<PAGE>
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[LOGO OF EMPIRE BUILDER]
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3435 Stelzer Road
Columbus, Ohio 43219
1-800-847-5886
Dear Shareholder,
We are pleased to present The Empire Builder Tax Free Bond Fund Annual
Report for the year ended February 29, 2000.
Our economy continues to be robust with little signs of weakening. Because
of the strong economy, the Federal Reserve Board raised rates three times in
1999 and twice this year already. The first three rate increases resulted in a
price decline for the portfolio. However, the last two rate increases had just
the opposite effect; and the price has been climbing steadily since year-end.
This is attributable to the inverse Government bond curve. With the Federal
Reserve Board trying to engineer a soft landing for the economy, we believe that
they will raise rates again this year. Despite above-average productivity gains,
inflation (although controlled) is showing signs of rising slightly because of
increased energy costs and the shortage of labor.
In our opinion, The Empire Builder Tax Free Bond Fund is well-positioned
for the upcoming year. The no-load structure continues to offer value to the
shareholder because there is no charge to purchase units. We also recommend our
automatic investment program (also known as dollar cost averaging*) that allows
you to follow a disciplined investment plan. Please call the customer service
desk at 1-800-847-5886 for information on how to participate. We look forward to
helping you meet your investment needs.
Sincerely,
/S/ Seth M. Glickenhaus
Seth M. Glickenhaus
President
*Dollar cost averaging does not insure a profit and does not protect against
loss in declining markets. An investor should consider his or her financial
ability to continue making additional investments through periods of low share
price levels.
This report must be preceeded or accompanied by a prospectus. For more complete
information including charges and expenses, please call 1-800-847-5886 to
receive a prospectus. Read the prospectus carefully before investing or sending
money.
The fund's income may be subject to certain state and local taxes and, depending
on your tax status, the federal alternative minimum tax (AMT).
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
NOT FDIC INSURED. MAY LOSE VALUE. NO BANK GUARANTEE.
<PAGE>
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[LOGO OF EMPIRE BUILDER]
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TAX FREE BOND FUND
MARKET CONDITIONS DURING THE FUND'S MOST RECENT FISCAL YEAR.
Interest rates in the long-term government bond market for the fiscal year ended
February 29, 2000 started at 5.57% and peaked at 6.74% on January 18, 2000. The
fiscal year ended with the rate of 6.14% -- 57 basis points above the February
28, 1999 level of 5.57%. This can be characterized as a volatile market; and
consequentially, we saw the value of investment grade New York tax-exempt bonds
move up and down. The market's volatility resulted in higher rates, which
decreased the value of our holdings. During the fiscal year, the Federal Reserve
Board raised the "Federal Fund" rate several times. As a result, interest rates
have trended higher.
We try to enhance the value of the Fund whenever possible. We continue to
manage the Fund conservatively taking advantage of opportunities that arise in
the marketplace due to interest rate movements and quality enhancements.
The following graphs illustrate the total return based on a $10,000
investment in Builder Class shares of the Fund made February 28, 1989 and a
$20,000 investment in Premier Class shares of the Fund made at the commencement
date of April 15, 1996, held in each through February 29, 2000, as well as the
performance of the Lehman Municipal Bond Index over the same period.
The Lehman Municipal Bond Index includes 25,000 long-term, investment
grade, municipal bonds. In the opinion of the Fund's adviser, this index most
accurately represents the performance of the broad municipal bond market.
However, there are substantial differences between the index and the Fund.
First, the index covers municipal bonds nationwide, whereas the Fund invests
only in New York tax exempt bonds. Second, the index does not reflect the cost
and expenses of actually obtaining the underlying bonds. Third, the index had a
higher level of volatility than the Fund during the ten years ended December 31,
1998, as measured by Beta. Finally, the index represents an unmanaged portfolio
whereas the Fund is professionally managed.
The graphs assume all dividends and distributions are reinvested at net
asset value. Past performance is not predictive of future performance.
The Fund's Builder Class shares' average annual total return for the
periods indicated was as follows:
-4.39% for the one-year period beginning March 1, 1999 and ended
February 29, 2000.
+4.19% for the five-year period beginning March 1, 1995 and ended
February 29, 2000.
+5.79% for the ten-year period beginning March 1, 1990 and ended
February 29, 2000.
