SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(Amendment No. )
----
Filed by the Registrant / X /
----
----
Filed by a party other than the Registrant / /
----
Check the appropriate box:
----
/ / Preliminary Proxy Statement
- ----
----
/ / Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only
- ---- (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
----
/ X / Definitive Proxy Statement
- ----
----
/ / Definitive Additional Materials
- ----
----
/ / Soliciting Material Pursuant to Sec. 240.14a-11(c)
- ---- or Sec. 240.14a-12
PUTNAM TAX-FREE INCOME TRUST
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if other than
Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
----
/ X / No fee required
- ----
----
/ / Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act
- ---- Rule 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11
(1) Title of each class of securities to which
transaction applies:
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which
transaction applies:
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of
transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule
0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee
is calculated and state how it was determined):
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
(5) Total fee paid:
----
/ / Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
- ----
----
/ / Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided
- ---- by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing
for which the offsetting fee was paid previously.
Identify the previous filing by registration statement
number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its
filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
(3) Filing Party:
(4) Date Filed:
<PAGE>
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
FOR SHAREHOLDERS OF
PUTNAM TAX-FREE HIGH YIELD FUND
PUTNAM TAX-FREE INSURED FUND
The document you hold in your hands contains your proxy statement
and proxy card. A proxy card is, in essence, a ballot. When you
vote your proxy, it tells us how to vote on your behalf on
important issues relating to your fund. If you complete and sign
the proxy, we'll vote it exactly as you tell us. If you simply
sign the proxy, we'll vote it in accordance with the Trustees'
recommendations on pages 5 and 6 .
We urge you to spend a couple of minutes with the proxy
statement, fill out your proxy card, and return it to us. When
shareholders don't return their proxies in sufficient numbers, we
have to incur the expense of follow-up solicitations, which can
cost your fund money.
We want to know how you would like to vote and welcome your
comments. Please take a few moments with these materials and
return your proxy to us.
(PUTNAM LOGO APPEARS HERE)
BOSTON * LONDON * TOKYO
<PAGE>
Table of contents
A Message from the Chairman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . .1
Notice of Shareholder Meeting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . .2
Trustees' Recommendations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. 5
Proxy card enclosed
If you have any questions, please contact us at the special toll-
free number we have set up for you (1-800-225-1581) or call your
financial adviser.
<PAGE>
A Message from the Chairman
(Photograph of George Putnam appears here)
Dear Shareholder:
I am writing to you to ask for your vote on important questions
that affect your investment in your fund. While you are, of
course, welcome to join us at your fund's meeting, most
shareholders cast their vote by filling out and signing the
enclosed proxy. We are asking for your vote on the following
matters:
1. Electing Trustees to oversee your fund;
2. Ratifying the selection by the Trustees of the independent
auditors of your fund for its current fiscal year;
3. Approving amendments to certain of your fund's fundamental
investment restrictions; and
4. Approving the elimination of certain of your fund's
fundamental investment restrictions.
Although we would like very much to have each shareholder attend
his or her fund's meeting, we realize this is not
possible. Whether or not you plan to be present, we need your
vote. We urge you to complete, sign, and return the enclosed
proxy card promptly. A postage-paid envelope is enclosed.
I'm sure that you, like most people, lead a busy life and are
tempted to put this proxy aside for another day. Please don't.
When shareholders do not return their proxies, their fund may
have to incur the expense of follow-up solicitations. All
shareholders benefit from the speedy return of proxies.
Your vote is important to us. We appreciate the time and
consideration that I am sure you will give this important matter.
If you have questions about the proposals, contact your financial
adviser or call a Putnam customer service representative at
1-800-225-1581.
Sincerely yours,
(signature of George Putnam)
George Putnam, Chairman
<PAGE>
PUTNAM TAX-FREE INCOME TRUST
PUTNAM TAX-FREE HIGH YIELD FUND
PUTNAM TAX-FREE INSURED FUND
Notice of a Meeting of Shareholders
This is the formal agenda for your fund's shareholder meeting.
It tells you what matters will be voted on and the time and place
of the meeting, if you can attend in person.
To the Shareholders of Putnam Tax-Free High Yield Fund (the "Tax-
Free High Yield Fund") and Putnam Tax-Free Insured Fund (the
"Tax-Free Insured Fund") (each a "fund" and, collectively, the
"funds"), each a series of Putnam Tax-Free Income Trust (the
"Trust"):
A Meeting of Shareholders of the funds will be held on
February 6, 1997 at 2:00 p.m., Boston time, on the eighth floor
of One Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts, to consider the
following:
1. Electing Trustees. (Shareholders of the funds voting
together) See page 8 .
2. Ratifying the selection by the Trustees of the independent
auditors of your fund for its current fiscal year.
(Shareholders of the funds voting together) See page
25 .
3.A. Approving an amendment to the fund's fundamental investment
restriction with respect to diversification. (Shareholders
of each fund voting separately) See page 26 .
3.B. Approving an amendment to the fund's fundamental investment
restriction with respect to investments in the voting
securities of a single issuer. (Shareholders of each fund
voting separately) See page 28 .
3.C. Approving an amendment to the fund's fundamental investment
restriction with respect to making loans. (Shareholders of
each fund voting separately) See page 29 .
3.D. Approving an amendment to the fund's fundamental investment
restriction with respect to investments in real estate.
(Shareholders of each fund voting separately) See page
31 .
3.E. Approving an amendment to the fund's fundamental investment
restriction with respect to concentration of its assets.
(Shareholders of each fund voting separately) See page
32 .
3.F. Approving an amendment to the fund's fundamental investment
restriction with respect to investments in commodities.
(Shareholders of each fund voting separately) See page
33 .
3.G. Approving an amendment to the fund's fundamental investment
restriction with respect to senior securities.
(Shareholders of each fund voting separately) See Page
35 .
4.A. Approving the elimination of the fund's fundamental
investment restriction with respect to investments in
securities of issuers in which management of the fund or
Putnam Investment Management owns securities. (Shareholders
of each fund voting separately) See page 35 .
4.B. Approving the elimination of the fund's fundamental
investment restriction with respect to margin transactions.
(Shareholders of each fund voting separately) See page
36 .
4.C. Approving the elimination of the fund's fundamental
investment restriction with respect to short sales.
(Shareholders of each fund voting separately) See page
37 .
4.D. Approving the elimination of the fund's fundamental
investment restriction with respect to pledging assets.
(Shareholders of each fund voting separately) See page
38 .
4.E. Approving the elimination of the fund's fundamental
investment restriction with respect to investments in
restricted securities. (Shareholders of each fund voting
separately) See page 39 .
4.F. Approving the elimination of the fund's fundamental
investment restriction with respect to investments in
certain oil, gas and mineral interests. (Shareholders of
each fund voting separately) See page 41 .
4.G. Approving the elimination of the fund's fundamental
investment restriction with respect to investing to gain
control of a company's management. (Shareholders of each
fund voting separately) See page 42 .
5. Transacting other business as may properly come before the
meeting.
<PAGE>
By the Trustees
George Putnam, Chairman
William F. Pounds, Vice Chairman
Jameson A. Baxter Robert E. Patterson
Hans H. Estin Donald S. Perkins
John A. Hill George Putnam, III
Ronald J. Jackson Eli Shapiro
Elizabeth T. Kennan A.J.C. Smith
Lawrence J. Lasser W. Nicholas Thorndike
WE URGE YOU TO MARK, SIGN, DATE, AND MAIL THE ENCLOSED PROXY IN
THE POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE PROVIDED SO YOU WILL BE REPRESENTED AT
THE MEETING.
November 18 , 1996<PAGE>
Proxy Statement
This document will give you the information you need to vote on
the matters listed on the previous pages. Much of the
information in the proxy statement is required under rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"); some of it is
technical. If there is anything you don't understand, please
contact us at our special toll-free number, 1-800-225-1581, or
call your financial adviser.
Who is asking for my vote?
The enclosed proxy is solicited by the Trustees of Putnam Tax-
Free Income Trust (the "Trust") (the Trust consists of the
following portfolio series (each a "fund " and
collectively, the "funds"): Putnam Tax-Free High Yield Fund
("Tax-Free High Yield Fund") and Putnam Tax-Free Insured
Fund ("Tax-Free Insured Fund")) for use at the Meeting of
Shareholders of each fund to be held on February 6, 1997, and, if
your fund's meeting is adjourned, at any later meetings, for the
purposes stated in the Notice of Meeting (see previous pages).
How do the Trustees recommend that shareholders vote on these
proposals?
The Trustees recommend that you vote
1. For the election of all nominees;
2. For selecting Price Waterhouse LLP as the independent
auditors of the funds;
3.A. For amending the fund's fundamental investment restriction
with respect to diversification;
3.B. For amending the fund's fundamental investment restriction
with respect to investments in the voting securities of a
single issuer;
3.C. For amending the fund's fundamental investment restriction
with respect to making loans;
3.D. For amending the fund's fundamental investment restriction
with respect to investments in real estate;
3.E. For amending the fund's fundamental investment restriction
with respect to concentration of its assets;
3.F. For amending the fund's fundamental investment restriction
with respect to investments in commodities;
3.G. For amending the fund's fundamental investment restriction
with respect to senior securities;
4.A. For eliminating the fund's fundamental investment
restriction with respect to investments in securities of
issuers in which management of the fund or Putnam Investment
Management owns securities;
4.B. For eliminating the fund's fundamental investment
restriction with respect to margin transactions;
4.C. For eliminating the fund's fundamental investment
restriction with respect to short sales;
4.D. For eliminating the fund's fundamental investment
restriction with respect to pledging assets;
4.E. For eliminating the fund's fundamental investment
restriction with respect to investments in restricted
securities;
4.F. For eliminating the fund's fundamental investment
restriction with respect to investments in certain oil, gas
and mineral interests; and
4.G. For eliminating the fund's fundamental investment
restriction with respect to investing to gain control of a
company's management.
Who is eligible to vote?
Shareholders of record at the close of business on
November 8, 1996, are entitled to be present and to vote at the
meeting or any adjourned meeting. The Notice of Meeting, the
proxy, and the Proxy Statement have been mailed to shareholders
of record on or about November 18, 1996.
