<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. 26
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
Amendment No. 26
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: (860) 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).
_______ May 1, 1999 pursuant to paragraph (b).
_______ 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1).
__X____ on April 20 pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
_______ 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2).
_______ on ______, 1999 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.
<PAGE> 2
PART A
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A PROSPECTUS
<PAGE> 3
HIGH YIELD BOND TRUST
GOAL -- GENEROUS CURRENT INCOME
Fund shares are offered only to separate accounts of The Travelers Insurance
Company and The Travelers Life and Annuity Company (together, "The Travelers").
The Fund serves as a funding option for certain variable annuity and variable
life insurance contracts issued by The Travelers.
ONE TOWER SQUARE
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06183
TELEPHONE 800- - (toll free)
PROSPECTUS
May 1, 1999
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Goals and Investments............... 2
Fund Performance.................... 2
Investment and Practices............ 3
Management.......................... 5
Investment Adviser................ 5
Portfolio Manager................. 5
Legal Proceedings..................... 5
Year 2000 Compliance.................. 5
Euro Conversion....................... 6
Share Transactions and Pricing........ 6
Tax Consequences...................... 7
Financial Highlights.................. 8
Appendix A............................ A-1
</TABLE>
THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION HAS NOT APPROVED THE FUND'S SHARES AS AN
INVESTMENT AND HAS NOT DETERMINED THAT THIS PROSPECTUS IS COMPLETE OR ACCURATE.
IT IS AGAINST THE LAW FOR ANYONE TO TELL YOU OTHERWISE. AN INVESTMENT IN THE
FUND IS NOT A DEPOSIT OF THE BANK AND IS NOT INSURED OR GUARANTEED BY THE
FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY.
<PAGE> 4
HIGH YIELD BOND TRUST
Goals and Investments
INVESTMENT ADVISER: TAMIC
PORTFOLIO MANAGER: Thomas L.
Hajdukiewicz
FUND'S OBJECTIVE: High current income
KEY INVESTMENTS: Below investment
grade corporate
fixed-income
securities
SELECTION PROCESS: The Fund invests at least 65% of its total assets in bonds
and debt instruments. The corporate debt obligations in which the Fund may
invest are generally rated BBB or lower by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group or Ba
or lower by Moody's Investor Service, Inc., or unrated, but of comparable
quality. There is no minimum acceptable rating for the Fund's investments, and
the Fund may purchase or hold securities rated in the lowest rating category,
including securities in default. The Fund may also invest in many different
industries. The manager will follow certain steps to evaluate the risks
associated with its investments. These techniques include:
- - independent credit analysis
- - judgment of the Adviser
- - issuer's financial soundness and anticipated cash flow
- - issuers' current value of assets
- - discussions with issuer's management
- - analysis of current developments and trends in the economy and financial
markets
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS, INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND TECHNIQUES: The Fund may
invest up to 35% of its total assets in equity securities, as long as such
investments are consistent with providing income. For a complete list of all
investments available to the Fund please refer to Appendix A of this prospectus.
PRINCIPAL RISK FACTORS: The Fund is most subject to fixed-income securities
risk, especially lower-quality securities ("junk bonds") risk, and may also be
subject to equities risk. For a full description of these types of risk, please
refer to the "Investments and Practices section of this prospectus. Please see
the SAI for a detailed description of all the investment techniques, and their
associated risks, available to the Fund.
AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND IS NOT A DEPOSIT OF ANY BANK AND IS NOT INSURED OR
GUARANTEED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND PERFORMANCE
The chart and table below show how an investment in the Fund has varied over
time. The returns shown assume that any dividends and distributions have been
reinvested in the Fund. The returns are not reduced to reflect any variable
insurance contract charges or fees that may be assessed by The Travelers. The
table compares the Fund's performance with the Lehman Aggregate Bond Index. Past
performance can give some indication of the Fund's risk, but does not guarantee
future performance.
YEAR-BY YEAR % TOTAL RETURNS AS OF 12/31
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
HIGH YIELD
BOND TRUST
<S> <C>
'89 1.4
'90 -9.12
'91 26.11
'92 13.16
'93 14.01
'94 -1.26
'95 15.47
'96 16.05
'97 16.56
'98 0
</TABLE>
The Fund commenced operations on March 18, 1982.
Best Quarter: Q# [2 digit year] %
Worst Quarter: Q# [2 digit year] %
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS AS OF 12/31/1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1 year 5 year 10 year Life of Fund
------ ------ ------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
High Yield Bond
Lehman Agg. Bond
</TABLE>
2
<PAGE> 5
INVESTMENTS AND PRACTICES
The Fund invests in various instruments subject to its investment policy. The
Fund may invest in all of the following, as described on page 2 of this
prospectus, and in the Statement of Additional Information. For a free copy of
the Statement of Additional Information, see the front cover of this prospectus.
LOWER-RATED FIXED INCOME
SECURITIES These high-yield, high risk securities, commonly
referred to as "junk bonds," are considered
speculative. While generally providing greater
income than investments in higher rated
securities, these securities will involve greater
risk of principal and income (including the
possibility of default or bankruptcy of the
issuers of the security)
Fixed Income Investments
Generally The Fund may invest in many types of fixed-income
securities. Fixed income securities include U.S.
government obligations, certificates of deposit,
and short-term money market instruments. Fixed
income securities may have all types of interest
rate payment and reset terms, including fixed
rate, adjustable rate, zero coupon, contingent,
deferred, payment in kind and auction rate
features.
The value of debt securities varies inversely
with interest rates. This means generally that
the value of these investments increases as
short-term interest rates fall and decreases as
short-term interest rates rise. Yields from
short-term securities normally may be lower than
yields from longer-term securities. A bond's
price is affected by the credit quality of its
issuer. An issuer may not always make payments on
a fixed income security. Some fixed income
securities, such as mortgage-backed securities
are subject to prepayment risk, which occurs when
an issuer can prepay the principal owed on a
security before its maturity.
EQUITIES The Fund may invest in equity securities. Equity
securities include common and preferred stock,
warrants, rights, depository receipts and shares,
trust certificates, and real estate instruments.
Equities are subject to market risk. Many factors
affect the stock market prices and dividend
payouts of equity investments. These factors
include general business conditions, investor
confidence in the economy, and current conditions
in a particular industry or company.
When you sell your shares, they may be worth more
or less than what you paid for them.
FOREIGN SECURITIES AND
EMERGING
MARKET INVESTMENTS An investment in foreign securities involves risk
in addition to those of U.S. securities,
including possible political and economic
instability and the possible imposition of
exchange controls or other restrictions on
investments. If a fund invests in securities
denominated or quoted in currencies other than
the U.S. dollar, changes in foreign currency
rates relative to the U.S. dollar will affect the
U.S. dollar value of the Fund's assets.
Emerging market investments offer great potential
of significant gains but also offer greater risks
than investing in more developed countries.
Political or economic instability, lack of
3
<PAGE> 6
market liquidity and government actions, such as
currency controls or seizure of private business
or property may be more likely in emerging
markets.
DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING
TECHNIQUES Derivative contracts, such as futures and options
on securities, may be used for any of the
following purposes:
- To hedge against the economic impact of
adverse changes in the market value of its
securities, due to changes in stock market
prices, currency exchange rates or interest
rates;
- As a substitute for buying or selling
securities
- To enhance return
Even a small investment in derivative contracts
can have a big impact on a fund's stock market,
currency and interest rate exposure. Therefore,
using derivatives can disproportionately increase
losses and reduce opportunities for gain when
stock prices, currency rates or interest rates
are changing.
For a more complete description of derivative and
hedging techniques, please refer to the SAI.
OTHER RISK FACTORS
TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE POSITION
The Fund may depart from its principal investment
strategies in response to adverse market
conditions by taking a temporary defensive
position in various types of money market
instruments. If the Fund takes a temporary
defensive position, it is not pursuing its
investment goal.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund may actively trade its portfolio
securities in an attempt to achieve its
investment objective. Active trading will cause
the Fund to have an increased portfolio turnover
rate which is likely to generate shorter-term
gains (losses) for its shareholders, which are
taxed at a higher rate than longer-term gains
(losses). Actively trading portfolio securities
increases the Fund's trading costs and may have
an adverse impact on the Fund's performance.
SELECTION RISK
Fund investors are subject to selection risk in
that a strategy used, or stock selected, may fail
to have the desired effect. Specifically, stocks
believed to show potential for capital growth may
not achieve that growth. Strategies or
instruments used to hedge against a possible risk
or loss may fail to protect against the
particular risk or loss.
4
<PAGE> 7
MANAGEMENT
INVESTMENT ADVISER
TRAVELERS ASSET MANAGEMENT INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION ("TAMIC") provides
investment advice, and, in general, supervises and manages the investment
program for the fund described in this prospectus. TAMIC is a registered
investment adviser that was incorporated in 1978. Its principal offices are
located at One Tower Square, Hartford, Connecticut, and it is an indirect wholly
owned subsidiary of Citigroup, Inc. TAMIC also acts as an investment adviser or
subadviser for:
- other investment companies used to fund variable products
- individual and pooled pension and profit-sharing accounts
- domestic insurance companies affiliated with The Travelers Insurance
Company (which is affiliated with TAMIC)
- nonaffiliated insurance companies
For the year ended December 31, 1998, the High Yield Bond Trust paid TAMIC a
monthly fee for these services, as indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL AGGREGATE NET ASSET
MANAGEMENT FEE VALUE OF THE FUND
<S> <C> <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>
PORTFOLIO MANAGER
The High Yield Bond Trust is managed by Thomas Hajdukiewicz. Mr. Hajdukiewicz
joined the Travelers Insurance Company as a Vice President and Portfolio Manager
in January of 1997. Prior to coming to TAMIC, Mr. Hajkukiewicz served as an
Analyst/Portfolio Manager with MacKay Shields Financial Corporation and as a
Financial Analyst with American Capital Asset Management.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There are no material pending legal proceedings affecting the Fund, and it has
been advised by TAMIC and the Fund's principal underwriter that neither of them
have any material pending legal proceedings affecting them.
