Semiannual Report - Financial Statements
T. Rowe Price
Tax-Free
Short-Intermediate
Fund
August 31, 1998
Portfolio Highlights
SECTOR DIVERSIFICATION
Percent of Percent of
Net Assets Net Assets
2/28/98 8/31/98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prerefunded Bonds 23% 29%
General Obligation - Local 11 12
Air and Sea Transportation Revenue 7 7
Nuclear Revenue 7 7
Lease Revenue 6 7
Hospital Revenue 8 6
Dedicated Tax Revenue 9 6
General Obligation - State 7 5
Solid Waste Revenue 5 4
Educational Revenue 4 4
Electrical Revenue 4 4
Industrial and Pollution Control Revenue 2 4
All Others 8 5
Other Assets Less Liabilities - 1 --
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Total 100% 100%
T. Rowe Price Tax-Free Short-Intermediate Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unaudited
For a share outstanding throughout each period
Financial Highlights
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 Months Year
Ended Ended
8/31/98 2/28/98 2/28/97 2/29/96 2/28/95 2/28/94
NET ASSET VALUE
Beginning of period $ 5.37 $ 5.35 $ 5.37 $ 5.25 $ 5.32 $ 5.36
Investment activities
Net investment
income 0.11 0.22 0.23 0.23 0.22 0.22
Net realized and
unrealized gain
(loss) 0.02 0.05 (0.02) 0.12 (0.07) (0.04)
Total from investment
activities 0.13 0.27 0.21 0.35 0.15 0.18
Distributions
Net investment
income (0.11) (0.22) (0.23) (0.23) (0.22) (0.22)
Net realized gain -- (0.03) -- -- -- --
Total distributions (0.11) (0.25) (0.23) (0.23) (0.22) (0.22)
NET ASSET VALUE
End of period $ 5.39 $ 5.37 $ 5.35 $ 5.37 $ 5.25 $ 5.32
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Ratios/Supplemental Data
Total return(C) 2.45% 5.28% 4.02% 6.87% 2.91% 3.49%
Ratio of expenses
to average net
assets 0.54%! 0.54% 0.56% 0.57% 0.59% 0.60%
Ratio of net investment
income to average
net assets 4.09%! 4.23% 4.30% 4.39% 4.19% 4.18%
Portfolio
turnover rate 19.3% 76.8% 84.3% 69.9% 93.1% 51.1%
Net assets,
end of period
(in thousands) $450,512 $438,951 $443,631 $445,228 $454,084 $540,728
(C) Total return reflects the rate that an investor would have earned on an
investment in the fund during each period, assuming reinvestment of all
distributions.
! Annualized.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
T. Rowe Price Tax-Free Short-Intermediate Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unaudited August 31, 1998
Statement of Net Assets
Par Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In thousands
ALABAMA 1.8%
Alabama Docks Dept. Fac.,
5.50%, 10/1/02 (MBIA Insured) $ 1,000 $ 1,060
Alabama Municipal Electric Auth.
5.75%, 9/1/01 (MBIA Insured) 3,000 3,153
Marshall County Health Care Auth.
Guntersville-Arab Medical Center
10.25%, 10/1/13 3,730 3,859
Total Alabama (Cost $8,016) 8,072
ARIZONA 1.5%
Arizona Transportation Board
6.35%, 7/1/05 (Prerefunded 7/1/01!) 6,400 6,935
Total Arizona (Cost $6,597) 6,935
CALIFORNIA 0.7%
Orange County Local
Transportation Auth., Sales Tax
5.00%, 2/15/02 (MBIA Insured) 3,110 3,234
Total California (Cost $3,199) 3,234
COLORADO 4.9%
Denver City and County Airport
6.00%, 11/15/03 (MBIA Insured) * 3,965 4,317
6.75%, 11/15/13 * 5,080 5,589
7.00%, 11/15/25 * 4,525 4,864
7.30%, 11/15/00 * 4,750 5,061
Univ. of Colorado Hosp. Auth.
6.25%, 11/15/12 (AMBAC Insured)
(Prerefunded 11/15/02!) 2,000 2,218
Total Colorado (Cost $21,668) 22,049
CONNECTICUT 3.2%
Connecticut,
Transportation Infrastructure
6.10%, 9/1/07 (Prerefunded 9/1/02!) 8,000 8,802
Connecticut Special Assessment
Unemployment Compensation
5.50%, 5/15/00 (AMBAC Insured) $ 5,300 $ 5,464
Total Connecticut (Cost $14,118) 14,266
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 0.3%
Washington D.C. Metropolitan Airport Auth.
6.00%, 10/1/00 (MBIA Insured) * 1,500 1,567
Total District of Columbia (Cost $1,537) 1,567
FLORIDA 3.6%
Dade County, Resource Recovery Fac.
6.00%, 10/1/99 (AMBAC Insured) * 5,000 5,129
Florida Board of Education
6.40%, 6/1/05 (Prerefunded 6/1/02!) 4,150 4,558
Jacksonville HFA,
Genesis Rehabilitation Hosp
VRDN (Currently 3.35%) 400 400
Reedy Creek Improvement Dist.,
Florida Utilities
5.00%, 10/1/02 (AMBAC Insured) 6,000 6,272
Total Florida (Cost $16,122) 16,359
GEORGIA 3.5%
Atlanta Airport Fac.,
5.50%, 1/1/01 (AMBAC Insured) 5,000 5,192
Monroe County Dev. Auth, PCR, Gulf Power
VRDN (Currently 3.85%) 400 400
Municipal Electric Auth. of Georgia
5.00%, 1/1/02 (MBIA Insured) 10,000 10,350
Total Georgia (Cost $15,612) 15,942
HAWAII 0.9%
Hawaii, GO, 6.25%, 3/1/02 (FGIC Insured) 3,800 4,087
Total Hawaii (Cost $3,969) 4,087
ILLINOIS 0.5%
Chicago-O'Hare Int'l. Airport,
Int'l. Terminal
7.25%, 1/1/00 (MBIA Insured) * 2,000 2,089
Total Illinois (Cost $2,061) 2,089
INDIANA 6.7%
Indiana HFFA
Clarion Health Partners
6.00%, 2/15/00 $ 5,330 $ 5,500
6.00%, 2/15/01 5,600 5,877
Indianapolis, Public Improvement
6.70%, 1/1/17 (Prerefunded 1/1/02!) 6,550 7,244
Indianapolis Airport Auth.,
Federal Express, 7.10%, 1/15/17 * 4,500 5,093
Indianapolis Gas Utility, Distribution System
5.00%, 8/15/02 (AMBAC Insured) 1,180 1,224
Purdue Univ.