2
<PAGE>
EB Tax Free Bond - Builder
Growth Of $10,000 Investment
As Of 2/29/00
[LINE GRAPH]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EB Tax Free Bond - Builder - Builder
Inception Date 6/1/84 Date Growth of $10,000 No Load Growth of $10,000 With Load
---- ------------------------- ---------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
3/31/99 33,954.58
4/30/99 33,998.03
5/31/99 33,680.73
6/30/99 33,164.65
7/31/99 33,214.38
8/31/99 32,791.59
9/30/99 32,677.94
10/31/99 32,053.97
11/30/99 32,605.11
12/31/99 32,168.67
1/31/00 31,913.68
2/29/00 32,452.91
</TABLE>
The Fund's Premier class shares' average annual total return for the
periods indicated was as follows:
(4.12%) for the one-year period beginning March 1, 1999 and ended
February 29, 2000;
+3.89% for the period beginning April 15, 1996 (commencement of
operations) and ended February 28, 1999;
EB Tax Free Bond - Premier
Growth Of $10,000 Investment
As Of 2/29/00
[LINE GRAPH]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EB Tax Free Bond - Premier - Premier
Inception Date 6/1/84 Date Growth of $10,000 No Load Growth of $10,000 With Load
---- ------------------------- ---------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
3/31/99 34,225.75
4/30/99 34,258.15
5/31/99 33,946.79
6/30/99 33,436.47
7/31/99 33,495.91
8/31/99 33,078.10
9/30/99 32,972.01
10/31/99 32,351.31
11/30/99 32,916.20
12/31/99 32,485.16
1/31/00 32,234.03
2/29/00 32,781.77
</TABLE>
3
<PAGE>
THE EMPIRE BUILDER TAX FREE BOND FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS -- FEBRUARY 29, 2000
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Credit Principal Value
Ratings** Municipal Securities -- 98.8% Amount (Note 2)
---------- ---------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
NEW YORK CITY--(4.6%)
Aaa/AAA New York City General Obligation, Series
B, 5.25%, 8/1/2017, Callable 8/1/2007
@ 101, (AMBAC)........................ $ 1,200,000 $ 1,098,000
Aaa/Aaa New York City General Obligation, Series
B, 5.375%, 8/1/2022 Callable 8/1/2007
@ 101, (MBIA)......................... 1,250,000 1,134,375
Aaa/Aaa New York City General Obligation, Series
H, 5.375%, 8/1/2027 Callable 8/1/2008
@ 101, (FSA).......................... 1,965,000 1,763,588
A3/A- New York City General Obligation, Series
K, 5.375%, 8/1/2020 Callable 8/1/2009
@ 101................................. 1,000,000 898,750
-------------
TOTAL NEW YORK CITY..................... 4,894,713
-------------
NEW YORK CITY AGENCIES--(6.1%)
New York City Municipal Water Authority
(2.3%)
Aaa/Aaa New York City Municipal Water Finance
Authority, Series B, 5.25%,
6/15/2029, Callable 6/15/2007 @ 101,
(AMBAC)............................. 2,750,000 2,423,438
New York City Transitional Finance
Authority (3.8%)
Aa3/Aa Series A, 5.75%, 8/15/2024, Callable
8/15/2009 @ 101..................... 1,000,000 963,750
Aa3/AA Series C, 5.00%, 5/1/2016, Callable
5/1/2008 @ 101...................... 2,440,000 2,202,100
Aa3/Aa Series C, 5.50%, 5/1/2025, Callable
5/1/2009 @ 101...................... 1,000,000 918,750
-------------
TOTAL NEW YORK CITY AGENCIES............ 6,508,038
-------------
NEW YORK STATE--(4.2%)
A2/AAA New York State General Obligation,
Series B, 5.00%, 3/1/2017 Callable
3/1/2008 @ 101, (AMBAC)............... 5,000,000 4,493,750
-------------
NEW YORK STATE AGENCIES--(61.0%)
Metropolitan Transit Authority (0.9%)
Aaa/Aaa Metropolitan Transit Authority, Series
A, 5.875%, 4/1/2019, Callable
4/1/2010 @ 100, (FGIC).............. 1,000,000 1,001,250
New York State Dormitory
Authority--(27.3%)
Baa1/A Albany County Airport, 5.25%,
4/1/2013, Callable 4/1/2008
@ 101............................... 1,200,000 1,135,500
Aaa/AAA City University, 5.00%, 7/1/2016,
Callable 7/1/2008 @ 101 (FGIC)...... 2,900,000 2,624,499
Aa1/AA+ Cornell University, Series A, 7.375%,
7/1/2020, Callable 7/1/2000 @ 102... 750,000 770,198
NR/AAA Heritage House Nursing Center, 7.00%,
8/1/2031, Callable 8/1/2001 @ 102,
(FHA)............................... 465,000 480,113
Aaa/AAA Memorial Sloan Kettering, 5.75%,
7/1/2019, Non Callable (MBIA)....... 1,000,000 992,500
Aaa/Aaa Mental Health Services Facilities,
Series D, 5.25%, 8/15/2024, Callable
8/15/2009 @ 101, (MBIA)............. 1,000,000 887,500
Aaa/Aaa Mental Health Services, Series B,
5.50%, 8/15/2017, Callable 2/15/2007
@ 102, (MBIA)....................... 3,400,000 3,229,999
Aaa/AAA Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, 6.75%,
7/1/2015, Callable 7/1/2001 @ 102,
(MBIA).............................. 2,250,000 2,323,125
Aaa/AAA New York Medical College, 5.25%,
7/1/2013, Callable 7/1/2008 @ 101,
(MBIA).............................. 1,015,000 969,325
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
4
<PAGE>
THE EMPIRE BUILDER TAX FREE BOND FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS -- FEBRUARY 29, 2000 -- CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Credit Principal Value
Ratings** Municipal Securities -- continued Amount (Note 2)
---------- ---------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