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE
Generally computer programs were designed without considering the impact of the
upcoming change in the century. As a result, software and computer systems may
need to be upgraded or replaced in order to comply with "Year 2000"
requirements. If not corrected, these computer applications could fail or create
erroneous results by or at the Year 2000. The business and financial condition
and results of operation of a company, investment adviser separate account
and/or a mutual fund could be materially and adversely affected by the failure
of its systems and applications (or those either provided or operated by
third-parties) to properly operate or manage dates beyond the year 1999.
The Travelers and its affiliates have investigated the nature and extent of the
work required for its computer system to process beyond the turn of the century,
and have made progress toward achieving this goal, including upgrading and/or
replacing existing systems. The Travelers is confirming with its service
providers that they are also in the process of replacing or modifying their
systems with the same goal. The Travelers expect that our principal systems will
be Year 2000
5
<PAGE> 8
compliant by early 1999. While these efforts involve substantial costs, The
Travelers closely monitors associated costs and continues to evaluate associated
risks based on actual expenses. While it is likely that these efforts will be
successful, if necessary modifications and conversions are not completed in a
timely manner, the Year 2000 requirements could have a material adverse effect
on certain operations of the Fund.
EURO CONVERSION
On January 1, 1999, 11 participating countries in the European Economic Monetary
Union (Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,
the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain) adopted the Euro as their official
currency. As of January 1, 1999, governments in participating countries will
issue new debt and redenominate existing debt in Euros, although corporations
may choose whether to issue stocks or bonds in Euros or the national currency.
The new European Central Bank (the "ECB") has assumed responsibility for a
uniform monetary policy in participating countries. Currency conversion occurs
through a "triangulation" process whereby an amount denominated in one national
currency is converted into Euros, which are then be converted into the second
national currency. The Euro conversion presents investors with unique risks and
uncertainties, including: (1) the readiness of Euro payment, clearing, and other
operational systems; (2) the legal treatment of debt instruments and financial
contracts denominated in or referring to existing national currencies rather
than the Euro; (3) exchange-rate fluctuations between the Euro and non-Euro
currencies during the transition period of January 1, 1999 through December 31,
2001 and beyond; (4) potential U.S. tax issues with respect to Fund securities;
and (5) the ECB's abilities to manage monetary policies among the participating
countries. Three other EU member countries (Denmark, Greece, and the United
Kingdom) may convert to the Euro at a later date. These and other factors could
adversely affect the value of or income from Fund securities.
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTIONS AND PRICING
Fund shares are currently sold only to insurance company separate accounts in
connection with the variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts
issued by The Travelers. The term "shareholder" as used in this prospectus
refers to any insurance company separate account that may use Fund shares as a
funding option now or in the future. Fund shares 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 the Fund's custodian receives payment. The
separate accounts to which shares are sold, however, may impose sales and other
charges, as described in the appropriate contract prospectus.
The Fund currently issues only one class of shares. All shares participate
equally in dividends and distributions and have equal voting, liquidation and
other rights. All shares of the Fund participate equally in dividends and
distributions and have equal voting liquidation and other rights. When issued
for the consideration described in the prospectus, shares are fully paid and
nonassessable by the Fund. Shares are redeemable transferable and freely
assignable as collateral. (See the accompanying separate account prospectus for
a discussion of voting rights applicable to purchasers of variable annuity and
variable life insurance contracts.)
PRICING OF FUND SHARES
The offering price of Fund shares is the net asset value or NAV of a single
share. Normally NAV is computed as of the close of trading (usually 4:00 p.m.
Eastern time) each day the New York Stock Exchange ("Exchange") is open. NAV is
calculated by adding the value of a Fund's investments, cash and other assets,
subtracting its liabilities, and dividing the result by the number of shares
outstanding.
6
<PAGE> 9
The Fund's assets are valued primarily based on market value. Short-term money
market instruments with remaining maturities of sixty days or less are valued
using the amortized-cost method. This method approximates market value and
minimizes the effect of charges in a security's market value. Foreign securities
are valued on the basis of quotations from the primary market in which they are
traded; the value is then converted into U.S. dollars from the local currency.
In cases where market quotations are not readily available or, for foreign
securities, if the values have been materially impacted by events occurring
after the closing of a foreign market, an asset is valued at fair value as
determined in good faith by the Fund's Board of Trustees ("Board"). However,
this procedure is not used to determine the value of the securities owned by the
Fund if, in the opinion of the Board or the committee appointed by the Board,
some other method (e.g., closing over-the-counter bid prices in the case of debt
instruments traded off an exchange would more accurately reflect the fair market
value of such securities.
PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS
Owners of variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts should follow
the purchase and redemption procedures described in the accompanying separate
account prospectus. The following is general information with regard to
purchases and redemptions of Fund shares by insurance company separate accounts.
Fund shares are purchased and redeemed at the NAV next determined after the Fund
receives a purchase or redemption order. NAVs are adjusted for fractions of a
cent. Upon redemption, a shareholder may receive more or less than the amount
paid at the time of purchase, depending upon changes in the value of the Fund's
investment portfolio between purchase and redemption.
The Fund computes the NAV for purchases and redemptions as of the close of the
Exchange on the day that the Fund has received all proper documentation from the
shareholder. Redemption proceeds are normally wired or mailed either the same or
the next business day, but not more than seven days later.
The Fund retains the right to refuse a purchase order. The Fund may temporarily
suspend the redemption rights or postpone payments when the Exchange is closed
(other than on weekends and holidays), when trading on the Exchange is
restricted, or when permitted by the SEC.
TAX CONSEQUENCES OF DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Capital gains and dividends are distributed in cash or reinvested in additional
Fund shares, without a sales charge. The Fund expects that Fund shares will be
held under a variable annuity or variable life insurance contract. Under current
tax law, distributions that are left to accumulate in the variable annuity or
life insurance contract are not subject to federal income tax until they are
withdrawn from the contract. Contract purchasers should review the accompanying
contract prospectus for a discussion of the tax treatment applicable to variable
annuity or variable life insurance contracts.
The Fund intends to make distributions of income and capital gains in order to
qualify each year as a regulated company under Subchapter M of the Internal
Revenue Code. Further, the Fund intends to meet certain diversification
requirements applicable to mutual funds underlying variable insurance products.
7
<PAGE> 10
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
HIGH YIELD BOND TRUST
The financial highlights table provides information to help you understand the
Fund's financial performance for the past 5 years. Certain information presents
financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table
represent the rate that a Fund investor would have earned (or lost) on an
investment in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and
distributions). The information for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1998
was audited by KPMG LLP, independent auditors, whose report and the Fund's
financial statements are included in the annual report to shareholders, which is
available upon request. All other periods presented were audited by other
independent auditors.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value,
Beginning of Period.................. $ 8.49 $ 9.00 $ 8.49 $ 9.25
Income from Investment Operations:
Net Investment Income(1)........... 0.76 0.91 0.80 0.66
Net Gains or Losses on Securities
(both realized and unrealized)..... 0.65 0.41 0.41 (0.76)
Total from Investment Operations... 1.41 1.32 1.21 (0.10)
=======
Less Distributions(1):
Dividends (from net investment
Income)............................ (0.01) (1.83) (0.70) (0.66)
Net Asset Value, End of Period....... $ 9.89 $ 8.49 $ 9.00 $ 8.49
TOTAL RETURN(2)...................... 16.56% 16.05% 15.47% (1.26)%
Net Assets, End of Period
(thousands)........................ $25,272 $17,291 $12,902 $11,716
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net
Assets(3).......................... % % % %
Ratio of Net Income to Average Net
Assets............................. 9.04% 11.01% 9.37% 7.71%
Portfolio turnover rate............ 137% 84% 222% 146%
</TABLE>
(1) For the years ended December 31, 1996 and later, distributions from realized
gains include both net realized short-term and long-term capital gains. Prior to
1996, net realized short-term capital gains were included in distributions from
net investment income. For the year ended December 31, 1997, the distribution
amounts represent less than $0.01 per share.
(2) 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. The above return does
not reflect the deduction of any contract charges or fees assessed by The
Travelers separate accounts.
(3)
8
<PAGE> 11
APPENDIX A
HIGH YIELD BOND TRUST
The Fund invests in various instruments subject to its investment policy. The
following techniques and practices are all available to the Fund, and are
described together with their risks in the SAI.
American Depositary Receipts
Bankers Acceptances
Buying Put and Call Options
Certificates of Deposit
Commercial Paper
Convertible Securities
Equity Securities
Floating and Variable Rate Instruments
Foreign Securities
Futures Contracts
High-Yield High Risk Debt Securities
Illiquid Securities
Index Future Contracts
Investment Company Securities
Investment Grade Debt Securities
Investment in Unseasoned Companies
Lending Portfolio Securities
Loan Participations
Options on Index Future Contracts
Options on Stock Indices
Real Estate-Related Instruments
Repurchase Agreements
Rights and Warrants
Short-Term Money Market Instruments
Swap Agreements
Temporary Bank Borrowing
U.S. Government Obligations
When-Issued Securities
Writing Covered Call Options
A-1
<PAGE> 12
HIGH YIELD BOND TRUST
Investors who want more information about the Fund can obtain a statement of
additional information ("SAI") which provides more detailed information on a
number of topics and is made a part of this prospectus. Additional information
about the Fund's investments is available in its annual and semi-annual reports
to shareholders. The Fund's annual report provides a discussion of the market
conditions and investment strategies that particularly impact the Fund's
performance over the past fiscal year. These documents are free of charge. To
obtain a copy, or ask other questions about the fund, do one of the following:
CALL -- 1-860-277-0111
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WRITE -- ONE TOWER SQUARE, HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06183
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACCESS THE SEC'S WEBSITE -- http://www.sec.gov
Investors may, for a fee, get text-only copies of the above documents from the
SEC Public Reference Room at 1-800-SEC-0330 or write to the SEC Public Reference
Room, Washington, DC, 20549-6009
<PAGE> 13
PART B
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
<PAGE> 14
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
HIGH YIELD BOND TRUST
May 1, 1999
This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") is not a prospectus. Investors
should read this SAI with the High-Yield Bond Trust's prospectus dated May 1,
1999 and 1998 annual shareholder report. Investors may obtain a free copy of the
prospectus and annual shareholder report by writing or calling us at:
The Travelers Insurance Company
Annuity Services
One Tower Square
Hartford, Connecticut 06183-5030
phone number 860-277-011 (collect); or
800-___-___ (toll free)
or by accessing the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at
http://www.sec.gov.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
Investment Objective, Policies and Risks................... 2
Investment Restrictions.................................... 12
Valuation and Pricing...................................... 14
Distributions.............................................. 15
Trustees and Officers...................................... 15
Declaration of Trust....................................... 18
Investment Advisory Services............................... 18
Redemptions in Kind........................................ 19
Portfolio Turnover Rate.................................... 20
Brokerage.................................................. 20
Fund Administration........................................ 20
Shareholder Rights......................................... 21
Tax Status................................................. 21
Performance Quotations..................................... 23
Financial Statements....................................... 24
Additional Information..................................... 24
Appendix................................................... A-1
<PAGE> 15
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, POLICIES AND RISKS
The High Yield Bond Trust (the "Fund") is registered with the SEC as a
diversified open-end management investment company. The Fund was formed as a
Massachusetts business trust on March 18, 1982.
