HIGH YIELD BOND TRUST
485BPOS, 1997-04-21
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<PAGE>   1


                                              Registration Statement No. 2-76639
                                                                        811-3428

                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                           WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549
                                      
                                  FORM N-1A
                                      
            REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                        Post-Effective Amendment No. 23

                                     and/or

        REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
                                Amendment No. 23


                             HIGH YIELD BOND TRUST
                             ---------------------
                           (Exact name of Registrant)

                 ONE TOWER SQUARE, HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT  06183
                 ----------------------------------------------
                    (Address of Principal Executive Offices)

       Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (203) 277-0111
                                                           --------------


                                ERNEST J. WRIGHT
                       Secretary to the Board of Trustees
                             High Yield Bond Trust
                                One Tower Square
                          Hartford, Connecticut 06183
                          ---------------------------
                    (Name and Address of Agent for Service)



Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: 
                                              --------------

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):

          immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b).
  ---
   X      on May 1, 1997 pursuant to paragraph (b).
  ---
          60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1).
  ---
          on              pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
  ---        ------------
          75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2).
  ---
          on              pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485.
  ---        ------------

  If appropriate, check the following box:
             this post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for
  ------     a previously filed post-effective amendment.

AN INDEFINITE NUMBER OF SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST OF THE REGISTRANT WERE
REGISTERED PURSUANT TO RULE 24f-2 OF THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940.  A
RULE 24f-2 NOTICE FOR REGISTRANT'S FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 WAS
FILED WITH THE COMMISSION ON FEBRUARY 28, 1997.
<PAGE>   2
                             HIGH YIELD BOND TRUST

  Cross-Reference Sheet pursuant to Rule 495 under the Securities Act of 1933

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ITEM
NO.                                                           CAPTION IN PROSPECTUS
- ---                                                           ---------------------
<S>    <C>                                                    <C>
1.     Cover Page                                             Cover Page
2.     Synopsis                                               Not Applicable
3.     Condensed Financial Information                        Financial Highlights
4.     General Description of Registrant                      Cover Page; Fund Description; Investment
                                                                Objective and Policies
5.     Management of the Fund                                 Board of Trustees; Investment Adviser;
                                                                Securities Transactions; Fund Expenses;
                                                                Additional Information
6.     Capital Stock and Other Securities                     Fund Description; Dividends and
                                                                Distributions; Shareholder Rights; Net
                                                                Asset Value
7.     Purchase of Securities Being Offered                   Shareholder Rights
8.     Redemption or Repurchase                               Net Asset Value
9.     Legal Proceedings                                      Legal Proceedings


                                                              CAPTION IN STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
                                                              INFORMATION
                                                              --------------------------------------                       

10.    Cover Page                                             Cover Page
11.    Table of Contents                                      Table of Contents
12.    General Information and History                        Not Applicable
13.    Investment Objectives and                              Investment Objectives and Policies;
         Policies                                               Investment Restrictions; Appendix
14.    Management of the Registrant                           Trustees and Officers
15.    Control Persons and Principal                          Additional Information
         Holders of Securities
16.    Investment Advisory and                                Investment Adviser; Additional Information
         Other Services      
17.    Brokerage Allocation                                   Brokerage
18.    Capital Stock and Other Securities                     Declaration of Trust
19.    Purchase, Redemption and Pricing                       Valuation of Securities
         of Securities Being Offered
20.    Tax Status                                             Distributions and Taxes
21.    Underwriters                                           Not Applicable
22.    Calculation of Performance Data                        Not Applicable
23.    Financial Statements                                   Additional Information
</TABLE>
    

<PAGE>   3





                                     PART A

                      INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A PROSPECTUS
<PAGE>   4











                                     PART A

                      INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A PROSPECTUS



<PAGE>   5
 
                             HIGH YIELD BOND TRUST
 
ONE TOWER SQUARE
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06183
TELEPHONE 860-422-3985
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
   
High Yield Bond Trust (the "Fund") is a diversified open-end management
investment company (mutual fund) whose objective is to provide generous income
to the investor. The Fund invests primarily in corporate bonds and its portfolio
ordinarily includes a substantial number of bonds which, as a class, sell at
discounts from par value and are typically high risk securities. The generous
income sought by the Fund is ordinarily associated with high yield bonds and
similar securities in the lower rating categories of the recognized rating
agencies or with securities that are unrated ("high yield bonds"). Such high
yield securities are commonly known as "junk bonds." High yield bonds generally
involve greater volatility of price and risk of principal and income than bonds
in the higher rating categories and are, on balance, considered predominantly
speculative.
    
 
Shares of the Fund are currently offered without a sales charge only to separate
accounts of The Travelers Insurance Company and The Travelers Life and Annuity
Company (the "Company" or "The Travelers"). The Fund serves as one of the
investment vehicles for certain variable annuity and variable life insurance
contracts issued by the Company. The term "shareholder" as used herein refers to
any insurance company separate account that may use shares of the Fund as an
investment vehicle now or in the future.
 
This Prospectus concisely sets forth the information about the Fund that you
should know before investing. Please read it and retain it for future reference.
Additional information about the Fund is contained in a Statement of Additional
Information ("SAI") dated May 1, 1997 which has been filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and is incorporated by reference into this
Prospectus. A copy may be obtained, without charge, by writing to The Travelers,
Annuity Services, One Tower Square, Hartford, Connecticut 06183-5030, or by
calling 860-422-3985.
 
   
HIGH YIELD BONDS INVOLVE SUBSTANTIAL RISKS. INVESTORS SHOULD REFER TO "RISK
FACTORS" ON PAGE 5 FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH AN INVESTMENT
IN THE FUND.
    
 
   
THIS PROSPECTUS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A CURRENT PROSPECTUS FOR A VARIABLE
ANNUITY OR VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE CONTRACT ISSUED BY THE TRAVELERS. BOTH THIS
PROSPECTUS AND THE CONTRACT PROSPECTUS SHOULD BE READ CAREFULLY AND RETAINED FOR
FUTURE REFERENCE.
    
 
   
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
    
 
                  THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS MAY 1, 1997.
<PAGE>   6
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                     <C>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS..................................................................    3
FUND DESCRIPTION......................................................................    4
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES.....................................................    4
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS...............................................................    5
RISK FACTORS..........................................................................    5
BOARD OF TRUSTEES.....................................................................    6
INVESTMENT ADVISER....................................................................    6
  Portfolio Manager...................................................................    7
FUND ADMINISTRATION...................................................................    7
SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS...............................................................    7
FUND EXPENSES.........................................................................    7
TRANSFER AGENT........................................................................    8
SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS....................................................................    8
NET ASSET VALUE.......................................................................    8
TAX STATUS............................................................................    9
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS...........................................................    9
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.....................................................................    9
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION................................................................    9
EXHIBIT A.............................................................................   10
EXHIBIT B.............................................................................   15
</TABLE>
 
                                     HYBT-2
<PAGE>   7
 
                              FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             HIGH YIELD BOND TRUST
          PER SHARE DATA FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH YEAR
 
   
The following information on per share data for the seven years ended December
31, 1996, has been audited by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., Independent Accountants.
All other periods presented have been audited by the Fund's prior auditors.
Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.'s report on the per share data for each of the five
years in the period ended December 31, 1996 is contained in the Fund's Annual
Report which should be read along with this report and which is incorporated by
reference into the SAI.
    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   1996          1995          1994          1993          1992          1991        1990(3)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>
PER SHARE DATA
  Net asset value, beginning
    of year...................    $  9.00       $  8.49       $  9.25       $  8.91       $  8.75       $ 7.87       $  9.33
Income from operations
  Net investment income.......       0.91          0.80          0.66          0.68          0.88         0.94          1.02
  Net gains or losses on
    securities (realized and
    unrealized)...............       0.41          0.41         (0.76)         0.47          0.18         0.88         (1.81)
                                  -------       -------       -------       -------        ------       ------       -------
    Total from investment
      operations..............       1.32          1.21         (0.10)         1.15          1.06         1.82         (0.79)
Less distributions from
  Net investment income.......      (1.83)        (0.70)        (0.66)        (0.81)        (0.90)       (0.94)        (0.67)
                                  -------       -------       -------       -------        ------       ------       -------
  NET ASSET VALUE, END OF
    YEAR......................    $  8.49       $  9.00       $  8.49       $  9.25       $  8.91       $ 8.75       $  7.87
                                  =======       =======       =======       =======        ======       ======       =======
TOTAL RETURN (1)..............      16.05%        15.47%        (1.26)%       14.01%        13.16%       26.11%        (9.12)%
NET ASSETS, END OF YEAR
  (000'S).....................    $17,291       $12,902       $11,716       $12,765       $10,289       $7,724       $ 6,238
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS
  Expenses (2)................       0.97%         1.25%         1.25%         0.99%         0.56%        0.56%         0.92%
  Net investment income.......      11.01%         9.37%         7.71%         7.69%        10.24%       11.93%        12.33%
  Portfolio turnover rate.....         84%          222%          146%           19%           52%          35%           29%
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                   1989        1988        1987
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C<C>       <C>         <C>
PER SHARE DATA
  Net asset value, beginning
    of year...................   $  10.12     $  9.94     $ 11.41
Income from operations
  Net investment income.......       1.28        1.21        1.22
  Net gains or losses on
    securities (realized and
    unrealized)...............      (1.11)       0.20       (1.21)
                                  -------     -------     -------
    Total from investment
      operations..............       0.17        1.41        0.01
Less distributions from
  Net investment income.......      (0.96)      (1.23)      (1.48)
                                  -------     -------     -------
  NET ASSET VALUE, END OF
    YEAR......................   $   9.33     $ 10.12     $  9.94
                                  =======     =======     =======
TOTAL RETURN (1)..............       1.40%      14.57%      (0.34)%
NET ASSETS, END OF YEAR
  (000'S).....................   $ 10,607     $59,637     $51,540
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS
  Expenses (2)................       1.67%       1.00%       0.96%
  Net investment income.......      13.37%      11.65%      10.90%
  Portfolio turnover rate.....         87%         67%         81%
</TABLE>
    
 
   
(1) Total return is determined by dividing the increase (decrease) in value of a
    share during the year, after reflecting the reinvestment of dividends
    declared during the year, by the beginning of year share price. Shares in
    Fund HYBT are only sold to The Travelers separate accounts in connection
    with the issuance of variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts.
    Total return does not reflect the deduction of any contract charges or fees
    assessed by The Travelers separate accounts.
    
 
   
(2) The ratios of expenses to average net assets for 1990 and later years
    reflect an expense reimbursement by The Travelers in connection with
    voluntary expense limitations. Without the expense reimbursement, the ratio
    of operating expenses to average net assets would have been 1.28%, 1.33%,
    1.31%, 1.28%, 1.87% and 2.13% for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994,
    1993, 1992, 1991 and 1990, respectively. For the fiscal year ended December
    31, 1996, there were no expense reimbursements by the Travelers in
    connection with the voluntary expense limitations.
    
 
   
(3) On May 1, 1990, TAMIC replaced Keystone Custodian Funds, Inc. as the
    investment adviser for Fund HYBT.
    
 
                                     HYBT-3
<PAGE>   8
 
                                FUND DESCRIPTION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
High Yield Bond Trust (the "Fund") is registered with the SEC as a diversified
open-end management investment company, commonly known as a mutual fund. The
Fund was created under Massachusetts law as a Massachusetts business trust on
March 18, 1982.
 
                       INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund's investment objective is to provide generous income. To achieve this
objective the Fund invests primarily in corporate bonds and its portfolio
ordinarily includes a substantial number of bonds which, as a class, sell at
discounts from par value. These bonds are generally below investment grade, for
example, bonds rated BB or lower by Standard & Poor's Corporation or Ba or lower
by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. These bonds are commonly known as "junk
bonds" and are typically high risk securities. (For a description of the
averaged credit quality ratings of the Fund's assets for the twelve months ended
December 31, 1996, please refer to Exhibit B to the Prospectus.)
 
While the Fund's investment adviser performs its own credit analyses of the
Fund's investments and does not rely on ratings assigned by rating services,
bonds rated below investment grade generally involve greater volatility of price
and risk of principal and income than bonds in the higher rating categories and
are, on balance, considered predominantly speculative. While such bonds will
likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these characteristics
are outweighed by uncertainties of major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
 
The Fund considers potential for growth of capital in selecting securities. The
Fund's investments may include fixed and adjustable rate or stripped bonds,
including zero coupon and pay-in-kind ("PIK") bonds, debentures, notes,
equipment trust certificates, U.S. government securities and debt securities
convertible into or exchangeable for preferred or common stock. The Fund may
continue to hold preferred or common stock received in connection with
convertible or exchangeable securities. The Fund may also invest in units which
are debt securities with stock or warrants to buy stock attached. The Fund may,
from time to time, purchase new-issue or government or agency securities on a
"when-issued" or "to-be-announced" basis. The Fund may invest in both domestic
and foreign securities. At least 65% of the Fund's assets normally will be
invested in bonds and debentures.
 
When market conditions warrant, the Fund may adopt a defensive position to
preserve shareholders' capital by investing in money market instruments. Money
market securities must mature within one year of their purchase and consist of
U.S. government securities; certificates of deposit, demand and time deposits
and bankers' acceptances of banks which are members of the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation and which have assets of at least $1 billion, including
master demand notes; and repurchase agreements secured by U.S. government
securities.
 
The Fund may write covered call options on securities which it owns. Such an
option on an underlying security would obligate the Fund to sell, and give the
purchaser of the option the right to buy, that security at a stated exercise
price at any time until a stated expiration date of the option.
 
The Fund may also invest up to 35% of its total assets in preferred stocks,
including adjustable rate preferred and common stocks and other equity
securities, and convertible securities and warrants which may be used to create
other permissible investments. Such investments must be consistent with the
Fund's objective of providing shareholders with generous income and may be
acquired as part of a unit combining income and equity securities.
 
For further information about the types of investments and investment techniques
available to the Fund, including the risks associated with such investments and
investment techniques, see Exhibit A to this Prospectus.
 
                                     HYBT-4
<PAGE>   9
 
                            INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund has adopted the following fundamental restrictions which may not be
changed without a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the
Fund, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940
Act"). Certain other fundamental restrictions are set forth in the Statement of
Additional Information. Unless otherwise stated, all references to the Fund's
assets are in terms of current market value.
 
The Fund will not: (1) invest more than 5% of its assets in the securities of
any one issuer; (2) borrow money, except to facilitate redemptions or borrow
money for temporary or emergency purposes and then only from banks and in
amounts of up to 10% of its gross assets computed at cost; assets pledged to
secure borrowings shall be no more than the lesser of the amount borrowed or 10%
of the Fund's gross assets computed at cost; (3) invest more than 25% of its
assets in the securities of issuers in the same industry; and (4) invest more
than 10% of its assets in repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days
and other securities for which market quotations are not readily available.
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The general risk inherent in investing in the Fund is that the net asset value
will fluctuate in response to changes in economic conditions, interest rates and
the market's perception of the underlying portfolio securities of the Fund.
There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective
since there is uncertainty in every investment. Income and yields on high yield
securities, as on all securities, will fluctuate over time.
 
In addition, there are special considerations relating to high yield securities.
The Fund invests aggressively and seeks to maximize return over time from a
combination of many factors, including high current income, and capital
appreciation from high yielding bonds and other similar securities ("high yield
securities," also commonly known as "junk bonds"). Such aggressive investing
involves risks which are greater than the risks of investing in higher quality
debt securities. These risks include (1) changes in credit status, including
weaker overall credit conditions of issuers and risks of default; (2) industry
market and economic risk; (3) interest rate fluctuations; (4) volatility of net
asset value resulting from broad and rapid changes in the value of underlying
securities; (5) possible legislation having adverse effects on high yield bond
prices; and (6) greater price variability and credit risks of certain high yield
securities such as zero coupon and PIK securities. While these risks provide the
opportunity for maximizing return over time, they may result in greater upward
and downward movement of the net asset value per share of the Fund. As a result,
they should be carefully considered by investors.
 
Investors should be aware of the following market, economic and credit factors
influencing high yield securities: (1) securities rated BB or lower by Standard
& Poor's Corporation ("S&P") or Ba or lower by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
("Moody's") are considered predominantly speculative with respect to the ability
of the issuer to meet principal and interest payments; (2) the value of high
yield securities may be more susceptible to real or perceived adverse economic,
company or industry conditions than is the case for higher quality securities;
(3) a widespread economic downturn could result in increased defaults in the
high yield market; (4) adverse market, credit or economic conditions could make
it difficult at certain times to sell certain high yield securities held by the
Fund; (5) the secondary market for high yield securities may be less liquid than
the secondary market for higher quality securities which may affect the value of
certain high yield securities held by the Fund at certain times; (6) there may
not always be readily available market quotations for certain securities; (if
this occurs, the investment adviser will use its best judgment to assign values
to those securities); and (7) zero coupon and PIK securities may be subject to
greater changes in value due to market conditions, the absence of a cash
interest payment and the tendency of issuers of such securities to have weaker
overall credit
 
                                     HYBT-5
<PAGE>   10
 
conditions than other high yield securities. These characteristics of high yield
securities make them generally more appropriate for long-term investment.
 
The generous income sought by the Fund is ordinarily associated with securities
in the lower rating categories of the recognized rating agencies or with
securities that are unrated. Such high yield securities are generally rated BB
or lower by S&P or Ba or lower by Moody's. The Fund may invest in securities
that are rated as low as D by S&P and C- by Moody's. The Fund intends to invest
in D rated debt only in cases where the investment adviser determines that there
is a distinct prospect of improvement in the issuer's financial position as a
result of the completion of reorganization or otherwise. The Fund may also
invest in unrated securities which offer comparable yields and risks as
securities which are rated, as well as in non-investment quality zero coupon and
PIK securities. (For a description of these rating categories, please refer to
the Statement of Additional Information.)
 
Since the Fund takes an aggressive approach to investing, the investment adviser
tries to maximize the return by controlling risk through diversification, credit
analysis, review of sector and industry trends, interest rate forecasts and
economic analysis. Travelers Asset Management International Corporation's
("TAMIC") analysis of securities focuses on values based on factors such as
interest or dividend coverage, asset values, earnings prospects and the quality
of management of the company. In making investment recommendations, TAMIC also
considers current income, potential for capital appreciation, maturity
structure, quality guidelines, coupon structure, average yield, percentage of
zero coupon and PIK securities, percentage of non-accruing items, and yield to
maturity. TAMIC also considers the ratings of Moody's and S&P assigned to
various securities but does not rely solely on ratings assigned by Moody's and
S&P because (1) Moody's and S&P assigned ratings are based largely on historical
financial data and may not accurately reflect the current financial outlook of
companies, and (2) there can be large differences among the current financial
conditions of issuers within the same rating category. Achievement of the Fund's
investment objective is more dependent upon TAMIC's own credit analysis than is
the case for higher quality bonds.
 
                               BOARD OF TRUSTEES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Under Massachusetts law, the Fund's Board of Trustees has absolute and exclusive
control over the management and disposition of all assets of the Fund. Subject
to the provisions of the Declaration of Trust, the business and affairs of the
Fund shall be managed by the Trustees or other parties so designated by the
Trustees. Information relating to the Board of Trustees, including its members
and their compensation, is contained in the SAI.
 
                               INVESTMENT ADVISER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
TAMIC provides investment advice and, in general, supervises the management and
investment program of the Fund.
 
TAMIC is a registered investment adviser which has provided investment advisory
services since its incorporation in 1978. TAMIC is an indirect wholly owned
subsidiary of Travelers Group Inc., a financial services holding company, and
its principal offices are located at One Tower Square, Hartford, Connecticut
06183.
 
In addition to providing investment advice to the Fund, TAMIC acts as investment
adviser for other investment companies which fund variable contracts issued by
the Company, as well as for individual and pooled pension and profit-sharing
accounts, domestic insurance companies affiliated with The Travelers, and
nonaffiliated insurance companies.
 
                                     HYBT-6
<PAGE>   11
 
For furnishing investment management and advisory services to the Fund, TAMIC is
paid an amount equivalent on an annual basis to the advisory fee schedule set
forth in the table below. The fee is computed daily and paid weekly.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    ANNUAL                         AGGREGATE NET ASSET
MANAGEMENT FEE                      VALUE OF THE FUND
- --------------                     -------------------
<C>              <S>               <C>
  0.50%          of the first      $  50,000,000, plus
  0.40%          of the next       $ 100,000,000, plus
  0.30%          of the next       $ 100,000,000, plus
  0.25%          of amounts over   $       250,000,000
</TABLE>
 
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, TAMIC received a fee equal to .42%
of the Fund's average net assets for its services as investment adviser.
 
PORTFOLIO MANAGER
 
The High Yield Bond Trust is managed by Thomas L. Hajdukiewicz. Mr. Hajdukiewicz
joined The Travelers Insurance Company as a Vice President and Portfolio Manager
in January of 1997. Prior to coming to The Travelers, Mr. Hajdukiewicz served as
an Analyst/Portfolio Manager with MacKay Shields Financial Corporation and as a
Financial Analyst with America Capital Asset Management.
 
                              FUND ADMINISTRATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
The Fund has entered into an Administrative Services Agreement, whereby
Travelers Insurance will be responsible for the pricing and bookkeeping services
for the Fund at an annualized rate of 0.06% of the daily net assets of the Fund.
The Travelers Insurance Company, at its expense, may appoint a sub-administrator
to perform these services. The sub-administrator may be affiliated with The
Travelers Insurance Company.
 
                            SECURITIES TRANSACTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Under policies established by the Board of Trustees, TAMIC selects
broker-dealers to execute transactions for the Fund, subject to the receipt of
best execution. When selecting broker-dealers to execute portfolio transactions
for the Fund, TAMIC may consider the number of Fund shares sold by such
broker-dealers. In addition, broker-dealers may from time to time be affiliated
with the Fund, TAMIC, or their affiliates.
 
The Fund may pay higher commissions to broker-dealers that provide research
services. TAMIC may use these services in advising the Fund as well as in
advising its other clients.
 
                                 FUND EXPENSES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
In addition to the investment advisory fees discussed above, the other expenses
of the Fund include the charges and expenses of the transfer agent, the
custodian, the independent auditors, and any outside legal counsel employed by
either the Fund or the Board of Trustees; the compensation for the disinterested
members of the Board of Trustees; the costs of printing and mailing the Fund's
prospectuses, proxy solicitation materials, and annual, semi-annual and periodic
reports; brokerage commissions, interest charges and taxes; and any
registration, filing and other fees payable to government agencies in connection
with the registration of the Fund and its shares under federal and state
securities laws. Additionally, high portfolio turnover may involve
correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other transaction costs, which
will be borne directly by the Fund, as well as additional gains or losses to
shareholders.
 
                                     HYBT-7
<PAGE>   12
 
Pursuant to a Management Agreement dated May 1, 1993 between the Fund and The
Travelers Insurance Company, the Company has agreed to reimburse the Fund for
the amount by which the Fund's aggregate annual expenses, including investment
advisory fees but excluding brokerage commissions, interest charges and taxes,
exceed 1.25% of the Fund's average net assets for any fiscal year. For the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, the Fund paid .97% of its average net
assets in expenses.
 
                                 TRANSFER AGENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
First Data Investor Services Group, Inc., Exchange Place, Boston, MA 02109,
serves as the Fund's transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent.
 
                               SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Shares of the Fund are currently sold only to insurance company separate
accounts in connection with variable annuity and variable life insurance
contracts issued by the Company. Shares of the Fund are not sold to the general
public. Fund shares are sold on a continuing basis, without a sales charge, at
the net asset value next computed after payment is made by the insurance company
to the Fund's custodian. However, the separate accounts to which shares are sold
may impose sales and other charges, as described in the appropriate contract
prospectus.
 
The Fund currently issues one class of shares which participate equally in
dividends and distributions and have equal voting, liquidation and other rights.
When issued and paid for, the shares will be fully paid and nonassessable by the
Fund and will have no preference, conversion, exchange or preemptive rights.
 
Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each full share owned and fractional
votes for fractional shares. Shares are redeemable, transferable and freely
assignable as collateral. There are no sinking fund provisions. (See the
accompanying separate account prospectus for a discussion of voting rights
applicable to purchasers of variable annuity and variable life insurance
contracts.)
 
Although the Fund is not currently aware of any disadvantages to contract owners
of either variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts because the
Fund's shares are available with respect to both products, an irreconcilable
material conflict may conceivably arise between contract owners of different
separate accounts investing in the Fund due to differences in tax treatment,
management of the Fund's investments, or other considerations. The Fund's Board
of Trustees will monitor events in order to identify any material conflicts
between variable annuity contract owners and variable life insurance policy
owners, and will determine what action, if any, should be taken in the event of
such a conflict.
 
                                NET ASSET VALUE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
The net asset value of a Fund share is computed as of the close of trading on
each day on which the New York Stock Exchange ("Exchange") is open, except on
days when changes in the value of the Fund's securities do not affect the
current net asset value of its shares. The net asset value per share of the Fund
is arrived at by determining the value of the Fund's assets, subtracting its
liabilities, and dividing the result by the number of shares outstanding.
 
The Fund values short-term money market instruments with maturities of sixty
days or less at amortized cost (original purchase cost as adjusted for
amortization of premium or accretion of discount) which, when combined with
accrued interest approximates market. All other investments are valued at market
value or where market quotations are not readily available, at fair value as
determined in good faith by the Fund's Board of Trustees.
 
                                     HYBT-8
<PAGE>   13
 
Fund shares are redeemed at the redemption value next determined after the Fund
receives a redemption request. The redemption value is the net asset value
adjusted for fractions of a cent and may be more or less than the shareholder's
cost depending upon changes in the value of the Fund's portfolio between
purchase and redemption.
 
The Fund computes the redemption value at the close of the Exchange at the end
of the day on which it has received all proper documentation from the
shareholder. Redemption proceeds are normally wired or mailed either the same or
the next business day, but in no event later than seven days thereafter.
 
The Fund may temporarily suspend the right to redeem its shares when: (1) the
Exchange is closed, other than customary weekend and holiday closings; (2)
trading on the Exchange is restricted; (3) an emergency exists as determined by
the SEC so that disposal of the Fund's investments or determination of its net
asset value is not reasonably practicable; or (4) the SEC, for the protection of
shareholders, so orders.
 
                                   TAX STATUS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
The Fund has qualified, and intends to qualify in the future, as a regulated
investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code. The Fund
qualifies if, among other things, it distributes to its shareholders at least
90% of its net investment income for each fiscal year.
 
                          DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
The distribution requirements described above may have an adverse effect on the
Fund to the extent it invests in high yield securities structured as zero coupon
and PIK bonds. An investment company typically accrues income on those
securities prior to the receipt of cash payments. Therefore, the Fund may have
to dispose of its portfolio securities under disadvantageous circumstances to
generate cash, or leverage itself by borrowing cash, to satisfy distribution
requirements.
 