6.75%, 7/1/11 (AMBAC Insured)
(Prerefunded 7/1/01!) 5,000 5,488
Total Indiana (Cost $29,911) 30,426
KENTUCKY 1.0%
Kenton County Airport Board,
Delta Airlines, 7.50%, 2/1/20 * 3,080 3,401
Kentucky Economic Dev. Fin. Auth.
Sisters of Charity of Nazareth
VRDN (Currently 3.55%) 1,000 1,000
Total Kentucky (Cost $4,376) 4,401
LOUISIANA 2.8%
Louisiana, GO
5.00%, 4/15/03 3,770 3,931
6.00%, 8/1/00 (FGIC Insured) 7,250 7,552
Louisiana PFA, Student Loan,
6.10%, 9/1/00 1,180 1,226
Total Louisiana (Cost $12,508) 12,709
MARYLAND 3.8%
Maryland Energy Fin. Administration
Wheelabrator
5.30%, 12/1/00 * 825 850
5.45%, 12/1/01 * 1,185 1,238
Maryland HHEFA
Francis Scott Key Medical Center
6.75%, 7/1/23 (FGIC Insured)
(Prerefunded 7/1/00!) $ 5,560 $ 5,970
Peninsula Regional Medical Center
4.60%, 7/1/02 955 978
Montgomery County, GO
Consolidated Public Improvement
6.80%, 11/1/00 (Prerefunded 11/1/99!) 3,315 3,505
Northeast Maryland Waste Disposal Auth.
Southwest Resource Recovery Fac.
7.00%, 1/1/01 (MBIA Insured) 1,000 1,069
7.05%, 1/1/02 (MBIA Insured) 2,430 2,661
Washington Suburban Sanitary Dist.,
GO, 5.00%, 6/1/00 800 818
Total Maryland (Cost $16,617) 17,089
MASSACHUSETTS 1.5%
Massachusetts, GO, 7.625%, 6/1/08
(Prerefunded 6/1/01!) 4,000 4,472
Massachusetts HEFA, 6.875%, 4/1/22
(Prerefunded 4/1/02!) 2,000 2,235
Total Massachusetts (Cost $6,478) 6,707
MICHIGAN 4.7%
Detroit Sewage Disposal,
5.00%, 7/1/02 (FGIC Insured) 7,400 7,676
Dickinson County Economic Dev. Corp.
Solid Waste Disposal, 6.55%, 3/1/07 7,210 7,645
Michigan Hosp. Fin. Auth.
Mercy Health
5.25%, 8/15/01 715 743
5.25%, 8/15/02 555 582
6.00%, 8/15/01 2,450 2,596
6.00%, 8/15/02 1,595 1,715
Total Michigan (Cost $20,634) 20,957
MISSISSIPPI 3.3%
Adams County, Jefferson Davis Memorial Hosp.
8.00%, 10/1/16 (Prerefunded 10/1/01!) 3,805 4,325
Mississippi Higher Ed. Assistance
Student Loan
6.00%, 7/1/00 $ 5,000 $ 5,145
6.10%, 1/1/01 5,000 5,186
Total Mississippi (Cost $14,460) 14,656
MISSOURI 1.8%
Sikeston Electric, 6.25%, 6/1/22
(MBIA Insured)
(Prerefunded 6/1/02!) 4,825 5,311
St. Louis, Lambert Int'l. Airport
6.00%, 7/1/02 (FGIC Insured) * 2,770 2,969
Total Missouri (Cost $8,136) 8,280
NEBRASKA 1.1%
University of Nebraska Fac.,
Deferred Maintenance
5.00%, 7/15/02 4,810 5,000
Total Nebraska (Cost $4,955) 5,000
NEVADA 1.6%
Clark County School Dist., GO,
6.00%, 6/15/02 (FGIC Insured) 6,570 7,051
Total Nevada (Cost $6,821) 7,051
NEW JERSEY 1.2%
New Jersey Transportation
Trust Fund Auth., 6.00%, 6/15/00 5,000 5,197
Total New Jersey (Cost $5,123) 5,197
NEW YORK 15.5%
Dormitory Auth. of the State of New York
City Univ.
5.50%, 7/1/03 2,860 3,023
9.25%, 7/1/00 5,180 5,667
Interfaith Medical Center,
5.00%, 2/15/03 2,210 2,283
Mental Health Services Fac.,
6.00%, 8/15/03 10,905 11,820
Wyckoff Heights Hosp.,
5.50%, 2/15/03 4,095 4,313
Metropolitan Transportation Auth.,
Commuter Fac.
5.00%, 7/1/04 (AMBAC Insured) $ 5,375 $ 5,629
Nassau County, GO,
6.30%, 11/1/02 (FGIC Insured) 3,295 3,600
New York City, GO
5.25%, 8/1/00 (Escrowed to Maturity) 5,900 6,062
5.25%, 8/1/03 12,040 12,639
6.75%, 8/1/04 4,300 4,864
7.00%, 8/1/04 4,000 4,570
New York City Municipal Water Fin. Auth.
Water and Sewer
6.50%, 6/15/20 (Prerefunded 6/15/02!) 5,000 5,514
Total New York (Cost $67,986) 69,984
OHIO 1.7%
Cuyahoga County, Univ. Hosp.
6.00%, 1/15/01 (MBIA Insured) 2,120 2,222
6.00%, 1/15/02 (MBIA Insured) 2,340 2,489
Ohio Building Auth. Adult Correctional Fac.
5.75%, 4/1/01 (AMBAC Insured) 2,920 3,063
Total Ohio (Cost $7,598) 7,774
PENNSYLVANIA 7.3%
Pennsylvania, GO, 5.125%, 9/15/03
(AMBAC Insured) 5,000 5,271
Pennsylvania Intergovernmental
Cooperative Auth.
Philadelphia Funding Program
5.75%, 6/15/00 (FGIC Insured) 5,000 5,176
6.00%, 6/15/02 (FGIC Insured) 5,000 5,368
Philadelphia, Water and Sewer
7.50%, 8/1/10 (Prerefunded 8/1/01!) 10,000 11,197
Pittsburgh, Water and Sewer
6.50%, 9/1/14 (FGIC Insured)
(Prerefunded 9/1/01!) 5,575 6,104
Total Pennsylvania (Cost $32,203) 33,116
SOUTH CAROLINA 5.4%
South Carolina Public Service Auth.
