Registration Nos. 33-2010
811-4510
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 /x/
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Pre-Effective Amendment No. __ / /
Post-Effective Amendment No. 24 /x/
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and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 /x/
Amendment No. 25 /x/
EVERGREEN TAX-FREE TRUST
(Exact Name of Registration as Specified in Charter)
237 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (212) 808-3900
Steven R. Howard Michael C. Petrycki
Baker & McKenzie 237 Park Avenue
805 Third Avenue New York, New York 10017
New York, New York 10022
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)
/ / Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) or
/ / on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b) or
/X/ 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(i) or
/ / on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(i) or
/ / 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii) or
/ / on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii) of Rule 485
If appropriate, check the following box:
/ / This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
previously filed post-effective amendment
/ / 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(i)
/ / on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(i)
Registrant has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a declaration
pursuant to Rule 24f-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, and:
/X/ filed the Notice required by that Rule on or about April 30, 1995; or
/ / intends to file the Notice required by that Rule on or about (date); or
/ / during the most recent fiscal year did not sell any securities pursuant to
Rule 24f-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, and, pursuant to Rule
24f-2(b)(2), need not file the Notice.
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
This Amendment to the Registration Statement of THE FFB FUNDS TRUST (the
"Trust"), relates to two of the Trust's portfolios: (1) THE FFB PENNSYLVANIA TAX
FREE MONEY MARKET FUND, which after January 19, 1996 is expected to be renamed
the EVERGREEN PENNSYLVANIA TAX FREE MONEY MARKET FUND, and (2) THE FFB NEW
JERSEY TAX FREE INCOME FUND, which after January 19, 1996 is expected to be
renamed the EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX FREE INCOME FUND.
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
(as required by Rule 481(a))
N-1A Item No. Location in Prospectus(es)
Part A
Item 1. Cover Page Cover Page
Item 2. Synopsis and Fee Table Overview of the Fund(s);
Expense Information
Item 3. Condensed Financial Information Financial Highlights
Item 4. General Description of Registrant Cover Page; Description of
the Funds; General
Information
Item 5. Management of the Fund Management of the Fund(s);
General Information
Item 5A. Management's Discussion Management's Discussion of
Fund Performance
Item 6. Capital Stock and Other Securities Dividends, Distributions and
Taxes; General
Information
Item 7. Purchase of Securities Being Offered Purchase and Redemption of
Shares
Item 8. Redemption or Repurchase Purchase and Redemption of
Shares
Item 9. Pending Legal Proceedings Not Applicable
Location in Statement of
Part B Additional Information
Item 10. Cover Page Cover Page
Item 11. Table of Contents Table of Contents
Item 12. General Information and History Not Applicable
Item 13. Investment Objectives and Policies Investment Objectives and
Policies;Investment
Restrictions; Other
Restrictions and
Operating Policies
Item 14. Management of the Fund Management
Item 15. Control Persons and Principal Management
Holders of Securities
Item 16. Investment Advisory and Other Services Investment Adviser;
Purchase of Shares
Item 17. Brokerage Allocation Allocation of Brokerage
Item 18. Capital Stock and Other Securities Purchase of Shares
Item 19. Purchase, Redemption and Pricing of Distribution Plans; Purchase
Securities Being Offered of Shares; Net Asset Value
Item 20. Tax Status Additional Tax Information
Item 21. Underwriters Distribution Plans; Purchase
of Shares
Item 22. Calculation of Performance Data Performance Information
Item 23. Financial Statements Financial Statements
Part C
Information required to be included in Part C is set forth under the
appropriate item, so numbered, in Part C to this Registration Statement.
*******************************************************************************
AB MONEY MARKET
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS January 22, 1996
EVERGREEN(SM) PENNSYLVANIA TAX-FREE (Evergreen Tree Logo)
MONEY MARKET FUND
CLASS A SHARES
The EVERGREEN PENNSYLVANIA TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUND (the "Fund")
is designed to provide investors with current income, stability of
principal and liquidity. This Prospectus provides information regarding the
Class A offered by the Fund. The Fund is a series of an open-end,
diversified, management investment company. This Prospectus sets forth
concise information about the Fund that a prospective investor should know
before investing. The address of the Fund is 2500 Westchester Avenue,
Purchase, New York 10577.
A "Statement of Additional Information" for the Fund and certain
other Evergreen mutual funds dated January 22, 1996 has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and is incorporated by reference herein.
The Statement of Additional Information provides information regarding
certain matters discussed in this Prospectus and other matters which may be
of interest to investors, and may be obtained without charge by calling the
Fund at (800) 807-2940. There can be no assurance that the investment
objective of the Fund will be achieved. Investors are advised to read this
Prospectus carefully.
THE SHARES OFFERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF
ANY BANK, ARE NOT ENDORSED OR GUARANTEED BY ANY BANK, ARE NOT INSURED OR
OTHERWISE PROTECTED BY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY AND
INVOLVE INVESTMENT RISKS.
AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND IS NEITHER INSURED NOR GUARANTEED BY THE U.S.
GOVERNMENT, AND THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE FUND WILL BE ABLE TO
MAINTAIN A STABLE NET ASSET VALUE OF $1.00 PER SHARE.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
KEEP THIS PROSPECTUS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
EVERGREEN(SM) is a Service Mark of Evergreen Asset Management Corp.
Copyright 1995, Evergreen Asset Management Corp.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
OVERVIEW OF THE FUND 2
EXPENSE INFORMATION 3
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 4
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND 5
Investment Objective and Policies 5
Investment Practices and Restrictions 9
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND 10
Investment Adviser 10
Distribution Plan and Agreement 10
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES 11
How to Buy Shares 11
How to Redeem Shares 12
Exchange Privilege 14
Shareholder Services 14
Effect of Banking Laws 15
OTHER INFORMATION 15
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes 15
General Information 16
</TABLE>
OVERVIEW OF THE FUND
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information contained elsewhere in this Prospectus. See "Description of the
Fund" and "Management of the Fund".
The Capital Management Group ("CMG") First Union National Bank of North
Carolina ("FUNB") serves as investment adviser to EVERGREEN PENNSYLVANIA
TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUND. FUNB is a subsidiary of First Union Corporation, the
sixth largest bank holding company in the United States.
EVERGREEN PENNSYLVANIA TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUND invests in high quality
Pennsylvania securities that are exempt from Federal and Pennsylvania personal
income taxes in the opinion of bond counsel to the issuer, and which have
remaining maturities of thirteen months or less.
The Fund seeks to maintain a stable net asset value of $1.00 per share
although no assurances can be given that such a stable net asset value will be
maintained.
THERE IS NO ASSURANCE THAT THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE OF THE FUND WILL BE
ACHIEVED.
2
<PAGE>
EXPENSE INFORMATION
The table set forth below summarizes the shareholder transaction costs
associated with an investment in Class A shares of the Fund. For further
information see "Purchase and Redemption of Shares" and "General
Information -- Other Classes of Shares".
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES Class A Shares
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchases None
(as a % of offering price)
Sales Charge on Dividend Reinvestments None
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (as a % of None
original purchase price or redemption
proceeds, whichever is lower)
Redemption Fee None
Exchange Fee None
</TABLE>
The following tables show for the Fund the estimated annual operating
expenses (as a percentage of average net assets) attributable, together with
examples of the cumulative effect of such expenses on a hypothetical $1,000
investment in each Class for the periods specified assuming (i) a 5% annual
return, and (ii) redemption at the end of each period.
EVERGREEN PENNSYLVANIA TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXAMPLES
Assuming
ANNUAL OPERATING Redemption
EXPENSES** at End of Period
Class A Class A
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Management
Fees .40% After 1 Year $ 12
After 3 Years $ 37
12b-1 Fees* .30%
After 5 Years $ 64
Other
Expenses .53% After 10 Years $142
Total 1.23%
</TABLE>
*The estimated operating expenses and examples do not reflect fee waivers
and expense reimbursements for the most recent fiscal period. Actual expenses,
net of fee waivers and expense reimbursements for the fiscal period ended
February 28, 1995 for Class A Shares were .21%.
From time to time, the Fund's investment adviser may, at its discretion,
waive its fee or reimburse the Fund for certain of its expenses in order to
reduce the Fund's expense ratio. The investment adviser may cease these
voluntary waivers or reimbursements at any time.
**Class A Shares can pay up to .35 of 1% of average net assets as a 12b-1
Fee. For the foreseeable future, the Class A Share's 12b-1 Fees will be limited
to .30 of 1% of average net assets.
The purpose of the foregoing table is to assist an investor in
understanding the various costs and expenses that an investor in Class A Shares
of the Fund will bear directly or indirectly. The amounts set forth under "Other
Expenses" as well as the amounts set forth in the examples are estimated amounts
based on historical experience for the most recent fiscal period. Such expenses
have been restated to reflect current fee arrangements. THE EXAMPLES SHOULD NOT
BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES OR ANNUAL RETURN.
ACTUAL EXPENSES AND ANNUAL RETURN MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN. For a
more complete description of the various costs and expenses borne by the Fund
see "Management of the Fund".
3
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The information on the following pages present financial highlights for a
share outstanding throughout each period indicated. The information in the
tables for each of the years in the two-year period ended February 28, 1995 have
been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, the Fund's current independent auditors.
The information in the tables for February 28, 1993 and prior periods have been
audited by Price Waterhouse LLP, the Fund's prior independent auditors. A report
of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP or Price Waterhouse LLP, as the case may be, on the
audited information with respect to the Fund is incorporated by reference in the
Fund's Statement of Additional Information. The following information should be
read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes which are
incorporated by reference in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information.
Further information about the Fund's performance is contained in the
Fund's annual report to shareholders, which may be obtained without charge.
