).
David P. Negri, Vice President and Portfolio Manager; Age: 44.
Two World Trade Center, 34th Floor, New York, New York 10048-0203
Senior Vice President of the Manager (since June 1989); a portfolio manager
and officer of other Oppenheimer funds.
<PAGE>
John S. Kowalik, Vice President and Portfolio Manager; Age: 42 Two World Trade
Center, 34th Floor, New York, New York 10048-0203 Senior Vice President of the
Manager (since July 1998); a portfolio manager and officer of other Oppenheimer
funds; formerly Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager of Prudential
Global Advisors (1989-1998).
Andrew J. Donohue, Vice President and Secretary; Age: 48 Two World Trade Center,
34th Floor, New York, New York 10048 Executive Vice President (since January
1993), General Counsel (since October 1991) and a Director (since September
1995) of the Manager; Executive Vice President and General Counsel (since
September 1993) and a director (since January 1992) of the Distributor;
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and a director of HarbourView, SSI,
SFSI and Oppenheimer Partnership Holdings, Inc. (since September 1995) and a
director of Centennial (since September 1995); President, General Counsel and a
director of Oppenheimer Real Asset Management, Inc. (since July 1996); General
Counsel (since May 1996) and Secretary (since April 1997) of OAC; Vice President
and a director of OFIL and Oppenheimer Millennium Funds plc (since October
1997); an officer of other Oppenheimer funds.
Robert J. Bishop, Assistant Treasurer; Age: 40
6803 South Tucson Way, Englewood, Colorado 80112
Vice President of the Manager/Mutual Fund Accounting (since May 1996); an
officer of other Oppenheimer funds; formerly an Assistant Vice President of the
Manager/Mutual Fund Accounting (April 1994-May 1996), and a Fund
Controller for the Manager.
Scott Farrar, Assistant Treasurer; Age: 33
6803 South Tucson Way, Englewood, Colorado 80112
Vice President of the Manager/Mutual Fund Accounting (since May 1996); Assistant
Treasurer of Oppenheimer Millennium Funds plc (since October 1997); an officer
of other Oppenheimer funds; formerly an Assistant Vice President of the
Manager/Mutual Fund Accounting (April 1994-May 1996), and a Fund Controller for
the Manager.
Robert G. Zack, Assistant Secretary; Age: 50
Two World Trade Center, 34th Floor, New York, New York 10048-0203 Senior Vice
President (since May 1985) and Associate General Counsel (since May 1981) of the
Manager, Assistant Secretary of SSI (since May 1985), and SFSI (since November
1989); Assistant Secretary (since October 1997) of OFIL and Oppenheimer
Millennium Funds plc; an officer of other Oppenheimer funds.
? Remuneration of Trustees. The officers of the Fund and one of the Trustees
of the Fund (Mr. Swain) are affiliated with the Manager and receive no salary or
fee from the Fund. The remaining Trustees of the Fund received the compensation
shown below. The compensation from the Fund was paid during its fiscal year
ended December 31, 1998. The compensation from all of the Denver-based
Oppenheimer funds includes the compensation from the Fund and represents
compensation received as a director, trustee, managing general partner or member
of a committee of the Board during the calendar year 1998.
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Compensation
Trustee's Name and Other Aggregate Compensation from all Denver-Based
Positions From Fund Oppenheimer Funds1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert G. Avis $774 $67,998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
William A. Baker $797 $69,998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charles Conrad, Jr. $774 $67,998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jon. S. Fossel $768 $67,496
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sam Freedman
Audit and Review Committee $842 $73,998
Member
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Raymond J. Kalinowski
Audit and Review $842 $73,998
Committee Member
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
C. Howard Kast
Audit and Review $878 $76,998
Committee Chairman
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert M. Kirchner $774 $67,998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ned M. Steel $774 $67,998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. For the 1998 calendar year.
|X| Deferred Compensation Plan for Trustees. The Board of Trustees has
adopted a Deferred Compensation Plan for disinterested trustees that enables
them to elect to defer receipt of all or a portion of the annual fees they are
entitled to receive from the Fund. Under the plan, the compensation deferred by
a Trustee is periodically adjusted as though an equivalent amount had been
invested in shares of one or more Oppenheimer funds selected by the Trustee. The
amount paid to the Trustee under the plan will be determined based upon the
performance of the selected funds.
Deferral of Trustees' fees under the plan will not materially affect the
Fund's assets, liabilities or net income per share. The plan will not obligate
the Fund to retain the services of any Trustee or to pay any particular level of
compensation to any Trustee. Pursuant to an Order issued by the Securities and
Exchange Commission, the Fund may invest in the funds selected by the Trustee
under the plan without shareholder approval for the limited purpose of
determining the value of the Trustee's deferred fee account.
? Major Shareholders. As of April 1, 1999, the only persons who owned
of record or were known by the Fund to own beneficially 5% or more of any
class of the Fund's outstanding securities were:
Mass Mutual Life Insurance Company, 1295 State Street, Springfield,
Massachusetts 01111-0001 which owned 2,615,242.011 Class A shares
(approximately 10.79% of the Class A shares then outstanding). Merrill
Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc., 4800 Deer Lake Drive East, Floor 3,
Jacksonville, Florida 32246 which owned 976,522.137 Class B shares
<PAGE>
(approximately 10.92% of the Class B shares then outstanding), 602,316.270
Class C shares (approximately 26.29% of the Class C shares then
outstanding). The Manager which, as the initial shareholder of the Class Y
shares, owned 100% of the Class Y shares.
The Manager. The Manager is wholly-owned by Oppenheimer Acquisition Corp., a
holding company controlled by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company. The
Manager and the Fund have a Code of Ethics. It is designed to detect and prevent
improper personal trading by certain employees, including portfolio managers,
that would compete with or take advantage of the Fund's portfolio transactions.
Compliance with the Code of Ethics is carefully monitored and enforced by the
Manager.
? The Investment Advisory Agreement. The Manager provides investment
advisory and management services to the Fund under an investment advisory
agreement between the Manager and the Fund. The Manager selects securities for
the Fund's portfolio and handles its day-to-day business. The portfolio managers
of the Fund are employed by the Manager and are the persons who are principally
responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund's portfolio. Other members
of the Manager's Fixed-Income Portfolio Team provide the portfolio managers with
counsel and support in managing the Fund's portfolio.
The agreement requires the Manager, at its expense, to provide the Fund
with adequate office space, facilities and equipment. It also requires the
Manager to provide and supervise the activities of all administrative and
clerical personnel required to provide effective administration for the Fund.
Those responsibilities include the compilation and maintenance of records with
respect to its operations, the preparation and filing of specified reports, and
composition of proxy materials and registration statements for continuous public
sale of shares of the Fund.
The advisory agreement lists examples of expenses paid by the Fund. The
major categories relate to interest, taxes, brokerage commissions, fees to
certain Trustees, legal and audit expenses, custodian and transfer agent
expenses, share issuance costs, certain printing and registration costs and
non-recurring expenses, including litigation costs. The management fees paid by
the Fund to the Manager are calculated at the rates described in the Prospectus,
which are applied to the assets of the Fund as a whole. The fees are allocated
to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of the Fund's net
assets represented by that class.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Year ended 12/31: Management Fees Paid to OppenheimerFunds, Inc.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 $1,640,483
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 $1,751,986
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 $2,199,637
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The investment advisory agreement states that in the absence of willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence in the performance of its duties or
reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the investment advisory
agreement, the Manager is not liable for any loss resulting from a good faith
error or omission on its part with respect to any of its duties under the
agreement.
The agreement permits the Manager to act as investment advisor for any
other person, firm or corporation and to use the name "Oppenheimer" in
connection with other investment companies for which it may act as investment
advisor or general distributor. If the Manager shall no longer act as investment
advisor to the Fund, the Manager may withdraw the right of the Fund to use the
name "Oppenheimer" as part of its name.
Until March 1991, Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company was the Fund's
investment advisor. The Manager became the Fund's investment advisor March 28,
1991, and the Manager engaged MassMutual as sub-advisor from March 28, 1991
until July 10, 1995.
Brokerage Policies of the Fund
Brokerage Provisions of the Investment Advisory Agreement. One of the duties of
the Manager under the investment advisory agreement is to arrange the portfolio
transactions for the Fund. The advisory agreement contains provisions relating
to the employment of broker-dealers to effect the Fund's portfolio transactions.
The Manager is authorized by the advisory agreement to employ broker-dealers,
including "affiliated" brokers, as that term is defined in the Investment
Company Act. The Manager may employ broker-dealers that the Manager thinks, in
its best judgment based on all relevant factors, will implement the policy of
the Fund to obtain, at reasonable expense, the "best execution" of the Fund's
portfolio transactions. "Best execution" means prompt and reliable execution at
the most favorable price obtainable. The Manager need not seek competitive
commission bidding. However, it is expected to be aware of the current rates of
eligible brokers and to minimize the commissions paid to the extent consistent
with the interests and policies of the Fund as established by its Board of
Trustees.
Under the investment advisory agreement, the Manager may select brokers
(other than affiliates) that provide brokerage and/or research services for the
Fund and/or the other accounts over which the Manager or its affiliates have
investment discretion. The commissions paid to such brokers may be higher than
another qualified broker would charge, if the Manager makes a good faith
determination that the commission is fair and reasonable in relation to the
services provided. Subject to those considerations, as a factor in selecting
brokers for the Fund's portfolio transactions, the Manager may also consider
sales of shares of the Fund and other investment companies for which the Manager
or an affiliate serves as investment adviser.
Brokerage Practices Followed by the Manager. The Manager allocates brokerage for
the Fund subject to the provisions of the investment advisory agreement and the
procedures and rules described above. Generally, the Manager's portfolio traders
allocate brokerage based upon recommendations from the Manager's portfolio
managers. In certain instances, portfolio managers may directly place trades and
allocate brokerage. In either case, the Manager's executive officers supervise
the allocation of brokerage.
Transactions in securities other than those for which an exchange is the primary
market are generally done with principals or market makers. In transactions on
foreign exchanges, the Fund may be required to pay fixed brokerage commissions
and therefore would not have the benefit of negotiated commissions available in
U.S. markets. Brokerage commissions are paid primarily for effecting
transactions in listed securities or for certain fixed-income agency
transactions in the secondary market. Otherwise brokerage commissions are paid
only if it appears likely that a better price or execution can be obtained by
doing so. In an option transaction, the Fund ordinarily uses the same broker for
the purchase or sale of the option and any transaction in the securities to
which the option relates.
<PAGE>
Other funds advised by the Manager have investment policies similar to those of
the Fund. Those other funds may purchase or sell the same securities as the Fund
at the same time as the Fund, which could affect the supply and price of the
securities. If two or more funds advised by the Manager purchase the same
security on the same day from the same dealer, the transactions under those
combined orders are averaged as to price and allocated in accordance with the
purchase or sale orders actually placed for each account.
Most purchases of debt obligations are principal transactions at net
prices. Instead of using a broker for those transactions, the Fund normally
deals directly with the selling or purchasing principal or market maker unless
the Manager determines that a better price or execution can be obtained by using
the services of a broker. Purchases of portfolio securities from underwriters
include a commission or concession paid by the issuer to the underwriter.
Purchases from dealers include a spread between the bid and asked prices. The
Fund seeks to obtain prompt execution of these orders at the most favorable net
price.
The investment advisory agreement permits the Manager to allocate
brokerage for research services. The research services provided by a particular
broker may be useful only to one or more of the advisory accounts of the Manager
and its affiliates. The investment research received for the commissions of
those other accounts may be useful both to the Fund and one or more of the
Manager's other accounts. Investment research may be supplied to the Manager by
a third party at the instance of a broker through which trades are placed.
Investment research services include information and analysis on
particular companies and industries as well as market or economic trends and
portfolio strategy, market quotations for portfolio evaluations, information
systems, computer hardware and similar products and services. If a research
service also assists the Manager in a non-research capacity (such as bookkeeping
or other administrative functions), then only the percentage or component that
provides assistance to the Manager in the investment decision-making process may
be paid in commission dollars.
The Board of Trustees permits the Manager to use stated commissions on
secondary fixed-income agency trades to obtain research if the broker represents
to the Manager that: (i) the trade is not from or for the broker's own
inventory, (ii) the trade was executed by the broker on an agency basis at the
stated commission, and (iii) the trade is not a riskless principal transaction.
The Board of Trustees permits the Manager to use concessions on fixed-price
offerings to obtain research, in the same manner as is permitted for agency
transactions.
The research services provided by brokers broadens the scope and
supplements the research activities of the Manager. That research provides
additional views and comparisons for consideration, and helps the Manager to
obtain market information for the valuation of securities that are either held
in the Fund's portfolio or are being considered for purchase. The Manager
provides information to the Board about the commissions paid to brokers
furnishing such services, together with the Manager's representation that the
amount of such commissions was reasonably related to the value or benefit of
such services.
<PAGE>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fiscal Year Ended 12/31: Total Brokerage Commissions Paid by the Fund1
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 $13,094
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 $21,630
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 $63,490
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Amounts do not include spreads or concessions on principal transactions on a
net trade basis.
Distribution and Service Plans
The Distributor. Under its General Distributor's Agreement with the Fund, the
Distributor acts as the Fund's principal underwriter in the continuous public
offering of the different classes of shares of the Fund. The Distributor is not
obligated to sell a specific number of shares. Expenses normally attributable to
sales are borne by the Distributor.
The compensation paid to (or retained by) the Distributor from the sale of
shares or on the redemption of shares during the Fund's most recent fiscal year
is shown in the table below.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aggregate Class A
Front-End Front-End Commissions Commissions Commissions
Fiscal Sales Sales on Class A on Class B on Class C
Year Charges on Charges Shares Shares Shares
Ended Class A Retained by Advanced by Advanced by Advanced by
12/31: Shares Distributor Distributor1 Distributor1 Distributor1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 $299,893 $117,612 $ 19,970 $ 308,922 $ 24,281
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 $346,782 $134,951 $ 9,888 $ 591,879 $ 49,753
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 $751,085 $221,787 $112,467 $1,420,342 $117,997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. The Distributor advances commission payments to dealers for certain sales of
Class A shares and for sales of Class B and Class C shares from its own
resources at the time of sale.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A Contingent Class B Contingent Class C Contingent
Fiscal Deferred Sales Deferred Sales Deferred Sales
Year Ended Charges Retained by Charges Retained by Charges Retained by
12/31 Distributor Distributor Distributor
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 None $186,638 $7,397
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and Service Plans. The Fund has adopted a Service Plan for Class A
shares and Distribution and Service Plans for Class B and Class C shares under
Rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act. Under those plans the Fund pays the
Distributor for all or a portion of its costs incurred in connection with the
distribution and/or servicing of the shares of the particular class.
Each plan has been approved by a vote of the Board of Trustees, including a
majority of the Independent Trustees3, cast in person at a meeting called for
the purpose of voting on that plan. Each plan has also been approved by the
holders of a "majority" (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of the shares
of the applicable class. The shareholder votes for the plan for Class C shares
were cast by the Manager as the sole initial holder of that class of shares of
the Fund
3. In accordance with Rule 12b-1 of the Investment Company Act, the term
"Independent Trustees" in this Statement of Additional Information refers to
those Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Fund and who do not have
any direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the distribution
plan or any agreement under the plan.
Under the plans, the Manager and the Distributor may make payments to
affiliates and, in their sole discretion, from time to time, may use their own
resources (at no direct cost to the Fund) to make payments to brokers, dealers
or other financial institutions for distribution and administrative services
they perform. The Manager may use its profits from the advisory fee it receives
from the Fund. In their sole discretion, the Distributor and the Manager may
increase or decrease the amount of payments they make from their own resources
to plan recipients.
Unless a plan is terminated as described below, the plan continues in effect
from year to year but only if the Fund's Board of Trustees and its Independent
Trustees specifically vote annually to approve its continuance. Approval must be
by a vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on
continuing the plan. A plan may be terminated at any time by the vote of a
majority of the Independent Trustees or by the vote of the holders of a
"majority" (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of the outstanding shares
of that class.
The Board of Trustees and the Independent Trustees must approve all material
amendments to a plan. An amendment to increase materially the amount of payments
to be made under a plan must be approved by shareholders of the class affected
by the amendment. Because Class B shares of the Fund automatically convert into
Class A shares after six years, the Fund must obtain the approval of both Class
A and Class B shareholders for a proposed material amendment to the Class A Plan
that would materially increase payments under the Plan. That approval must be by
a "majority" (as defined in the Investment Company Act) of the shares of each
class, voting separately by class.
While the Plans are in effect, the Treasurer of the Fund shall provide
separate written reports on the plans to the Board of Trustees at least
quarterly for its review. The reports shall detail the amount of all payments
made under a plan and the purpose for which the payments were made. The reports
on the Class B Plan and Class C Plan shall also include the Distributor's
distribution costs for that quarter. Those reports are subject to the review and
approval of the Independent Trustees.
Each plan states that while it is in effect, the selection and nomination of
those Trustees of the Fund who are not "interested persons" of the Fund is
committed to the discretion of the Independent Trustees. This does not prevent
the involvement of others in the selection and nomination process as long as the
final decision as to selection or nomination is approved by a majority of the
Independent Trustees.
Under the plan for a class, no payment will be made to any recipient in any
quarter in which the aggregate net asset value of all Fund shares of that class
held by the recipient for itself and its customers does not exceed a minimum
amount, if any, that may be set from time to time by a majority of the
Independent Trustees. The Board of Trustees has set no minimum amount of assets
to qualify for payments under the plans.
<PAGE>
|X| Class A Service Plan. Under the Class A service plan, the Distributor
currently uses the fees it receives from the Fund to pay brokers, dealers and
other financial institutions (they are referred to as "recipients") for personal
services and account maintenance services they provide for their customers who
hold Class A shares. The services include, among others, answering customer
inquiries about the Fund, assisting in establishing and maintaining accounts in
the Fund, making the Fund's investment plans available and providing other
services at the request of the Fund or the Distributor. While the plan permits
the Board to authorize payments to the Distributor to reimburse itself for
services under the plan, the Board has not yet done so. The Distributor makes
payments to plan recipients quarterly at an annual rate not to exceed 0.25% of
the average annual net assets consisting of Class A shares held in the accounts
of the recipients or their customers.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, payments under the Class A Plan
totaled $538,337, all of which was paid by the Distributor to recipients. An
affiliate of the Distributor received $186,566. Any unreimbursed expenses the
Distributor incurs with respect to Class A shares in any fiscal year cannot be
recovered in subsequent years. The Distributor may not use payments received
under the Class A Plan to pay any of its interest expenses, carrying charges, or
other financial costs, or allocation of overhead.
|X| Class B and Class C Service and Distribution Plan. Under each plan,
service fees and distribution fees are computed on the average of the net asset
value of shares in the respective class, determined as of the close of each
regular business day during the period. The Class B and Class C plans provide
for the Distributor to be compensated at a flat rate, whether the Distributor's
distribution expenses are more or less than the amounts paid by the Fund under
the plan during the period for which the fee is paid. The types of services that
recipients provide are similar to the services provided under the Class A
service plan, described above.
The Class B and the Class C plans permit the Distributor to retain both the
asset-based sales charges and the service fees or to pay recipients the service
fee on a quarterly basis, without payment in advance. However, the Distributor
currently intends to pay the service fee to recipients in advance for the first
year after the shares are purchased. After the first year shares are
outstanding, the Distributor makes service fee payments quarterly on those
shares. The advance payment is based on the net asset value of shares sold.
Shares purchased by exchange do not qualify for the advance service fee payment.
If Class B or Class C shares are redeemed during the first year after their
purchase, the recipient of the service fees on those shares will be obligated to
repay the Distributor a pro rata portion of the advance payment of the service
fee made on those shares.
The Distributor retains the asset-based sales charge on Class B shares. The
Distributor retains the asset-based sales charge on Class C shares during the
first year the shares are outstanding. It pays the asset-based sales charge as
an ongoing commission to the recipient on Class C shares outstanding for a year
or more. If a dealer has a special agreement with the Distributor, the
Distributor will pay the Class B and/or Class C service fee and the asset-based
sales charge to the dealer quarterly in lieu of paying the sales commissions and
service fee in advance at the time of purchase.
<PAGE>
The asset-based sales charges on Class B and Class C shares allow investors
to buy shares without a front-end sales charge while allowing the Distributor to
compensate dealers that sell those shares. The Fund pays the asset-based sales
charges to the Distributor for its services rendered in distributing Class B and
Class C shares. The payments are made to the Distributor in recognition that the
Distributor: o pays sales commissions to authorized brokers and dealers at the
time of
sale and pays service fees as described above,
o may finance payment of sales commissions and/or the advance of the
service fee payment to recipients under the plans, or may provide such
financing from its own resources or from the resources of an affiliate,
o employs personnel to support distribution of Class B and Class C
shares, and
o bears the costs of sales literature, advertising and prospectuses (other
than those furnished to current shareholders) and state "blue sky"
registration fees and certain other distribution expenses.
The Distributor's actual expenses in selling Class B and Class C shares may
be more than the payments it receives from the contingent deferred sales charges
collected on redeemed shares and from the Fund under the plans. If either the
Class B or the Class C plan is terminated by the Fund, the Board of Trustees may
allow the Fund to continue payments of the asset-based sales charge to the
Distributor to compensate it for its expenses incurred for distributing shares
before the plan was terminated. All payments under the Class B and the Class C
plans are subject to the limitations imposed by the Conduct Rules of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. on payments of asset-based
sales charges and service fees.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution Fees Paid to the Distributor in the Fiscal Year Ended
12/31/98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distributor's Distributor's
Aggregate Unreimbursed
Total Amount Unreimbursed Expenses as % of
Class: Payments Retained by Expenses Under Net Assets of
Under Plan Distributor Plan Class
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$642,192 None $2,413,027 3.75%
Class B Plan
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C Plan $151,634 None $ 253,281 1.67%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Performance of the Fund
Explanation of Performance Terminology. The Fund uses a variety of terms to
illustrate its performance. These terms include "standardized yield," "dividend
yield," "average annual total return," "cumulative total return," "average
annual total return at net asset value" and "total return at net asset value."
An explanation of how yields and total returns are calculated is set forth
below. The charts below show the Fund's performance as of the Fund's most recent
fiscal year end. You can obtain current performance information by calling the
Fund's Transfer Agent at 1-800-525-7048 or by visiting the OppenheimerFunds
Internet web site at http://www.oppenheimerfunds.com.
<PAGE>
The Fund's illustrations of its performance data in advertisements must
comply with rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Those rules
describe the types of performance data that may be used and how it is to be
calculated. In general, any advertisement by the Fund of its performance data
must include the average annual total returns for the advertised class of shares
of the Fund. Those returns must be shown for the 1- 5 and 10-year periods (or
the life of the class, if less) ending as of the most recently ended calendar
quarter prior to the publication of the advertisement (or its submission for
publication). Certain types of yields may also be shown, provided that they are
accompanied by standardized average annual total returns.
Use of standardized performance calculations enables an investor to
compare the Fund's performance to the performance of other funds for the same
periods. However, a number of factors should be considered before using the
Fund's performance information as a basis for comparison with other investments:
|_| Yields and total returns measure the performance of a hypothetical
account in the Fund over various periods and do not show the performance of each
shareholder's account. Your account's performance will vary from the model
performance data if your dividends are received in cash, or you buy or sell
shares during the period, or you bought your shares at a different time and
price than the shares used in the model.
? The Fund's performance returns do not reflect the effect of taxes on
dividends and capital gains distributions.
|_| An investment in the Fund is not insured by the FDIC or any other
government agency.
|_| The principal value of the Fund's shares, and its yields and total
returns are not guaranteed and normally will fluctuate on a daily basis.
|_| When an investor's shares are redeemed, they may be worth more or less
than their original cost.
|_| Yields and total returns for any given past period represent
historical performance information and are not, and should not be considered, a
prediction of future yields or returns.
The performance of each class of shares is shown separately, because the
performance of each class of shares will usually be different. That is because
of the different kinds of expenses each class bears. The yields and total
returns of each class of shares of the Fund are affected by market conditions,
the quality of the Fund's investments, the maturity of those investments, the
types of investments the Fund holds, and its operating expenses that are
allocated to the particular class.
|X| Yields. The Fund uses a variety of different yields to illustrate its
current returns. Each class of shares calculates its yield separately because of
the different expenses that affect each class.
|_| Standardized Yield. The "standardized yield" (sometimes referred
to just as "yield") is shown for a class of shares for a stated 30-day period.
It is not based on actual distributions paid by the Fund to shareholders in the
30-day period, but is a hypothetical yield based upon the net investment income
from the Fund's portfolio investments for that period. It may therefore differ
from the "dividend yield" for the same class of shares, described below.
<PAGE>
Standardized yield is calculated using the following formula set forth in
rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, designed to assure
uniformity in the way that all funds calculate their yields:
(a-b) 6
Standardized Yield = 2 ((--- + 1) - 1)
( cd)
The symbols above represent the following factors:
a = dividends and interest earned during the 30-day period.
b = expenses accrued for the period (net of any expense assumptions).
c = the average daily number of shares of that class outstanding during
the 30-day period that were entitled to receive dividends.
d = the maximum offering price per share of that class on the last day
of the period, adjusted for undistributed net investment income.