Each share is entitled to one vote. Shares represented by duly
executed proxies will be voted in accordance with shareholders'
instructions. If you sign the proxy, but don't fill in a vote,
your shares will be voted in accordance with the Trustees'
recommendations. If any other business is brought before the
meeting, your shares will be voted at the Trustees' discretion.
Shareholders of the funds will vote together with respect to
Proposal 1 and Proposal 2, and will vote separately for each fund
with respect to Proposals 3.A-3.G . , and 4.A-4.G .
The Proposals
1. ELECTION OF TRUSTEES
Who are the nominees for Trustees?
The Nominating Committee of the Trustees recommends that the
number of Trustees be fixed at fourteen and that you vote for the
election of the nominees described below. Each nominee is
currently a Trustee of the Trust and of the other Putnam funds.
The Nominating Committee of the Trustees consists solely of
Trustees who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the
Investment Company Act of 1940) of the Trust or of Putnam
Investment Management, Inc., the funds' investment manager
("Putnam Management").
Jameson Adkins Baxter
[Insert Picture]
Ms. Baxter, age 53, is the President of Baxter Associates, Inc.,
a management and financial consulting firm which she founded in
1986. During that time, she was also a Vice President and
Principal of the Regency Group, Inc., and a Consultant to First
Boston Corporation, both of which are investment banking firms.
From 1965 to 1986, Ms. Baxter held various positions in
investment banking and corporate finance at First Boston.
Ms. Baxter currently also serves as a Director of Banta
Corporation, Avondale Federal Savings Bank, and ASHTA Chemicals,
Inc. She is also the Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Trustees
of Mount Holyoke College, having previously served as Chairman
for five years and as a Board member for thirteen years; an
Honorary Trustee and past President of the Board of Trustees of
the Emma Willard School; and Chair of the Board of Governors of
Good Shepherd Hospital. Ms. Baxter is a graduate of Mount
Holyoke College.
Hans H. Estin
[Insert Picture]
Mr. Estin, age 68, is a Chartered Financial Analyst and the Vice
Chairman of North American Management Corp., a registered
investment adviser serving individual clients and their families.
Mr. Estin currently also serves as a Director of The Boston
Company, Inc., a registered investment adviser which provides
administrative and investment management services to mutual funds
and other institutional investors, and Boston Safe Deposit and
Trust Company; a Corporation Member of Massachusetts General
Hospital; and a Trustee of New England Aquarium. He previously
served as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Boston
University and is currently active in various other civic
associations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, Inc.
Mr. Estin is a graduate of Harvard College and holds honorary
doctorates from Merrimack College and Boston University.
John A. Hill
[Insert Picture]
Mr. Hill, age 54, is the Chairman and Managing Director of First
Reserve Corporation, a registered investment adviser investing in
companies in the world-wide energy industry on behalf of
institutional investors.
Prior to acquiring First Reserve in 1983, Mr. Hill held executive
positions with several investment advisory firms and held various
positions with the Federal government, including Associate
Director of the Office of Management and Budget and Deputy
Administrator of the Federal Energy Administration.
Mr. Hill currently also serves as a Director of Snyder Oil
Corporation, an exploration and production company which he
founded, Maverick Tube Corporation, a manufacturer of structural
steel, pipe and well casings, PetroCorp Incorporated, an
exploration and production company, Weatherford Enterra, Inc., an
oil field service company, various private companies controlled
by First Reserve Corporation, and various First Reserve Funds.
He is also a Member of the Board of Advisors of Fund Directions.
He is currently active in various business associations,
including the Economic Club of New York, and lectures on energy
issues in the United States and Europe. Mr. Hill is a graduate
of Southern Methodist University.
Ronald J. Jackson
[Insert Picture]
Mr. Jackson, age 52, was Chairman of the Board, President and
Chief Executive Officer of Fisher-Price, Inc., a major toy
manufacturer, from 1990 to 1993. He previously served as
President and Chief Executive Officer of Stride-Rite, Inc., a
manufacturer and distributor of footwear, from 1989 to 1990, and
as President and Chief Executive Officer of Kenner Parker Toys,
Inc., a major toy and game manufacturer, from 1985 to 1987.
Prior to that, he held various financial and marketing positions
at General Mills, Inc. from 1966 to 1985, including Vice
President, Controller and Vice President of Marketing for Parker
Brothers, a toy and game company, and President of Talbots, a
retailer and direct marketer of women's apparel.
Mr. Jackson currently serves as a Director of Safety 1st, Inc., a
company which markets a wide range of child care and safety
products. He also serves as a Trustee of Salem Hospital and
the Peabody Essex Museum. He previously served as a
Director of a number of public companies including Fisher-Price,
Inc., Kenner Parker Toys, Inc., Stride-Rite, Inc., and Mattel,
Inc., a major toy manufacturer. Mr. Jackson is a graduate of
Michigan State University Business School.
Elizabeth T. Kennan
[Insert Picture]
Ms. Kennan, age 58, is President Emeritus and Professor of Mount
Holyoke College. From 1978 through June 1995, she was President
of Mount Holyoke College. From 1966 to 1978, she was on the
faculty of Catholic University, where she taught history and
published numerous articles.
Ms. Kennan currently also serves as a Director of NYNEX
Corporation, a telecommunications company, Northeast Utilities,
the Kentucky Home Life Insurance Companies, and Talbots. She
also serves as a Member of The Folger Shakespeare Library
Committee. She is currently active in various educational and
civic associations, including the Committee on Economic
Development and the Council on Foreign Relations. Ms. Kennan is
a graduate of Mount Holyoke College, the University of Washington
and St. Hilda College at Oxford University and holds several
honorary doctorates.
Lawrence J. Lasser*
[Insert Picture]
Mr. Lasser, age 54, is the Vice President of your fund and the
other Putnam funds. He has been the President, Chief Executive
Officer and a Director of Putnam Investments, Inc. and Putnam
Management since 1985, having begun his career there in 1969.
Mr. Lasser currently also serves as a Director of Marsh &
McLennan Companies, Inc., the parent company of Putnam
Management, and INROADS/Central New England, Inc., a job market
internship program for minority high school and college students.
He is a Member of the Board of Overseers of the Museum of
Science, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner
Museum in Boston. He is also a Trustee of the Beth Israel
Hospital and Buckingham, Browne and Nichols School. Mr. Lasser
is a graduate of Antioch College and Harvard Business School.
<PAGE>
Robert E. Patterson
[Insert Picture]
Mr. Patterson, age 51, is the Executive Vice President and
Director of Acquisitions of Cabot Partners Limited Partnership, a
registered investment adviser which manages real estate
investments for institutional investors. Prior to 1990, he was
the Executive Vice President of Cabot, Cabot & Forbes Realty
Advisors, Inc., the predecessor company of Cabot Partners. Prior
to that, he was a Senior Vice President of the Beal Companies, a
real estate management, investment and development company. He
has also worked as an attorney and held various positions in
state government, including the founding Executive Director of
the Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency.
Mr. Patterson currently also serves as Chairman of the Joslin
Diabetes Center and as a Director of Brandywine Trust Company.
Mr. Patterson is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law
School.
Donald S. Perkins*
[Insert Picture]
Mr. Perkins, age 69, is the retired Chairman of the Board of
Jewel Companies, Inc., a diversified retailer, where among other
roles he served as President, Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board from 1965 to 1980. He currently also
serves as a Director of various other public corporations,
including AON Corp., an insurance company, Cummins Engine
Company, Inc., an engine and power generator equipment
manufacturer and assembler, Current Assets L.L.C., a corporation
providing financial staffing services, Illinova and Illinois
Power Co., Inland Steel Industries, Inc., LaSalle Street Fund,
Inc., a real estate investment trust, Lucent Technologies Inc.,
Springs Industries, Inc., a textile manufacturer, and Time
Warner, Inc., one of the nation's largest media conglomerates.
He previously served as a Director of several other major public
corporations, including Corning Glass Works, Eastman Kodak
Company, Firestone Tire & Rubber Company and Kmart Corporation.
Mr. Perkins currently also serves as a Trustee and Vice Chairman
of Northwestern University and as a Trustee of the Hospital
Research and Education Trust. He is currently active in various
civic and business associations, including the Business Council
and the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago, of
which he is the founding Chairman. Mr. Perkins is a graduate of
Yale University and Harvard Business School and holds an honorary
doctorate from Loyola University of Chicago.
<PAGE>
William F. Pounds
[Insert Picture]
Dr. Pounds, age 68, is the Vice Chairman of the funds and of the
other Putnam funds. He has been a Professor of Management at the
Alfred P. Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology since 1961 and served as Dean of that
School from 1966 to 1980. He previously served as Senior Advisor
to the Rockefeller Family and Associates and was a past Chairman
of Rockefeller & Co., Inc., a registered investment adviser which
manages Rockefeller family assets, and Rockefeller Trust Company.
Dr. Pounds currently also serves as a Director of IDEXX
Laboratories, Inc., EG&G, Inc., Perseptive Biosystems, Inc.,
Management Sciences For Health, Inc. and Sun Company, Inc. He is
also a Trustee of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston; an Overseer
of WGBH Educational Foundation, and a Fellow of The American
Academy of Arts and Sciences. He previously served as a Director
of Fisher-Price, Inc. and General Mills, Inc. Dr. Pounds is a
graduate of Carnegie-Mellon University.
George Putnam*
[Insert Picture]
Mr. Putnam, age 70, is the Chairman and President of the funds
and of the other Putnam funds. He is the Chairman and a Director
of Putnam Management and Putnam Mutual Funds Corp. and a Director
of Marsh & McLennan, their parent company. Mr. Putnam is the son
of the founder of the Putnam funds and Putnam Management and has
been employed in various capacities by Putnam Management since
1951, including Chief Executive Officer from 1961 to 1973. He is
a former Overseer and Treasurer of Harvard University; a past
Chairman of the Harvard Management Company; and a Trustee
Emeritus of Wellesley College and Bradford College.