NEW YORK STATE AGENCIES -- CONTINUED
Aaa/AAA New York University, Series A, 6.00%,
7/1/2017, Non Callable, (MBIA)...... $ 1,000,000 $ 1,033,750
Aaa/AAA North Shore Health System, North Shore
University Hospital, 5.50%,
11/1/2014, Non Callable, (MBIA)..... 1,000,000 990,000
Nr/Aa Pratt Institute, 6.00%, 7/1/2028,
Callable 7/1/2009 @ 102, (Asset
Guaranty)........................... 1,560,000 1,528,800
Aaa/AAA Secured Hospital, Bronx-Lebanon
Hospital, 5.20%, 2/15/2014, Callable
2/15/2008 @ 101.5, (MBIA)........... 2,500,000 2,334,375
Aaa/AAA Secured Hospital, Southside Hospital,
5.00%, 2/15/2018, Callable 2/15/2008
@ 101.5, (MBIA)..................... 1,250,000 1,098,438
Aaa/AAA Special Acts School Districts Program,
6.00%, 7/1/2019 Callable 7/1/2005 @
102, (MBIA)......................... 3,540,000 3,557,699
Aaa/Aaa St Johns University, 5.70%, 7/1/2026,
Callable 7/1/2006 (MBIA) @ 102...... 1,000,000 961,250
Aaa/Aaa State University, 5.375%, 7/1/2021,
Calable 7/1/2008 @ 102, (MBIA)...... 1,690,000 1,571,700
A2/A State University, 5.125%, 7/1/2028,
Callable 7/1/2009 @ 101............. 1,995,000 1,668,319
Aaa/AAA Victory Memorial Hospital, 5.375%,
8/1/2025, Callable 8/1/2009 @ 101,
(MBIA).............................. 750,000 675,938
New York State Energy, Research &
Development (1.3%)
Aaa/AAA New York State Energy Research &
Development, Niagara Mohawk,
Pollution Control Revenue, 5.15%,
11/1/2025, Callable 11/1/2008 @ 102,
(AMBAC)............................. 1,600,000 1,404,000
New York State Environmental Facilities
Corp. (1.4%)
Aaa/AAA New York State Environmental
Facilities Corp., Water Pollution,
Control Revenue, Revolving Fund,
Water Pooled Loan, 5.90%, 1/15/2018,
Callable 1/15/2006 @ 102............ 1,510,000 1,515,663
New York State Housing Finance Agency
(3.6%)
Aa1/NR Multi-Family Housing, Secured Mortgage
Program, 6.45%, 8/15/2014, Callable
2/15/2004 @ 102, (SONYMA Insured)... 2,245,000 2,334,800
Aaa/Aaa New York State Housing Finance Agency,
Series A, 6.125%, 11/1/2020,
Callable 5/1/2006 @ 102, (FSA)...... 1,460,000 1,470,950
New York State Local Government
Assistance Corp. (4.5%)
Aaa/AAA New York State Local Government
Assistance Corp., Series B, 5.00%,
4/1/2021, Callable 4/1/2008 @ 101,
(MBIA).............................. 5,500,000 4,778,125
New York State Medical Care Facilities
Finance Agency (6.0%)
Aaa/AAA Hospital and Nursing Home, St.
Vincent's Hospital Project, 6.20%,
2/15/2021, Callable 2/15/2004 @ 102,
(AMBAC)(FHA)........................ 1,060,000 1,075,900
Aaa/AAA Long Term Health Care, 6.50%,
11/1/2015, Callable 11/1/2002 @ 102,
(FSA)(SONYMA Insured)............... 2,245,000 2,320,768
A3/A- Mental Health Services Facilities,
7.625%, 2/15/2008, Callable
2/15/2000 @ 100..................... 325,000 329,063
A3/A- Mental Health Services Facilities,
7.875%, 8/15/2020, Callable
8/15/2000 @ 102..................... 385,000 396,912
Aaa/AAA St. Mary's Hospital Project, Series A,
6.20%, 11/1/2014, Callable 11/1/2003
@ 102, (AMBAC)...................... 2,100,000 2,155,124
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
5
<PAGE>
THE EMPIRE BUILDER TAX FREE BOND FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS -- FEBRUARY 29, 2000 -- CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Credit Principal Value
Ratings** Municipal Securities -- continued Amount (Note 2)
---------- ---------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
NEW YORK STATE AGENCIES -- CONTINUED
New York State Mortgage Agency (4.7%)
Aa1/NR Homeowner, Series 72, 5.30%, 4/1/2027,
Callable 7/1/2008 @ 101............. $ 5,500,000 $ 4,936,250
New York State Thruway Authority (5.0%)
Aaa/AAA Highway & Bridge, Series A, 5.125%,
4/1/2016, Callable 4/1/2009 @ 101,
(FGIC).............................. 5,690,000 5,249,025
New York State Urban Development
Corporation (2.7%)
Baa1/A Empire State Development Corporation,
University Facilities Grants, 6.00%,
1/1/2008, Non Callable.............. 850,000 880,813
Baa1/A Empire State Development Corporation,
University Facilities Grants, 6.00%,
1/1/2009, Non Callable.............. 905,000 937,806
Baa1/A Youth Facilities, 5.75%, 4/1/2008,
Callable 4/1/2005 @ 102............. 1,000,000 1,018,750
Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority
(3.6%)
A1/A- Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority,
Special Obligation, Series B, 7.10%,
1/1/2010, Callable 1/1/2001 @ 102... 3,725,000 3,854,816
-------------
TOTAL NEW YORK STATE AGENCIES........... 64,493,043
-------------
OTHER NEW YORK STATE BONDS--(16.2%)
Baa1/NR Albany Housing Authority, Ltd.
Obligation, 6.25%, 10/1/2012, Callable
10/1/2005 @ 102....................... 1,000,000 1,035,000
Aaa/AAA Buffalo Municipal Water Finance
Authority, Water System Revenue,
5.75%, 7/1/2019, Callable 7/1/2005 @
102, (FGIC)........................... 500,000 490,625
Aaa/AAA Evans, General Obligation, 6.80%,
4/15/2012, Non Callable, (AMBAC)...... 225,000 253,125
Aaa/AAA Evans, General Obligation, 6.80%,
4/15/2013, Non Callable, (AMBAC)...... 225,000 252,563
NR/AAA Lillian Cooper Housing Development Corp.