The standardized yield for a particular 30-day period may differ from the
yield for other periods. The SEC formula assumes that the standardized yield for
a 30-day period occurs at a constant rate for a six-month period and is
annualized at the end of the six-month period. Additionally, because each class
of shares is subject to different expenses, it is likely that the standardized
yields of the Fund's classes of shares will differ for any 30-day period.
|_| Dividend Yield. The Fund may quote a "dividend yield" for each
class of its shares. Dividend yield is based on the dividends paid on a class of
shares during the actual dividend period. To calculate dividend yield, the
dividends of a class declared during a stated period are added together, and the
sum is multiplied by 12 (to annualize the yield) and divided by the maximum
offering price on the last day of the dividend period. The formula is shown
below:
Dividend Yield = dividends paid x 12/maximum offering price (payment date)
The maximum offering price for Class A shares includes the current maximum
initial sales charge. The maximum offering price for Class B and Class C shares
is the net asset value per share, without considering the effect of contingent
deferred sales charges. The Class A dividend yield may also be quoted without
deducting the maximum initial sales charge.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund's Yields for the 30-Day Periods Ended 12/31/98
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class of
Shares Standardized Yield Dividend Yield
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Without After Without After
Sales Sales Sales Sales
Charge Charge Charge Charge
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A 6.13% 5.84% 6.62% 6.30%
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B 5.37% N/A 5.84% N/A
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C 5.37% N/A 5.85% N/A
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class Y 6.72% N/A 6.48% N/A
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
|X| Total Return Information. There are different types of "total returns"
to measure the Fund's performance. Total return is the change in value of a
hypothetical investment in the Fund over a given period, assuming that all
dividends and capital gains distributions are reinvested in additional shares
and that the investment is redeemed at the end of the period. Because of
differences in expenses for each class of shares, the total returns for each
class are separately measured. The cumulative total return measures the change
in value over the entire period (for example, ten years). An average annual
total return shows the average rate of return for each year in a period that
would produce the cumulative total return over the entire period. However,
average annual total returns do not show actual year-by-year performance. The
Fund uses standardized calculations for its total returns as prescribed by the
SEC. The methodology is discussed below.
In calculating total returns for Class A shares, the current maximum sales
charge of 4.75% (as a percentage of the offering price) is deducted from the
initial investment ("P") (unless the return is shown without sales charge, as
described below). For Class B shares, payment of the applicable contingent
deferred sales charge is applied, depending on the period for which the return
is shown: 5.0% in the first year, 4.0% in the second year, 3.0% in the third and
fourth years, 2.0% in the fifth year, 1.0% in the sixth year and none
thereafter. For Class C shares, the 1% contingent deferred sales charge is
deducted for returns for the 1-year period. There is no sales charge for Class Y
shares.
|_| Average Annual Total Return. The "average annual total return"
of each class is an average annual compounded rate of return for each year in a
specified number of years. It is the rate of return based on the change in value
of a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000 ("P" in the formula below) held
for a number of years ("n" in the formula) to achieve an Ending Redeemable Value
("ERV" in the formula) of that investment, according to the following formula:
1/n
(ERV)
(---) -1 = Average Annual Total Return
( P )
? Cumulative Total Return. The "cumulative total return" calculation
measures the change in value of a hypothetical investment of $1,000 over an
entire period of years. Its calculation uses some of the same factors as average
annual total return, but it does not average the rate of return on an annual
basis. Cumulative total return is determined as follows:
ERV - P
------- = Total Return
P
|_| Total Returns at Net Asset Value. From time to time the Fund may
also quote a cumulative or an average annual total return "at net asset value"
(without deducting sales charges) for Class A, Class B or Class C shares. Each
is based on the difference in net asset value per share at the beginning and the
end of the period for a hypothetical investment in that class of shares (without
considering front-end or contingent deferred sales charges) and takes into
consideration the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund's Total Returns for the Periods Ended 12/31/98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cumulative Total
Class Returns (10
of years or Life of
Shares Class) Average Annual Total Returns
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5-Year 10-Year
(or (or
1-Year life-of-class) life-of-class)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After Without After Without After Without After Without
Sales Sales Sales Sales Sales Sales Sales Sales
Charge Charge Charge Charge Charge Charge Charge Charge
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A 112.09% 122.66% 0.59% 5.61% 5.48% 6.52% 7.81%1 8.33%1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B 35.82% 36.79% -0.14% 4.81% 5.41% 5.73% 5.56%2 5.69%2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C N/A 23.73% 3.82% 4.81% N/A 6.32%3 N/A N/A
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class Y N/A 4.40%4 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Inception of Class A: 4/15/88.
2. Inception of Class B: 5/3/93.
3. Inception of Class C: 7/11/95.
4. Inception of Class Y: 4/27/98.
Other Performance Comparisons. The Fund compares its performance annually to
that of an appropriate broadly-based market index in its Annual Report to
shareholders. You can obtain that information by contacting the Transfer Agent
at the addresses or telephone numbers shown on the cover of this Statement of
Additional Information. The Fund may also compare its performance to that of
other investments, including other mutual funds, or use rankings of its
performance by independent ranking entities. Examples of these performance
comparisons are set forth below.
|X| Lipper Rankings. From time to time the Fund may publish the ranking of
the performance of its classes of shares by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc.
Lipper is a widely-recognized independent mutual fund monitoring service. Lipper
monitors the performance of regulated investment companies, including the Fund,
and ranks their performance for various periods based on categories relating to
investment objectives. Lipper currently ranks the Fund's performance against all
other corporate debt (A-rated) fixed-income funds. The Lipper performance
rankings are based on total returns that include the reinvestment of capital
gain distributions and income dividends but do not take sales charges or taxes
into consideration. Lipper also publishes "peer-group" indices of the
performance of all mutual funds in a category that it monitors and averages of
the performance of the funds in particular categories.
|X| Morningstar Ratings and Rankings. From time to time the Fund may
publish the star ranking and/or star rating of the performance of its classes of
shares by Morningstar, Inc., an independent mutual fund monitoring service.
Morningstar rates and ranks mutual funds in broad investment categories:
domestic stock funds, international stock funds, taxable bond funds and
municipal bond funds. The Fund is included in the taxable bond funds category.
Morningstar proprietary star ratings reflect historical risk-adjusted
total investment return. Investment return measures a fund's (or class's) one-,
three-, five- and ten-year average annual total returns (depending on the
inception of the fund or class) in excess of 90-day U.S. Treasury bill returns
after considering the fund's sales charges and expenses. Risk is measured by a
fund's (or class's) performance below 90-day U.S. Treasury bill returns. Risk
and investment return are combined to produce star ratings reflecting
performance relative to the other funds in the fund's category. Five stars is
the "highest" ranking (top 10% of funds in a category), four stars is "above
average" (next 22.5%), three stars is "average" (next 35%), two stars is "below
average" (next 22.5%) and one star is "lowest" (bottom 10%). The current star
rating is the fund's (or class's) overall rating, which is the Fund's 3-year
rating or its combined 3- and 5-year rating (weighted 60%/40% respectively), or
its combined 3-, 5-, and 10-year rating (weighted 40%, 30% and 30%,
respectively), depending on the inception date of the fund (or class). Rankings
are subject to change monthly.
The Fund may also compare its total return ranking to that of other funds
in its Morningstar category, in addition to its star ratings. Those total return
rankings are percentages from one percent to one hundred percent and are not
risk-adjusted. For example, if a fund is in the 94th percentile, that means that
94% of the funds in the same category performed better than it did.
|X| Performance Rankings and Comparisons by Other Entities and
Publications. From time to time the Fund may include in its advertisements and
sales literature performance information about the Fund cited in newspapers and
other periodicals such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Barron's,
or similar publications. That information may include performance quotations
from other sources, including Lipper and Morningstar. The performance of the
Fund's classes of shares may be compared in publications to the performance of
various market indices or other investments, and averages, performance rankings
or other benchmarks prepared by recognized mutual fund statistical services.
Investors may also wish to compare the returns on the Fund's share classes
to the return on fixed-income investments available from banks and thrift
institutions. Those include certificates of deposit, ordinary interest-paying
checking and savings accounts, and other forms of fixed or variable time
deposits, and various other instruments such as Treasury bills. However, the
Fund's returns and share price are not guaranteed or insured by the FDIC or any
other agency and will fluctuate daily, while bank depository obligations may be
insured by the FDIC and may provide fixed rates of return. Repayment of
principal and payment of interest on Treasury securities is backed by the full
faith and credit of the U.S. government.
From time to time, the Fund may publish rankings or ratings of the Manager
or Transfer Agent, and of the investor services provided by them to shareholders
of the Oppenheimer funds, other than performance rankings of the Oppenheimer
funds themselves. Those ratings or rankings of shareholder and investor services
by third parties may include comparisons of their services to those provided by
other mutual fund families selected by the rating or ranking services. They may
be based upon the opinions of the rating or ranking service itself, using its
research or judgment, or based upon surveys of investors, brokers, shareholders
or others.
<PAGE>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A B O U T Y O U R A C C O U N T
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How to Buy Shares
Additional information is presented below about the methods that can be
used to buy shares of the Fund. Appendix C contains more information about the
special sales charge arrangements offered by the Fund, and the circumstances in
which sales charges may be reduced or waived for certain classes of investors.
AccountLink. When shares are purchased through AccountLink, each purchase must
be at least $25. Shares will be purchased on the regular business day the
Distributor is instructed to initiate the Automated Clearing House (ACH)
transfer to buy the shares. Dividends will begin to accrue on shares purchased
with the proceeds of ACH transfers on the business day the Fund receives Federal
Funds for the purchase through the ACH system before the close of The New York
Stock Exchange. The Exchange normally closes at 4:00 P.M., but may close earlier
on certain days. If Federal Funds are received on a business day after the close
of the Exchange, the shares will be purchased and dividends will begin to accrue
on the next regular business day. The proceeds of ACH transfers are normally
received by the Fund 3 days after the transfers are initiated. The Distributor
and the Fund are not responsible for any delays in purchasing shares resulting
from delays in ACH transmissions.
Reduced Sales Charges. As discussed in the Prospectus, a reduced sales charge
rate may be obtained for Class A shares under Right of Accumulation and Letters
of Intent because of the economies of sales efforts and reduction in expenses
realized by the Distributor, dealers and brokers making such sales. No sales
charge is imposed in certain other circumstances described in Appendix C to this
Statement of Additional Information because the Distributor or dealer or broker
incurs little or no selling expenses.
? Right of Accumulation. To qualify for the lower sales charge rates
that apply to larger purchases of Class A shares, you and your spouse can add
together:
? Class A and Class B shares you purchase for your individual
accounts, or for your joint accounts, or for trust or custodial
accounts on behalf of your children who are minors, and
? current purchases of Class A and Class B shares of the Fund and
other Oppenheimer funds to reduce the sales charge rate that
applies to current purchases of Class A shares, and
? Class A and Class B shares of Oppenheimer funds you previously
purchased subject to an initial or contingent deferred sales charge
to reduce the sales charge rate for current purchases of Class A
shares, provided that you still hold your investment in one of the
Oppenheimer funds.
A fiduciary can count all shares purchased for a trust, estate or other
fiduciary account (including one or more employee benefit plans of the same
employer) that has multiple accounts. The Distributor will add the value, at
current offering price, of the shares you previously purchased and currently own
to the value of current purchases to determine the sales charge rate that
applies. The reduced sales charge will apply only to current purchases. You must
request it when you buy shares.
n The Oppenheimer Funds. The Oppenheimer funds are those mutual funds for which
the Distributor acts as the distributor or the sub-distributor and currently
include the following:
Oppenheimer Bond Fund Oppenheimer Large Cap Growth Fund
Oppenheimer Capital Appreciation Fund Oppenheimer Limited-Term Government Fund
Oppenheimer Main Street California
Oppenheimer California Municipal Fund Municipal Fund
Oppenheimer Main Street Growth & Income
Oppenheimer Champion Income Fund Fund
Oppenheimer Convertible Securities Fund Oppenheimer MidCap Fund
Oppenheimer Developing Markets Fund Oppenheimer Multiple Strategies Fund
Oppenheimer Disciplined Allocation Fund Oppenheimer Municipal Bond Fund
Oppenheimer Disciplined Value Fund Oppenheimer New York Municipal Fund
Oppenheimer Discovery Fund Oppenheimer New Jersey Municipal Fund
Oppenheimer Enterprise Fund Oppenheimer Pennsylvania Municipal Fund
Oppenheimer Capital Income Fund Oppenheimer Quest Balanced Value Fund
Oppenheimer Quest Capital Value Fund,
Oppenheimer Europe Fund Inc.
Oppenheimer Quest Global Value Fund,
Oppenheimer Florida Municipal Fund Inc.
Oppenheimer Global Fund Oppenheimer Quest Opportunity Value Fund
Oppenheimer Global Growth & Income Fund Oppenheimer Quest Small Cap Value Fund
Oppenheimer Gold & Special Minerals Fund Oppenheimer Quest Value Fund, Inc.
Oppenheimer Growth Fund Oppenheimer Real Asset Fund
Oppenheimer High Yield Fund Oppenheimer Strategic Income Fund
Oppenheimer Insured Municipal Fund Oppenheimer Total Return Fund, Inc.
Oppenheimer Intermediate Municipal Fund Oppenheimer U.S. Government Trust
Oppenheimer International Bond Fund Oppenheimer World Bond Fund
Oppenheimer International Growth Fund Limited-Term New York Municipal Fund
Oppenheimer International Small Company
Fund Rochester Fund Municipals
and the following money market funds:
Centennial America Fund, L. P. Centennial New York Tax Exempt Trust
Centennial California Tax Exempt Trust Centennial Tax Exempt Trust
Centennial Government Trust Oppenheimer Cash Reserves
Centennial Money Market Trust Oppenheimer Money Market Fund, Inc.
There is an initial sales charge on the purchase of Class A shares of each
of the Oppenheimer funds except the money market funds. Under certain
circumstances described in this Statement of Additional Information, redemption
proceeds of certain money market fund shares may be subject to a contingent
deferred sales charge.
|X| Letters of Intent. Under a Letter of Intent, if you purchase Class A
shares or Class A and Class B shares of the Fund and other Oppenheimer funds
during a 13-month period, you can reduce the sales charge rate that applies to
your purchases of Class A shares. The total amount of your intended purchases of
both Class A and Class B shares will determine the reduced sales charge rate for
the Class A shares purchased during that period. You can include purchases made
up to 90 days before the date of the Letter.
A Letter of Intent is an investor's statement in writing to the
Distributor of the intention to purchase Class A shares or Class A and Class B
shares of the Fund (and other Oppenheimer funds) during a 13-month period (the
"Letter of Intent period"). At the investor's request, this may include
purchases made up to 90 days prior to the date of the Letter. The Letter states
the investor's intention to make the aggregate amount of purchases of shares
which, when added to the investor's holdings of shares of those funds, will
equal or exceed the amount specified in the Letter. Purchases made by
reinvestment of dividends or distributions of capital gains and purchases made
at net asset value without sales charge do not count toward satisfying the
amount of the Letter.
A Letter enables an investor to count the Class A and Class B shares
purchased under the Letter to obtain the reduced sales charge rate on purchases
of Class A shares of the Fund (and other Oppenheimer funds) that applies under
the Right of Accumulation to current purchases of Class A shares. Each purchase
of Class A shares under the Letter will be made at the offering price (including
the sales charge) that applies to a single lump-sum purchase of shares in the
amount intended to be purchased under the Letter.
In submitting a Letter, the investor makes no commitment to purchase
shares. However, if the investor's purchases of shares within the Letter of
Intent period, when added to the value (at offering price) of the investor's
holdings of shares on the last day of that period, do not equal or exceed the
intended purchase amount, the investor agrees to pay the additional amount of
sales charge applicable to such purchases. That amount is described in "Terms of
Escrow," below (those terms may be amended by the Distributor from time to
time). The investor agrees that shares equal in value to 5% of the intended
purchase amount will be held in escrow by the Transfer Agent subject to the
Terms of Escrow. Also, the investor agrees to be bound by the terms of the
Prospectus, this Statement of Additional Information and the Application used
for a Letter of Intent. If those terms are amended, as they may be from time to
time by the Fund, the investor agrees to be bound by the amended terms and that
those amendments will apply automatically to existing Letters of Intent.
If the total eligible purchases made during the Letter of Intent period do
not equal or exceed the intended purchase amount, the commissions previously
paid to the dealer of record for the account and the amount of sales charge
retained by the Distributor will be adjusted to the rates applicable to actual
total purchases. If total eligible purchases during the Letter of Intent period
exceed the intended purchase amount and exceed the amount needed to qualify for
the next sales charge rate reduction set forth in the Prospectus, the sales
charges paid will be adjusted to the lower rate. That adjustment will be made
only if and when the dealer returns to the Distributor the excess of the amount
of commissions allowed or paid to the dealer over the amount of commissions that
apply to the actual amount of purchases. The excess commissions returned to the
Distributor will be used to purchase additional shares for the investor's
account at the net asset value per share in effect on the date of such purchase,
promptly after the Distributor's receipt thereof.
The Transfer Agent will not hold shares in escrow for purchases of shares
of the Fund and other Oppenheimer funds by OppenheimerFunds prototype 401(k)
plans under a Letter of Intent. If the intended purchase amount under a Letter
of Intent entered into by an OppenheimerFunds prototype 401(k) plan is not
purchased by the plan by the end of the Letter of Intent period, there will be
no adjustment of commissions paid to the broker-dealer or financial institution
of record for accounts held in the name of that plan.
In determining the total amount of purchases made under a Letter, shares
redeemed by the investor prior to the termination of the Letter of Intent period
will be deducted. It is the responsibility of the dealer of record and/or the
investor to advise the Distributor about the Letter in placing any purchase
orders for the investor during the Letter of Intent period. All of such
purchases must be made through the Distributor.
? Terms of Escrow That Apply to Letters of Intent.
1. Out of the initial purchase (or subsequent purchases if necessary) made
pursuant to a Letter, shares of the Fund equal in value up to 5% of the intended
purchase amount specified in the Letter shall be held in escrow by the Transfer
Agent. For example, if the intended purchase amount is $50,000, the escrow shall
be shares valued in the amount of $2,500 (computed at the offering price
adjusted for a $50,000 purchase). Any dividends and capital gains distributions
on the escrowed shares will be credited to the investor's account.
2. If the total minimum investment specified under the Letter is completed
within the thirteen-month Letter of Intent period, the escrowed shares will be
promptly released to the investor.
3. If, at the end of the thirteen-month Letter of Intent period the total
purchases pursuant to the Letter are less than the intended purchase amount
specified in the Letter, the investor must remit to the Distributor an amount
equal to the difference between the dollar amount of sales charges actually paid
and the amount of sales charges which would have been paid if the total amount
purchased had been made at a single time. That sales charge adjustment will
apply to any shares redeemed prior to the completion of the Letter. If the
difference in sales charges is not paid within twenty days after a request from
the Distributor or the dealer, the Distributor will, within sixty days of the
expiration of the Letter, redeem the number of escrowed shares necessary to
realize such difference in sales charges. Full and fractional shares remaining
after such redemption will be released from escrow. If a request is received to
redeem escrowed shares prior to the payment of such additional sales charge, the
sales charge will be withheld from the redemption proceeds.
4. By signing the Letter, the investor irrevocably constitutes and
appoints the Transfer Agent as attorney-in-fact to surrender for redemption any
or all escrowed shares.
5. The shares eligible for purchase under the Letter (or the holding of which
may be counted toward completion of a Letter) include: (a) Class A shares sold
with a front-end sales charge or subject to a Class
A contingent deferred sales charge,
(b) Class B shares of other Oppenheimer funds acquired subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge, and
(c) Class A or Class B shares acquired by exchange of either (1) Class
A shares of one of the other Oppenheimer funds that were acquired
subject to a Class A initial or contingent deferred sales charge or
(2) Class B shares of one of the other Oppenheimer funds that were
acquired subject to a contingent deferred sales charge.
<PAGE>
6. Shares held in escrow hereunder will automatically be exchanged for
shares of another fund to which an exchange is requested, as described in the
section of the Prospectus entitled "How to Exchange Shares" and the escrow will
be transferred to that other fund.
Asset Builder Plans. To establish an Asset Builder Plan to buy shares directly
from a bank account, you must enclose a check (minimum $25) for the initial
purchase with your application. Shares purchased by Asset Builder Plan payments
from bank accounts are subject to the redemption restrictions for recent
purchases described in the Prospectus. Asset Builder Plans also enable
shareholders of Oppenheimer Cash Reserves to use their fund account to make
monthly automatic purchases of shares of up to four other Oppenheimer funds.
If you make payments from your bank account to purchase shares of the
Fund, your bank account will be automatically debited, normally four to five
business days prior to the investment dates selected in the Application. Neither
the Distributor, the Transfer Agent nor the Fund shall be responsible for any
delays in purchasing shares resulting from delays in ACH transmissions.
Before initiating Asset Builder payments, obtain a prospectus of the
selected fund(s) from the Distributor or your financial advisor and request an
application from the Distributor, complete it and return it. The amount of the
Asset Builder investment may be changed or the automatic investments may be
terminated at any time by writing to the Transfer Agent. The Transfer Agent
requires a reasonable period (approximately 15 days) after receipt of such
instructions to implement them. The Fund reserves the right to amend, suspend,
or discontinue offering Asset Builder plans at any time without prior notice.
Retirement Plans. Certain types of Retirement Plans are entitled to purchase
shares of the Fund without sales charge or at reduced sales charge rates, as
described in Appendix C to this Statement of Additional Information. Certain
special sales charge arrangements described in that Appendix apply to retirement
plans whose records are maintained on a daily valuation basis by Merrill Lynch
Pierce Fenner & Smith, Inc. or an independent record keeper that has a contract
or special arrangement with Merrill Lynch. If on the date the plan sponsor
signed the Merrill Lynch record keeping service agreement the Plan has less than
$3 million in assets (other than assets invested in money market funds) invested
in applicable investments, then the retirement plan may purchase only Class B
shares of the Oppenheimer funds. Any retirement plans in that category that
currently invest in Class B shares of the Fund will have their Class B shares
converted to Class A shares of the Fund when the Plan's applicable investments
reach $5 million.
Cancellation of Purchase Orders. Cancellation of purchase orders for the Fund's
shares (for example, when a purchase check is returned to the Fund unpaid)
causes a loss to be incurred when the net asset value of the Fund's shares on
the cancellation date is less than on the purchase date. That loss is equal to
the amount of the decline in the net asset value per share multiplied by the
number of shares in the purchase order. The investor is responsible for that
loss. If the investor fails to compensate the Fund for the loss, the Distributor
will do so. The Fund may reimburse the Distributor for that amount by redeeming
shares from any account registered in that investor's name, or the Fund or the
Distributor may seek other redress.
<PAGE>
Classes of Shares. Each class of shares of the Fund represents an interest in
the same portfolio of investments of the Fund. However, each class has different
shareholder privileges and features. The net income attributable to Class B or
Class C shares and the dividends payable on Class B or Class C shares will be
reduced by incremental expenses borne solely by that class. Those expenses
include the asset-based sales charges to which Class B and Class C are subject.
The availability of different classes of shares permits an investor to
choose the method of purchasing shares that is more appropriate for the
investor. That may depend on the amount of the purchase, the length of time the
investor expects to hold shares, and other relevant circumstances. Class A
shares normally are sold subject to an initial sales charge. While Class B and
Class C shares have no initial sales charge, the purpose of the deferred sales
charge and asset-based sales charge on Class B and Class C shares is the same as
that of the initial sales charge on Class A shares - to compensate the
Distributor and brokers, dealers and financial institutions that sell shares of
the Fund. A salesperson who is entitled to receive compensation from his or her
firm for selling Fund shares may receive different levels of compensation for
selling one class of shares rather than another.
The Distributor will not accept any order in the amount of $500,000 or
more for Class B shares or $1 million or more for Class C shares on behalf of a
single investor (not including dealer "street name" or omnibus accounts). That
is because generally it will be more advantageous for that investor to purchase
Class A shares of the Fund.
|X| Class B Conversion. The conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares
after six years is subject to the continuing availability of a private letter
ruling from the Internal Revenue Service, or an opinion of counsel or tax
adviser, to the effect that the conversion of Class B shares does not constitute
a taxable event for the shareholder under federal income tax law. If such a
revenue ruling or opinion is no longer available, the automatic conversion
feature may be suspended, in which event no further conversions of Class B
shares would occur while such suspension remained in effect. Although Class B
shares could then be exchanged for Class A shares on the basis of relative net
asset value of the two classes, without the imposition of a sales charge or fee,
such exchange could constitute a taxable event for the shareholder, and absent
such exchange, Class B shares might continue to be subject to the asset-based
sales charge for longer than six years.
|X| Allocation of Expenses. The Fund pays expenses related to its daily
operations, such as custodian bank fees, Trustees' fees, transfer agency fees,
legal fees and auditing costs. Those expenses are paid out of the Fund's assets
and are not paid directly by shareholders. However, those expenses reduce the
net asset value of shares, and therefore are indirectly borne by shareholders
through their investment.
The methodology for calculating the net asset value, dividends and
distributions of the Fund's share classes recognizes two types of expenses.
General expenses that do not pertain specifically to any one class are allocated
pro rata to the shares of all classes. The allocation is based on the percentage
of the Fund's total assets that is represented by the assets of each class, and
then equally to each outstanding share within a given class. Such general
expenses include management fees, legal, bookkeeping and audit fees, printing
and mailing costs of shareholder reports,
<PAGE>
Prospectuses, Statements of Additional Information and other materials for
current shareholders, fees to unaffiliated Trustees, custodian bank expenses,
share issuance costs, organization and start-up costs, interest, taxes and
brokerage commissions, and non-recurring expenses, such as litigation costs.
Other expenses that are directly attributable to a particular class are
allocated equally to each outstanding share within that class. Examples of such
expenses include distribution and service plan (12b-1) fees, transfer and
shareholder servicing agent fees and expenses and shareholder meeting expenses
(to the extent that such expenses pertain only to a specific class).
Determination of Net Asset Values Per Share. The net asset values per share of
each class of shares of the Fund are determined as of the close of business of
The New York Stock Exchange on each day that the Exchange is open. The
calculation is done by dividing the value of the Fund's net assets attributable
to a class by the number of shares of that class that are outstanding. The
Exchange normally closes at 4:00 P.M., New York time, but may close earlier on
some other days (for example, in case of weather emergencies or on days falling
before a holiday). The Exchange's most recent annual announcement (which is
subject to change) states that it will close on New Year's Day, Presidents' Day,
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor
Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. It may also close on other days.
Dealers other than Exchange members may conduct trading in certain
securities on days on which the Exchange is closed (including weekends and U.S.
holidays) or after 4:00 P.M. on a regular business day. The Fund's net asset
values will not be calculated on those days and the values of some of the Fund's
portfolio securities may change significantly on those days, when shareholders
may not purchase or redeem shares. Additionally, trading on European and Asian
stock exchanges and over-the-counter markets normally is completed before the
close of The New York Stock Exchange.