Santee Cooper
6.25%, 1/1/00 (AMBAC Insured) $ 3,000 $ 3,100
6.25%, 1/1/01 (AMBAC Insured) 2,000 2,109
6.50%, 7/1/24 (AMBAC Insured)
(Prerefunded 7/1/02!) 10,000 11,119
7.10%, 7/1/21 (Prerefunded 7/1/01!) 7,125 7,892
Total South Carolina (Cost $23,236) 24,220
TEXAS 7.7%
Austin Utilities, 5.75%, 11/15/03
(FSA Insured) 5,000 5,412
Fort Worth, GO, 6.00%, 3/1/01 5,000 5,268
Harris County, GO, Capital Appreciation
Zero Coupon, 10/1/02 (MBIA Insured) 12,370 10,493
San Antonio Electric and Gas
5.75%, 2/1/11 (Prerefunded 2/1/02!) 4,365 4,666
Texas Housing Agency, 6.25%, 9/1/98 240 240
Tyler Health Fac. Dev.
Mother Frances Hosp.
5.25%, 7/1/01 700 718
5.25%, 7/1/02 1,200 1,237
Univ. of Texas, 6.50%, 7/1/11
(Prerefunded 7/1/01!) 6,000 6,545
Total Texas (Cost $33,940) 34,579
UTAH 0.0%
Utah Housing Fin. Agency, 6.00%, 1/1/99 175 176
Total Utah (Cost $175) 176
VIRGINIA 4.0%
Arlington County IDA
Alexandria/Arlington Waste to Energy
5.00%, 1/1/02 (FSA Insured) 3,000 3,097
Fairfax County Economic Dev. Auth.
Ogden Martin, 7.75%, 2/1/11 * 5,445 5,693
Hampton Roads Medical College,
6.30%, 11/15/02 $ 1,000 $ 1,084
Virginia HDA, 5.90%, 1/1/00 * 1,865 1,900
Virginia Polytechnic Institute
and State Univ.
5.375%, 6/1/00 1,000 1,028
5.375%, 6/1/01 750 781
Virginia Public School Auth.,
School Fin., 5.50%, 8/1/02 4,150 4,401
Total Virginia (Cost $17,665) 17,984
WASHINGTON 4.7%
Chelan County Public Utility Dist.,
7.55%, 7/1/62 * 6,515 7,164
Washington Public Power Supply System
Nuclear Project
5.50%, 7/1/02 5,000 5,253
6.30%, 7/1/01 (FSA Insured) 2,000 2,128
7.25%, 7/1/00 2,000 2,119
7.625%, 7/1/10 (Prerefunded 1/1/01!) 4,000 4,411
Total Washington (Cost $20,621) 21,075
WISCONSIN 2.8%
Wisconsin, GO, 6.30%, 5/1/11
(Prerefunded 5/1/02!) 8,000 8,664
Wisconsin Transportation
5.00%, 7/1/02 1,630 1,687
5.40%, 7/1/04 2,000 2,090
Total Wisconsin (Cost $12,128) 12,441
Total Investments in Securities
99.5% of Net Assets (Cost $438,470) $ 448,422
Other Assets Less Liabilities 2,090
NET ASSETS $ 450,512
----------
Net Assets Consist of:
Accumulated net investment income -
net of distributions $ 17
Accumulated net realized gain/loss -
net of distributions 757
Net unrealized gain (loss) 9,952
Paid-in-capital applicable to 83,603,467 shares
of $0.01 par value capital stock outstanding;
1,000,000,000 shares authorized 439,786
NET ASSETS $ 450,512
----------
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE $ 5.39
----------
* Interest subject to alternative minimum tax
! Used in determining portfolio maturity
AMBAC AMBAC Indemnity Corp.
FGIC Financial Guaranty Insurance Company
FSA Financial Security Assurance Corp.
GO General Obligation
HDA Housing Development Authority
HEFA Health & Educational Facility Authority
HFA Health Facility Authority
HFFA Health Facility Financing Authority
HHEFA Health & Higher Educational Facility Authority
IDA Industrial Development Authority
MBIA Municipal Bond Investors Assurance Corp.
PCR Pollution Control Revenue
PFA Public Facility Authority
VRDN Variable Rate Demand Note
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
T. Rowe Price Tax-Free Short-Intermediate Fund
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Unaudited
Statement of Operations
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In thousands
6 Months
Ended
8/31/98
Investment Income
Interest Income $ 10,270
Expenses
Investment management 936
Shareholder servicing 142
Custody and accounting 73
Registration 17
Prospectus and shareholder reports 11
Legal and audit 5
Directors 3
Miscellaneous 2
Total expenses 1,189
Net investment income 9,081
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
Net realized gain (loss) on securities 956
Change in net unrealized gain or loss
on securities 723
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) 1,679
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET
ASSETS FROM OPERATIONS $ 10,760
---------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
T. Rowe Price Tax-Free Short-Intermediate Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unaudited
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In thousands
6 Months Year
Ended Ended
8/31/98 2/28/98
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
Operations
Net investment income $ 9,081 $ 18,461
Net realized gain (loss) 956 1,105
Change in net unrealized gain or loss 723 2,661
Increase (decrease) in
net assets from operations 10,760 22,227
Distributions to shareholders
Net investment income (9,081) (18,461)
Net realized gain -- (2,474)
Decrease in net assets
from distributions (9,081) (20,935)
Capital share transactions*
Shares sold 56,875 101,122
Distributions reinvested 6,974 16,613
Shares redeemed (53,967) (123,707)
Increase (decrease) in net
assets from capital
share transactions 9,882 (5,972)
Net Assets
Increase (decrease) during period 11,561 (4,680)
Beginning of period 438,951 443,631
End of period $ 450,512 438,951
---------------------------------
*Share information
Shares sold 10,622 18,953
Distributions reinvested 1,302 3,115
Shares redeemed (10,083) (23,189)
Increase (decrease) in
shares outstanding 1,841 (1,121)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
T. Rowe Price Tax-Free Short-Intermediate Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unaudited August 31, 1998
Notes to Financial Statements
NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
T. Rowe Price Tax-Free Short-Intermediate Fund, Inc. (the fund) is
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified,
open-end management investment company and commenced operations on
December 23, 1983.