Mortgage Revenue, Series A,7.00%,
1/1/2022, Callable 7/1/2001 @ 100,
(FNMA) (FHA).......................... 1,100,000 1,119,250
Aaa/Aaa Long Island Power Authority, 5.25%,
12/1/26, Callable 6/1/08 @ 101,
(MBIA)................................ 2,345,000 2,075,324
NR/AAA Monroe County Industrial Development
Agency Civic Facility, Nazareth
College, 5.25%, 4/1/2023, Callable
4/1/2008 @ 101, (MBIA)................ 500,000 448,125
Aaa/AAA Mount Sinai Union Free School District,
General Obligation, 6.20%, 2/15/2012,
Non Callable, (AMBAC)................. 1,065,000 1,140,881
Aaa/AAA North Hempstead, General Obligation,
Series B, 6.375%, 4/1/2009, Non
Callable, (FGIC)...................... 570,000 615,600
Aaa/AAA North Hempstead, General Obligation,
Series B, 6.40%, 4/1/2010, Non
Callable, (FGIC)...................... 560,000 606,900
NR/AAA Oneida County Industrial Development
Agency, Mohawk Valley Network, Faxton
Hospital, 5.00%, 1/1/2013, Callable
1/1/2008 @ 101, (FSA)................. 1,250,000 1,167,188
NR/AAA Oneida County Industrial Development
Agency, Mohawk Valley Network, St
Luke's Memorial Hospital, 5.00%,
1/1/2013, Callable 1/1/2008 @ 101,
(FSA)................................. 2,000,000 1,867,499
Aaa/AAA Oneida County, General Obligation,
0.00%, 4/15/2015, Non Callable,
(AMBAC)............................... 500,000 205,625
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
6
<PAGE>
THE EMPIRE BUILDER TAX FREE BOND FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS -- FEBRUARY 29, 2000 -- CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Credit Principal/Shares Value
Ratings** Municipal Securities -- 98.8% Amount (Note 2)
---------- ---------------------------------------- ---------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
OTHER NEW YORK STATE BONDS--CONTINUED
Aaa/AAA Suffolk County General Obligation,
Series C, 5.00%, 9/15/2015, Callable
9/15/2008 @ 101, (FGIC)............... $ 965,000 $ 880,563
Aaa/AAA Suffolk County General Obligation,
Series C, 5.00%, 9/15/2016, Callable
9/15/2008 @ 101, (FGIC)............... 550,000 497,750
Aaa/AAA Suffolk County General Obligation,
Series C, 5.00%, 9/15/2017, Callable
9/15/2008 @ 101, (FGIC)............... 480,000 430,200
Aaa/AAA Suffolk County General Obligation,
Series D, 5.00%, 11/1/2015, Callable
11/1/2008 @ 101, (FGIC)............... 1,125,000 1,026,563
Aaa/AAA Suffolk County General Obligation,
Series D, 5.00%, 11/1/2016, Callable
11/1/2008 @ 101, (FGIC)............... 1,110,000 1,003,163
Aaa/NR Upper Mohawk Valley Water Revenue,
5.75%, 8/1/2029, Callable 8/1/2009 @
101, (AMBAC).......................... 550,000 534,875
NR/A- Westchester County Industrial
Development Agency Civic Facility,
Lawrence Hospital, Series A, 5.125%,
1/1/2018, Callable 1/1/2008 @ 102..... 1,800,000 1,453,500
-------------
TOTAL OTHER NEW YORK STATE BONDS........ 17,104,319
-------------
OTHER MUNICIPAL BONDS--(6.7%)
Guam (5.9%)
Aaa/AAA Guam Government Limited Obligation
Highway Revenue,Series A, 6.25%,
5/1/2007, Callable 5/1/2002 @ 102,
(FSA)............................... 1,000,000 1,043,750
Aaa/AAA Guam Power Authority, Series A, 5.00%,
10/1/2024, Callable 10/1/2009 @ 101,
(AMBAC)............................. 6,000,000 5,242,500
Puerto Rico (0.8%)
Aaa/Aaa Puerto Rico Commonwealth of
Infrastructure Financing Authority,
Series A, 5.00%, 7/1/2028, Callable
1/1/2008 @ 101, (AMBAC)............. 1,000,000 861,250
-------------
TOTAL OTHER MUNICIPAL BONDS............. 7,147,500
-------------
TOTAL MUNICIPAL SECURITIES (Cost
$107,979,239)......................... 104,641,363
SHORT TERM INVESTMENTS--(0.0%)
Dreyfus New York Municipal Cash
Management Fund....................... 25,000 25,000
-------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $108,004,239)
(a) --98.8%........................... 104,666,363
OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF
LIABILITIES--1.2%..................... 1,316,840
-------------
TOTAL NET ASSETS--100.0%................ $ 105,983,203
=============
</TABLE>
------------------
Percentages indicated are based on net assets of $105,983,203.
(a) Represents cost for financial reporting purposes and differs from cost basis
for federal income tax purposes by the amount of losses reconized for
financial reporting in excess of federal income tax reporting of $67,449.