Changes in the values of securities traded on foreign exchanges or markets
as a result of events that occur after the prices of those securities are
determined, but before the close of The New York Stock Exchange, will not be
reflected in the Fund's calculation of its net asset values that day unless the
Manager determines that the event is likely to effect a material change in the
value of the security. The Manager may make that determination, under procedures
established by the Board.
? Securities Valuation. The Fund's Board of Trustees has established
procedures for the valuation of the Fund's securities. In general those
procedures are as follows:
? Equity securities traded on a U.S. securities exchange or on NASDAQ
are valued as follows:
(1) if last sale information is regularly reported, they are valued at the
last reported sale price on the principal exchange on which they are
traded or on NASDAQ, as applicable, on that day, or
(2) if last sale information is not available on a valuation date, they are
valued at the last reported sale price preceding the valuation date if it
is within the spread of the closing "bid" and "asked" prices on the
valuation date or, if not, at the closing "bid" price on the valuation
date. ? Equity securities traded on a foreign securities exchange
generally
are valued in one of the following ways:
(1) at the last sale price available to the pricing service approved by the
Board of Trustees, or
(2) at the last sale price obtained by the Manager from the report of the
principal exchange on which the security is traded at its last trading
session on or immediately before the valuation date, or
(3) at the mean between the "bid" and "asked" prices obtained from the
principal exchange on which the security is traded or, on the basis of
reasonable inquiry, from two market makers in the security. ? Long-term
debt securities having a remaining maturity in excess of
60 days are valued based on the mean between the "bid" and "asked" prices
determined by a portfolio pricing service approved by the Fund's Board of
Trustees or obtained by the Manager from two active market makers in the
security on the basis of reasonable inquiry.
? The following securities are valued at the mean between the "bid" and
"asked" prices determined by a pricing service approved by the Fund's Board of
Trustees or obtained by the Manager from two active market makers in the
security on the basis of reasonable inquiry: (1) debt instruments that have a
maturity of more than 397 days when
issued,
(2) debt instruments that had a maturity of 397 days or less when issued
and have a remaining maturity of more than 60 days, and
(3) non-money market debt instruments that had a maturity of 397 days or
less when issued and which have a remaining maturity of 60 days or
less.
? The following securities are valued at cost, adjusted for
amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts:
(1) money market debt securities held by a non-money market fund that had a
maturity of less than 397 days when issued that have a remaining
maturity of 60 days or less, and
(2) debt instruments held by a money market fund that have a remaining
maturity of 397 days or less.
? Securities (including restricted securities) not having
readily-available market quotations are valued at fair value determined under
the Board's procedures. If the Manager is unable to locate two market makers
willing to give quotes, a security may be priced at the mean between the "bid"
and "asked" prices provided by a single active market maker (which in certain
cases may be the "bid" price if no "asked" price is available).
In the case of U.S. government securities, mortgage-backed securities,
corporate bonds and foreign government securities, when last sale information is
not generally available, the Manager may use pricing services approved by the
Board of Trustees. The pricing service may use "matrix" comparisons to the
prices for comparable instruments on the basis of quality, yield, maturity.
Other special factors may be involved (such as the tax-exempt status of the
interest paid by municipal securities). The Manager will monitor the accuracy of
the pricing services. That monitoring may include comparing prices used for
portfolio valuation to actual sales prices of selected securities.
The closing prices in the London foreign exchange market on a particular
business day that are provided to the Manager by a bank, dealer or pricing
service that the Manager has determined to be reliable are used to value foreign
currency, including forward contracts, and to convert to U.S. dollars securities
that are denominated in foreign currency.
Puts, calls, and futures are valued at the last sale price on the
principal exchange on which they are traded or on NASDAQ, as applicable, as
determined by a pricing service approved by the Board of Trustees or by the
Manager. If there were no sales that day, they shall be valued at the last sale
price on the preceding trading day if it is within the spread of the closing
"bid" and "asked" prices on the principal exchange or on NASDAQ on the valuation
date. If not, the value shall be the closing bid price on the principal exchange
or on NASDAQ on the valuation date. If the put, call or future is not traded on
an exchange or on NASDAQ, it shall be valued by the mean between "bid" and
"asked" prices obtained by the Manager from two active market makers. In certain
cases that may be at the "bid" price if no "asked" price is available.
When the Fund writes an option, an amount equal to the premium received is
included in the Fund's Statement of Assets and Liabilities as an asset. An
equivalent credit is included in the liability section. The credit is adjusted
("marked-to-market") to reflect the current market value of the option. In
determining the Fund's gain on investments, if a call or put written by the Fund
is exercised, the proceeds are increased by the premium received. If a call or
put written by the Fund expires, the Fund has a gain in the amount of the
premium. If the Fund enters into a closing purchase transaction, it will have a
gain or loss, depending on whether the premium received was more or less than
the cost of the closing transaction. If the Fund exercises a put it holds, the
amount the Fund receives on its sale of the underlying investment is reduced by
the amount of premium paid by the Fund.
How to Sell Shares
Information on how to sell shares of the Fund is stated in the Prospectus.
The information below provides additional information about the procedures and
conditions for redeeming shares.
Checkwriting. When a check is presented to the Bank for clearance, the Bank will
ask the Fund to redeem a sufficient number of full and fractional shares in the
shareholder's account to cover the amount of the check. This enables the
shareholder to continue receiving dividends on those shares until the check is
presented to the Fund. Checks may not be presented for payment at the offices of
the Bank or the Fund's custodian bank. This limitation does not affect the use
of checks for the payment of bills or to obtain cash at other banks. The Fund
reserves the right to amend, suspend or discontinue offering checkwriting
privileges at any time without prior notice.
In choosing to take advantage of the Checkwriting privilege, by signing
the Account Application or by completing a Checkwriting card, each individual
who signs: (1) for individual accounts, represents that they are the registered
owner(s) of the shares of the Fund in that account;
(2) for accounts for corporations, partnerships, trusts and other entities,
represents that they are an officer, general partner, trustee or other
fiduciary or agent, as applicable, duly authorized to act on behalf of
the registered owner(s);
(3)
<PAGE>
authorizes the Fund, its Transfer Agent and any bank through which the
Fund's drafts (checks) are payable to pay all checks drawn on the Fund
account of such person(s) and to redeem a sufficient amount of shares
from that account to cover payment of each check;
(4) specifically acknowledges that if they choose to permit checks to be
honored if there is a single signature on checks drawn against joint
accounts, or accounts for corporations, partnerships, trusts or other
entities, the signature of any one signatory on a check will be
sufficient to authorize payment of that check and redemption from the
account, even if that account is registered in the names of more than
one person or more than one authorized signature appears on the
Checkwriting card or the Application, as applicable;
(5) understands that the Checkwriting privilege may be terminated or
amended at any time by the Fund and/or the Fund's bank; and
(6) acknowledges and agrees that neither the Fund nor its bank shall incur
any liability for that amendment or termination of checkwriting
privileges or for redeeming shares to pay checks reasonably believed by
them to be genuine, or for returning or not paying checks that have not
been accepted for any reason.
Reinvestment Privilege. Within six months of a redemption, a shareholder may
reinvest all or part of the redemption proceeds of:
? Class A shares purchased subject to an initial sales charge or Class
A shares on which a contingent deferred sales charge was paid, or
? Class B shares that were subject to the Class B contingent deferred
sales charge when redeemed.
The reinvestment may be made without sales charge only in Class A shares
of the Fund or any of the other Oppenheimer funds into which shares of the Fund
are exchangeable as described in "How to Exchange Shares" below. Reinvestment
will be at the net asset value next computed after the Transfer Agent receives
the reinvestment order. The shareholder must ask the Transfer Agent for that
privilege at the time of reinvestment. This privilege does not apply to Class C
shares. The Fund may amend, suspend or cease offering this reinvestment
privilege at any time as to shares redeemed after the date of such amendment,
suspension or cessation.
Any capital gain that was realized when the shares were redeemed is
taxable, and reinvestment will not alter any capital gains tax payable on that
gain. If there has been a capital loss on the redemption, some or all of the
loss may not be tax deductible, depending on the timing and amount of the
reinvestment. Under the Internal Revenue Code, if the redemption proceeds of
Fund shares on which a sales charge was paid are reinvested in shares of the
Fund or another of the Oppenheimer funds within 90 days of payment of the sales
charge, the shareholder's basis in the shares of the Fund that were redeemed may
not include the amount of the sales charge paid. That would reduce the loss or
increase the gain recognized from the redemption. However, in that case the
sales charge would be added to the basis of the shares acquired by the
reinvestment of the redemption proceeds.
<PAGE>
Payments "In Kind". The Prospectus states that payment for shares tendered for
redemption is ordinarily made in cash. However, the Board of Trustees of the
Fund may determine that it would be detrimental to the best interests of the
remaining shareholders of the Fund to make payment of a redemption order wholly
or partly in cash. In that case, the Fund may pay the redemption proceeds in
whole or in part by a distribution "in kind" of liquid securities from the
portfolio of the Fund, in lieu of cash.
The Fund has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the Investment
Company Act. Under that rule, the Fund is obligated to redeem shares solely in
cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net assets of the Fund during any
90-day period for any one shareholder. If shares are redeemed in kind, the
redeeming shareholder might incur brokerage or other costs in selling the
securities for cash. The Fund will value securities used to pay redemptions in
kind using the same method the Fund uses to value its portfolio securities
described above under "Determination of Net Asset Values Per Share." That
valuation will be made as of the time the redemption price is determined.
Involuntary Redemptions. The Fund's Board of Trustees has the right to cause the
involuntary redemption of the shares held in any account if the aggregate net
asset value of those shares is less than $1,000 or such lesser amount as the
Board may fix. The Board will not cause the involuntary redemption of shares in
an account if the aggregate net asset value of such shares has fallen below the
stated minimum solely as a result of market fluctuations. If the Board exercises
this right, it may also fix the requirements for any notice to be given to the
shareholders in question (not less than 30 days). The Board may alternatively
set requirements for the shareholder to increase the investment, or set other
terms and conditions so that the shares would not be involuntarily redeemed.
Transfers of Shares. A transfer of shares to a different registration is not an
event that triggers the payment of sales charges. Therefore, shares are not
subject to the payment of a contingent deferred sales charge of any class at the
time of transfer to the name of another person or entity. It does not matter
whether the transfer occurs by absolute assignment, gift or bequest, as long as
it does not involve, directly or indirectly, a public sale of the shares. When
shares subject to a contingent deferred sales charge are transferred, the
transferred shares will remain subject to the contingent deferred sales charge.
It will be calculated as if the transferee shareholder had acquired the
transferred shares in the same manner and at the same time as the transferring
shareholder.
If less than all shares held in an account are transferred, and some but
not all shares in the account would be subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge if redeemed at the time of transfer, the priorities described in the
Prospectus under "How to Buy Shares" for the imposition of the Class B or Class
C contingent deferred sales charge will be followed in determining the order in
which shares are transferred.
Distributions From Retirement Plans. Requests for distributions from
OppenheimerFunds-sponsored IRAs, 403(b)(7) custodial plans, 401(k) plans or
pension or profit-sharing plans should be addressed to "Trustee,
OppenheimerFunds Retirement Plans," c/o the Transfer Agent at its address listed
in "How To Sell Shares" in the Prospectus or on the back cover of this Statement
of Additional Information. The request must (1) state the reason for the
distribution; (2) state the owner's awareness of tax penalties if the
distribution is
premature; and
(3) conform to the requirements of the plan and the Fund's other redemption
requirements.
Participants (other than self-employed persons) in
OppenheimerFunds-sponsored pension or profit-sharing plans with shares of the
Fund held in the name of the plan or its fiduciary may not directly request
redemption of their accounts. The plan administrator or fiduciary must sign the
request.
Distributions from pension and profit sharing plans are subject to special
requirements under the Internal Revenue Code and certain documents (available
from the Transfer Agent) must be completed and submitted to the Transfer Agent
before the distribution may be made. Distributions from retirement plans are
subject to withholding requirements under the Internal Revenue Code, and IRS
Form W-4P (available from the Transfer Agent) must be submitted to the Transfer
Agent with the distribution request, or the distribution may be delayed. Unless
the shareholder has provided the Transfer Agent with a certified tax
identification number, the Internal Revenue Code requires that tax be withheld
from any distribution even if the shareholder elects not to have tax withheld.
The Fund, the Manager, the Distributor, and the Transfer Agent assume no
responsibility to determine whether a distribution satisfies the conditions of
applicable tax laws and will not be responsible for any tax penalties assessed
in connection with a distribution.
Special Arrangements for Repurchase of Shares from Dealers and Brokers. The
Distributor is the Fund's agent to repurchase its shares from authorized dealers
or brokers on behalf of their customers. Shareholders should contact their
broker or dealer to arrange this type of redemption. The repurchase price per
share will be the net asset value next computed after the Distributor receives
an order placed by the dealer or broker. However, if the Distributor receives a
repurchase order from a dealer or broker after the close of The New York Stock
Exchange on a regular business day, it will be processed at that day's net asset
value if the order was received by the dealer or broker from its customers prior
to the time the Exchange closes. Normally, the Exchange closes at 4:00 P.M., but
may do so earlier on some days. Additionally, the order must have been
transmitted to and received by the Distributor prior to its close of business
that day (normally 5:00 P.M.).
Ordinarily, for accounts redeemed by a broker-dealer under this procedure,
payment will be made within three business days after the shares have been
redeemed upon the Distributor's receipt of the required redemption documents in
proper form. The signature(s) of the registered owners on the redemption
documents must be guaranteed as described in the Prospectus.
Automatic Withdrawal and Exchange Plans. Investors owning shares of the Fund
valued at $5,000 or more can authorize the Transfer Agent to redeem shares
(having a value of at least $50) automatically on a monthly, quarterly,
semi-annual or annual basis under an Automatic Withdrawal Plan. Shares will be
redeemed three business days prior to the date requested by the shareholder for
receipt of the payment. Automatic withdrawals of up to $1,500 per month may be
requested by telephone if payments are to be made by check payable to all
shareholders of record. Payments must also be sent to the address of record for
the account and the address must not have been changed within the prior 30 days.
Required minimum distributions from OppenheimerFunds-sponsored retirement plans
may not be arranged on this basis.
Payments are normally made by check, but shareholders having AccountLink
privileges (see "How To Buy Shares") may arrange to have Automatic Withdrawal
Plan payments transferred to the bank account designated on the Account
Application or by signature-guaranteed instructions sent to the Transfer Agent.
Shares are normally redeemed pursuant to an Automatic Withdrawal Plan three
business days before the payment transmittal date you select in the Account
Application. If a contingent deferred sales charge applies to the redemption,
the amount of the check or payment will be reduced accordingly.
The Fund cannot guarantee receipt of a payment on the date requested. The
Fund reserves the right to amend, suspend or discontinue offering these plans at
any time without prior notice. Because of the sales charge assessed on Class A
share purchases, shareholders should not make regular additional Class A share
purchases while participating in an Automatic Withdrawal Plan. Class B and Class
C shareholders should not establish withdrawal plans, because of the imposition
of the contingent deferred sales charge on such withdrawals (except where the
contingent deferred sales charge is waived as described in Appendix C to this
Statement of Additional Information.)
By requesting an Automatic Withdrawal or Exchange Plan, the shareholder
agrees to the terms and conditions that apply to such plans, as stated below.
These provisions may be amended from time to time by the Fund and/or the
Distributor. When adopted, any amendments will automatically apply to existing
Plans.
? Automatic Exchange Plans. Shareholders can authorize the Transfer Agent
to exchange a pre-determined amount of shares of the Fund for shares (of the
same class) of other Oppenheimer funds automatically on a monthly, quarterly,
semi-annual or annual basis under an Automatic Exchange Plan. The minimum amount
that may be exchanged to each other fund account is $25. Instructions should be
provided on the OppenheimerFunds Application or signature-guaranteed
instructions. Exchanges made under these plans are subject to the restrictions
that apply to exchanges as set forth in "How to Exchange Shares" in the
Prospectus and below in this Statement of Additional Information.
? Automatic Withdrawal Plans. Fund shares will be redeemed as necessary to
meet withdrawal payments. Shares acquired without a sales charge will be
redeemed first. Shares acquired with reinvested dividends and capital gains
distributions will be redeemed next, followed by shares acquired with a sales
charge, to the extent necessary to make withdrawal payments. Depending upon the
amount withdrawn, the investor's principal may be depleted. Payments made under
these plans should not be considered as a yield or income on your investment.
The Transfer Agent will administer the investor's Automatic Withdrawal
Plan as agent for the shareholder(s) (the "Planholder") who executed the Plan
authorization and application submitted to the Transfer Agent. Neither the Fund
nor the Transfer Agent shall incur any liability to the Planholder for any
action taken or not taken by the Transfer Agent in good faith to administer the
Plan. Share certificates will not be issued for shares of the Fund purchased for
and held under the Plan, but the Transfer Agent will credit all such shares to
the account of the Planholder on the records of the Fund. Any share certificates
held by a Planholder may be surrendered unendorsed to the Transfer Agent with
the Plan application so that the shares represented by the certificate may be
held under the Plan.
For accounts subject to Automatic Withdrawal Plans, distributions of
capital gains must be reinvested in shares of the Fund, which will be done at
net asset value without a sales charge. Dividends on shares held in the account
may be paid in cash or reinvested.
Shares will be redeemed to make withdrawal payments at the net asset value
per share determined on the redemption date. Checks or AccountLink payments
representing the proceeds of Plan withdrawals will normally be transmitted three
business days prior to the date selected for receipt of the payment, according
to the choice specified in writing by the Planholder. Receipt of payment on the
date selected cannot be guaranteed.
The amount and the interval of disbursement payments and the address to
which checks are to be mailed or AccountLink payments are to be sent may be
changed at any time by the Planholder by writing to the Transfer Agent. The
Planholder should allow at least two weeks' time after mailing such notification
for the requested change to be put in effect. The Planholder may, at any time,
instruct the Transfer Agent by written notice to redeem all, or any part of, the
shares held under the Plan. That notice must be in proper form in accordance
with the requirements of the then-current Prospectus of the Fund. In that case,
the Transfer Agent will redeem the number of shares requested at the net asset
value per share in effect and will mail a check for the proceeds to the
Planholder.
The Planholder may terminate a Plan at any time by writing to the Transfer
Agent. The Fund may also give directions to the Transfer Agent to terminate a
Plan. The Transfer Agent will also terminate a Plan upon its receipt of evidence
satisfactory to it that the Planholder has died or is legally incapacitated.
Upon termination of a Plan by the Transfer Agent or the Fund, shares that have
not been redeemed will be held in uncertificated form in the name of the
Planholder. The account will continue as a dividend-reinvestment, uncertificated
account unless and until proper instructions are received from the Planholder,
his or her executor or guardian, or another authorized person.
To use shares held under the Plan as collateral for a debt, the Planholder
may request issuance of a portion of the shares in certificated form. Upon
written request from the Planholder, the Transfer Agent will determine the
number of shares for which a certificate may be issued without causing the
withdrawal checks to stop. However, should such uncertificated shares become
exhausted, Plan withdrawals will terminate.
If the Transfer Agent ceases to act as transfer agent for the Fund, the
Planholder will be deemed to have appointed any successor transfer agent to act
as agent in administering the Plan.
How to Exchange Shares
As stated in the Prospectus, shares of a particular class of Oppenheimer
funds having more than one class of shares may be exchanged only for shares of
the same class of other Oppenheimer funds. Shares of Oppenheimer funds that have
a single class without a class designation are deemed "Class A" shares for this
purpose. You can obtain a current list showing which funds offer which classes
by calling the Distributor at 1-800-525-7048.
? All of the Oppenheimer funds currently offer Class A, B and C shares
except Oppenheimer Money Market Fund, Inc., Centennial Money Market Trust,
Centennial Tax Exempt Trust, Centennial Government Trust, Centennial New York
Tax Exempt Trust, Centennial California Tax Exempt Trust, and Centennial America
Fund, L.P., which only offer Class A shares.
? Oppenheimer Main Street California Municipal Fund currently offers
only Class A and Class B shares.
? Class B and Class C shares of Oppenheimer Cash Reserves are generally
available only by exchange from the same class of shares of other Oppenheimer
funds or through OppenheimerFunds-sponsored 401 (k) plans.
? Class Y shares of Oppenheimer Real Asset Fund may not be exchanged
for shares of any other Fund.
Class A shares of Oppenheimer funds may be exchanged at net asset value
for shares of any money market fund offered by the Distributor. Shares of any
money market fund purchased without a sales charge may be exchanged for shares
of Oppenheimer funds offered with a sales charge upon payment of the sales
charge. They may also be used to purchase shares of Oppenheimer funds subject to
a contingent deferred sales charge.
Shares of Oppenheimer Money Market Fund, Inc. purchased with the
redemption proceeds of shares of other mutual funds (other than funds managed by
the Manager or its subsidiaries) redeemed within the 30 days prior to that
purchase may subsequently be exchanged for shares of other Oppenheimer funds
without being subject to an initial or contingent deferred sales charge. To
qualify for that privilege, the investor or the investor's dealer must notify
the Distributor of eligibility for this privilege at the time the shares of
Oppenheimer Money Market Fund, Inc. are purchased. If requested, they must
supply proof of entitlement to this privilege.
For accounts established on or before March 8, 1996 holding Class M shares
of Oppenheimer Convertible Securities Fund, Class M shares can be exchanged only
for Class A shares of other Oppenheimer funds. Exchanges to Class M shares of
Oppenheimer Convertible Securities Fund are permitted from Class A shares of
Oppenheimer Money Market Fund, Inc. or Oppenheimer Cash Reserves that were
acquired by exchange of Class M shares. No other exchanges may be made to Class
M shares.
Shares of the Fund acquired by reinvestment of dividends or distributions
from any of the other Oppenheimer funds or from any unit investment trust for
which reinvestment arrangements have been made with the Distributor may be
exchanged at net asset value for shares of any of the Oppenheimer funds.
|X| How Exchanges Affect Contingent Deferred Sales Charges. No contingent
deferred sales charge is imposed on exchanges of shares of any class purchased
subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. However, when Class A shares
acquired by exchange of Class A shares of other Oppenheimer funds purchased
subject to a Class A contingent deferred sales charge are redeemed within 18
months of the end of the calendar month of the initial purchase of the exchanged
Class A shares, the Class A contingent deferred sales charge is imposed on the
redeemed shares. The Class B contingent deferred sales charge is imposed on
Class B shares acquired by exchange if they
<PAGE>
are redeemed within 6 years of the initial purchase of the exchanged Class B
shares. The Class C contingent deferred sales charge is imposed on Class C
shares acquired by exchange if they are redeemed within 12 months of the initial
purchase of the exchanged Class C shares.
When Class B or Class C shares are redeemed to effect an exchange, the
priorities described in "How To Buy Shares" in the Prospectus for the imposition
of the Class B or the Class C contingent deferred sales charge will be followed
in determining the order in which the shares are exchanged. Before exchanging
shares, shareholders should take into account how the exchange may affect any
contingent deferred sales charge that might be imposed in the subsequent
redemption of remaining shares. Shareholders owning shares of more than one
class must specify which class of shares they wish to exchange.
|X| Limits on Multiple Exchange Orders. The Fund reserves the right to
reject telephone or written exchange requests submitted in bulk by anyone on
behalf of more than one account. The Fund may accept requests for exchanges of
up to 50 accounts per day from representatives of authorized dealers that
qualify for this privilege.
|X| Telephone Exchange Requests. When exchanging shares by telephone, a
shareholder must have an existing account in the fund to which the exchange is
to be made. Otherwise, the investors must obtain a Prospectus of that fund
before the exchange request may be submitted. For full or partial exchanges of
an account made by telephone, any special account features such as Asset Builder
Plans and Automatic Withdrawal Plans will be switched to the new account unless
the Transfer Agent is instructed otherwise. If all telephone lines are busy
(which might occur, for example, during periods of substantial market
fluctuations), shareholders might not be able to request exchanges by telephone
and would have to submit written exchange requests.
|X| Processing Exchange Requests. Shares to be exchanged are redeemed on
the regular business day the Transfer Agent receives an exchange request in
proper form (the "Redemption Date"). Normally, shares of the fund to be acquired
are purchased on the Redemption Date, but such purchases may be delayed by
either fund up to five business days if it determines that it would be
disadvantaged by an immediate transfer of the redemption proceeds. The Fund
reserves the right, in its discretion, to refuse any exchange request that may
disadvantage it. For example, if the receipt of multiple exchange requests from
a dealer might require the disposition of portfolio securities at a time or at a
price that might be disadvantageous to the Fund, the Fund may refuse the
request.
In connection with any exchange request, the number of shares exchanged
may be less than the number requested if the exchange or the number requested
would include shares subject to a restriction cited in the Prospectus or this
Statement of Additional Information, or would include shares covered by a share
certificate that is not tendered with the request. In those cases, only the
shares available for exchange without restriction will be exchanged.
The different Oppenheimer funds available for exchange have different
investment objectives, policies and risks. A shareholder should assure that the
fund selected is appropriate for his or her investment and should be aware of
the tax consequences of an exchange. For federal income tax purposes, an
exchange transaction is treated as a redemption of shares of one fund and a
purchase of shares of another. "Reinvestment Privilege," above, discusses some
of the tax consequences of reinvestment of redemption proceeds in such cases.
The Fund, the Distributor, and the Transfer Agent are unable to provide
investment, tax or legal advice to a shareholder in connection with an exchange
request or any other investment transaction.
Dividends, Capital Gains and Taxes
Dividends and Distributions. Dividends will be payable on shares held of record
at the time of the previous determination of net asset value, or as otherwise
described in "How to Buy Shares." Daily dividends will not be declared or paid
on newly purchased shares until such time as Federal Funds (funds credited to a
member bank's account at the Federal Reserve Bank) are available from the
purchase payment for such shares. Normally, purchase checks received from
investors are converted to Federal Funds on the next business day. Shares
purchased through dealers or brokers normally are paid for by the third business
day following the placement of the purchase order.