The accompanying financial statements are prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles for the investment company
industry; these principles may require the use of estimates by fund
management.
Valuation Debt securities are generally traded in the over-the-counter
market. Investments in securities are stated at fair value as furnished by
dealers who make markets in such securities or by an independent pricing
service, which considers yield or price of bonds of comparable quality,
coupon, maturity, and type, as well as prices quoted by dealers who make
markets in such securities.
Assets and liabilities for which the above valuation procedures are
inappropriate or are deemed not to reflect fair value are stated at fair
value as determined in good faith by or under the supervision of the
officers of the fund, as authorized by the Board of Directors.
Premiums and Discounts Premiums and original issue discounts on municipal
securities are amortized for both financial reporting and tax purposes.
Market discounts are recognized upon disposition of the security as gain or
loss for financial reporting purposes and as ordinary income for tax
purposes.
Other Income and expenses are recorded on the accrual basis. Investment
transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Realized gains and losses
are reported on the identified cost basis. Distributions to shareholders
are recorded by the fund on the ex-dividend date. Income and capital gain
distributions are determined in accordance with federal income tax
regulations and may differ from those determined in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles.
NOTE 2 - INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and sales of portfolio securities, other than short-term
securities, aggregated $91,194,000 and $84,818,000, respectively, for the
six months ended August 31, 1998.
NOTE 3 - FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
No provision for federal income taxes is required since the fund intends to
continue to qualify as a regulated investment company and distribute all of
its income. At August 31, 1998, the aggregate cost of investments for
federal income tax and financial reporting purposes was $438,470,000, and
net unrealized gain aggregated $9,952,000, all of which related to
appreciated investments.
NOTE 4 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The investment management agreement between the fund and T. Rowe Price
Associates, Inc. (the manager) provides for an annual investment management
fee, of which $161,000 was payable at August 31, 1998. The fee is computed
daily and paid monthly, and consists of an individual fund fee equal to
0.10% of average daily net assets and a group fee. The group fee is based
on the combined assets of certain mutual funds sponsored by the manager or
Rowe Price-Fleming International, Inc. (the group). The group fee rate
ranges from 0.48% for the first $1 billion of assets to 0.30% for assets in
excess of $80 billion. At August 31, 1998, and for the six months then
ended, the effective annual group fee rate was 0.32%. The fund pays a
pro-rata share of the group fee based on the ratio of its net assets to
those of the group.
In addition, the fund has entered into agreements with the manager and a
wholly owned subsidiary of the manager, pursuant to which the fund receives
certain other services. The manager computes the daily share price and
maintains the financial records of the fund. T. Rowe Price Services, Inc.,
is the fund's transfer and dividend disbursing agent and provides
shareholder and administrative services to the fund. The fund incurred
expenses pursuant to these related party agreements totaling approximately
$158,000 for the six months ended August 31, 1998, of which $32,000 was
payable at period-end.
For yield, price, last transaction,
current balance, or to conduct
transactions, 24 hours, 7 days
a week, call Tele*Access(registered trademark):
1-800-638-2587 toll free
For assistance
with your existing
fund account, call:
Shareholder Service Center
1-800-225-5132 toll free
410-625-6500 Baltimore area
To open a Discount Brokerage
account or obtain information,
call: 1-800-638-5660 toll free
Internet address:
www.troweprice.com
T. Rowe Price Associates
100 East Pratt Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
This report is authorized for
distribution only to shareholders
and to others who have received
a copy of the prospectus of the
T. Rowe Price Tax-Free Short-
Intermediate Fund.
Investor Centers:
101 East Lombard St.
Baltimore, MD 21202
T. Rowe Price
Financial Center
10090 Red Run Blvd.
Owings Mills, MD 21117
Farragut Square
900 17th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
ARCO Tower
31st Floor
515 South Flower St.
Los Angeles, CA 90071
4200 West Cypress St.
10th Floor
Tampa, FL 33607
Invest With Confidence(registered trademark)
T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc., Distributor. F56-051 8/31/98
Semiannual Report
Tax-Free Funds
August 31, 1998
T. Rowe Price
Report Highlights
Tax-Free Funds
o All five funds posted better returns than their peer group averages for the
6- and 12-month periods ended August 31, 1998.
o Fund results were aided by portfolio management decisions and below-average
expenses.
o Low inflation, budget surpluses, and cash flows into fixed income
investments benefited municipal securities during the past six months.
o Municipal prices rose and yields declined, but tax-exempt performance was
not as strong as that of Treasuries, which continued to be the haven of
choice for investors concerned about global turmoil.
o Municipal securities offer good value compared with their taxable
counterparts and should reward investors over time.
Fellow Shareholders
Low inflation, budget surpluses at federal and state levels, and asset shifts
toward fixed income investments aided the municipal market during the six months
ended August 31. Your funds benefited in this environment and turned in
performances ahead of their respective benchmarks for the past 6- and 12-month
periods, a reflection of our management decisions and below-average expenses.
MARKET ENVIRONMENT
Municipal bond prices rose during the past six months, and yields across the
maturity spectrum fell as a result. The performance of tax-exempt securities
exceeded most asset classes but was not as strong as the Treasury market, which
further solidified its position as a safe haven for global investors seeking a
refuge from problems in Asia, Russia, and Latin America. The gap between yields
on municipal and Treasury securities continued to narrow, making tax-exempt
investments particularly attractive compared with Treasuries. A near-record
supply of tax-exempt issues also constrained the municipal market somewhat
throughout the year and contributed to the contracting yield spread. During the
same period, Treasury issuance continued to decline.
Municipal Bond and Note Yields
30-Year 5-Year 1 Year
8/31/97 5.35 4.35 3.85
5.25 4.20 3.80
5.23 4.15 3.80
11/97 5.18 4.20 3.85
5.03 4.10 3.85
5.00 4.00 3.65
2/98 5.08 4.05 3.60
5.13 4.10 3.65
5.20 4.30 3.85
5/98 5.05 4.10 3.75
5.05 4.10 3.60
5.10 4.10 3.70
8/98 4.93 3.85 3.50
The 30-year AAA general obligation bond yield fell 15 basis points from the end
of February through August 31. By comparison, the bellwether 30-year Treasury
yield declined a more dramatic 60 basis points, including a 40-basis-point drop
in August alone. The pattern was similar for one- and five-year maturities,
whose yields slipped 10 and 20 basis points, respectively, while comparable
Treasury yields dropped more sharply. Therefore, when income taxes are
considered, municipal securities yielded substantially more than other fixed
income investments.