The Fund's investment objective is generous income. To achieve this objective,
the Fund invests at least 65% of its assets in bonds and debentures, the
majority of which are high-yield, high-risk, lower-rated bonds commonly known as
junk bonds. Such securities are generally rated BB or lower by Standard & Poor's
Corporation ("S&P") or Ba or lower by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
("Moody's"), however, 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 a reorganization or otherwise. The Fund may also invest in unrated securities
which offer comparable yield and risks as securities which are rated, as well as
in non-investment quality zero coupon and pay-in-kind ("PIK") securities. There
can be no assurance that a Fund will achieve its investment objective.
The Fund's investment objective and, unless noted as fundamental, its investment
policies may be changed by the Board without approval of shareholders or holders
of variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts. A change in the
Fund's investment objective or policies may result in the Fund having a
different investment objective or policies from those that a policyowner
selected as appropriate at the time of investment.
Listed below for quick reference are the other types of investments that the
Fund may make and the Fund's investment techniques. More detailed information
about these investments and investment techniques follows the chart.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
HIGH YIELD
SECURITY/INVESTMENT TECHNIQUE BOND TRUST
<S> <C>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Short-Term Money Market Instruments X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Bankers' Acceptances X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Certificates of Deposit X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Government Securities X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity Securities X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Warrants and Rights X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Debt Securities X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
High-Yield, High-Risk Bonds X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Floating & Variable Rate Instruments X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Variable Amount Master Demand Notes [X]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Repurchase Agreements X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Reverse Repurchase Agreements X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
When-Issued & Delayed Delivery Securities X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Futures Contracts [X]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Commercial Paper X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
2
<PAGE> 16
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Writing Covered Call Options X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Buying Put and Call Options [X]
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Options on Stock Indices
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Index Futures Contracts
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Options on Index Futures Contracts
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Forward Contracts on Foreign Currency
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Options on Foreign Currencies
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign Securities X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
American Depositary Receipts X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Emerging Market Securities X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Lending Portfolio Securities X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Temporary Bank Borrowing X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Letters of Credit
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment in Unseasoned Companies X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Real Estate-Related Instruments X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate Asset-Backed Securities
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Asset-Backed Mortgage Securities
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Loan Participations X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Direct Indebtedness
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment Company Securities X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Affiliated Bank Transactions
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Indexed Securities
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Short Sales "Against the Box"
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Swap Agreements X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Convertible Securities X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Restricted or Illiquid Securities X
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
This section explains more about the investments and investment techniques
listed above. It also includes a brief discussion about the specific risks
associated with a particular investment or investment technique.
MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS. Money market instruments are those with remaining
maturities of 397 days or less, such as commercial paper (including master
demand notes), bank certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances, and U.S.
government securities, some of which may be subject to repurchase agreements.
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<PAGE> 17
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 are limited to U.S. dollar-denominated certificates of
U.S. banks that 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 that are members of the Federal Reserve
System or the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and savings and loan
associations that are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation).
The Fund does 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 as well as
of the issuing branch. They also 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 sovereign risk). In addition,
if evidences of ownership of such securities are held outside the U.S., the Fund
is 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 as well as of the
issuing branch. They also 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 an U.S. branch of a foreign bank than
about a domestic bank.
BANKERS' ACCEPTANCES. Bankers' acceptances in which the Fund may invest are
issued by domestic banks (including their branches located outside the United
States and subsidiaries located in Canada), domestic branches of foreign banks,
savings and loan associations and similar institutions. 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 importer to obtain
a stated amount of funds to pay for specific merchandise. The draft is then
"accepted" by the bank that, 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 S&P or PRIME-1 by Moody's. These and other ratings of
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
4
<PAGE> 18
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.
See the Appendix for information with respect to ratings for other debt or
equity securities.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. As used in this SAI, "U.S. Government securities"
include securities issued by the U.S. Government, its agencies,
instrumentalities and government-sponsored enterprises. U.S. Government
securities include a variety of Treasury securities that differ only in their
interest rates, initial maturities and dates of issuance. Treasury bills have
initial maturities of one year or less; Treasury notes have initial maturities
of one to ten years; and Treasury bonds generally have initial maturities of
greater than ten years at the date of issuance.
U.S. Government securities include direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury and
securities issued or guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration,
Export-Import Bank of the U.S., Small Business Administration, Government
National Mortgage Association, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, The
Tennessee Valley Authority, Student Loan Marketing Association and Federal
National Mortgage Association.
Some U.S. Government securities, 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 or government-sponsored enterprise, a Fund will invest in those
U.S. Government securities only when the Fund's investment adviser, Travelers
Asset Management International Corporation ("TAMIC"), determines that the credit
risk with respect to the instrumentality or enterprise 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, instrumentalities or government-sponsored enterprises 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," "delayed-delivery," or
"to-be-announced" basis ("when-issued securities"). The prices of such
securities are 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
Fund's customary practice to make when-issued 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, which is marked to market and reflected in the Fund's net asset value
daily from the commitment date. While the adviser intends for the Fund 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. To invest
its assets pending settlement, the Fund normally invests 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 position
of the SEC thereunder, when the Fund commits to purchase a security on a
when-issued basis, the adviser identifies and places 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.
5
<PAGE> 19
The adviser believes that purchasing securities in this manner will be
advantageous to the Fund. However, this practice entails 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. The
adviser employs a rigorous credit quality procedure in determining the
counterparties to deal with in purchasing when-issued securities and, in some
circumstances, require the counterparty to post cash or some other form of
security as margin to protect the value of the delivery obligation pending
settlement.
VARIABLE RATE MASTER DEMAND NOTES. Variable rate master demand notes are
unsecured obligations that permit the Fund to invest different amounts at
varying interest rates under arrangements between the Fund (as lender) and the
issuer of the note (as borrower). Under the note, the Fund has the right at any
time to increase the amount up to the full amount provided by the note
agreement, or to decrease the amount, and the borrower has the right to repay at
any time up to the full amount of the note without penalty. Notes purchased by
the Fund permit it to demand payment of principal and accrued interest at any
time (on not more than seven days notice). Notes acquired by the Fund may have
maturities of more than one year, provided that: (1) the Fund is entitled to
payment of principal and accrued interest upon not more than seven days notice,
and (2) the interest rate on such notes is adjusted automatically at periodic
intervals, which normally do not exceed 31 days but may extend up to one year.
The notes are deemed to have a maturity equal to the longer of the period
remaining to the next interest-rate adjustment or the demand notice period.
Because these notes are direct lending arrangements between the lender and the
borrower, the notes normally are not traded and have no secondary market,
although the notes are redeemable and, thus, repayable at any time by the
borrower at face value plus accrued interest. Accordingly, the Fund's right to
redeem depends on the borrower's ability to pay interest on demand and repay
principal. In connection with variable rate master demand notes, TAMIC
considers, under standards established by the Board, earning power, cash flow
and other liquidity ratios of a borrower and monitors the ability of a borrower
to pay principal and interest on demand. These notes are not typically rated by
credit rating agencies. Unless rated, the Fund will invest in them only if the
investment adviser determines that the issuer meets the criteria established for
commercial paper.
ZERO COUPON BONDS AND STEP-UP BONDS. Zero coupon bonds do not pay interest. They
are sold at a substantial discount from face value. 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.
Zero coupon bonds are very risky, however, for the investor. Because the cash
flows from zero coupon bonds are deferred and because zero coupon bonds often
represent very subordinated debt, their prices are more volatile than most other
bonds.
Step-up bonds are a variant of zero coupon bonds. Step-up bonds pay little or no
initial interest rate for several years and then a higher rate until maturity.
They are also issued at a discount from face value.
For tax purposes, a purchaser of zero coupon bonds owes income tax on the
interest that has accrued each year, even though the Fund has received no cash.
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.
PAY-IN-KIND BONDS. Pay-in-kind 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.
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.
6
<PAGE> 20
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.
WARRANTS AND RIGHTS. The Fund may invest in warrants or rights (other than those
acquired in units or attached to other securities) which entitle the purchaser
to buy equity securities at a specific price for a specific period of time.
Warrants and rights have no voting rights, receive no dividends and have no
rights with respect to the assets of the issuer.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES. Convertible securities may include corporate notes or
preferred stock, but ordinarily are long-term debt obligations of an issuer that
are convertible at a stated price or exchange rate into the issuer's common
stock. Convertible securities have characteristics similar to both common stock
and debt obligations. Although to a lesser degree than with debt securities, the
market value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates
increase and, conversely, to increase as interest rates decline. In addition,
because of the conversion feature, the market value of convertible securities
tends to vary with fluctuations in the market value of the underlying common
stock and, therefore, reacts to variations in the general stock market. However,
when the market price of the common stock underlying a convertible security
exceeds the conversion price, the price of the convertible security tends to
reflect the value of the underlying common stock. As the market price of the
underlying common stock declines, the convertible security tends to trade
increasingly on a yield basis, and thus may not depreciate to the same extent as
the underlying common stock.