Shares redeemed through the regular redemption procedure will be paid
dividends through and including the day on which the redemption request is
received by the Transfer Agent in proper form. Dividends will be declared on
shares repurchased by a dealer or broker for three business days following the
trade date (that is, up to and including the day prior to settlement of the
repurchase). If all shares in an account are redeemed, all dividends accrued on
shares of the same class in the account will be paid together with the
redemption proceeds.
The Fund's practice of attempting to pay dividends on Class A shares at a
constant level requires the Manager to monitor the Fund's portfolio and, if
necessary, to select higher-yielding securities when it is deemed appropriate to
seek income at the level needed to meet the target. Those securities must be
within the Fund's investment parameters, however. The Fund expects to pay
dividends at a targeted level from its net investment income and other
distributable income without any impact on the net asset values per share.
The Fund has no fixed dividend rate for Class B, Class C or Class Y
shares, and the rate can change for Class A shares. There can be no assurance as
to the payment of any dividends or the realization of any capital gains. The
dividends and distributions paid by a class of shares will vary from time to
time depending on market conditions, the composition of the Fund's portfolio,
and expenses borne by the Fund or borne separately by a class. Dividends are
calculated in the same manner, at the same time, and on the same day for each
class of shares. However, dividends on Class B and Class C shares are expected
to be lower than dividends on Class A and Class Y shares. That is because of the
effect of the asset-based sales charge on Class B and Class C shares. Those
dividends will also differ in amount as a consequence of any difference in the
net asset values of the different classes of shares.
Dividends, distributions and proceeds of the redemption of Fund shares
represented by checks returned to the Transfer Agent by the Postal Service as
undeliverable will be invested in shares of Oppenheimer Money Market Fund, Inc.
Reinvestment will be made as promptly as possible after the return of such
checks to the Transfer Agent, to enable the investor to earn a return on
otherwise idle funds. Unclaimed accounts may be subject to state escheatment
laws, and the Fund and the Transfer Agent will not be liable to shareholders or
their representatives for compliance with those laws in good faith.
Tax Status of the Fund's Dividends and Distributions. The Federal tax treatment
of the Fund's dividends and capital gains distributions is briefly highlighted
in the Prospectus.
Special provisions of the Internal Revenue Code govern the eligibility
of the Fund's dividends for the dividends-received deduction for corporate
shareholders. Long-term capital gains distributions are not eligible for the
deduction. The amount of dividends paid by the Fund that may qualify for the
deduction is limited to the aggregate amount of qualifying dividends that the
Fund derives from portfolio investments that the Fund has held for a minimum
period, usually 46 days. A corporate shareholder will not be eligible for the
deduction on dividends paid on Fund shares held for 45 days or less. To the
extent the Fund's dividends are derived from gross income from option premiums,
interest income or short-term gains from the sale of securities or dividends
from foreign corporations, those dividends will not qualify for the deduction.
Under the Internal Revenue Code, by December 31 each year, the Fund must
distribute 98% of its taxable investment income earned from January 1 through
December 31 of that year and 98% of its capital gains realized in the period
from November 1 of the prior year through October 31 of the current year. If it
does not, the Fund must pay an excise tax on the amounts not distributed. It is
presently anticipated that the Fund will meet those requirements. However, the
Board of Trustees and the Manager might determine in a particular year that it
would be in the best interests of shareholders for the Fund not to make such
distributions at the required levels and to pay the excise tax on the
undistributed amounts. That would reduce the amount of income or capital gains
available for distribution to shareholders.
The Fund intends to qualify as a "regulated investment company" under the
Internal Revenue Code (although it reserves the right not to qualify). That
qualification enables the Fund to "pass through" its income and realized capital
gains to shareholders without having to pay tax on them. This avoids a double
tax on that income and capital gains, since shareholders normally will be taxed
on the dividends and capital gains they receive from the Fund (unless the Fund's
shares are held in a retirement account or the shareholder is otherwise exempt
from tax). If the Fund qualifies as a "regulated investment company" under the
Internal Revenue Code, it will not be liable for federal income taxes on amounts
paid by it as dividends and distributions. The Fund qualified as a regulated
investment company in its last fiscal year. The Internal Revenue Code contains a
number of complex tests relating to qualification which the Fund might not meet
in any particular year. If it did not so qualify, the Fund would be treated for
tax purposes as an ordinary corporation and receive no tax deduction for
payments made to shareholders.
If prior distributions made by the Fund must be re-characterized as a
non-taxable return of capital at the end of the fiscal year as a result of the
effect of the Fund's investment policies, they will be identified as such in
notices sent to shareholders.
Dividend Reinvestment in Another Fund. Shareholders of the Fund may elect to
reinvest all dividends and/or capital gains distributions in shares of the same
class of any of the other Oppenheimer funds listed above. Reinvestment will be
made without sales charge at the net asset value per share in effect at the
close of business on the payable date of the dividend or distribution. To elect
this option, the shareholder must notify the Transfer Agent in writing and must
have an existing account in the fund selected for reinvestment. Otherwise the
shareholder first must obtain
<PAGE>
a prospectus for that fund and an application from the Distributor to establish
an account. Dividends and/or distributions from shares of certain other
Oppenheimer funds (other than Oppenheimer Cash Reserves) may be invested in
shares of this Fund on the same basis.
Additional Information About the Fund
The Distributor. The Fund's shares are sold through dealers, brokers and other
financial institutions that have a sales agreement with OppenheimerFunds
Distributor, Inc., a subsidiary of the Manager that acts as the Fund's
Distributor. The Distributor also distributes shares of the other Oppenheimer
funds and is sub-distributor for funds managed by a subsidiary of the Manager.
The Transfer Agent. OppenheimerFunds Services, the Fund's Transfer Agent, is a
division of the Manager. It is responsible for maintaining the Fund's
shareholder registry and shareholder accounting records, and for paying
dividends and distributions to shareholders. It also handles shareholder
servicing and administrative functions. It acts on an "at-cost" basis. It also
acts as shareholder servicing agent for the other Oppenheimer funds.
Shareholders should direct inquiries about their accounts to the Transfer Agent
at the address and toll-free numbers shown on the back cover.
The Custodian. The Bank of New York is the custodian of the Fund's assets. The
custodian bank's responsibilities include safeguarding and controlling the
Fund's portfolio securities and handling the delivery of such securities to and
from the Fund. It will be the practice of the Fund to deal with the custodian
bank in a manner uninfluenced by any banking relationship the custodian bank may
have with the Manager and its affiliates. The Fund's cash balances with the
custodian bank in excess of $100,000 are not protected by Federal deposit
insurance. Those uninsured balances at times may be substantial.
Independent Auditors. Deloitte & Touche LLP are the independent auditors of the
Fund. They audit the Fund's financial statements and perform other related audit
services. They also act as auditors for the Manager and certain other funds
advised by the Manager and its affiliates.
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
================================================================================
The Board of Trustees and Shareholders of
Oppenheimer Bond Fund:
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including
the statement of investments, of Oppenheimer Bond Fund as of December 31,
1998,
the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of
changes in net assets for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the
financial highlights for the period January 1, 1994, to December 31, 1998. These
financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of the
Fund's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements and financial highlights based on our audits.
We 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
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. Our procedures included confirmation of securities
owned as of December 31, 1998, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers;
where replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing
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, such financial statements and financial
highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Oppenheimer Bond Fund as of December 31, 1998, the results of its operations,
the changes in its net assets, and the financial highlights for the respective
stated periods, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Denver, Colorado
January 25, 1999
45 Oppenheimer Bond Fund
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS December 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FACE MARKET VALUE
AMOUNT(1) SEE NOTE 1
=================================================================================================
<S>
<C> <C>
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES--0.6%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CS First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., Mtg. Pass-Through
Certificates, Series 1998-C1, Cl. F, 6%, 5/17/40(2)
$2,500,000 $1,685,157
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dayton Hudson Credit Card Master Trust, Asset-Backed
Certificates, Series 1997-1, Cl. A, 6.25%, 8/25/05
125,000 127,695
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IROQUOIS Trust, Asset-Backed Amortizing Nts.,
Series 1997-2, Cl. A, 6.752%, 6/25/07(2)
175,000 175,820
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Olympic Automobile Receivables Trust, Automobile
Receivables-Backed Nts.:
Series 1996-A, Cl. A-4, 5.85%, 7/15/01
97,569 97,524
Series 1997-A, Cl. A-5, 6.80%, 2/15/05
150,000 152,250
- ---------
Total Asset-Backed Securities (Cost
$2,565,556) 2,238,446
=================================================================================================
MORTGAGE-BACKED OBLIGATIONS--43.6%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOVERNMENT AGENCY--28.2%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FHLMC/FNMA/SPONSORED--16.1%
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Certificates of Participation:
9%, 3/1/17
317,939 338,390
Series 17-039, 13.50%, 11/1/10
34,012 39,768
Series 17-094, 12.50%, 4/1/14
19,704 22,784
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Collateralized Mtg
Obligations, Gtd. Multiclass Mtg. Participation Certificates:
Series 1343, Cl. LA, 8%, 8/15/22
1,600,000 1,719,008
Series 151, Cl. F, 9%, 5/15/21
866,526 912,825
Series 1711, Cl. EA, 7%, 3/15/24
200,000 204,562
Series 1712, Cl. B, 6%, 3/15/09
1,000,000 995,930
Series 1714, Cl. M, 7%, 8/15/23
1,000,000 1,019,060
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Gtd. Multiclass Mtg
Participation Certificates:
6%, 3/1/09
249,375 250,976
Series 1460, Cl. H, 7%, 5/15/07
1,500,000 1,520,625
Series 1843, Cl. VB, 7%, 4/15/03
85,000 86,806
Series 1849, Cl. VA, 6%, 12/15/10
195,514 197,225
Series G056, Cl. H, 9%, 7/20/24
2,493,000 2,679,196
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Gtd. Real Estate Mtg
Investment Conduit Pass-Through Certificates:
Series 1914, Cl. G, 6.50%, 2/15/24
3,000,000 3,036,540
Series 2054, Cl. TE, 6.25%, 4/15/24
850,000 858,228
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Interest-Only Stripped
Mtg.-Backed Security:
Series 1583, Cl. IC, 0.312%, 1/15/20(3)
433,807 42,567
Series 1661, Cl. PK, 15.01%, 11/15/06(3)
455,645 29,332
Series 197, Cl. IO, 12.103%, 4/1/28(3)
8,297,692 2,157,400
</TABLE>
13 Oppenheimer Bond Fund
<PAGE>
Statement of Investments (Continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FACE MARKET VALUE
AMOUNT(1) SEE NOTE 1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>
<C> <C>
FHLMC/FNMA/SPONSORED (CONTINUED)
Federal National Mortgage Assn.:
6%, 12/1/03 $
162,688 $ 163,203
6.50%, 4/1/26-11/1/28
4,381,601 4,411,667
6.50%, 1/25/28(4)
8,500,000 8,557,120
7%, 1/25/28(4)
8,000,000 8,161,280
7%, 4/1/00-11/1/25
795,613 811,364
7.50%, 2/1/08-3/1/08
438,455 451,167
11%, 7/1/16
3,242,413 3,712,564
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal National Mortgage Assn., Collateralized Mtg
Obligations, Gtd. Real Estate Mtg. Investment Conduit
Pass-Through Certificates:
Trust 1992-34, Cl. G, 8%, 3/25/22
540,000 566,325
Trust 1993-181, Cl. C, 5.40%, 10/25/02
5,057 5,038
Trust 1993-190, Cl. Z, 5.85%, 7/25/08
153,137 152,850
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal National Mortgage Assn., Gtd. Mtg. Pass-Through
Certificates, 8%, 8/1/17
292,656 300,257
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal National Mortgage Assn., Gtd. Real Estate Mtg. Investment
Conduit Pass-Through Certificates:
Trust 1991-170, Cl. E, 8%, 12/25/06
2,186,008 2,260,464
Trust 1992-162, Cl. C, 7%, 10/25/21
8,400,000 8,583,708
Trust 1995-4, Cl. PC, 8%, 5/25/25
869,210 940,642
Trust 1997-25, Cl. B, 7%, 12/18/22
510,000 517,808
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federal National Mortgage Assn., Principal-Only
Stripped Mtg.-Backed Security:
Trust 277-C1, 36.333%, 4/1/27(5)
243,354 213,772
Trust 294, Cl. 1, 10.749%, 2/1/28(5)
1,694,264 1,440,125
- ----------
57,360,576
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GNMA/GUARANTEED--12.1%
Government National Mortgage Assn.:
6%, 7/20/27
179,727 181,945
6.50%, 9/15/24
7,814,056 7,902,746
7%, 7/15/09-8/15/28
5,992,611 6,129,286
7%, 1/1/28(4)
8,000,000 8,185,040
7.50%, 1/15/28-9/15/28
13,720,355 14,157,276
8%, 6/15/05-8/15/28
4,812,670 4,999,816
9%, 2/15/09-6/15/09
350,604 375,347
10%, 11/15/09
172,729 189,813
10.50%, 12/15/17-5/15/21
218,905 239,909
11%, 10/20/19
595,709 678,364
12%, 1/15/99-5/15/14
907 1,018
13%, 12/15/14
26,874 30,897
- ----------
43,071,457
</TABLE>
14 Oppenheimer Bond Fund
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FACE MARKET VALUE
AMOUNT(1) SEE NOTE 1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>
<C> <C>
PRIVATE--15.4%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMERCIAL--11.0%
AMRESCO Commercial Mortgage Funding I Corp., Multiclass Mtg
Pass-Through Certificates, Series 1997-C1, Cl. G, 7%, 6/17/29(2) $
150,000 $ 119,766
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset Securitization Corp., Commercial Mtg. Pass-Through
Certificates:
Series 1996-D3, Cl. A5, 8.142%, 10/13/26(6)
800,000 813,250
Series 1996-MD6, Cl. A5, 7.164%, 11/13/26(6)
2,000,000 2,045,000
Series 1997-D4, Cl. B1, 7.525%, 4/14/29(6)
333,000 267,024
Series 1997-D4, Cl. B2, 7.525%, 4/14/29
333,000 258,179
Series 1997-D4, Cl. B3, 7.525%, 4/14/29(6)
334,000 235,783
Series 1997-D5, Cl. A6, 7.185%, 2/14/41(6)
1,500,000 1,373,203
Series 1997-D5, Cl. B1, 6.93%, 2/14/41
2,000,000 1,505,937
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset Securitization Corp., Interest-Only Stripped Mtg.-Backed
Security, Series 1997-D5, Cl. PS1, 8.185%, 2/14/41(3)
6,165,761 596,345
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital Lease Funding Securitization LP, Interest-Only
Corporate-Backed Pass-Through Certificates,
Series 1997-CTL1, 9.55%, 6/22/24(2)(3)
13,286,717 547,413
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CBA Mortgage Corp., Mtg. Pass-Through Certificates,
Series 1993-C1, Cl. E, 7.76%, 12/25/03(2)(6)
250,000 232,969
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CMC Securities Corp. I, Collateralized Mtg. Obligations,
Series 1993-D, Cl. D-3, 10%, 7/25/23
294,615 297,654
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commercial Mortgage Acceptance Corp., Interest-Only
Stripped Mtg.-Backed Security, Series 1996-C1,
Cl. X-2, 26.592%, 12/25/20(2)(3)
18,624,900 384,139
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FDIC Trust, Gtd. Real Estate Mtg. Investment
Conduit Pass-Through Certificates:
Series 1994-C1, Cl. 2-D, 8.70%, 9/25/25
1,000,000 1,020,000
Series 1994-C1, Cl. 2-E, 8.70%, 9/25/25
1,000,000 996,250
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Union-Lehman Brothers Commercial Mortgage
Trust, Commercial Mtg. Pass-Through Certificates,
Series 1998-C2, Cl. E, 6.778%, 5/18/13
2,000,000 1,731,250
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Union-Lehman Brothers Commercial Mortgage Trust,
Interest-Only Stripped Mtg.-Backed Security,
Series 1997-C1, 10.019%, 4/18/27(3)
16,359,075 1,136,189
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General Motors Acceptance Corp., Collateralized
Mtg. Obligations:
Series 1997-C2, Cl. D, 7.192%, 1/15/08
1,500,000 1,486,875
Series 1997-C2, Cl. F, 6.75%, 4/16/29
1,000,000 680,937
Series 1998-C1, Cl. E, 7.086%, 3/15/11(6)
1,500,000 1,508,906
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GS Mortgage Securities Corp. II, Commercial Mtg
Pass-Through Certificates:
Series 1997-CL1, Cl. F, 7.154%, 7/13/30(6)
1,000,000 1,007,187
Series 1997-CL1, Cl. F, 7.624%, 7/13/30(6)
1,000,000 936,250
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors, Inc., Mtg
Pass-Through Certificates:
Series 1996-C1, Cl. D, 7.42%, 4/25/28
1,500,000 1,535,625
Series 1997-C2, Cl. D, 7.072%, 12/10/29(6)
1,000,000 969,375
</TABLE>
15 Oppenheimer Bond Fund
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS (Continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FACE MARKET VALUE
AMOUNT(1) SEE NOTE 1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>
<C> <C>
COMMERCIAL (CONTINUED)
Morgan Stanley Capital I, Inc., Commercial Mtg
Pass-Through Certificates:
Series 1996-C1, Cl. D-1, 7.436%, 2/15/28(2)(6) $
1,000,000 $ 1,028,125
Series 1996-C1, Cl. E, 7.436%, 3/15/06(2)(6)
1,100,000 1,029,187
Series 1997-HF1, Cl. F, 6.86%, 2/15/10(2)
225,000 201,938
Series 1997-RR, Cl. E, 7.762%, 4/30/39(2)(6)
400,000 362,500
Series 1997-RR, Cl. F, 7.762%, 4/30/39(2)
400,000 290,500
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NationsCommercial Corp., NB Commercial Mtg. Pass-Through
Certificates, Series-DMC, Cl. B, 8.562%, 8/12/11(2)
3,000,000 3,185,625
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PNC Mortgage Securities Corp., Commercial Mtg
Pass-Through Certificates, Series 1995-2, Cl. A3, 6.50%, 2/25/12
74,000 74,035
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Potomac Gurnee Financial Corp., Commercial Mtg
Pass-Through Certificates, Series 1, Cl. D, 7.68%, 12/21/26(2)
1,500,000 1,504,688
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Resolution Trust Corp., Commercial Mtg. Pass-Through Certificates:
Series 1994-C1, Cl. C, 8%, 6/25/26
1,500,000 1,505,391
Series 1995-C1, Cl. D, 6.90%, 2/25/27
2,500,000 2,484,961
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Salomon Brothers Mortgage Securities VII, Series 1996-C1, Cl. E,
9.184%, 1/20/06
700,000 715,750
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Structured Asset Securities Corp., Commercial Mtg. Pass-Through
Certificates, Series 1997-LLI, Cl. D, 7.15%, 4/12/12
2,500,000 2,495,313
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Structured Asset Securities Corp., Multiclass Pass-Through
Certificates, Series 1996-C3, Cl. D, 8%, 6/25/30(2)
2,500,000 2,514,063
- -----------
39,077,582
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MULTI-FAMILY--0.7%
Countrywide Funding Corp., Mtg. Pass-Through
Certificates, Series 1994-10, Cl. A3, 6%, 5/25/09
250,000 248,358
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mortgage Capital Funding, Inc., Commercial Mtg. Pass-Through
Certificates, Series 1997-MC1, Cl. F, 7.452%, 5/20/07(2)`
254,890 211,768
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mortgage Capital Funding, Inc., Multifamily Mtg. Pass-Through
Certificates, Series 1996-MC1, Cl. G, 7.15%, 6/15/06(7)
2,250,000 1,854,492
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Resolution Trust Corp., Commercial Mtg. Pass-Through
Certificates, Series 1991-M5, Cl. A, 9%, 3/25/17(2)
60,453 60,000
- -----------
2,374,618
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER--0.4%
JHM Mtg. Acceptance Corp., Collateralized Mtg. Obligation
Bonds, Series E, Cl. 5, 8.96%, 4/1/19
1,181,467 1,208,783
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Salomon Brothers Mortgage Securities VI, Interest-Only Stripped
Mtg.-Backed Security, Series 1987-3, Cl. B, 15.68%, 10/23/17(3)
74,645 20,154
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Salomon Brothers Mortgage Securities VI, Principal-Only Stripped
Mtg.-Backed Security, Series 1987-3, Cl. A, 1.401%, 10/23/17(4)(5)
110,462 95,170
- ---------
1,324,107
</TABLE>
16 Oppenheimer Bond Fund
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FACE MARKET VALUE
AMOUNT(1) SEE NOTE 1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>
<C> <C>
RESIDENTIAL--3.3%
CS First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp., Mtg.
Pass-Through Certificates:
Series 1997-C1, Cl. E, 7.50%, 3/1/11(2)
$1,000,000 $ 956,875
Series 1997-C1, Cl. F, 7.50%, 6/20/13(2)
150,000 116,953
Series 1997-C1, Cl. G, 7.50%, 6/20/14(2)
150,000 107,391
Series 1997-C1, Cl. H, 7.50%, 8/20/14(2)
105,000 72,056
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Chicago/Lennar Trust 1, Commercial Mtg.