Preparing For The Year 2000
The Year 2000 draws closer every day, and it holds special meaning beyond the
arrival of a new millennium. The issue for investors is that many computer
programs throughout the world use two digits instead of four to identify the
year and may assume the next century starts with 1900. If these programs are not
modified, they will not be able to correctly handle the century change when the
year changes from "99" to "00" on January 1, 2000, and they will no longer be
able to perform necessary functions. The Year 2000 issue affects all companies
and organizations. T. Rowe Price has been taking steps to assure that its
computer systems and processes are capable of functioning in the Year 2000.
Detailed plans for remediation efforts have been developed and are currently
being executed.
OUR PLAN OF ACTION
We began to address these issues several years ago by requiring that all new
systems process and store four-digit years. We plan to complete all
reprogramming efforts for the major application systems, including business
applications required to service our customers and processing infrastructure
necessary to ensure the integrity of customer data and investments, by December
31, 1998, leaving a full 12 months for system testing. Because we exchange data
electronically with customers and vendors, we are working with them to assess
the adequacy of their own compliance efforts. Our goal is to ensure the
continuation of the same level of service to all our mutual fund shareholders
and clients after December 31, 1999. We are asking all vendors and companies we
do business with for a Year 2000 compliance status, with the expectation that
some organizations will not be able to modify their interface files prior to
December 31, 1999. Our goal is to identify any noncompliant files so that we can
implement alternative solutions. In addition, we are scheduling tests for
critical vendors and companies that claim Year 2000 compliance to ensure that
time-related data and calculations function properly as we move into the next
century.
SMOOTH TRANSITION EXPECTED
We believe our programs and initiatives will provide a smooth transition into
the next millennium. We are assessing all systems providing products or services
to our retail mutual fund shareholders, retirement plan sponsors and
participants, and we are taking steps to make modifications where necessary for
the Year 2000. Our plan provides time to develop solutions for all noncompliant
systems and data files from customers or vendors. The Securities Industry
Association (SIA) is coordinating Year 2000 testing to assure that securities
markets, clearing corporations, depositories, and third party software and
hardware vendors can send, receive, and process files and transactions
accurately. T. Rowe Price will participate in this industry-wide effort. For a
more detailed discussion of our Year 2000 effort, as well as continuing updates
on our progress, please check our Web site (www.troweprice.com).
TAX-EXEMPT MONEY FUND
Your fund's performance versus the peer group average was favorable for both the
six-month and one-year periods ended August 31, as we sought good value at both
ends of the short-term yield curve.
Performance Comparison
Periods Ended 8/31/98 6 Months 12 Months
- -----------------------------------------------------
Tax-Exempt Money Fund 1.57% 3.20%
Lipper Tax-Exempt Money
Market Funds Average 1.50 3.04
During the past six months, six-month and one-year municipal note yields were
fairly stable, varying only 35 basis points between high and low. On average,
one-year maturities offered only an additional 20 basis points over the shortest
maturities. Yields were most volatile in the variable rate sector, which
includes overnight and seven-day demand notes, vacillating 275 basis points
between their high and low points since the end of February.
We took advantage of this opportunity to overweight the portfolio in variable
rate securities when we believed the yields had reached the upper end of their
range. In addition, throughout the entire period, we maintained a longer
weighted average maturity than the peer group average by combining the variable
rate positions with one-year maturities. This fairly aggressive posture
succeeded in enhancing yield. The fund's maturity averaged 20 days longer than
competitive funds during the period and, at one point, was 28 days longer.
The supply of new issues in the municipal note market so far this year was 27%
below the same period in 1997. Considering the low long-term interest rates and
the improved financial condition of municipalities, there is no reason to
believe that short-term issuance will pick up during the rest of the year. As a
result, total short-term new issues may finish 1998 at the lowest level since
1990. In addition, cash flows into money market funds remain positive, so solid
demand coupled with lighter supply has helped keep rates in a narrow range.
Our strategy allowed us to pick up incremental yield at the long end of the
curve and to maintain our relatively long average maturity with little fear of
rising rates.
TAX-FREE SHORT-INTERMEDIATE FUND
Your fund posted good returns and outperformed the Lipper Short-Intermediate
Debt Funds Average for both the 6- and 12-month periods ended August 31. Returns
were enhanced by our slightly longer duration and low expense ratio. (Duration
is a measure of a bond fund's sensitivity to interest rates. For example, a fund
with a duration of three years would fall or rise about 3% in price in response
to a one-percentage-point rise or fall in interest rates.)
Performance Comparison
Periods Ended 8/31/98 6 Months 12 Months
- -----------------------------------------------------
Tax-Free Short-
Intermediate Fund 2.45% 5.60%
Lipper Short-Intermediate
Debt Funds Average 2.32 5.25
Our strategy since the third quarter of 1997 has been to maintain a slightly
long duration, since we see little evidence of inflationary pressure and believe
the trend toward lower interest rates is intact. While bonds with longer
maturities were constrained to some extent by a record supply of new issues in
the first half of the year, short- and intermediate-term municipals were not
under as much pressure. Our long duration helped performance when yields on
short-term bonds fell about 20 basis points.
Our credit strategy changed moderately. Over the past two years, the fund
purchased BBB rated bonds as the economic expansion improved credit conditions,
resulting in better performance for BBB bonds than for AAA bonds. This was
reflected in the narrowing gap between the yields of higher- and lower-quality
bonds. We currently see little potential for superior performance in the BBB
sector of the market and, therefore, have lowered our exposure. Lower-rated
bonds performed in line with or slightly below their high-quality counterparts
during the past six months.
In the spring we sought permission from the fund's Executive Committee to invest
up to 5% of fund assets in below-investment-grade BB securities (or, if unrated,
the T. Rowe Price equivalent rating). Permission was granted to invest in these
securities as of October 1, 1998, and the change was reflected in the prospectus
dated July 1, 1998. Although, as mentioned, we do not see a great deal of value
in lower-rated bonds at present, we felt it was important to have this
flexibility if the opportunity presented itself. As always, we will continue to
monitor yields among various credit qualities and use our in-house research
capabilities for opportunities to increase shareholder value.