Cost for federal income tax purposes differs from the value by net
unrealized appreciation of securities as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Unrealized appreciation................. $ 1,026,223
Unrealized depreciation................. (4,431,548)
-------------
Net unrealized depreciation............. $ (3,405,325)
=============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
7
<PAGE>
THE EMPIRE BUILDER TAX FREE BOND FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS -- FEBRUARY 28, 2000 -- CONTINUED
**Credit Ratings given by Moody's Investors Service Inc. and Standard & Poor's
Corporation (unaudited).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MOODY'S STANDARD & POOR'S
<S> <C> <C>
Aaa AAA Instrument judged to be of the highest quality and carrying the smallest
amount of investment risk.
Aa AA Instrument judged to be of high quality by all standards.
A A Instrument judged to be adequate quality by all standards.
Baa BBB Instrument judged to be moderate quality by all standards.
NR NR Not Rated. In the opinion of the Investment Adviser, instrument judged to
be of comparable investment quality to rated securities which may be
purchased by the Fund.
</TABLE>
For items possessing the strongest investment attributes of their category,
Moody's gives that letter rating followed by a number. The Standard & Poor's
ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative
standing within the major rating categories.
ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THIS STATEMENT:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
AMBAC Insured as to principal and interest by the American Municipal Bond Assurance Corporation.
FGIC Insured as to principal and interest by the Financial Guarantee Insurance Corporation.
FHA Insured by the Federal Housing Administration.
FNMA Insured by the Federal National Mortgage Association.
FSA Insured as to principal and interest by Financial Security Assurance.
MBIA Insured as to principal and interest by the Municipal Bond Insurance Association.
SONYMA Insured as to principal and interest by the State of New York Mortgage Association.
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
8
<PAGE>
THE EMPIRE BUILDER TAX FREE BOND FUND
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
FEBRUARY 29, 2000
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
ASSETS:
Investments in securities, at value (cost $108,004,239) (Note 2)............................... $ 104,666,363
Interest receivable............................................................................ 1,583,386
Prepaid insurance and other assets............................................................. 15,472
--------------
Total Assets................................................................................. 106,265,221
LIABILITIES:
Income distribution payable.................................................... $ 14,368
Due to Custodian............................................................... 163,295
Advisory fee payable (Note 4).................................................. 33,478
Administrative services fee payable (Note 4)................................... 627
Other payables and accrued expenses............................................ 70,250
--------------
Total Liabilities............................................................................ 282,018
--------------
NET ASSETS....................................................................................... $ 105,983,203
==============
NET ASSETS:
Net assets consist of:
Paid-in capital................................................................................ $ 111,137,356
Accumulated net investment income.............................................................. 26,241
Accumulated net realized gain/(loss) on investments including futures contracts................ (1,842,518)
Net unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) on investments...................................... (3,337,876)
--------------
NET ASSETS....................................................................................... $ 105,983,203
==============
SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST:
Builder Class:
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding...................................... 3,085,712
==============
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share ($50,347,285 /
3,085,712 shares)............................................................ $ 16.32
==============
Premier Class:
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding...................................... 3,409,757
==============
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share ($55,635,918 /
3,409,757 shares)............................................................ $ 16.32
==============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
9
<PAGE>
THE EMPIRE BUILDER TAX FREE BOND FUND
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 29, 2000
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
INCOME:
Interest......................................................... $6,244,051
Dividend......................................................... 65,319
----------
6,309,370
EXPENSES:
Advisory fees (Note 4).............................. $ 446,484
Administrative services fees (Note 4)............... 215,978
Transfer agency and dividend disbursing fees
(Builder Class) (Note 4).......................... 190,119
Transfer agency and dividend disbursing fees
(Premier Class) (Note 4).......................... 39,363
Custody............................................. 45,367
Fund accounting fees and expenses (Note 4).......... 46,863
Trustees' fees and expenses......................... 20,291
Other............................................... 98,557
-----------
Total expenses.................................... 1,103,022
Less: Custody fee credit.......................... (45,118)
-----------
Total net expenses............................................... 1,057,904
----------
INVESTMENT INCOME--NET............................................. 5,251,466
----------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS
(NOTES 2 AND 3)
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments including
futures contracts................................. (1,835,956)
Net increase/(decrease) in unrealized
appreciation/(depreciation) on investments
including futures contracts....................... (8,493,207)
-----------
Net gain/(loss) on investments................................. (10,329,163)
----------
NET DECREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS............... $(5,077,697)
==========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
10
<PAGE>
THE EMPIRE BUILDER TAX FREE BOND FUND
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended Year Ended
02/29/00 02/28/99
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS:
OPERATIONS:
Net investment income........................... $ 5,251,466 $ 5,252,776
Net realized gain/(loss) on investments
including futures contracts................... (1,835,956) 635,538
Net increase/(decrease) in unrealized
appreciation/(depreciation) on investments
including futures contracts................... (8,493,207) 63,642
------------ ------------
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets resulting
from operations............................... (5,077,697) 5,951,956
------------ ------------
Distributions to shareholders from:
Net investment income--Builder Class............ (2,403,704) (2,403,280)
Net investment income--Premier Class............ (2,847,747) (2,849,513)
Net realized gains on investments--Builder
Class......................................... (81,511) (1,441,318)
Net realized gains on investments--Premier
Class......................................... (91,093) (1,596,797)
------------ ------------
Total distributions............................. (5,424,055) (8,290,908)
------------ ------------
CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS:
Proceeds from sale of shares--Builder Class..... 2,843,152 6,124,440
Proceeds from sale of shares--Premier Class..... 1,818,926 4,544,716
Proceeds from reinvestment of income and capital
gains distributions--Builder Class............ 2,236,662 3,506,757
Proceeds from reinvestment of income and capital
gains distributions--Premier Class............ 2,554,586 3,997,271
Cost of shares redeemed--Builder Class.......... (7,378,777) (9,989,948)
Cost of shares redeemed--Premier Class.......... (6,856,669) (8,107,383)
------------ ------------
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from
capital share transactions.................... (4,782,120) 75,853
------------ ------------
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets........... (15,283,872) (2,263,099)
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period............................. 121,267,075 123,530,174
------------ ------------
End of period................................... $105,983,203 $121,267,075
============ ============
Undistributed net investment income included in
net assets at end of period................... $ 26,241 $ 26,226
============ ============
SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
Issued--Builder Class........................... 167,065 336,821
Issued--Premier Class........................... 106,750 250,625
Reinvested--Builder Class....................... 132,492 193,953
Reinvested--Premier Class....................... 151,284 221,064
Redeemed--Builder Class......................... (436,684) (551,232)
Redeemed--Premier Class......................... (409,232) (447,532)
------------ ------------
Change in shares................................ (288,325) 3,699
============ ============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
11
<PAGE>
THE EMPIRE BUILDER TAX FREE BOND FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. DESCRIPTION AND SHARES OF THE FUND:
The Empire Builder Tax Free Bond Fund (the "Fund") was established as a
Massachusetts business trust by an Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated
September 30, 1983. The Fund is registered under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended, as an open-end, non-diversified investment company. The Fund
has an unlimited number of shares authorized with no par value.