Pass-Through Certificates:
Series 1997-CHL1, 8.098%, 2/25/11(2)(6)
750,000 582,891
Series 1997-CHL1, 8.098%, 5/25/08(2)(6)
750,000 644,297
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GE Capital Mortgage Services, Inc., Gtd. Real Estate
Mtg. Investment Conduit Pass-Through Certificates,
Series 1994-7, Cl. A18, 6%, 2/25/09
198,885 189,997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NationsBank Trust, Lease Pass-Through Certificates,
Series 1997A-1, 7.442%, 1/10/11(6)
500,000 531,328
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Residential Accredit Loans, Inc., Mtg. Asset-Backed
Pass-Through Certificates:
Series 1997-QS11, 7%, 10/25/12
6,479,342 6,588,681
Series 1997-QS9, Cl. 2, 6.75%, 9/25/27
119,763 119,389
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Residential Funding Mortgage Securities I, Inc., Mtg. Pass-Through
Certificates, Series 1993-S10, Cl. A9, 8.50%, 2/25/23
264,483 272,169
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ryland Mortgage Securities Corp. III Sub. Bonds,
Series 1992-A, Cl. 1A, 8.256%, 3/29/30(6)
310,291 314,073
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Salomon Brothers Mortgage Securities VII,
Series 1996-B, Cl. 1, 7.132%, 4/25/26(2)
1,937,218 1,429,910
- ------------
11,926,010
- ------------
Total Mortgage-Backed Obligations (Cost
$154,585,683) 155,134,350
=================================================================================================
U.S. GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS--3.2%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Treasury Bonds:
6%, 2/15/26
200,000 218,313
7.50%, 11/15/16
1,645,000 2,045,969
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Treasury Nts.:
5.50%, 5/31/00
4,500,000 4,553,437
5.625%, 2/15/06
550,000 580,250
5.75%, 8/15/03
325,000 339,320
6.50%, 8/15/05
650,000 714,391
7.50%, 11/15/01(8)(9)
2,625,000 2,821,875
- -----------
Total U.S. Government Obligations (Cost
$10,811,004) 11,273,555
</TABLE>
17 Oppenheimer Bond Fund
<PAGE>
Statement of Investments (Continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FACE MARKET VALUE
AMOUNT(1) SEE NOTE 1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>
<C> <C>
CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES--51.8%
AEROSPACE/DEFENSE--2.2%
Amtran, Inc., 9.625% Nts., 12/15/05 $
200,000 $ 201,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Atlas Air, Inc.:
10.75% Sr. Nts., 8/1/05
125,000 131,875
12.25% Pass-Through Certificates, 12/1/02
1,950,000 2,106,000
8.01% Nts., 1/2/10
1,000,000 1,007,444
9.375% Sr. Nts., 11/15/06(7)
1,000,000 1,025,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boeing Co., 7.50% Debs., 8/15/42
2,000,000 2,271,774
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rolls-Royce Capital, Inc., 7.125% Gtd. Nts., 7/29/03
1,000,000 1,046,250
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC International Services, Inc., 9.25% Sr. Sub. Nts., Series B, 9/1/07
100,000 100,500
- ----------
7,889,843
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHEMICALS--1.8%
FMC Corp., 8.75% Sr. Nts., 4/1/99
250,000 251,379
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IMC Global, Inc., 7.625% Bonds, 11/1/05
5,000,000 5,123,360
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morton International, Inc., 9.25% Credit Sensitive Nts., 6/1/20
85,000 115,698
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NL Industries, Inc., 11.75% Sr. Sec. Nts., 10/15/03
492,000 525,210
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pioneer Americas Acquisition Corp., 9.25% Sr. Nts., 6/15/07
100,000 80,500
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PPG Industries, Inc., 9% Debs., 5/1/21
85,000 108,730
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sovereign Specialty Chemicals, Inc., 9.50% Sr. Unsec. Sub. Nts.,
Series B, 8/1/07
175,000 178,500
- ---------
6,383,377
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSUMER DURABLES--0.2%
Black & Decker Corp., 6.625% Nts., 11/15/00
145,000 147,479
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Icon Health & Fitness, Inc., 13% Sr. Sub. Nts., Series B, 7/15/02
250,000 151,250
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAG Heuer International SA, 12% Sr. Sub. Nts., 12/15/05(2)
370,000 429,574
- ---------
728,303
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSUMER NON-DURABLES--0.3%
Bell Sports, Inc., 11% Sr. Sub. Nts., 8/15/08(7)
125,000 127,500
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fruit of the Loom, Inc., 7% Debs., 3/15/11
500,000 450,476
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kimberly-Clark Corp., 7.875% Debs., 2/1/23
85,000 94,483
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Phillips-Van Heusen Corp., 9.50% Sr. Unsec. Sub. Nts., 5/1/08
250,000 251,250
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Styling Technology Corp., 10.875% Sr. Sub. Nts., 7/1/08
145,000 138,475
- ----------
1,062,184
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENERGY--4.0%
Coastal Corp.:
8.125% Sr. Nts., 9/15/02
85,000 91,106
8.75% Sr. Nts., 5/15/99
380,000 383,985
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eastern Energy Ltd., 6.75% Sr. Nts., 12/1/06(7)
2,000,000 2,104,710
</TABLE>
18 Oppenheimer Bond Fund
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FACE MARKET VALUE
AMOUNT(1) SEE NOTE 1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>
<C> <C>
ENERGY (CONTINUED)
ENSCO International, Inc.:
6.75% Nts., 11/15/07
$1,000,000 $ 1,019,222
7.20% Debs., 11/15/27
1,000,000 1,015,785
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enterprise Oil plc, 6.70% Sr. Nts., 9/15/07
1,000,000 995,325
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Global Marine, Inc., 7.125% Nts., 9/1/07
2,000,000 2,032,056
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gulf Canada Resources Ltd.:
8.25% Sr. Nts., 3/15/17
75,000 67,828
9% Debs., 8/15/99
75,000 75,375
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Louisiana Land & Exploration Co., 7.65% Debs., 12/1/23
100,000 108,135
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
McDermott, Inc., 9.375% Nts., 3/15/02
100,000 106,819
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Occidental Petroleum Corp., 11.125% Sr. Debs., 6/1/19
2,000,000 2,156,442
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ocean Rig Norway AS, 10.25% Sr. Sec. Nts., 6/1/08
200,000 161,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
P&L Coal Holdings Corp., 9.625% Sr. Sub. Nts., Series B, 5/15/08
400,000 406,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Petroleum Geo-Services ASA, 7.50% Nts., 3/31/07
75,000 79,910
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Petroleum Heat & Power Co., Inc., 9.375% Sr. Sub. Debs., 2/1/06
750,000 705,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Standard Oil, 9% Gtd. Debs., 6/1/19
85,000 85,924
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stone Energy Corp., 8.75% Sr. Sub. Nts., 9/15/07
300,000 291,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Talisman Energy, Inc., 7.25% Debs., 10/15/27
500,000 482,251
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TransCanada PipeLines Ltd., 9.875% Debs., 1/1/21
1,500,000 1,923,855
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Williams Holdings of Delaware, Inc., 6.25% Sr. Unsec. Debs., 2/1/06
100,000 102,899
- ----------
14,394,627
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL--11.9%
Aetna Services, Inc., 8% Debs., 1/15/17
697,000 718,877
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allmerica Capital I, 8.207% Debs., 2/3/27
2,000,000 2,241,142
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
American General Institutional Capital B, 8.125% Bonds,
Series B, 3/15/46(7)
75,000 86,572
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Associates Corp. of North America, 7.40% Medium-Term Nts., 7/7/99
300,000 303,149
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BankAmerica Corp. (New), 8.50% Exchangeable Sub. Capital
Nts., 3/1/99 (exchangeable for common, perpetual preferred
stock or other capital securities)
60,000 60,230
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BHP Finance (USA) Ltd., 8.50% Gtd. Debs., 12/1/12
1,500,000 1,829,280
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital One Financial Corp., 7.25% Nts., 12/1/03
50,000 49,212
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CB Richard Ellis Services, Inc., 8.875% Sr. Unsec. Sub. Nts., 6/1/06
250,000 246,250
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chelsea GCA Realty Partner, Inc., 7.75% Unsec. Nts., 1/26/01
60,000 59,616
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Citicorp Capital I, 7.933% Gtd. Bonds, 2/15/27
1,000,000 1,096,786
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Citicorp, 5.625% Sr. Nts., 2/15/01
90,000 90,268
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commercial Credit Co., 5.55% Unsec. Nts., 2/15/01
145,000 145,161
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Conseco Financing Trust III, 8.796% Bonds, 4/1/27
100,000 95,931
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., 6.05% Medium-Term
Nts., Series D, 3/1/01
90,000 90,374
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Farmers Exchange Capital, 7.05% Trust Surplus Nts., 7/15/28(7)
2,000,000 2,018,508
</TABLE>
19 Oppenheimer Bond Fund
<PAGE>
Statement of Investments (Continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FACE MARKET VALUE
AMOUNT(1) SEE NOTE 1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>
<C> <C>
FINANCIAL (CONTINUED)
Fleet Mtg./Norstar Group, Inc., 9.90% Sub. Nts., 6/15/01 $
145,000 $ 159,017
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ford Motor Credit Co., 6.75% Nts., 8/15/08
1,000,000 1,064,037
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Franchise Finance Corp. of America, 8.25% Sr. Unsec. Nts., 10/30/03
3,950,000 4,017,450
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General Motors Acceptance Corp., 5.625% Nts., 2/15/01
175,000 175,625
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Integra Financial Corp., 6.50% Sub. Nts., 4/15/00
145,000 146,924
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lehman Brothers, Inc., 6.625% Sr. Sub. Nts., 2/15/08
1,000,000 1,000,076
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liberty Mutual Insurance Co., 7.697% Unsec. Nts., 10/15/2097(7)
1,000,000 1,009,920
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long Island Savings Bank, 6.20% Nts., 4/2/01
1,000,000 1,009,648
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lumbermens Mutual Casualty Co., 8.30% Surplus Nts., 12/1/37(7)
2,000,000 2,242,676
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.:
6.50% Nts., 4/1/01
150,000 152,784
6.875% Nts., 11/15/18
3,300,000 3,444,289
6.875% Nts., 3/1/03
750,000 781,622
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Metropolitan Life Insurance Co., 6.30% Nts., 11/1/03(7)
1,000,000 1,005,652
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Westminster Bank plc, 9.375% Gtd. Capital Nts., 11/15/03
70,000 80,300
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NationsBank Corp., 10.20% Sub. Nts., 7/15/15
1,300,000 1,761,717
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ocwen Capital Trust I, 10.875% Capital Nts., 8/1/27
300,000 241,500
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Penske Truck Leasing Co. LP, 7.75% Sr. Nts., 5/15/99
1,825,000 1,841,642
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rank Group Finance plc, 6.75% Gtd. Nts., 11/30/04
1,000,000 1,006,178
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Royal Bank of Scotland Group (The) plc, 10.125% Gtd.
Sub. Capital Nts., 3/1/04
500,000 593,841
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ryder System, Inc., 8.75% Debs., Series J, 3/15/17
1,447,000 1,508,419
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Salomon Smith Barney Holdings, Inc., 6.25% Bonds, 1/15/05
2,000,000 2,024,712
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Salomon, Inc., 7.30% Nts., 5/15/02
1,000,000 1,044,339
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saul (B.F.) Real Estate Investment Trust, 9.75% Sr. Sec. Nts.,
Series B, 4/1/08
400,000 374,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source One Mortgage Services Corp., 9% Debs., 6/1/12
1,250,000 1,258,395
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Travelers Group, Inc.:
6.875% Debs., 2/15/2098
1,000,000 1,018,395
7.25% Sr. Unsec. Nts., 5/1/01
1,700,000 1,758,788
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Travelers Property Casualty Corp., 6.75% Nts., 4/15/01
145,000 148,489
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Veritas Holdings, Inc., 9.625% Sr. Nts., 12/15/03
135,000 135,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Washington Mutual Capital I, 8.375% Sub. Capital
Income Nts., 6/1/27
2,000,000 2,209,340
- ----------
42,346,131
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOOD & DRUG--0.0%
Ameriking, Inc., 10.75% Sr. Nts., 12/1/06
160,000 167,600
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOOD/TOBACCO--0.8%
B.A.T. Capital Corp., 6.66% Medium-Term Nts., 3/22/00(7)
250,000 254,405
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc., 6.95% Debs., 11/15/26
2,000,000 2,134,210
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dole Food Distributing, Inc., 6.75% Nts., 7/15/00
150,000 151,459
</TABLE>
20 Oppenheimer Bond Fund
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FACE MARKET VALUE
AMOUNT(1) SEE NOTE 1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>
<C> <C>
FOOD/TOBACCO (CONTINUED)
Purina Mills, Inc., 9% Sr. Unsec. Sub. Nts., 3/15/10 $
100,000 $ 102,500
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SmithField Foods, Inc., 7.625% Sr. Unsec. Sub. Nts., 2/15/08
250,000 252,500
- ---------
2,895,074
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOREST PRODUCTS/CONTAINERS--0.2%
Mail-Well I Corp., 8.75% Sr. Sub. Nts., 12/15/08(7)
200,000 201,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Riverwood International Corp., 10.625% Sr. Unsec. Nts., 8/1/07
200,000 199,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Can Corp., 10.125% Sr. Sub. Nts., Series B, 10/15/06
250,000 257,500
- ---------
657,500
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GAMING/LEISURE--2.4%
Capstar Hotel Co., 8.75% Sr. Sub. Nts., 8/15/07
150,000 147,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Casino Magic of Louisiana Corp., 13% First Mtg. Nts., Series B, 8/15/03
235,000 266,725
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Empress Entertainment, Inc., 8.125% Sr. Sub. Nts., 7/1/06
200,000 200,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hilton Hotels Corp.:
7.375% Nts., 6/1/02
75,000 75,622
7.95% Sr. Nts., 4/15/07
1,000,000 1,037,716
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HMH Properties, Inc., 8.45% Sr. Nts., Series C, 12/1/08
900,000 904,500
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Horseshoe Gaming LLC, 9.375% Sr. Sub. Nts., 6/15/07
100,000 103,750
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intrawest Corp., 9.75% Sr. Nts., 8/15/08
250,000 257,500
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marriott International, Inc., 6.875% Nts., 11/15/05(7)
4,500,000 4,522,433
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority (Connecticut), 13.50%
Sr. Sec. Nts., Series B, 11/15/02
310,000 373,550
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Park Place Entertainment Corp., 7.875% Sr. Sub. Nts., 12/15/05(7)
150,000 150,938
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rio Hotel & Casino, Inc.:
10.625% Sr. Sub. Nts., 7/15/05
100,000 109,500
9.50% Sr. Sub. Nts., 4/15/07
50,000 55,500
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Station Casinos, Inc.:
8.875% Sr. Sub. Nts., 12/1/08(7)
100,000 102,000
9.75% Sr. Sub. Nts., 4/15/07
150,000 157,500
- ---------
8,464,234
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HEALTHCARE--0.6%
Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corp., 6.875% Nts., 7/15/01
160,000 158,855
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fresenius Medical Care Capital Trust II, 7.875% Nts., 2/1/08
150,000 148,500
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HEALTHSOUTH Corp., 9.50% Sr. Sub. Nts., 4/1/01
500,000 515,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ICN Pharmaceutical, Inc., 8.75% Sr. Nts., 11/15/08(7)
140,000 142,100
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Imcera Group, Inc., 6% Nts., 10/15/03
500,000 512,520
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Integrated Health Services, Inc., 9.50% Sr. Sub. Nts., 9/15/07
20,000 19,100
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oxford Health Plans, Inc., 11% Sr. Nts., 5/15/05(7)
350,000 330,750
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sun Healthcare Group, Inc., 9.50% Sr. Sub. Nts., 7/1/07
205,000 167,075
- ---------
1,993,900
</TABLE>
21 Oppenheimer Bond Fund
<PAGE>
Statement of Investments (Continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FACE MARKET VALUE
AMOUNT(1) SEE NOTE 1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>
<C> <C>
HOUSING--1.6%
American Standard Cos., Inc., 10.875% Sr. Nts., 5/15/99 $
70,000 $ 70,350
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Building Materials Corp. of America, 8% Sr. Nts., 12/1/08(7)
200,000 200,500
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Industrial LP, 7.15% Bonds, 5/15/27
75,000 75,634
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Greystone Homes, Inc., 10.75% Sr. Nts., 3/1/04
50,000 53,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nationwide Health Properties, Inc., 7.60% Nts., Series C, 11/20/28
3,450,000 3,467,250
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nortek, Inc.:
9.125% Sr. Nts., Series B, 9/1/07
250,000 258,750
9.25% Sr. Nts., Series B, 3/15/07
250,000 257,500
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trizec Hahn Corp., 7.95% Sr. Unsec. Debs., 6/1/07CAD
2,000,000 1,334,195
- ---------
5,717,179
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY--2.1%
Details, Inc., 10% Sr. Sub. Nts., Series B, 11/15/05
200,000 191,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dyncorp, Inc., 9.50% Sr. Sub. Nts., 3/1/07
250,000 251,250
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General Electric Capital Corp., 8.75% Debs., 5/21/07
1,000,000 1,216,122
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Motorola, Inc., 6.50% Unsec. Debs., 11/15/28
5,000,000 5,092,985
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unisys Corp., 11.75% Sr. Nts., 10/15/04
300,000 349,500
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WAM!NET, Inc., 0%/13.25% Sr. Unsec. Disc. Nts., Series B, 3/1/05(11)
400,000 220,000
- ---------
7,320,857
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MANUFACTURING--1.2%
Caterpillar, Inc., 9.75% Debs., 6/1/19
1,750,000 1,861,003
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Communications & Power Industries, Inc., 12% Sr. Sub. Nts.,
Series B, 8/1/05
500,000 523,750
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grove Worldwide LLC, 9.25% Sr. Sub. Nts., 5/1/08
200,000 181,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hydrochem Industrial Services, Inc., 10.375% Sr. Sub. Nts., 8/1/07
325,000 310,375
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Polymer Group, Inc., 9% Sr. Sub. Nts., 7/1/07
150,000 149,250
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Roller Bearing Co. of America, Inc., 9.625% Sr. Sub. Nts.,
Series B, 6/15/07
200,000 195,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Westinghouse Electric Corp., 8.375% Nts., 6/15/02
1,000,000 1,065,219
- ---------
4,285,597
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MEDIA/ENTERTAINMENT: BROADCASTING--1.4%
Capstar Broadcasting Partners, Inc., 9.25% Sr. Sub. Nts., 7/1/07
175,000 182,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chancellor Media Corp.:
8.75% Sr. Unsec. Sub. Nts., Series B, 6/15/07
1,200,000 1,236,000
9% Sr. Sub. Nts., 10/1/08(7)
800,000 848,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Clear Channel Communications, Inc., 6.625% Nts., 6/15/08
2,000,000 2,030,552
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Young Broadcasting, Inc.:
8.75% Sr. Sub. Debs., 6/15/07
300,000 306,000
Series B, 1/15/06
400,000 406,000
- ---------
5,008,552
</TABLE>
22 Oppenheimer Bond Fund
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FACE MARKET VALUE
AMOUNT(1) SEE NOTE 1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>
<C> <C>
MEDIA/ENTERTAINMENT: CABLE/WIRELESS VIDEO--0.7%
Adelphia Communications Corp., 9.25% Sr. Nts., 10/1/02 $
150,000 $ 159,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CSC Holdings, Inc., 7.625% Sr. Unsec. Debs., 7/15/18
500,000 492,800
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EchoStar Communications Corp., 0%/12.875% Sr. Disc. Nts., 6/1/04(11)
250,000 257,500
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EchoStar DBS Corp., 12.50% Sr. Sec. Nts., 7/1/02
200,000 231,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TKR Cable I, Inc., 10.50% Sr. Debs., 10/30/07
1,125,000 1,224,896
- ---------
2,365,196
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MEDIA/ENTERTAINMENT: DIVERSIFIED MEDIA--0.2%
Hollywood Theaters, Inc., 10.625% Sr. Sub. Nts., 8/1/07
100,000 74,250
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Imax Corp., 7.875% Sr. Nts., 12/1/05
400,000 406,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SFX Entertainment, Inc.:
9.125% Sr. Sub. Nts., 12/1/08(7)
150,000 150,938
9.125% Sr. Unsec. Sub. Nts., Series B, 2/1/08
125,000 124,375
- --------
755,563
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MEDIA/ENTERTAINMENT: TELECOMMUNICATIONS--1.6%
COLT Telecom Group plc, Units (each unit consists of $1,000
principal amount of 0%/12% sr. disc. nts., 12/15/06 and one
warrant to purchase 7.8 common shares)(11)(12)
350,000 295,750
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diamond Holdings plc, 9.125% Sr. Nts., 2/1/08
100,000 96,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corp., 0%/12.125% Sr.
Unsec. Disc. Nts., 2/15/08(11)
160,000 85,600
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Globix Corp., 13% Sr. Unsec. Nts., 5/1/05
200,000 165,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GST Telecommunications, Inc., 0%/13.875% Cv.
Sr. Sub. Disc. Nts., 12/15/05(7)(11)
100,000 79,375
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intermedia Communications, Inc., 8.60% Sr. Unsec. Nts.,
Series B, 6/1/08
450,000 429,750
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long Distance International, Inc., 12.25% Sr. Nts., 4/15/08(7)
150,000 125,250
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEXTLINK Communications, Inc.:
0%/9.45% Sr. Disc. Unsec. Nts., 4/15/08(11)
230,000 132,250
9.625% Sr. Nts., 10/1/07
900,000 864,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NTL, Inc.:
10% Sr. Nts., Series B, 2/15/07
100,000 103,000
11.50% Sr. Nts., 10/1/08(7)
250,000 274,375
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PSINet, Inc.:
10% Sr. Unsec. Nts., Series B, 2/15/05
350,000 348,250
11.50% Sr. Nts., 11/1/08(7)
500,000 526,250
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Qwest Communications International, Inc.:
0%/8.29% Sr. Unsec. Disc. Nts., Series B, 2/1/08(11)
400,000 304,000
0%/9.47% Sr. Disc. Nts., 10/15/07(11)
340,000 264,350
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TCI Communications, Inc., 6.875% Sr. Unsec. Nts., 2/15/06
1,400,000 1,505,517
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Viatel, Inc., 11.25% Sr. Sec. Nts., 4/15/08
200,000 205,500
- ---------
5,804,217
</TABLE>
23 Oppenheimer Bond Fund
<PAGE>
Statement of Investments (Continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FACE MARKET VALUE
AMOUNT(1) SEE NOTE 1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>
<C> <C>
MEDIA/ENTERTAINMENT: WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS--1.4%
Arch Communications, Inc., 12.75% Sr. Nts., 7/1/07(7) $
100,000 $ 100,500
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cellular Communications International, Inc., 0%/9.50%
Bonds, 4/1/05(11)XEU
600,000 595,347
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Geotek Communications, Inc., 12% Cv. Sr. Sub. Nts., 2/15/01(10)
25,000 --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nextel Communications, Inc., 0%/10.65% Sr. Disc. Nts., 9/15/07(11)
30,000 19,275
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Omnipoint Corp., 11.625% Sr. Nts., 8/15/06
70,000 49,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Orion Network Systems, Inc., 0%/12.50% Sr. Disc. Nts., 1/15/07(11)
200,000 126,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pinnacle Holdings, Inc., 0%/10% Sr. Unsec. Disc. Nts., 3/15/08(11)
200,000 117,500
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Price Communications Wireless, Inc., 9.125% Sr. Sec. Nts.,
12/15/06(7)
500,000 507,500
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Real Time Data, Inc., Units (each unit consists of $1,000
principal amount of 0%/13.50% sub. disc. nts., 8/15/06 and
one warrant to purchase six common shares)(7)(11)(12)
1,000,000 465,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rural Cellular Corp., 9.625% Sr. Sub. Nts., Series B, 5/15/08
500,000 503,750
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SBA Communications Corp., 0%/12% Sr. Unsec. Disc. Nts., 3/1/08(11)
800,000 464,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spectrasite Holdings, Inc., 0%/12% Sr. Disc. Nts., 7/15/08(7)(11)
300,000 151,500
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sprint Spectrum LP/Sprint Spectrum Finance
Corp., 0%/12.50% Sr. Disc. Nts., 8/15/06(11)
2,000,000 1,810,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
USA Mobile Communications, Inc. II, 9.50% Sr. Nts., 2/1/04
100,000 90,500
- ---------
4,999,872
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
METALS/MINERALS--0.2%
AK Steel Corp., 9.125% Sr. Nts., 12/15/06
90,000 94,050
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alcan Aluminum Ltd., 9.625% Debs., 7/15/19
165,000 176,355
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Great Lakes Carbon Corp., 10.25% Sr. Sub. Nts., Series B, 5/15/08
250,000 253,125
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
International Utility Structures, Inc., 10.75% Sr. Sub. Nts., 2/1/08
175,000 165,375
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keystone Consolidated Industries, Inc., 9.625% Sr. Sec. Nts., 8/1/07
200,000 192,000
- ---------
880,905
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL--1.4%
Boyds Collection Ltd., 9% Sr. Sub. Nts., 5/15/08(7)
650,000 666,250
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eye Care Centers of America, Inc., 9.125% Sr. Sub. Nts., 5/1/08(7)
150,000 143,250
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finlay Enterprises, Inc., 9% Debs., 5/1/08
100,000 88,500
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finlay Fine Jewelry Corp., 8.375% Sr. Nts., 5/1/08
200,000 185,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Home Interiors & Gifts, Inc., 10.125% Sr. Sub. Nts., 6/1/08(7)
400,000 398,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
May Department Stores Cos., 10.625% Debs., 11/1/10
405,000 567,239
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neiman Marcus Group, Inc., 6.65% Sr. Nts., 6/1/08
2,000,000 2,009,992
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Price/Costco Cos., Inc., 7.125% Sr. Nts., 6/15/05
120,000 129,181
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sears Canada, Inc., 11.70% Debs., 7/10/00CAD
500,000 356,461
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sears Roebuck & Co., 8.39% Medium-Term Nts., 3/23/99
300,000 301,628
- ---------
4,845,501
</TABLE>
24 Oppenheimer Bond Fund
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FACE MARKET VALUE
AMOUNT(1) SEE NOTE 1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>
<C> <C>
SERVICE--4.0%
Allied Waste North America, Inc., 7.875% Sr. Nts., 1/1/09(7) $
165,000 $ 167,888
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Archer Daniels Midland Co., 7.125% Debs., 3/1/13
750,000 849,599
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arvin Industries, Inc., 6.75% Nts., 3/15/08
500,000 517,127
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cendant Corp., 7.75% Sr. Unsec. Nts., 12/1/03
5,000,000 5,115,075
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fisher Scientific International, Inc.:
9% Sr. Sub. Nts., 2/1/08(7)
50,000 50,250
9% Sr. Unsec. Sub. Nts., 2/1/08
275,000 276,375
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corp., 11.25% Sr. Sub. Nts., 8/15/08(7)
150,000 153,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lamar Advertising Co.:
8.625% Sr. Sub. Nts., 9/15/07
400,000 422,000
9.625% Sr. Sub. Nts., 12/1/06
150,000 161,250
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sun Co., Inc., 7.95% Debs., 12/15/01
75,000 79,153
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tyco International Group SA, 5.875% Nts., 11/1/04(7)
6,500,000 6,469,366
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
USI American Holdings, Inc., 7.25% Sr. Nts., Series B, 12/1/0
680,000 79,273
- ----------
14,340,356
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSPORTATION--6.0%
Cambridge Industries, Inc., 10.25% Sr. Sub. Nts., Series B, 7/15/07
100,000 86,500
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canadian Pacific Ltd., 9.45% Debs., 8/1/21
1,000,000 1,285,440
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chrysler Corp., 7.40% Debs., 8/1/2097
3,000,000 3,393,558
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coach USA, Inc., 9.375% Sr. Sub. Nts., Series B, 7/1/07
40,000 41,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CSX Corp.:
6.80% Fixed Nts., 12/1/28
1,300,000 1,298,944
7.05% Debs., 5/1/02
85,000 88,813
7.25% Sr. Unsec. Debs., 5/1/27
2,410,000 2,572,740
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ford Motor Co., 8.875% Debs., 11/15/22
2,000,000 2,259,324
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hayes Wheels International, Inc., 11% Sr. Sub. Nts., 7/15/06
200,000 223,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Johnson Controls, Inc., 7.70% Debs., 3/1/15
500,000 574,979
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kansas City Southern Industries, Inc., 6.625% Nts., 3/1/05
750,000 777,202
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Key Plastics, Inc., 10.25% Sr. Sub. Nts., Series B, 3/15/07
200,000 188,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Navigator Gas Transport plc:
10.50% First Priority Ship Mtg. Nts., 6/30/07(7)
400,000 354,000
Units (each unit consists of $1,000 principal amount of 12%
second priority ship mtg. nts., 6/30/07 and 7.66 warrants)(7)(12)
100,000 90,500
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Norfolk Southern Corp., 7.35% Nts., 5/15/07
75,000 82,769
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oxford Automotive, Inc., 10.125% Sr. Unsec. Sub. Nts., 6/15/07
200,000 208,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trans World Airlines, Inc., 11.50% Sr. Sec. Nts., 12/15/04
250,000 211,250
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transtar Holdings LP/Transtar Capital Corp., 0%/13.375%
Sr. Disc. Nts., Series B, 12/15/03(11)
1,100,000 1,061,500
</TABLE>
25 Oppenheimer Bond Fund
<PAGE>
Statement of Investments (Continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FACE MARKET VALUE
AMOUNT(1) SEE NOTE 1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>
<C> <C>
TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED)
Union Pacific Corp.:
6.39% Medium-Term Nts., Series E, 11/1/04
$6,400,000 $ 6,475,187
7% Nts., 6/15/00
150,000 152,883
9.65% Nts., 4/17/00
100,000 104,575
- ----------
21,530,164
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UTILITY--5.6%
AES Corp., 8% Sr. Nts., 12/31/08
3,400,000 3,367,938
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ameritech Capital Funding Corp., 5.65% Unsec. Nts., 1/15/01
100,000 101,227
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
California Energy, Inc., 10.25% Sr. Disc. Nts., 1/15/04
300,000 315,375
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calpine Corp., 8.75% Sr. Nts., 7/15/07
185,000 187,775
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cincinnati Bell Telephone Co., 6.30% Sr. Unsec. Bonds, 12/1/28
500,000 502,862
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Laclede Gas Co., 8.50% First Mtg. Bonds, 11/15/04
500,000 568,165
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long Island Lighting Co., 8.20% Debs., 3/15/23
1,700,000 1,841,280
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
National Fuel Gas Co., 7.75% Debs., 2/1/04
500,000 546,822
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New York Telephone Co., 9.375% Debs., 7/15/31
2,500,000 2,834,295
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Niagara Mohawk Power Corp.:
0%/8.50% Sr. Unsec. Nts., Series H, 7/1/10(11)
3,000,000 2,338,164
7.75% Sr. Unsec. Nts., Series G, 10/1/08
2,000,000 2,197,676
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Northern Illinois Gas Co., 6.45% First Mtg. Bonds, 8/1/01
220,000 223,439
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Public Service Co. of Colorado, 8.75% First Mtg. Bonds, 3/1/22
250,000 275,580
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Carolina Electric & Gas Co., 9% Mtg. Bonds, 7/15/06
500,000 601,390
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sprint Capital Corp., 6.875% Sr. Unsec. Nts., 11/15/28
3,400,000 3,541,916
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co., 7.50% Bonds, 4/1/17
100,000 106,743
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Texas Gas Transmission Corp., 8.625% Nts., 4/1/04
500,000 565,720
- -----------
20,116,367
- -----------
Total Corporate Bonds and Notes (Cost
$180,297,085) 184,953,099
SHARES
=================================================================================================
PREFERRED STOCKS--2.2%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allstate Financing I, 7.95% Gtd. Quarterly Income Preferred
Securities, Series A
80,000 2,080,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Centaur Funding Corp., 9.08%, Cum. Preferred
Shares, 4/21/20(2)(13)
3,400 3,563,625
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CRIIMI MAE, Inc., 10.875% Cum. Cv., Series B, Non-Vtg.