TAX-FREE INSURED INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND
Returns on intermediate-term municipal bonds came mostly from their coupon
income, with a modest contribution from price appreciation. Fund results were
ahead of the Lipper Intermediate Municipal Debt Funds Average for both the 6-
and 12-month periods.
Performance Comparison
Periods Ended 8/31/98 6 Months 12 Months
- -------------------------------------------------------
Tax-Free Insured
Intermediate Bond Fund 3.04% 7.56%
Lipper Intermediate
Municipal Debt Funds Average 2.82 7.01
We kept duration in a range from neutral to long in our belief that bonds were
attractive relative to stock dividend yields, inflation, and global interest
rates. (For an explanation of duration, see the report for the Tax-Free
Short-Intermediate Fund.) This longer duration helped performance by providing a
higher yield with some principal appreciation as interest rates fell.
Our credit strategy became a bit more defensive during the period as we took
steps to reduce exposure to insured bonds with weaker underlying credit
characteristics. Specifically, we decreased holdings in the hospital sector and
increased positions in state and local general obligations after our hospital
bonds appreciated strongly relative to other sectors of the market. We believe
there may be an opportunity to increase hospital bond exposure at more
attractive prices in the future.
TAX-FREE INCOME FUND
Performance Comparison
Periods Ended 8/31/98 6 Months 12 Months
- --------------------------------------------------------
Tax-Free Income Fund 3.51% 8.87%
Lipper General Municipal
Debt Funds Average 3.03 8.20
Fund results exceeded those of the Lipper peer group average during the past 6-
and 12-month periods, due in part to our duration strategy, our fully invested
posture, and our underweighting in lower-quality bonds. (For an explanation of
duration, see the report for the Tax-Free Short-Intermediate Fund.) The fund's
relative performance also benefited from our below-average expenses.
Long-term bonds did well over the past six months, with a total return
reflecting mostly income plus some price appreciation as interest rates fell.
After trading in a narrow range between February and May, long-term rates came
down in the summer as international events sparked nervousness about the stock
market and the longevity of the economic expansion.
As mentioned, strong relative performance was related to an extension in fund
duration in June, which positioned the fund well for lower rates. A steady
increase in cash coming into the municipal bond market and your fund enabled us
to take advantage of heavier-than-normal supply and remain fully invested. The
fund benefited as well from our relative underweighting in lower-quality bonds,
which came under some modest pressure in the period. High-yield (junk) bonds
have been strong municipal performers during the past two years as the yield
spread narrowed between high- and lower-quality bonds, but this trend has
reversed. Accordingly, we did not add exposure in this area, and the fund's
weighted average credit quality was AA- at the end of August.
In addition, we focused on the 15- to 20-year maturity range where we see the
best risk-and-return characteristics. We continued to preserve income from
older, higher-yielding bonds in the portfolio, offsetting their defensive
characteristics with noncallable and lower-coupon bonds that respond well to
falling interest rates.
TAX-FREE HIGH YIELD FUND
Performance Comparison
Periods Ended 8/31/98 6 Months 12 Months
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Tax-Free High Yield Fund 3.18% 8.87%
Lipper High Yield Municipal
Debt Funds Average 3.03 8.62
The municipal high-yield market turned in a steady performance over the past six
months. Your fund was able to exceed the returns of its peer group average
through a combination of factors, including our below-average expenses and a
modest extension of duration. (For an explanation of duration, see the report
for the Tax-Free Short-Intermediate Fund.)
Yield spreads between high- and lower-quality municipal bonds increased over
this period, as the prices of lower-quality securities did not appreciate as
rapidly as their higher-quality counterparts. Credit quality spreads began the
period close to their all-time lows and subsequently increased an average of
about 25 basis points. Though muted, this widening occurred in sympathy with
trends in the corporate bond sector and adverse developments in a small number
of municipal high-yield issues. Despite this, however, the municipal high-yield
fund sector outperformed the general municipal sector for the past year and
matched it for the past six
months.
We believe these differences between credit quality yields could increase in
coming months, and this outlook has affected the way we manage the fund. As
noted in prior reports, we allowed fund exposure to lower-quality municipal
bonds to decline over time because we felt the rewards were insufficient. At the
end of August, the fund's weighting in below-investment-grade bonds was
approximately 24% of net assets. The fund's weighting in BBB and lower-rated
bonds together slipped a notch to 49% of net assets from 50% at the end of
February.
Quality Diversification
Tax-Free High Yield Fund
AAA 6%
AA 24%
A 21%
BBB 25%
BB and Below 24%
Based on net assets as of 8/31/98.
We began the period with a duration of 7.2 years. Duration ranged between 6.9
and 7.5 years during the past six months, although we generally maintained it
near the higher end of the range. This proved advantageous when interest rates
fell late in the period, largely a result of volatile equity markets. At
present, we expect to maintain this posture. In addition, we will maintain our
usual caution when investing in lower-quality issues. While we do not expect to
materially increase our exposure to them, we will also take advantage of
situations that we believe offer long-term value.
OUTLOOK
Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan recently implied that the Fed's next
move could well be a lowering of key short-term rates in the face of turmoil
overseas. Just weeks before, it was widely suspected that the Fed was leaning
toward a possible interest rate hike because of concerns about tight labor
markets and wage pressures.
We believe the rate of domestic economic growth will slow through the remainder
of the year. Exports may fall further because of weak international markets and
the strong dollar, and growth in consumer spending could decline in the
aftermath of the correction in stock prices. Commodity prices have also been
under pressure, further containing inflation. In this environment, the trend
toward lower overall interest rates should remain intact.