Capital gains and dividends are distributed in cash or reinvested in additional
shares of the Fund, without a sales charge. Although purchasers of variable
contracts are not subject to federal income taxes on distributions by the Fund,
they may be subject to state and local taxes and should review the accompanying
contract prospectus for a discussion of the tax treatment applicable to
purchasers of variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts.
 
                               LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
There are no pending material legal proceedings affecting the Fund.
 
                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Except as otherwise stated in this Prospectus or as required by law, the Fund
reserves the right to change the terms of the offer stated in this Prospectus
without shareholder approval, including the right to impose or change fees for
services provided.
 
                                     HYBT-9
<PAGE>   14
 
                                   EXHIBIT A
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN TYPES OF INVESTMENTS AND
                  INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES AVAILABLE TO THE FUND
 
ZERO COUPON BONDS
 
Zero coupon bonds do not pay interest for several years, then they pay a full
coupon interest until maturity. They are sold at a substantial original issue
discount that equals the missing interest payment compounded at the coupon rate.
Additionally, zero coupon bonds give the issuer the flexibility of reduced cash
interest expense for several years, and they give the purchaser the potential
advantage of compounding the coupons at a higher rate than might otherwise be
available.
 
However, zero coupon bonds are very risky for the investor. Because the cash
flows from the bonds are deferred and because zero coupon bonds often represent
very subordinated debt, their prices are subject to more volatility than most
other bonds.
 
A variant of zero coupon bonds are step-up bonds. These bonds pay a low initial
interest rate for several years and then a higher rate until maturity. They are
also issued at an original issue discount.
 
For federal income tax purposes, a purchaser of zero coupon bonds (either
initially or in the secondary market) is treated as if the buyer had purchased a
corporate obligation issued on the purchase date with an original issue
discount. The purchaser is required to take into income each year as ordinary
income an allocable portion of such discounts determined on a "constant yield"
method. Any such income increases the holder's tax basis for the zero coupon
bond, and any gain or loss on a sale of the zero coupon bonds relative to the
holder's basis, as so adjusted, is a capital gain or loss. Certain federal tax
law income and capital gain distribution requirements may have an adverse effect
on the Fund to the extent the Fund invests in zero coupon bonds. See "Dividends
and Tax Status."
 
PAY-IN-KIND BONDS
 
Pay-in-kind (PIK) bonds pay interest either in cash or in additional securities
at the issuer's option for a specified period. Like zero coupon bonds, PIK bonds
are designed to give the issuer flexibility in managing cash flow. Unlike zero
coupon bonds, however, PIK bonds offer the investor the opportunity to sell the
additional securities issued in lieu of interest and thus obtain current income
on the original investment. Certain federal tax law income and capital gain
distribution requirements may have an adverse effect on the Fund to the extent
that the Fund invests in PIK bonds. See "Dividends and Tax Status."
 
RESET BONDS
 
The interest rate on reset bonds is adjusted periodically to a level which
should allow the bonds to trade at a specified dollar level, generally par or
$101. The rate can usually be raised, but the bonds have a low call premium,
limiting the opportunity for capital gains. Some resets have a maximum rate,
generally 2.5% or 3% above the initial rate.
 
INCREASING RATE NOTES
 
Increasing rate notes (IRNs) have interest rates that increase periodically (by
 1/4% per quarter, for example). IRNs are generally used as a temporary
financing instrument since the increasing rate is an incentive for the issuer to
refinance with longer term debt.
 
                                     HYBT-10
<PAGE>   15
 
UNITED STATES (U.S.) GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
 
Securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government include a variety of
Treasury securities that differ only in their interest rates, maturities and
dates of issuance. Treasury bills have maturities of one year or less; Treasury
notes have maturities of one to ten years; and Treasury bonds generally have
maturities of greater than ten years at the date of issuance.
 
Securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or
instrumentalities include direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury and securities
issued or guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration, Farmers Home
Administration, Export-Import Bank of the U.S., Small Business Administration,
Government National Mortgage Association, General Services Administration,
Central Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Loan Mortgage
Corporation, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, Federal Land Banks, Maritime
Administration, The Tennessee Valley Authority, District of Columbia Armory
Board, Student Loan Marketing Association and Federal National Mortgage
Association.
 
Some obligations of U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities, such as
Treasury bills and Government National Mortgage Association pass-through
certificates, are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S.; others,
such as securities of Federal Home Loan Banks, are supported by the right of the
issuer to borrow from the Treasury; still others, such as bonds issued by the
Federal National Mortgage Association, a private corporation, are supported only
by the credit of the instrumentality. Because the U.S. Government is not
obligated by law to provide support to an instrumentality it sponsors, the Fund
will invest in the securities issued by such an instrumentality only when TAMIC
determines that the credit risk with respect to the instrumentality does not
make its securities unsuitable investments. U.S. Government securities will not
include international agencies or instrumentalities in which the U.S.
Government, its agencies or instrumentalities participate, such as the World
Bank, the Asian Development Bank or the Inter-American Development Bank, or
issues insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
 
WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES
 
The Fund may, from time to time, purchase new-issue Government or Agency
securities on a "when-issued" or "to-be-announced" ("TBA") basis ("when-issued
securities"). The prices of such securities will be fixed at the time the
commitment to purchase is made, and may be expressed in either dollar price or
yield maintenance terms. Delivery and payment may be at a future date beyond
customary settlement time. It is the customary practice of the Fund to make
when-issued or TBA purchases for settlement no more than 90 days beyond the
commitment date.
 
The commitment to purchase a when-issued security may be viewed as a senior
security, and will be marked to market and reflected in the Fund's net asset
value daily from the commitment date. While it is TAMIC's intention to take
physical delivery of these securities, offsetting transactions may be made prior
to settlement, if it is advantageous to do so. The Fund does not make payment or
begin to accrue interest on these securities until settlement date. In order to
invest its assets pending settlement, the Fund will normally invest in
short-term money market instruments and other securities maturing no later than
the scheduled settlement date.
 
The Fund does not intend to purchase when-issued securities for speculative or
"leverage" purposes. Consistent with Section 18 of the 1940 Act and the General
Policy Statement of the SEC thereunder, when the Fund commits to purchase a
security on a when-issued or TBA basis, it will identify and place in a
segregated account high-grade money market instruments and other liquid
securities equal in value to the purchase cost of the when-issued securities.
 
TAMIC believes that purchasing securities in this manner will be advantageous to
the Fund. However, this practice does entail certain additional risks, namely
the default of the counterparty on its obligations to deliver the security as
scheduled. In this event, the Fund would experience a gain or loss equal to the
appreciation or depreciation in value from the commitment date. TAMIC employs a
rigorous credit quality procedure in determining the counterparties with which
it will
 
                                     HYBT-11
<PAGE>   16
 
deal in when-issued securities, and in some circumstances, will require the
counterparty to post cash or some other form of security as margin to protect
the value of its delivery obligation pending settlement.
 
WRITING COVERED CALL OPTIONS
 
The Fund may write or sell covered call options. By writing a call option, the
Fund becomes obligated during the term of the option to deliver the securities
underlying the option upon payment of the exercise price.
 
The Fund may only write "covered" options. This means that as long as the Fund
is obligated as the writer of a call option, it will own the underlying
securities subject to the option or in the case of call options on U.S. Treasury
bills, the Fund might own substantially similar U.S. Treasury bills.
 
The principal reason for writing call options is to obtain, through a receipt of
premiums, a greater current return than would be realized on the underlying
securities alone. The Fund receives a premium from writing a call option which
it retains whether or not the option is exercised. By writing a call option, the
Fund might lose the potential for gain on the underlying security while the
option is open.
 
Options on some securities are relatively new and it is impossible to predict
the amount of trading interest that will exist in such options. There can be no
assurance that viable markets will develop or continue. The failure of such
markets to develop or continue could impair the Fund's ability to use such
options to achieve its investment objectives.
 
MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS
 
Money market securities are instruments with remaining maturities of one year or
less, such as bank certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances, commercial
paper (including master demand notes) and obligations issued or guaranteed by
the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, some of which may be
subject to repurchase agreements.
 
CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT
 
Certificates of deposit are receipts issued by a bank in exchange for the
deposit of funds. The issuer agrees to pay the amount deposited plus interest to
the bearer of the receipt on the date specified on the certificate. The
certificate can usually be traded in the secondary market prior to maturity.
 
Certificates of deposit will be limited to U.S. dollar-denominated certificates
of U.S. banks which have at least $1 billion in deposits as of the date of their
most recently published financial statements (including foreign branches of U.S.
banks, U.S. branches of foreign banks which are members of the Federal Reserve
System or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and savings and loan
associations which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation).
 
The Fund will not acquire time deposits or obligations issued by the
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Asian Development
Bank or the Inter-American Development Bank. Additionally, the Fund does not
currently intend to purchase such foreign securities (except to the extent that
certificates of deposit of foreign branches of U.S. banks may be deemed foreign
securities) or purchase certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances or other
similar obligations issued by foreign banks.
 
OBLIGATIONS OF FOREIGN BRANCHES OF U.S. BANKS
 
The obligations of foreign branches of U.S. banks may be general obligations of
the parent bank in addition to the issuing branch, or may be limited by the
terms of a specific obligation and by government regulation. Payment of interest
and principal upon these obligations may also be affected by governmental action
in the country of domicile of the branch (generally referred to as
 
                                     HYBT-12
<PAGE>   17
 
sovereign risk). In addition, evidences of ownership of such securities may be
held outside the U.S. and the Fund may be subject to the risks associated with
the holding of such property overseas. Various provisions of federal law
governing domestic branches do not apply to foreign branches of domestic banks.
 
OBLIGATIONS OF U.S. BRANCHES OF FOREIGN BANKS
 
Obligations of U.S. branches of foreign banks may be general obligations of the
parent bank in addition to the issuing branch, or may be limited by the terms of
a specific obligation and by federal and state regulation as well as by
governmental action in the country in which the foreign bank has its head
office. In addition, there may be less publicly available information about a
U.S. branch of a foreign bank than about a domestic bank.
 
BANKERS' ACCEPTANCES
 
Bankers' acceptances typically arise from short-term credit arrangements
designed to enable businesses to obtain funds to finance commercial
transactions. Generally, an acceptance is a time draft drawn on a bank by an
exporter or an importer to obtain a stated amount of funds to pay for specific
merchandise. The draft is then "accepted" by the bank which, in effect,
unconditionally guarantees to pay the face value of the instrument on its
maturity date. The acceptance may then be held by the accepting bank as an
earning asset or it may be sold in the secondary market at the going rate of
discount for a specific maturity. Although maturities for acceptances can be as
long as 270 days, most acceptances have maturities of six months or less.
Bankers' acceptances acquired by the Fund must have been accepted by U.S.
commercial banks, including foreign branches of U.S. commercial banks, having
total deposits at the time of purchase in excess of $1 billion and must be
payable in U.S. dollars.
 
COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
 
The Fund's investments in commercial paper are limited to those rated A-1 by
Standard & Poor's Corporation (S&P) or Prime-1 by Moody's Investors Service,
Inc. (Moody's). These ratings and other money market instruments are described
as follows.
 
Commercial paper rated A-1 by S&P has the following characteristics: Liquidity
ratios are adequate to meet cash requirements. The issuer's long-term senior
debt is rated "A" or better, although in some cases "BBB" credits may be
allowed. The issuer has access to at least two additional channels of borrowing.
Basic earnings and cash flow have an upward trend with allowance made for
unusual circumstances. Typically, the issuer's industry is well established and
the issuer has a strong position within the industry.
 
The rating Prime-1 is the highest commercial paper rating assigned by Moody's.
Among the factors considered by Moody's in assigning ratings are the following:
(1) evaluation of the management of the issuer; (2) economic evaluation of the
issuer's industry or industries and an appraisal of speculative-type risks which
may be inherent in certain areas; (3) evaluation of the issuer's products in
relation to competition and customer acceptance; (4) liquidity; (5) amount and
quality of long-term debt; (6) trend of earnings over a period of ten years; (7)
financial strength of a parent company and the relationships which exist with
the issuer; and (8) recognition by the management of obligations which may be
present or may arise as a result of public preparations to meet such
obligations. Relative strength or weakness of the above factors determines how
the issuer's commercial paper is rated within various categories.
 
FOREIGN SECURITIES
 
Investing in the securities of foreign companies involves special risks and
considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S. companies. These
risks include differences in accounting, auditing and financial reporting
standards, generally higher commission rates on foreign portfolio
 
                                     HYBT-13
<PAGE>   18
 
transactions, the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, adverse
changes in investment or exchange control regulations, political instability
which could affect U.S. investments in foreign countries and potential
restrictions on the flow of international capital. Additionally, dividends
payable on foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes withheld prior to
distribution. Foreign securities often trade with less frequency and volume than
domestic securities and therefore may exhibit greater price volatility. Changes
in foreign exchange rates will affect the value of those securities which are
denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Many of the
foreign securities held by the Portfolio will not be registered with, nor will
the issuers thereof be subject to the reporting requirements of, the SEC.
Accordingly, there may be less publicly available information about the
securities and the foreign company or government issuing them than is available
about a domestic company of government entity. Moreover, individual foreign
economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such
respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital
reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payment positions.
 
                                     HYBT-14
<PAGE>   19
 
                                   EXHIBIT B
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                             CORPORATE BOND RATINGS
 
High Yield Bond Trust invests primarily in corporate bonds rated below
Investment Grade. For Moody's Investors Service (Moody's), this means bonds
rated Ba or lower; other rating agencies, including Standard & Poor's
Corporation, Duff & Phelps, Fitch Investors Service, Inc. have similar rating
categories.
 
MOODY'S CORPORATE BOND RATINGS
 
1. Aaa -- Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They
carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as
"gilt-edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally
stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are
likely to change, such changes are not likely to impair the fundamentally strong
position of such issues.
 
2. Aa -- Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as
high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of
protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities, or there may be other
elements present which make the long term risks appear somewhat larger than in
Aaa securities.
 
3. A -- Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and
are to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving security
to principal and interest are considered adequate but elements may be present
which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.
 
4. Baa -- Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations,
i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments
and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in
fact have speculative characteristics as well.
 
5. Ba -- Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements. Their
future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of interest
and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded
during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.
 
6. B -- Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or maintenance of other
terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
 
7. Caa -- Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or
interest.
 
8. Ca -- Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in
a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other market
shortcomings.
 
9. C -- Bonds which are rated as C are the lowest rated class of bonds and
issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever
attaining any real investment standing.
 
Moody's applies numerical modifiers 1, 2 and 3 in each generic rating
classification from Aa through B in its corporate bond rating system. The
modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its generic
rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier
3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating
category.
 
                                     HYBT-15
<PAGE>   20
 
S&P CORPORATE BOND RATINGS
 
A Standard & Poor's Corporation (S&P) corporate bond rating is a current
assessment of the creditworthiness of an obligor, including obligors outside the
U.S., with respect to a specific obligation. This assessment may take into
consideration obligors such as guarantors, insurers, or lessees. Ratings of
foreign obligors do not take into account currency exchange and related
uncertainties. The ratings are based on current information furnished by the
issuer or obtained by S&P from other sources it considers reliable.
 
The ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations:
 
a. Likelihood of default -- capacity and willingness of the obligor as to the
timely payment of interest and repayment of principal in accordance with the
terms of the obligation;
 
b. Nature of and provisions of the obligation; and
 
c. Protection afforded by and relative position of the obligation in the event
of bankruptcy, reorganization or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy
and other laws affecting creditors' rights.
 
PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-): To provide more detailed indications of credit quality,
ratings from "AA" to "A" may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign
to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
 
Bond ratings are as follows:
 
1. AAA -- Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to pay
interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
 
2. AA -- Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal and differs from the higher rated issues only in small degree.
 
3. A -- Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated categories.
 
4. BBB -- Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
interest and repay principal. Although it normally exhibits adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for
debt in this category than in higher rated categories.
 
5. BB, B, CCC, CC and C -- Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C is regarded, on
balance, as predominantly speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest
and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. BB indicates
the lowest degree of speculation, and C the highest degree of speculation. While
such debt will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these
are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse
conditions.
 
                                     HYBT-16
<PAGE>   21
 
The table below shows the averaged credit quality ratings of the Fund's assets
for the twelve months ended December 31, 1996:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      S&P OR
                                  MOODY'S RATING                           PERCENTAGE
                                -----------------                          ----------
          <S>                                                              <C>
              AAA.......................................................      17.42%
              AA1.......................................................           %
              AA2.......................................................           %
              AA3.......................................................           %
              A1........................................................           %
              A2........................................................           %
              A3........................................................           %
              BAA1......................................................           %
              BAA2......................................................           %
              BAA3......................................................           %
              BA1.......................................................       0.64%
              BA2.......................................................           %
              BA3.......................................................       2.98%
              B1........................................................       8.26%
              B2........................................................      15.64%
              B3........................................................      41.63%
              CAA.......................................................      12.17%
              CA........................................................       0.68%
              C.........................................................           %
              D.........................................................           %
              NR........................................................       0.58%
                                                                            -------
                                                                             100.00%
                                                                            =======
</TABLE>
    
 
                                     HYBT-17
<PAGE>   22
 
                             HIGH YIELD BOND TRUST
                                   PROSPECTUS
 
  TIC Ed. 5-97
  Printed in U.S.A.
L-11173
<PAGE>   23





                                     PART B

         INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
<PAGE>   24



                       STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

                              HIGH YIELD BOND TRUST

                                   MAY 1, 1997



        This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") is not a prospectus but
relates to, and should be read in conjunction with, the Fund's prospectus dated
May 1, 1997. A copy of the prospectus is available from The Travelers Insurance
Company, Annuity Services, One Tower Square, Hartford, Connecticut 06183-5030 or
by calling 860-422-3985. This SAI should be read in conjunction with the
accompanying 1996 Annual Report for the Fund.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                                       Page

<S>                                                                                      <C>
INVESTMENT  OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     1
INVESTMENT  RESTRICTIONS.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     1
VALUATION OF  SECURITIES.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     2
DISTRIBUTIONS  AND TAXES.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     3
PORTFOLIO  TURNOVER  .  .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     3
TRUSTEES AND  OFFICERS.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     3
DECLARATION  OF  TRUST.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     5
INVESTMENT  ADVISER.  .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     6
        Advisory  Fees.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     7
REDEMPTIONS  IN  KIND  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     7
BROKERAGE.  .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     7
ADDITIONAL  INFORMATION.  .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     8
</TABLE>



<PAGE>   25




                        INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES

        The investment objective of the High Yield Bond Trust (the "Fund") is to
provide generous income. To achieve this objective the Fund invests primarily in
corporate bonds, and its portfolio ordinarily includes a substantial number of
bonds which, as a class, sell at discounts from par value and which are rated by
Standard & Poor's Corporation as below investment grade (BBB). The Fund
considers potential for growth of capital in selecting securities. The Fund's
investments may include fixed and adjustable rate or stripped bonds, including
zero coupon and pay-in-kind bonds, debentures, notes, equipment trust
certificates, U.S. government securities and debt securities convertible into or
exchangeable for preferred or common stock. The Fund may also invest in units
which are debt securities with stock or warrants to buy stock attached. At least
65% of the Fund's assets will normally be invested in bonds and debentures.
While Travelers Asset Management International Corporation ("TAMIC") performs
its own credit analyses of the Fund's investments and does not rely on ratings
assigned by rating services, bonds rated below investment grade are, on balance,
considered predominantly speculative.


                             INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

        None of the restrictions enumerated in this paragraph may be changed
without a vote of the holders of a majority of the Fund's outstanding shares, as
defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"). The Fund will
not:

        (1)  invest  more than 5% of its  total  assets,  computed  at  market  
             value, in the securities of any one issuer;

        (2)  invest  in  more  than  10%  of  any  class  of  securities  (as  
             defined in the Declaration of Trust) of any one issuer;

        (3)  invest more than 5% of the value of its total assets in companies
             which have been in operation for less than three years;

        (4)  borrow money, except to facilitate redemptions or for emergency or
             extraordinary purposes and then only from banks and in amounts of
             up to 10% of its gross assets computed at cost; while outstanding,
             according to the 1940 Act, a borrowing may not exceed one-third of
             the value of the Fund's net assets, including the amount borrowed;
             the Fund has no intention of attempting to increase its net income
             by borrowing and all borrowings will be repaid before additional
             investments are made; assets pledged to secure borrowings shall be
             no more than the lesser of the amount borrowed or 10% of the Fund's
             gross assets computed at cost;

        (5)  underwrite securities, except that the Fund may purchase securities
             from issuers thereof or others and dispose of such securities in a
             manner consistent with its other investment policies; in the
             disposition of restricted securities the Fund may be deemed to be
             an underwriter, as defined in the Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933
             Act");

        (6)  purchase real estate or interests in real estate, except through
             the purchase of securities of a type commonly purchased by
             financial institutions which do not include direct interests in
             real estate or mortgages, or commodities or commodity contracts;

        (7)  invest for the primary purpose of control or management;

        (8)  make margin purchases or short sales of securities;

                                       1
<PAGE>   26

        (9)  make loans, except that the Fund may purchase money market
             securities, buy publicly and privately distributed debt securities
             and lend limited amounts of its portfolio securities to
             broker-dealers; all such investments must be consistent with the
             Fund's investment objective and policies;

        (10) invest  more than 25% of its total  assets in the  securities  of  
             issuers in any single industry; or

        (11) purchase the securities of any other investment company except in
             the open market and at customary brokerage rates and in no event
             more than 3% of the voting securities of any investment company.
             When consistent with its investment objectives, the Fund may
             purchase securities of brokers, dealers, underwriters or investment
             advisers. The Fund is subject to restrictions in the sale of
             portfolio securities to, and in its purchase or retention of
             securities of, companies in which the management personnel of TAMIC
             have a substantial interest.

        (12) The Fund may make investments in an amount of up to 10% of the
             value of the Fund's net assets in illiquid securities.


                             VALUATION OF SECURITIES

        Current value for the Fund's portfolio securities is determined as
follows: Securities traded on national securities markets are valued at the
closing prices on such markets; securities for which no sales prices were
reported and U.S. Government and Agency obligations are valued at the mean
between the last reported bid and ask prices and on the basis of quotations
received from reputable brokers or other recognized sources; securities maturing
within 60 days are valued at cost plus accreted discount and, or minus amortized
premium, which approximates market value; and securities that have a maturity of
60 days or more are valued at prices based on market quotations for securities
of similar type, yield and maturity.

                             DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES

        The Fund has qualified and intends to qualify in the future as a
regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code.
Thus, the Fund is relieved of any federal income tax liability by distributing
all of its net investment income and net capital gains, if any, to its
shareholders.

        When the Fund makes a distribution, it intends to distribute only its
net capital gains and such income as has been predetermined to the best of the
Fund's ability to be taxable as ordinary income. Therefore, net investment
income distributions will not be made on the basis of distributable income as
computed on the Fund's books, but will be made on a federal taxation basis.


                                       2
<PAGE>   27

        As of December 31, 1996, the Fund had capital loss carryovers of
approximately $4,751,000 which expires in 1997-2004. The Fund intends not to
distribute realized gains until the carryovers are exhausted. The Fund may not
realize gains sufficient to use the carryovers before they expire.

                               PORTFOLIO TURNOVER

        The Fund's portfolio turnover for the fiscal years ended December 31,
1994, 1995 and 1996 were 146%, 222%, and 84%, respectively. High portfolio
turnover involves correspondingly greater brokerage commissions and other
transaction costs, which will be borne directly by the Fund.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

<S>                                      <C>    
Name                                     Present Position and Principal Occupation During Last Five Years

*Heath B. McLendon                       Managing Director (1993-present), Smith Barney Inc. ("Smith Barney");
  Chairman and Member                    Chairman (1993-present), Smith Barney Strategy Advisors, Inc.; President
  388 Greenwich Street                   (1994-present), Smith Barney Mutual Funds Management Inc.; Chairman and
  New York, New York                     Director of forty-one investment companies associated with Smith Barney;
  Age 63                                 Chairman, Board of Trustees, Drew University; Trustee, The East New York
                                         Savings Bank; Advisory Director, First Empire State Corporation; Chairman,
                                         Board of Managers, seven Variable Annuity Separate Accounts of The
                                         Travelers Insurance Company+; Chairman, Board of Trustees, five Mutual
                                         Funds sponsored by The Travelers Insurance Company++; prior to July 1993,
                                         Senior Executive Vice President of Shearson Lehman Brothers Inc.

  Knight Edwards                         Of Counsel (1988-present), Partner (1956-1988), Edwards & Angell,
  Member                                 Attorneys; Member, Advisory Board (1973-1994), thirty-one mutual funds
  2700 Hospital Trust Tower              sponsored by Keystone Group, Inc.; Member, Board of Managers, seven
  Providence, Rhode Island               Variable Annuity Separate Accounts of The Travelers Insurance Company+;
  Age 73                                 Trustee, five Mutual Funds sponsored by The Travelers Insurance Company.++

  Robert E. McGill, III                  Retired manufacturing executive.  Director (1983-1995), Executive Vice
  Member                                 President (1989-1994) and Senior Vice President, Finance and
  295 Hancock Street                     Administration (1983-1989), The Dexter Corporation (manufacturer of
  Williamstown, Massachusetts            specialty chemicals and materials); Vice Chairman (1990-1992), Director
  Age 65                                 (1983-1995), Life Technologies, Inc. (life science/biotechnology
                                         products); Director, (1994-present), The Connecticut Surety Corporation
                                         (insurance); Director (1995-present), Calbiochem Novachem International
                                         (life science/biotechnology products); Director (1995-present), Chemfab
                                         Corporation (specialty materials manufacturer); Member, Board of Managers,
                                         seven Variable Annuity Separate Accounts of The Travelers Insurance
                                         Company+; Trustee, five Mutual Funds sponsored by The Travelers Insurance
                                         Company.++


  Lewis Mandell                          Dean, College of Business Administration (1995-present), Marquette
  Member                                 University; Professor of Finance (1980-1995) and Associate Dean
  606 N. 13th Street                     (1993-1995), School of Business Administration, and Director, Center for
  Milwaukee, WI 53233                    Research and Development in Financial Services (1980-1995), University of
  Age 54                                 Connecticut; Director (1992-present), GZA Geoenvironmental Tech, 
</TABLE>

                                       3
<PAGE>   28
<TABLE>
<S>                                      <C>
                                         Inc. (engineering services); Member, Board of Managers, seven Variable Annuity
                                         Separate Accounts of The Travelers Insurance Company+;  Trustee, five
                                         Mutual Funds sponsored by The Travelers Insurance Company.++

  Frances M. Hawk                        Portfolio Manager (1992-present), HLM Management Company, Inc. (investment
  Member                                 management); Assistant Treasurer, Pensions and Benefits. Management
  222 Berkeley Street                    (1989-1992), United Technologies Corporation (broad-based designer and
  Boston, Massachusetts                  manufacturer of high technology products); Member, Board of Managers,
  Age 49                                 seven Variable Annuity Separate Accounts  of The Travelers Insurance
                                         Company+; Trustee, five Mutual Funds sponsored by The Travelers Insurance
                                         Company.++

  Ernest J. Wright                       Assistant Secretary (1994-present), Counsel (1987-present), The Travelers
  Secretary to the Board                 Insurance Company; Secretary, Board of Managers, seven Variable Annuity
  One Tower Square                       Separate Accounts of The Travelers Insurance Company+; Secretary, Board of
  Hartford, Connecticut                  Trustees, five Mutual Funds sponsored by The Travelers Insurance Company.++
  Age 56

  Kathleen A. McGah                      Assistant Secretary and Counsel (1995-present), The Travelers Insurance
  Assistant Secretary to the Board       Company; Assistant Secretary, Board of Managers, seven Variable Annuity
  One Tower Square                       Separate Accounts of The Travelers Insurance Company+; Assistant
  Hartford, Connecticut                  Secretary, Board of Trustees, five Mutual Funds sponsored by The Travelers
  Age 46                                 Insurance Company.++  Prior to January 1995, Counsel, ITT Hartford Life
                                         Insurance Company.