Mr. Putnam currently also serves as a Director of The Boston
Company, Inc., Boston Safe Deposit and Trust Company, Freeport-
McMoRan, Inc., Freeport Copper and Gold, Inc., McMoRan Oil and
Gas, Inc., mining and natural resources companies, General Mills,
Inc., Houghton Mifflin Company, a major publishing company, and
Rockefeller Group, Inc., a real estate manager. He is also a
Trustee of Massachusetts General Hospital, McLean Hospital,
Vincent Memorial Hospital, WGBH Educational Foundation and the
Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Science in Boston; the New
England Aquarium; an Overseer of Northeastern University; and a
Fellow of The American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Mr. Putnam
is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Business School and
holds honorary doctorates from Bates College and Harvard
University.
<PAGE>
George Putnam, III*
[Insert Picture]
Mr. Putnam, age 45, is the President of New Generation Research,
Inc., a publisher of financial advisory and other research
services relating to bankrupt and distressed companies, and New
Generation Advisers, Inc., a registered investment adviser which
provides advice to private funds specializing in investments in
such companies. Prior to founding New Generation in 1985, Mr.
Putnam was an attorney with the Philadelphia law firm Dechert
Price & Rhoads.
Mr. Putnam currently also serves as a Director of the
Massachusetts Audubon Society. He is also a Trustee of the Sea
Education Association and St. Mark's School and an Overseer of
the New England Medical Center. Mr. Putnam is a graduate of
Harvard College, Harvard Business School and Harvard Law School.
Eli Shapiro
[Insert Picture]
Dr. Shapiro, age 80, is the Alfred P. Sloan Professor of
Management, Emeritus at the Alfred P. Sloan School of Management
at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, having served on
the faculty of the Sloan School for eighteen years. He
previously was also on the faculty of Harvard Business School,
The University of Chicago School of Business and Brooklyn
College. During his academic career, Dr. Shapiro authored
numerous publications concerning finance and related topics. He
previously served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of
the National Bureau of Economic Research and also provided
economic and financial consulting services to various clients.
Dr. Shapiro is a past Director of many companies, including
Nomura Dividend Income Fund, Inc., a privately held registered
investment company managed by Putnam Management, Reece
Corporation, a sewing machine manufacturer, Commonwealth
Mortgage, Dexter Corporation, a manufacturer of plastics and
related products, Avis Corporation, a car rental company,
Connecticut Bank and Trust Company, Connecticut National Gas
Corporation, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, where he
served as Chairman from 1977 to 1989, Travelers' Corporation, an
insurance company, and Norlin Corporation, a musical instrument
manufacturer; and a past Trustee of Mount Holyoke College and the
Putnam funds (from 1984 to 1989).
<PAGE>
Dr. Shapiro is a Fellow of The American Academy of Arts and
Sciences and is active in various professional and civic
associations, including the American Economic Association, the
American Finance Association and the Council on Foreign
Relations. Dr. Shapiro is a graduate of Brooklyn College and
Columbia University.
A.J.C. Smith*
[Insert Picture]
Mr. Smith, age 62, is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. He has been employed by Marsh &
McLennan and related companies in various capacities since 1961.
Mr. Smith is a Director of the Trident Corp., and he also serves
as a Trustee of the Carnegie Hall Society, the Central Park
Conservancy, The American Institute for Chartered Property
Underwriters, and is a Founder of the Museum of Scotland Society.
He was educated in Scotland and is a Fellow of the Faculty of
Actuaries in Edinburgh, a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of
Actuaries, a Fellow of the Conference of Actuaries in Public
Practice, an Associate of the Society of Actuaries, a Member of
the American Academy of Actuaries, the International Actuarial
Association and the International Association of Consulting
Actuaries.
W. Nicholas Thorndike**
[Insert Picture]
Mr. Thorndike, age 63, serves as a Director of various
corporations and charitable organizations, including Data General
Corporation, a computer and high technology company, Bradley Real
Estate, Inc., a real estate investment firm, Providence Journal
Co., a newspaper publisher and owner of television stations, and
Courier Corporation, a book binding and printing company. He is
also a Trustee of Eastern Utilities Associates, Massachusetts
General Hospital, where he previously served as chairman and
president, and Northeastern University.
Prior to December 1988, he was the Chairman of the Board and
Managing Partner of Wellington Management Company/Thorndike,
Doran, Paine & Lewis, a registered investment adviser which
manages mutual funds and institutional assets. He also
previously served as a Trustee of the Wellington Group of Funds
(now The Vanguard Group) and was the Chairman and a Director of
Ivest Fund, Inc. Mr. Thorndike is a graduate of Harvard College.
<PAGE>
- ----------------------------
* Nominees who are or may be deemed to be "interested persons"
(as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) of the
funds, Putnam Management and Putnam Mutual Funds Corp.
("Putnam Mutual Funds"), the principal underwriter for all
the open-end Putnam funds and an affiliate of Putnam
Management. Messrs. Putnam, Lasser, and Smith are deemed
"interested persons" by virtue of their positions as
officers or shareholders of your fund, or directors of
Putnam Management, Putnam Mutual Funds or Marsh & McLennan
Companies, Inc., the parent company of Putnam Management and
Putnam Mutual Funds. Mr. George Putnam, III, Mr. Putnam's
son, is also an "interested person" of the funds, Putnam
Management and Putnam Mutual Funds. Mr. Perkins may be
deemed to be an "interested person" of the funds because of
his service as a director of a certain publicly held company
that includes registered broker-dealer firms among its
subsidiaries. Neither your fund nor any of the other Putnam
funds currently engages in any transactions with such firms
except that certain of such firms act as dealers in the
retail sale of shares of certain Putnam funds in the
ordinary course of their business. The balance of the
nominees are not "interested persons."
** In February 1994 Mr. Thorndike accepted appointment as a
successor trustee of certain private trusts in which he has
no beneficial interest. At that time he also became
Chairman of the Board of two privately owned corporations
controlled by such trusts, serving in that capacity until
October 1994. These corporations filed voluntary petitions
for relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in
August 1994.
Except as indicated above, the principal occupations and business
experience of the nominees for the last five years have been with
the employers indicated, although in some cases they have held
different positions with those employers. Except for
Dr. Shapiro and Mr. Jackson, all the nominees were elected by the
shareholders of the Tax-Free High Yield Fund in May 1994 and
by the shareholders of the Tax-Free Insured Fund in July
1993 . Dr. Shapiro and Mr. Jackson were elected by the other
Trustees in April 1995 and May 1996, respectively. As
indicated above, Dr. Shapiro also previously served as a Trustee
of the Putnam funds from 1984 to 1989. The 14 nominees for
election as Trustees at the shareholder meeting of the Trust who
receive the greatest number of votes will be elected Trustees of
the Trust. Shares of both funds will be counted together to
determine the number of votes for each Trustee. The Trustees
serve until their successors are elected and qualified. Each of
the nominees has agreed to serve as a Trustee if elected. If any
of the nominees is unavailable for election at the time of the
meeting, which is not anticipated, the Trustees may vote for
other nominees at their discretion, or the Trustees may
fix the number of Trustees at less than 14 for the Trust.
What are the Trustees' responsibilities?
The Trust's Trustees are responsible for the general oversight of
the Trust's business and for assuring that your fund is managed
in the best interests of shareholders. The Trustees periodically
review your fund's investment performance as well as the quality
of other services provided to your fund and shareholders by
Putnam Management and its affiliates, including administration,
custody, distribution and investor servicing. At least annually,
the Trustees review the fees paid to Putnam Management and its
affiliates for these services and the overall level of your
fund's operating expenses. In carrying out these
responsibilities, the Trustees are assisted by an independent
administrative staff and by the funds' auditors and legal
counsel, which are selected by the Trustees and are independent
of Putnam Management and its affiliates.
Do the Trustees have a stake in your fund?
The Trustees believe it is important that each Trustee have a
significant investment in the Putnam funds. The Trustees
allocate their investments among the more than 99 Putnam funds
based on their own investment needs. The Trustees' aggregate
investments in the Putnam funds total over $48 million.
The table below lists each Trustee's current investments in each
fund and in the Putnam funds as a group.
<PAGE>
Share Ownership by Trustees as of September 30, 1996 *
Year first Number of Number of
Number of shares
elected as shares of
shares of of
all Putnam funds
Trustee of Tax-Free Tax-Free
owned (2)
the Putnam High Yield Insured
funds Fund owned(1) Fund
owned(1)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------
Jameson A. Baxter 1994 341
11635,991
Hans H. Estin 1972 103
16927,467
John A. Hill 1985 185
170127,131
Ronald J. Jackson 1996 1,084
2,03866,402
Elizabeth T. Kennan 1992
258 24829,939
Lawrence J. Lasser 1992 100
122444,265
Robert E. Patterson 1984
102 15959,066
Donald S. Perkins 1982 242
217164,173
William F. Pounds 1971 209
188350,849
George Putnam 1957 8,309
7,4641,529,688
George Putnam, III 1984 1,210
1,084289,044
Eli Shapiro 1995 (3) --
--88,717
A.J.C. Smith 1986 164
15646,915
W. Nicholas Thorndike 1992 126
12280,855
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------
(1) Each Trustee has sole investment power and
sole voting power with respect to
his or her shares of the fund.
(2) These holdings do not include shares of Putnam
money market funds.
(3) Dr. Shapiro previously served as a Trustee of the
Putnam funds from 1984 to 1989.
As of September 30, 1996 , the Trustees and
officers of the Trust owned a total
of 14,300 shares of the Tax-Free High Yield Fund and a
total of 12,253 shares of the Tax-
Free Insured Fund, in each case , comprising less than 1%
of the funds' outstanding
shares on that date.<PAGE>
What are some of the ways in which the Trustees represent
shareholder interests?