The Fund seeks as high a level of current income exempt from Federal income
tax and New York State and City personal income taxes as the Fund's investment
adviser believes is consistent with the preservation of capital. The Fund
invests primarily in a portfolio of New York tax-exempt bonds.
The Fund offers two classes of shares; the Builder Class and the Premier
Class. Builder Class shares offer a higher level of shareholder services and
features. Premier Class shares offer fewer services and features, and require a
higher minimum investment, but benefit from a lower level of expenses.
Each class of shares outstanding bears the same dividend, liquidation and
other rights and conditions, except that the Builder Class shares and the
Premier Class shares bear separate transfer agency expenses. Each class of
shares has exclusive voting rights with respect to matters affecting only that
class.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by
the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. The policies are in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
USE OF ESTIMATES
Estimates and assumptions are required to be made regarding assets,
liabilities and changes in net assets resulting from operations when financial
statements are prepared. Changes in the economic environment, financial markets
and any other parameters used in determining these estimates could cause actual
results to differ from these amounts.
SECURITY VALUATION
Tax-exempt securities for which transaction prices are not readily
available are valued at their fair value as determined by an independent pricing
service approved by the Fund's Board of Trustees. The pricing service uses
information with respect to transactions in bonds, quotations from bond dealers,
market transactions in comparable securities and various relationships between
securities in determining value. The methods used by the pricing service and the
quality of valuations so established are reviewed by officers of the Fund and
the Fund's Investment Adviser, under the general supervision of the Trustees of
the Fund.
Securities for which quotations are readily available are stated at market
value. Short-term debt securities having remaining maturities of sixty
(60) days or less are stated at amortized cost, which approximates market value.
12
<PAGE>
THE EMPIRE BUILDER TAX FREE BOND FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
SECURITY TRANSACTIONS AND INVESTMENT INCOME
Security transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Interest income,
which includes amortization of premium and accretion of discounts, is accrued as
earned. Realized gains and losses from security transactions and unrealized
appreciation and depreciation of investments are determined on the basis of
identified cost.
TAXES
The Fund qualifies and intends to continue to qualify as a "regulated
investment company" under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, and to
distribute substantially all of its tax-exempt and taxable income. Therefore, no
federal income tax provision is required.
In addition, by distributing during each calendar year substantially all of
its net investment income, capital gains and certain other amounts, if any, the
Fund will not be subject to a federal excise tax.
FUTURE CONTRACTS
The Fund may purchase and sell financial futures contracts, options on such
futures contracts and options on securities indices to hedge against changes in
the value of New York tax exempt bonds the Fund owns or expects to purchase. The
Fund may also purchase and sell futures and options on U.S. Treasury securities
in order to hedge against interest rate changes or other general changes in
market values.
Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund is required to deposit cash
or pledge securities in an amount equal to a certain percentage of the purchase
price indicated in the futures contract (initial margin). Subsequent payments,
which are dependent on the daily fluctuations in the value of the underlying
security, are made or received by the Fund each day (daily variation margin) and
are recorded as unrealized gains or losses until the contracts are closed.
DISTRIBUTIONS AND DIVIDENDS
Distributions to shareholders from net investment income are declared daily
and paid monthly. The Fund also distributes at least annually substantially all
net capital gains, if any, realized from portfolio transactions.
The amounts of dividends from net investment income and of distributions
from net realized gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax
regulations, which may differ from generally accepted accounting principles.
These "book/tax" differences are either considered temporary or permanent in
nature. To the extent these differences are permanent in nature, such amounts
are reclassified within the composition of net assets based on their federal
tax-basis treatment; temporary differences do not require reclassification.
Dividends and distributions to shareholders which exceed net investment income
and net realized capital gains for financial reporting purposes but not for tax
purposes are reported as dividends in excess of net investment income or
distributions in excess of net realized gains. To the extent they exceed net
investment income and net realized gains for tax purposes, they are reported as
distributions of capital.