  Lewis E. Daidone                       Managing Director of Smith Barney, Senior Vice President and Treasurer of
  Treasurer                              41 investment companies associated with Smith Barney since January 1990,
  388 Greenwich Street                   and Director and Vice President of SBMFM and TIA; Treasurer, Board of Trustees, 
  New York, New York                     five Mutual Funds sponsored by The Travelers Insurance Company.++
  Age 38

  Irving David                           Vice President of Smith Barney, Asset Management Division (March
  Controller                             1994-present); Controller, Board of Trustees, five Mutual Funds sponsored
  388 Greenwich Street                   by The Travelers Insurance Company.++  Prior to March, 1994, Director of
  New York, NY                           Smith Barney, Controller adn Assistant Treasurer of 41 investment companies
  Age 35                                 associated with Smith Barney.

  Thomas M. Reynolds                     Director of Smith Barney, Asset Management Division; Controller and
  Controller                             Assistant Secretary of 35 investment companies associated with Smith
  388 Greenwich Street                   Barney, (September 1991-present); Controller, Board of Trustees, five
  New York, NY                           Mutual Funds sponsored by The Travelers Insurance Company.++
  Age 36
</TABLE>



+    These seven Variable Annuity Separate Accounts are: The Travelers Growth
     and Income Stock Account for Variable Annuities, The Travelers Quality Bond
     Account for Variable Annuities, The Travelers Money Market Account for
     Variable Annuities, The Travelers Timed Growth and Income Stock Account for
     Variable Annuities, The Travelers Timed Short-Term Bond Account for
     Variable Annuities, The Travelers Timed Aggressive Stock Account for
     Variable Annuities and The Travelers Timed Bond Account for Variable
     Annuities.

++   These five Mutual Funds are:  Capital  Appreciation  Fund, Cash Income 
     Trust, High Yield Bond Trust, Managed Assets Trust and The Travelers Series
     Trust.

                                       4
<PAGE>   29

*    Mr. McLendon is an "interested person" within the meaning of the 1940
Act by virtue of his position as Managing Director of Smith Barney Inc., an
indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Travelers Group Inc. and also owns shares
and options to purchase shares of Travelers Group Inc., the indirect parent of
The Travelers Insurance Company.

        Members of the Board of Trustees who are also officers or employees of
Travelers Group Inc. or its subsidiaries are not entitled to any fee. Members of
the Board of Trustees who are not affiliated as employees of Travelers Group
Inc. or its subsidiaries receive an aggregate retainer of $19,000 for service on
the Boards of the five Mutual Funds sponsored by The Travelers Insurance Company
and the seven Variable Annuity Separate Accounts established by The Travelers
Insurance Company. Once a Board Member retires, 50% of the retainer amount will
be paid annually. They also receive an aggregate fee of $2,500 for each meeting
of such Boards attended.


                              DECLARATION OF TRUST

        The Fund is organized as a Massachusetts business trust. Pursuant to
certain decisions of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, shareholders
of such a trust may, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable as
partners for the obligations of the trust. However, even if the Fund were held
to be a partnership, the possibility of its shareholders incurring financial
loss for that reason appears remote because the Fund's Declaration of Trust
contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability for obligations of the
Fund and requires that notice of such disclaimer be given in each agreement,
obligation or instrument entered into or executed by the Fund or the Trustees,
and because the Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification out of Fund
property for any shareholder held personally liable for the obligations of the
Fund.

        The Declaration of Trust provides that a Trustee shall be liable only
for his own willful defaults and, if reasonable care has been exercised in the
selection of officers, agents, employees or investment advisers, a Trustee shall
not be liable for the neglect or wrongdoing of any such person; provided,
however, that nothing in the Declaration of Trust shall protect a Trustee
against any liability for his willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence
or the reckless disregard of his duties.

        Shareholders first elected Trustees at a meeting held on September 23,
1985, and most recently elected Trustees on April 23, 1993. No further meetings
of shareholders for the purpose of electing Trustees will be held, unless
required by law, and unless and until such time as less than a majority of the
Trustees holding office have been elected by shareholders, at which time the
Trustees then in office will call a shareholders' meeting for the election of
Trustees.

        Except as set forth above, the Trustees shall continue to hold office,
unless required by law, and may appoint successor Trustees. Trustees may
voluntarily resign from office, or a Trustee may be removed from office: (1) at
any time by two-thirds vote of the Trustees; (2) by a majority vote of Trustees
where any Trustee becomes mentally or physically incapacitated; and (3) either
by declaration in writing or at a meeting called for such purpose by the holders
of not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares or other voting interests
of the Fund. The Trustees are required to call a meeting for the purpose of
considering the removal of a person serving as trustee, if requested in writing
to do so by the holders of not less than 10% of the outstanding shares or other
voting interests of the Fund. The Fund is required to assist in Shareholders'
communications. In accordance with current laws, insurance companies using the
Fund as an underlying investment option within their variable contracts will
request voting instructions from contract owners participating in such contracts
and will vote shares of the Fund in the same proportion as the voting
instructions received.

        Voting rights are not cumulative, so that the holders of more than 50%
of the shares voting in the election of Trustees can, if they choose to do so,
elect all of the Trustees of the Fund, in which event the holders of the
remaining shares will be unable to elect any person as a Trustee.

                                       5
<PAGE>   30

        No amendment may be made to the Declaration of Trust without a "vote of
a majority of the outstanding voting securities" of the Fund (as defined in the
1940 Act).


                               INVESTMENT ADVISER

        Travelers Asset Management International Corporation ("TAMIC"), an
indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Travelers Group Inc., furnishes investment
management and advisory services to the Fund in accordance with the terms of an
Investment Advisory Agreement which was approved by shareholders on April 23,
1993.

        As required by the 1940 Act, the Advisory Agreement will continue in
effect for a period more than two years from the date of its execution only so
long as its continuance is specifically approved at least annually (i) by a vote
of a majority of the Board of Trustees, or (ii) by a vote of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities of the Fund. In addition, and in either event, the
terms of the Advisory Agreement must be approved annually by a vote of a
majority of the Board of Trustees who are not parties to, or interested persons
of any party to, the Advisory Agreement, cast in person at a meeting called for
the purpose of voting on such approval and at which the Board of Trustees is
furnished such information as may be reasonably necessary to evaluate the terms
of the Advisory Agreement. The Advisory Agreement further provides that it will
terminate automatically upon assignment; may be amended only with prior approval
of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund; may be
terminated without the payment of any penalty at any time upon sixty days'
notice by the Board of Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding
voting securities of the Fund; and may not be terminated by TAMIC without prior
approval of a new investment advisory agreement by a vote of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities of the Fund.

        Under the terms of the Advisory Agreement, TAMIC shall:

        (1)    obtain and evaluate pertinent economic, statistical and financial
               data and other information relevant to the investment policy of
               the Fund, affecting the economy generally and individual
               companies or industries, the securities of which are included in
               the Fund's portfolio or are under consideration for inclusion
               therein;

        (2)    be authorized  to purchase  supplemental  research and other 
               services from brokers at an additional cost to the Fund;

        (3)    regularly furnish recommendations to the Board of Trustees with
               respect to an investment program for approval, modification or
               rejection by the Board of Trustees;

        (4)    take such steps as are necessary to implement the  investment  
               program approved by the Board of Trustees; and

        (5)    regularly report to the Board of Trustees with respect to
               implementation of the approved investment program and any other
               activities in connection with the administration of the assets of
               the Fund.


ADVISORY FEES

        For furnishing investment management and advisory services to the Fund,
TAMIC is paid an amount equivalent on an annual basis to the advisory fee
schedule set forth in the table below. The fee is computed daily and paid
weekly.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               AGGREGATE NET ASSET
             ANNUAL MANAGEMENT FEE                               VALUE OF THE FUND

<S>                 <C>                 <C>                      <C>                
                    0.50%               of the first             $  50,000,000, plus
</TABLE>

                                       6
<PAGE>   31
<TABLE>
<S>                 <C>                 <C>                      <C>               
                    0.40%               of the next              $100,000,000, plus
                    0.30%               of the next              $100,000,000, plus
                    0.25%               of amounts over          $250,000,000.
</TABLE>

        For the three years ended  December  31, 1994,  1995 and 1996 the  
advisory fees were $61,647, $62,591 and $72,800, respectively.

                               REDEMPTIONS IN KIND

        If conditions arise that would make it undesirable for the Fund to pay
for all redemptions in cash, the Fund may authorize payment to be made in
portfolio securities or other property.

        However, the Fund has obligated itself under the 1940 Act to redeem for
cash all shares presented for redemption by any one shareholder up to $250,000,
or 1% of the Fund's net assets if that is less, in any 90-day period. Securities
delivered in payment of redemptions would be valued at the same value assigned
to them in computing the net asset value per share. Shareholders receiving such
securities would incur brokerage costs when these securities are sold.

                                    BROKERAGE

        Subject to approval of the Board of Trustees, it is the policy of TAMIC,
in executing transactions in portfolio securities, to seek best execution of
orders at the most favorable prices. The determination of what may constitute
best execution and price in the execution of a securities transaction by a
broker involves a number of considerations, including, without limitation, the
overall direct net economic result to the Fund, involving both price paid or
received and any commissions and other cost paid, the efficiency with which the
transaction is effected, the ability to effect the transaction at all where a
large block is involved, the availability of the broker to stand ready to
execute potentially difficult transactions in the future, and the financial
strength and stability of the broker. Such considerations are judgmental and are
weighed by management in determining the overall reasonableness of brokerage
commissions paid. Subject to the foregoing, a factor in the selection of brokers
is the receipt of research services, analyses and reports concerning issuers,
industries, securities, economic factors and trends, and other statistical and
factual information. Any such research and other statistical and factual
information provided by brokers is considered to be in addition to and not in
lieu of services required to be performed by TAMIC under its Investment Advisory
Agreements. The cost, value and specific application of such information are
indeterminable and hence are not practicably allocable among the Fund and other
clients of TAMIC who may indirectly benefit from the availability of such
information. Similarly, the Fund may indirectly benefit from information made
available as a result of transactions for such clients.

        Purchases and sales of bonds and money market instruments will usually
be principal transactions and will normally be purchased directly from the
issuer or from the underwriter or market maker for the securities. There usually
will be no brokerage commissions paid for such purchases. Purchases from the
underwriters will include the underwriting commission or concession, and
purchases from dealers serving as market makers will include the spread between
the bid and asked prices. Where transactions are made in the over-the-counter
market, the Fund will deal with primary market makers unless more favorable
prices are otherwise obtainable. Brokerage fees will be incurred in connection
with futures transactions, and the Fund will be required to deposit and maintain
funds with brokers as margin to guarantee performance of future obligations.

        TAMIC may follow a policy of considering the sale of shares of the Fund
a factor in the selection of broker-dealers to execute portfolio transactions,
subject to the requirements of best execution described above.

        The policy of TAMIC with respect to brokerage is and will be reviewed by
the Board of Trustees periodically. Because of the possibility of further
regulatory developments affecting the securities exchanges and brokerage
practices generally, the foregoing practices may be changed, modified or
eliminated. Because the purchase and sale of bonds is a principal transaction
there are no brokerage commissions to report.

                                       7
<PAGE>   32



                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

        On April 1, 1997, The Travelers Insurance Company and its affiliates
owned 100% of the Fund's outstanding shares. The Travelers Insurance Company is
a stock insurance company chartered in 1864 in Connecticut and has been
continuously engaged in the insurance business since that time. It is a wholly
owned subsidiary of The Travelers Insurance Group Inc., which is an indirect
wholly owned subsidiary of Travelers Group Inc., a financial services holding
company. The Company's Home Office is located at One Tower Square, Hartford,
Connecticut 06183, telephone number 860-422-3985.

        First Data Investor Services Group, Inc., Exchange Place, Boston, MA,
02109, acts as transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent for the Fund.

        PNC Bank NA, 200 Stevens Drive, Lester, PA, 19113 and Barclay's Bank,
PLC, 75 Wall Street, New York, NY, 10265 are the custodians of all securities
and cash of the Fund.

        The Fund terminated its audit relationship with its former principal
accountant, Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. on January 31, 1997. On that same day, KPMG
Peat Marwick, LLP, independent certified public accountants, 345 Park Ave., New
York, NY 10154, was engaged as principal accountant for the Fund. KPMG Peat
Marwick LLP serves as the principal accountant for several other affiliated
mutual funds.

        The report by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. on the financial statements for
fiscal years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, did not contain an adverse
opinion or disclaimer of opinion, and was not qualified or modified as to
uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.

        The decision to change principal accountants was approved by the Board
of Trustees on January 31, 1997, where it was decided to engage KPMG Peat
Marwick LLP as the principal accountant to audit the Fund's financial statements
since it would promote consistency among affiliated mutual funds.

        During the past two years and any subsequent interim period preceding
such termination, there were no disagreements with Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. on
any matters of accounting principles or practices, financial statement
disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements if not resolved
to the satisfaction of the former accountant would have caused it to make
reference to the subject matter of disagreement in connection with its report.

        The services provided to the Fund by Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. included
primarily the examination of the Fund's financial statements. The financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 1996 have been audited by Coopers &
Lybrand L.L.P., as indicated in their report thereon, and are included in the
Fund's Annual Report which is incorporated herein by reference, in reliance upon
the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

        Except as otherwise stated in its prospectus or as required by law, the
Fund reserves the right to change the terms of the offer stated in its
prospectus without shareholder approval, including the right to impose or change
fees for services provided.

        No dealer, salesman or other person is authorized to give any
information or to make any representation not contained in the Fund's
prospectus, this SAI or any supplemental sales literature issued by the Fund,
and no person is entitled to rely on any information or representation not
contained therein.

        The Fund's prospectus and this SAI omit certain information contained in
the Fund's registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission which may be obtained from the Commission's principal office in
Washington, D.C. upon payment of the fee prescribed by the Rules and Regulations
promulgated by the Commission.



                                       8
<PAGE>   33






                                       9
<PAGE>   34


                              HIGH YIELD BOND TRUST



                       STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


















                                       10



<PAGE>   35
THE TRAVELERS VARIABLE

PRODUCTS FUNDS

ANNUAL REPORTS
December 31, 1996


                MANAGED ASSETS TRUST
                HIGH YIELD BOND TRUST
                CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND
                CASH INCOME TRUST

                THE TRAVELERS SERIES TRUST:
 
                U.S. Government Securities Portfolio
                Social Awareness Stock Portfolio
                Utilities Portfolio


[TRAVELERSLIFE LOGO]

The Travelers Insurance Company
The Travelers Life and Annuity Company
One Tower Square
Hartford, CT  06183













<PAGE>   36
 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE TRAVELERS VARIABLE PRODUCTS FUNDS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
ECONOMIC REVIEW AND OUTLOOK
 
As 1996 began, the federal government found itself paralyzed by a prolonged
budget dispute. In the financial markets, investors were focused on signs of a
slowing economy. With two-year Treasury notes priced to yield less than the
federal funds rate, the bond market clearly expected the Federal Reserve Board
(the "Fed") to cut interest rates significantly. The Fed lowered the federal
funds rate by 0.25% in January, but strong employment growth over the next
several months sent the bond market into a tailspin reminiscent of 1994.
Interest rates hit their highest levels for the year in the June to September
period as investors prepared for the Fed to raise interest rates at their
September meeting.
 
The policy makers at the Fed decided to hold interest rates steady at their
September meeting and interest rates declined through the autumn as economic
growth once again slowed. The financial markets also responded positively to the
Republicans' success in retaining control of Congress in the November election.
Going into December, the bond and stock markets reflected a "best of all worlds"
scenario of moderate economic growth with low inflation, low unemployment and a
benign to positive political landscape. Interest rates started to move back up
again in December as some economic indicators strengthened, but ended the year
well below the levels seen in the second and third quarters.
 
We expect real economic growth to average around 2% in 1997. The consumer
sector, which makes up two-thirds of Gross Domestic Product ("GDP"), should show
modest growth. The factors that would otherwise contribute to strong consumer
spending -- low unemployment, high consumer confidence, and the wealth effects
from the strong stock market -- should be muted by high consumer debt levels
(particularly at lower income levels) and lack of pent-up demand. The export
sector should continue to grow 5% to 10% in 1997, helped by the United States'
strong competitive position and continued robust growth in emerging markets.
Growth should improve slightly in Europe and Japan, helped by the recent
strengthening of the dollar against those currencies. The stronger dollar is
likely to be a mixed blessing, by making the prices of foreign imports more
attractive and thereby helping to dampen inflation. The capital goods sector has
slowed in recent quarters, but is still expected to grow faster than the overall
U.S. economy. The government sector should continue to be a drag on GDP growth.
 
Overall, we believe that the U.S. economy is likely to remain on a path of
moderate non-inflationary growth in 1997. However, because of the current low
level of unemployment, we also expect that the Fed will remain cautious and
biased towards a tighter monetary policy. Whether the Fed acts may depend in
part on market psychology. Upward shifts in long-term bond yields have served to
moderate economic growth in recent years and reduced the need for any major
changes in Fed policy.
 
FIXED INCOME COMMENTARY
 
The U.S. bond market had its best quarter of the year in the fourth quarter. The
Lehman Intermediate Government/Corporate Index returned 2.5% for the quarter and
4.1% for the full year. For the year, the Lehman Long Government/Corporate Index
provided a total return of only 0.1%. Treasury bonds with maturities longer than
10 years had negative total returns.
 
Within the fixed income market, all private issuer sectors outperformed Treasury
bonds as quality spreads continued to narrow. While Treasuries performed almost
as poorly in 1996 as in 1994, the effect on other sectors was relatively
neutral, unlike 1994 when there were problems with mortgage-backed derivatives,
Mexico, and Orange County. The yield curve was also remarkably stable in 1996,
unlike 1994 when short-term interest rates rose considerably. The
mortgage-backed, high yield, and municipal sectors were the best performing
areas in 1996 on a duration-adjusted basis. Within the corporate sector, lower
quality and foreign issues were the best performers based on both higher coupons
and spread tightening.
 
We expect interest rates to stay in the trading range established in 1996 (the
yield of the 30-year Treasury bond ranged between 6.0% and 7.2%). On one hand,
investors are concerned that low unemployment will eventually give rise to
inflationary wage growth. We believe this sets a floor for long-term bond yields
at about 6.0%. At the upper end of the range, the 7.2% level has proved to be
sufficient to generate increased demand for bonds and depress high risk asset
classes and interest sensitive sectors of the economy. We feel that central bank
vigilance against inflation, globalization, and productivity improvements will
keep inflation under control, preventing interest rates from rising much above
their 1996 high.
 
                                        1
<PAGE>   37
 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE TRAVELERS VARIABLE PRODUCTS FUNDS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Within the fixed income markets, demand for corporate, mortgage-backed and
asset-backed issue continues to be high. Yield spreads (relative to Treasury
issues) for lower and higher quality corporate bonds are quite narrow. The
mortgage-backed and asset-backed markets are similarly compressed, with
investors digging for yield. There is nothing in our economic outlook that is
likely to change the tight spread environment in the near future. We are being
careful, however, to weed out riskier credits and issues that do not offer
enough yield premium to offset their potential for negative surprises. The
foreign area continues to offer opportunities, particularly foreign corporate
bonds that sometimes have very strong balance sheets but are capped by the
rating of their home country. Foreign sovereign credits are also continuing to
improve based on solid global economic growth and increased acceptance of the
need for sound fiscal and monetary policy.
 
EQUITY COMMENTARY
 
During 1996, financial markets were repeatedly jolted by changes in sentiment
about the strength of the U.S. economy and the direction of Fed policy. When
investors gained confidence that the economy was continuing on a track of
moderate, non-inflationary growth, the stock market advanced strongly and posted
another year of outstanding performance. For the year ended December 31, 1996,
the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index ("S&P 500") (a capitalization-weighted
index of 500 widely held common stocks) provided a total return of 22.95%. Over
the same period, the Russell 2000 Stock Index, a measure of the performance of
the small company segment of the equity market, provided a total return of
16.5%.
 
After a weak start in January, the stock market moved broadly higher through the
first months of spring. Small company shares advanced strongly in April and May,
led by the technology sector. In late June and July, when long-term bond yields
moved back over 7%, the stock market traded back down to where it began the
year. Recent initial public offerings and more speculative issues were
particularly hard hit during the reversal. Large company stocks quickly
recovered their losses when the bond market stabilized at the end of July.
However, small company stocks continued to struggle. During the autumn, against
the backdrop of lower bond yields, low inflation and surprisingly resilient
corporate earnings, the stock market made its strongest advance of the year,
with large company issues leading the way.
 
As measured by the S&P 500, the U.S. stock market has provided a cumulative
total return of nearly 70% over the past two years, capping a six-year bull
market that began in October of 1990. Notwithstanding the strong overall
environment for equities, 1996 marked the third consecutive year of
underperformance by small and mid-sized company stocks relative to "blue chip"
indices. The underperformance of small company stocks can be explained in part
by the sharper falloff in earnings growth experienced by smaller companies in
the 1995-96 period. The performance lag also reflected a backing away by
investors from higher risk growth stocks, in an environment of rising interest
rates and market volatility.
 
Given the frequent alarms raised in 1996 about slowing earnings growth,
investors showed an understandable preference for industry sectors with visible
earnings momentum. In the energy sector, analysts' earnings estimates and share
prices moved sharply higher in response to firmer prices for oil and natural
gas. Stocks in the finance sector also performed exceptionally well despite
emerging credit quality concerns. In the consumer sector, specialty and
broad-line retail stocks were up strongly in response to higher than expected
levels of consumer spending. The technology sector provided superior returns for
investors last year, led by Intel and Microsoft. Within the technology sector,
software, semiconductor and computer product stocks had the strongest relative
performance. Industrial cyclical stocks underperformed, as soft domestic and
export demand led to declining commodity prices for paper, copper, aluminum,
steel and fertilizer products. The health care sector was mixed. Drug stocks
kept pace with the market due to strong earnings gains, while the HMO group
declined sharply on repeated earnings disappointments. Utilities were the
weakest overall sector during the year, held back by the relatively poor
performance of local telephone carriers and electrical companies.
 
We are taking a more cautious position toward the U.S. stock market at this
point. Over the past year, the price-to-earnings ratio of the S&P 500 on
12-month forward earnings has increased from 15 to 17 times earnings per share.
This level of valuation is consistent with earlier periods of moderate growth
and low inflation, but leaves no cushion for earnings or inflation
disappointments. After a prolonged period of underperformance, relative
valuations for small company stocks are becoming more attractive. However, we
believe that caution should still be exercised since the small capitalization
segment of the equity market has a relatively high exposure to cyclical
industries and would be vulnerable to any combination of higher interest rates
and slower profit growth.
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   38
 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE TRAVELERS VARIABLE PRODUCTS FUNDS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
MANAGED ASSETS TRUST
 
The first nine months of 1996 were almost as bad as 1994 for bonds in general.
U.S. Treasuries performed poorly but there were much fewer problems in other
types of bonds. Stocks performed well through May of 1996, but suffered a slight
correction in June and July. Large capitalization stocks rebounded smartly from
the summer correction and reached new highs by November. Small capitalization
stocks, which clearly were doing well in May, recovered much more slowly and
still had not reached new highs by the end of 1996.
 
The fourth quarter of 1996 was the best quarter of the year for both the stock
and bond markets. Bonds rallied as the U.S. economy slowed down and the
Republicans maintained control of the U.S. Congress. Stocks benefited from the
decline in interest rates as well as ongoing expectations for high corporate
earnings growth.
 
Managed Assets Trust's total return was 13.78% gross for 1996, 0.23% behind the
60% S&P 500 and 40% Lehman Government/Corporate blended benchmark. However, for
the fourth quarter, Managed Assets Trust outperformed the blended benchmark by
0.05% (6.29% versus 6.24%). Managed Assets Trust was helped by its stock portion
outperforming the S&P 500 three out of four quarters and the biggest drag on its
performance was its underweighting in stocks during the first half of 1996.
 
Looking ahead at 1997, we expect interest rates to stay in the relatively narrow
trading range established in 1996. In our view, low unemployment is the biggest
risk of higher interest rates but a 7% yield has proven to be sufficient in
attracting more investors to bonds and has helped to cool interest-sensitive
sectors of the economy. In our opinion, the biggest risk ahead for stocks is if
interest rates go above 7%. While stock valuations are high, corporate earnings
growth is expected to be slightly faster in 1997. In addition, we also expect
the U.S. dollar to be strong in 1997 and that could pose a risk to future
earnings growth. We plan on increasing the duration of the bond portion of
Managed Assets Trust if rates get closer to their 1996 highs and reduce its
duration if rates go down. Moreover, we continue to hold convertible bonds to
provide some defensive characteristics and in keeping with our relatively
neutral stance regarding stocks.
 
HIGH YIELD BOND TRUST
 
High Yield Bond Trust closed out the year successfully, ending with a
particularly strong fourth quarter performance. For the year ended December 31,
1996, the High Yield Bond Trust generated a total return of 16.05%, exceeding
both the First Boston High-Yield Index and the Bear Stearns High-Yield Index,
both of which had a total return of approximately 12.40% for the same period.
 
Investor interest in high yield bonds remained strong for the first three
quarters of the year. As mutual fund inflows into high yield bond funds
continued at a brisk pace, we viewed the fixed-income market in general as
skittish. Lower interest rate expectations and investor uncertainty of
lower-quality bonds caused many investors to gravitate toward the higher-rated
issues. We remained especially cautious toward lower-quality issues and
telecommunications issues that we believed may have disappointing earnings
reports. Our cautious stance with respect to these sectors allowed us to avoid
the heavy losses incurred in the fourth quarter by many high-profile and
high-yield issues such as Marvel Entertainment, MobileMedia, and CAI Wireless.
Although we maintained a relatively high cash position of 23%, this position
proved to be prudent during this volatile period.
 