We expect municipal securities to remain undervalued compared with Treasuries
until demand catches up with heavy supply. However, investors should eventually
recognize the attractive yields available in the municipal market compared with
taxable yields, and rising demand would benefit municipal bond investors over
the long term.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary J. Miller
Director
Municipal Bond Department
September 18, 1998
T. Rowe Price Tax-Free Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio Highlights
KEY STATISTICS
2/28/98 8/31/98
Tax-Exempt Money Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Price Per Share $ 1.00 $ 1.00
Dividends Per Share
For 6 months 0.016 0.016
For 12 months 0.032 0.032
Dividend Yield (7-Day Compound) * 3.03% 2.98%
Weighted Average Maturity (days) 59 59
Weighted Average Quality ** First Tier First Tier
Tax-Free Short-Intermediate Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Price Per Share $ 5.37 $ 5.39
Dividends Per Share
For 6 months 0.11 0.11
For 12 months 0.22 0.22
Dividend Yield *
For 6 months 4.28% 4.13%
For 12 months 4.32 4.24
30-Day Standardized Yield 3.54 3.59
Weighted Average Maturity (years) 4.1 4.4
Weighted Average Effective Duration (years) 3.0 2.9
Weighted Average Quality *** AA AA
T. Rowe Price Tax-Free Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio Highlights
KEY STATISTICS
2/28/98 8/31/98
Tax-Free Insured Intermediate Bond Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Price Per Share $ 11.06 $ 11.13
Dividends Per Share
For 6 months 0.24 0.24
For 12 months 0.48 0.48
Dividend Yield *
For 6 months 4.49% 4.39%
For 12 months 4.52 4.49
30-Day Standardized Yield 3.69 3.78
Weighted Average Maturity (years) 8.4 8.8
Weighted Average Effective Duration (years) 5.5 5.6
Weighted Average Quality *** AA AA
Tax-Free Income Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Price Per Share $ 9.95 $ 10.03
Dividends Per Share
For 6 months 0.26 0.25
For 12 months 0.52 0.51
Dividend Yield *
For 6 months 5.33% 5.15%
For 12 months 5.44 5.31
30-Day Standardized Yield 4.28 4.35
Weighted Average Maturity (years) 17.1 17.1
Weighted Average Effective Duration (years) 7.4 7.6
Weighted Average Quality *** AA- AA-
T. Rowe Price Tax-Free Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio Highlights
KEY STATISTICS
2/28/98 8/31/98
Tax-Free High Yield Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Price Per Share $ 12.66 $ 12.72
Dividends Per Share
For 6 months 0.34 0.34
For 12 months 0.69 0.68
Dividend Yield *
For 6 months 5.57% 5.38%
For 12 months 5.74 5.55
30-Day Standardized Yield 4.54 4.59
Weighted Average Maturity (years) 18.9 19.4
Weighted Average Effective Duration (years) 7.2 7.3
Weighted Average Quality *** A- A-
* Dividends earned and reinvested for the periods indicated are annualized
and divided by the average daily net asset values per share for the same
period.
** All securities purchased in the money fund are rated in the two highest
categories (tiers) as established by national rating agencies or, if
unrated, are deemed of comparable quality by T. Rowe Price.
*** Based on T. Rowe Price research.
T. Rowe Price Tax-Free Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Annual Compound Total Return
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This table shows how each fund would have performed each year if its actual (or
cumulative) returns for the periods shown had been earned at a constant rate.
Since Inception
Periods Ended 8/31/98 1 Year 5 Years 10 Years Inception Date
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tax-Exempt Money 3.20% 2.99% 3.57% - 4/8/81
Tax-Free
Short-Intermediate 5.60 4.56 5.58 - 12/23/83
Tax-Free Insured
Intermediate Bond 7.56 5.63 - 6.80% 11/30/92
Tax-Free Income 8.87 6.06 7.92 - 10/26/76
Tax-Free High Yield 8.87 6.65 8.60 - 3/1/85
Investment returns represent past performance and will vary. Shares of the bond
funds may be worth more or less at redemption than at original purchase. The
Money Fund's $1.00 share price is not guaranteed, nor is the fund insured by the
U.S. government.
Performance Comparison
These charts show the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in each fund
over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking
10-year records). The result is compared with a broad-based average or index.
The index return does not reflect expenses, which have been deducted from each
fund's return.
TAX-EXEMPT MONEY FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As of 8/31/98
Lipper Tax-Exempt
Money Market Tax-Exempt
Funds Average Money Fund
8/88 10,000 10,000
8/89 10,583 10,588
8/90 11,170 11,169
8/91 11,696 11,662
8/92 12,063 12,010
8/93 12,311 12,261
8/94 12,558 12,529
8/95 12,960 12,939
8/96 13,361 13,348
8/97 13,766 13,768
8/98 14,186 14,208
T. Rowe Price Tax-Free Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Performance Comparison
TAX-FREE SHORT-INTERMEDIATE FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As of 8/31/98
Lehman Lipper Short- Tax-Free
3-Year Intermediate Short-
GO Bond Debt Funds Intermdiate
Index Average Fund
8/88 10,000 10,000 10,000
8/89 10,667 10,647 10,571
8/90 11,370 11,318 11,249
8/91 12,374 12,259 12,079
8/92 13,461 13,236 12,935
8/93 14,348 14,215 13,774
8/94 14,719 14,479 14,073
8/95 15,725 15,334 14,900
8/96 16,343 15,905 15,473
8/97 17,251 16,780 16,298
8/98 18,246 17,674 17,210
TAX-FREE INSURED INTERMEDIATE BOND FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As of 8/31/98
Lehman Lipper Tax-Free
7-Year Intermediate Insured
Municipal Municipal Debt Intermediate
Bond Fund Funds Average Bond Fund
11/30/92 10,000 10,000 10,000
8/93 10,883 10,895 11,103
8/94 11,037 11,016 11,308
8/95 12,007 11,815 12,212
8/96 12,475 12,308 12,696
8/97 13,446 13,201 13,572
8/98 14,471 14,158 14,599
T. Rowe Price Tax-Free Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Performance Comparison
TAX-FREE INCOME FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As of 8/31/98
Lehman Lipper General Tax-Free
Municipal Municipal Debt Income
Bond Index Funds Average Fund
8/88 10,000 10,000 10,000
8/89 11,099 11,133 10,755
8/90 11,811 11,664 11,325
8/91 13,203 13,056 12,606
8/92 14,678 14,554 14,075
8/93 16,469 16,362 15,979
8/94 16,492 16,210 15,852
8/95 17,953 17,439 17,136
8/96 18,894 18,300 18,071
8/97 20,641 19,976 19,693
8/98 22,426 21,677 21,440
TAX-FREE HIGH YIELD FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As of 8/31/98
Lehman High-Yield Tax-Free
Revenue Municipal Debt High-Yield
Bond Index Funds Average Fund
8/88 10,000 10,000 10,000
8/89 11,231 11,155 11,068
8/90 11,972 11,668 11,842
8/91 13,469 12,812 13,113
8/92 15,060 14,125 14,614
8/93 17,023 15,691 16,542
8/94 16,997 15,798 16,667
8/95 18,510 17,030 17,966
8/96 19,590 17,983 19,014
8/97 21,512 19,751 20,968
8/98 23,423 21,467 22,827
T. Rowe Price Shareholder Services
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment Services And Information
KNOWLEDGEABLE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES
By Phone 1-800-225-5132 Available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10
p.m. ET and weekends from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.