The Trustees believe that, as substantial investors in the Putnam
funds, their interests are closely aligned with those of
individual shareholders. Among other ways, the Trustees seek to
represent shareholder interests:
- by carefully reviewing your fund's investment
performance on an individual basis with your fund's
managers;
- by also carefully reviewing the quality of the various
other services provided to the funds and their
shareholders by Putnam Management and its affiliates;
- by discussing with senior management of Putnam
Management steps being taken to address any performance
deficiencies;
- by reviewing the fees paid to Putnam Management to
ensure that such fees remain reasonable and competitive
with those of other mutual funds, while at the same
time providing Putnam Management sufficient resources
to continue to provide high quality services in the
future;
- by monitoring potential conflicts between the funds and
Putnam Management and its affiliates to ensure that the
funds continue to be managed in the best interests of
their shareholders;
- by also monitoring potential conflicts among funds to
ensure that shareholders continue to realize the
benefits of participation in a large and diverse family
of funds.
How often do the Trustees meet?
The Trustees meet each month (except August) over a two-day
period to review the operations of the funds and of the other
Putnam funds. A portion of these meetings is devoted to meetings
of various Committees of the board which focus on particular
matters. These include: the Contract Committee, which reviews
all contractual arrangements with Putnam Management and its
affiliates; the Communication and Service Committee, which
reviews the quality of services provided by the funds' investor
servicing agent, custodian and distributor; the Pricing,
Brokerage and Special Investments Committee, which reviews
matters relating to valuation of securities, best execution,
brokerage costs and allocations and new investment techniques;
the Audit Committee, which reviews accounting policies and the
adequacy of internal controls and supervises the engagement of
the funds' auditors; the Compensation, Administration and Legal
Affairs Committee, which reviews the compensation of the Trustees
and their administrative staff and supervises the engagement of
the funds' independent counsel; and the Nominating Committee,
which is responsible for selecting nominees for election as
Trustees.
Each Trustee generally attends at least two formal committee
meetings during such monthly meeting of the Trustees. During
1995, the average Trustee participated in approximately 40
committee and board meetings. In addition, the Trustees meet in
small groups with Chief Investment Officers and Portfolio
Managers to review recent performance and the current investment
climate for selected funds. These meetings ensure that each
fund's performance is reviewed in detail at least twice a year.
The Contract Committee typically meets on several additional
occasions during the year to carry out its responsibilities.
Other Committees, including an Executive Committee, may also meet
on special occasions as the need arises.
What are the Trustees paid for their services?
Each Trustee receives a fee for his or her services
with respect to each fund. Each Trustee also receives fees for
serving as Trustee of other Putnam funds. The Trustees
periodically review their fees to assure that such fees continue
to be appropriate in light of their responsibilities as well as
in relation to fees paid to trustees of other mutual fund
complexes. The Trustees meet monthly over a two-day period,
except in August. The Compensation Committee, which consists
solely of Trustees not affiliated with Putnam Management and is
responsible for recommending Trustee compensation, estimates that
Committee and Trustee meeting time together with the appropriate
preparation requires the equivalent of at least three business
days per Trustee meeting. The following table shows the year
each Trustee was first elected a Trustee of the Putnam funds,
the fees paid to each Trustee by each fund for fiscal 1996
and the fees paid to each Trustee by all of the Putnam funds
during calendar year 1995:
<PAGE>
Compensation Table
Tax Free
High Yield
Fund(1)
Pension or
retirement
benefits
accrued as
part of
Tax-Free
High Yield
Fund's
expenses(2)
Tax-Free
Insured
Fund(1)
Pension or
retirement
benefits
accrued as
part of
Tax-Free
Insured Fund
expenses(2)
Estimated
annual
benefits
from all
Putnam
funds upon
retirement(3)
Total
compensation
from
all
Putnam
funds(4)</
R>
Jameson A.
Baxter/1994
$2,997
$0
$1,333
$0
$71,676
$150,854
Hans H. Estin/1972
2,981
0
1,328
0
70,043
150,854
John A. Hill/1985(5)
2,965
0
1,322
0
70,043
149,854
Ronald J.
Jackson/1996(5)(6)
479
0
215
0
N/A
N/A
Elizabeth T.
Kennan/1992
2,981
0
1,328
0
69,709
148,854
Lawrence J.
Lasser/1992
2,965
0
1,319
0
70,043
150,854
Robert E.
Patterson/1984
3,126
0
1,379
0
71,043
152,854
Donald S. Perkins/1982
2,965
0
1,322
0
69,376
150,854
William F. Pounds/1971
3,234
(7)
0
1,399
(7)
0
70,543
149,854
George Putnam/1957
2,981
0
1,328
0
70,043
150,854
George Putnam,
III/1984
2,981
0
1,328
0
70,043
150,854
Eli Shapiro/1995(8)
3,140
0
1,384
0
47,686
95,372
A.J.C. Smith/1986
2,956
0
1,319
0
68,252
149,854
W. Nicholas
Thorndike/1992
3,114
0
1,375
0
71,043
152,854
<PAGE>
(1) Includes an annual retainer and an attendance fee
for each meeting attended.
(2) The Trustees approved a Retirement Plan for Trustees
of the Putnam funds on October 1, 1996. Prior to that
date, voluntary retirement benefits were paid to
certain retired Trustees, and no such benefits were
accrued as part of fund expenses.
(3) Assumes that each Trustee retires after at least five years
of service. Estimated benefits for each are based on
amounts paid to such Trustee for the three most
recent calendar years (or, for Trustees who have not
served as Trustees for the three most recent calendar
years, the average amount paid to each Trustee for such
years).
(4) As of December 31, 1995, there were 99 funds in the
Putnam Family.
(5) Includes compensation deferred pursuant
to a Trustee Compensation Deferral Plan. The
total amounts of deferred compensation payable to
Mr. Hill and Mr. Jackson as of July 31, 1996
was $3,346 and $408 respectively, by Putnam
Tax-Free High Yield Fund ; and $1,494 and
$185, respectively, by Putnam Tax-Free Insured
fund. The total amount of deferred compensation
payable by the Putnam funds to Mr. Hill as of
December 31, 1995 was $51,141. Information on
deferred compensation includes income earned
on such amounts.
(6) Elected as a Trustee in May 1996 .
(7) Includes additional compensation for
service as Vice Chairman of the Putnam
funds.
(8) Elected as a Trustee in April 1995.
Under a Retirement Plan for Trustees of the Putnam
funds (the "Plan"), each Trustee who retires with at
least five years of service as a Trustee of the funds is
entitled to receive an annual retirement benefit equal to
one-half of the average annual compensation paid to such
Trustee for the last three years of service prior to retirement.
This retirement benefit is payable during a Trustee's lifetime,
beginning the year following retirement, for a number of years
equal to such Trustee's years of service. A death benefit is
also available under the Plan which assures that the Trustee and
his or her beneficiaries will receive benefit payments for the
lesser of an aggregate period of (i) ten years or (ii) such
Trustee's total years of service.
The Plan administrator (a committee comprised of Trustees that
are not "interested persons" of the fund, as defined in the
Investment Company Act of 1940) may terminate or amend the Plan
at any time, but no termination or amendment will result in a
reduction in the amount of benefits (i) currently being paid to
a Trustee at the time of such termination or amendment, or (ii)
to which a current Trustee would have been entitled to receive
had he or she retired immediately prior to such termination or
amendment.
For additional information about the Trust, including further
information about its Trustees and officers, please see "Further
Information About Your Funds," on page 46 .
Putnam Investments
Putnam Investment Management, Inc. and its affiliates, Putnam
Mutual Funds, the principal underwriter for shares of your fund
and Putnam Fiduciary Trust Company, your fund's investor
servicing agent and custodian, are wholly owned by Putnam
Investments, Inc., One Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts
02109, a holding company that is in turn wholly owned by Marsh &
McLennan Companies, Inc., which has executive offices at 1166
Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036. Marsh &
McLennan Companies, Inc. and its operating subsidiaries are
professional services firms with insurance and reinsurance
brokering, consulting, and investment management businesses.
2. SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Price Waterhouse LLP, 160 Federal Street, Boston, Massachusetts,
independent accountants, has been selected by the Trustees as
the auditor of your fund for the current fiscal year. Among the
country's preeminent accounting firms, this firm also serves as
the auditor for approximately half of the other funds in the
Putnam family. It was selected primarily on the basis of its
expertise as auditors of investment companies, the quality of
its audit services, and the competitiveness of the fees charged
for these services.
A majority of the votes on the matter is necessary to ratify the
selection of auditors. A representative of the independent
auditors is expected to be present at the meeting to make
statements and to respond to appropriate questions.
PROPOSALS 3 AND 4
As described in the following proposals, the Trustees are
recommending that shareholders of each fund approve a number of
changes to your fund's fundamental investment restrictions,
including the elimination of certain of these restrictions. The
purpose of these changes is to standardize the investment
restrictions of all of the Putnam funds, including
your fund
where appropriate, and in certain cases to increase the funds'
investment flexibility. By having standard investment
restrictions for all Putnam funds, Putnam Management will be
able to more easily monitor each fund's compliance with its
investment policies. Many of these changes will have little
practical effect on the way each fund is managed given the
funds' current investment objective and
policies.
Several
of the proposals request that certain fundamental
restrictions be eliminated . These fundamental
restrictions were originally adopted to comply with state
securities law requirements, but are no longer applicable to the
fund due to recently enacted federal legislation that
effectively eliminated the ability of states to impose
investment limitations on registered investment companies
like the fund. In light of this development, Putnam
Management believes that these restrictions are
unnecessary and should be eliminated.
The adoption of any of these proposals is not contingent on the
adoption of any other proposal.
Each fund will vote separately on each proposal. Voting by one
fund will not affect the other fund.
3.A. AMENDING THE FUND'S FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTION WITH
RESPECT TO DIVERSIFICATION
The Trustees are recommending that the fund's fundamental
investment restriction with respect to the diversification of
investments be revised to reflect the standard restriction
expected to be used by other Putnam funds and to grant the
fund the maximum investment flexibility permitted by the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act").
Under the 1940 Act, the fund, as a diversified fund,
generally may not, with respect to 75% of its total
assets, invest more than 5% of its total assets in the
securities of any one issuer (except U.S. government
securities). The remaining 25% of the fund's total assets is
not subject to this restriction.