The Trust's biggest winners of the year include Renaissance Cosmetics and
Transamerican Refining bonds. Renaissance Cosmetics recently announced a very
attractive tender offer for bonds that we hold and Transamerican Refining
appears to be nearing completion of a successful refinancing effort. Among the
Trust's other significant winners during 1996 were U.S. Banknote, Fleming, Gulf
States Steel, and Sheffield Steel. In addition, we are pleased by the
performance of K mart, Great Dane bonds, and the FRD Acquisition notes, all of
which produced handsome returns by year's end.
 
Our biggest disappointments in the past year were Alliance Entertainment and
Trump Castle. Alliance Entertainment suffered a sharp decline following a
lower-than-expected earnings report in the third quarter. We were initially
attracted to the Trump Castle issues because of its proposed partnership with
Hard Rock Cafe to "re-theme" Trump Castle. With much new development coming to
the Atlantic City marina area, we were also attracted by Trump Castle's
underlying asset value. However, after the proposed partnership with Hard Rock
Cafe fell apart, the bonds experienced a loss. Nevertheless, despite our
disappointments, we remain confident in the Trump Castle high-yield bonds and
believe that they will make a strong contribution to the High Yield Bond Trust
going forward.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   39
 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE TRAVELERS VARIABLE PRODUCTS FUNDS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
We remain bullish on the prospects for high-yield bonds for 1997. In the year
ahead, we also believe that many investors will probably avoid the more
speculative issues. Given the lack of progress among wireless cable companies,
on-going capital expenditure concerns among paging companies, and the uncertain
prospect of lower-quality cable companies to fulfill their debt obligations, we
do, however, expect more higher volatility in the telecommunications sector. In
our view, although many high-yield sectors will continue to experience
volatility, our investment strategy of careful security selection should provide
investors with competitive total returns in the year ahead.
 
CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND
 
Stocks moved ahead in the fourth quarter of 1996, ending the year near record
highs. The S&P 500 gained 8.34% for the fourth quarter. For the year ended
December 31, 1996, the Capital Appreciation Fund appreciated 28.21% versus a
22.95% gain for the S&P 500 over the same period.
 
While the Capital Appreciation Fund's fourth quarter performance was
respectable, we are especially proud of the Janus research team's performance
this past year. Of course, the powerful performance of the stock market deserves
some credit, as do nearly ideal economic conditions and record corporate
profits, all of which have lifted stock valuations. While moderate economic
growth, mild inflation and low interest rates have made business conditions
healthy, our research team's solid fundamental research have contributed to the
Capital Appreciation Fund's stock selection process.
 
In terms of individual holdings, the Capital Appreciation Fund has a substantial
weighting in financial services stocks. We believe companies such as Wells
Fargo, Citicorp and Chase Manhattan should continue to enjoy excellent lending
margins and should be able to extend their domination in select markets. Low
interest rates and a mild economic climate tend to boost profits at dominant
franchise competitors across a broad spectrum of industries.
 
The Capital Appreciation Fund holds a number of familiar technology names such
as International Business Machines, Microsoft, Cisco Systems and Intel to
established drug manufacturers such as Pfizer, Eli Lilly and Monsanto (an
organization that is transforming itself from an old-line chemical producer into
a far more dynamic life sciences company). These stocks performed well during
the fourth quarter. The Capital Appreciation Fund also benefited from the
excellent returns of UAL (parent company to United Airlines), which gained
roughly more than 30%. We believe the employee management at UAL has done a good
job. In our view, UAL (and the airline industry in general) have attractive
valuations. For example, UAL is currently selling at 6 1/2 times our 1998
earnings estimate. In general, the airlines industry has undergone huge changes
in the last few years, becoming more rational with fewer overlapping and
unprofitable competitors. Instead of adding capacity, many airline managements
have focused on pulling back from unprofitable routes and increasing loads in
existing routes. In addition, average airline ticket prices are up as well. In
our view, the only negative for the industry is rising fuel prices but most, if
not all, of the increase is probably already factored into their stock prices.
 
During the fourth quarter, we trimmed Microsoft and long-time holding Merrill
Lynch when both reached high valuations. Moreover, we sold sports apparel
manufacturer Fila at a profit due to valuation concerns and because its products
have begun to lose momentum in the branded sportswear industry. Lastly, Centocor
and Trans World Airlines were sold at losses. With respect to Centocor, we had
to revise our earnings and revenues estimates downward due to a
slower-than-anticipated sales upturn of Reopro, the company's new drug to fight
cardiovascular disease. As many of you know, Trans World Airlines was a far more
tragic situation. In addition to the crash of Flight 800 which may affect
bookings for some time to come, management turnover at TWA has also raised some
concerns. Although we expect greater stock market volatility in 1997, we
continue to be very excited about the stock market for all of the reasons
outlined at the beginning of this market commentary. We stayed the course in
1996 and, unless there is a radical change in the current economic and business
environment, we intend to do the same in 1997. We believe the Capital
Appreciation Fund's focus on primarily large, high-quality growth companies
should continue to serve our shareholders well in the days ahead.
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   40
 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE TRAVELERS VARIABLE PRODUCTS FUNDS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
CASH INCOME TRUST
 
Cash Income Trust seeks to provide shareholders with high current income from
short-term money market investments while emphasizing preservation of capital
and maintaining a high degree of liquidity. Cash Income Trust pursues this
objective by investing in securities maturing in one year or less.
 
For the year ended December 31, 1996, Cash Income Trust generated an annual
effective yield of 4.20% and as of December 31, 1996 had an average maturity of
38.8 days. Cash Income Trust continues to invest primarily in U.S. Treasuries
and government agency securities. This investment strategy has provided Cash
Income Trust with safety, liquidity, and stability.
 
Sincerely,
 
/s/ HEATH B. MCLENDON
 
Heath B. McLendon
Chairman
 
January 15, 1997
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   41
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 PERFORMANCE COMPARISON -- MANAGED ASSETS TRUST AS OF 12/31/96 (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
   ---------------------------------------------
   <S>                                 <C>
   Year Ended 12/31/96                  13.78%
   Five Years Ended 12/31/96             8.83%
   Ten Years Ended 12/31/96              9.76%
</TABLE>
 
This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on December 31, 1986
assuming reinvestment of dividends through December 31, 1996. The Lehman
Government/Corporate Bond Index is a weighted composite of the Lehman
Government Bond Index, which is a broad-based index of all public debt
obligations of the U.S. Government and its agencies and has an average maturity
of nine years and the Lehman Corporate Bond Index, which is comprised of all
public fixed-rate non-convertible investment-grade domestic corporate debt,
excluding collateralized mortgage obligations. The Consumer Price Index is a
measure of the average change in prices over time in a fixed market basket of
goods and services. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index is an unmanaged index
composed of 500 widely held common stocks listed on the New York Stock
Exchange, American Stock Exchange and over-the-counter market.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 Lehman
   Measurement                   Govern-
     Period          Managed  ment/Corporate   Consumer    Standard
  (Fiscal Year       Assets       Bond          Price     & Poor's
    Covered)          Trust       Index         Index     500 Index
<S>                 <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
12/86                   10000       10000       10000       10000
12/87                   11905       10229       10441       10525
12/88                   12134       11004       10903       12269
12/89                   13247       12570       11410       16150
12/90                   16840       13612       12106       15648
12/91                   17256       15807       12476       20406
12/92                   21001       17006       12838       21960
12/93                   22080       18883       13191       24167
12/94                   24140       18218       13544       24485
12/95                   23599       21725       13888       29853
12/96                   26837       22354       14348       36704
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Past performance is not predictive of future performance. Investment return and
principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares,
when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
 
Average annual total returns are historical in nature and measure net investment
income and capital gain or loss from portfolio investments assuming reinvestment
of dividends. The returns do not reflect expenses associated with the subaccount
such as administrative fees, account charges and surrender charges which, if
reflected, would reduce the performance shown.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 PERFORMANCE COMPARISON -- HIGH YIELD BOND TRUST AS OF 12/31/96 (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
   ---------------------------------------------
   <S>                                 <C>
   Year Ended 12/31/96                    16.05%
   Five Years Ended 12/31/96               9.90%
   Ten Years Ended 12/31/96                7.21%
</TABLE>
 
This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on
December 31, 1986 assuming reinvestment of dividends through
December 31, 1996. The Lehman Aggregate Bond Index, an unmanaged
index, is composed of the Lehman Intermediate Government/Corporate
Bond Index and the Mortgage Backed Securities Index and includes
treasury issues, agency issued, corporate bond issues and
mortgage-backed securities. The Consumer Price Index is a measure
of the average change in prices over time in a fixed market basket
of goods and services. The First Boston High Yield Index Top Tier
is a broad-based market measure of high yield bonds, commonly known
as "junk bonds."
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          First
                                                         Boston
   Measurement        High       Lehman                   High
     Period           Yield      Aggre-     Consumer      Yield
  (Fiscal Year        Bond      gate Bond     Price     Index Top
    Covered)          Trust       Index       Index       Tier
<S>                 <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
12/86                   10000       10000       10000       10000
12/87                   10798       10276       10441       11254
12/88                   10761       11086       10903       12630
12/89                   12329       12698       11410       14296
12/90                   12502       13835       12106       14429
12/91                   11361       16050       12476       17731
12/92                   14328       17236       12838       19279
12/93                   16214       18918       13191       22290
12/94                   18485       18365       13544       22248
12/95                   18252       21758       13888       26403
12/96                   21181       22548       14348       29234
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Past performance is not predictive of future performance. Investment return and
principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares,
when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
 
Average annual total returns are historical in nature and measure net investment
income and capital gain or loss from portfolio investments assuming reinvestment
of dividends. The returns do not reflect expenses associated with the subaccount
such as administrative fees, account charges and surrender charges which, if
reflected, would reduce the performance shown.
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   42
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 PERFORMANCE COMPARISON -- CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND AS OF 12/31/96 (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
   ---------------------------------------------
   <S>                                 <C>
   Year Ended 12/31/96                    28.21%
   Five Years Ended 12/31/96              16.18%
   Ten Years Ended 12/31/96               11.44%
</TABLE>
 
This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on
December 31, 1986 assuming reinvestment of dividends through
December 31, 1996. The Standard & Poor's 500 Index is an unmanaged
index composed of 500 widely held common stocks listed on the New
York Stock Exchange, American Stock Exchange and over-the-counter
market. The Russell 2000 Index is a capitalization weighted total
return index which is comprised of 2,000 of the smallest capitaled
U.S. domiciled companies with less than average growth orientation
whose common stock is traded in the United States of the New York
Stock Exchange, American Stock Exchange and NASDAQ. The Consumer
Price Index is a measure of the average change in prices over time
in a fixed market basket of goods and services.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    
                                                    
   Measurement                                      
     Period          Capital    Standard       Russell     Consumer
  (Fiscal Year      Apprecia-   & Poor's        2000        Price
    Covered)        tion Fund   500 Index      Index        Index
<S>                 <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
12/86                   10000       10000       10000       10000
12/87                   11005       10525        9120       10441
12/88                   10111       12269       11402       10903
12/89                   11129       16150       13256       11410
12/90                   12877       15648       10674       12106
12/91                   12073       20406       15589       12476
12/92                   16318       21960       18458       12838
12/93                   19190       24167       21943       13191
12/94                   22086       24485        9105       13544
12/95                   21035       29853       11696       13888
12/96                   26976       36704       13626       14348
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Past performance is not predictive of future performance. Investment return and
principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares,
when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
 
Average annual total returns are historical in nature and measure net investment
income and capital gains or losses from portfolio investments assuming
reinvestments of dividends. The returns do not reflect expenses associated with
the subaccount such as administrative fees, account charges and surrender
charges which, if reflected, would reduce the performance shown.
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   43
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS                                      DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
                              MANAGED ASSETS TRUST
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 SHARES                                       SECURITY                                          VALUE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                          <C>
COMMON STOCKS -- 54.7%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSUMER CYCLICALS -- 7.6%
  15,400   Accustaff Inc.+................................................................   $    325,325
  10,200   American Stores Co.............................................................        416,925
   8,200   Borders Group, Inc.+...........................................................        294,175
  10,400   Clear Channel Communications, Inc.+............................................        375,700
   2,700   Colgate-Palmolive Co...........................................................        249,075
  10,000   Corrections Corp. of America+..................................................        306,250
   9,700   Dollar General.................................................................        310,400
   5,200   Duracell International.........................................................        363,350
   6,100   Eastman Kodak Co...............................................................        489,525
  12,100   Federated Department Stores Inc.+..............................................        412,913
   6,500   Gannett Co.....................................................................        486,688
  15,500   Gap Inc........................................................................        466,938
  12,700   Gillette Co....................................................................        987,425
   8,800   HFS Inc.+......................................................................        525,800
  13,800   Hilton Hotels Corp.............................................................        360,525
   9,400   Home Depot Inc.................................................................        471,175
   5,174   Kimberly-Clark Corp............................................................        492,824
  11,200   Lowes Co.......................................................................        397,600
  11,600   McDonalds Corp.................................................................        524,900
  10,100   New York Times Co., Class A Shares.............................................        383,800
  10,700   Nike Inc., Class B Shares......................................................        639,325
  13,000   Procter & Gamble Co............................................................      1,397,500
   7,000   Sears Roebuck & Co.............................................................        322,875
   1,250   TCI Satellite Entertainment Inc.+..............................................         12,344
  12,500   Tele-Communications Inc.+......................................................        163,281
  12,477   The Walt Disney Co.............................................................        868,711
   8,700   Tiffany & Co...................................................................        318,638
  10,000   Time Warner Inc................................................................        375,000
   2,600   Unilever N.V...................................................................        455,650
   5,700   VF Corp........................................................................        384,750
  32,600   Wal-Mart Stores, Inc...........................................................        745,725
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                               14,325,112
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSUMER STAPLES -- 4.5%
   3,100   American Brands Inc............................................................        153,838
   9,200   Anheuser-Busch Co..............................................................        368,000
   1,900   Campbell Soup Co...............................................................        152,475
  44,800   Coca-Cola Co...................................................................      2,357,600
  13,900   Conagra Inc....................................................................        691,525
   6,500   CPC International Inc..........................................................        503,750
  11,700   Dean Foods.....................................................................        377,325
   2,900   General Mills Inc..............................................................        183,788
  29,000   PepsiCo Inc....................................................................        851,875
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   44
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)                          DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
                              MANAGED ASSETS TRUST
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 SHARES                                       SECURITY                                          VALUE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                          <C>
CONSUMER STAPLES -- 4.5% (CONTINUED)
  18,100   Philip Morris Cos. ............................................................   $  2,038,513
   6,800   Pioneer Hi-Bred International..................................................        476,000
   9,000   Sara Lee Corp. ................................................................        335,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                8,489,939
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENERGY -- 0.7%
   5,700   Chesapeake Energy Corp.+.......................................................        317,091
   6,800   Halliburton Co.................................................................        409,700
   6,400   Louisiana Land & Exploration Co................................................        343,200
   2,800   Schlumberger Ltd. .............................................................        279,650
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                1,349,641
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL SERVICES -- 8.2%
   8,265   Allstate Corp. ................................................................        478,337
   8,200   Ambac Inc......................................................................        544,275
   9,200   American Express Co. ..........................................................        519,800
   8,850   American International Group Inc. .............................................        958,012
   7,289   Banc One Corp. ................................................................        313,427
   7,300   Bank of Boston Corp............................................................        469,025
  10,400   BankAmerica Corp. .............................................................      1,037,400
   3,600   Barnett Banks Inc. ............................................................        148,050
  12,736   Chase Manhattan Corp. .........................................................      1,136,688
   7,000   Chubb Corp.....................................................................        376,250
   3,600   Cigna Corp.....................................................................        491,850
  13,700   Citicorp.......................................................................      1,411,100
   3,500   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp................................................        385,437
  20,600   Federal National Mortgage Association..........................................        767,350
   2,600   First Bank System Inc..........................................................        177,450
   6,000   First Chicago NBD Corp.........................................................        322,500
   1,500   General Reinsurance Corp. .....................................................        236,625
   4,700   Golden West Financial Corp.....................................................        296,687
   4,900   Household International Inc....................................................        452,025
   7,200   ITT Hartford Group, Inc........................................................        486,000
   8,300   Mellon Bank Corp...............................................................        589,300
   3,100   Merrill Lynch & Co.............................................................        252,650
   3,000   Morgan Stanley Group Inc. .....................................................        171,375
   6,000   NationsBank Corp...............................................................        586,500
   8,400   Northern Trust Corp. ..........................................................        304,500
  16,200   Norwest Corp...................................................................        704,700
   3,500   Student Loan Marketing Association.............................................        325,938
   6,900   SunAmerica Inc.................................................................        306,188
   4,100   SunTrust Banks Inc.............................................................        201,925
   5,400   Transatlantic Holdings Inc.....................................................        434,700
   1,800   Wells Fargo & Co...............................................................        485,550
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                               15,371,614
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HEALTHCARE -- 6.0%
   9,100   Abbott Laboratories............................................................        461,825
   7,000   American Home Products Corp....................................................        410,375
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   45
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)                          DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
                              MANAGED ASSETS TRUST
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 SHARES                                       SECURITY                                          VALUE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                          <C>
HEALTHCARE -- 6.0% (CONTINUED)
  10,000   Amgen Inc.+....................................................................   $    543,750
  13,100   Bristol-Meyers Squibb Co.......................................................      1,424,625
  12,300   Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corp...................................................        501,225
   6,400   Eli Lilly & Co.................................................................        467,200
   6,800   Guidant Corp...................................................................        387,600
   7,900   HBO & Co.......................................................................        469,063
  29,600   Johnson & Johnson..............................................................      1,472,600
  12,600   Medpartners, Inc.+.............................................................        264,600
   4,500   Medtronic Inc..................................................................        306,000
  25,900   Merck & Co.....................................................................      2,052,575
  11,700   Pfizer Inc. ...................................................................        969,637
  11,400   Schering-Plough Corp...........................................................        738,150
   9,600   Vencor Inc.+ ..................................................................        303,600
   5,000   Warner-Lambert Co..............................................................        375,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                               11,147,825
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MATERIALS & PROCESSING -- 3.1%
   5,000   Aluminum Co. of America........................................................        318,750
   5,000   Armstrong World Industries Inc.................................................        347,500
  13,100   Black & Decker Corp............................................................        394,638
   8,800   Cytec Industries Inc.+.........................................................        357,500
  10,200   E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. .................................................        962,625
  13,900   Freeport-McMoRan Copper........................................................        415,262
   4,900   Georgia-Pacific Corp. .........................................................        352,800
  18,100   Homestake Mining Co............................................................        257,925
  18,000   Monsanto Co....................................................................        699,750
   9,700   Morton International Inc.......................................................        395,275
   1,600   Nucor Corp.....................................................................         81,600
  10,400   Union Carbide Corp.............................................................        425,100
   5,100   USX-US Steel Group.............................................................        160,012
   3,700   Weyerhauser Co.................................................................        175,287
   5,900   Willamette Industries Inc. ....................................................        414,475
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                5,758,499
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRODUCER DURABLES -- 5.2%
   5,200   Allied Signal Inc..............................................................        348,400
   9,900   Boeing Co. ....................................................................      1,053,113
   3,700   Caterpillar Inc. ..............................................................        278,425
  13,950   Crane Co.......................................................................        404,550
  11,400   Deere & Co.....................................................................        463,125
   4,100   Emerson Electric Co............................................................        396,675
   6,200   Fluor Corp.....................................................................        389,050
  31,200   General Electric Co............................................................      3,084,900
   6,700   Honeywell Inc. ................................................................        440,525
   6,400   Illinois Tool Works............................................................        511,200
   3,680   Lockheed Martin Corp. .........................................................        336,720
   7,800   Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Co. ..........................................        646,425
   4,700   Raychem Corp...................................................................        376,587
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   46
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)                          DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
                              MANAGED ASSETS TRUST
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 SHARES                                       SECURITY                                          VALUE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                          <C>
PRODUCER DURABLES -- 5.2% (CONTINUED)
  10,800   United Technologies Corp.......................................................   $    712,800
   5,000   W.W. Grainger Inc. ............................................................        401,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                9,843,745
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TECHNOLOGY -- 7.2%
   6,150   Andrew Corp.+..................................................................        326,334
  11,100   Atmel Corp.+...................................................................        367,687
   5,700   Automatic Data Processing Inc..................................................        244,388
  18,800   Cisco Systems Inc.+............................................................      1,196,150
   5,400   Compaq Computer Corp.+.........................................................        400,950
  11,575   Computer Associates International Inc..........................................        575,856
   8,200   First Data Corp. ..............................................................        299,300
   5,600   Gateway 2000 Inc.+.............................................................        299,950
  18,600   Hewlett Packard Co.............................................................        934,650
  17,400   Intel Corp.....................................................................      2,278,312
   9,500   International Business Machines Corp...........................................      1,434,500
  11,569   Lucent Technologies Inc........................................................        534,974
  22,200   Microsoft Corp.+...............................................................      1,834,275
  10,600   Motorola Inc. .................................................................        650,575
  12,000   Oracle Corp.+..................................................................        501,000
  19,600   Sun Microsystems Inc.+.........................................................        503,475
   3,200   Texas Instruments Inc..........................................................        204,000
   3,200   3Com Corp.+ ...................................................................        234,800
   4,900   U.S. Robotics Corp.+...........................................................        352,800
   6,000   Xerox Corp. ...................................................................        315,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                               13,489,726
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSPORTATION -- 1.9%
   6,300   Burlington Northern Sante Fe...................................................        544,163
  17,600   Chrysler Corp..................................................................        580,800
   1,448   Conrail Inc....................................................................        144,257
  11,200   Continental Airlines, Inc., Class B Shares+....................................        316,400
  21,100   Ford Motor Co..................................................................        672,562
  12,900   General Motors Corp............................................................        719,175
   7,800   Lear Corp.+....................................................................        266,175
   4,000   Union Pacific Corp. ...........................................................        240,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                3,484,032
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OIL -- 4.5%
   7,100   Amerada Hess Corp..............................................................        410,913
   9,000   Amoco Corp.....................................................................        724,500
   8,100   Ashland Inc. ..................................................................        355,388
   2,100   Atlantic Richfield Co..........................................................        278,250
  12,000   Chevron Corp...................................................................        780,000
  19,400   Exxon Corp. ...................................................................      1,901,200
   9,800   Mobil Corp.....................................................................      1,198,050
   7,900   Royal Dutch Petroleum Co.......................................................      1,348,925
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   47
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)                          DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
                              MANAGED ASSETS TRUST
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 SHARES                                       SECURITY                                          VALUE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                          <C>
OIL -- 4.5% (CONTINUED)
  10,200   Texaco Inc. ...................................................................   $  1,000,875
  11,100   Unocal Corp....................................................................        450,937
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                8,449,038
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UTILITIES -- 5.8%
   8,400   AES Corp.+.....................................................................        390,600
   9,700   Allegheny Power System, Inc....................................................        294,638
  22,000   American Telephone & Telegraph Corp............................................        957,000
  10,500   Ameritech Corp.................................................................        636,562
   9,900   Baltimore Gas & Electric Co....................................................        264,825
   8,200   Bell Atlantic Corp.............................................................        530,950
  19,000   BellSouth Corp.................................................................        767,125
  10,100   CalEnergy Inc.+................................................................        337,088
   6,500   CMS Energy Corp................................................................        218,563
   5,900   Columbia Gas System............................................................        375,387
   7,300   Consolidated Natural Gas.......................................................        403,325
   3,800   Duke Power Co..................................................................        175,750
   4,700   Enron Corp.....................................................................        202,688
   3,200   FPL Group Inc..................................................................        147,200
  15,600   GTE Corp. .....................................................................        709,800
   4,900   Houston Industries Inc.........................................................        110,862
  22,700   MCI Communications Corp. ......................................................        742,006
   8,300   Nynex Corp. ...................................................................        399,438
   4,100   Pacific Enterprises............................................................        124,537
   6,600   Pacific Telesis Group..........................................................        242,550
  15,400   SBC Communications Inc.........................................................        796,950
   7,900   Sonat Inc. ....................................................................        406,850
  20,300   Southern Co....................................................................        459,287
   6,300   Sprint Corp....................................................................        251,213
  11,400   Texas Utilities Co. ...........................................................        464,550
   3,400   U.S. West Communications Group.................................................        109,650
  15,100   Worldcom Inc.+.................................................................        393,542
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                               10,912,936
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost -- $78,744,955)......................................    102,622,107
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PREFERRED STOCKS -- 2.1%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL SERVICES -- 0.5%
   2,000   FINOVA Group, Convertible 5.500%...............................................        105,000
       4   Fuji Finance, Convertible 0.250%...............................................        105,140
   8,000   Merry Land & Investment, Inc., Convertible 2.150%..............................        211,000
   4,000   St. Paul Capital, Convertible 6.000%...........................................        221,500
   5,000   Tosco Financial Trust, Convertible 5.750%......................................        258,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                  901,390
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   48
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)                          DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
                              MANAGED ASSETS TRUST
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 SHARES                                       SECURITY                                          VALUE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                          <C>
INDUSTRIAL -- 1.6%
   4,000   Amcor Ltd., Convertible 7.250%.................................................   $    204,000
  10,000   Corning Delaware L.P...........................................................        636,250
  12,000   International Paper............................................................        552,000
  10,990   News Corp Ltd., Convertible 5.000%.............................................      1,050,919
   9,000   Occidental Petroleum Corp......................................................        510,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                2,953,919
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           TOTAL PREFERRED STOCKS (Cost -- $3,510,971)....................................      3,855,309
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    FACE
   AMOUNT                                       SECURITY                                        VALUE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                          <C>
CORPORATE BONDS -- 22.9%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL SERVICES -- 4.5%
$  2,500,000   American Express Co., zero coupon due 12/12/00.............................      1,971,875
     500,000   Great Western Financial Corp., Notes, 6.375% due 7/1/00....................        497,500
   5,000,000   New Plan Reality, 5.950% due 11/2/26.......................................      4,993,750
   1,000,000   Signet Credit Card, Master Trust 1993-4B, 5.800% due 3/15/98...............        991,620
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                8,454,745
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOVERNMENT, NATIONAL -- 2.1%
   2,000,000   Canada - Global Bond, 6.750% due 8/28/06...................................      2,010,000
   2,000,000   Poland, 6.438% due 10/27/24................................................      1,945,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                3,955,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INDUSTRIAL -- 3.4%
   2,000,000   Becton Dickinson & Co., 8.800% due 3/1/01..................................      2,160,000
   2,000,000   Cox Communications Inc., 6.875% due 6/15/05................................      1,982,500
   2,020,000   Tele-Communications Inc. 9.650% due 10/1/03................................      2,191,700
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                6,334,200
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MATERIALS & PROCESSING -- 5.7%
   9,000,000   Weyerhauser Mortgage Co., 8.500% due 1/15/25...............................     10,794,330
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OIL -- 1.9%
     500,000   Apache Corp., 6.000% due 1/15/02...........................................        640,000
   3,000,000   Texaco Capital Inc., 7.750% due 2/15/33....................................      3,052,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                3,692,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSPORTATION -- 0.5%
     929,255   Delta Airlines, Inc., 9.250% due 1/2/07....................................        960,376
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   49
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)                          DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
                              MANAGED ASSETS TRUST
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    FACE
   AMOUNT                                       SECURITY                                        VALUE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                          <C>
UTILITY - ELECTRIC -- 0.6%
$  1,100,000   Niagara Mohawk Power Corp., 8.000% due 6/1/04..............................   $  1,050,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UTILITY - TELEPHONE -- 4.2%
   5,000,000   BellSouth Cap Funding, 6.040% due 11/15/26.................................      4,956,250
   3,000,000   BellSouth Telecommunications, 7.000% due 12/1/2095.........................      2,887,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                7,843,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS (Cost -- $41,691,641)................................     43,085,401
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONVERTIBLE CORPORATE BONDS -- 5.1%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSUMER CYCLICALS -- 0.6%
     580,000   Hilton Hotels Corp., 5.000% due 5/15/06....................................        608,275
     500,000   Home Depot Inc., 3.250% due 10/1/01........................................        492,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                1,100,775
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL SERVICES -- 0.7%
     500,000   Equitable Cos., 6.125% due 12/15/24........................................        580,625
     500,000   Sappi BVI Finance Ltd., 7.500% due 8/1/02..................................        460,000
     500,000   USF&G Corp., zero coupon due 3/3/09........................................        316,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                1,356,875
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOVERNMENT - NATIONAL -- 0.3%
     500,000   Republic of Italy, 5.000% due 6/28/01......................................        492,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INDUSTRIAL -- 3.2%
   1,400,000   Alza Corp., zero coupon due 7/14/14........................................        588,000
     300,000   Berkshire Hathaway Inc., 1.000% due 12/3/01................................        280,125
   1,000,000   Comcast Corp., 1.125% due 4/15/07..........................................        512,500
     877,000   Cooper Industries Inc., 7.050% due 1/1/15..................................        940,582
     300,000   Inco Ltd., 7.750% due 3/15/16..............................................        317,250
   1,000,000   Marriott International Inc., zero coupon due 3/25/11.......................        561,250
     500,000   McKesson Corp., 4.500% due 3/1/04..........................................        443,125
     100,000   Omnicom Group, Inc., zero coupon due 1/3/07................................        100,000
     500,000   Pennzoil Co., 4.750% due 10/1/03...........................................        571,250
     400,000   Rouse Co., 5.750% due 7/23/02..............................................        438,000
     300,000   RPM Inc., zero coupon due 9/30/12..........................................        134,625
     200,000   Scholastic Corp., 5.000% due 8/15/05.......................................        208,750
     200,000   Tenet Healthcare Corp., 6.000% due 12/1/05.................................        212,250
     200,000   The Sports Authority Inc., 5.250% due 9/15/01..............................        187,750
     500,000   Trinova Corp., 6.000% due 10/15/02.........................................        496,875
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                5,992,332
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UTILITY - ELECTRIC -- 0.3%
     600,000   Potomac Electric Power Co., 5.000% due 9/1/02..............................        558,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               TOTAL CONVERTIBLE CORPORATE BONDS (Cost -- $9,194,761).....................      9,500,482
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   50
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)                          DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
                              MANAGED ASSETS TRUST
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    FACE
   AMOUNT                                       SECURITY                                        VALUE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                          <C>
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECTOR -- 7.9%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES & OBLIGATIONS -- 7.9%
$     75,000   U.S. Treasury Notes, 6.900% due 8/21/97*...................................   $     72,519
   3,000,000   U.S. Treasury Strip, zero coupon due 5/15/07...............................      1,530,000
  11,000,000   U.S. Treasury Strip, zero coupon due 5/15/09...............................      4,868,160
     493,534   FHLMC, 8.500% due 9/1/02...................................................        508,958
   2,000,000   FNMA Principal Strips, 7.890% due 3/9/97...................................      1,976,420
     184,841   FNMA, 8.500% due 3/1/05....................................................        192,408
   3,333,217   FNMA, 7.500% due 10/1/25...................................................      3,333,217
     318,618   GNMA, 7.500% due 3/15/07...................................................        318,914
      60,555   GNMA, 7.500% due 6/15/07...................................................         60,612
     209,632   GNMA, 9.000% due 12/15/16..................................................        220,900
     255,165   GNMA, 9.000% due 11/15/19..................................................        268,881
     379,737   GNMA, 9.500% due 1/15/20...................................................        410,473
     209,395   GNMA, 9.500% due 3/15/20...................................................        226,342
     194,535   GNMA, 7.500% due 5/15/23...................................................        194,717
     745,284   GNMA, 7.500% due 12/15/25..................................................        745,976
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT SECTOR (Cost -- $15,170,051).........................     14,928,497
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMERCIAL PAPER -- 1.6%
   3,000,000   GE Capital Corp, 5.532% due 2/20/97 (Cost -- $2,977,583)...................      2,975,160
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT -- 5.7%
  10,715,000   Citibank, 6.900% due 1/2/97; Proceeds at maturity -- $10,719,107;
               (Fully collateralized by U.S. Treasury Notes, 5.750% due 12/31/98;
               Market value -- $10,936,313) (Cost -- $10,715,000).........................     10,715,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               TOTAL INVESTMENTS -- 100% (Cost -- $162,004,962**).........................   $187,681,956
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
 + Non-income producing security.
 * Segregated security for futures contracts commitments.
** Aggregate cost for Federal income tax purposes is substantially the same.
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   51
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)                          DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
                             HIGH YIELD BOND TRUST
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  FACE
 AMOUNT    RATINGS                                   SECURITY                                     VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                             <C>
CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES -- 77.0%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMUSEMENTS -- 5.9%
$500,000    NR        Live Entertainment Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes, 12.000% due 3/23/99...........   $  485,000
 500,000    B-        Plitt Theaters Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes, 10.875% due 6/15/04...............      510,000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   995,000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHEMICALS, PHARMACEUTICALS AND ALLIED PRODUCTS -- 3.5%
 500,000    NR        Renaissance Cosmetics Inc., Sr. Notes, Series B, 13.750% due 8/15/01...      585,000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMUNICATIONS -- 10.2%
 500,000    B3*       Commodore Media Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes, 7.500% due 5/1/03................      526,250
 400,000    B-        Paxson Communications Corp., Sr. Sub. Notes, 11.625% due 10/1/02+......      417,000
 400,000    B-        Pegasus Media Communications Inc., Notes 12.500% due 7/1/05+...........      433,000
 500,000    BB        Telewest Communications PLC, Sr. Discount Debentures,
                      step bond to yield 10.751% due 10/1/07.................................      348,750
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 1,725,000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSTRUCTION -- 3.7%
 250,000    B         Greystone Homes Inc., Sr. Notes, 10.750% due 3/1/04....................      250,313
 400,000    B         Johnston America Industries, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes, 11.750% due               383,000
                      8/15/05................................................................
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   633,313
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ELECTRICAL -- 3.0%
 500,000    NR        Emcor Group Inc., Notes, 11.000% due 12/15/01..........................      504,375
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCE -- 5.4%
 400,000    B-        B.F. Saul Real Estate Investment Trust, Sr. Secured Notes, 11.625% due       431,000
                      4/1/02+................................................................
  36,896    B3*       FRD Acquisition Co., Sr. Notes, Series B, 12.500% due 7/15/04..........       37,634
 500,000    Caa*      Trump Castle Funding, 1st Mortgage, 11.750% due 11/15/03...............      442,500
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   911,134
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INSURANCE -- 2.9%
 500,000    NR        I.C.H. Corp., Sr. Sub. Notes, 11.250% due 12/1/03++....................      490,000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MANUFACTURING -- 2.9%
 500,000    NR        Great Dane Holdings, Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes, 12.750% due 8/1/01..........      503,750
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
METAL PRODUCTS/MINING -- 8.7%
 500,000    B         Gulf States Steel Alabama Inc., 1st Mortgage,
                      13.500% due 4/15/03++..................................................      473,750
 500,000    NR        Parker Drilling Co., Guaranteed Notes, 9.750% due 11/15/06+............      527,500
 500,000    B-        Sheffield Steel Corp., 1st Mortgage Notes, 12.000% due 11/1/01.........      475,000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 1,476,250
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAPER AND ALLIED PRODUCTS -- 2.4%
 400,000    B         Mail-Well Corp., Sr. Sub. Notes, 10.500% due 2/15/04+..................      398,500
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   52
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)                          DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
                             HIGH YIELD BOND TRUST
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  FACE
 AMOUNT    RATINGS                                   SECURITY                                     VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                            <C>
PETROLEUM REFINING AND RELATED INDUSTRIES -- 3.0%
$500,000    CCC+      Transamerican Refining Corp., Guaranteed 1st Mortgage Notes,
                      16.500% due 2/15/02...................................................   $   505,000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINTING, PUBLISHING AND ALLIED INDUSTRIES -- 5.8%
 500,000    Caa*      Sullivan Graphics Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes, 12.750% due 8/1/05+...........       490,000
 500,000    B-        U.S. Banknote Corp., Sr. Notes, 11.625% due 8/1/02+...................       482,500
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   972,500
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL -- 4.2%
 250,000    B         Flagstar Corp., Sr. Notes, 10.750% due 9/15/01........................       230,000
 500,000    B+        K mart Corp., Notes, 7.900% due 12/14/00..............................       481,250
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   711,250
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SERVICES -- 8.5%
 500,000    B+        Americold Corp., 1st Mortgage Series B, 11.500% due 3/1/05............       524,375
 500,000    B-        Florists Transworld Delivery Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes,
                      Series B, 14.000% due 12/15/01........................................       506,250
 400,000    B-        Regency Health Services Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes, 9.875% due 10/15/02.....       406,000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 1,436,625
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TEXTILE MILL PRODUCTS -- 2.8%
 500,000    B         CMI Industries Inc., Sr. Sub. Notes, 9.500% due 10/1/03...............       466,250
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSPORTATION -- 2.6%
 400,000    B-        Terex Corp., Sr. Secured Notes, 13.250% due 5/15/02+++................       432,000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHOLESALE TRADE -- 1.5%
 250,000    B+        Fleming Co. Inc., Sr. Notes, 10.625% due 12/15/01.....................       254,375
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS AND NOTES
                      (Cost -- $12,350,130).................................................    13,000,322
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES                                               SECURITY                                     VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMON STOCKS -- 0.0%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UTILITIES -- 0.0%
     264              Great Bay Power Co.+ (Cost -- $0).....................................         2,210
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WARRANTS -- 0.0%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
METAL PRODUCTS/MINING -- 0.0%
     500              Gulf State Steel Alabama Inc., Expire 4/15/03+........................         2,500
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRANSPORTATION -- 0.0%
   1,600              Terex Corp., Expire 5/15/02++.........................................         3,200
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      TOTAL WARRANTS
                      (Cost -- $0)..........................................................         5,700
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      SUB-TOTAL INVESTMENTS
                      (Cost -- $12,350,130).................................................    13,008,232
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   53
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)                          DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
                             HIGH YIELD BOND TRUST
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  FACE
 AMOUNT                                            SECURITY                                      VALUE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                           <C>
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS -- 23.0%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMERCIAL PAPER -- 3.5%
$ 600,000          Bankers Trust N.Y. Corp., 5.400% due 2/19/97............................   $   595,590
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT -- 19.5%
 3,298,000         Chase Manhattan Bank, 6.550% due 1/2/97; Proceeds at                         
                   maturity -- $3,299,200; (Fully collateralized by U.S. Treasury Bill due
                   10/31/98; Market value -- $3,363,993)...................................     3,298,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS
                   (Cost -- $3,893,590)....................................................     3,893,590
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   TOTAL INVESTMENTS -- 100%
                   (Cost -- $16,243,720**).................................................   $16,901,822
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
 + Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of
   1933. This security may be resold in transactions exempt that are from
   registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers.
++ Non-income producing security.
** Aggregate cost for Federal income tax purposes is substantially the same.
 