As fixed-income securities, convertible securities are investments that provide
a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than common stocks. Like
all fixed-income securities, there can be no assurance of the current income
because the issuers of the convertible securities may default on their
obligations. Convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend
yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality because of the
potential through the conversion feature for capital appreciation. There can be
no assurance of capital appreciation because securities prices fluctuate.
Convertible securities generally are subordinated to other similar but
not-convertible debt of the same issuer, although convertible bonds enjoy
seniority payment rights over all equity securities. Convertible preferred stock
is senior to the issuer's common stock. Because of the conversion feature,
however, convertible securities typically have lower ratings than similar
non-convertible securities.
A synthetic convertible security is comprised of two distinct securities that
together resemble convertible securities. Synthetic convertible securities
combine non-convertible bonds or preferred stock with warrants or stock call
options. The options that form a portion of the convertible security are listed
on a securities exchange or on the National Association of Securities Dealers
Automated Quotations Systems. The two components of a synthetic convertible
security generally are not offered as a unit but may be purchased and sold by
the Fund at different times. Synthetic convertible securities differ from
convertible securities in that each component of a synthetic convertible
security has a separate market value and responds differently from the other to
market fluctuations. Investing in synthetic convertible securities involves the
risks normally involved in holding the securities comprising the synthetic
convertible security.
As with all debt securities, the market value of convertible securities tends to
decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, to increase as interest
rates decline. Convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend
yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality. However, when the
market price of the common stock underlying a convertible security exceeds the
conversion price, the price of the convertible security tends to reflect the
value of the underlying common stock. As the market price of the underlying
common stock declines, the convertible security tends to trade increasingly on a
yield basis, and thus may not depreciate to the same extent as the underlying
common stock.
DEBT SECURITIES. Debt securities held by the Fund may be subject to several
types of investment risk, including market or interest rate risk, which relates
to the change in market value caused by fluctuations in prevailing interest
rates and credit risk, which relates to the ability of the issuer to make timely
interest payments and to repay the
7
<PAGE> 21
principal upon maturity. Call or income risk relates to corporate bonds during
periods of falling interest rates, and involves the possibility that securities
with high interest rates will be prepaid or "called" by the issuer prior to
maturity. Investment-grade debt securities are generally regarded as having
adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal, but have speculative
characteristics. Below-investment-grade debt securities (sometimes referred to
as "high-yield/high-risk" or "junk" bonds) have greater speculative
characteristics. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely
impair capacity or willingness to pay interest and repay principal.
The yield on debt instruments over a period of time should reflect prevailing
interest rates, which depend on a number of factors, including government action
in the capital markets, government fiscal and monetary policy, needs of
businesses for capital goods for expansion, and investor expectations as to
future inflation. The yield on a particular debt instrument is also affected by
the risk that the issuer will be unable to pay principal and interest.
The Fund may invest in corporate debt obligations that are rated below the three
highest rating categories of a nationally recognized statistical rating
organization (AAA, AA, or A for S&P and Aaa, Aa, or A for Moody's (see the
Appendix for more information) or, if unrated, of comparable quality) and may
have speculative characteristics or be speculative. Lower-rated or comparable
unrated bonds include bonds rated BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody's or below and are
commonly referred to as "junk bonds". There is no minimum acceptable rating for
a security to be purchased or held by the Fund, and it may, from time to time,
purchase or hold securities rated in the lowest rating category, including bonds
in default. Credit ratings evaluate the safety of the principal and interest
payments but not the market value of high yield bonds. Further, the value of
such bonds is likely to fluctuate over time.
Lower-rated bonds usually offer higher yields with greater risks than
higher-rated bonds. Lower-rated bonds have more risk associated with them than
the issuer of such bonds will default on principal and interest payments. This
is because of reduced creditworthiness and increased risk of default.
Lower-rated securities generally tend to reflect short-term corporate and market
developments to a greater extent than higher-rated securities that react
primarily to fluctuations in the general level of interest rates. Short-term
corporate and market developments affecting the price or liquidity of
lower-rated securities could include adverse news affecting major issuers,
underwriters, or dealers of lower-rated corporate debt obligations. In addition,
since there are fewer investors in lower-rated securities, it may be harder to
sell the securities at an optimum time.
As a result of these factors, lower-rated securities tend to have more price
volatility and carry more risk to principal and income than higher-rated
securities.
An economic downturn may adversely affect the value of some lower-rated bonds.
Such a downturn may especially affect highly leveraged companies or companies in
cyclically sensitive industries, where deterioration in a company's cash flow
may impair its ability to meet its obligations to pay principal and interest to
bondholders in a timely fashion. From time to time, as a result of changing
conditions, issuers of lower-rated bonds may seek or may be required to
restructure the terms and conditions of securities they have issued. As a result
of these restructuring, holders of lower-rated securities may receive less
principal and interest than they had bargained for at the time such bonds were
purchased. In the event of a restructuring, the Fund may bear additional legal
or administrative expenses in order to maximize recovery from an issuer.
Additionally, an increase in interest rates may also adversely impact the value
of high yield bonds.
The secondary trading market for lower rated bonds is generally less liquid than
the secondary trading market for higher-rated bonds. Adversely publicity and the
perception of investors relating to issuers, underwriters, dealers or underlying
business conditions, whether or not warranted by fundamental analysis, may
affect the price of liquidity of lower-rated bonds. On occasion, therefore, it
may become difficult to price or dispose of a particular security in the
portfolio.
As discussed above, the Fund may, from time to time, own zero coupon bonds and
pay-in-kind securities. The price of zero coupon bonds and pay-in-kind
securities is generally more sensitive to fluctuations in interest rates than
are conventional bonds. Additionally, federal tax law requires that interest on
zero coupon bonds be reported as income to the Fund even though it receives no
cash interest until the maturity or payment date of such securities.
8
<PAGE> 22
Many corporate debt obligations, including many lower rated bonds, permit the
issuers to call the security and therefore redeem their obligations earlier than
the stated maturity dates. Issuers are more likely to call bonds during periods
of declining interest rates. In these cases, if the Fund owns a bond that is
called, the Fund will receive its return of principal earlier than expected and
would likely be required to reinvest the proceeds at a lower interest rates,
thus reducing income to the Fund.
EVALUATING THE RISKS OF LOWER-RATED SECURITIES. The Fund's adviser generally
follows certain steps to evaluate the risks associated with investing in
lower-rated securities. These techniques include:
CREDIT RESEARCH. The adviser performs its own credit analysis in
addition to using nationally recognized statistical rating organizations
and other sources, including discussions with the issuer's management, the
judgment of other investment analysts, and its own informed judgment. The
credit analysis will consider the issuer's financial soundness, its
responsiveness to changes in interest rates and business conditions, and
its anticipated cash flow, interest or dividend coverage and earnings. In
evaluating an issuer, the adviser or subadviser places special emphasis on
the estimated current value of the issuer's assets rather than historical
costs.
DIVERSIFICATION. The Fund generally invests in securities of many
different issuers, industries, and economic sectors to reduce portfolio
risk.
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS. The adviser also analyzes current developments and
trends in the economy and in the financial markets. When investing in
lower-rated securities, timing and selection are critical and analysis of
the business cycle can be important.
Achievement by the Fund's of its investment objective through investing in these
bonds may be more dependent on the credit analysis of a lower-rated bond than
would be the case if the Fund invested exclusively in higher-rated bonds.
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.
Writing call options permits the Fund 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.
SWAPS. Swaps are over-the-counter (OTC) agreements that typically require
counterparties to make periodic payments to each other for a specified period.
The calculation of these payments is based on an agreed-upon amount (called the
notional amount) that generally is exchanged only in currency swaps. The
periodic payments may be a fixed or floating (variable) amount. Floating
payments may change with fluctuations in interest or currency rates or equity or
commodity prices, depending on the contract terms. Swaps are used to hedge a
risk or obtain more desirable financing terms, and they can be used to profit
from correctly anticipating rate and price movements.
9
<PAGE> 23
FOREIGN AND EMERGING MARKETS SECURITIES AND ADRS. The Fund may invest in foreign
securities. These securities may include U.S. dollar-denominated securities,
debt securities of foreign governments (including provinces and municipalities)
or their agencies or instrumentalities, securities issued or guaranteed by
international organizations designated or supported by multiple governments or
entities to promote economic reconstruction or development, and securities of
foreign corporations and financial institutions.
The Fund may invest in American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"). Due to the absence
of established securities markets in certain foreign countries and restrictions
in certain countries on direct investment by foreign countries and restrictions
in certain countries on direct investment by foreign entities, a Fund may invest
in certain issuers through the purchase of sponsored and unsponsored ADRs or
other similar securities, such as American Depositary Shares, Global Depositary
Shares of International Depositary Receipts. ADRs are receipts typically issued
by U.S. banks evidencing ownership of the underlying securities into which they
are convertible. These securities may or may not be denominated in the same
currency as the underlying securities. Unsponsored ADRs may be created without
the participation of the foreign issuer. Holders of unsponsored ADRs generally
bear all the costs of the ADR facility, whereas foreign issuers typically bear
certain costs in a sponsored ADR. The bank or trust company depository of an
unsponsored ADR may be under no obligation to distribute shareholder
communications received from the foreign issuer or to pass through voting
rights.
Subject to any limit on the Fund's investments in foreign securities, there may
be no limit on the amount of assets that may be invested in securities of
issuers domiciled in a single country or market. To the extent that the Fund's
assets are invested substantially in a single country or market, the Fund is
more susceptible to the risks of investing in that country or market than it
would be if its assets were geographically more diversified.
Investments in foreign securities may offer the Fund an opportunity to pursue
the performance potential of an overseas market. Such securities, however, also
entail risks in addition to the risks of U.S. securities. These risks include
differences in accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, the
possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, adverse changes in
investment or exchange control regulations, political instability that 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. Foreign
settlement procedures and trade regulations may involve higher commission rates
and risks and expenses not present in U.S. settlements. Changes in foreign
exchange rates affects the value of those securities that are denominated or
quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.
Many of the foreign securities held by the Fund are not registered with, nor are
the issuers thereof subject to SEC reporting requirements. 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 or
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. 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.
OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES. The Fund may invest in other investment companies to
the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, including [subject to shareholder
approval, investing some or all of its assets in one or more other such
investment companies]. The Fund will indirectly bear its pro rata share of any
investment advisory and other fund expenses paid by the funds in which it
invests.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES. The Fund may make investments in illiquid securities in an
amount not exceeding [15%/10%] of the Fund's total asset value. Illiquid
securities are those that are not readily marketable within seven days in the
ordinary course and include restricted securities that may not be publicly sold
without registration under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act") and Rule
144A securities. In most instances such securities are traded at a discount from
the market value of unrestricted securities of the same issuer until the
restriction is eliminated. If the Fund sells such portfolio securities, it may
be deemed an underwriter, as such term is defined in the 1933 Act, with
10
<PAGE> 24
respect to those sales, and registration of such securities under the 1933 Act
may be required. The Fund will not bear the expense of such registration. In
determining securities subject to the percentage limitation, the Fund will
include, in addition to restricted securities, repurchase agreements maturing in
more than seven days and other securities not having readily available market
quotations, including options traded over-the-counter and other securities
subject to restrictions on resale.
RULE 144A SECURITIES. Certain Rule 144A securities may be considered illiquid
and, therefore, their purchase is subject to the Fund's limitation on the
purchase of illiquid securities, unless the adviser under guidelines approved by
the Board determines on an ongoing basis that an adequate trading market exists
for the securities. If qualified institutional buyers become uninterested for a
time in purchasing Rule 144A securities held by the Fund, the Fund's level of
illiquidity could increase. The Board has established standards and procedures
for determining the liquidity of Rule 144A securities and periodically monitors
the adviser's implementation of the standards and procedures. The ability to
sell to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A has developed in recent
years, and the adviser cannot predict how this market will develop.
LOANS OF SECURITIES TO BROKER DEALERS. The Fund may lend securities to brokers
and dealers pursuant to agreements requiring that the loans be continuously
secured by cash, liquid securities, or any combination of cash and liquid
securities, as collateral equal at all times in value to at least 102% of the
market value of the securities loaned. The Fund will not loan securities if,
after a loan, the aggregate of all outstanding securities loans exceeds 15% of
the value of the Fund's total assets taken at their current market value. The
Fund continues to receive interest or dividends on the securities loaned and
simultaneously earns interest on the investment of any cash loan collateral in
U.S. Treasury notes, certificates of deposit, other high grade, short-term
obligations or interest-bearing cash equivalents. Although voting rights
attendant to securities loaned pass to the borrower, such loans may be called at
any time and will be called so that the Fund may vote the securities if, in the
opinion of the investment adviser, a material event affecting the investment
would occur. There may be risks of delay in receiving additional collateral, in
recovering the securities loaned, or even loss of rights in the collateral
should the borrower of the securities fail financially. However, loans may be
made only to borrowers deemed to be of good standing, under standards approved
by the Board of Trustees ("Board"), when the income to be earned from the loan
justifies the risks.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The Fund may invest from time to time in repurchase
agreements with approved counterparties. Approved counterparties are limited to
national banks or broker-dealers on the Federal Reserve Bank of New York's list
of primary reporting dealers, in each case meeting the investment adviser's
credit quality standards as presenting minimal risk of default. All repurchase
transactions must be collateralized by U.S. government securities with market
value no less than 102% of the amount of the transaction, including accrued
interest. Repurchase transactions generally mature the next business day but, in
the event of a transaction of longer maturity, collateral will be
marked-to-market daily and, when required, the counterparty will provide
additional cash or qualifying collateral.
In executing a repurchase agreement, the Fund purchases eligible securities
subject to the counterparty's agreement to repurchase them on a mutually agreed
upon date and at a mutually agreed upon price. The purchase and resale prices
are negotiated with the counterparty on the basis of current short-term interest
rates, which may be more or less than the rate on the securities collateralizing
the transaction. The Fund will engage in repurchase agreements only where it
takes physical delivery or, in the case of "book-entry" securities, the security
is segregated in the counterparty's account at the Federal Reserve for the
benefit of the Fund, to perfect the Fund's claim to the collateral for the term
of the repurchase agreement in the event the counterparty fails to fulfill its
obligation.
As the securities collateralizing a repurchase transaction are generally of
longer maturity than the term of the transaction, in the event of default by the
counterparty on its obligation, the Fund would bear the risks of delay, adverse
market fluctuation and any transaction costs in disposing of the collateral.
TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS. Permissible temporary investments for defensive or cash
management purposes may include U.S. government securities and money market
instruments, including instruments of banks that are members of the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation with assets of at least $1 billion, such as
certificates of deposit,
11
<PAGE> 25
demand and time deposits, and bankers' acceptances; prime commercial paper,
including master demand notes; and repurchase agreements secured by U.S.
government securities.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
[Subject to shareholder approval at a meeting held April 30, 1999, the Fund
adopted the following investment policies as fundamental (those that may not be
changed without shareholder approval). The Fund may not:
FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES
1. DIVERSIFICATION: with respect to 75% of its assets, purchase a security other
than a security issued or guaranteed by the U. S. Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities or a security of an investment company if, as a result, more
than 5% of the Fund's total assets would be invested in the securities of a
single issuer or the Fund would own more than 10% of the outstanding voting
securities of any single issuer.
2. INDUSTRY CONCENTRATION: purchase a security if, as a result, more than 25% of
the Fund's total assets would be invested in securities of issuers conducting
their principal business activities in the same industry. For purposes of this
limitation, there is no limit on : (1) investments in U. S. government
securities, in repurchase agreements covering U. S. government securities, in
securities issued by the states, territories or possessions of the United States
("municipal securities") or in foreign government securities; or (2) investment
in issuers domiciled in a single jurisdiction. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act, the Fund may invest in one or
more investment companies; provided that, except to the extent that it invests
in other investment companies pursuant to Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act,
the Fund treats the assets of the investment companies in which it invests as
its own for purposes of this policy.
3. BORROWING: borrow money if, as a result, outstanding borrowings would exceed
an amount equal to one-third of the Fund's total assets.
4. REAL ESTATE: purchase or sell real estate unless acquired as a result of
ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not prevent the
Fund from investing in securities or other instruments backed by real estate or
securities of companies engaged in the real estate business).
5. LENDING: make loans to other parties. For purposes of this limitation,
entering into repurchase agreements, lending securities and acquiring any debt
security are not deemed to be the making of loans.
6. COMMODITIES: purchase or sell physical commodities unless acquired as a
result of ownership of securities or other instruments (but this shall not
prevent the Fund from purchasing or selling options and futures contracts or
from investing in securities or other instruments backed by physical
commodities).
7. UNDERWRITING: be an underwriter (as that term is defined in the 1933 Act) of
securities issued by other persons except, to the extent that in connection with
the disposition of its assets, the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter.
8. SENIOR SECURITIES: issue any class of senior securities except to the extent
consistent with the 1940 Act.
NONFUNDAMENTAL POLICIES
Effective May 1, 1999, the Fund also complies with the following nonfundamental
investment policies.
1. BORROWING: for purpose of the borrowing limitation, the following are not
treated as borrowings to the extent they are fully collateralized: (1) the
delayed delivery of purchased securities (such as the purchase of when-issued
securities); (2) reverse repurchase agreements; (3) dollar-roll transactions;
and (5) the lending of securities ("leverage transactions"). (See Fundamental
Limitation No. 2 "Borrowing.")
12
<PAGE> 26
2. LIQUIDITY: invest more than 15% of its net assets in: (1) securities that
cannot be disposed of within seven days at their then-current value; (2)
repurchase agreements not entitling the holder to payment of principal within
seven days; and (3) securities subject to restrictions on the sale of the
securities to the public without registration under the 1933 Act ("restricted
securities") that are not readily marketable. The Fund may treat certain
restricted securities as liquid pursuant to guidelines adopted by the Fund's
Board of Trustees.
3. EXERCISING CONTROL OF ISSUERS: make investments for the purpose of exercising
control of an issuer. Investments by the Fund in entities created under the laws
of foreign countries solely to facilitate investment in securities in that
country will not be deemed the making of investments for the purpose of
exercising control.
4. OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES: invest in securities of another investment
company, except to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act.
5. SHORT SALES: sell securities short, unless it owns or has the right to obtain
securities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold short (short
sales "against the box"), and provided that transactions in futures contracts
and options are not deemed to constitute selling securities short.
6. PURCHASING ON MARGIN: purchase securities on margin, except that the Fund may
use short-term credit for the clearance of its portfolio transactions, and
provided that initial and variation margin payments in connection with futures
contracts and options on futures contracts shall not constitute purchasing
securities on margin.
7. LENDING: lend a security if, as a result, the amount of loaned securities
would exceed an amount equal to one-third of the Fund's total assets.]
[OLD FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES] In pursing its objective, the Fund currently follows
various investment policies. Certain of the policies are fundamental and cannot
be changed without shareholder vote. Without shareholder vote, the Fund will
not:
1. invest more than 5% of its total assets in any one issuer with regard to 85%
of the Fund's assets;
2. invest in more than 10% of any class of securities (as defined in the
Declaration of Trust) of any one issuer;
3. 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;
4. 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;
5. 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;
6. invest for the primary purpose of control or management;
7. make margin purchases or short sales of securities;
13
<PAGE> 27
8. 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;
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 the Fund's adviser have a
substantial interest; or
12. invest more than 10% of the value of the Fund's net assets in illiquid
securities.
VALUATION AND PRICING
VALUATION. We determine current value for the Fund's portfolio securities 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 or on the basis of quotations
received from unaffiliated reputable brokers or other recognized sources; and,
securities that have a remaining maturity of more than 60 days are valued at
prices based on market quotations for securities of similar type, yield and
maturity. The Fund values short-term money market instruments with maturities of
60 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 receivable, approximates market. All other investments are
valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board.
PRICING. We compute the Fund's net asset value per share as of the close of
trading on each day on which the New York Stock Exchange ("Exchange") is open.
The net asset value per share 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. 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.
We computes the Fund's redemption value as of 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.
DISTRIBUTIONS
The Trust intends to distribute dividends from the Fund's net investment income
and all net realized capital gains annually in shares or, at the option of the
shareholder, in cash. When the Fund makes a distribution, it intends to
distribute only its net capital gains and such income as has been predetermined
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.