13
<PAGE>
THE EMPIRE BUILDER TAX FREE BOND FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE AND ALLOCATION OF EXPENSES
In calculating net asset value per share of each class, investment income
and expenses, other than class-specific expenses, are allocated daily to each
class of shares based on the value of outstanding settled shares.
OTHER
The Fund maintains a cash balance with its custodian and receives a
reduction of their custody fees and expenses for the amounts of interest earned
on such uninvested cash balance. There was no effect on net investment income.
The fund could have invested such cash amounts in an income-producing asset if
they had not agreed to a reduction of fees or expenses under the expense offset
arrangement with their custodian.
3. PURCHASES AND SALES OF INVESTMENT SECURITIES:
Purchases and sales of investment securities, excluding short-term
investments, for the year ended February 29, 2000, amounted to $100,460,439 and
$102,460,966, respectively.
4. ADVISORY FEES AND OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
The Fund retains Glickenhaus & Co. (the "Adviser") to act as investment
adviser pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement. As compensation for its
advisory services, the Adviser receives a fee computed daily and paid monthly,
at the annual rates of 0.40% of the first $100,000,000 of average daily net
assets and 0.3333% of any excess over $100,000,000.
Glickenhaus has agreed to a reduction of advisory fees to the extent that
the Fund's expenses, including the advisory fees, exceed 1.50% of the Fund's
average annual net assets. For the year ended February 29, 2000, there was no
reduction of advisory fees pursuant to this agreement.
BISYS Fund Sevices Ohio, Inc. ("BISYS" or the "Administrator"),
wholly-owned subsidiary of The BISYS Group, INC., serves as the fund's
administrator, transfer agent, fund accountant and assists the trust in all
aspects of its administration and operation. BISYS is entitled to receive fees
as well as be reimbursed for certain out-of-pocket expenses incurred for
providing these services.
5. OFF-BALANCE-SHEET RISK AND DERIVATIVES:
The Fund's use of futures contracts involves, to varying degrees, elements
of market risk in excess of the amount recognized in the statement of assets and
liabilities. Futures contracts are one type of derivative financial instrument
and are used by the Fund to hedge against changes in the values of New York
tax-exempt bonds that the Fund owns or expects to purchase. Although futures
contracts are not used by the Fund for the purpose of leveraging or speculating,
they can result in additional risks if used improperly. The objective in buying
or selling a derivative instrument is to increase or decrease a Fund's exposure
to changing security prices and interest rates. If the Adviser misjudges market
conditions or employs a strategy that does not correlate well with the Fund's
other investments; use of these derivatives could result in a loss, regardless
of the Adviser's original intent to reduce risk.
14
<PAGE>
THE EMPIRE BUILDER TAX FREE BOND FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED
6. FEDERAL INCOME TAX INFORMATION (UNAUDITED):
As of February 29, 2000, the Fund had net capital loss carry-forwards for
tax purposes of $914,809 which will be available through fiscal year end 2008 to
offset any future net capital gains.
Capital losses incurred after October 31, within the funds fiscal year is
deemed to arise on the first business day of the following fiscal year for tax
purposes. The Fund has incurred and will elect to defer such capital losses of
$860,261.
During the year ended February 29, 2000, the fund declared long-term
capital distributions of $172,604 and tax-exempt income distributions of
$5,281,845.
15
<PAGE>
THE EMPIRE BUILDER TAX FREE BOND FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
FOR A SHARE OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended Period Ended**
------------------- ------------------ ------------------ --------------------------
February 28, February 28,
February 29, 2000 February 28, 1999 February 28, 1998 1997 1997
------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ------------ ------------
Builder Premier Builder Premier Builder Premier Builder Premier
Class Class Class Class Class Class Class Class
------- -------- ------- -------- ------- -------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
Period....................... $ 17.88 $ 17.88 $ 18.22 $ 18.22 $ 17.73 $ 17.73 $ 17.96 $ 17.57
------- -------- ------- -------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Income from Investment
Operations:
Net investment income...... 0.78 0.84 0.75 0.80 0.79 0.84 0.84 0.75
Net realized and unrealized
gains (losses) on
securities............... (1.55) (1.56) 0.11 0.12 0.56 0.56 (0.10) 0.29
------- -------- ------- -------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Total from Investment
Operations............... (0.77) (0.72) 0.86 0.92 1.35 1.40 0.74 1.04
------- -------- ------- -------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Less Distributions:
Dividends from net
investment income........ (0.76) (0.81) (0.75) (0.81) (0.79) (0.84) (0.84) (0.75)
Distributions from net
realized capital gains... (0.03) (0.03) (0.45) (0.45) (0.07) (0.07) (0.13) (0.13)
------- -------- ------- -------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Total distributions........ (0.79) (0.84) (1.20) (1.26) (0.86) (0.91) (0.97) (0.88)
------- -------- ------- -------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Net Asset Value, End of
Period....................... $ 16.32 $ 16.32 $ 17.88 $ 17.88 $ 18.22 $ 18.22 $ 17.73 $ 17.73
======= ======== ======= ======== ======= ======== ======== ========
Total Return (excludes sales
charge)...................... (4.39)% (4.12)% 4.87% 5.17% 7.82% 8.08% 4.30% 6.03%(c)
Ratios/Supplementary Data:
Net Assets, End of Period