13,000 182,000
</TABLE>
26 Oppenheimer Bond Fund
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARKET VALUE
SHARES SEE NOTE 1
=================================================================================================
<S>
<C> <C>
PREFERRED STOCKS (CONTINUED)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EchoStar Communications Corp., 12.125% Sr. Redeemable
Exchangeable, Series B, Non-Vtg.(14)
115 $ 133,687
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEXTLINK Communications, Inc., 14% Cum. Exchangeable, Vtg.(14)
2,171 115,606
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Petroleum Heat & Power Co., Inc., Jr. Cv. Preferred Stock(13)
2,530 4,428
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SFX Broadcasting, Inc./Capstar Broadcasting Corp., 12.625% Cum.,
Series E, Non-Vtg.(14)
213 25,773
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
United Dominion Realty Trust, Inc., 8.50% Unsec.
Unsub. Preferred Nts.
65,000 1,681,875
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Viatel, Inc., 10% Cv., Series A(14)
99 10,915
- ---------
Total Preferred Stocks (Cost
$7,611,584) 7,797,909
=================================================================================================
COMMON STOCKS--0.0%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Optel, Inc. (13) (Cost $0)
100 --
UNITS
=================================================================================================
RIGHTS, WARRANTS AND CERTIFICATES--0.0%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Concentric Network Corp. Wts., Exp. 12/07 (2)
50 7,445
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dairy Mart Convenience Stores, Inc. Wts., Exp. 12/01(2)
333 93
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
e.spire Communications, Inc. Wts., Exp. 11/05
300 7,241
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Globix Corp. Wts., Exp. 5/05 (2)
200 2,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gothic Energy Corp. Wts.:
Exp. 1/03(7)
2,621 26
Exp. 9/04(2)
2,800 3,150
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intermedia Communications, Inc. Wts., Exp. 6/00(2)
50 3,052
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long Distance International, Inc. Wts., 4/08(2)
150 375
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Price Communications Corp. Wts., Exp. 8/07(2)
258 12,321
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Signature Brands, Inc. Wts., Exp. 12/49(2)
50 1,006
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WAM!NET, Inc. Wts., Exp. 3/05(2)
1,200 9,600
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ICG Communications, Inc. Wts., Exp. 9/05(2)
1,980 27,137
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Orion Network Systems, Inc. Wts., Exp. 1/07(2)
200 2,500
- --------
Total Rights, Warrants and Certificates (Cost
$3,971) 75,946
</TABLE>
27 Oppenheimer Bond Fund
<PAGE>
Statement of Investments (Continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FACE MARKET VALUE
AMOUNT(1) SEE NOTE 1
=================================================================================================
<S>
<C> <C>
STRUCTURED INSTRUMENTS--1.0%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bayerische Landesbank Girozentrale (New York Branch),
Lehman High Yield Index Nts., 8.50%, 3/8/99
$1,100,000 $ 1,036,750
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bear Stearns High Yield Composite Index Linked Nts.:
8.50%, 4/9/99
1,000,000 929,380
9%, 2/16/99
900,000 828,594
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shoshone Partners Loan Trust Sr. Nts., 6.97%, 4/28/02
(representing a basket of reference loans and a total return
swap between Chase Manhattan Bank and the Trust)(2)(6)
750,000 672,606
- ---------
Total Structured Instruments (Cost
$3,750,000) 3,467,330
=================================================================================================
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS--4.0%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repurchase agreement with First Chicago Capital Markets,
4.75%, dated 12/31/98, to be repurchased at $14,407,600 on
1/4/99, collateralized by U.S. Treasury Nts., 4%-8.875%, 2/15/99-
7/15/06, with a value of $14,693,818 (Cost $14,400,000)
4,400,000 14,400,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS, AT VALUE (COST $374,024,883)
106.4% 379,340,635
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES IN EXCESS OF OTHER ASSETS
(6.4) (22,814,936)
- ------- -------------
NET ASSETS
100.0% $356,525,699
======== ============
</TABLE>
1. Face amount is reported in U.S. Dollars, except for those denoted in the
following currencies:
CAD--Canadian Dollar
XEU--European Currency Units
2.Identifies issues considered to be illiquid or restricted--See Note 7 of
Notes
to Financial Statements.
3. Interest-Only Strips represent the right to receive the monthly interest
payments on an underlying pool of mortgage loans. These securities typically
decline in price as interest rates decline. Most other fixed income securities
increase in price when interest rates decline. The principal amount of the
underlying pool represents the notional amount on which current interest is
calculated. The price of these securities is typically more sensitive to changes
in prepayment rates than traditional mortgage-backed securities (for example,
GNMA pass-throughs). Interest rates disclosed represent current yields based
upon the current cost basis and estimated timing and amount of future cash
flows.
4. When-issued security to be delivered and settled after December 31, 1998.
5. Principal-Only Strips represent the right to receive the monthly principal
payments on an underlying pool of mortgage loans. The value of these securities
generally increases as interest rates decline and prepayment rates rise. The
price of these securities is typically more volatile than that of coupon-bearing
bonds of the same maturity. Interest rates disclosed represent current yields
based upon the current cost basis and estimated timing of future cash flows.
28 Oppenheimer Bond Fund
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. Represents the current interest rate for a variable rate security.
7. Represents securities sold under Rule 144A, which are exempt from
registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. These securities have
been determined to be liquid under guidelines established by the Board of
Trustees. These securities amount to $29,100,374 or 8.16% of the Fund's net
assets as of December 31, 1998.
8. Securities with an aggregate market value of $537,500 are held in
collateralized accounts to cover initial margin requirements on open futures
sales contracts. See Note 6 of Notes to Financial Statements.
9. A sufficient amount of securities has been designated to cover outstanding
forward foreign currency exchange contracts. See Note 5 of Notes to Financial
Statements.
10. Non-income producing--issuer is in default.
11.Denotes a step bond: a zero coupon bond that converts to a fixed or
variable
interest rate at a designated future date.
12. Units may be comprised of several components, such as debt and equity and/or
warrants to purchase equity at some point in the future. For units which
represent debt securities, face amount disclosed represents total underlying
principal.
13. Non-income producing security.
14. Interest or dividend is paid-in-kind.
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
29 Oppenheimer Bond Fund
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES December 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=========================================================================================================
<S>
<C>
ASSETS
Investments, at value (cost $374,024,883)--see accompanying
statement $379,340,635
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Receivables and other assets:
Interest, dividends and principal
paydowns 4,015,982
Shares of beneficial interest
sold 758,617
Other
6,524
- -----------
Total
assets
384,121,758
=========================================================================================================
LIABILITIES
Bank
overdraft
30,118
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency exchange contracts--Note
5 11,075
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payables and other liabilities:
Investments purchased on a when-issued basis--Note
1 24,995,035
Shares of beneficial interest
redeemed 1,703,153
Dividends
480,664
Distribution and service plan
fees 215,295
Transfer and shareholder servicing agent
fees 35,804
Daily variation on futures contracts--Note
6 20,515
Other
104,400
- ----------
Total
liabilities
27,596,059
=========================================================================================================
NET
ASSETS
$356,525,699
============
=========================================================================================================
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS
Paid-in
capital
$353,474,626
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overdistributed net investment
income (4,077)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated net realized loss on investments and
foreign currency
transactions
(2,327,236)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net unrealized appreciation on investments and translation of
assets and liabilities denominated in foreign
currencies 5,382,386
- ------------
Net
assets
$356,525,699
============
</TABLE>
30 Oppenheimer Bond Fund
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
=========================================================================================================
<S>
<C>
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE
Class A Shares:
Net asset value and redemption price per share (based on net assets of
$246,668,278 and 22,711,225 shares of beneficial interest outstanding) $10.86
Maximum offering price per share (net asset value plus sales charge of 4.75% of
offering price) $11.40
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B Shares:
Net asset value, redemption price (excludes applicable contingent deferred sales
charge) and offering price per share (based on net assets of $88,060,713 and
8,111,764 shares of beneficial interest outstanding) $10.86
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C Shares:
Net asset value, redemption price (excludes applicable contingent deferred sales
charge) and offering price per share (based on net assets of $21,795,709 and
2,005,876 shares of beneficial interest outstanding) $10.87
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class Y Shares:
Net asset value, redemption price and offering price per share (based on net
assets of $999 and 92 shares of beneficial interest outstanding) $10.86
</TABLE>
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
31 Oppenheimer Bond Fund
<PAGE>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS For the Year Ended December 31, 1998
<TABLE>
=========================================================================================================
<S>
<C>
INVESTMENT INCOME
Interest
$22,500,912
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends
313,421
- ----------
Total
income
22,814,333
=========================================================================================================
EXPENSES
Management fees--Note
4
2,199,637
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and service plan fees--Note 4:
Class
A
538,337
Class
B
642,192
Class
C
151,634
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Transfer and shareholder servicing agent fees--Note
4 464,206
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder
reports
134,503
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Legal, auditing and other professional
fees 19,103
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Custodian fees and
expenses
16,323
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trustees' fees and
expenses
7,223
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other
49,286
- ---------
Total
expenses
4,222,444
=========================================================================================================
NET INVESTMENT
INCOME
18,591,889
=========================================================================================================
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS)
Net realized gain (loss) on:
Investments
1,492,426
Closing of futures contracts--Note
6 (1,250,774)
Foreign currency
transactions
72,639
- ----------
Net realized
gain
314,291
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation on:
Investments
(3,003,865)
Translation of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign
currencies (72,467)
- -----------
Net
change
(3,076,332)
- -----------
Net realized and unrealized
loss (2,762,041)
=========================================================================================================
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
OPERATIONS $15,829,848
===========
</TABLE>
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
32 Oppenheimer Bond Fund
<PAGE>
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR
ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1998 1997
=========================================================================================================
<S>
<C> <C>
OPERATIONS
Net investment income $
18,591,889 $ 16,543,377
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized gain
314,291 2,197,371
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation
(3,076,332) 3,665,014
- ----------- ----------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations
15,829,848 22,405,762
=========================================================================================================
DIVIDENDS TO SHAREHOLDERS Dividends from net investment income:
Class A
(14,076,402) (13,459,796)
Class B
(3,655,574) (2,655,088)
Class C
(859,704) (389,245)
Class Y
(47) ---
=========================================================================================================
BENEFICIAL INTEREST TRANSACTIONS Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting
from beneficial interest transactions--Note 2:
Class A
57,901,460 (7,491,024)
Class B
40,449,784 8,379,500
Class C
12,786,693 4,696,745
Class Y
999 --
=========================================================================================================
NET ASSETS
Total increase
108,377,057 11,486,854
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beginning of period
248,148,642 236,661,788
- ----------- -----------
End of period [including undistributed (overdistributed) net
investment income of $(4,077) and $6,579, respectively]
$356,525,699 $248,148,642
============ ============
</TABLE>
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
33 Oppenheimer Bond Fund
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A
- --------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1998 1997 1996
1995 1994
=============================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C>
<C> <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING DATA
Net asset value, beginning of period $10.97 $10.70 $10.98
$10.01 $11.12
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income .71 .77
.78 .69 .65
Net realized and
unrealized gain (loss) (.11) .27
(.28) .96 (1.08)
-------- -------- --------
- -------- --------
Total income (loss) from
investment operations .60 1.04 .50
1.65 (.43)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends and distributions to
shareholders:
Dividends from net
investment income (.71) (.77) (.75)
(.68) (.65)
Dividends in excess of net
investment income -- --
- -- -- (.03)
Tax return of capital -- --
(.03) -- --
-------- -------- --------
- -------- --------
Total dividends and distributions
to shareholders (.71) (.77) (.78)
(.68) (.68)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $10.86 $10.97 $10.70
$10.98 $10.01
======== ======== ========
======== ========
==============================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN, AT NET ASSET VALUE(3) 5.61% 10.13% 4.87%
16.94% (3.87)%
==============================================================================================
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period
(in thousands) $246,668 $190,706 $193,515
$169,059 $ 96,640
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average net assets (in thousands) $217,944 $187,458 $178,130
$116,940 $102,168
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios to average net assets:
Net investment income 6.46% 7.20% 7.35%
6.47% 6.25%
Expenses, before voluntary
reimbursement by the Manager 1.22% 1.27% 1.30%
1.27% 1.06%
Expenses, net of voluntary
reimbursement by the Manager N/A N/A N/A
1.26% N/A
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate(5) 67.3% 50.5% 53.7%
175.4% 70.3%
</TABLE>
1. For the period from April 27, 1998 (inception of offering), to December 31,
1998.
2. For the period from July 11, 1995 (inception of offering), to December 31,
1995.
3. Assumes a hypothetical initial investment on the business day before the
first day of the fiscal period (or inception of offering), with all dividends
and distributions reinvested in additional shares on the reinvestment date, and
redemption at the net asset value calculated on the last business day of the
fiscal period. Sales charges are not reflected in the total returns. Total
returns are not annualized for periods of less than one full year.
34 Oppenheimer Bond Fund
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS B CLASS
C CLASS Y
- -------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------- ---------
PERIOD
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
31, ENDED DEC. 31,
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1998 1997
1996 1995(2) 1998(1)
=============================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
<C> <C> <C>
$10.97 $10.69 $10.98 $10.01 $11.11 $10.98 $10.70
$10.99 $10.89 $10.88
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
.62 .69 .70 .63 .58 .62 .69
.70 .28 .49
(.10) .28 (.29) .94 (1.08) (.10) .28
(.29) .10 (.02)
--------- -------- --------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
- -------- -------- ---------
.52 .97 .41 1.57 (.50) .52 .97
.41 .38 .47
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(.63) (.69) (.67) (.60) (.57) (.63) (.69)
(.67) (.28) (.49)
-- -- -- -- (.03) --
- -- -- -- --
-- -- (.03) -- -- -- --
(.03) -- --
--------- -------- --------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
- -------- -------- ---------
(.63) (.69) (.70) (.60) (.60) (.63) (.69)
(.70) (.28) (.49)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$10.86 $10.97 $10.69 $10.98 $10.01 $10.87 $10.98
$10.70 $10.99 $10.86
======= ======== ======== ======= ======= ======== ========
======== ======== =======
=============================================================================================================
4.81% 9.41% 3.99% 16.06% (4.53)% 4.81% 9.39%
4.00% 3.76% 4.40%
=============================================================================================================
$88,061 $48,255 $38,826 $39,187 $3,451 $21,796 $9,188
$4,322 $3,971 $1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$64,330 $41,439 $38,068 $12,823 $2,747 $15,198 $6,134
$3,404 $ 979 $1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.68% 6.42% 6.59% 5.84% 5.53% 5.66% 6.36%
6.60% 6.32%(4) 6.84%(4)
1.97% 2.02% 2.05% 2.12% 1.78% 1.96% 2.02%
2.05% 2.25%(4) 0.74%(4)
N/A N/A N/A 2.08% N/A N/A N/A
N/A 1.96%(4) N/A
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
67.3% 50.5% 53.7% 175.4% 70.3% 67.3% 50.5%
53.7% 175.4% 67.3%
</TABLE>
4. Annualized.
5. The lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities for a period,
divided by the monthly average of the market value of portfolio securities owned
during the period. Securities with a maturity or expiration date at the time of
acquisition of one year or less are excluded from the calculation. Purchases and
sales of investment securities (excluding short-term securities) for the period
ended December 31, 1998, were $263,925,338 and $208,096,512, respectively. For
the period ended December 31, 1995, purchases and sales of investment securities
included mortgage dollar-rolls.
See accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
35 Oppenheimer Bond Fund
<PAGE>
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
===============================================================================
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Oppenheimer Bond Fund (the Fund) is a separate fund of Oppenheimer Integrity
Funds, a diversified, open-end management investment company registered under
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The Fund's investment objective
is to seek a high level of current income by investing mainly in debt
instruments. The Fund will, under normal market conditions, invest at least 65%
of its total assets in a diversified portfolio of investment grade debt
securities. The Fund's investment advisor is OppenheimerFunds, Inc. (the
Manager). The Fund offers Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Y shares. Class A
shares are sold with a front-end sales charge. Class B and Class C shares may be
subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. All classes of shares have
identical rights to earnings, assets and voting privileges, except that each
class has its own expenses directly attributable to that class and exclusive
voting rights with respect to matters affecting that class. Class A, B and C
have separate distribution and/or service plans. No such plan has been adopted
for Class Y shares. Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares
six years after the date of purchase. The following is a summary of significant
accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT VALUATION. Portfolio securities are valued at the close of the New
York Stock Exchange on each trading day. Listed and unlisted securities for
which such information is regularly reported are valued at the last sale price
of the day or, in the absence of sales, at values based on the closing bid or
the last sale price on the prior trading day. Long-term and short-term
"non-money market" debt securities are valued by a portfolio pricing service
approved by the Board of Trustees. Such securities which cannot be valued by an
approved portfolio pricing service are valued using dealer-supplied valuations
provided the Manager is satisfied that the firm rendering the quotes is reliable
and that the quotes reflect current market value, or are valued under
consistently applied procedures established by the Board of Trustees to
determine fair value in good faith. Short-term "money market type" debt
securities having a remaining maturity of 60 days or less are valued at cost (or
last determined market value) adjusted for amortization to maturity of any
premium or discount. Forward foreign currency contracts are valued based on the
closing prices of the forward currency contract rates in the London foreign
exchange markets on a daily basis as provided by a reliable bank or dealer.
Options are valued based upon the last sale price on the principal exchange on
which the option is traded or, in the absence of any transactions that day, the
value is based upon the last sale price on the prior trading date if it is
within the spread between the closing bid and asked prices. If the last sale
price is outside the spread, the closing bid is used.
36 Oppenheimer Bond Fund
<PAGE>
================================================================================
SECURITIES PURCHASED ON A WHEN-ISSUED BASIS. Delivery and payment for securities
that have been purchased by the Fund on a forward commitment or when-issued
basis can take place a month or more after the transaction date. During this
period, such securities do not earn interest, are subject to market fluctuation
and may increase or decrease in value prior to their delivery. The Fund
maintains, in a segregated account with its custodian, assets with a market
value equal to the amount of its purchase commitments. The purchase of
securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis may increase the
volatility of the Fund's net asset value to the extent the Fund makes such
purchases while remaining substantially fully invested. As of December 31, 1998,
the Fund had entered into outstanding when-issued or forward commitments of
$24,995,035.
In connection with its ability to purchase securities on a
when-issued or forward commitment basis, the Fund may enter into mortgage
dollar-rolls in which the Fund sells securities for delivery in the current
month and simultaneously contracts with the same counterparty to repurchase
similar (same type, coupon and maturity) but not identical securities on a
specified future date. The Fund records each dollar-roll as a sale and a new
purchase transaction.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION. The accounting records of the Fund are
maintained
in U.S. dollars. Prices of securities denominated in foreign currencies are
translated into U.S. dollars at the closing rates of exchange. Amounts related
to the purchase and sale of foreign securities and investment income are
translated at the rates of exchange prevailing on the respective dates of such
transactions.
The effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on
investments is separately identified from the fluctuations arising from changes
in market values of securities held and reported with all other foreign currency
gains and losses in the Fund's Statement of Operations.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The Fund requires the custodian to take possession, to
have legally segregated in the Federal Reserve Book Entry System or to have
segregated within the custodian's vault, all securities held as collateral for
repurchase agreements. The market value of the underlying securities is required
to be at least 102% of the resale price at the time of purchase. If the seller
of the agreement defaults and the value of the collateral declines, or if the
seller enters an insolvency proceeding, realization of the value of the
collateral by the Fund may be delayed or limited.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALLOCATION OF INCOME, EXPENSES, GAINS AND LOSSES. Income, expenses (other than
those attributable to a specific class), gains and losses are allocated daily to
each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets
represented by such class. Operating expenses directly attributable to a
specific class are charged against the operations of that class.
37 Oppenheimer Bond Fund
<PAGE>
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
================================================================================
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
FEDERAL TAXES. The Fund intends to continue to comply with provisions of the
Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to
distribute all of its taxable income, including any net realized gain on
investments not offset by loss carryovers, to shareholders. Therefore, no
federal income or excise tax provision is required. As of December 31, 1998, the
Fund had available for federal income tax purposes an unused capital loss
carryover of $6,236,000, which expires between 2002 and 2004.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS. The Fund intends to declare dividends separately
for Class A, Class B, Class C, and Class Y shares from net investment income
each day the New York Stock Exchange is open for business and pay such dividends
monthly. Distributions from net realized gains on investments, if any, will be
declared at least once each year.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASSIFICATION OF DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS. Net investment income (loss)
and net realized gain (loss) may differ for financial statement and tax purposes
primarily because of paydown gains and losses and the recognition of certain
foreign currency gains (losses) as ordinary income (loss) for tax purposes. The
character of the distributions made during the year from net investment income
or net realized gains may differ from its ultimate characterization for federal
income tax purposes. Also, due to timing of dividend distributions, the fiscal
year in which amounts are distributed may differ from the fiscal year in which
the income or realized gain was recorded by the Fund.
The Fund adjusts the classification of distributions to
shareholders to reflect the differences between financial statement amounts and
distributions determined in accordance with income tax regulations. Accordingly,
during the year ended December 31, 1998, amounts have been reclassified to
reflect a decrease in paid-in capital of $166,931, a decrease in undistributed
net investment income of $10,818, and a decrease in accumulated net realized
loss on investments of $177,749.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER. Investment transactions are accounted for on the date the investments are
purchased or sold (trade date). Discount on securities purchased is amortized
over the life of the respective securities, in accordance with federal income
tax requirements. Realized gains and losses on investments and unrealized
appreciation and depreciation are determined on an identified cost basis, which
is the same basis used for federal income tax purposes. Dividends-in-kind are
recognized as income on the ex-dividend date, at the current market value of the
underlying security. Interest on payment-in-kind debt instruments is accrued as
income at the coupon rate and a market adjustment is made periodically.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reporting
period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
38 Oppenheimer Bond Fund
<PAGE>
================================================================================
2. SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
The Fund has authorized an unlimited number of no par value shares of beneficial
interest of each class. Transactions in shares of beneficial interest were as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998(1) YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1997
--------------------------------
- -----------------------------
SHARES AMOUNT
SHARES AMOUNT
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
<C> <C>
Class A:
Sold 6,327,132 $ 68,506,645
2,678,397 $ 28,887,221
Dividends reinvested 929,158 10,176,270
831,219 8,947,815
Issued in connection with the
acquisition of Oppenheimer
LifeSpan Income Fund--Note 9 2,792,886 30,889,321
- -- --
Redeemed (4,721,024) (51,670,776)
(4,216,384) (45,326,060)
----------- ------------
- ----------- -------------
Net increase (decrease) 5,328,152 $ 57,901,460
(706,768) $ (7,491,024)
=========== ============
=========== =============
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B:
Sold 5,173,605 $ 56,405,052
1,711,754 $ 18,512,789
Dividends reinvested 235,563 2,578,186
168,332 1,813,048
Issued in connection with the
acquisition of Oppenheimer
LifeSpan Income Fund--Note 9 85,738 947,405
- -- --
Redeemed (1,783,066) (19,480,859)
(1,110,660) (11,946,337)
----------- ------------
- ----------- ------------
Net increase 3,711,840 $ 40,449,784
769,426 $ 8,379,500
=========== ============
=========== ============
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C:
Sold 1,595,718 $ 17,436,546
536,735 $ 5,809,737
Dividends reinvested 58,558 641,296
25,947 280,265
Issued in connection with the
acquisition of Oppenheimer
LifeSpan Income Fund--Note 9 8,740 96,665
- -- --
Redeemed (494,157) (5,387,814)
(129,410) (1,393,257)
----------- ------------
- ----------- ------------
Net increase 1,168,859 $ 12,786,693
433,272 $ 4,696,745
=========== ============
=========== ============
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class Y:
Sold 92 $ 999
- -- $ --
Dividends reinvested -- --
- -- --
Redeemed -- --
- -- --
--------- -------------
- ------------ ------------
Net increase 92 $ $999
- -- $ --
========= =============
============ ============
</TABLE>
1. For the year ended December 31, 1998, for Class A, Class B, and Class C
shares, and for the period from April 27, 1998 (inception of offering) to
December 31, 1998 for Class Y shares.