   See page 19 for definition of bond ratings.
 
                      SUMMARY OF BONDS BY COMBINED RATINGS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      % OF TOTAL CORPORATE
STANDARD & POOR'S        BONDS & NOTES
- ------------------------------------------
<S>                   <C>
    BB                          2.7%
    B                          58.8
   CCC                          7.8
    NR                         30.7
- ------------------------------------------
                              100.0%
- ------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   54
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 BOND RATINGS
 
All ratings are by Standard & Poor's Ratings Service ("Standard & Poor's"),
except that those identified by an asterisk (*) are rated by Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. ("Moodys"). The definitions of the applicable rating symbols are
set forth below:
 
Standard & Poor's -- Rating from "AA" to "C" may be modified by the addition of
a plus (+) or a minus (-) sign to show relative standings within the major
rating categories.
 
<TABLE>
<S>             <C>  <C>
AAA             --   Debt rated "AAA" has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's. Capacity to
                     pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
AA              --   Debt rated "AA" has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal and
                     differs from the highest rated issue only in a small degree.
A               --   Debt rated "A" has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal although
                     it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances
                     and economic conditions than debt in higher rated categories.
BBB             --   Debt rated "BBB" are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest and
                     repay principal. Whereas they normally exhibit adequate protection parameters,
                     adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a
                     weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for bonds in this category
                     than for bonds in higher rated categories.
BB, B and CCC   --   Debt rated "BB" and "B" are regarded, on balance, as predominantly speculative with
                     respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the
                     terms of the obligation. "BB" represents a lower degree of speculation than "B",
                     and "CCC" the highest degree of speculation. While such bonds will likely have some
                     quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties
                     or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
C               --   The rating "C" is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is being paid.
D               --   Debt rated "D" are in default, and payment of interest and/or repayment of
                     principal is in arrears.
</TABLE>
 
Moody's -- Numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 may be applied to each generic rating
from "Aa" to "C", where 1 is the highest and 3 the lowest rating within its
generic category.
 
<TABLE>
<S>             <C>  <C>
Aaa             --   Bonds that are rated "Aaa" are judged to be of the best quality. They carry the
                     smallest degree of investment fisk and are generally referred to as "gilt edge."
                     Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable margin and
                     principal is secure. While the various protective elements are likely to change,
                     such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally
                     strong position of such issues.
Aa              --   Bonds that are rated "Aa" are judged to be of high quality by all standards.
                     Together with the "Aaa" group they comprise what are generally known as high grade
                     bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection may
                     not be as large as in "Aaa" securities or fluctuation of protective elements may be
                     of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make the
                     long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in "Aaa" securities.
A               --   Bonds that are rated "A" possess many favorable investment attributes and are to be
                     considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving security to principal
                     and interest are considered adequate but elements may be present which suggest a
                     susceptibility to impairment some time in the future.
Baa             --   Bonds that are rated "Baa" are considered to be medium grade obligations; that is,
                     they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payment and
                     principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective elements
                     may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great length of
                     time. These bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and may have
                     speculative characteristics as well.
Ba              --   Bonds that are rated "Ba" are judged to have speculative elements; their future
                     cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of interest and
                     principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded during
                     both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position characterizes
                     bonds in this class.
B               --   Bonds that are rated "B" generally lack characteristics of desirable investments.
                     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 that are rated "Caa" are of poor standing. These issues may be in default, or
                     present elements of danger may exist with respect to principal or interest.
Ca              --   Bonds that are rated "Ca" represent obligations which are speculative in a high
                     degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.
C               --   Bonds that are rated "C" are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues so rated
                     can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real
                     investment standing.
NR              --   Indicates that the bond is not rated by Standard & Poor's or Moody's.
</TABLE>
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   55
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)                          DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
                           CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    SHARES                                        SECURITY                                       VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                           <C>
COMMON STOCKS -- 89.5%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AIRCRAFT & AEROSPACE -- 4.8%
        68,375    Boeing Co................................................................    $ 7,273,391
        13,875    Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.+..............................................        336,469
        33,025    Textron Inc..............................................................      3,112,606
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                10,722,466
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AIRLINES -- 3.9%
       138,650    UAL Corp.+...............................................................      8,665,625
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUTO RELATED -- 0.1%
         7,925    Cross-Continent Auto Retailers+..........................................        165,434
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BANKING -- 11.7%
        10,000    Catskill Financial Corp.+................................................        140,000
        90,475    Chase Manhattan Corp. ...................................................      8,074,894
        63,190    Citicorp.................................................................      6,508,570
        10,000    Community Federal Bancorp................................................        170,000
        10,000    First Bergen Bancorp.....................................................        115,000
        10,000    GA Financial Inc.........................................................        151,250
        28,550    Mercantile Bancorp Inc...................................................      1,466,756
        10,000    PFF Bancorp Inc.+........................................................        148,750
        47,000    R & G Financial Corp.....................................................      1,116,250
        30,666    Wells Fargo & Co.........................................................      8,272,154
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                26,163,624
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BEVERAGES -- 5.9%
        93,250    Coca-Cola Co.............................................................      4,907,281
        15,650    Coca-Cola Enterprises....................................................        759,025
       257,750    PepsiCo, Inc. ...........................................................      7,571,406
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                13,237,712
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BUSINESS SERVICES -- 4.5%
         7,800    Alco Standard Corp.......................................................        402,675
        75,675    Danka Business Systems PLC ADR...........................................      2,677,003
        20,725    Diebold Inc..............................................................      1,303,084
       117,100    First Data Corp. ........................................................      4,274,150
        40,850    First USA Paymentech Inc.+...............................................      1,383,794
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                10,040,706
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAPITAL GOODS -- 0.1%
         3,175    Raychem Corp.............................................................        254,397
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHEMICAL -- 6.3%
       175,575    Cytec Industries Inc.+...................................................      7,132,734
       177,775    Monsanto Co..............................................................      6,911,003
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                14,043,737
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   56
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)                          DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
                           CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    SHARES                                        SECURITY                                       VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                           <C>
COMMUNICATIONS -- 0.8%
        29,200    Ascend Communications, Inc.+.............................................    $ 1,814,050
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPUTERS -- 10.9%
        92,875    Clarify Inc.+............................................................      4,458,000
        67,375    Dell Computer Corp.+.....................................................      3,579,297
        40,625    Electronics For Imaging+.................................................      3,341,406
        15,200    HBO & Co.................................................................        902,500
        13,850    Intel Corp...............................................................      1,813,484
        60,325    International Business Machines Corp.....................................      9,109,075
        21,525    Oracle Systems Corp.+....................................................        898,669
         5,750    Parametric Technology+...................................................        295,406
         3,075    Transaction Systems Architects -- Class A Shares+........................        102,244
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                24,500,081
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIVERSIFIED OPERATIONS -- 1.8%
        41,750    General Electric Co......................................................      4,128,031
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DRUGS AND HEALTHCARE -- 8.6%
        15,000    American Home Products Corp. ............................................        879,375
         1,650    Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. ................................................        179,438
        78,825    Eli Lilly & Co...........................................................      5,754,225
        39,550    Merck & Co., Inc. .......................................................      3,134,338
        63,475    Pfizer, Inc..............................................................      5,260,491
        52,225    Warner-Lambert Co........................................................      3,916,875
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                19,124,742
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENERGY -- 0.4%
        36,100    Peco Energy Co...........................................................        911,525
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENTERTAINMENT AND LEISURE TIME -- 4.1%
        98,100    G-TECH Holdings Corp.+...................................................      3,139,200
       113,075    Hilton Hotels Corp.......................................................      2,954,084
       146,250    Mirage Resorts Inc.+.....................................................      3,162,656
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 9,255,940
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL SERVICES -- 5.0%
         8,825    Chester Bancorp Inc. ....................................................        115,828
         4,375    Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. ........................................        481,797
       101,630    Federal National Mortgage Association....................................      3,823,829
        10,000    First Defiance Financial Corp............................................        123,750
        80,465    Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ...............................................      6,557,898
        10,000    South Street Financial Co.+..............................................        140,000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                11,243,102
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOSPITAL RELATED -- 0.5%
        43,275    Fresenius Medical Care ADR+..............................................      1,217,109
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INSURANCE -- 0.4%
        26,600    CMAC Investment Corp. ...................................................        977,550
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   57
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)                          DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
                           CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    SHARES                                        SECURITY                                       VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                           <C>
NATURAL GAS -- 1.6%
        75,500    Praxair Inc..............................................................   $  3,482,438
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NETWORKING -- 3.4%
       119,375    Cisco Systems Inc.+......................................................      7,595,234
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINTING & PUBLISHING -- 2.3%
       133,350    Gartner Group+...........................................................      5,192,316
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL -- 5.2%
        50,400    Gucci Group N.V..........................................................      3,219,300
       115,975    Nike Inc., Class B Shares................................................      6,929,506
        18,600    The Finish Line, Class A Shares+.........................................        392,925
        17,800    Vons Companies Inc.+.....................................................      1,065,775
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                11,607,506
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SOFTWARE -- 2.9%
        77,975    Microsoft Corp.+.........................................................      6,442,684
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TELECOMMUNICATIONS -- 4.3%
        14,225    Cincinnati Bell, Inc.....................................................        876,616
       186,900    Lucent Technologies Inc..................................................      8,644,125
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 9,520,741
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost -- $154,608,059)...............................    200,306,750
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     FACE
    AMOUNT                                        SECURITY                                       VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>               <S>                                                                         <C>
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT -- 10.5%
   $23,489,000    Citibank, 6.898% due 1/2/97; Proceeds at maturity -- $23,579,002; (Fully
                  collateralized by U.S. Treasury Notes, 5.750% due 12/13/98; Market
                  value -- $23,970,000) (Cost -- $23,489,000)..............................     23,489,000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  TOTAL INVESTMENTS -- 100% (Cost -- $178,097,059*)........................   $223,795,750
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
 + Non-income producing security.
 * Aggregate cost for Federal income tax purposes is substantially the same.
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   58
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)                          DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
                               CASH INCOME TRUST
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   FACE                                                                           ANNUALIZED
  AMOUNT                                 SECURITY                                   YIELD           VALUE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                             <C>               <C>
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND OBLIGATIONS -- 19.6%
$   275,000   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. matures 2/18/97...............   5.28% to 5.41%    $  273,068
    425,000   Federal National Mortgage Association mature 1/3/97 to             5.28 to 5.31
                3/3/97.......................................................                        422,648
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND OBLIGATIONS
              (Cost -- $695,716).............................................                        695,716
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. TREASURY BILLS -- 38.7%
  1,385,000   U.S. Treasury Bills mature 1/9/97 to 4/17/97                       5.07 to 5.11
                (Cost -- $1,374,750).........................................                      1,374,750
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMERCIAL PAPER -- 41.7%
    150,000   Associates Corp. of North America matures 2/4/97...............        5.36            149,251
    150,000   Chevron Oil Finance matures 2/4/97.............................        5.34            149,253
    150,000   CIT Group Holdings, Inc. matures 1/16/97.......................        5.37            149,668
    150,000   Ford Motor Credit Corp. matures 1/16/97........................        5.36            149,669
    150,000   General Electric Capital Corp. matures 1/9/97..................        5.48            149,820
    150,000   H.J. Heinz Co. matures 1/23/97.................................        5.45            149,507
    150,000   Household Finance Corp. matures 2/13/97........................        5.48            149,032
    135,000   Potomac Electric Power Co. matures 1/15/97.....................        5.83            134,698
    150,000   Prudential Funding Co. matures 1/16/97.........................        5.34            149,671
    150,000   Xerox Corp. matures 1/16/97....................................        5.45            149,664
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              TOTAL COMMERCIAL PAPER (Cost -- $1,480,233)....................                      1,480,233
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              TOTAL INVESTMENTS -- 100% (Cost -- $3,550,699*)................                     $3,550,699
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
* Aggregate cost for Federal income tax purposes is substantially the same.
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   59
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES                          DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        MANAGED      HIGH YIELD      CAPITAL         CASH
                                                         ASSETS         BOND       APPRECIATION     INCOME
                                                         TRUST          TRUST          FUND         TRUST
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>
ASSETS:
  Investments -- Cost...............................  $162,004,962   $12,350,130   $154,608,059   $3,550,699
  Short-term investments -- Cost....................            --     3,893,590     23,489,000           --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Investments, at value.............................  $187,681,956   $13,008,232   $200,306,750   $3,550,699
  Short-term investments, at value..................            --     3,893,590     23,489,000           --
  Cash..............................................           518            --            855        4,509
  Receivable for securities sold....................       409,824            --             --           --
  Dividends and interest receivable.................     1,128,214       360,137        147,193           --
  Receivable for Fund shares sold...................            --        52,645        454,681           --
  Receivable from affiliate.........................            --            --             --       15,843
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  TOTAL ASSETS......................................   189,220,512    17,314,604    224,398,479    3,571,051
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES:
  Payable for securities purchased..................       519,223            --        109,975           --
  Investment advisory fees payable..................        77,599         7,420        141,259        1,147
  Payable for Fund shares purchased.................         3,504            --             --           --
  Dividends payable.................................            --            --             --        5,696
  Accrued expenses..................................         9,705        16,141         15,494       21,553
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  TOTAL LIABILITIES.................................       610,031        23,561        266,728       28,396
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL NET ASSETS....................................  $188,610,481   $17,291,043   $224,131,751   $3,542,655
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSETS:
  Paid-in capital...................................  $158,673,246   $21,746,024   $179,434,374   $3,542,655
  Undistributed (overdistributed) net investment
     income.........................................       689,249      (172,955)       219,605           --
  Accumulated net realized gain (loss) from security
     transactions and futures contracts.............     3,570,992    (4,940,128)    (1,220,919)          --
  Net unrealized appreciation of investments........    25,676,994       658,102     45,698,691           --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL NET ASSETS....................................  $188,610,481   $17,291,043   $224,131,751   $3,542,655
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES OUTSTANDING..................................    12,594,215     2,036,482      6,103,983    3,542,673
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, PER SHARE..........................        $14.98         $8.49         $36.72        $1.00
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   60
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS                   FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             MANAGED     HIGH YIELD     CAPITAL        CASH
                                                             ASSETS         BOND      APPRECIATION    INCOME
                                                              TRUST        TRUST          FUND        TRUST
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                        <C>           <C>          <C>            <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
  Interest...............................................  $ 5,087,435   $1,774,958   $    853,439   $114,317
  Dividends..............................................    2,160,122           --      1,687,610         --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  TOTAL INVESTMENT INCOME................................    7,247,557    1,774,958      2,541,049    114,317
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXPENSES:
  Investment advisory fees (Note 3)......................      891,042       72,800      1,261,284     19,000
  Custody................................................       49,323       12,866         65,089         --
  Administration fees (Note 3)...........................       48,885       24,332         25,243      6,622
  Shareholder communications.............................       22,028       16,446         17,563     16,446
  Trustees' fees.........................................        6,544        6,544          6,544      6,544
  Audit and legal........................................        5,918        6,440          9,521     13,330
  Registration fees......................................        1,267        1,267          1,267      1,267
  Shareholder and system servicing fees..................        1,000        1,000          2,000         --
  Other..................................................          104        1,569          3,083         --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  TOTAL EXPENSES.........................................    1,026,111      143,264      1,391,594     63,209
  Less: Expense reimbursement (Note 3)...................           --           --             --    (43,376)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  NET EXPENSES...........................................    1,026,111      143,264      1,391,594     19,833
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INVESTMENT INCOME....................................    6,221,446    1,631,694      1,149,455     94,484
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS AND
FUTURES CONTRACTS (NOTES 4 & 6):
  Realized Gain (Loss) From:
     Security transactions (excluding short-term
       securities).......................................   14,175,095     (304,388)    13,938,060         --
     Futures contracts...................................     (744,302)          --             --         --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  NET REALIZED GAIN (LOSS)...............................   13,430,793     (304,388)    13,938,060         --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)
  of Investments:
     Beginning of year...................................   22,303,922     (199,726)    21,220,176         --
     End of year.........................................   25,676,994      658,102     45,698,691         --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  INCREASE IN NET UNREALIZED APPRECIATION................    3,373,072      857,828     24,478,515         --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET GAIN ON INVESTMENTS AND FUTURES CONTRACTS............   16,803,865      553,440     38,416,575         --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS...................  $23,025,311   $2,185,134   $ 39,566,030   $ 94,484
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   61
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS        FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        MANAGED      HIGH YIELD      CAPITAL         CASH
                                                         ASSETS         BOND       APPRECIATION     INCOME
                                                         TRUST          TRUST          FUND         TRUST
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>
OPERATIONS:
  Net investment income.............................  $  6,221,446   $ 1,631,694   $  1,149,455   $   94,484
  Net realized gain (loss)..........................    13,430,793      (304,388)    13,938,060           --
  Increase in net unrealized appreciation...........     3,373,072       857,828     24,478,515           --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS............    23,025,311     2,185,134     39,566,030       94,484
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
FROM (NOTE 2):
  Net investment income.............................   (10,914,123)   (2,978,125)    (1,741,271)     (94,502)
  Net realized gains................................   (17,258,729)           --    (23,015,510)          --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM
     DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS..................   (28,172,852)   (2,978,125)   (24,756,781)     (94,502)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS (NOTE 9):
  Net proceeds from sale of shares..................     7,067,309     5,233,862     72,301,317    9,941,686
  Net asset value of shares issued for
     reinvestment of dividends......................    28,172,852     2,978,125     24,756,781       94,502
  Cost of shares reacquired.........................   (12,757,653)   (3,030,251)    (9,891,028)  (7,910,199)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM FUND SHARE
     TRANSACTIONS...................................    22,482,508     5,181,736     87,167,070    2,125,989
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS..............................    17,334,967     4,388,745    101,976,319    2,125,971
NET ASSETS:
  Beginning of year.................................   171,275,514    12,902,298    122,155,432    1,416,684
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  END OF YEAR*......................................  $188,610,481   $17,291,043   $224,131,751   $3,542,655
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Includes undistributed (overdistributed) net
  investment income of: ............................      $689,249     $(172,955)      $219,605           --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   62
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS        FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        MANAGED      HIGH YIELD      CAPITAL         CASH
                                                         ASSETS         BOND       APPRECIATION     INCOME
                                                         TRUST          TRUST          FUND          TRUST
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>
OPERATIONS:
  Net investment income.............................  $  5,381,926   $ 1,173,476   $    811,421   $    51,414
  Net realized gain.................................     7,915,343       395,891     12,852,764            --
  Increase in net unrealized appreciation...........    23,599,777       221,759     16,423,842            --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS............    36,897,046     1,791,126     30,088,027        51,414
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
FROM (NOTE 2):
  Net investment income.............................    (5,441,569)     (960,192)      (540,784)      (51,414)
  Net realized gains................................    (1,783,880)           --             --            --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM
     DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS..................    (7,225,449)     (960,192)      (540,784)      (51,414)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS (NOTE 9):
  Net proceeds from sale of shares..................     5,376,731     1,749,523     26,600,150     3,284,741
  Net asset value of shares issued for
     reinvestment of dividends......................     7,225,449       960,192        540,784        52,033
  Cost of shares reacquired.........................   (11,885,171)   (2,354,757)   (13,026,347)   (3,122,783)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM FUND SHARE
     TRANSACTIONS...................................       717,009       354,958     14,114,587       213,991
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS..............................    30,388,606     1,185,892     43,661,830       213,991
NET ASSETS:
  Beginning of year.................................   140,886,908    11,716,406     78,493,602     1,202,693
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  END OF YEAR*......................................  $171,275,514   $12,902,298   $122,155,432   $ 1,416,684
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Includes undistributed net investment income
  of:...............................................    $5,381,926    $1,173,476       $811,421            --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   63
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
     1.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
     The Managed Assets Trust, High Yield Bond Trust, Capital Appreciation Fund
and Cash Income Trust (collectively, "Fund(s)") are each a Massachusetts
business trust registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended,
as diversified, open-end management investment companies. Shares of the Funds
are offered only to insurance company separate accounts that fund certain
variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts.
 