(in thousands)........... $50,347 $ 55,636 $57,610 $ 63,657 $59,091 $ 64,439 $ 59,133 $ 59,356
Ratios of Net Investment
Income to Average Net
Assets................... 4.47% 4.75% 4.15% 4.44% 4.42% 4.66% 4.81% 4.88%(b)
Ratios of Expenses to
Average Net Assets....... 1.08% 0.79% 1.11% 0.82% 1.06% 0.81% 1.03% 0.93%(b)
Ratios of Expenses to
Average Net Assets*...... 1.12% 0.83% 1.15% 0.86% 1.16% 0.91% 1.07% 0.97%(b)
Portfolio Turnover Rate.... 90.84% 90.84% 174.34% 174.34% 201.00% 201.00% 181.00% 181.00%
<CAPTION>
Year Ended
------------
February 29,
1996
------------
Builder
Class
------------
<S> <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of
Period....................... $ 17.31
--------
Income from Investment
Operations:
Net investment income...... 0.87
Net realized and unrealized
gains (losses) on
securities............... 0.65
--------
Total from Investment
Operations............... 1.52
--------
Less Distributions:
Dividends from net
investment income........ (0.87)
Distributions from net
realized capital gains... --
--------
Total distributions........ (0.87)
--------
Net Asset Value, End of
Period....................... $ 17.96
========
Total Return (excludes sales
charge)...................... 8.95%
Ratios/Supplementary Data:
Net Assets, End of Period
(in thousands)........... $117,860
Ratios of Net Investment
Income to Average Net
Assets................... 4.91%
Ratios of Expenses to
Average Net Assets....... 0.96%
Ratios of Expenses to
Average Net Assets*...... 1.01%
Portfolio Turnover Rate.... 150.00%
</TABLE>
------------------
* The ratio does not include a reduction of expenses for custodian fee credits
of cash balances maintained with the custodian.
** Premier Class commenced operations on April 15, 1996.
(a) Portfolio turnover is calculated on the basis on the Fund as a whole without
distinguishing between the classes of shares issued.
(b) Annualized.
(c) Not annualized.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
16
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Shareholders and Trustees
of The Empire Builder Tax Free Bond Fund
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including
the schedule of investments, and the related statements of operations and of
changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of The Empire Builder Tax Free Bond
Fund (the "Fund") at February 29, 2000, the results of its operations for the
year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the
period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the
period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States. These financial statements and financial highlights
(hereafter referred to as "financial statements") are the responsibility of the
Fund's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these
financial statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in
the United States, which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and signficant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits, which included confirmation of securities at February 29, 2000 by
correspondence with the custodian, provide a reasonable basis for the opinion
expressed above.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Columbus, Ohio
April 18, 2000
17
<PAGE>
[This page intentionally left blank]
18
<PAGE>
THE MANAGEMENT
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
TRUSTEES
SETH M. GLICKENHAUS,* CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
OF TRUSTEES
Senior Partner of Glickenhaus & Co.
EDWARD A. FALKENBERG, Trustee
Retired Vice President and Controller,
Joseph E. Seagram & Sons, Inc. and
Controller, Seagram Company Ltd.
EDWARD A. KUCZMARSKI, Trustee
Certified Public Accountant and Partner,
Hays & Company
ELIZABETH B. NEWELL, Trustee
Trustee, International Preschools
JOHN P. STEINES, Trustee
Professor of Law, New York University
School of Law
OFFICERS
SETH M. GLICKENHAUS
President of the Fund; Senior Partner of
Glickenhaus & Co.
MICHAEL J. LYNCH
Senior Vice President of the Fund; Director,
Unit Trust Department, Glickenhaus & Co.
FRANK M. DEUTCHKI
Vice President of the Fund; Vice President, Administration Services, BISYS Fund
Services
GEORGETTE L. HORTON
Vice President and Secretary of the Fund; Vice
President, BISYS Fund Services
GARY R. TENKMAN
Treasurer of the Fund; Vice President,
Financial Services, BISYS Fund Services
ALAINA V. METZ
Assistant Secretary of the Fund; Chief Administrative Officer, Administration
and Regulatory Services, BISYS Fund Services
* Trustee who is an "interested person" of the Fund as that term is defined in
the Investment Company Act of 1940.
THIS IS INSIDE BACK COVER
<PAGE>
[LOGO OF EMPIRE BUILDER]
3435 Stelzer Road
Columbus, Ohio 43219
1-800-847-5886
[LOGO OF EMPIRE BUILDER]
TAX FREE BOND FUND
ANNUAL REPORT
FEBRUARY 29, 2000
Investment Adviser and Distributor
GLICKENHAUS & CO.
6 East 43rd Street
New York, New York 10017
Administrator
BISYS FUND SERVICES OHIO, INC.
BISYS FUND SERVICES, INC.
3435 Stelzer Road
Columbus, Ohio 43219
Transfer and Shareholder Servicing Agent
BISYS FUND SERVICES, INC.
3435 Stelzer Road
Columbus, Ohio 43219
Custodian
INVESTORS FIDUCIARY TRUST COMPANY
127 West 10th Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64105
Legal Counsel
ROPES & GRAY
One International Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
Independent Accountants
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
100 E. Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Customer Service
3435 Stelzer Road
Columbus, Ohio 43219
1-800-847-5886
This report is submitted for the information of the shareholders of the Empire
Builder Tax Free Bond Fund. It is not authorized for distribution to prospective
investors in the Fund unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus,
obtainable from an investment dealer, which includes information regarding the
Fund's objectives and policies, record, management, sales commission and other
data.
100168