The fund's current restriction is more restrictive, and states
that the fund may not:
"Invest in securities of any issuer if, immediately after
such investment, more than 5% of the total assets of the
fund (taken at current value) would be invested in the
securities of such issuer; provided that this limitation
does not apply to obligations issued or guaranteed as to
interest and principal by the U.S. government or its
agencies or instrumentalities and that insurers of tax-
exempt securities are not considered issuers of securities
for this purpose. (Insurance policies of which the Trust
is a beneficiary are not considered securities for purposes
of this restriction.)"
The proposed amended fundamental investment restriction is set
forth below.
"The Trust may not with respect to a fund ...
With respect to 75% of its total assets, invest in the
securities of any issuer if, immediately after such
investment,
more than 5% of the total assets of the fund
(taken at current value) would be invested in the
securities of such issuer; provided that this limitation
does not apply to obligations issued or guaranteed as to
interest or
principal by the U.S. government or its
agencies or instrumentalities ."
If the proposed change is approved, the fund will be able to
invest up to 25% of its total assets in the securities of any
one issuer. The amended restriction would, consistent with
SEC regulations, include insurers and insurance policies within
its limitations but would continue to exclude from its
limitations U.S. government securities. Following the
amendment, the fund would continue to be a diversified
investment company for purposes of the 1940 Act.
Putnam Management believes that this enhanced flexibility could
assist the fund in achieving its investment
objectives. However, during times when Putnam Management
invests a higher percentage of the fund's assets in one
or more issuers, the value of the fund's shares may fluctuate
more widely than the value of shares of a portfolio investing in
a larger number of issuers.
Required Vote. Approval of this proposal by a fund requires the
affirmative vote
of
the lesser of (1) more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of the fund, or (2) 67% or more of the shares
of the fund present at the meeting if more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of the fund are present at the meeting in
person or by proxy.
3.B. AMENDING THE FUND'S FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTION WITH
RESPECT TO INVESTMENTS IN THE VOTING SECURITIES OF A SINGLE
ISSUER
The Trustees are recommending that the fund's fundamental
investment restriction with respect to investments in the voting
securities of a single issuer be revised to reflect the standard
restriction expected to be used by other Putnam funds and to
grant the fund the maximum flexibility permitted under the 1940
Act. The 1940 Act prohibits a diversified fund such as the fund
from investing, with respect to 75% of its total assets, in the
voting securities of an issuer if as a result it would own more
than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of that issuer.
The fund's current investment restriction, which is more
restrictive than the 1940 Act, states that the fund may not:
"Acquire more than 10% of the voting securities of any
issuer, both with respect to any fund and to the Trust in
the aggregate."
The proposed amended fundamental investment restriction is set
forth below.
"The Trust may not with respect to the fund ...
With respect to 75% of its total assets, acquire more
than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any
issuer."
The amendment enables the fund to purchase more than 10% of the
voting securities of an issuer with respect to 25% of the fund's
total assets , without regard to any other fund of the
Trust . This proposal will have little practical effect on
the fund as the fund invests primarily in fixed-income
securities which are not typically voting securities.
Nevertheless, Putnam Management believes it would be in the best
interest of the fund to conform its policy to provide the fund
with maximum flexibility should circumstances change.
To
the extent the fund individually or with other funds and
accounts managed by Putnam Management or its affiliates were to
own all or a major portion of the outstanding voting securities
of a particular issuer, under adverse market or economic
conditions or in the event of adverse changes in the financial
condition of the issuer the fund could find it more difficult to
sell these voting securities when Putnam Management believes it
advisable to do so, or may be able to sell the securities only
at prices significantly lower than if they were more widely
held.
Required vote. Approval of this proposal by a fund requires the
affirmative vote of the lesser of (1) more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of the fund, or (2) 67% or more of the shares
of the fund present at the meeting if more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of the fund are present at the meeting in
person or by proxy.
3.C. AMENDING THE FUND'S FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTION WITH
RESPECT TO MAKING LOANS
The Trustees are recommending that the fund's fundamental
investment restriction with respect to making loans be revised
to reflect the standard restriction expected to be used by other
Putnam funds . The current restriction states that the
fund may not:
"Make loans, except by purchase of debt obligations in
which the fund may invest consistent with its investment
policies and by entering into repurchase agreements with
respect to not more than 25% of the fund's total assets
(taken at current value)."
The proposed amended fundamental investment restriction is set
forth below.
"The Trust may not with respect to the fund ...
Make loans, except by purchase of debt obligations in
which the fund may invest consistent with its
investment policies, by
entering into repurchase
agreements,
or by lending its portfolio securities
."
Following the amendment, the fund may, consistent with its
investment objective and policies and applicable law, enter into
repurchase agreements and securities loans without limit.
Management believes that this increased investment
flexibility could assist the fund in achieving its investment
objective.
Given the fund's investment policies and the fact that
securities loans and repurchase agreements give rise to taxable
income, Putnam Management does not presently intend to engage in
securities loans or repurchase agreements on behalf of the fund
to any significant extent. Nevertheless, Putnam Management
believes it would be in the best interest of the fund to conform
the policy to provide the fund with maximum flexibility should
circumstances change.
When the fund enters into a repurchase agreement, it typically
purchases a security for a relatively short period (usually not
more than one week), which the seller agrees to repurchase at a
fixed time and price, representing the fund's cost plus
interest. When the fund enters into a securities loan, it lends
certain of its portfolio securities to broker-dealers or other
parties and typically receives an interest payment in return.
These transactions must be fully collateralized at all times,
but involve some risk to the fund if the other party should
default on its obligation. If the other party in these
transactions should become involved in bankruptcy or insolvency
proceedings, it is possible that the fund may be treated as an
unsecured creditor and be required to return the underlying
collateral to the other party's estate.
Required vote. Approval of this proposal by a fund requires the
affirmative vote of the lesser of (1) more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of the fund, or (2) 67% or more of the shares
of the fund present at the meeting if more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of the fund are present at the meeting in
person or by proxy.
3.D. AMENDING THE FUND'S FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT
RESTRICTION WITH RESPECT TO INVESTMENTS IN REAL
ESTATE
The Trustees are recommending that the fund's fundamental
investment restriction with respect to investments in real
estate be revised to reflect the standard restriction expected
to be used by other Putnam funds and to grant the fund greater
flexibility. The current restriction states that the fund may
not:
"Purchase or sell real estate, although it may
purchase securities which are secured by or represent
interests in real estate."
The proposed amended fundamental investment restriction is set
forth below.
"The Trust may not with respect to the fund ...
Purchase or sell real estate, although it may purchase
securities of issuers which deal in real estate,
securities which are secured by interests in real
estate, and securities which represent interests in
real estate, and it may acquire and dispose of real
estate or interests in real estate acquired through
the exercise of its rights as a holder of debt
obligations secured by real estate or interests
therein."
The proposed amendment enables the fund to invest in a wide
range of real estate-related investments, many in which the fund
may already invest under the current restriction. In addition,
the fund would be able to own real estate directly as a result
of the exercise of its rights in connection with debt
obligations it owns. In such cases, the ability to acquire and
dispose of real estate may serve to protect the fund during
times where an issuer of debt securities is unable to meet its
obligations.
The proposal will have little practical effect on the fund,
except to the extent the fund's investments are secured by the
real estate holdings of an issuer. Nevertheless, Putnam
Management believes it would be in the best interest of the fund
to conform the policy to provide the fund with maximum
flexibility should circumstances change.
In order to enforce its rights in the event of a default of an
issuer of real estate-related securities, the fund may be
required to participate in various legal proceedings or take
possession of and manage assets securing the issuer's
obligations. This could increase the fund's operating expenses
and adversely affect its net asset value.
Required vote. Approval of this proposal by a fund requires the
affirmative vote of the lesser of (1) more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of the fund, or (2) 67% or more of the shares
of the fund present at the meeting if more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of the fund are present at the meeting in
person or by proxy.
3.E. AMENDING THE FUND'S FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTION WITH
RESPECT TO CONCENTRATION OF ITS ASSETS
The Trustees are recommending that the fund's fundamental
investment restriction regarding concentration be revised to
reflect the standard restriction expected to be used by other
Putnam funds. The current restriction states that the fund may
not:
"Invest more than 25% of the value of the total assets of
any fund in any one industry. (Securities of the U.S.
government, its agencies or instrumentalities and tax-
exempt securities backed by the credit of a governmental
entity are not considered to represent industries)."
The proposed amended fundamental investment restriction
is set forth below.
"The Trust may not with respect to a fund ...
Purchase securities (other than securities of the U.S.
government, its agencies or instrumentalities or tax-
exempt securities, except tax-exempt securities backed
only by the assets and revenues of non-governmental
issuers) if, as a result of such purchase, more than
25% of the fund's total assets would be invested in
any one industry."
The proposed amendment merely conforms the fund's restriction
and would have no effect on the fund's investments.
Required vote. Approval of this proposal by a fund requires the
affirmative vote of the lesser of (1) more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of the fund, or (2) 67% or more of the shares
of the fund present at the meeting if more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of the fund are present at the meeting in
person or by proxy.
3.F. AMENDING THE FUND'S FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTION WITH
RESPECT TO INVESTMENTS IN COMMODITIES
The Trustees are recommending that the fund's fundamental
investment restriction with respect to investments in
commodities be revised to reflect the standard restriction
expected to be used by other Putnam funds. The current
restriction states that the fund may not:
"Purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts,
except that it may purchase and sell financial futures
contracts and related options."
The proposed amended fundamental investment restriction
is set forth below.
"The Trust may not with respect to a fund ...
Purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts,
except that the fund may purchase and sell financial
futures contracts and options and may enter into
foreign exchange contracts and other financial
transactions not involving physical commodities."
Under the revised restriction, the fund will continue to be able
to engage in a variety of transactions involving the use of
financial futures and options, as well as various other
financial transactions to the extent consistent with its
investment objective and policies. Although the fund may
already engage in many of these activities, Putnam Management
believes that the revised language more clearly sets forth the
fund's policy. The addition of financial transactions not
involving physical commodities is intended to give the
fund maximum flexibility to invest in a variety of financial
instruments that could technically be considered commodities,
but which do not involve the direct purchase or sale of physical
commodities, which is the intended focus of the restriction.