39 Oppenheimer Bond Fund
<PAGE>
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
================================================================================
3. UNREALIZED GAINS AND LOSSES ON INVESTMENTS
As of December 31, 1998, net unrealized appreciation on investments of
$5,315,752 was composed of gross appreciation of $10,177,934, and gross
depreciation of $4,862,182.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. MANAGEMENT FEES AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
Management fees paid to the Manager were in accordance with the investment
advisory agreement with the Fund which provides for a fee of 0.75% of the first
$200 million of the Fund's average annual net assets, 0.72% of the next $200
million, 0.69% of the next $200 million, 0.66% of the next $200 million, 0.60%
of the next $200 million, and 0.50% of net assets in excess of $1 billion. The
Fund's management fee for the year ended December 31, 1998 was 0.74% of the
average annual net assets for Class A, Class B, Class C and Class Y shares.
For the year ended December 31, 1998, commissions (sales
charges paid by investors) on sales of Class A shares totaled $751,085, of which
$221,787 was retained by OppenheimerFunds Distributor, Inc. (OFDI), a subsidiary
of the Manager, as general distributor, and by an affiliated broker/dealer.
Sales charges advanced to broker/dealers by OFDI on sales of the Fund's Class A,
Class B and Class C shares totaled $112,467, $1,420,342 and $117,997,
respectively. Amounts paid to an affiliated broker/dealer for Class B and Class
C shares were $93,828 and $3,459, respectively. During the year ended December
31, 1998, OFDI received contingent deferred sales charges of $186,638 and
$7,397, respectively, upon redemption of Class B and Class C shares as
reimbursement for sales commissions advanced by OFDI at the time of sale of such
shares.
OppenheimerFunds Services (OFS), a division of the Manager, is
the transfer and shareholder servicing agent for the Fund and other Oppenheimer
funds. OFS's total costs of providing such services are allocated ratably to
these funds.
The Fund has adopted a Service Plan for Class A shares to
reimburse OFDI for a portion of its costs incurred in connection with the
personal service and maintenance of shareholder accounts that hold Class A
shares. Reimbursement is made quarterly at an annual rate that may not exceed
0.25% of the average annual net assets of Class A shares of the Fund. OFDI uses
the service fee to reimburse brokers, dealers, banks and other financial
institutions quarterly for providing personal service and maintenance of
accounts of their customers that hold Class A shares. During the year ended
December 31, 1998, OFDI paid $186,566 to an affiliated broker/dealer as
reimbursement for Class A personal service and maintenance expenses.
40 Oppenheimer Bond Fund
<PAGE>
================================================================================
The Fund has adopted Distribution and Service Plans for Class B and Class C
shares to compensate OFDI for its costs in distributing Class B and Class C
shares and servicing accounts. Under the Plans, the Fund pays OFDI an annual
asset-based sales charge of 0.75% per year on Class B and Class C shares for its
services rendered in distributing Class B and Class C shares. OFDI also receives
a service fee of 0.25% per year to compensate dealers for providing personal
services for accounts that hold Class B and Class C shares. Each fee is computed
on the average annual net assets of Class B or Class C shares, determined as of
the close of each regular business day. During the year ended December 31, 1998,
OFDI paid $7,125 to an affiliated broker/dealer as compensation for Class B
personal service and maintenance expenses and retained $541,252 and $118,222,
respectively, as compensation for Class B and Class C sales commissions and
service fee advances, as well as financing costs. If either Plan is terminated
by the Fund, the Board of Trustees may allow the Fund to continue payments of
the asset-based sales charge to OFDI for distributing shares before the Plan was
terminated. As of December 31, 1998, OFDI had incurred excess distribution and
servicing costs of $2,413,027 for Class B and $253,281 for Class C.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. FORWARD CONTRACTS
A forward foreign currency exchange contract (forward contract) is a commitment
to purchase or sell a foreign currency at a future date, at a negotiated rate.
The Fund uses forward contracts to seek to manage foreign
currency risks. They may also be used to tactically shift portfolio currency
risk. The Fund generally enters into forward contracts as a hedge upon the
purchase or sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency. In addition,
the Fund may enter into such contracts as a hedge against changes in foreign
currency exchange rates on portfolio positions.
Forward contracts are valued based on the closing prices of
the forward currency contract rates in the London foreign exchange markets on a
daily basis as provided by a reliable bank or dealer. The Fund will realize a
gain or loss upon the closing or settlement of the forward transaction.
Securities held in segregated accounts to cover net exposure
on outstanding forward contracts are noted in the Statement of Investments where
applicable. Unrealized appreciation or depreciation on forward contracts is
reported in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Realized gains and losses
are reported with all other foreign currency gains and losses in the Fund's
Statement of Operations.
Risks include the potential inability of the counterparty to
meet the terms of the contract and unanticipated movements in the value of a
foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar.
41 Oppenheimer Bond Fund
<PAGE>
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
================================================================================
5. FORWARD CONTRACTS(CONTINUED)
As of December 31, 1998, the Fund had outstanding forward contracts as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXPIRATION CONTRACT VALUATION AS
OF UNREALIZED
CONTRACT DESCRIPTION DATE AMOUNT (000s) DECEMBER 31,
1998 DEPRECIATION
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTRACTS TO SELL
- ------------------
<S> <C> <C>
<C> <C>
Canadian Dollar (CAD) 3/15/99 2,970 CAD
$1,939,647 $11,075
</TABLE>
================================================================================
6. FUTURES CONTRACTS
The Fund may buy and sell interest rate futures contracts in order to gain
exposure to or protect against changes in interest rates. The Fund may also buy
or write put or call options on these futures contracts.
The Fund generally sells futures contracts to hedge against
increases in interest rates and the resulting negative effect on the value of
fixed rate portfolio securities. The Fund may also purchase futures contracts to
gain exposure to changes in interest rates as it may be more efficient or cost
effective than actually buying fixed income securities.
Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund is required to
deposit either cash or securities (initial margin) in an amount equal to a
certain percentage of the contract value. Subsequent payments (variation margin)
are made or received by the Fund each day. The variation margin payments are
equal to the daily changes in the contract value and are recorded as unrealized
gains and losses. The Fund recognizes a realized gain or loss when the contract
is closed or expires.
Securities held in collateralized accounts to cover initial
margin requirements on open futures contracts are noted in the Statement of
Investments. The Statement of Assets and Liabilities reflects a receivable or
payable for the daily mark to market for variation margin.
Risks of entering into futures contracts (and related options)
include the possibility that there may be an illiquid market and that a change
in the value of the contract or option may not correlate with changes in the
value of the underlying securities.
42 Oppenheimer Bond Fund
<PAGE>
================================================================================
As of December 31, 1998, the Fund had outstanding futures contracts as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNREALIZED
EXPIRATION NUMBER OF VALUATION AS
OF APPRECIATION
CONTRACT DESCRIPTION DATE CONTRACTS DECEMBER 31,
1998 (DEPRECIATION)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTRACTS TO PURCHASE
- ----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
<C> <C>
U.S. Treasury Nts., 5 yr. 3/99 236
$26,749,125 $71,359
U.S. Treasury Nts., 20 yr. 3/99 77
9,839,156 8,625
- --------
79,984
- --------
CONTRACTS TO SELL
- ------------------
U.S. Treasury Nts., 10 yr. 3/99 18
2,144,813 (2,313)
- -------
$77,671
=======
</TABLE>
================================================================================
7. ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES
As of December 31, 1998, investments in securities included issues that are
illiquid or restricted. Restricted securities are often purchased in private
placement transactions, are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, may
have contractual restrictions on resale, and are valued under methods approved
by the Board of Trustees as reflecting fair value. A security may be considered
illiquid if it lacks a readily available market or if its valuation has not
changed for a certain period of time. The Fund intends to invest no more than
10% of its net assets (determined at the time of purchase and reviewed
periodically) in illiquid or restricted securities. Certain restricted
securities, eligible for resale to qualified institutional investors, are not
subject to that limit. The aggregate value of illiquid or restricted securities
subject to this limitation as of December 31, 1998 was $22,178,514, which
represents 6.22% of the Fund's net assets.
================================================================================
8. ACQUISITION OF OPPENHEIMER LIFESPAN INCOME FUND
On June 12, 1998, the Fund acquired all the net assets of Oppenheimer LifeSpan
Income Fund, pursuant to an agreement and plan of reorganization approved by the
Oppenheimer LifeSpan Income Fund shareholders on June 9, 1998. The Fund issued
(at an exchange ratio of 0.936419 for Class A, 0.940145 for Class B and
0.939042
for Class C of the Fund to one share of Oppenheimer LifeSpan Income Fund)
2,792,886, 85,738 and 8,740 shares of beneficial interest for Class A, Class B,
and Class C, respectively, valued at $30,889,321, $947,405 and $96,665,
respectively, in exchange for the net assets, resulting in combined Class A net
assets of $230,808,283, Class B net assets of $59,193,669 and Class C net assets
of $13,957,428 on June 12, 1998. The net assets acquired included net unrealized
appreciation of $514,326. The exchange qualified as a tax-free reorganization
for federal income tax purposes.
43 Oppenheimer Bond Fund
<PAGE>
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
================================================================================
9. BANK BORROWINGS
The Fund may borrow from a bank for temporary or emergency purposes including,
without limitation, funding of shareholder redemptions provided asset coverage
for borrowings exceeds 300%. The Fund has entered into an agreement which
enables it to participate with other Oppenheimer funds in an unsecured line of
credit with a bank, which permits borrowings up to $400 million, collectively.
Interest is charged to each fund, based on its borrowings, at a rate equal to
the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.35%. Borrowings are payable 30 days after such
loan is executed. The Fund also pays a commitment fee equal to its pro rata
share of the average unutilized amount of the credit facility at a rate of
0.0575% per annum.
The Fund had no borrowings outstanding during the year ended
December 31, 1998.
44 Oppenheimer Bond Fund
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
A-1
Appendix A
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATINGS DEFINITIONS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Below are summaries of the rating definitions used by the nationally-recognized
rating agencies listed below. Those ratings represent the opinion of the agency
as to the credit quality of issues that they rate. The summaries below are based
upon publicly-available information provided by the rating organizations.
Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-Term (Taxable) Bond Ratings
Aaa: Bonds rated Aaa are judged to be the best quality. They carry the smallest
degree of investment risk. 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, the changes that can be expected are
most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa: Bonds rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all standards. Together
with the Aaa group, they comprise what are generally known as high-grade bonds.
They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection may not
be as large as with 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 those of Aaa securities.
A: Bonds rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and are to be
considered as upper-medium grade obligations. Factors giving security to
principal and interest are considered adequate but elements may be present which
suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.
Baa: Bonds rated Baa are considered medium grade obligations; that is, 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 have speculative
characteristics as well.
Ba: Bonds rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements. Their future cannot
be considered well-assured. Often the protection of interest and principal
payments may be very moderate and not well safeguarded during both good and bad
times over the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes bonds in this
class.
B: Bonds rated B generally lack characteristics of desirable investment.
Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of other terms of
the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Caa: Bonds rated Caa are of poor standing and may be in default or there may
be present elements of danger with respect to principal or interest.
Ca: Bonds rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a high
degree and are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.
C: Bonds rated C are the lowest class of rated bonds and can be regarded as
having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing.
Moody's applies numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 in each generic rating
classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier "1" indicates that the
obligation ranks in the higher end of its category; the modifier "2" indicates a
mid-range ranking and the modifier "3" indicates a ranking in the lower end of
the category.
Short-Term Ratings - Taxable Debt
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
These ratings apply to the ability of issuers to repay punctually senior debt
obligations having an original maturity not exceeding one year:
Prime-1: Issuer has a superior ability for repayment of senior short-term debt
obligations.
Prime-2: Issuer has a strong ability for repayment of senior short-term debt
obligations. Earnings trends and coverage, while sound, may be subject to
variation. Capitalization characteristics, while appropriate, may be more
affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
Prime-3: Issuer has an acceptable ability for repayment of senior short-term
obligations. The effect of industry characteristics and market compositions may
be more pronounced. Variability in earnings and profitability may result in
changes in the level of debt protection measurements and may require relatively
high financial leverage. Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.
Not Prime: Issuer does not fall within any Prime rating category.
Standard & Poor's Rating Services
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-Term Credit Ratings
AAA: Bonds rated "AAA" have the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's.
The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is
extremely strong.
AA: Bonds rated "AA" differ from the highest rated obligations only in small
degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation is very strong.
A: Bonds rated "A" are somewhat more susceptible to adverse effects of changes
in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated
categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on
the obligation is still strong.
BBB: Bonds rated BBB exhibit adequate protection parameters. However, adverse
economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a
weakened capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation.
Bonds rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C are regarded as having significant speculative
characteristics. BB indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest.
While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective
characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major
exposures to adverse conditions.
BB: Bonds rated BB are less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative
issues. However, these face major uncertainties or exposure to adverse business,
financial, or economic conditions which could lead to the obligor's inadequate
capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
B: A bond rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than an obligation rated BB,
but the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on
the obligation.
CCC: A bond rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent
upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to
meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse
business, financial or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have
the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. CC: An
obligation rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.
C: The C rating may used where a bankruptcy petition has been filed or similar
action has been taken, but payments on this obligation are being continued.
D: Bonds rated D are in default. Payments on the obligation are not being
made on the date due.
The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or
minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories. The
"r" symbol is attached to the ratings of instruments with significant noncredit
risks.
Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A-1: Rated in the highest category. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial
commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, a plus (+) sign
designation indicates the issuer's capacity to meet its financial obligation is
very strong.
A-2: Obligation is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes
in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating
categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on
the obligation is satisfactory.
A-3: Exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic
conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened
capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
B: Regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. The obligor
currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor's
inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
C: Currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable
business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its
financial commitment on the obligation.
D: In payment default. Payments on the obligation have not been made on the
due date. The rating may also be used if a bankruptcy petition has been filed
or similar actions jeopardize payments on the obligation.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fitch IBCA, Inc.
International Long-Term Credit Ratings
Investment Grade:
AAA: Highest Credit Quality. "AAA" ratings denote the lowest expectation of
credit risk. They are assigned only in the case of exceptionally strong
capacity for timely payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly
unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.
AA: Very High Credit Quality. "AA" ratings denote a very low expectation of
credit risk. They indicate a very strong capacity for timely payment of
financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to
foreseeable events.
A: High Credit Quality. "A" ratings denote a low expectation of credit risk.
The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered
strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in
circumstances or in economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.
BBB: Good Credit Quality. "BBB" ratings indicate that there is currently a
low expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial
commitments is considered adequate, but adverse changes in circumstances and
in economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. This is the
lowest investment-grade category.
Speculative Grade:
BB: Speculative. "BB" ratings indicate that there is a possibility of credit
risk developing, particularly as the result of adverse economic change over
time. However, business or financial alternatives may be available to allow
financial commitments to be met.
B: Highly Speculative. "B" ratings indicate that significant credit risk is
present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are
currently being met. However, capacity for continued payment is contingent
upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.
CCC, CC C: High Default Risk. Default is a real possibility. Capacity for
meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon sustained, favorable
business or economic developments. A "CC" rating indicates that default of
some kind appears probable. "C" ratings signal imminent default.
DDD, DD, and D: Default. Securities are not meeting current obligations and
are extremely speculative. "DDD" designates the highest potential for
recovery of amounts outstanding on any securities involved.
Plus (+) and minus (-) signs may be appended to a rating symbol to denote
relative status within the rating category. Plus and minus signs are not added
to the "AAA" category or to categories below "CCC."
International Short-Term Credit Ratings
F1: Highest credit quality. Strongest capacity for timely payment. May have an
added "+" to denote exceptionally strong credit feature.
F2: Good credit quality. A satisfactory capacity for timely payment, but the
margin of safety is not as great as in higher ratings.
F3: Fair credit quality. Capacity for timely payment is adequate. However,
near-term adverse changes could result in a reduction to non-investment grade.
B: Speculative. Minimal capacity for timely payment, plus vulnerability to
near-term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.
C: High default risk. Default is a real possibility, Capacity for
meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon a sustained, favorable
business and economic environment.
D: Default. Denotes actual or imminent payment default.
Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Co. Ratings
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-Term Debt and Preferred Stock
AAA: Highest credit quality. The risk factors are negligible, being only
slightly more than for risk-free U.S. Treasury debt.
AA+, AA, AA-: High credit quality. Protection factors are strong. Risk is modest
but may vary slightly from time to time because of economic conditions.
A+, A & A-: Protection factors are average but adequate. However, risk factors
are more variable in periods of greater economic stress.
BBB+, BBB & BBB-: Below average protection factors but still considered
sufficient for prudent investment. Considerable variability in risk during
economic cycles.
BB+, BB & BB-: Below investment grade but deemed likely to meet obligations when
due. Present or prospective financial protection factors fluctuate according to
industry conditions. Overall quality may move up or down frequently within the
category.
B+, B & B-: Below investment grade and possessing risk that obligations will not
be met when due. Financial protection factors will fluctuate widely according to
economic cycles, industry conditions and/or company fortunes. Potential exists
for frequent changes in the rating within this category or into a higher of
lower rating grade.
CCC: Well below investment-grade securities. Considerable uncertainty exists as
to timely payment of principal, interest or preferred dividends. Protection
factors are narrow and risk can be substantial with unfavorable
economic/industry conditions, and/or with unfavorable company developments.
DD: Defaulted debt obligations. Issuer failed to meet scheduled principal
and/or interest payments.
DP: Preferred stock with dividend arrearages.
Short-Term Debt:
High Grade:
D-1+: Highest certainty of timely payment. Safety is just below risk-free
U.S. Treasury short-term debt.
D-1: Very high certainty of timely payment. Risk factors are minor.
D-1-: High certainty of timely payment. Risk factors are very small.
Good Grade:
D-2: Good certainty of timely payment. Risk factors are small.
Satisfactory Grade:
D-3: Satisfactory liquidity and other protection factors qualify issues as to
investment grade. Risk factors are larger and subject to more variation.
Nevertheless, timely payment is expected.
Non-Investment Grade:
D-4: Speculative investment characteristics. Liquidity is not sufficient to
insure against disruption in debt service.
Default:
D-5: Issuer failed to meet scheduled principal and/or interest payments.
<PAGE>
B-1
Appendix B
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Industry Classifications
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aerospace/Defense Food and Drug Retailers
Air Transportation Gas Utilities
Asset-Backed Health Care/Drugs
Auto Parts and Equipment Health Care/Supplies & Services
Automotive Homebuilders/Real Estate
Bank Holding Companies Hotel/Gaming
Banks Industrial Services
Beverages Information Technology
Broadcasting Insurance
Broker-Dealers Leasing & Factoring
Building Materials Leisure
Cable Television Manufacturing
Chemicals Metals/Mining
Commercial Finance Nondurable Household Goods
Communication Equipment Office Equipment
Computer Hardware Oil - Domestic
Computer Software Oil - International
Conglomerates Paper
Consumer Finance Photography
Consumer Services Publishing
Containers Railroads
Convenience Stores Restaurants
Department Stores Savings & Loans
Diversified Financial Shipping
Diversified Media Special Purpose Financial
Drug Wholesalers Specialty Printing
Durable Household Goods Specialty Retailing
Education Steel
Electric Utilities Telecommunications - Technology
Electrical Equipment Telephone - Utility
Electronics Textile/Apparel
Energy Services & Producers Tobacco
Entertainment/Film Trucks and Parts
Environmental Wireless Services
Food
<PAGE>
C-17
Appendix C
OppenheimerFunds Special Sales Charge Arrangements and Waivers
In certain cases, the initial sales charge that applies to purchases of
Class A shares1 of the Oppenheimer funds or the contingent deferred sales charge
that may apply to Class A, Class B or Class C shares may be waived. That is
because of the economies of sales efforts realized by OppenheimerFunds
Distributor, Inc., (referred to in this document as the "Distributor"), or by
dealers or other financial institutions that offer those shares to certain
classes of investors.
Not all waivers apply to all funds. For example, waivers relating to
Retirement Plans do not apply to Oppenheimer municipal funds, because shares of
those funds are not available for purchase by or on behalf of retirement plans.
Other waivers apply only to shareholders of certain funds that were merged into
or became Oppenheimer funds.
For the purposes of some of the waivers described below and in the
Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of the applicable Oppenheimer
funds, the term "Retirement Plan" refers to the following types of plans: (1)
plans qualified under Sections 401(a) or 401(k) of the Internal
Revenue Code,
(2) non-qualified deferred compensation plans, (3) employee benefit plans2 (4)
Group Retirement Plans3 (5) 403(b)(7) custodial plan accounts (6) Individual
Retirement Accounts ("IRAs"), including traditional IRAs,
Roth IRAs, SEP-IRAs, SARSEPs or SIMPLE plans
The interpretation of these provisions as to the applicability of a
special arrangement or waiver in a particular case is in the sole discretion of
the Distributor or the transfer agent (referred to in this document as the
"Transfer Agent") of the particular Oppenheimer fund. These waivers and special
arrangements may be amended or terminated at any time by a particular fund, the
Distributor, and/or OppenheimerFunds, Inc. (referred to in this document as the
"Manager").
Waivers that apply at the time shares are redeemed must be requested by the
shareholder and/or dealer in the redemption request.
- --------------
1. Certain waivers also apply to Class M. shares of Oppenheimer
Convertible Securities Fund.
2. An "employee benefit plan" means any plan or arrangement, whether or not it
is "qualified" under the Internal Revenue Code, under which Class A shares of
an Oppenheimer fund or funds are purchased by a fiduciary or other
administrator for the account of participants who are employees of a single
employer or of affiliated employers. These may include, for example, medical
savings accounts, payroll deduction plans or similar plans. The fund accounts
must be registered in the name of the fiduciary or administrator purchasing
the shares for the benefit of participants in the plan.
3. The term "Group Retirement Plan" means any qualified or non-qualified
retirement plan for employees of a corporation or sole proprietorship,
members and employees of a partnership or association or other organized
group of persons (the members of which may include other groups), if the
group has made special arrangements with the Distributor and all members of
the group participating in (or who are eligible to participate in) the plan
purchase Class A shares of an Oppenheimer fund or funds through a single
investment dealer, broker or other financial institution designated by the
group. Such plans include 457 plans, SEP-IRAs, SARSEPs, SIMPLE plans and
403(b) plans other than plans for public school employees. The term "Group
Retirement Plan" also includes qualified retirement plans and non-qualified
deferred compensation plans and IRAs that purchase Class A shares of an
Oppenheimer fund or funds through a single investment dealer, broker or other
financial institution that has made special arrangements with the Distributor
enabling those plans to purchase Class A shares at net asset value but
subject to the Class A contingent deferred sales charge.
I. Applicability of Class A Contingent Deferred Sales Charges in Certain Cases
Purchases of Class A Shares of Oppenheimer Funds That Are Not Subject to Initial
Sales Charge but May Be Subject to the Class A Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
(unless a waiver applies).
There is no initial sales charge on purchases of Class A shares of any of
the Oppenheimer funds in the cases listed below. However, these purchases may be
subject to the Class A contingent deferred sales charge if redeemed within 18
months of the end of the calendar month of their purchase, as described in the
Prospectus (unless a waiver described elsewhere in this Appendix applies to the
redemption). Additionally, on shares purchased under these waivers that are
subject to the Class A contingent deferred sales charge, the Distributor will
pay the applicable commission described in the Prospectus under "Class A
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge."4 This waiver provision applies to:
4 However, that commission will not be paid on purchases of shares in amounts of
$1 million or more (including any right of accumulation) by a Retirement Plan
that pays for the purchase with the redemption proceeds of Class C shares of one
or more Oppenheimer funds held by the Plan for more than one year.
o Purchases of Class A shares aggregating $1 million or more. o Purchases by a
Retirement Plan (other than an IRA or 403(b)(7) custodial plan) that:
(1) buys shares costing $500,000 or more, or
(2) has, at the time of purchase, 100 or more eligible employees or
total plan assets of $500,000 or more, or
(3) certifies to the Distributor that it projects to have annual plan
purchases of $200,000 or more.
o Purchases by an OppenheimerFunds-sponsored Rollover IRA, if the
purchases are made:
(1) through a broker, dealer, bank or registered investment adviser that
has made special arrangements with the Distributor for those
purchases, or
(2) by a direct rollover of a distribution from a qualified Retirement
Plan if the administrator of that Plan has made special arrangements
with the Distributor for those purchases.
o Purchases of Class A shares by Retirement Plans that have any of the
following record-keeping arrangements:
(1) The record keeping is performed by Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith,
Inc. ("Merrill Lynch") on a daily valuation basis for the
Retirement Plan. On the date the plan sponsor signs the
record-keeping service agreement with Merrill Lynch, the Plan
must have $3 million or more of its assets invested in (a) mutual
funds, other than those advised or managed by Merrill Lynch Asset
Management, L.P. ("MLAM"), that are made available under a
Service Agreement between Merrill Lynch and the mutual fund's
principal underwriter or distributor, and (b) funds advised or
managed by MLAM (the funds described in (a) and (b) are referred
to as "Applicable Investments").
(2) The record keeping for the Retirement Plan is performed on a daily
valuation basis by a record keeper whose services are provided
under a contract or arrangement between the Retirement Plan and
Merrill Lynch. On the date the plan sponsor signs the record
keeping service agreement with Merrill Lynch, the Plan must have
$3 million or more of its assets (excluding assets invested in
money market funds) invested in Applicable Investments.
Therecord keeping for a Retirement Plan is handled under a service
agreement with Merrill Lynch and on the date the plan sponsor signs
that agreement, the Plan has 500 or more eligible employees (as
determined by the Merrill Lynch plan conversion manager).
Purchases by a Retirement Plan whose record keeper had a cost-allocation
agreement with the Transfer Agent on or before May 1, 1999.
<PAGE>
II. Waivers of Class A Sales Charges of Oppenheimer Funds
A. Waivers of Initial and Contingent Deferred Sales Charges for Certain
Purchasers.
Class A shares purchased by the following investors are not subject to any Class
A sales charges (and no commissions are paid by the Distributor on such
purchases):
The Manager or its affiliates.