14
<PAGE> 28
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
Under Massachusetts law, the Fund's Board of Trustees ("Board") has absolute and
exclusive control over the Fund's management and disposition of its assets.
Subject to the Declaration of Trust, the trustees or their designees manage the
Fund's business and affairs. The Fund's trustees and officers are listed below.
Name and Position
With the Fund Principle Occupation During Last Five Years
------------- -------------------------------------------
*Heath B. McLendon Managing Director (1993-present), Smith
Chairman and Trustee Barney, Inc. ("Smith Barney"); Chairman
388 Greenwich Street (1993-present), Smith Barney Strategy
New York, New York Advisors, Inc.; President and Director
Age 65 (1994-present), Mutual Management Corp.;
Director and President (1996-present),
Travelers Investment Adviser, Inc.;
Chairman and Director of forty-one
investment companies associated with Smith
Barney; Chairman, Board of Trustees, Drew
University; 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
Trustee (1956-1988), Edwards & Angell, Attorneys;
154 Arlington Avenue Member, Advisory Board (1973-1994),
Providence, Rhode Island thirty-one mutual funds sponsored by
Age 75 Keystone Group, Inc.; Member, Board of
Managers, seven Variable Annuity Separate
Accounts of The Travelers Insurance
Company+; Trustee, five Mutual Funds
sponsored by The Travelers Insurance
Company.++
Robert E. McGill, III Retired manufacturing executive. Director
Trustee (1983-1995), Executive Vice President
295 Hancock Street (1989-1994) and Senior Vice President,
Williamstown, Finance and Administration (1983-1989), The
Massachusetts Dexter Corporation (manufacturer of
Age 67 specialty chemicals and materials); Vice
Chairman (1990-1992), Director (1983-1995),
Life Technologies, Inc. (life
science/biotechnology products); Director,
(1994-present), The Connecticut Surety
Corporation (insurance); (Director
(1995-present), Chemfab Corporation
(specialty materials manufacturer);
Director (1999-present), Ravenwood Winery;
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, School of Management (1998-present),
Trustee State University of New York at Buffalo;
160 Jacobs Hall Dean, College of Business Administration
Buffalo, New York (1995-1998), Marquette University;
Age 56 Professor of Finance (1980-1995) and
Associate Dean (1993-1995), School of
Business Administration, and Director,
Center for Research and Development in
Financial Services (1980-1995), University
of Connecticut; Director (1992-present),
GZA Geoenvironmental Tech, 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.++
15
<PAGE> 29
Frances M. Hawk, CFA, CFP Private Investor, (1997-present); Portfolio
Trustee Manager (1992-1997, HLM Management Company,
28 Woodland Street Inc. (investment management); Assistant
Sherborn, Massachusetts Treasurer, Pensions and Benefits.
Age 51 Management (1989-1992), United Technologies
Corporation (broad-based designer and
manufacturer of high technology products);
Member, Board of Managers, seven Variable
Annuity Separate Accounts of The Travelers
Insurance Company+; Trustee, five Mutual
Funds sponsored by The Travelers Insurance
Company.++
Ernest J. Wright Vice President and Secretary
Secretary to the Board (1996-present), Assistant Secretary
One Tower Square (1994-1996), Counsel (1987-present), The
Hartford, Connecticut Travelers Insurance Company; Secretary,
Age 58 Board of Managers, seven Variable Annuity
Separate Accounts of The Travelers
Insurance Company+; Secretary, Board of
Trustees, five Mutual Funds sponsored by
The Travelers Insurance Company.++
Kathleen A. McGah Assistant Secretary and Counsel
Assistant Secretary to (1995-present), The Travelers Insurance
the Board Company; Assistant Secretary, Board of
One Towe Square Managers, seven Variable Annuity Separate
Hartford, Connecticut Accounts of The Travelers Insurance
Age 48 Company+; Assistant Secretary, Board of
Trustees, five Mutual Funds sponsored by
The Travelers Insurance Company.++ Prior to
January 1995, Counsel, ITT Hartford Life
Insurance Company.
Lewis E. Daidone Managing Director of Smith Barney, Senior
Treasurer Vice President and Treasurer of 41
388 Greenwich Street investment companies associated with Smith
New York, New York Barney, and Director and Vice President of
Age 40 SBMFM and TIA; Treasurer, Board of
Trustees, five Mutual Funds sponsored by
The Travelers Insurance Company.++
Irving David Vice President of Smith Barney, Asset
Controller Management Division (March 1994-present);
388 Greenwich Street Controller, Board of Trustees, five Mutual
New York, NY Funds sponsored by The Travelers Insurance
Age 37 Company.++
+ 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 Timed Aggressive Stock Account for
Variable Annuities and The Travelers Timed Bond Account for Variable
Annuities.
++ These five Mutual Funds are: Capital Appreciation Fund, Money Market
Portfolio, High Yield Bond Trust, Managed Assets Trust and The Travelers
Series Trust.
* 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 Citigroup, Inc. and also owns shares
and options to purchase shares of Citigroup, Inc., the indirect parent of
The Travelers Insurance Company.
COMMITTEES. To operate more efficiently, the Board established two operating
committees. The Nominating Committee recommends candidates for the nomination as
members of the Board. The Audit Committee reviews the scope and results of the
Fund's annual audits with the Fund's independent accountants and recommends the
engagement of the accountants. For the year ended December 31, 1998, the members
of the Nominating and Audit
16
<PAGE> 30
Committees were Knight Edwards, Robert E. McGill III, Lewis Mandell, and Frances
M. Hawk. Trustees do not receive any additional compensation for their committee
services.
COMPENSATION. Board members who are also officers or employees of Citigroup Inc.
or its subsidiaries are not entitled to any fee for their services to the Fund.
Board members who are unaffiliated with Citigroup 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 ("The Travelers") and
the seven Variable Annuity Separate Accounts established by The Travelers. They
also receive an aggregate fee of $2,500 for each meeting of such Boards
attended. Board Members with 10 years of service may agree to provide services
as an emeritus director at age 72 or upon reaching 80 years of age and will
receive 50% of the annual retainer and 50% of meeting fees, if attended. The
chart below shows the compensation paid to Board Members for the year ended
December 31, 1998.
COMPENSATION TABLE.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Compensation
Aggregate Pension or Retirement From Fund and Fund
Compensation From Benefits Accrued As Complex Paid to
Name of Person, Position Fund(1) Part of Fund Expenses Directors
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Heath B. McLendon N/A N/A N/A
Chairman and
Trustee
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Knight Edwards N/A $[31,500]
Trustee
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert E. McGill, III N/A $[34,000]
Trustee
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lewis Mandell N/A $[34,000]
Trustee
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Frances M. Hawk, CFA, CFP N/A $[34,000]
Trustee
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- -----------------
(1) No compensation was deferred for any Trustee or Officer under a deferred
compensation plan.
DECLARATION OF TRUST
The Fund is organized as a Massachusetts business trust. In accordance with
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 Declaration of Trust contains an
express disclaimer of shareholder liability for the Fund's obligations 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. Further, the
Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification out of Fund property for any
shareholder held personally liable for the Fund's obligations.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES
TAMIC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Citigroup, Inc., furnishes
investment management and advisory services to the Fund in accordance with the
terms of an investment advisory agreement that was approved by shareholders on
[date] (the "Agreement").
17
<PAGE> 31
[As required by the 1940 Act, the 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: (1) by a vote of a
majority of the Board, or (2) by a vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding
voting securities. In addition, and in either event, the terms of the Agreement
must be approved annually by a vote of a majority of the Board who are not
parties to, or interested persons of any party to, the Agreement, cast in person
at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval and at which the
Board is furnished such information as may be reasonably necessary to evaluate
the terms of the Agreement. The Agreement further provides that it will
terminate automatically upon assignment; may be amended only with prior approval
of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities; may be terminated
without the payment of any penalty at any time upon sixty days' notice by the
Board or by a vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities;
and may not be terminated by TAMIC without prior approval of a new investment
advisory agreement by a vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting
securities.]
Under the terms of the Agreement, TAMIC shall:
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;
be authorized to purchase supplemental research and other services from
brokers at an additional cost to the Fund;
regularly furnish recommendations to the Board with respect to an
investment program for approval, modification or rejection by the Board;
take such steps as are necessary to implement the investment program
approved by the Board; and
regularly report to the Board 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, TAMIC is entitled to be paid an annual fee, computed daily and payable
monthly, at the following rates:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
------------------------------------- --------------------------- -----------------------------
ANNUAL AGGREGATE NET ASSET
MANAGEMENT FEE VALUE OF THE FUND
------------------------------------- --------------------------- -----------------------------
<S> <C> <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>
The total advisory fees paid to TAMIC for the years ended December 31, 1996,
1997, and 1998 were $72,800, $105,287, and $_______, respectively.
18
<PAGE> 32
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. The Fund has obligated itself under the 1940 Act,
however, 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.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER RATE
The Fund's portfolio turnover rates for the years ended December 31, 1997 and
1998 were 137% and [_____%], respectively.
BROKERAGE
Subject to approval of the Board, TAMIC's policy, in executing transactions in
portfolio securities, is to seek best execution of orders at the most favorable
prices. Determining what may constitute best execution and price in the
execution of a securities transaction by a broker involves considering, 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 TAMIC is required
to perform under its investment advisory agreement. 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 are usually principal
transactions and normally are purchased directly from the issuer or from the
underwriter or market maker for the securities. There usually are no brokerage
commissions paid for such purchases. Purchases from the underwriters do include
the underwriting commission or concession, and purchases from dealers serving as
market makers do include the spread between the bid and asked prices. Where
transactions are made in the over-the-counter market, the Fund deals with
primary market makers unless more favorable prices are otherwise obtainable.
Brokerage fees are incurred in connection with futures transactions, and the
Fund is 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.
19
<PAGE> 33
TAMIC's policy with respect to brokerage is and will be reviewed by the Board
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.
FUND ADMINISTRATION
The Fund entered into an administrative services agreement during 1996 with The
Travelers to provide pricing and bookkeeping services at an annualized rate of
.06% of the daily net assets of the Fund. Travelers Insurance, at its expense,
appointed its affiliate, Mutual Management Corp. ("MMC"), as subadministrator to
perform these services. Travelers Insurance pays MMC a fee for its services at
an annual rate of 0.06% of the Fund's daily net assets. For the period ended
December 31, 1996 and the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1998, the
administration fees were $24,332, $11,741 and [$___________], respectively.
SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS
Fund shares are currently sold only to insurance company separate accounts in
connection with variable annuity and variable life insurance contracts issued by
the Company. Fund shares 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 policy or 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.
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
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.
TAX STATUS
GENERAL TAX INFORMATION
The Fund qualified in its last taxable year as a regulated investment company
("RIC") under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), and the Fund intends to so qualify in the future so long as such
qualification is in the best interest of shareholders. If the Fund qualifies as
a regulated investment company and distributes substantially all of its net
income and gains to its shareholders (which it intends to do), then under the
provisions of Subchapter M, the Fund should have little or no income taxable to
it under the Code.
The Fund must meet several requirements to maintain its status as a regulated
investment company. These requirements include the following: (1) at least 90%
of the Fund's gross income must be derived from dividends, interest, payments
with respect to securities loaned, and gains from the sale or disposition of
securities; and (2) at the close of each quarter of the Fund's taxable year, (a)
at least 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets must
20
<PAGE> 34
consist of cash, U.S. government securities and other securities (no more than
5% of the value of the Fund may consist of such other securities of any one
issuer, and the Fund must not hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting stock
of any issuer), and (b) the Fund must not invest more than 25% of the value of
its total assets in the securities of any one issuer (other than U.S. government
securities).
In order to maintain the qualification of the Fund's status as a regulated
investment company, in its business judgment, the investment adviser may
restrict the Fund's ability to invest in certain types of financial instruments.
For the same reason, the investment adviser may, in its business judgment,
require the Fund to maintain or dispose of its investment in certain types of
financial instruments beyond the time when it might otherwise be advantageous to
do so.
The Fund also intends to comply with section 817(h) of the Code and the
regulations issued thereunder, which impose certain investment diversification
requirements on life insurance companies' separate accounts (such as the
account) that are used to fund benefits under variable life insurance and
variable annuity contracts. These requirements are in addition to the
requirements of subchapter M and of the 1940 Act and may affect the securities
in which the Fund may invest. In order to comply with the current or future
requirements of section 817(h) (or related Code provisions), the Fund may be
required, for example, to alter its investment objective or policies. No such
change of investment policies will take place without notice to the Fund's
shareholders, the approval of a majority of the outstanding voting shares if
necessary, and the approval of the SEC, to the extent legally required.
ADDITIONAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS
If the Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company, the Fund will be
subject to federal, and possibly state, corporate taxes on its taxable income
and gains (without any deduction for its distributions to its shareholders), and
distributions to its shareholders will constitute ordinary income to the extent
of the Fund's available earnings and profits. Owners of variable life insurance
and annuity contracts that have invested in such a Fund might be taxed currently
on the investment earnings under their contracts and thereby lose the benefit of
tax deferral. In addition, if a Fund failed to comply with the diversification
requirements of section 817(h) of the Code and the regulations thereunder,
owners of variable life insurance and annuity contracts that have invested in
the Fund would be taxed on the investment earnings under their contracts and
thereby lose the benefit of tax deferral. Accordingly, compliance with the above
rules is carefully monitored by the Fund's adviser, and it is intended that the
Fund will comply with these rules as they exist or as they may be modified from
time to time. Compliance with the tax requirements described above may result in
a reduction in the return under the Fund, since, to comply with the above rules,
the investments utilized (and the time at which such investments are entered
into and closed out) may be different from what the Fund's adviser might
otherwise believe to be desirable.
The Fund should not be subject to the 4% federal excise tax imposed on regulated
investment companies that do not distribute substantially all their income and
gains each calendar year because the tax does not apply to a regulated
investment company whose only shareholders are segregated asset accounts of life
insurance companies held in connection with variable annuity contracts and/or
variable life insurance policies.
FOREIGN INVESTMENTS. Funds investing in foreign securities or currencies may be
required to pay withholding or other taxes to foreign governments. Foreign tax
withholding from dividends and interest, if any, is generally at a rate between
10% and 35%. The investment yield of any fund that invests in foreign securities
or currencies is reduced by these foreign taxes. Owners of variable life
insurance and annuity contracts investing in such fund bear the cost of any
foreign taxes but will not be able to claim a foreign tax credit or deduction
for these foreign taxes. Funds investing in securities of passive foreign
investment companies may be subject to U.S. federal income taxes and interest
charges, and the investment yield of a fund making such investments is reduced
by these taxes and interest charges. Owners of variable life insurance and
annuity contracts investing in such funds bear the cost of these taxes and
interest charges.
OTHER INFORMATION. The discussion of "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" in the
prospectus and the foregoing discussion of federal income tax consequences is a
general and abbreviated summary based on tax laws and regulations in effect on
the date of the prospectuses. Tax law is subject to change by legislative,
administrative or
21
<PAGE> 35
judicial action. Each prospective investor should consult his or her own tax
advisor as to the tax consequences of investments in the Fund.
It is not feasible to comment on all of the federal tax consequences concerning
the Fund. No further discussion of those consequences is included in this SAI.
For information concerning the federal income tax consequences to the owners of
variable life insurance and annuity contracts, see the prospectuses for the
contracts.
PERFORMANCE QUOTATIONS
From time to time, we may disclose the Fund's yields, total returns, and other
performance data. We compute these performance data in accordance with the SEC
standards.
YIELDS. We compute yield by: (1) dividing the Fund's net investment income less
expenses for the period, by (2) the maximum offering price per share on the last
day of the period times the daily average number of shares outstanding for the
period, then (3) compound that yield for a six-month period, and then (4)
multiplying that result by two (2). The Fund's expenses include such expenses as
the advisory expenses. The 30-day or one-month yield is calculated according to
the following formula:
Yield = 2[((I-E)/(SP)+1)(6)-1]
Where:
I = net income of the Fund for the 30-day or one-month period;
E = expenses of the Fund for the 30-day or one-month period;
S = the average number of shares outstanding; and
P = maximum offer price per share at the close (highest) of the
last day in the 30-day or one-month period.
The Fund's yield does not include any fees and charges associated with insurance
contracts that purchase Fund shares. Because of the charges and deductions
imposed under these contracts, the yield for the relevant subaccount is lower
than the yield for the corresponding Fund.
The yield on the amounts held in the Fund normally fluctuates over time.
THEREFORE, THE DISCLOSED YIELD FOR ANY GIVEN PAST PERIOD IS NOT AN INDICATION OR
REPRESENTATION OF FUTURE YIELDS OR RATES OF RETURN. The Fund's actual yield is
affected by the types and quality of the portfolio securities and the Fund's
operating expenses.
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS. From time to time, we may quote the Fund's average
annual total returns for various periods of time in sales literature or
advertisements.
We will provide the Fund's average annual return information for 1, 5, and 10
years, if available. Otherwise, we will show average annual total return from
the Fund's inception. From time to time, we also may disclose average annual
total returns for other periods of time.
Standard average annual total returns represent the average annual compounded
rates of return that would equate an initial investment of $1,000 to the
redemption value of that investment as of the last day of each of the periods.
The ending date for each period for which total return quotations are provided
will be for the most recent calendar quarter-end practicable, considering the
type of the communication and the media through which it is communicated.
Standard average annual total returns are calculated using Fund values that we
calculate each Business Day. The average total-return figures assume
reinvestment of all dividends and distributions during the period. Total return
is calculated according to the following formula:
22
<PAGE> 36
TR = ((ERV/P)(1/N))-1
Where:
TR = the average annual total return;
ERV = the ending redeemable value (net of any
applicable surrender charge) of the
hypothetical account at the end of the
period;
P = a hypothetical initial payment of [$1,000];
and
N = the number of years in the period.
OTHER TOTAL RETURNS. From time to time, we also may quote nonstandard average
annual total returns (which means that the returns will not reflect the standard
elements described above) in sales literature or advertisements. Other total
returns are calculated in exactly the same way as average annual total returns
described above, except that the periods involved may differ.
USE OF INDICES. From time to time, we may present the performance of certain
historical indexes in advertisements or sales literature. We also may compare
the performance of these indices to the Fund's performance.
OTHER INFORMATION. The following is a partial list of publications that may be
noted in the Fund's sales literature or shareholder materials that contain
articles describing investment results or other data relative to one or more of
the insurance products that purchase Fund shares. Other publications may also be
cited.
Across the Board Advertising Age
American Banker Barron's
Best's Review Broker World
Business Insurance Business Month
Business Week Changing Times
Consumer Reports The Economist
Financial Planning Financial World
Forbes Fortune
Inc. Institutional Investor
Insurance Forum Insurance Sales
Insurance Week Journal of Accountancy
Journal of the American Society of CLU & ChFC Journal of Commerce
Life Insurance Selling Life Association News
Manager's Magazine MarketFacts
Money Morningstar, Inc.
National Underwriter Nation's Business
New Choices (formerly 50 Plus) The New York Times
Pensions & Investments Pension World
Rough Notes Round the Table
U.S. Banker VARDs
The Wall Street Journal Working Woman
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
KPMG LLP, 345 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10154 is the Fund's independent auditor.
The financial statements for the Fund have been examined and audited by KPMG LLP
for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1998.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
On [April 15, 1999], The Travelers and its affiliates owned 100% of the Fund's
outstanding shares. The Travelers is a stock insurance company chartered in 1864
in Connecticut and has been continuously engaged in the insurance
23
<PAGE> 37
business since that time. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Travelers
Insurance Group Inc., which is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of CitiGroup
Inc., a financial services holding company. The Travelers' home office is
located at One Tower Square, Hartford, Connecticut 06183, telephone number
860-277-0111.
First Data Investor Services Group, Inc., 53 State Street, 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 Morgan Stanley Trust
Company, One Pierrepont Plaza, Brooklyn, NY, 11201 are the Fund's custodians.
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 SEC, which investors may obtain
from the SEC's principal office in Washington, D.C. upon payment of the fee
prescribed by the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC. Otherwise,
investors may obtain the Fund's registration for free by accessing the SEC's
website at http//www.sec.gov.