Foreign exchange transactions are subject to many of the risks
associated with futures and options. However, given the fund's
investment policies and the fact that foreign currency exchange
transactions give rise to taxable income, the fund currently has
no intention of engaging in such transactions.
Required vote. Approval of this proposal by a fund requires the
affirmative vote of the lesser of (1) more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of the fund, or (2) 67% or more of the shares
of the fund present at the meeting if more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of the fund are present at the meeting in
person or by proxy.
3.G. AMENDING THE FUND'S FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTION WITH
RESPECT TO SENIOR SECURITIES
The Trustees are recommending that the fund's fundamental
investment restriction with respect to the issuance of senior
securities be revised to reflect the standard restriction
expected to be used by other Putnam funds and to make it clear
that the fund is not restricted from borrowing money consistent
with its investment policies. Generally, a "senior security" is
a security which has priority over any other security as to
distribution of assets or dividends, and technically includes
all indebtedness over 5% of the fund's assets. The current
restriction states that the fund may not:
"Issue any class of securities which is senior to a fund's
shares of beneficial interest."
The proposed amended fundamental investment restriction is set
forth below:
"The Trust may not with respect to a fund ...
Issue any class of securities which is senior to the fund's
shares of beneficial interest, except for permitted
borrowings."
Although Putnam Management believes that the fund may currently
borrow money to the maximum extent permitted by its existing
policies (up to 10% of its total assets) without violating its
current restriction, it believes that amending the restriction
will avoid any possible ambiguity.
Required vote. Approval of this proposal by a fund requires the
affirmative vote of the lesser of (1) more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of the fund, or (2) 67% or more of the shares
of the fund present at the meeting if more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of the fund are present at the meeting in
person or by proxy.
4.A. ELIMINATING THE FUND'S FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTION
WITH RESPECT TO INVESTMENTS IN SECURITIES OF ISSUERS IN
WHICH MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND OR PUTNAM INVESTMENT
MANAGEMENT OWNS SECURITIES
The Trustees are recommending eliminating the fund's fundamental
investment restriction which prevents the fund from investing in
the securities of issuers in which management of the fund or
Putnam Management owns a certain percentage of securities .
The restriction states that the fund may not:
"Invest in securities of any issuer if, to the knowledge of
the Trust, officers and Trustees of the Trust and officers
and directors of Putnam Management who beneficially own
more than 0.5% of the securities of that issuer together
beneficially own more than 5%."
The fund originally adopted this restriction to comply with
certain state securities law requirements which are no longer
applicable to the fund .
If this proposal is approved, the fund would be able
to invest in the securities of any issuer without regard to
ownership in such issuer by management of the fund or Putnam
Management, except to the extent otherwise prohibited by the
fund's investment policies or the 1940 Act. Putnam
Management believes that this enhanced flexibility could assist
the fund in achieving its investment objective.
Required vote. Approval of this proposal by a fund requires the
affirmative vote of the lesser of (1) more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of the fund, or (2) 67% or more of the shares
of the fund present at the meeting if
more
than 50% of the
outstanding shares of the fund are present at the meeting in
person or by proxy.
4.B. ELIMINATING THE FUND'S FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTION
WITH RESPECT TO MARGIN TRANSACTIONS
The Trustees are recommending that the fund's fundamental
investment restriction with respect to margin transactions be
eliminated . "Margin transactions" involve the purchase
of securities with money borrowed from a broker, with cash or
eligible securities being used as collateral against the loan.
The restriction states that the fund may not:
"Purchase securities on margin, except such short-term
credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases
and sales of securities, and except that it may make margin
payments in connection with financial futures contracts and
related options."
The fund originally adopted this restriction to comply with
certain state securities law requirements which are no longer
applicable to the fund.
If this proposal is approved, the fund would have no
formal restriction with respect to engaging in margin
transactions. However, the fund's potential use of
margin transactions beyond transactions in financial futures and
options and for the clearance of purchases and sales of
securities, including the use of margin in ordinary securities
transactions, is currently limited by SEC guidelines which
prohibit margin transactions because they create senior
securities. The fund's ability to engage in margin transactions
is also limited by its investment policies, which generally
permit the fund to borrow money only in limited circumstances.
Required vote. Approval of this proposal by a fund requires the
affirmative vote of the lesser of (1) more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of the fund, or (2) 67% or more of the shares
of the fund present at the meeting if more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of the fund are present at the meeting in
person or by proxy.
4.C. ELIMINATING THE FUND'S FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTION
WITH RESPECT TO SHORT SALES
The Trustees are recommending that the fund's fundamental
investment restriction with respect to short sales be eliminated
. The restriction states that the fund may not:
"Make short sales of securities or maintain a short
position for the account of the fund unless at all times
when a short position is open such fund owns an equal
amount of such securities or owns securities which, without
payment of any further consideration, are convertible into
or exchangeable for securities of the same issue as, and
equal in amount to, the securities sold short."
The fund originally adopted this restriction to comply with
certain state securities law requirements which are no
longer applicable.
If this proposal is approved, the fund would be able to
engage in short sales "against the box" (in which the fund owns
or has the right to acquire at no added cost securities
identical to those sold short.) However, given the
fund's investment policies and the fact that short sales give
rise to taxable income, Putnam Management does not currently
intend to engage in short sales on behalf of the fund.
Nevertheless, Putnam Management believes it is in the best
interest of the fund to conform the policy and make it non-
fundamental to provide the fund with maximum flexibility should
circumstances change.
Required vote. Approval of this proposal by a fund requires the
affirmative vote of the lesser of (1) more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of the fund, or (2) 67% or more of the shares
of the fund present at the meeting if more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of the fund are present at the meeting in
person or by proxy.
4.D. ELIMINATING THE FUND'S FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTION
WITH RESPECT TO PLEDGING ASSETS
The Trustees are recommending that the fund's fundamental
investment restriction which limits the fund's ability to pledge
its assets be eliminated . The restriction states that
the fund may not:
"Pledge, hypothecate, mortgage or otherwise encumber its
assets in excess of 15% of the fund's total assets (taken
at cost) in connection with borrowings permitted by
restriction 1 above." [Restriction 1 permits the fund to
borrow money in an amount equal to up to 10% of its total
assets for certain limited purposes.]
The fund originally adopted this restriction to comply with
certain state securities law requirements which are no longer
applicable to the fund.
If this proposal is approved, the fund would no longer have a
policy limiting its pledging activity. Putnam Management
believes that this enhanced flexibility could assist the fund in
achieving its investment objective. Further, Putnam Management
believes that the fund's current limits on pledging may conflict
with the fund's ability to borrow money to meet redemption
requests or for extraordinary or emergency purposes. This
conflict arises because banks may require borrowers such as the
fund to pledge assets in order to collateralize the amount
borrowed. These collateral requirements are typically for
amounts at least equal to, and often larger than, the principal
amount of the loan. If the fund needed to borrow the maximum
amount permitted by its policies (currently 10% of its total
assets), it might be possible that a bank would require
collateral in excess of 15% of the fund's total assets. Thus,
the current restriction could have the effect of reducing the
amount that the fund may borrow in these situations.
Pledging assets does entail certain risks. To the extent that a
fund pledges its assets, the fund may have less flexibility in
liquidating its assets. If a large portion of the fund's assets
were involved, the fund's ability to meet redemption requests or
other obligations could be delayed.
Required vote. Approval of this proposal by a fund requires the
affirmative vote of the lesser of (1) more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of the fund, or (2) 67% or more of the shares
of the fund present at the meeting if more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of the fund are present at the meeting in
person or by proxy.
4.E.
ELIMINATING THE FUND'S FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTION
WITH RESPECT TO INVESTMENTS IN RESTRICTED SECURITIES
The Trustees are recommending that the fund's fundamental
investment restriction which limits the fund's investments in
securities subject to restrictions on resale, which are known as
"restricted securities," be eliminated. The current fundamental
investment restriction states that the fund may not:
"Purchase securities the disposition of which is restricted
under federal securities laws if, as a result, such
investments would exceed 15% of the value of the fund's net
assets, excluding restricted securities that have been
determined by the Trustees of the Trust (or the person
designated by them to make such determinations) to be
readily marketable."
Putnam Management believes the restriction is unnecessary in
light of current regulatory requirements, which prohibit the
fund from investing more than 15% of its net assets in any
combination of (a) securities which are not readily marketable,
(b) securities restricted as to resale (excluding securities
determined by the Trustees of the Trust (or the person
designated by the Trustees of the Trust to make such
determinations) to be readily marketable), and (c) repurchase
agreements maturing in more than seven days.
These requirements are currently reflected in the fund's
nonfundamental policy with respect to illiquid investments.
Eliminating the fundamental restriction would therefore provide
the fund with maximum flexibility to respond quickly to legal,
regulatory and market developments regarding illiquid
investments, without the need for shareholder approval.
To the extent the fund invests in illiquid investments, the fund
may encounter difficulty in determining the fair value of such
securities for purposes of computing net asset value. In
addition, the fund could encounter difficulty satisfying
redemption requests within seven days if it could not readily
dispose of its illiquid investments.
Required vote. Approval of this proposal by a fund requires the
affirmative vote of the lesser of (1) more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of the fund, or (2) 67% or more of the shares
of the fund present at the meeting if more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of the fund are present at the meeting in
person or by proxy.
4.F. ELIMINATING
THE FUND'S FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTION
WITH RESPECT TO INVESTMENTS IN CERTAIN OIL, GAS AND MINERAL
INTERESTS
The Trustees are recommending that the fund's fundamental
investment restriction
with respect
to investments in oil, gas
and mineral leases, rights or royalty contracts be eliminated
. The restriction states that the fund may not:
"Buy or sell oil, gas, or other mineral leases, rights or
royalty contracts. "
The fund originally adopted this restriction to comply
with certain state securities law requirements which are no
longer applicable to the fund .
If this proposal is approved, the fund would be able
to invest directly in oil, gas and mineral interests, and
in a variety of securities the value of which is dependent upon
the value of such interests. Putnam Management believes that
this enhanced flexibility could assist the fund in achieving its
investment objective.