Present or former officers, directors, trustees and employees (and their
"immediate families") of the Fund, the Manager and its affiliates, and
retirement plans established by them for their employees. The term
"immediate family" refers to one's spouse, children, grandchildren,
grandparents, parents, parents-in-law, brothers and sisters, sons- and
daughters-in-law, a sibling's spouse, a spouse's siblings, aunts,
uncles, nieces and nephews; relatives by virtue of a remarriage
(step-children, step-parents, etc.) are included.
Registered management investment companies, or separate accounts of
insurance companies having an agreement with the Manager or the
Distributor for that purpose.
Dealers or brokers that have a sales agreement with the Distributor, if
they purchase shares for their own accounts or for retirement plans for
their employees.
Employees and registered representatives (and their spouses) of dealers or
brokers described above or financial institutions that have entered
into sales arrangements with such dealers or brokers (and which are
identified as such to the Distributor) or with the Distributor. The
purchaser must certify to the Distributor at the time of purchase that
the purchase is for the purchaser's own account (or for the benefit of
such employee's spouse or minor children).
Dealers, brokers, banks or registered investment advisors that have
entered into an agreement with the Distributor providing specifically
for the use of shares of the Fund in particular investment products
made available to their clients. Those clients may be charged a
transaction fee by their dealer, broker, bank or advisor for the
purchase or sale of Fund shares.
Investment advisors and financial planners who have entered into an
agreement for this purpose with the Distributor and who charge an
advisory, consulting or other fee for their services and buy shares for
their own accounts or the accounts of their clients.
"Rabbi trusts" that buy shares for their own accounts, if the purchases
are made through a broker or agent or other financial intermediary that
has made special arrangements with the Distributor for those purchases.
Clients of investment advisors or financial planners (that have entered
into an agreement for this purpose with the Distributor) who buy shares
for their own accounts may also purchase shares without sales charge
but only if their accounts are linked to a master account of their
investment advisor or financial planner on the books and records of the
broker, agent or financial intermediary with which the Distributor has
made such special arrangements . Each of these investors may be charged
a fee by the broker, agent or financial intermediary for purchasing
shares.
Directors, trustees, officers or full-time employees of OpCap Advisors or
its affiliates, their relatives or any trust, pension, profit sharing
or other benefit plan which beneficially owns shares for those persons.
Accounts for which Oppenheimer Capital (or its successor) is the
investment advisor (the Distributor must be advised of this
arrangement) and persons who are directors or trustees of the company
or trust which is the beneficial owner of such accounts.
A unit investment trust that has entered into an appropriate agreement
with the Distributor.
Dealers, brokers, banks, or registered investment advisers that have
entered into an agreement with the Distributor to sell shares to
defined contribution employee retirement plans for which the dealer,
broker or investment adviser provides administration services.
o
<PAGE>
Retirement Plans and deferred compensation plans and trusts used to fund
those plans (including, for example, plans qualified or created under
sections 401(a), 401(k), 403(b) or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code),
in each case if those purchases are made through a broker, agent or
other financial intermediary that has made special arrangements with
the Distributor for those purchases.
A TRAC-2000 401(k) plan (sponsored by the former Quest for Value
Advisors) whose Class B or Class C shares of a Former Quest for Value
Fund were exchanged for Class A shares of that Fund due to the
termination of the Class B and Class C TRAC-2000 program on November
24, 1995.
A qualified Retirement Plan that had agreed with the former Quest for
Value Advisors to purchase shares of any of the Former Quest for Value
Funds at net asset value, with such shares to be held through
DCXchange, a sub-transfer agency mutual fund clearinghouse, if that
arrangement was consummated and share purchases commenced by December
31, 1996.
B. Waivers of Initial and Contingent Deferred Sales Charges in Certain
Transactions.
Class A shares issued or purchased in the following transactions are not subject
to sales charges (and no commissions are paid by the Distributor on such
purchases):
Shares issued in plans of reorganization, such as mergers, asset
acquisitions and exchange offers, to which the Fund is a party.
Shares purchased by the reinvestment of dividends or other distributions
reinvested from the Fund or other Oppenheimer funds (other than
Oppenheimer Cash Reserves) or unit investment trusts for which
reinvestment arrangements have been made with the Distributor.
Shares purchased through a broker-dealer that has entered into a special
agreement with the Distributor to allow the broker's customers to
purchase and pay for shares of Oppenheimer funds using the proceeds of
shares redeemed in the prior 30 days from a mutual fund (other than a
fund managed by the Manager or any of its subsidiaries) on which an
initial sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge was paid. This
waiver also applies to shares purchased by exchange of shares of
Oppenheimer Money Market Fund, Inc. that were purchased and paid for in
this manner. This waiver must be requested when the purchase order is
placed for shares of the Fund, and the Distributor may require evidence
of qualification for this waiver.
Shares purchased with the proceeds of maturing principal units of any
Qualified Unit Investment Liquid Trust Series.
Shares purchased by the reinvestment of loan repayments by a participant
in a Retirement Plan for which the Manager or an affiliate acts as
sponsor.
C. Waivers of the Class A Contingent Deferred Sales Charge for Certain
Redemptions.
The Class A contingent deferred sales charge is also waived if shares that would
otherwise be subject to the contingent deferred sales charge are redeemed in the
following cases:
To make Automatic Withdrawal Plan payments that are limited annually to no
more than 12% of the account value measured at the time the Plan is
established, adjusted annually.
Involuntary redemptions of shares by operation of law or involuntary
redemptions of small accounts (please refer to "Shareholder Account
Rules and Policies," in the applicable fund Prospectus).
Fordistributions from Retirement Plans, deferred compensation plans or
other employee benefit plans for any of the following purposes:
(1) Following the death or disability (as defined in the Internal
Revenue Code) of the participant or beneficiary. The death or
disability must occur after the participant's account was
established.
(2) To return excess contributions.
(3) To return contributions made due to a mistake of fact.
(4) Hardship withdrawals, as defined in the plan.5
5 This provision does not apply to IRAs.
(5) Under a Qualified Domestic Relations Order, as defined in the Internal
Revenue Code, or, in the case of an IRA, a divorce or separation agreement
described in Section 71(b) of the Internal Revenue Code.
(6) To meet the minimum distribution requirements of the Internal
Revenue Code.
(7) To make "substantially equal periodic payments" as described in
Section 72(t) of the Internal Revenue Code.
(8) For loans to participants or beneficiaries.
(9) Separation from service.6
6 This provision does not apply to 403(b)(7) custodial plans if the participant
is less than age 55, nor to IRAs.
(10)Participant-directed redemptions to purchase shares of a mutual fund (other
than a fund managed by the Manager or a subsidiary of the Manager) if the plan
has made special arrangements with the Distributor.
(11) Plan termination or "in-service distributions," if the redemption
proceeds are rolled over directly to an OppenheimerFunds-sponsored
IRA.
Fordistributions from Retirement Plans having 500 or more eligible
employees, except distributions due to termination of all of the
Oppenheimer funds as an investment option under the Plan.
o For distributions from 401(k) plans sponsored by broker-dealers that
have entered into a special agreement with the Distributor allowing
this waiver.
III. Waivers of Class B and Class C Sales Charges of Oppenheimer Funds
The Class B and Class C contingent deferred sales charges will not be applied to
shares purchased in certain types of transactions or redeemed in certain
circumstances described below.
A. Waivers for Redemptions in Certain Cases.
The Class B and Class C contingent deferred sales charges will be waived for
redemptions of shares in the following cases:
Shares redeemed involuntarily, as described in "Shareholder Account Rules
and Policies," in the applicable Prospectus.
Redemptions from accounts other than Retirement Plans following the death
or disability of the last surviving shareholder, including a trustee of
a grantor trust or revocable living trust for which the trustee is also
the sole beneficiary. The death or disability must have occurred after
the account was established, and for disability you must provide
evidence of a determination of disability by the Social Security
Administration.
Distributions from accounts for which the broker-dealer of record has
entered into a special agreement with the Distributor allowing this
waiver.
Redemptions of Class B shares held by Retirement Plans whose records are
maintained on a daily valuation basis by Merrill Lynch or an
independent record keeper under a contract with Merrill Lynch.
Redemptions of Class C shares of Oppenheimer U.S. Government Trust from
accounts of clients of financial institutions that have entered into a
special arrangement with the Distributor for this purpose.
o Redemptions requested in writing by a Retirement Plan sponsor of Class
C shares of an Oppenheimer fund in amounts of $1 million or more held
by the Retirement Plan for more than one year, if the redemption
proceeds are invested in Class A shares of one or more Oppenheimer
funds.
o Distributions from Retirement Plans or other employee benefit plans for
any of the following purposes:
(1) Following the death or disability (as defined in the Internal
Revenue Code) of the participant or beneficiary. The death or
disability must occur after the participant's account was
established in an Oppenheimer fund.
(2) To return excess contributions made to a participant's account.
(3) To
return contributions made due to a mistake of fact.
(4) To make hardship withdrawals, as defined in the plan.7
7 This provision does not apply to IRAs.
(5) To make distributions required under a Qualified Domestic Relations Order
or, in the case of an IRA, a divorce or separation agreement described in
Section 71(b) of the Internal Revenue Code.
(6) To meet the minimum distribution requirements of the Internal
Revenue Code.
(7) To make "substantially equal periodic payments" as described in
Section 72(t) of the Internal Revenue Code.
(8) For loans to participants or beneficiaries.8
8 This provision does not apply to loans from 403(b)(7) custodial plans.
(9) On account of the participant's separation from service.9
9 This provision does not apply to 403(b)(7) custodial plans if the participant
is less than age 55, nor to IRAs.
</
(10) Participant-directed redemptions to purchase shares of a mutual fund (other
than a fund managed by the Manager or a subsidiary of the Manager) offered as an
investment option in a Retirement Plan if the plan has made special arrangements
with the Distributor.
(11) Distributions made on account of a plan termination or
"in-service" distributions," if the redemption proceeds are
rolled over directly to an OppenheimerFunds-sponsored IRA.
(12) Distributions from Retirement Plans having 500 or more eligible
employees, but excluding distributions made because of the
Plan's elimination as investment options under the Plan of all
of the Oppenheimer funds that had been offered.
(13) For distributions from a participant's account under an
Automatic Withdrawal Plan after the participant reaches age
59, as long as the aggregate value of the distributions
does not exceed 10% of the account's value annually (measured
from the establishment of the Automatic Withdrawal Plan).
B. Waivers for Shares Sold or Issued in Certain Transactions.
The contingent deferred sales charge is also waived on Class B and Class C
shares sold or issued in the following cases:
Shares sold to the Manager or its affiliates.
Shares sold to registered management investment companies or separate
accounts of insurance companies having an agreement with the Manager or
the Distributor for that purpose.
Shares issued in plans of reorganization to which the Fund is a party.
<PAGE>
IV. Special Sales Charge Arrangements for Shareholders of Certain Oppenheimer
Funds Who Were Shareholders of Former Quest for Value Funds
The initial and contingent deferred sales charge rates and waivers for Class A,
Class B and Class C shares described in the Prospectus or Statement of
Additional Information of the Oppenheimer funds are modified as described below
for certain persons who were shareholders of the former Quest for Value Funds.
To be eligible, those persons must have been shareholders on November 24, 1995,
when OppenheimerFunds, Inc. became the investment advisor to those former Quest
for Value Funds. Those funds include:
Oppenheimer Quest Value Fund, Inc. Oppenheimer Quest Small Cap Value
Fund
Oppenheimer Quest Balanced Value Oppenheimer Quest Global Value Fund
Fund
Oppenheimer Quest Opportunity
Value Fund
These arrangements also apply to shareholders of the following funds when
they merged (were reorganized) into various Oppenheimer funds on November 24,
1995:
Quest for Value U.S. Government Income Quest for Value New York Tax-Exempt
Fund Fund
Quest for Value Investment Quality Quest for Value National Tax-Exempt
Income Fund Fund
Quest for Value Global Income Fund Quest for Value California Tax-Exempt
Fund
All of the funds listed above are referred to in this Appendix as the
"Former Quest for Value Funds." The waivers of initial and contingent deferred
sales charges described in this Appendix apply to shares of an Oppenheimer fund
that are either:
acquired by such shareholder pursuant to an exchange of shares of an
Oppenheimer fund that was one of the Former Quest for Value Funds or
purchased by such shareholder by exchange of shares of another Oppenheimer
fund that were acquired pursuant to the merger of any of the Former
Quest for Value Funds into that other Oppenheimer fund on November 24,
1995.
A. Reductions or Waivers of Class A Sales Charges.
|X| Reduced Class A Initial Sales Charge Rates for Certain Former Quest
for Value Funds Shareholders.
Purchases by Groups and Associations. The following table sets forth the initial
sales charge rates for Class A shares purchased by members of "Associations"
formed for any purpose other than the purchase of securities. The rates in the
table apply if that Association purchased shares of any of the Former Quest for
Value Funds or received a proposal to purchase such shares from OCC Distributors
prior to November 24, 1995.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Initial Sales Initial Sales
Number of Eligible Charge as a % of Charge as a % of Commission as %
Employees or Members Offering Price Net Amount Invested of Offering Price
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9 or Fewer 2.50% 2.56% 2.00%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At least 10 but not 2.00% 2.04% 1.60%
more than 49
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For purchases by Associations having 50 or more eligible employees or
members, there is no initial sales charge on purchases of Class A shares, but
those shares are subject to the Class A contingent deferred sales charge
described in the applicable fund's Prospectus.
Purchases made under this arrangement qualify for the lower of either the
sales charge rate in the table based on the number of members of an Association,
or the sales charge rate that applies under the Right of Accumulation described
in the applicable fund's Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information.
Individuals who qualify under this arrangement for reduced sales charge rates as
members of Associations also may purchase shares for their individual or
custodial accounts at these reduced sales charge rates, upon request to the
Distributor.
|X| Waiver of Class A Sales Charges for Certain Shareholders. Class A
shares purchased by the following investors are not subject to any Class A
initial or contingent deferred sales charges:
Shareholders who were shareholders of the AMA Family of Funds on February
28, 1991 and who acquired shares of any of the Former Quest for Value
Funds by merger of a portfolio of the AMA Family of Funds.
Shareholders who acquired shares of any Former Quest for Value Fund by
merger of any of the portfolios of the Unified Funds.
|X| Waiver of Class A Contingent Deferred Sales Charge in Certain
Transactions. The Class A contingent deferred sales charge will not apply to
redemptions of Class A shares purchased by the following investors who were
shareholders of any Former Quest for Value Fund:
Investors who purchased Class A shares from a dealer that is or was not
permitted to receive a sales load or redemption fee imposed on a shareholder
with whom that dealer has a fiduciary relationship, under the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and regulations adopted under that law.
B. Class A, Class B and Class C Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Waivers.
|X| Waivers for Redemptions of Shares Purchased Prior to March 6, 1995. In
the following cases, the contingent deferred sales charge will be waived for
redemptions of Class A, Class B or Class C shares of an Oppenheimer fund. The
shares must have been acquired by the merger of a Former Quest for Value Fund
into the fund or by exchange from an Oppenheimer fund that was a Former Quest
for Value Fund or into which such fund merged. Those shares must have been
purchased prior to March 6, 1995 in connection with:
withdrawals under an automatic withdrawal plan holding only either Class B
or Class C shares if the annual withdrawal does not exceed 10% of the
initial value of the account, and
liquidation of a shareholder's account if the aggregate net asset value of
shares held in the account is less than the required minimum value of
such accounts.
|X| Waivers for Redemptions of Shares Purchased on or After March 6, 1995
but Prior to November 24, 1995. In the following cases, the contingent deferred
sales charge will be waived for redemptions of Class A, Class B or Class C
shares of an Oppenheimer fund. The shares must have been acquired by the merger
of a Former Quest for Value Fund into the fund or by exchange from an
Oppenheimer fund that was a Former Quest For Value Fund or into which such
Former Quest for Value Fund merged. Those shares must have been purchased on or
after March 6, 1995, but prior to November 24, 1995:
redemptions following the death or disability of the shareholder(s) (as
evidenced by a determination of total disability by the U.S. Social
Security Administration);
withdrawals under an automatic withdrawal plan (but only for Class B or
Class C shares) where the annual withdrawals do not exceed 10% of the
initial value of the account; and
liquidation of a shareholder's account if the aggregate net asset value of
shares held in the account is less than the required minimum account
value.
A shareholder's account will be credited with the amount of any contingent
deferred sales charge paid on the redemption of any Class A, Class B or Class C
shares of the Oppenheimer fund described in this section if the proceeds are
invested in the same Class of shares in that fund or another Oppenheimer fund
within 90 days after redemption.
V. Special Sales Charge Arrangements for Shareholders of Certain
Oppenheimer Funds Who Were Shareholders of Connecticut Mutual Investment
Accounts, Inc.
The initial and contingent deferred sale charge rates and waivers for Class A
and Class B shares described in the respective Prospectus (or this Appendix) of
the following Oppenheimer funds (each is referred to as a "Fund" in this
section): o Oppenheimer U. S. Government Trust, o Oppenheimer Bond Fund, o
Oppenheimer Disciplined Value Fund and o Oppenheimer Disciplined Allocation Fund
are modified as described below for those Fund shareholders who were
shareholders of the following funds (referred to as the "Former Connecticut
Mutual Funds") on March 1, 1996, when OppenheimerFunds, Inc. became the
investment adviser to the Former Connecticut Mutual Funds:
Connecticut Mutual Liquid Account Connecticut Mutual Total Return
Account
Connecticut Mutual Government Securities CMIA LifeSpan Capital Appreciation
Account Account
Connecticut Mutual Income Account CMIA LifeSpan Balanced Account
Connecticut Mutual Growth Account CMIA Diversified Income Account
A. Prior Class A CDSC and Class A Sales Charge Waivers.
? Class A Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. Certain shareholders of a Fund
and the other Former Connecticut Mutual Funds are entitled to continue to make
additional purchases of Class A shares at net asset value without a Class A
initial sales charge, but subject to the Class A contingent deferred sales
charge that was in effect prior to March 18, 1996 (the "prior Class A CDSC").
Under the prior Class A CDSC, if any of those shares are redeemed within one
year of purchase, they will be assessed a 1% contingent deferred sales charge on
an amount equal to the current market value or the original purchase price of
the shares sold, whichever is smaller (in such redemptions, any shares not
subject to the prior Class A CDSC will be redeemed first).
Those shareholders who are eligible for the prior Class A CDSC are: (1)
persons whose purchases of Class A shares of a Fund and other Former
Connecticut Mutual Funds were $500,000 prior to March 18, 1996, as a
result of direct purchases or purchases pursuant to the Fund's policies
on Combined Purchases or Rights of Accumulation, who still hold those
shares in that Fund or other Former Connecticut Mutual Funds, and
(2) persons whose intended purchases under a Statement of Intention entered
into prior to March 18, 1996, with the former general distributor of
the Former Connecticut Mutual Funds to purchase shares valued at
$500,000 or more over a 13-month period entitled those persons to
purchase shares at net asset value without being subject to the Class A
initial sales charge.
Any of the Class A shares of a Fund and the other Former Connecticut Mutual
Funds that were purchased at net asset value prior to March 18, 1996, remain
subject to the prior Class A CDSC, or if any additional shares are purchased
by those shareholders at net asset value pursuant to this arrangement they
will be subject to the prior Class A CDSC.
? Class A Sales Charge Waivers. Additional Class A shares of a Fund
may be purchased without a sales charge, by a person who was in one (or more)
of the categories below and acquired Class A shares prior to March 18, 1996,
and still holds Class A shares:
(1)
<PAGE>
anypurchaser, provided the total initial amount invested in the Fund or
any one or more of the Former Connecticut Mutual Funds totaled $500,000
or more, including investments made pursuant to the Combined Purchases,
Statement of Intention and Rights of Accumulation features available at
the time of the initial purchase and such investment is still held in
one or more of the Former Connecticut Mutual Funds or a Fund into which
such Fund merged;
(2) any participant in a qualified plan, provided that the total initial
amount invested by the plan in the Fund or any one or more of the
Former Connecticut Mutual Funds totaled $500,000 or more;
(3) Directors of the Fund or any one or more of the Former Connecticut
Mutual Funds and members of their immediate families;
(4) employee benefit plans sponsored by Connecticut Mutual Financial
Services, L.L.C. ("CMFS"), the prior distributor of the Former
Connecticut Mutual Funds, and its affiliated companies;
(5) one or more members of a group of at least 1,000 persons (and persons
who are retirees from such group) engaged in a common business,
profession, civic or charitable endeavor or other activity, and the
spouses and minor dependent children of such persons, pursuant to a
marketing program between CMFS and such group; and
(6) an institution acting as a fiduciary on behalf of an individual or
individuals, if such institution was directly compensated by the
individual(s) for recommending the purchase of the shares of the Fund
or any one or more of the Former Connecticut Mutual Funds, provided the
institution had an agreement with CMFS.
Purchases of Class A shares made pursuant to (1) and (2) above may be
subject to the Class A CDSC of the Former Connecticut Mutual Funds described
above.
Additionally, Class A shares of a Fund may be purchased without a sales
charge by any holder of a variable annuity contract issued in New York State by
Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company through the Panorama Separate Account
which is beyond the applicable surrender charge period and which was used to
fund a qualified plan, if that holder exchanges the variable annuity contract
proceeds to buy Class A shares of the Fund.
B. Class A and Class B Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Waivers.
In addition to the waivers set forth in the Prospectus and in this Appendix,
above, the contingent deferred sales charge will be waived for redemptions of
Class A and Class B shares of a Fund and exchanges of Class A or Class B shares
of a Fund into Class A or Class B shares of a Former Connecticut Mutual Fund
provided that the Class A or Class B shares of the Fund to be redeemed or
exchanged were (i) acquired prior to March 18, 1996 or (ii) were acquired by
exchange from an Oppenheimer fund that was a Former Connecticut Mutual Fund.
Additionally, the shares of such Former Connecticut Mutual Fund must have been
purchased prior to March 18, 1996: (1) by the estate of a deceased shareholder;
(2) upon the disability of a shareholder, as defined in Section 72(m)(7) of
the Internal Revenue Code;
(3) for retirement distributions (or loans) to participants or
beneficiaries from retirement plans qualified under Sections 401(a) or
403(b)(7)of the Code, or from IRAs, deferred compensation plans created
under Section 457 of the Code, or other employee benefit plans;
(4) as tax-free returns of excess contributions to such retirement or
employee benefit plans;
(5) in whole or in part, in connection with shares sold to any state,
county, or city, or any instrumentality, department, authority, or
agency thereof, that is prohibited by applicable investment laws from
paying a sales charge or commission in connection with the purchase of
shares of any registered investment management company;
(6) in connection with the redemption of shares of the Fund due to a
combination with another investment company by virtue of a merger,
acquisition or similar reorganization transaction;
(7) in connection with the Fund's right to involuntarily redeem or
liquidate the Fund;
(8)
<PAGE>
in connection with automatic redemptions of Class A shares and Class B
shares in certain retirement plan accounts pursuant to an Automatic
Withdrawal Plan but limited to no more than 12% of the original value
annually; or
(9) as involuntary redemptions of shares by operation of law, or under
procedures set forth in the Fund's Articles of Incorporation, or as
adopted by the Board of Directors of the Fund.
VI. Special Reduced Sales Charge for Former Shareholders of Advance America
Funds, Inc.
Shareholders of Oppenheimer Municipal Bond Fund, Oppenheimer U.S. Government
Trust, Oppenheimer Strategic Income Fund and Oppenheimer Equity Income Fund who
acquired (and still hold) shares of those funds as a result of the
reorganization of series of Advance America Funds, Inc. into those Oppenheimer
funds on October 18, 1991, and who held shares of Advance America Funds, Inc. on
March 30, 1990, may purchase Class A shares of those four Oppenheimer funds at a
maximum sales charge rate of 4.50%.
VII. Sales Charge Waivers on Purchases of Class M Shares of Oppenheimer
Convertible Securities Fund
Oppenheimer Convertible Securities Fund (referred to as the "Fund" in this
section) may sell Class M shares at net asset value without any initial sales
charge to the classes of investors listed below who, prior to March 11, 1996,
owned shares of the Fund's then-existing Class A and were permitted to purchase
those shares at net asset value without sales charge:
o the Manager and its affiliates,
o present or former officers, directors, trustees and employees (and
their "immediate families" as defined in the Fund's Statement of
Additional Information) of the Fund, the Manager and its affiliates,
and retirement plans established by them or the prior investment
advisor of the Fund for their employees,
o registered management investment companies or separate accounts of
insurance companies that had an agreement with the Fund's prior
investment advisor or distributor for that purpose,
o dealers or brokers that have a sales agreement with the Distributor, if
they purchase shares for their own accounts or for retirement plans for
their employees,
o employees and registered representatives (and their spouses) of dealers
or brokers described in the preceding section or financial institutions
that have entered into sales arrangements with those dealers or brokers
(and whose identity is made known to the Distributor) or with the
Distributor, but only if the purchaser certifies to the Distributor at
the time of purchase that the purchaser meets these qualifications,
o dealers, brokers, or registered investment advisors that had entered
into an agreement with the Distributor or the prior distributor of the
Fund specifically providing for the use of Class M shares of the Fund
in specific investment products made available to their clients, and
o dealers, brokers or registered investment advisors that had entered
into an agreement with the Distributor or prior distributor of the
Fund's shares to sell shares to defined contribution employee
retirement plans for which the dealer, broker, or investment advisor
provides administrative services.
<PAGE>
19
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer Bond Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internet Web Site:
www.oppenheimerfunds.com
Investment Adviser
OppenheimerFunds, Inc.
Two World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048-0203
Distributor
OppenheimerFunds Distributor, Inc.
Two World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048-0203
Transfer Agent
OppenheimerFunds Services
P.O. Box 5270
Denver, Colorado 80217
1-800-525-7048
Custodian Bank
The Bank of New York
One Wall Street
New York, New York 10015
Independent Auditors
Deloitte & Touche LLP
555 Seventeenth Street
Denver, Colorado 80202
Legal Counsel
Myer, Swanson, Adams & Wolfe, P.C.
1600 Broadway
Denver, Colorado 80202
67890