     The significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Funds are:
(a) security transactions are accounted for on trade date; (b) securities traded
on national securities markets are valued at the closing prices on such markets;
securities for which no sales price were reported and U.S. Government and Agency
obligations are valued at the mean between the last reported bid and ask prices
or on the basis of quotations received from reputable brokers or other
recognized sources; (c) securities maturing within 60 days are valued at cost
plus accreted discount and, or minus amortized premium, which approximates
market value; (d) securities that have a maturity of 60 days or more are valued
at prices based on market quotations for securities of similar type, yield and
maturity; (e) interest income, adjusted for amortization of premium and
accretion of discount, is recorded on the accrual basis and dividend income is
recorded on the ex-dividend date; (f) gains or losses on the sale of securities
are calculated by using the specific identification method; (g) dividends and
distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date; (h) the
character of income and gains to be distributed are determined in accordance
with income tax regulations which may differ from generally accepted accounting
principles. At December 31, 1996, reclassifications were made to the capital
accounts of the High Yield Bond Trust, Capital Appreciation Fund and Cash Income
Trust to reflect permanent book/tax differences and income and gains available
for distributions under income tax regulations. Accordingly, for the High Yield
Bond Trust a portion of accumulated net realized loss amounting to $1,893,310
was reclassified to paid-in capital. Net investment income, net realized gains
and net assets were not affected by this change; (i) the Funds intend to comply
with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
pertaining to regulated investment companies and to make distributions of
taxable income sufficient to relieve it from substantially all Federal income
and excise taxes; and (j) estimates and assumptions are required to be made
regarding assets, liabilities and changes in net assets resulting from
operations when financial statements are prepared. Changes in the economic
environment, financial markets and any other parameters used in determining
these estimates could cause actual results to differ.
 
     In addition, for the year ended December 31, 1996, distributions from
realized gains include both net realized short-term and long-term capital gains.
Previous to 1996 net realized short-term capital gains were included in
distributions from net investment income.
 
     2.  DIVIDENDS
 
     Cash Income Trust declares and records a dividend of substantially all of
its net investment income on each business day. Such dividends are paid or
reinvested on the payable date.
 
     3.  INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS
 
     Travelers Asset Management International Corporation ("TAMIC"), an indirect
wholly owned subsidiary of Travelers Group Inc., acts as investment manager and
advisor to the Managed Assets Trust ("MAT"), High Yield Bond Trust ("HYBT") and
Cash Income Trust ("CIT"). MAT and CIT pay TAMIC an investment management and
advisory fee calculated at the annual rate of 0.50% and 0.3233%, respectively of
its average daily net assets. HYBT pays TAMIC an investment management and
advisory fee calculated at an annual rate of: 0.50% on the first $50,000,000,
0.40% on the next $100,000,000, 0.30% on the next $100,000,000 and 0.25% on the
amount over $250,000,000 of its average daily net assets. This fee is calculated
daily and paid monthly.
 
     TAMIC has a sub-advisory agreement with The Travelers Investment Management
Company, Inc. ("TIMCO"), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Travelers Group
Inc. Pursuant to the sub-advisory agreement, TIMCO is responsible for the
day-to-day portfolio operations and investment decisions for MAT. As a result,
TAMIC pays TIMCO, as sub-advisor, 0.25% of the average daily net assets of MAT.
 
     In addition, TIMCO acts as investment manager and advisor to the Capital
Appreciation Fund ("CAF"). CAF pays TIMCO an investment management and advisory
fee calculated at an annual rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets. This
fee is calculated daily and paid monthly.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   64
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
     TIMCO also has a sub-advisory agreement with Janus Capital Corporation
("Janus"). Pursuant to the sub-advisory agreement, Janus is responsible for the
day-to-day portfolio operations and investment decisions for CAF. As a result,
TIMCO pays Janus, as sub-advisor, 0.55% of the average daily net assets of CAF.
 
     Travelers Insurance Company ("Travelers Insurance") acts as administrator
to the Funds. The Funds pay Travelers Insurance an administration fee calculated
at an annual rate of 0.06% of its average daily net assets. Travelers Insurance
has entered into a sub-administrative services agreement with Smith Barney
Mutual Funds Management Inc. ("SBMFM"), a subsidiary of Smith Barney Holdings
Inc. ("SBH"). Travelers Insurance pays SBMFM, as sub-administrator, a fee
calculated at an annual rate of 0.06% for the average daily net assets of each
Fund. This fee is calculated daily and paid monthly.
 
     MAT received brokerage commissions of $1,380 from affiliated brokers.
 
     One Trustee and all officers of the Funds are employees of Travelers Group
Inc., or its subsidiaries.
 
     4.  INVESTMENTS
 
     During the year ended December 31, 1996, the aggregate cost of purchases
and proceeds from sales of investments (including maturities, but excluding
short-term securities) were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                MANAGED           HIGH           CAPITAL
                                                                 ASSETS        YIELD BOND      APPRECIATION
                                                                 TRUST            TRUST            FUND
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>              <C>             <C>
Purchases.................................................... $177,030,601     $10,021,937     $180,570,344
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales........................................................  189,051,386       9,367,054      126,712,795
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
     At December 31, 1996, the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and
depreciation of investments were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                MANAGED           HIGH           CAPITAL
                                                                 ASSETS        YIELD BOND      APPRECIATION
                                                                 TRUST            TRUST            FUND
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>              <C>             <C>
Gross unrealized appreciation*...............................  $26,911,202        $779,745     $47,569,236
Gross unrealized depreciation*...............................   (1,234,208)       (121,643)     (1,870,545) 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net unrealized appreciation*.................................  $25,676,994        $658,102     $45,698,691
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
* Substantially the same for Federal income tax purposes.
 
     5.  REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
 
     The Funds purchase (and its custodian takes possession of) U.S. Government
securities from banks and securities dealers subject to agreements to resell the
securities to the sellers at a future date (generally, the next business day) at
an agreed-upon higher repurchase price. The Funds require continual maintenance
of the market value of the collateral in amounts at least equal to 102% of the
repurchase price.
 
     6.  FUTURES CONTRACTS
 
     Initial margin deposits made upon entering into futures contracts are
recognized as assets. The initial margin is segregated by the custodian and is
noted in the schedule of investments. During the period the futures contract is
open, changes in the value of the contract are recognized as unrealized gains or
losses by "marking-to-market" on a daily basis to reflect the market value of
the contract at the end of each day's trading. Variation margin payments are
made or received and recognized as assets due from or liabilities due to broker,
depending upon whether unrealized gains or losses are incurred. When the
contract is closed, the Funds record a realized gain or loss equal to the
difference between the proceeds from (or cost of) the closing transactions and
the Funds' basis in the contract. The Funds bear the market risk that arises
from changes in the value of the financial instruments and securities indices
(futures contracts) and the credit risk should a counterparty fail to perform
under such contracts.
 
     At December 31, 1996, the Funds had no open futures contracts.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   65
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
     7.  OPTIONS CONTRACTS
 
     Premiums paid when put or call options are purchased by the Funds,
represent investments, which are "marked-to-market" daily. When a purchased
option expires, the Funds realize a loss in the amount of the premium paid. When
the Funds enter into closing sales transactions, the Funds realize a gain or
loss depending on whether the proceeds from the closing sales transaction are
greater or less than the premium paid for the option. When the Funds exercise a
put option, it will realize a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying
security and the proceeds from such sale will be decreased by the premium
originally paid. When the Funds exercise a call option, the cost of the security
which the Funds purchase upon exercise will be increased by the premium
originally paid.
 
     As of December 31, 1996, the Funds had no open purchased call or put
options contracts.
 
     8.  CAPITAL LOSS CARRYFORWARD
 
     At December 31, 1996, HYBT had, for Federal income tax purposes,
approximately $4,751,000 of capital loss carryforwards available to offset
future capital gains. To the extent that these carryforward losses can be used
to offset realized capital gains, it is probable that such gains will not be
distributed. The amount and expiration of the carryforwards are indicated below.
Expiration occurs on December 31 of the year indicated:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          1996         1997          1998         1999       2000        2001       2002        2004
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                     <C>         <C>           <C>           <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>
Carryforward
  Amounts............   $530,000    $1,094,000    $1,970,000    $748,000    $48,000    $135,000    $38,000    $188,000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
     9.  SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
 
     The Declaration of Trust authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of
shares of beneficial interest without par value. Transactions in shares of each
Fund were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     YEAR ENDED           YEAR ENDED
                                                                  DECEMBER 31, 1996    DECEMBER 31, 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                               <C>                  <C>
MANAGED ASSETS TRUST
Shares sold....................................................          469,580              375,304
Shares issued on reinvestment..................................        1,926,518              581,291
Shares redeemed................................................         (847,611)            (871,567)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Increase...................................................        1,548,487               85,028
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HIGH YIELD BOND TRUST
Shares sold....................................................          591,013              206,291
Shares issued on reinvestment..................................          356,007              122,473
Shares redeemed................................................         (343,196)            (276,334)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Increase...................................................          603,824               52,430
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND
Shares sold....................................................        1,994,300              900,317
Shares issued on reinvestment..................................          716,103               22,109
Shares redeemed................................................         (287,644)            (445,510)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Increase...................................................        2,422,759              476,916
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH INCOME TRUST
Shares sold....................................................        9,941,686            3,284,741
Shares issued on reinvestment..................................           94,502               52,033
Shares redeemed................................................       (7,910,199)          (3,122,783)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Increase...................................................        2,125,989              213,991
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   66
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               MANAGED ASSETS TRUST                     1996        1995        1994        1993        1992
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF YEAR.................     $15.50      $12.85      $14.21      $14.02      $14.78
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:
  Net investment income............................       0.46        0.49        0.46        0.51        0.64
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)..........       1.50        2.83       (0.73)       0.72        0.01
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Income (Loss) From Operations................       1.96        3.32       (0.27)       1.23        0.65
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM (1):
  Net investment income............................      (0.89)      (0.50)      (0.67)      (0.85)      (1.04)
  Net realized gains...............................      (1.59)      (0.17)      (0.42)      (0.19)      (0.37)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Distributions................................      (2.48)      (0.67)      (1.09)      (1.04)      (1.41)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF YEAR.......................     $14.98      $15.50      $12.85      $14.21      $14.02
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETURN.......................................      13.78%      27.12%      (2.24)%      9.33%       5.14%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSETS, END OF YEAR (000'S)....................   $188,610    $171,276    $140,887    $156,767    $148,971
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
  Expenses (2).....................................       0.58%       0.58%       0.61%       0.56%       0.56%
  Net investment income............................       3.51        3.49        3.59        3.65        4.97
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE............................        108%        110%         97%         86%        112%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVERAGE COMMISSIONS PER SHARES PAID ON EQUITY
  TRANSACTIONS (3).................................      $0.06          --          --          --          --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               HIGH YIELD BOND TRUST                    1996        1995        1994        1993        1992
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF YEAR.................      $9.00       $8.49       $9.25       $8.91       $8.75
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:
  Net investment income............................       0.91        0.80        0.66        0.68        0.88
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)..........       0.41        0.41       (0.76)       0.47        0.18
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Income (Loss) From Operations................       1.32        1.21       (0.10)       1.15        1.06
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LESS DISTRIBUTION FROM (1):
  Net investment income............................      (1.83)      (0.70)      (0.66)      (0.81)      (0.90)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF YEAR.......................      $8.49       $9.00       $8.49       $9.25       $8.91
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETURN.......................................      16.05%      15.47%      (1.26)%     14.01%      13.16%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSETS, END OF YEAR (000'S)....................    $17,291     $12,902     $11,716     $12,765     $10,289
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
  Expenses (4).....................................       0.97%       1.25%       1.25%       0.99%       0.56%
  Net investment income............................      11.01        9.37        7.71        7.69       10.24
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE............................         84%        222%       146.%         19%         52%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
(1) For the year ended December 31, 1996, distributions from realized gains
    include both net realized short-term and long-term capital gains. Previous
    to 1996 net realized short-term capital gains were included in distributions
    from net investment income.
 
(2) The ratios of expenses to average net assets for the years 1993 and 1992
    reflects an expense reimbursement by The Travelers in connection with
    voluntary expense limitations. Without the expense reimbursement, the ratios
    of expenses to average net assets would have been 0.60% and 0.63%, for the
    years ended December 31, 1993 and 1992, respectively.
 
(3) For the fiscal years beginning after 1995, the SEC instituted new guidelines
    requiring the disclosure of average commissions per share on Funds which
    held more than 10% of their assets in commissionable equity securities.
 
(4) The ratio of expenses to average net assets reflects an expense
    reimbursement by The Travelers in connection with voluntary expense
    limitations. Without the expense reimbursement, the ratios of expenses to
    average net assets would have been 1.28%, 1.33%, 1.31% and 1.28%, for the
    years ended December 31, 1995, 1994, 1993 and 1992, respectively.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   67
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)

For a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND                1996         1995         1994       1993(1)        1992
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF YEAR............     $33.18       $24.50       $25.87       $22.72       $19.63
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:
  Net investment income.......................       0.23         0.24         0.19         0.19         0.28
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss).....       8.49         8.61        (1.41)        3.21         3.13
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Income (Loss) From Operations...........       8.72         8.85        (1.22)        3.40         3.41
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LESS DISTRIBUTION FROM (2):
  Net investment income.......................      (0.41)       (0.17)       (0.15)       (0.25)       (0.32)
  Net realized gains..........................      (4.77)          --           --           --           --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Distributions...........................      (5.18)       (0.17)       (0.15)       (0.25)       (0.32)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF YEAR..................     $36.72       $33.18       $24.50       $25.87       $22.72
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETURN..................................      28.21%       36.37%       (4.76)%      15.09%       17.60%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSETS, END OF YEAR (000'S)...............   $224,132     $122,155      $78,494      $62,414      $29,506
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
  Expenses (3)................................       0.83%        0.85%       0.89%         0.87%        0.56%
  Net investment income.......................       0.69         0.84         0.79         0.81         1.39
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE.......................         84%         124%        106%          155%         126%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVERAGE COMMISSIONS PER SHARE PAID
  ON EQUITY TRANSACTIONS (4)..................      $0.06           --           --           --           --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              CASH INCOME TRUST                    1996         1995         1994         1993         1992
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF YEAR............      $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net investment income (5)...................     0.0412       0.0417       0.0278       0.0214       0.0322
  Distributions from net investment income....    (0.0412)     (0.0417)     (0.0278)     (0.0214)     (0.0322)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF YEAR..................      $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00        $1.00
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETURN..................................       4.20%        4.17%        2.78%        2.14%        3.22%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSETS, END OF YEAR (000'S)...............     $3,543       $1,417       $1,203         $647         $697
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
  Expenses (5)(6).............................       0.78%        1.25%        1.25%        0.94%        0.38%
  Net investment income.......................       3.72           --           --           --           --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
(1) Effective May 1, 1993, Janus Capital Corporation became sub-adviser for
    Capital Appreciation Fund.
 
(2) For the year ended December 31, 1996, distributions from realized gains
    include both net realized short-term and long-term capital gains. Previous
    to 1996 net realized short-term capital gains were included in distributions
    from net investment income.
 
(3) The ratio of expenses to average net assets for 1993 and 1992 reflects an
    expense reimbursement by The Travelers in connection with voluntary expense
    limitations. Without the expense reimbursement, the ratios of expenses to
    average net assets would have been 0.96% and 0.91%, for the years ended
    December 31, 1993 and 1992, respectively.
 
(4) For the fiscal years beginning after 1995, the SEC instituted new guidelines
    requiring the disclosure of average commissions per share on Funds which
    held more than 10% of their assets in commissionable equity securities.
 
(5) For the year ended December 31, 1996, The Travelers reimbursed CIT for
    $43,376 in expenses. If such fees were not waived and expenses not
    reimbursed, the per share decrease of net investment income would have been
    $0.002 and the expense ratio would have been 1.71%.
 
(6) The ratio of expenses to average net assets for 1995-1992 reflects an
    expense reimbursement by The Travelers in connection with voluntary expense
    limitations. Without the expense reimbursement, the ratios of expenses to
    average net assets would have been 7.37%, 6.40%, 8.47% and 7.70% for the
    years ended December 31, 1995, 1994, 1993 and 1992, respectively.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TAX INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

     The amount of long-term capital gains paid for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996, are $13,912,800 for the Managed Assets Trust and $19,412,512
for the Capital Appreciation Portfolio.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   68
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of
Managed Assets Trust:
 
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Managed
Assets Trust including the schedule of investments as of December 31, 1996, and
the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statement of
changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and
the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended.
These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of
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, 1996, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
 
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Managed Assets Trust as of December 31, 1996, the results of its operations for
the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in
the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years
in the period then ended, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
 
COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
 
Hartford, Connecticut
February 24, 1997
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   69
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of
High Yield Bond Trust:
 
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of High
Yield Bond Trust including the schedule of investments as of December 31, 1996,
and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statement
of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and
the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended.
These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of
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, 1996, by correspondence with the custodian. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of High
Yield Bond Trust as of December 31, 1996, the results of its operations for the
year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the
period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in
the period then ended, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
 
COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
 
Hartford, Connecticut
February 24, 1997
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   70
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of
Capital Appreciation Fund:
 
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Capital
Appreciation Fund including the schedule of investments as of December 31, 1996,
and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statement
of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and
the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended.
These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of
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, 1996, by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
 
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Capital Appreciation Fund as of December 31, 1996, the results of its operations
for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years
in the period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five
years in the period then ended, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
 
COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
 
Hartford, Connecticut
February 24, 1997
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   71
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of
Cash Income Trust:
 
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Cash
Income Trust including the schedule of investments as of December 31, 1996, and
the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statement of
changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and
the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended.
These financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of
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, 1996, by correspondence with the custodian. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Cash
Income Trust as of December 31, 1996, the results of its operations for the year
then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the
period then ended, and the financial highlights for each of the five years in
the period then ended, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
 
COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
 
Hartford, Connecticut
February 24, 1997
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   72
 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE TRAVELERS SERIES TRUST
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES PORTFOLIO
 
For the year ended December 31, 1996, the U.S. Government Securities Portfolio
generated a total return of 1.46%. As of December 31, 1996 the composition of
assets contained in the Portfolio was 47% in mortgage-backed securities, 31% in
U.S. Treasuries, 12% in U.S. agency securities and 10% in cash.
 
Prospects for bond investors appeared promising as the year began. In
Washington, D.C., there were talks of federal deficit reduction through a
balanced budget amendment while the outlook for inflation was tame. Long-term
U.S. Treasuries were yielding less than 6% and the expectation of a Federal
Reserve easing of monetary policy drove down yields on 2 year U.S. Treasuries to
under 5%. However, as the year progressed, bullish sentiments were shattered as
balanced budget talks stalled, energy prices began to rise and U.S. economic
growth resumed. Heightened investor concerns over rising inflation drove up the
yield on long-term U.S. Treasuries to over 7%. Toward the end of the year, these
inflation fears proved to be unfounded and the long-term U.S. Treasury dropped
to a range of around 6.6%.
 
Against this backdrop of volatile interest rates, the Portfolio lagged behind
the Lehman Government Bond Index for the first three quarters of the year. By
shortening the maturity and through careful selection of securities, we were
able to recoup lost ground to finish the year in line with the Portfolio's
benchmark. Specifically, we added securities from Financing Corporation ("FICO")
and Tennessee Valley Authority ("TVA"). In our view, FICO securities were very
attractively priced due to concerns about the solvency of the Savings
Association Insurance Fund, the agency responsible for making interest payments
on the FICO securities. The U.S. Congress subsequently passed a bill that would
shore up funds required to ensure payment of interest which resulted in the FICO
bond's rise in price. In the case of TVA bonds, we utilized a hedging strategy
to boost the yield as well as to provide investors with an additional cushion
against interest rate volatility.
 
Looking ahead to 1997, we expect a continuation of higher interest rate
volatility. Therefore, we have reduced the Portfolio's weighting in
mortgage-backed securities while increasing the exposure to other U.S. agency
bonds. In addition, we believe the recently introduced inflation-indexed
securities by the U.S. Treasury may represent a good investment opportunity for
the Portfolio.
 
SOCIAL AWARENESS STOCK PORTFOLIO
 
Social Awareness Stock Portfolio finished 1996 with a competitive total return
of 19.98%. Our exposure to the financial and technology sectors were major
contributors to the Portfolio's positive results. As of December 31, 1996, the
Portfolio consisted of about 15% cash reserves and 71 stock holdings, with some
75% of those considered to be "core" investments. The weighted market
capitalization of the stocks owned by the Portfolio averages about $24.5
billion, approximating a 50/50 mix of large and mid-capitalization companies. As
the year ended, the Portfolio was overweighted in the consumer cyclical,
financial, and technology industries while underweighted in capital goods,
communications services, energy, and utilities industries. This composition
proved to be an advantage for the Portfolio during the period. While the
Portfolio's beta ( the comparative movement of a security's price relative to
the overall market) was approximately 10% more than the rest of the stock
market, the slightly increased risk taken was generally well rewarded. The
stocks in the Portfolio generated more earnings and more growth potential
compared to their cost than that offered by the overall market.
 
Our investment strategy for 1997 continues to focus on owning quality companies.
The overall Portfolio's quality remains strong with a Standard & Poor's average
rating of A minus (a ranking of common stocks from A+ through C on the basis of
growth and stability). We remain cautiously optimistic about the stock market's
1997 potential, but hold some cash reserves to take advantage of buying
opportunities from normal market volatility following two years of very strong
performance.
 
UTILITIES PORTFOLIO
 
Utilities Portfolio seeks to provide current income and as a secondary goal,
capital appreciation, by investing at least 25% of its assets in the utilities
industry. For the year ended December 31, 1996, the Utilities Portfolio had a
total return of 7.47%.
 
The past year was frustrating for electric utility investors. As a group,
utilities underperformed the broad based equity market. A strong stock market
combined with a relatively weak bond market caused attention to move away from
defensive sectors such as utilities. Nevertheless, we believe the electric
utility sector should continue to benefit from industry restructuring and the
rapid pace of mergers and acquisitions. For example, several state restructuring
proposals have focused on the need to
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   73
 
ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE TRAVELERS SERIES TRUST
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
lower customer rates and creating opportunities for electric utilities to
recover their capital investments. In our opinion, these proposals should create
a more positive environment for investors by removing some of the uncertainty
that has plagued utilities over the past few years. The consolidation of
electric utility and natural gas companies dominated merger activity during 1996
as management teams attempted to enlarge their customer base and become full
service energy providers in a more competitive industry. Furthermore, several
electric utility companies continue to diversify by aggressively expanding into
foreign markets.
 