In order to enforce its rights in the event of a default of an
issuer of these securities, the fund may be required to
participate in various legal proceedings or take possession of
and manage assets securing the issuer's obligations. This could
increase the fund's operating expenses and adversely affect the
fund's net asset value .
This proposal will have little practical effect on the
fund except to the extent the fund's investments are
secured by oil, gas and mineral interests. Nevertheless, Putnam
Management believes it would be in the best interest of the fund
to conform the policy to provide the fund with maximum
flexibility should circumstances change.
Required
vote. Approval of this proposal by a fund requires the
affirmative vote of the lesser of (1) more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of the fund, or (2) 67% or more of the shares
of the fund present at the meeting if more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of the fund are present at the meeting in
person or by proxy.
4.G. ELIMINATING THE FUND'S FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTION
WITH RESPECT TO INVESTING TO GAIN CONTROL OF A COMPANY'S
MANAGEMENT
The Trustees are recommending that the fund's fundamental
investment restriction which states that the fund may not "make
investments for the purpose of gaining control of a company's
management" be eliminated. Eliminating the restriction would
make it clear that the fund can freely exercise its
rights as shareholder of the various companies in which
it may invest, which activities could at times
fall under the technical definition of control. These rights
may include the right to actively oppose or support the
management of such companies. Since the fund invests primarily
in fixed-income securities, this proposal will not impact the
majority of the fund's investments. Nevertheless, Putnam
Management believes it would be in the best interest of the fund
to eliminate the restriction.
Required vote. Approval of this proposal by a fund requires the
affirmative vote of the lesser of (1) more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of the fund, or (2) 67% or more of the shares
of the fund present at the meeting if more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of the fund are present at the meeting in
person or by proxy.
Further Information About Voting and the Shareholder Meeting
Quorum and Methods of Tabulation. Thirty percent of the shares
entitled to vote -- present in person or represented by proxy --
constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business with
respect to any proposal at the meeting (unless otherwise noted
in the proxy statement). Shares represented by proxies that
reflect abstentions and "broker non-votes" (i.e., shares held by
brokers or nominees as to which (i) instructions have not been
received from the beneficial owners or the persons entitled to
vote and (ii) the broker or nominee does not have the
discretionary voting power on a particular matter) will be
counted as shares that are present and entitled to vote on the
matter for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum.
Votes cast by proxy or in person at the meeting will be counted
by persons appointed by your fund as tellers for the meeting.
The tellers will count the total number of votes cast "for"
approval of the proposals for purposes of determining whether
sufficient affirmative votes have been cast. With respect to
the election of Trustees and selection of auditors, neither
abstentions nor broker non-votes have any effect on the outcome
of the proposal. With respect to any other proposals,
abstentions and broker non-votes have the effect of a negative
vote on the proposal.
Other business. The Trustees know of no other business to be
brought before the meeting. However, if any other matters
properly come before the meeting, it is their intention that
proxies that do not contain specific restrictions to the
contrary will be voted on such matters in accordance with the
judgment of the persons named as proxies in the enclosed form of
proxy.
Simultaneous meetings. The meeting of shareholders of each fund
is called to be held at the same time as the meetings of
shareholders of certain of the other Putnam funds. It is
anticipated that all meetings will be held simultaneously. If
any shareholder at the meeting objects to the holding of a
simultaneous meeting and moves for an adjournment of the meeting
to a time promptly after the simultaneous meetings, the persons
named as proxies will vote in favor of such adjournment.
Solicitation of proxies. In addition to soliciting proxies by
mail, Trustees of the Trust and employees of Putnam Management,
Putnam Fiduciary Trust Company and Putnam Mutual Funds may
solicit proxies in person or by telephone. The Trust may also
arrange to have votes recorded by telephone. The telephone
voting procedure is designed to authenticate shareholders'
identities, to allow shareholders to authorize the voting of
their shares in accordance with their instructions and to
confirm that their instructions have been properly recorded.
The Trust has been advised by counsel that these procedures are
consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If these
procedures were subject to a successful legal challenge, such
votes would not be counted at the meeting. The Trust is unaware
of any such challenge at this time. Shareholders would be
called at the phone number Putnam Investments has in its records
for their accounts, and would be asked for their Social Security
number or other identifying information. The shareholders would
then be given an opportunity to authorize proxies to vote their
shares at the meeting in accordance with their instructions. To
ensure that the shareholders' instructions have been recorded
correctly, they will also receive a confirmation of their
instructions in the mail. A special toll-free number will be
available in case the information contained in the confirmation
is incorrect.
The Trustees have adopted a general policy of maintaining
confidentiality in the voting of proxies. Consistent with this
policy, the Trust may solicit proxies from shareholders who have
not voted their shares or who have abstained from voting.
Persons holding shares as nominees will upon request be
reimbursed for their reasonable expenses in soliciting
instructions from their principals. The Trust has retained at
the funds' expense D.F. King & Co., Inc., 77 Water
Street, New York, New York 10005, to aid in the solicitation of
instructions for registered and nominee accounts, for a fee not
to exceed $10,000 plus reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
for mailing and phone costs.
Revocation of proxies. Proxies, including proxies given by
telephone, may be revoked at any time before they are voted by a
written revocation received by the Clerk of the Trust, by
properly executing a later-dated proxy or by attending the
meeting and voting in person.
Date for receipt of shareholders' proposals for subsequent
meetings of shareholders. The Trust's Agreement and Declaration
of Trust does not provide for annual meetings of shareholders,
and the Trust does not currently intend to hold such a meeting
in 1997. Shareholder proposals for inclusion in the proxy
statement for any subsequent meeting must be received by your
fund within a reasonable period of time prior to any such
meeting.
Adjournment. If sufficient votes in favor of any of the
proposals set forth in the Notice of the Meeting are not
received by the time scheduled for the meeting, the persons
named as proxies may propose adjournments of the meeting for a
period or periods of not more than 60 days in the aggregate to
permit further solicitation of proxies with respect to any of
such proposals. Any adjournment will require the affirmative
vote of a majority of the votes cast on the question in person
or by proxy at the session of the meeting to be adjourned. The
persons named as proxies will vote in favor of such adjournment
those proxies which they are entitled to vote in favor of such
proposals. They will vote against such adjournment those
proxies required to be voted against such proposals. Such fund
pays the costs of any additional solicitation and of any
adjourned session. Any proposals for which sufficient favorable
votes have been received by the time of the meeting may be acted
upon and considered final regardless of whether the meeting is
adjourned to permit additional solicitation with respect to any
other proposal.
Financial information. The Trust will furnish, without charge,
to you upon request a copy of a fund's annual report for its
most recent fiscal year, and a copy of its semiannual report for
any subsequent semiannual period. Such requests may be directed
to Putnam Investor Services, P.O. Box 41203, Providence, RI
02940-1203 or 1-800-225-1581.
Further Information About Your Funds
Limitation of Trustee liability. The Agreement and Declaration
of Trust of the Trust provides that the Trust will indemnify the
Trustees and officers against liabilities and expenses incurred
in connection with litigation in which they may be involved
because of their offices with the Trust, except if it is
determined in the manner specified in the Agreement and
Declaration of Trust that they have not acted in good faith in
the reasonable belief that their actions were in the best
interests of the Trust or that such indemnification would
relieve any officer or Trustee of any liability to a fund or its
shareholders arising by reason of willful misfeasance, bad
faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his or her
duties. The Trust, at its expense, provides liability insurance
for the benefit of its Trustees and officers.
Audit and Nominating Committees. The voting members of the
Audit Committee of the Trust include only Trustees who are not
"interested persons" of the Trust by reason of any affiliation
with Putnam Investments and its affiliates. The Audit Committee
currently consists of Messrs. Estin (Chairman), Perkins (without
vote), Putnam, III (without vote), Shapiro, Smith (without
vote), and Ms. Kennan. The Nominating Committee consists only
of Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust or
Putnam Management. The Nominating Committee currently consists
of Dr. Pounds and Ms. Kennan (Co-chairpersons), Ms. Baxter, and
Messrs. Estin, Hill, Jackson, Patterson, Shapiro, and Thorndike.
<PAGE>
Officers and other information. In addition to George Putnam
and Lawrence J. Lasser, the officers of the Trust are as
follows:
Year
first
elected
to
Name (age) Office office
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Charles E. Porter (58) Executive Vice President
1989
Patricia C. Flaherty (49) Senior Vice President
1993
John D. Hughes (61) Senior Vice President &
Treasurer
1987
Gordon H. Silver (49) Vice President
1990
James E. Erickson (61) Vice President
1985
Triet M. Nguyen* (40) Vice
President 1988
Richard P. Wyke** (40) Vice
President 1988
William N. Shiebler* ** (54) Vice President
1991
John R. Verani (57) Vice President
1987
Paul M. O'Neil (43) Vice President
1992
Beverly Marcus (52) Clerk
1985
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
* The portfolio manager of Tax-Free
High Yield Fund.
** The portfolio manager of Tax-Free Insured
Fund.
** * President of Putnam Mutual Funds
All of the officers of the Trust are employees of Putnam
Management or its affiliates. Because of their positions with
Putnam Management or its affiliates or their ownership of stock
of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., the parent corporation of
Putnam Management and Putnam Mutual Funds, Messrs. Putnam,
George Putnam, III, Lasser and Smith (nominees for Trustees of
the Trust), as well as the officers of the Trust, will benefit
from the management fees, distribution fees, underwriting
commissions, custodian fees, and investor servicing fees paid or
allowed by a fund.
<PAGE>
Assets and shares outstanding of each fund as of November 1,
1996.
Fund Name
Net Assets
Class A
Shares
Class B
Shares
Class M
Shares
Tax-Free High
Yield Fund
$2,018,327,502
$39,742,894
101,524,859
947,844
Tax-Free
Insured Fund
$556,195,555
13,536,626
23,192,496
47,349
5% beneficial ownership as of September 30, 1996.
Tax-Free High Yield Fund
Persons beneficially owning more than 5%
of the fund's class A shares
None
Persons beneficially owning more than 5%
of the fund's class B shares
(1) Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner 9,264,819
shares or 9.10%
& Smith, Inc.