In Person Available in T. Rowe Price Investor Centers.
ACCOUNT SERVICES
Checking Available on most fixed income funds ($500 minimum).
Automatic Investing From your bank account or paycheck.
Automatic Withdrawal Scheduled, automatic redemptions.
Distribution Options Reinvest all, some, or none of your distributions.
Automated 24-Hour Services Including Tele*Access(registered trademark) and
the T. Rowe Price Web site on the Internet. Address: www.troweprice.com
DISCOUNT BROKERAGE*
Individual Investments Stocks, bonds, options, precious metals, and other
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INVESTMENT INFORMATION
Combined Statement Overview of all your accounts with T. Rowe Price.
Shareholder Reports Fund managers' reviews of their strategies and results.
T. Rowe Price Report Quarterly investment newsletter discussing markets and
financial strategies.
Performance Update Quarterly review of all T. Rowe Price fund results.
Insights Educational reports on investment strategies and financial
markets.
Investment Guides Asset Mix Worksheet, College Planning Kit, Diversifying
Overseas: A Guide to International Investing, Personal Strategy Planner,
Retirees Financial Guide, and Retirement Planning Kit.
*A division of T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc. Member NASD/SIPC.
T. Rowe Price Mutual Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STOCK FUNDS
Domestic
Blue Chip Growth
Capital Appreciation
Capital Opportunity
Diversified Small-Cap Growth
Dividend Growth
Equity Income
Equity Index 500*
Extended Equity Market Index
Financial Services
Growth & Income
Growth Stock
Health Sciences
Media & Telecommunications**
Mid-Cap Growth
Mid-Cap Value
New America Growth
New Era
New Horizons***
Real Estate
Science & Technology
Small-Cap Stock
Small-Cap Value***
Spectrum Growth
Total Equity Market Index
Value
International/Global
Emerging Markets Stock
European Stock
Global Stock
International Discovery
International Stock
Japan
Latin America
New Asia
Spectrum International
BOND FUNDS
Domestic Taxable
Corporate Income
GNMA
High Yield
New Income
Short-Term Bond
Short-Term U.S. Government
Spectrum Income
Summit GNMA
Summit Limited-Term Bond
U.S. Treasury Intermediate
U.S. Treasury Long-Term
Domestic Tax-Free
California Tax-Free Bond
Florida Insured
Intermediate Tax-Free
Georgia Tax-Free Bond
Maryland Short-Term
Tax-Free Bond
Maryland Tax-Free Bond
New Jersey Tax-Free Bond
New York Tax-Free Bond
Summit Municipal Income
Summit Municipal Intermediate
Tax-Free High Yield
Tax-Free Income
Tax-Free Insured
Intermediate Bond
Tax-Free Short-Intermediate
Virginia Short-Term
Tax-Free Bond
Virginia Tax-Free Bond
International/Global
Emerging Markets Bond
Global Bond!
International Bond
MONEY MARKET FUNDS!!
Taxable
Prime Reserve
Summit Cash Reserves
U.S. Treasury Money
Tax-Free
California Tax-Free Money
New York Tax-Free Money
Summit Municipal
Money Market
Tax-Exempt Money
BLENDED ASSET FUNDS
Balanced
Personal Strategy Balanced
Personal Strategy Growth
Personal Strategy Income
Tax-Efficient Balanced
T. ROWE PRICE NO-LOAD
VARIABLE ANNUITY
Equity Income Portfolio
International Stock Portfolio
Limited-Term Bond Portfolio
Mid-Cap Growth Portfolio
New America Growth Portfolio
Personal Strategy Balanced Portfolio
Prime Reserve Portfolio
* Formerly named Equity Index.
** Formerly the closed-end New Age Media Fund. Converted to open-end status on
7/28/97.
*** Closed to new investors.
! Formerly named Global Government Bond.
!! Neither the funds nor their share prices are insured or guaranteed by the
U.S. government.
Please call for a prospectus. Read it carefully before investing.
The T. Rowe Price No-Load Variable Annuity [#V6021] is issued by Security
Benefit Life Insurance Company. In New York, it [#FSB201(11-96)] is issued by
First Security Benefit Life Insurance Company of New York, White Plains, NY. T.
Rowe Price refers to the underlying portfolios' investment managers and the
distributors, T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc.; T. Rowe Price Insurance
Agency, Inc.; and T. Rowe Price Insurance Agency of Texas, Inc. The Security
Benefit Group of Companies and the T. Rowe Price companies are not affiliated.
The variable annuity may not be available in all states. The contract has
limitations. Call a representative for costs and complete details of the
coverage.
T. Rowe Price Discount Brokerage
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISCOUNT BROKERAGE
A Division of T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc., Member NASD/SIPC
This low-cost service gives you the opportunity to easily consolidate all
your investments with one company. Through T. Rowe price discount
brokerage, you can buy and sell individual securities-stocks, bonds,
options, and others-as well as mutual funds at considerable commission
savings over full-service brokers.* We also provide a wide range of
services, including:
Automated Telephone and Internet Services You can enter trades, access
quotes, and review account information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Any trades executed through these programs provide additional savings on
commissions.**
Investor Information A variety of informative reports, such as our
Brokerage Insights series, S&P Market Month newsletter, and select stock
reports, can help you better evaluate economic trends and investment
opportunities.
Dividend Reinvestment Service Virtually all stocks held in customer
accounts are eligible for this service, free of charge.
* Based on an April 1998 survey for representative-assisted stock trades.
Services vary by firm, and commissions may vary by size of order.
** Discount applies to our current commission schedule. All trades subject to
a $35 minimum commission except equity trades placed through
Internet-Trader, which are subject to a $29.95 minimum commission.
For yield, price, last transaction,
current balance, or to conduct
transactions, 24 hours, 7 days
a week, call Tele*Access(registered trademark):
1-800-638-2587 toll free
For assistance
with your existing
fund account, call:
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1-800-225-5132 toll free
410-625-6500 Baltimore area
To open a Discount Brokerage
account or obtain information,
call: 1-800-638-5660 toll free
Internet address:
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T. Rowe Price Associates
100 East Pratt Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
This report is authorized for
distribution only to shareholders
and to others who have received
a copy of the prospectus of the
T. Rowe Price Tax-Free Funds.
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T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc., Distributor. C03-051 8/31/98