We remain positive for electric utilities in 1997 based on continued
clarification of the impact of deregulation and competition in the industry and
its favorable defensive characteristics. In addition, we expect more individual
state initiatives regarding electric utility industry restructuring.
Consolidation should continue involving electric sector and electric companies
with natural gas companies. In this dynamic and rapidly changing environment,
individual stock selection will continue to be extremely important in achieving
competitive total returns. We expect performance among individual companies to
vary significantly. In our view, special situation companies, with above average
dividend growth, favorable regulatory rulings or positive deregulatory proposals
are exciting new investment opportunities. We continue to focus on higher
quality companies with strong earnings and dividend growth, superior management
teams and favorable environments. Moreover, we favor lower-cost companies in
this more competitive environment. We believe investors should view utility
investing from a total return perspective and not simply evaluate the sector's
current yield.
 
The economic outlook for 1997 calls for a continuance of slow to moderate U.S.
economic growth without renewed inflation and the long-term U.S. Treasury bond
is expected to trade in a range of 6.25% to 7%. These conditions should be
generally favorable for fixed-income markets and interest rate-sensitive sectors
such as electric utilities. However, higher overall market volatility may
increase if there is a surprise regarding the economy or corporate earnings.
 
Our portfolio strategy continues to focus on income and long-term growth. We
have increased our natural gas holdings and gradually reduced telecommunications
holdings awaiting a clearer competitive picture or more favorable valuations in
that industry. After two years of above historical returns, an increase in stock
market volatility could enhance the appeal of electric utilities as a stable
long-term investment vehicle.
 
In closing, we thank you for your investment in The Travelers Series Trust
Portfolios. We look forward to continuing to help you achieve your financial
goals.
 
Sincerely,
 
/s/ HEATH B. MCLENDON
 
Heath B. McLendon
Chairman
 
January 15, 1997
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   74
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 PERFORMANCE COMPARISON -- U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES PORTFOLIO AS OF 12/31/96
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
   ---------------------------------------------
   <S>                                 <C>
   Year Ended 12/31/96                   1.46%
   1/24/92* through 12/31/96             5.84%
 
<CAPTION>
              CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
   ---------------------------------------------
   <S>                                 <C>
   1/24/92* through 12/31/96            32.33%
   * Commencement of operations
</TABLE>
 
This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on January
24, 1992 and assuming reinvestment of dividends through December
31, 1996. The Lehman Government Bond Index is a broad-based Index
of all public debt obligations of the U.S. Government and its
agencies and has an average maturity of nine years. The Consumer
Price Index is a measure of the average change in prices over time
in a fixed market basket of goods and services.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         U.S. Gov-
                          ernment          Lehman
 Measurement Period     Securities       Government     Consumer
(Fiscal Year Covered)    Portfolio       Bond Index    Price Index
<S>                     <C>           <C>           <C>
1/24/92                       10000         10000         10000
12/92                         10290         10920         10275
12/93                         11813         12125         10557
12/94                         11147         11699         10840
12/95                         13869         13950         11115
12/31/96                      14077         14354         11484
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Past performance is not predictive of future performance. Investment return and
principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares,
when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
 
Average annual total returns are historical in nature and measure net investment
income and capital gain or loss from portfolio investments assuming
reinvestments of dividends. The returns do not reflect expenses associated with
the subaccount such as administrative fees, account charges and surrender
charges which, if reflected, would reduce the performance shown.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 PERFORMANCE COMPARISON -- SOCIAL AWARENESS STOCK PORTFOLIO AS OF 12/31/96
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
   ---------------------------------------------
   <S>                                 <C>
   Year Ended 12/31/96                    19.98%
   5/1/92* through 12/31/96               12.62%
 
<CAPTION>
              CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
   ---------------------------------------------
   <S>                                 <C>
   5/1/92* through 12/31/96               73.33%
   * Commencement of operations
</TABLE>
 
This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on May 1,
1992 assuming reinvestment of dividends through December 31, 1996.
The Standard & Poor's 500 Index is an unmanaged index composed of
500 widely held common stocks listed on the New York Stock
Exchange, American Stock Exchange and the over-the-counter market.
The Consumer Price Index is a measure of the average change in
prices over time in a fixed market basket of goods and services.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          Social
                         Awareness    Standard &
 Measurement Period        Stock      Poor's 500     Consumer
(Fiscal Year Covered)    Portfolio       Index      Price Index
<S>                     <C>           <C>           <C>
5/1/92                        10000         10000         10000
12/92                         10850         10673         10157
12/93                         11777         11745         10436
12/94                         11461         11900         10716
12/95                         16285         14509         10988
12/31/96                      18340         17838         11353
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Past performance is not predictive of future performance. Investment return and
principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares,
when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
 
Average annual total returns are historical in nature and measure net investment
income and capital gain or loss from portfolio investments assuming
reinvestments of dividends. The returns do not reflect expenses associated with
the subaccount such as administrative fees, account charges and surrender
charges which, if reflected, would reduce the performance shown.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   75
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 PERFORMANCE COMPARISON -- UTILITIES PORTFOLIO AS OF 12/31/96 (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
   ---------------------------------------------
   <S>                                 <C>
   Year Ended 12/31/96                     7.47%
   2/4/94* through 12/31/96               11.24%
 
<CAPTION>
              CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
   ---------------------------------------------
   <S>                                 <C>
   2/4/94* through 12/31/96               36.26%
   * Commencement of operations
</TABLE>
 
This chart assumes an initial investment of $10,000 made on
February 4, 1994 assuming reinvestment of dividends through
December 31, 1996. Standard & Poor's 500 Index is an unmanaged
index composed of 500 widely held common stocks listed on the New
York Stock Exchange, American Stock Exchange and over-the-counter
market. The Consumer Price Index is a measure of the average change
in prices over time in a fixed market basket of goods and services.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      Standard &
 Measurement Period      Utilities    Poor's 500     Consumer
(Fiscal Year Covered)    Portfolio       Index      Price Index
<S>                     <C>           <C>           <C>
2/4/94                        10000         10000         10000
12/94                         10170         10072         10205
12/95                         13149         13852         10464
12/31/96                      14139         17031         10811
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
Past performance is not predictive of future performance. Investment return and
principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares,
when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
 
Average annual total returns are historical in nature and measure net investment
income and capital gain or loss from portfolio investments assuming
reinvestments of dividends. The returns do not reflect expenses associated with
the subaccount such as administrative fees, account charges and surrender
charges which, if reflected, would reduce the performance shown.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   76
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS                                      DECEMBER 31, 1996
                      U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES PORTFOLIO
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
    FACE
   AMOUNT                                        SECURITY                                        VALUE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                           <C>
U.S. GOVERNMENT AND AGENCY OBLIGATIONS -- 89.8%
$  1,000,000   U.S. Treasury Bond, 9.250% due 2/15/16......................................   $ 1,269,950
     700,000   U.S. Treasury Bond, 8.125% due 5/15/21......................................       813,281
   3,000,000   U.S. Treasury Bond, 6.875% due 8/15/25......................................     3,058,440
  10,000,000   U.S. Treasury Strip, zero coupon due 2/15/15................................     2,940,700
   2,955,466   FHLMC, 6.000% due 3/1/26....................................................     2,749,500
     988,365   FHLMC, 8.000% due 5/1/26....................................................     1,008,131
   2,019,999   FNMA, 7.000% due 6/1/24.....................................................     1,977,075
   2,964,852   FNMA, 7.500% due 11/1/26@...................................................     2,964,850
     392,192   GNMA, 8.500% due 3/15/18....................................................       406,530
     595,113   GNMA, 8.500% due 5/15/18....................................................       616,871
     251,104   GNMA, 8.500% due 6/15/18....................................................       260,285
     177,531   GNMA, 8.500% due 7/15/18....................................................       184,022
   1,974,160   GNMA, 7.000% due 6/15/24....................................................     1,931,578
   3,000,000   Tennessee Valley Authority Debenture, 5.980% due 4/1/36.....................     3,041,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT AND AGENCY OBLIGATIONS (Cost -- $23,037,806)..........    23,222,463
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT -- 10.2%
   2,626,000   Citibank, 6.900% due 1/2/97; Proceeds at maturity -- $2,627,007;
               (Fully collateralized by U.S. Treasury Notes, 5.750% due 12/31/98;
               Market value -- $2,686,638) (Cost -- $2,626,000)............................     2,626,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               TOTAL INVESTMENTS -- 100% (Cost -- $25,663,806*)............................   $25,848,463
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
@ Date shown represents the last in range of maturity dates of mortgage
  certificates owned.
 
* Aggregate cost for Federal income tax purposes is substantially the same.
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   77
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)                          DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
                        SOCIAL AWARENESS STOCK PORTFOLIO
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES                                         SECURITY                                          VALUE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                            <C>
COMMON STOCKS -- 83.7%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BASIC MATERIALS -- 3.8%
  2,000   Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.....................................................   $  138,250
  5,000   Engelhard Corp....................................................................       95,625
  4,000   Praxair, Inc......................................................................      184,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                  418,375
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAPITAL GOODS -- 2.9%
  1,500   AMP, Inc..........................................................................       57,562
  2,000   Pitney Bowes, Inc.................................................................      109,000
  2,800   York International, Inc...........................................................      156,450
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                  323,012
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMMUNICATION -- 1.1%
    800   Bell Atlantic Corp................................................................       51,800
  2,300   MCI Communications Corp...........................................................       75,181
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                  126,981
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSUMER CYCLICALS -- 11.6%
  2,900   Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc........................................................       79,750
  2,900   Home Depot, Inc...................................................................      145,363
  3,500   Kaufman & Broad Home Corp.........................................................       45,063
  1,864   Lucas Variety PLC+................................................................       70,832
  3,000   May Department Stores.............................................................      140,250
  2,000   Nine West Group, Inc.+............................................................       92,750
  6,000   Olsten Corp.......................................................................       90,750
  4,000   Pep Boys -- Manny, Moe & Jack.....................................................      123,000
  4,000   Toys "R" Us, Inc.+................................................................      120,000
  1,900   Tribune Co........................................................................      149,862
  3,500   Wal-Mart Stores, Inc..............................................................       80,062
  3,000   Xerox Corp........................................................................      157,875
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                1,295,557
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSUMER STAPLES -- 10.5%
  2,000   Coca-Cola Co......................................................................      105,250
  2,000   Gillette Co.......................................................................      155,500
  3,000   Kroger Co.+.......................................................................      139,500
  2,000   McDonald's Corp...................................................................       90,500
  5,000   Newell Co.........................................................................      157,500
  4,800   PepsiCo, Inc......................................................................      141,000
  2,800   Sysco Corp........................................................................       91,350
  1,000   Unilever N.V......................................................................      175,250
  1,600   Walt Disney Co....................................................................      111,400
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                1,167,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENERGY -- 1.6%
  2,800   Anadarko Petroleum Corp...........................................................      181,300
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   78
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)                          DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
                        SOCIAL AWARENESS STOCK PORTFOLIO
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES                                         SECURITY                                          VALUE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                            <C>
FINANCE -- 17.8%
  1,600   Aetna Inc.........................................................................   $  128,000
  3,500   American Express Co...............................................................      197,750
  1,250   American International Group Inc..................................................      135,313
  3,000   Associates 1st Capital Corp.......................................................      132,375
  2,700   Bank of Boston Corp...............................................................      173,475
  3,000   Barnett Banks, Inc................................................................      123,375
  1,800   Citicorp..........................................................................      185,400
  1,200   Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp...................................................      132,150
  3,000   H. F. Ahmanson & Co...............................................................       97,500
  2,500   Lincoln National Corp.............................................................      131,250
  2,200   NationsBank Corp..................................................................      215,050
  3,400   State Street Boston Corp..........................................................      219,300
  1,500   Transamerica Corp.................................................................      118,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                1,989,438
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HEALTH CARE -- 10.3%
  2,200   Amgen Inc.+.......................................................................      119,625
  3,750   Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corp......................................................      152,813
  3,300   DENTSPLY International, Inc.......................................................      156,750
  3,600   Johnson & Johnson.................................................................      179,100
  2,300   Merck & Co., Inc..................................................................      182,275
  1,200   Pfizer, Inc.......................................................................       99,450
  1,200   Schering-Plough Corp..............................................................       77,700
  6,200   Stryker Corp......................................................................      185,225
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                1,152,938
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TECHNOLOGY -- 20.5%
  4,500   Belden, Inc.......................................................................      166,500
  4,400   Cabletron Systems, Inc.+..........................................................      146,300
  2,000   Compaq Computer Corp.+............................................................      148,500
  3,000   Computer Associates International.................................................      149,250
  3,000   DSC Communications, Inc.+.........................................................       53,625
  2,500   Electronic Data Systems Corp......................................................      108,125
  7,000   EMC Corp.+........................................................................      231,875
  2,000   Intel Corp........................................................................      261,875
    700   International Business Machines Corp..............................................      105,700
  3,600   Lucent Technologies Corp..........................................................      166,500
  2,000   Madge Networks N.V.+..............................................................       19,750
  3,300   Marshall Industries+..............................................................      101,062
  2,800   Microsoft Corp.+..................................................................      231,350
  3,500   Oracle Corp.+.....................................................................      146,125
  2,500   Perkin-Elmer Corp.................................................................      147,187
  4,000   Sun Microsystems Inc.+............................................................      102,750
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                2,286,474
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       43
<PAGE>   79
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)                          DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
                        SOCIAL AWARENESS STOCK PORTFOLIO
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES                                         SECURITY                                          VALUE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                            <C>
TRANSPORTATION -- 2.0%
  4,500   Mesaba Holdings, Inc.+............................................................   $   66,938
  1,400   Norfolk Southern Corp. ...........................................................      122,500
  1,300   Southwest Airlines................................................................       28,763
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                  218,201
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UTILITIES -- 1.6%
  4,000   Enron Corp........................................................................      172,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost -- $6,883,357)..........................................    9,332,026
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   FACE
  AMOUNT                                        SECURITY                                        VALUE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                          <C>
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT -- 16.3%
$1,822,000    CS First Boston, 6.48% due 1/2/97; Proceeds at maturity -- $1,822,658;         $  1,822,000
              (Fully collateralized by U.S. Treasury Notes, 7.25% due 2/15/98;
              Market value -- $1,861,755) (Cost -- $1,822,000)............................
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                              $11,154,026
              TOTAL INVESTMENTS -- 100% (Cost -- $8,705,357*).............................
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
+ Non-income producing security.
* Aggregate cost for Federal income tax purposes is substantially the same.
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       44
<PAGE>   80
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)                          DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
                              UTILITIES PORTFOLIO
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES                                        SECURITY                                          VALUE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                          <C>
COMMON STOCKS -- 82.9%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ELECTRIC - UTILITY -- 65.5%
 15,000    Allegheny Power System, Inc....................................................   $    455,625
 11,000    American Electric Power Co.....................................................        452,375
  7,500    Baltimore Gas & Electric Co....................................................        200,625
 15,000    Carolina Power & Light.........................................................        547,500
  9,000    Central & Southwest Corp. .....................................................        230,625
 15,000    CINergy Corp...................................................................        500,625
  5,000    CIPSCO, Inc. ..................................................................        180,625
 15,000    CMS Energy Corp................................................................        504,375
 10,000    Dominion Resources, Inc. ......................................................        385,000
 10,000    DPL Inc........................................................................        245,000
 12,750    DQE Inc........................................................................        369,750
 20,000    Edison International...........................................................        397,500
 15,000    Entergy Corp. .................................................................        416,250
 10,000    Florida Progress Corp..........................................................        322,500
 12,000    FPL Group Inc..................................................................        552,000
 12,000    GPU Inc........................................................................        403,500
 11,000    Houston Industries.............................................................        248,875
 12,000    Illinova Corp. ................................................................        330,000
 15,000    Long Island Lighting...........................................................        331,875
 10,000    NIPSCO Industries, Inc.........................................................        396,250
 18,000    PacifiCorp. ...................................................................        369,000
 15,000    Pinnacle West Capital..........................................................        476,250
  7,500    Public Service Co. of Colorado.................................................        291,563
 15,000    Public Service Co. of New Mexico...............................................        294,375
 15,000    SCANA Corp.....................................................................        401,250
 15,000    Sierra Pacific Resources.......................................................        431,250
 12,500    Southern Co....................................................................        282,813
 15,000    Texas Utilities Co. ...........................................................        611,250
 10,000    Unicom Corp....................................................................        271,250
 12,000    UtiliCorp. United, Inc.........................................................        324,000
 13,000    Wisconsin Energy Corp..........................................................        349,375
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                               11,573,251
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NATURAL GAS -- 11.0%
 10,000    Coastal Corp. .................................................................        488,750
 10,000    Enron Corp. ...................................................................        431,250
  5,000    Equitable Resources Inc. ......................................................        148,750
 10,000    Pacific Enterprises............................................................        303,750
 15,000    Southwest Gas Corp. ...........................................................        288,750
  7,500    Williams Cos...................................................................        281,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                1,942,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       45
<PAGE>   81
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 SCHEDULES OF INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)                          DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
                              UTILITIES PORTFOLIO
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES                                        SECURITY                                          VALUE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                          <C>
TELEPHONE -- 6.4%
 15,000    Frontier Corp..................................................................   $    339,375
  7,500    GTE Corp.......................................................................        341,250
  2,000    MCI Communications.............................................................         65,375
 10,000    Teleport Communications+.......................................................        305,000
  5,000    US West Media Group+...........................................................         92,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                1,143,500
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost -- $12,839,147)......................................     14,659,251
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   FACE
  AMOUNT                                        SECURITY                                         VALUE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                           <C>
CORPORATE BONDS -- 3.6%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TELEPHONE -- 1.3%
$  230,000    MCI Communication Corp., 7.75% due 3/23/25...................................       232,875
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UTILITY - ELECTRIC -- 2.3%
   200,000    Arizona Public Service Co., 7.25% due 8/1/23.................................       188,750
   200,000    Philadelphia Electric, 8.75% due 4/1/22......................................       212,250
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                  401,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS (Cost -- $605,853).....................................       633,875
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS -- 3.0%
   500,000    U.S. Treasury Notes, 7.75% due 11/30/99 (Cost -- $499,802)...................       522,605
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              SUB-TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost -- $13,944,802)..................................    15,815,731
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT -- 10.5%
 1,859,000    CS First Boston Corp., 6.50% due 1/2/97; Proceeds at maturity -- $1,859,671;      
              (Fully collateralized by U.S. Treasury Note, 7.25% due 2/15/98; Market
              value -- $1,898,260) (Cost -- $1,859,000)....................................     1,859,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              TOTAL INVESTMENTS -- 100% (Cost -- $15,803,802*).............................   $17,674,731
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
+ Non-income producing security.
* Aggregate cost for Federal income tax purposes is substantially the same.
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>   82
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES                          DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  U.S.             SOCIAL
                                                               GOVERNMENT         AWARENESS
                                                               SECURITIES           STOCK         UTILITIES
                                                                PORTFOLIO         PORTFOLIO       PORTFOLIO
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>                 <C>             <C>
ASSETS:
  Investments -- Cost....................................      $23,037,806       $ 6,883,357     $13,944,802
  Repurchase agreements -- Cost..........................        2,626,000         1,822,000       1,859,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Investments, at value..................................      $23,222,463       $ 9,332,026     $15,815,731
  Repurchase agreements, at value........................        2,626,000         1,822,000       1,859,000
  Cash...................................................              268               697         519,418
  Receivable from affiliate..............................               --            25,093              --
  Dividends and interest receivable......................          239,298             8,769          60,046
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  TOTAL ASSETS...........................................       26,088,029        11,188,585      18,254,195
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES:
  Payable for Fund shares purchased......................           35,299            30,508          13,724
  Investment advisory fees payable.......................            9,932                --           9,697
  Payable for securities purchased.......................               --            77,340              --
  Accrued expenses.......................................           34,264            40,742          16,548
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  TOTAL LIABILITIES......................................           79,495           148,590          39,969
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL NET ASSETS.........................................      $26,008,534       $11,039,995     $18,214,226
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSETS:
  Paid-in capital........................................      $26,527,392       $ 8,594,239     $16,338,333
  Undistributed (overdistributed) net investment
     income..............................................           (2,726)               --           4,964
  Accumulated net realized loss on security
     transactions........................................         (700,789)           (2,913)             --
  Net unrealized appreciation of investments.............          184,657         2,448,669       1,870,929
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL NET ASSETS.........................................      $26,008,534       $11,039,995     $18,214,226
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES OUTSTANDING.......................................        2,393,878           700,357       1,490,143
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, PER SHARE...............................           $10.86            $15.76          $12.22
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       47
<PAGE>   83
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS                   FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    U.S.            SOCIAL
                                                                 GOVERNMENT       AWARENESS
                                                                 SECURITIES         STOCK        UTILITIES
                                                                  PORTFOLIO       PORTFOLIO      PORTFOLIO
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                             <C>               <C>            <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
  Interest...................................................   $   1,705,367     $   42,150     $  209,151
  Dividends..................................................              --        107,312        647,584
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  TOTAL INVESTMENT INCOME....................................       1,705,367        149,462        856,735
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXPENSES:
  Investment advisory fees (Note 2)..........................          86,625         58,250        113,601
  Administration fees (Note 2)...............................          24,429         23,155         23,970
  Audit and legal............................................          24,309         24,075         18,415
  Shareholder communications.................................          11,714         15,063         11,714
  Custody....................................................           8,711         18,907          7,335
  Trustees' fees.............................................           6,544          6,544          6,544
  Shareholder and system servicing fees......................           1,000          1,000          1,000
  Registration fees..........................................             212            212            212
  Other......................................................           1,436          1,500          2,998
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  TOTAL EXPENSES.............................................         164,980        148,706        185,789
  Less: Expense reimbursement (Note 2).......................              --        (36,367)            --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  NET EXPENSES...............................................         164,980        112,339        185,789
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INVESTMENT INCOME........................................       1,540,387         37,123        670,946
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS (NOTE 3):
  Realized Gain (Loss) From Security Transactions (excluding
  short-term securities):
     Proceeds from sales.....................................     125,294,879      2,106,414      6,065,073
     Cost of securities sold.................................     125,999,485      1,705,595      5,235,457
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  NET REALIZED GAIN (LOSS)...................................        (704,606)       400,819        829,616
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Change in Net Unrealized Appreciation of Investments:
     Beginning of year.......................................         797,061      1,289,613      2,093,137
     End of year.............................................         184,657      2,448,669      1,870,929
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET UNREALIZED APPRECIATION.........        (612,404)     1,159,056       (222,208)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS...............................      (1,317,010)     1,559,875        607,408
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS.......................   $     223,377     $1,596,998     $1,278,354
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       48
<PAGE>   84
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS        FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   U.S.           SOCIAL
                                                                GOVERNMENT       AWARENESS
                                                                SECURITIES         STOCK         UTILITIES
                                                                 PORTFOLIO       PORTFOLIO       PORTFOLIO
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                             <C>             <C>             <C>
OPERATIONS:
  Net investment income......................................   $ 1,540,387     $    37,123     $   670,946
  Net realized gain (loss)...................................      (704,606)        400,819         829,616
  Increase (decrease) in net unrealized appreciation.........      (612,404)      1,159,056        (222,208)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS.....................       223,377       1,596,998       1,278,354
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
  Net investment income......................................    (3,539,054)       (233,199)     (1,107,181)
  Net realized gains.........................................      (423,418)       (525,148)       (974,527)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM DISTRIBUTIONS TO
     SHAREHOLDERS............................................    (3,962,472)       (758,347)     (2,081,708)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS (NOTE 8):
  Net proceeds from sale of shares...........................     6,750,676       4,848,116       7,458,285
  Net asset value of shares issued for reinvestment of
     dividends...............................................     3,962,472         758,347       2,081,708
  Cost of shares reacquired..................................    (9,157,807)     (2,459,930)     (5,862,088)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS........     1,555,341       3,146,533       3,677,905
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS............................    (2,183,754)      3,985,184       2,874,551
NET ASSETS:
  Beginning of year..........................................    28,192,288       7,054,811      15,339,675
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  END OF YEAR*...............................................   $26,008,534     $11,039,995     $18,214,226
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Includes undistributed (overdistributed) net investment
  income of:.................................................       $(2,726)             --          $4,964
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       49
<PAGE>   85
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS        FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    U.S.           SOCIAL
                                                                 GOVERNMENT       AWARENESS
                                                                 SECURITIES         STOCK         UTILITIES
                                                                  PORTFOLIO       PORTFOLIO       PORTFOLIO
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                              <C>             <C>             <C>
OPERATIONS:
  Net investment income.......................................   $ 1,520,848     $   55,079      $   441,157
  Net realized gain...........................................     1,110,792        265,239          144,953
  Increase in net unrealized appreciation.....................     3,171,708      1,316,045        2,170,686
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS......................     5,803,348      1,636,363        2,756,796
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
  Net investment income.......................................    (1,404,917)       (51,494)        (150,491)
  Net realized gains..........................................            --        (68,327)              --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS...    (1,404,917)      (119,821)        (150,491)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND SHARE TRANSACTIONS (NOTE 8):
  Net proceeds from sale of shares............................     5,439,282      2,552,645        9,178,587
  Net asset value of shares issued for reinvestment of
     dividends................................................     1,404,917        119,821          150,491
  Cost of shares reacquired...................................    (7,572,507)    (1,013,468)      (2,352,367)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS FROM FUND SHARE
     TRANSACTIONS.............................................      (728,308)     1,658,998        6,976,711
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS........................................     3,670,123      3,175,540        9,583,016
NET ASSETS:
  Beginning of year...........................................    24,522,165      3,879,271        5,756,659
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  END OF YEAR*................................................   $28,192,288     $7,054,811      $15,339,675
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Includes undistributed net investment income of:............    $1,520,848        $55,079         $441,157
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
 
                                       50
<PAGE>   86
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
     1.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
     The U.S. Government Securities, Social Awareness Stock and Utilities
Portfolios (collectively, "Portfolio(s)") are separate investment portfolios of
The Travelers Series Trust ("Trust"). The Trust is a Massachusetts business
trust registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as a
diversified, open-end management investment company and consists of these
portfolios and ten other separate investment portfolios: Travelers Quality Bond,
Lazard International Stock, MFS Emerging Growth, Federated High Yield, Federated
Stock, Large Cap, Equity Income, Zero Coupon Bond Fund Portfolio Series 1998,
Zero Coupon Bond Fund Portfolio Series 2000 and Zero Coupon Bond Fund Portfolio
Series 2005 Portfolios. Shares of the Trust are offered only to insurance
company separate accounts that fund certain variable annuity and variable life
insurance contracts. The financial statements and financial highlights for the
other portfolios are presented in separate annual reports.
 