24
<PAGE> 38
APPENDIX
COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
The Fund's investments in commercial paper are limited to those rated A-1 or A-2
by S&P or PRIME-1 or PRIME-2 by 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.
Commercial paper rated A-2 by S&P indicates that capacity for timely payment is
strong. However, the relative degree of safety is not as overwhelming as for
issues designated A-1.
Commercial paper rated 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.
Commercial paper rated PRIME-2 has a strong capacity for repayment of short-term
promissory obligations.
PREFERRED STOCK RATINGS
MOODY'S PREFERRED STOCK RATINGS
Preferred stock ratings and their definitions are as follows:
1. aaa: An issue that is rated aaa is considered to be a top-quality preferred
stock. This rating indicates good asset protection and the least risk of
dividend impairment within the universe of preferred stocks.
2. aa: An issue that is rated aa is considered a high-grade preferred stock.
This rating indicates that there is a reasonable assurance that earnings and
asset protection will remain relatively well maintained in the foreseeable
future.
3. a: An issue that is rated a is considered to be an upper-medium grade
preferred stock. While risks are judged to be somewhat greater than in the aaa
and aa classification, earnings and asset protection are, nevertheless, expected
to be maintained at adequate levels.
4. baa: An issue that is rated baa is considered to be a medium-grade preferred
stock, neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Earnings and asset
protection appear adequate at present but may be questionable over any great
length of time.
5. ba: An issue that is rated ba is considered to have speculative elements and
its future cannot be considered well assured. Earnings and asset protection may
be very moderate and not well safeguarded during adverse periods. Uncertainty of
position characterizes preferred stocks in this class.
A-1
<PAGE> 39
6. b: An issue that is rated b generally lacks the characteristics of a
desirable investment. Assurance of dividend payments and maintenance of other
terms of the issue over any long period of time may be small.
7. caa: An issue that is rated caa is likely to be in arrears on dividend
payments. This rating designation does not purport to indicate the future status
of payments.
8. ca: An issue that is rated ca is speculative in a high degree and is likely
to be in arrears on dividends with little likelihood of eventual payments.
9. c: This is the lowest rated class of preferred or preference stock. 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 rating classification:
the modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its
generic rating category, the modifier 2 indicates a midrange ranking, and the
modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating
category.
CORPORATE BOND RATINGS
S&P CORPORATE BOND RATINGS
An S&P corporate bond rating is a current assessment of the creditworthiness of
an obligor, including obligors outside the United States, 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
A-2
<PAGE> 40
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 likely will have some quality and protective characteristics, these
are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse
conditions.
MOODY'S CORPORATE BOND RATINGS
Moody's ratings are as follows:
1. Aaa - Bonds that are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They
carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as
"gilt-edge". Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally
stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements are
likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are not likely to impair the
fundamentally strong position of such issues.
2. 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. Aa bonds are rated lower than Aaa bonds because margins of
protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities, fluctuation of protective
elements may be of greater amplitude, or there may be other elements present
that make the long term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
3. 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 sometime in the future.
4. Baa - Bonds that are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations,
that is, they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments
and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in
fact have speculative characteristics as well.
5. 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.
6. B - Bonds that are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
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 midrange ranking; and the modifier 3
indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating category.
Fitch Corporate Bond Ratings
Fitch ratings are as follows -
1. AAA - Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit
quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest and
repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable
events.
A-3
<PAGE> 41
2. AA - Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit quality.
The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is very strong,
although not quite as strong as bonds rated "AAAA(approximately equal to)."
Because bonds rated
3. in the "AAAA(approximately equal to)" and "AAA(approximately equal to)"
categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable future developments,
short-term debt of these issuers is generally rated "AF-l+(approximately equal
to)."
4. A - Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality. The
obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be
strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and
circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
5. BBB - Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered
to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances,
however, are more likely to have adverse impact on these bonds, and therefore
impair timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings of these bonds will fall
below investment grade is higher than for bonds with higher ratings.
6. BB - Bonds are considered speculative. The obligor's ability to pay interest
and repay principal may be affected over time by adverse economic changes.
However, business and financial alternatives can be identified which could
assist the obligor in satisfying its debt service requirements.
7. B - Bonds are considered highly speculative. While bonds in this class are
currently meeting debt service requirements, the probability of continued timely
payment of principal and interest reflect the obligor's limited margin of safety
and the need for reasonable business and economic activity through out the life
of the issue.
8. CCC - Bonds have certain identifiable characteristics which, if not remedied,
may lead to default. The ability to meet obligations requires an advantageous
business and economic environment.
9. CC - Bonds are minimally protected. Default in payment of interest and/or
principal seems probable over time.
10. C - Bonds are in imminent default in payment of interest or principal.
11. DDD, DD AND D - Bonds are in default on interest and/or principal payments.
Such bonds are extremely speculative and should be valued on the basis of their
ultimate recovery value in liquidation or reorganization of the obligor.
"ADDD(approximately equal to)" represents the highest potential for recovery on
these bonds, and "AD(approximately equal to)" represents the lowest potential
for recovery.
PLUS (+) MINUS (-) - Plus and minus signs are used with a rating symbol to
indicate the relative position of a credit within the rating category. Plus and
minus signs, however, are not used in the "AAAA,(approximately equal to)"
"ADDD,. "ADD,(approximately equal to)" or "AD(approximately equal to)"
categories.
A-4
<PAGE> 42
PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Item 23. Exhibits
--------
<S> <C>
(a) 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.)
(b) 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.)
(d) 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.)
(g)(1) Form of Custody Agreement between the Registrant and PNC Bank,
N.A., of Lester, PA. (Incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 8(a) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-1, File No. 2-76640, filed
April 22, 1998.)
(g)(2) Form of Subcustody Agreement between Morgan Stanley Trust
Company and Subcustodian. (Incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 8(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-1, File No. 2-76640, filed
April 22, 1998.)
(h)(1) 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.
(h)(2) Form of Transfer Agency and Registrar Agreement between the
Trust and First Data Investor Services Group, Inc.
(Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 9(b) to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to the Registration Statement on
Form N-1, File No. 2-76640, filed April 22, 1998.)
(i) 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 March 24, 1998.)
(j)(1) Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Independent
Accountants. To be filed by amendment.
(j)(2) Consent of KPMG LLP, Independent Certified Public
Accountants. To be filed by amendment
(j)(3) 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 11(B) to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 to the Registration Statement on
Form N-1A filed on April 11, 1996.)
(j)(4) 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.
(n) Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 43
Item 24. Persons Controlled By or Under Common Control With the Registrant
Not Applicable.
Item 25. 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 (the "Act') 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> 44
Item 26. 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 **
Chief Investment Officer
David A. Tyson Director, President and Senior Vice President *
Chief Investment Officer
Joseph E. Rueli, Jr. Director, Senior Vice President Vice President*
and Chief Financial Officer
F. Denney Voss Director and Senior Vice Senior Vice President*
President
John R. Britt Director and Secretary Assistant Secretary *
Glenn N. Marchak Senior Vice President
Joseph M. Mullally Senior Vice President Vice President*
David Amaral Vice President Assistant Director*
John R. Calcagni Vice President Second Vice President*
Allen R. Cantrell Vice President
A. William Carnduff Vice President
Gene Collins Vice President Vice President*
Angela Pellegrini Degis Vice President
Craig Farnsworth Vice President
Bruce E. Fox Vice President
Carl Franzetti Vice President
Kothandaraman Ganesh Vice President
John F. Gilsenan Vice President
Kimerly M. Polak Guerrero Vice President
John F. Green Vice President Second Vice President*
Thomas Hajdukiewicz Vice President Vice President*
Edward Hinchliffe III Vice President and Cashier Second Vice President and Cashier*
Richard E. John Vice President Vice President*
Kathryn D. Karlic Vice President Vice President*
Kurt Lin Vice President
David R. Martin Vice President
Paul A. Mataras Vice President
David R. Miller Vice President Vice President*
Robert E. Mills Vice President
Emil J. Molinaro Vice President Vice President*
John W. Petchler Vice President
Steven A. Rosen Vice President
Andrew Sanford Vice President Investment Officer*
Eric L. Sappenfield Vice President
Charles H. Silverstein Vice President Second Vice President*
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 45
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Robert Simmons Vice President Assistant Investment Officer*
Jordan M. Stitzer Vice President Vice President*
Joel Strauch Vice President Vice President*
Teresa M. Torrey Vice President
Pamela D. Westmoreland Vice President
William M. Gardner Assistant Vice President
Jeremy C. Hughes Assistant Vice President
Matthew J. McInerny Assistant Vice President
Lisa A. Thomas Assistant Vice President
William H. White Treasurer Vice President and Treasurer *
Charles B. Chamberlain Assistant Treasurer Assistant Treasurer *
George M. Quaggin, Jr. Assistant Treasurer Assistant Treasurer *
Marla A. Berman Assistant Secretary Assistant Secretary**
Andrew Feldman Assistant Secretary Senior Counsel*
Millie Kim Assistant Secretary Senior Counsel*
Patricia A. Uzzel Compliance Officer Assistant Director*
Frank J. Fazzina Controller Director *
</TABLE>
* Positions are held with The Travelers Insurance Company, One Tower Square,
Hartford, Connecticut
** Positions held with Travelers Investment Group Inc., 388 Greenwich Street,
New York, N.Y.
Item 27. Principal Underwriter
Not Applicable.
Item 28. Location of Accounts and Records
(1) Mutual Management Corp.
388 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10013
(2) PNC Bank, N. A.
200 Stevens Drive
Lester, PA 19113
(3) Morgan Stanley Trust Company
One Pierrepont Plaza
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(4) First Data Investor Services Group, Inc.
53 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
<PAGE> 46
Item 29. Management Services
Not Applicable.
Item 30. 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> 47
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment
Company Act of 1940, the Registrant, High Yield Bond Trust, 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 the 10th day of February, 1999.
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 the 10th day of February, 1999.
*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: /s/Ernest J. Wright, Attorney-in-Fact
Secretary, Board of Trustees
<PAGE> 48
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
No. Description Method of Filing
- ------- -------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
NOT APPLICABLE
</TABLE>