Mutual Fund Operations - 3rd Floor
4800 Deer Lake Drive East
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
Persons beneficially owning more than 5%
of the fund's class M shares
(1) Bobby Cress & Merilyn Cress 71,446
shares or 8.70%
COMM PROP
6606 Sutter Park Lane
Houston, TX 77066-3838
(2) Robert M. Langford & 70,475
shares or 8.60%
Ann Wynnelle Langford
JTWROS
141 Lake Valley Road
Hendersonville, TN 37075-4350
Tax-Free Insured Fund
Persons beneficially owning more than 5%
of the fund's class A shares
None
Persons beneficially owning more than 5%
of the fund's class B shares
None
Persons beneficially owning more than 5%
of the fund's class M shares
(1) Perry L. Bryam TTEE 4,976 shares
or 12.10%
Perry L. Bryam Family Trust
U/A DTD 8/8/95
46500 Hardesty Road
Shawnee, OK 74801-9674
(2) Edward D. Jones & Co. 4,073
shares or 9.90%
P.O. Box 2500
Maryland Heights, MO 63043-8500
(3) James H. Johnson & 3,274
shares or 8.00%
Ethel V. Johnson JTWROS TOD
James D. Johnson
3450 Halsey Street
Eau Claire, WI 54701-7203
(4) Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner 2,825
shares or 6.40%
& Smith, Inc.
Mutual Fund Operations
3rd Floor
4800 Deer Lake Drive East
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484
<PAGE>
PUTNAMINVESTMENTS
The Putnam Funds
One Post Office Square
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
Toll-free 1-800-225-1581<PAGE>
PUTNAMINVESTMENTS
HAS YOUR ADDRESS CHANGED?
Please use this form to notify us of any change in address or
telephone number or to provide us with your comments. Detach
this form from the proxy ballot and return it with your signed
proxy in the enclosed envelope.
Street
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
City
State Zip
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Telephone
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
DO YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS?
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
---- -------------------------------------------------
- -----------
-------- ---------------------------------------------
- -----------
DEAR SHAREHOLDER:
Your vote is important. Please help us to eliminate the expense
of follow-up mailings by signing and returning this proxy as
soon as possible. A postage-paid envelope is enclosed for your
convenience.
THANK YOU!
<PAGE>
PUTNAM TAX-FREE HIGH YIELD FUND
Meeting of Shareholders to be held on February 6, 1997
This proxy is solicited on behalf of the Trustees of the
Fund .
The undersigned shareholder hereby appoints George Putnam, Hans
H. Estin, and Robert E. Patterson, and each of them separately,
Proxies, with power of substitution, and hereby authorizes them
to represent and to vote, as designated below, at the meeting of
shareholders of Putnam Tax-Free High Yield Fund on February 6,
1997, at 2:00 p.m., Boston time, and at any adjournments
thereof, all of the shares of the fund that the undersigned
shareholder would be entitled to vote if personally present.
If you complete and sign the proxy, we'll vote it exactly as you
tell us. If you simply sign the proxy, it will be voted FOR
electing Trustees as set forth in Proposal 1 and FOR each of the
other proposals listed below. In their discretion, the Proxies
will also be authorized to vote upon such other matters that may
properly come before the meeting.
Note: If you have questions on any of the proposals, please
call
1-800-225-1581.
PLEASE BE SURE TO SIGN AND DATE THIS PROXY.
Please sign your name exactly as it appears on this card. If
you are a joint owner, each owner should sign. When signing as
executor, administrator, attorney, trustee, or guardian, or as
custodian for a minor, please give your full title as such. If
you are signing for a corporation, please sign the full
corporate name and indicate the signer's office. If you are a
partner, sign in the partnership name.
<PAGE>
THE TRUSTEES RECOMMEND A VOTE FOR ELECTING ALL OF THE NOMINEES
FOR TRUSTEES AND FOR THE OTHER PROPOSALS LISTED BELOW.
TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:
/X/
FOR COMMENTS ON REVERSE
RETURN BOTH PORTIONS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
IF NO COMMENTS
RETURN THIS PROTION ONLY
PUTNAM TAX-FREE HIGH YIELD FUND
For address changes and/or comments, please
write them on the back where indicated .
1. Proposal to elect Trustees
The nominees for Trustees are: J.A. Baxter, H.H. Estin,
J.A. Hill, R.J. Jackson, E.T. Kennan, L.J. Lasser, R.E.
Patterson, D.S. Perkins, W.F. Pounds, G. Putnam, G. Putnam,
III, E. Shapiro, A.J.C. Smith and W.N. Thorndike.
/ / FOR All
/ / WITHHOLD ALL
/ / FOR ALL EXCEPT
To withhold authority to vote for one or more of the nominees,
write those nominees' names below:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL TO:
2. Ratify the selection FOR AGAINST
ABSTAIN
of Price Waterhouse
LLP as the / / / / / /
independent auditors
of your fund.
3. Amend the fund's
fundamental investment
restriction with respect
to:
A. Diversification. / / / / / /
B. Investments in the voting / / / / / /
securities of a single
issuer.
C. Making loans. / / / / / /
D. Investment in real estate. / / / / / /
E. Concentration of its
assets. / / / / / /
F. Investments in / / / / / /
commodities.
G. Senior securities. / / / / / /
4. Eliminate the fund's
fundamental investment
restriction with respect
to:
A. Investments in securities / / / / / /
of issuers in which
management of the fund
or Putnam Investment
Management owns securities.
B. Margin transactions. / / / / / /
C. Short sales. / / / / / /
D. Pledging assets. / / / / / /
E. Investments in / / / / / /
restricted securities.
F. Investments in certain / / / / / /
oil, gas and mineral
interests.
G. Investing to gain / / / / / /
control of a company's
management.
--------------------------------------------------------------
- ----
- ---Signature
Date
--------------------------------------------------------------
- ----
- ---
Signature (Joint Owners) Date
<PAGE>
PUTNAMINVESTMENTS
HAS YOUR ADDRESS CHANGED?
Please use this form to notify us of any change in address or
telephone number or to provide us with your comments. Detach
this
form from the proxy ballot and return it with your signed proxy
in
the enclosed envelope.
Street
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
- ---
City State Zip
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
- ---
Telephone
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
- ---
DO YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS?
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
- ---
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
- ---
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
- ---
DEAR SHAREHOLDER:
Your vote is important. Please help us to eliminate the expense
of
follow-up mailings by signing and returning this proxy as soon as
possible. A postage-paid envelope is enclosed for your
convenience.
THANK YOU!
<PAGE>
PUTNAM TAX-FREE INSURED FUND
Meeting of Shareholders to be held on February 6, 1997
This proxy is solicited on behalf of the Trustees of the
Fund .
The undersigned shareholder hereby appoints George Putnam, Hans
H.
Estin, and Robert E. Patterson, and each of them separately,
Proxies,
with power of substitution, and hereby authorizes them to
represent
and to vote, as designated below, at the meeting of shareholders
of
Putnam Tax-Free Insured Fund on February 6, 1997, at 2:00 p.m.,
Boston time, and at any adjournments thereof, all of the shares
of
the fund that the undersigned shareholder would be entitled to
vote
if personally present.
If you complete and sign the proxy, we'll vote it exactly as you
tell
us. If you simply sign the proxy, it will be voted FOR electing
Trustees as set forth in Proposal 1 and FOR each of the other
Proposals listed below. In their discretion, the Proxies will
also
be authorized to vote upon such other matters that may properly
come
before the meeting.
Note: If you have questions on any of the proposals, please call
1-800-225-1581.
PLEASE BE SURE TO SIGN AND DATE THIS PROXY.
Please sign your name exactly as it appears on this card. If you
are
a joint owner, each owner should sign. When signing as executor,
administrator, attorney, trustee, or guardian, or as custodian
for a
minor, please give your full title as such. If you are signing
for a
corporation, please sign the full corporate name and indicate the
signer's office. If you are a partner, sign in the partnership
name.
<PAGE>
THE TRUSTEES RECOMMEND A VOTE FOR ELECTING ALL OF THE NOMINEES
FOR
TRUSTEES AND FOR THE OTHER PROPOSALS LISTED BELOW.
TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS: /
X /
FOR COMMENTS ON REVERSE
RETURN BOTH PORTIONS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
IF NO COMMENTS
RETURN THIS PROTION ONLY
PUTNAM TAX-FREE INSURED FUND
For address changes and/or comments, please
write them on the back where indicated .
1. Proposal to elect Trustees
The nominees for Trustees are: J.A. Baxter, H.H. Estin, J.A.
Hill, R.J. Jackson, E.T. Kennan, L.J. Lasser, R.E.
Patterson,
D.S. Perkins, W.F. Pounds, G. Putnam, G. Putnam, III, E.
Shapiro, A.J.C. Smith and W.N. Thorndike.
/ / FOR ALL
/ / WITHHOLD ALL
/ / FOR ALL EXCEPT
To withhold authority to vote for one or more of the nominees,
write
those nominees' names below:
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
- --
PROPOSAL TO:
2. Ratify the selection FOR AGAINST
ABSTAIN
of Price Waterhouse
LLP as the / / / / / /
independent auditors
of your fund.
3. Amend the fund's
fundamental investment
restriction with respect
to:
A. Diversification. / / / / / /
B. Investments in the voting / / / / / /
securities of a single
issuer.
C. Making loans. / / / / / /
D. Investment in real estate. / / / / / /
E. Concentration of its
assets. / / / / / /
F. Investments in / / / / / /
commodities.
G. Senior securities. / / / / / /
4. Eliminate the fund's
fundamental investment
restriction with respect
to:
A. Investments in securities / / / / / /
of issuers in which
management of the fund
or Putnam Investment
Management owns securities.
B. Margin transactions. / / / / / /
C. Short sales. / / / / / /
D. Pledging assets. / / / / / /
E. Investments in / / / / / /
restricted securities.
F. Investments in certain / / / / / /
oil, gas and mineral
interests.
G. Investing to gain / / / / / /
control of a company's
management.
--------------------------------------------------------------
- -----
- --Signature
Date
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
- ----
Signature (Joint Owners) Date
<PAGE>
lipsett/106290.111/proxys/taxfree5.wpf