     The significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Portfolios
are: (a) security transactions are accounted for on trade date; (b) securities
traded on national securities markets are valued at the closing prices on such
markets; securities for which no sales prices were reported and U.S. Government
and Agency obligations are valued at the mean between the last reported bid and
ask prices or on the basis of quotations received from reputable brokers or
other recognized sources; (c) securities maturing within 60 days are valued at
cost plus accreted discount and, or minus amortized premium, which approximates
market value; (d) securities that have a maturity of 60 days or more are valued
at prices based on market quotations for securities of similar type, yield and
maturity; (e) interest income, adjusted for amortization of premium and
accretion of discount, is recorded on the accrual basis and dividend income is
recorded on the ex-dividend date; (f) gains or losses on the sale of securities
are calculated by using the specific identification method; (g) dividends and
distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date; (h) the
Portfolios intend to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended, pertaining to regulated investment companies and to make
distributions of taxable income sufficient to relieve it from substantially all
Federal income and excise taxes; (i) the character of income and gains to be
distributed are determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may
differ from generally accepted accounting principles. At December 31, 1996,
reclassifications were made to the Portfolio capital accounts to reflect
permanent book/tax differences and income and gains available for distribution
under income tax regulations. Accordingly, a portion of overdistributed net
investment income and accumulated net realized loss amounting to $6,915 and
$9,045, respectively, were reclassified to paid-in capital for Social Awareness
Stock Portfolio. Net investment income, net realized gains and net assets for
each Portfolio were not affected by these changes; and (j) estimates and
assumptions are required to be made regarding assets, liabilities and changes in
net assets resulting from operations when financial statements are prepared.
Changes in the economic environment, financial markets and any other parameters
used in determining these estimates could cause actual results to differ.
 
     In addition, for the year ended December 31, 1996, distributions from
realized gains include both net realized short-term and long-term capital gains.
Previous to 1996 net realized short-term capital gains were included in
distributions from net investment income.
 
     2.  INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS
 
     Travelers Asset Management International Corporation ("TAMIC"), an indirect
wholly owned subsidiary of Travelers Group Inc., acts as investment manager and
advisor to the U.S. Government Securities Portfolio ("USGS"). USGS pays TAMIC an
investment management and advisory fee calculated at the annual rate of 0.3233%
of its average daily net assets. This fee is calculated daily and paid monthly.
 
     Greenwich Street Advisors ("GSA"), a division of Smith Barney Mutual Funds
Management Inc. ("SBMFM") which is a subsidiary of Smith Barney Holdings Inc.
("SBH") and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Travelers Group Inc., acts as
investment manager and advisor to the Social Awareness Stock ("SAS") and
Utilities ("Utilities") Portfolios. SAS pays GSA an investment management and
advisory fee calculated at an annual rate of : 0.65% on the first $50 million,
0.55% on the next $50 million, 0.45% on the next $100 million and 0.40% on
amounts over $200 million of the average daily net assets. Utilities pays GSA an
investment management and advisory fees calculated at an annual rate of 0.65% of
the average daily net assets. These fees are calculated daily and paid monthly.
For the year ended December 31, 1996, GSA waived $11,274 of investment advisory
fee and has agreed to reimburse expenses in the amount of $25,093 for SAS.
 
                                       51
<PAGE>   87
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
     Travelers Insurance Company ("Travelers Insurance") acts as administrator
to the Portfolios. The Portfolios pay Travelers Insurance an administration fee
calculated at an annual rate of 0.06% of the average daily net assets. Travelers
Insurance has entered into a sub-administrative services agreement with SBMFM.
Travelers Insurance pays SBMFM, as sub-administrator, a fee calculated at an
annual rate of 0.06% of the average daily net assets of each Portfolio. This fee
is calculated daily and paid monthly.
 
     One Trustee and all officers of the Trust are employees of Travelers Group
Inc., or its subsidiaries.
 
     3.  INVESTMENTS
 
     During the year ended December 31, 1996, the aggregate cost of purchases
and proceeds from sales of investments (including maturities, but excluding
short-term securities) were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     USGS            SAS         UTILITIES
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                              <C>              <C>            <C>
Purchases....................................................... $123,349,711     $3,047,308     $8,414,809
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales...........................................................  125,294,879      2,106,414      6,065,073
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
     At December 31, 1996, aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and
depreciation of investments were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       USGS          SAS         UTILITIES
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                  <C>          <C>            <C>
Gross unrealized appreciation*...................................... $239,436     $2,624,768     $2,025,482
Gross unrealized depreciation*......................................  (54,779)      (176,099)      (154,553)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net unrealized appreciation*........................................ $184,657     $2,448,669     $1,870,929
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
* Substantially the same for Federal income tax purposes.
 
     4.  REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
 
     The Portfolios purchase (and their custodian takes possession of) U.S.
Government securities from banks and securities dealers subject to agreements to
resell the securities to the sellers at a future date (generally, the next
business day) at an agreed-upon higher repurchase price. The Portfolios require
continual maintenance of the market value of the collateral in amounts at least
equal to 102% of the repurchase price.
 
     5.  FUTURES CONTRACTS
 
     Initial margin deposits made upon entering into futures contracts are
recognized as assets. The initial margin is segregated by the custodian and is
noted in the schedule of investments. During the period the futures contract is
open, changes in the value of the contract are recognized as unrealized gains or
losses by "marking-to-market" on a daily basis to reflect the market value of
the contract at the end of each day's trading. Variation margin payments are
made or received and recognized as assets due from or liabilities due to broker,
depending upon whether unrealized gains or losses are incurred. When the
contract is closed, the Portfolios record a realized gain or loss equal to the
difference between the proceeds from (or cost of) the closing transactions and
the Portfolio's basis in the contract. The Portfolios bear the market risk that
arises from changes in the value of the financial instruments and securities
indices (futures contracts) and the credit risk should a counterparty fail to
perform under such contracts.
 
     At December 31, 1996, the Portfolios had no open futures contracts.
 
                                       52
<PAGE>   88
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
     6.  OPTIONS CONTRACTS
 
     Premiums paid when put or call options are purchased by the Portfolios,
represent investments, which are "marked-to-market" daily. When a purchased
option expires, the Portfolios will realize a loss in the amount of the premium
paid. When the Portfolios enter into closing sales transactions, the Portfolios
will realize a gain or loss depending on whether the proceeds from the closing
sales transactions are greater or less than the premium paid for the option.
When the Portfolios exercise a put option, they will realize a gain or loss from
the sale of the underlying security and the proceeds from such sale will be
decreased by the premium originally paid. When the Portfolios exercise a call
option, the cost of the security which the Portfolios purchase upon exercise
will be increased by the premium originally paid.
 
     As of December 31, 1996, the Portfolios had no open purchased call or put
options contracts.
 
     7.  CAPITAL LOSS CARRYFORWARD
 
     At December 31, 1996, U.S. Government Securities Portfolio had, for Federal
income tax purposes, approximately $715,000 of capital loss carryforwards
available to offset future capital gains through 2004. To the extent that these
carryforward losses are used to offset capital gains, it is probable that the
gains so offset will not be distributed.
 
     8.  SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
 
     The Declaration of Trust authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of
shares of beneficial interest without par value. Transactions in shares of each
Portfolio were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     YEAR ENDED           YEAR ENDED
                                                                  DECEMBER 31, 1996    DECEMBER 31, 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                               <C>                  <C>
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES PORTFOLIO
Shares sold....................................................         606,114              484,178
Shares issued on reinvestment..................................         355,511              138,279
Shares redeemed................................................        (834,803)            (672,686)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Increase (Decrease)........................................         126,822              (50,229)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SOCIAL AWARENESS STOCK PORTFOLIO
Shares sold....................................................         323,694              205,312
Shares issued on reinvestment..................................          51,251               10,913
Shares redeemed................................................        (167,210)             (74,604)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Increase...................................................         207,735              141,621
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UTILITIES PORTFOLIO
Shares sold....................................................         590,496              822,640
Shares issued on reinvestment..................................         169,391               14,594
Shares redeemed................................................        (463,451)            (209,288)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Increase...................................................         296,436              627,946
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                                       53
<PAGE>   89
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

For a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES PORTFOLIO              1996       1995       1994       1993      1992(1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF YEAR.....................    $12.43     $10.58     $11.63     $10.79    $10.00
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:
  Net investment income................................      0.68       0.65       0.60       0.57      0.53
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)..............     (0.52)      1.80      (1.23)      0.44      0.26
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Income (Loss) From Operations....................      0.16       2.45      (0.63)      1.01      0.79
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM (2):
  Net investment income................................     (1.55)     (0.60)     (0.39)     (0.17)       --
  Net realized gains...................................     (0.18)        --      (0.03)        --        --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Distributions....................................     (1.73)     (0.60)     (0.42)     (0.17)       --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF YEAR...........................    $10.86     $12.43     $10.58     $11.63    $10.79
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETURN...........................................      1.46%     24.42%     (5.64)%     9.48%     7.90%++
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSETS, END OF YEAR (000'S)........................   $26,009    $28,192    $24,522    $25,520    $9,017
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
  Expenses (3).........................................      0.62%      0.56%      0.71%      0.58%     0.38%+
  Net investment income................................      5.68       5.80       5.56       5.04      4.72+
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE................................       501%       214%        16%        51%       25%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           SOCIAL AWARENESS STOCK PORTFOLIO                1996       1995       1994       1993      1992(4)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF YEAR.....................    $14.32     $11.05     $11.64     $10.95    $10.00
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS:
  Net investment income (5)............................      0.31       0.12       0.16       0.17      0.16
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)..............      2.42       3.47      (0.45)      0.65      0.79
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Income (Loss) From Operations....................      2.73       3.59      (0.29)      0.82      0.95
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM (2):
  Net investment income................................     (0.43)     (0.14)     (0.24)     (0.13)       --
  Net realized gains...................................     (0.86)     (0.18)     (0.06)        --        --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Distributions....................................     (1.29)     (0.32)     (0.30)     (0.13)       --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF YEAR...........................    $15.76     $14.32     $11.05     $11.64    $10.95
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETURN...........................................     19.98%     33.37%     (2.69)%     7.55%     9.50%++
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSETS, END OF YEAR (000'S)........................   $11,040     $7,055     $3,879     $3,361    $1,394
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
  Expenses (5)(6)......................................      1.25%      1.25%      1.25%      1.05%     0.71%+
  Net investment income................................      0.43       0.99       1.43       1.50      2.22+
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE................................        26%        73%       137%        60%       56%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVERAGE COMMISSIONS PER SHARE PAID
  ON EQUITY TRANSACTIONS(7)............................     $0.06         --         --         --        --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
(1) For the period from January 24, 1992 (commencement of operations) to
    December 31, 1992.
 
(2) For the year ended December 31, 1996, distributions from realized gains
    include both net realized short-term and long-term capital gains. Previous
    to 1996 net realized short-term capital gains were included in distributions
    from net investment income.
 
(3) The expense ratios for the year ended December 31, 1993 and the period ended
    December 31, 1992 reflect expense reimbursement by The Travelers in
    connection with voluntary expense limitations. Without the expense
    reimbursement, the expense ratios would have been 0.77% and 0.72%
    (annualized), respectively.
 
(4) For the period from May 1, 1992 (inception date) to December 31, 1992.
 
(5) For the year ended December 31, 1996, The Travelers reimbursed the Portfolio
    for $25,093 in expenses. If such fees were not waived and expenses not
    reimbursed, the per share decrease of net investment income would have been
    $0.06 and the expense ratio would have been 1.69%.
 
(6) The expense ratios for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994, 1993 and the
    period ended December 31, 1992 reflect expense reimbursement by The
    Travelers in connection with voluntary expense limitations. Without the
    expense reimbursement, the expense ratios would have been 1.75%, 3.34%,
    3.73% and 2.19% (annualized), respectively.
 
(7) For the fiscal years beginning after 1995, the SEC instituted new guidelines
    requiring the disclosure of average commissions per share on Funds which
    held more than 10% of their assets in commissionable equity securities.
 
 ++ Total return is not annualized, as it may not be representative of the total
    return for the year.
 
  + Annualized.
 
                                       54
<PAGE>   90
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED)

For a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each year:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           UTILITIES PORTFOLIO                               1996       1995      1994(1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                         <C>        <C>        <C>
NET ASSET VALUE, BEGINNING OF YEAR.......................................    $12.85     $10.17    $10.00
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS:
  Net investment income..................................................      0.47       0.48      0.35
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)................................      0.47       2.44     (0.18)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Income From Operations.............................................      0.94       2.92      0.17
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM (2):
  Net investment income..................................................     (0.84)     (0.24)       --
  Net realized gains.....................................................     (0.73)        --        --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Distributions......................................................     (1.57)     (0.24)       --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, END OF YEAR.............................................    $12.22     $12.85    $10.17
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETURN.............................................................      7.47%     29.29%     1.70%++
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSETS, END OF YEAR (000'S)..........................................   $18,214    $15,340    $5,757
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
  Expenses (3)...........................................................      1.07%      1.25%     1.25%+
  Net investment income..................................................      3.88       4.29      3.86+
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE..................................................        39%        25%       32%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVERAGE COMMISSIONS PER SHARE PAID ON EQUITY TRANSACTIONS (4)............     $0.06         --        --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
(1) For the period from February 4, 1994 (commencement of operations) to
    December 31, 1994.
 
(2) For the year ended December 31, 1996, distributions from realized gains
    include both net realized short-term and long-term capital gains. Previous
    to 1996 net realized short-term capital gains were included in distributions
    from net investment income.
 
(3) The ratios of expenses to average net assets for the year ended December 31,
    1995 and the period ended December 31, 1994 reflect expense reimbursements
    by The Travelers in connection with voluntary expense limitations. Without
    the expense reimbursements, the ratios of expenses to average net assets
    would have been 1.27% and 3.49% (annualized), respectively.
 
(4) For the fiscal years beginning after 1995, the SEC instituted new guidelines
    requiring the disclosure of average commissions per share on Funds which
    held more than 10% of their assets in commissionable equity securities.
 
 ++ Total return is not annualized, as it may not be representative of the total
    return for the year.
 
 + Annualized
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TAX INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

     The amount of long-term capital gains paid for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996, are $479,773 for the Social Awareness Stock Portfolio and
$638,099 for Utilities Portfolio.
 
                                       55
<PAGE>   91
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Trustees and Shareholders of
The Travelers Series Trust:
 
We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of the
U.S. Government Securities Portfolio, Social Awareness Stock Portfolio and the
Utilities Portfolio of The Travelers Series Trust, including the schedules of
investments as of December 31, 1996, and the related statements of operations
for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for the periods
ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the financial highlights for each of the
applicable periods ended December 31, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993 and 1992. These
financial statements and financial highlights are the responsibility of
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, 1996, by correspondence with the custodian and also with brokers
for the Social Awareness Stock Portfolio. An audit also includes assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well
as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the financial statements and financial highlights referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the
U.S. Government Securities Portfolio, Social Awareness Stock Portfolio, and
Utilities Portfolio of The Travelers Series Trust as of December 31, 1996, the
results of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in their net
assets for the periods ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the financial
highlights for each of the applicable periods ended December 31, 1996, 1995,
1994, 1993 and 1992, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
 
COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
 
Hartford, Connecticut
February 24, 1997
 
                                       56
<PAGE>   92
 
                              Investment Advisers
                              --------------------
 
                           CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND
 
                  THE TRAVELERS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
 
                             Hartford, Connecticut
 
       MANAGED ASSETS TRUST, HIGH YIELD BOND TRUST, CASH INCOME TRUST AND
        THE TRAVELERS SERIES TRUST: U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES PORTFOLIO
 
              TRAVELERS ASSET MANAGEMENT INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
 
                             Hartford, Connecticut
 
   THE TRAVELERS SERIES TRUST: SOCIAL AWARENESS STOCK PORTFOLIO AND UTILITIES
                                   PORTFOLIO
 
                   SMITH BARNEY MUTUAL FUNDS MANAGEMENT INC.
 
                               New York, New York
 
                            Independent Accountants
                           -------------------------
 
                            COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
 
                             Hartford, Connecticut
 
                                   Custodian
                                   ----------
 
                                 PNC BANK, N.A.
 
This report is prepared for the general information of contract owners and is
not an offer of shares of Managed Assets Trust, High Yield Bond Trust, Capital
Appreciation Fund, Cash Income Trust, The Travelers Series Trust: U.S.
Government Securities Portfolio, Social Awareness Stock Portfolio or Utilities
Portfolio. It should not be used in connection with any offer except in
conjunction with the Prospectuses for the Variable Annuity and Variable
Universal Life Insurance products offered by The Travelers Insurance Company and
the Prospectuses for the underlying funds, which collectively contain all
pertinent information, including the applicable sales commissions.
 
VG-181 (Annual)(12-96) Printed in U.S.A.
<PAGE>   93
                                     PART C

                               OTHER INFORMATION


Item 24.  Financial Statements and Exhibits

(a)    The financial statements of the Registrant and the Report of Independent
       Accountants are contained in the Fund's Annual Report which is
       incorporated in the Statement of Additional Information by reference.
       The Registrant's financial statements include:

              Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 1996
              Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 1996
              Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the years ended December
                31, 1996 and 1995 
              Statement of Investments as of December 31, 1996 
              Notes to Financial Statements

(b)    Exhibits

        1.    Declaration of Trust.  (Incorporated herein by reference to
              Exhibit 1 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 to the Registration
              Statement on Form N-1A filed on April 11, 1996.)

        2.    By-Laws of High Yield Bond Trust.  (Incorporated herein by
              reference to Exhibit 2 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 to the
              Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed on April 11, 1996.)

        5.    Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and
              Travelers Asset Management International Corporation.
              (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 5 to Post-Effective
              Amendment No. 21 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed
              on April 11, 1996.)

     8(a).    Custody Agreement between the Registrant and PNC Bank, N.A., of
              Lester, PA.  To be filed by amendment

     8(b).    Custody Agreement between the Registrant and Barclay's Bank of
              New York.  To be filed by amendment

        9.    Administrative Services Agreement between the Registrant and The
              Travelers Insurance Company. (Incorporated herein by reference to
              Exhibit 9 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to the Registration
              Statement on Form N-1A filed February 20, 1997.

       10.    An opinion and consent of counsel as to the legality of the
              securities registered by the Registrant. (Incorporated herein by
              reference to the Registrant's most recent Rule 24f-2 Notice
              filing on February 28, 1997.)

   
    11(A).    Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., Independent
              Accountants.
    

    11(B).    Powers of Attorney authorizing Ernest J. Wright or Kathleen A.
              McGah as signatories for Heath B. McLendon, Knight Edwards,
              Robert E. McGill III, Lewis Mandell, Frances M. Hawk and Ian R.
              Stuart. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
<PAGE>   94
              11(B) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 to the Registration
              Statement on Form N-1A filed on April 11, 1996.)

              Power of Attorney authorizing Ernest J. Wright or Kathleen A.
              McGah as signatory for Lewis E. Daidone.  (Incorporated herein by
              reference to Exhibit 11(B) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to
              the Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed February 20, 1997.

    27.       Financial Data Schedule.


Item 25.  Persons Controlled By or Under Common Control With the Registrant

Not Applicable.


Item 26.  Number of Holders of Securities

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Number of Record Holders
       Title of Class                                    as of February 20, 1997              
       --------------                                    -------------------------------------
       <S>                                                       <C>
       Shares of beneficial interest,                            Three (3)
       without par value
</TABLE>


Item 27.  Indemnification

Provisions for the indemnification of the Fund's Trustees and officers are
contained in the Fund's Declaration of Trust which was filed with
Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 to this Registration Statement as Exhibit 1 on
April 11, 1996.


Rule 484 Undertaking

Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of
1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by
such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities
being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the
matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of
appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
<PAGE>   95
Item 28.  Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser
Officers and Directors of Travelers Asset Management International Corporation
(TAMIC), the Fund's Investment Adviser, are set forth in the following table:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name                               Position with TAMIC                    Other Business
- ----                               -------------------                    --------------
<S>                                <C>                                    <C>
Marc P. Weill                      Director and Chairman                  Senior Vice President **

David A. Tyson                     Director, President and                Senior Vice President *
                                   Chief Investment Officer

F. Denney Voss                     Director and Senior                    Senior Vice President*
                                   Vice President

Joseph E. Rueli, Jr.               Director, Vice President               Vice President*
                                   and Chief Financial Officer

John R. Britt                      Director and Secretary                 Assistant Secretary *

Joseph M. Mullally                 Senior Vice President                  Vice President*

David Amaral                       Vice President                         Assistant Director*

John R. Calcagni                   Vice President                         Second Vice President*

Gene Collins                       Vice President                         Vice President*

Kathyrn D. Karlic                  Vice President                         Vice President*

David R. Miller                    Vice President                         Vice President*

Emil J. Molinaro                   Vice President                         Vice President*

Jordan M. Stitzer                  Vice President                         Vice President

William H. White                   Treasurer                              Vice President and Treasurer *

Charles B. Chamberlain             Assistant Treasurer                    Assistant Treasurer *

George C. Quaggin, Jr.             Assistant Treasurer                    Assistant Treasurer *

Marla A. Berman                    Assistant Secretary                    Assistant Secretary**

Patricia A. Uzzel                  Compliance Officer                     Assistant Director*

Frank J. Fazzina                   Controller                             Director *
</TABLE>




*   Positions are held with The Travelers Insurance Group Inc., One Tower
    Square, Hartford, Connecticut 06183.

**  Positions are held with Travelers Group Inc., 388 Greenwich Street, New
    York, N.Y. 10013.
<PAGE>   96
Item 29.  Principal Underwriter

Not Applicable.


Item 30.  Location of Accounts and Records

       (1)    Smith Barney Mutual Funds Management Inc.
              388 Greenwich Street
              New York, NY  10013

       (2)    PNC Bank, N. A.
              200 Stevens Drive
              Lester, PA  19113

       (3)    Barclay's Bank, PLC
              75 Wall Street
              New York, NY  10265

Item 31.  Management Services

Not Applicable.


Item 32.  Undertakings

The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to provide to each person to whom
a prospectus is delivered a copy of the Registrant's latest annual report to
shareholders, upon request and without charge.
<PAGE>   97
                                   SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment
Company Act of 1940, the Registrant, High Yield Bond Trust, certifies that it
meets all of the requirements for effectiveness of this post-effective
amendment to this Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the
Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this amendment to this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Hartford, State of Connecticut, on April 17, 1997.


                                HIGH YIELD BOND TRUST
                                ---------------------
                                     (Registrant)



                                         By: *HEATH B. McLENDON               
                                             ---------------------------------
                                              Heath B. McLendon
                                              Chairman, Board of Trustees


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this post-effective
amendment to this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following
persons in the capacities indicated on April 17, 1997.


 *HEATH B. McLENDON                                      Chairman of the Board
- ---------------------------------------                                       
 (Heath B. McLendon)

 *KNIGHT EDWARDS                                         Trustee
- ---------------------------------------                         
 (Knight Edwards)

 *ROBERT E. McGILL III                                   Trustee
- ---------------------------------------                         
 (Robert E. McGill III)

 *LEWIS MANDELL                                          Trustee
- ---------------------------------------                         
 (Lewis Mandell)

 *FRANCES M. HAWK                                        Trustee
- ---------------------------------------                         
 (Frances M. Hawk)

 *LEWIS E. DAIDONE                                       Treasurer
- ---------------------------------------                           
 (Lewis E. Daidone)



*By:   Ernest J. Wright, Attorney-in-Fact
       Secretary, Board of Trustees
<PAGE>   98
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
  No.                Description                                                     Method of Filing
- -------              -----------                                                     ----------------
<S>           <C>                                                                    <C>
1.            Declaration of Trust.  (Incorporated herein by
              reference to Exhibit 1 to Post-Effective Amendment
              No. 21 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A
              filed on April 11, 1996.)

2.            By-Laws of High Yield Bond Trust.  (Incorporated herein
              by reference to Exhibit 1 to Post-Effective Amendment
              No.  21 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A filed
              on April 11, 1996.)

5.            Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant
              and Travelers Asset Management International Corporation.
              (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1 to Post-
              Effective Amendment No.  21 to the Registration Statement
              on Form N-1A filed on April 11, 1996.)

8.            Custody Agreements between the Registrant and                          To be filed by
              PNC Bank, N.A., of Lester, PA                                          amendment

8.            Custody Agreements between the Registrant and                          To be filed by
              Barclay's Bank, PLC of New York, NY.                                   amendment

9.            Administrative Services Agreement between the
              Registrant and The Travelers Insurance Company.
              (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 9 to Post-
              Effective Amendment No. 22 to the Registration Statement
              on Form N-1A filed on February 20, 1997.)

10.           An opinion and consent of counsel as to the legality of
              the securities registered by the Registrant.  (Incorporated
              herein by reference to the Registrant's most recent
              Rule 24f-2 Notice filing on February 28, 1997.)

   
11(A).        Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., Independent                       Electronically
              Accountants.
    

11(B).        Powers of Attorney authorizing Ernest J. Wright or
              Kathleen A. McGah as signatory for Heath B.
              McLendon, Knight Edwards, Robert E. McGill III,
              Lewis Mandell, Frances M. Hawk and Ian R. Stuart.
              (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 11(B)
              to Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 to the Registration
              Statement on Form N-1A filed on April 11, 1996.)
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   99
<TABLE>
       <S>    <C>                                                                           <C>
              Power of Attorney authorizing Ernest J. Wright or
              Kathleen A. McGah as signatory for Lewis E. Daidone.
              (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 11(B) to
              Post-Effective Amendment No. 22 to the Registration
              Statement on Form N-1A filed on February 20, 1997.)

       27.    Financial Data Schedule                                                       Electronically
</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0000701387
<NAME> HIGH YIELD BOND TRUST
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       16,243,720
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      16,901,822
<RECEIVABLES>                                  412,782
<ASSETS-OTHER>                              16,901,822
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              17,314,604
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                       23,561
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             23,561
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                    21,746,024
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                            2,036
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                    1,631,694
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                       (304,388)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                       857,828
<NET-ASSETS>                                17,291,043
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            1,774,958
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                 143,264
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      1,631,694
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                             0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                      857,828
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        2,185,134
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                    2,978,125
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                        591,013
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                    343,196
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                            356,007
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                       2,185,134
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                           72,800
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              70,464
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                143,264
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                        14,779,565
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             9.00
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   0.91
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           0.41
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                         1.83
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               8.49
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   0.97
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<PAGE>   1
                                 EXHIBIT 11(A)


                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Post-Effective Amendment
No. 23 to the Registration Statement of High Yield Bond Trust (the "Fund") on
Form N-1A (File Nos. 2-76639; 811-3428) of our report dated February 24, 1997,
on our audits of the financial statements and financial highlights of the Fund,
which report is included in the Fund's Annual Report for the year ended December
31, 1996 which is incorporated by reference in this Post-Effective Amendment to
the Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to our Firm as
experts in accounting and auditing under the caption "Additional Information" in
the Statement of Additional Information.


COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.



Hartford, Connecticut
April 17, 1997


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