EVERGREEN PENNSYLVANIA TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES CLASS Y SHARES
AUGUST 22,* SIX MONTHS
THROUGH ENDED
AUGUST 31, AUGUST 31,
1995 1995 YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28,
(UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED) 1995
<S> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period............... $1.00 $ 1.00 $ 1.00
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income.............................. .02 .02 .03
Less distributions to shareholders from
investment income................................ (.02) (.02) (.03)
Net asset value, end of period..................... $1.00 $ 1.00 $ 1.00
TOTAL RETURN+...................................... 1.9% 1.9% 2.8%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted).......... $120 $99,513 $43,539
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses **...................................... .21%++ .21%++ .33%
Net investment income **......................... 3.66%++ 3.66%++ 3.09%
<CAPTION>
AUGUST 15, 1991*
THROUGH
FEBRUARY 29,
YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28,
1994 1993 1992
<S> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period............... $ 1.00 $ 1.00 $ 1.00
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income.............................. .02 .03 .02
Less distributions to shareholders from
investment income................................ (.02) (.03) (.02)
Net asset value, end of period..................... $ 1.00 $ 1.00 $ 1.00
TOTAL RETURN+...................................... 2.1% 2.7% 4.0%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted).......... $14,383 $15,999 $20,699
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses **...................................... .47% .35% .19%++
Net investment income **......................... 2.10% 2.62% 3.90%++
</TABLE>
* Commencement of class operations.
+ Total return is calculated on net asset value per share for the periods
indicated and is not annualized.
++ Annualized.
** Net of expense waivers and reimbursements. If the Fund had borne all
expenses that were reimbursed or waived by the investment adviser the
annualized ratios of expenses and net investment income to average net
assets would have been the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES CLASS Y SHARES
SIX MONTHS SIX MONTHS
ENDED ENDED
AUGUST 31, 1995 AUGUST 31, 1995 YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28,
(UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED) 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Expenses................................... .79% .79% 1.05% 1.26%
Net investment income...................... 3.66% 3.08% 2.37% 1.31%
<CAPTION>
AUGUST 15, 1991*
CLASS Y SHARES THROUGH
YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, FEBRUARY 29,
1993 1992
<S> <C> <C>
Expenses................................... 1.07% .77%
Net investment income...................... 1.90% 3.32%
</TABLE>
4
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The investment objective of the Fund is to seek to provide investors with
as high a level of current income as is consistent with preservation of capital
and liquidity. There is no assurance that this objective will be achieved.
To obtain its objective the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets
in municipal obligations issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or its
counties, municipalities, authorities or other political subdivisions, and
municipal obligations issued by territories or possessions of the United States,
such as Puerto Rico (collectively, "Municipal Obligations"), the interest on
which, in the opinion of bond counsel, is exempt from Federal and Pennsylvania
personal income taxes. The Fund limits its investments to Municipal Obligations
with remaining maturities of thirteen months or less and will maintain a
dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity of 90 days or less.
Normally, the Fund will seek to invest substantially all of its assets in
short-term Municipal Obligations. However, under certain unusual circumstances,
such as a temporary decline in the issuance of Pennsylvania obligations, the
Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in the following: short-term municipal
securities issued outside of Pennsylvania (the income from which may be subject
to Pennsylvania income taxes) or certain taxable fixed income securities (the
income from which may be subject to Federal and Pennsylvania personal income
taxes). In most instances, however, the Fund will seek to avoid such holdings in
an effort to provide income that is fully exempt from Federal and Pennsylvania
personal income taxes.
The Fund may also invest in Municipal Obligations issued to finance
private activities, whose interest is a preference item for purposes of the
Federal alternative minimum tax. Such "private activity bonds" might include
industrial development bonds and securities issued to finance projects such as
solid waste disposal facilities, student loans or water and sewage projects. The
Fund currently intends to treat "private activity bonds" as not federally tax
exempt and, accordingly, to limit investments in "private activity bonds" to no
more than 20% of assets. See "Other Information -- Dividends, Distributions and
Taxes".
The Fund will not invest in options, financial futures transactions or
other similar "derivative" instruments except as otherwise provided herein.
Shares of the Fund are not insured or guaranteed by the United States
government. The Fund will only purchase securities: (i) rated within the two
highest rating categories by Moody's Investors Service Inc., ("Moody's") and
Standard & Poors Ratings Group ("S & P") or in a comparable rating category by
any two of the nationally recognized statistical rating organizations that have
rated the securities; (ii) rated in a comparable rating category by only one
such organization that has rated the securities, or (iii) which, if unrated, are
deemed to be of equivalent quality as determined by the investment adviser
pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The types of
Municipal Obligations in which the Fund may invest include the following:
Municipal Bonds. Municipal bonds generally have a maturity at the time of
issuance of more than one year. Municipal bonds may be issued to raise money for
various public purposes -- such as constructing public facilities and resource
recovery projects and making loans to public institutions. There are generally
two types of municipal bonds: general obligation bonds and revenue bonds.
General obligation bonds are backed by the taxing power of the issuing
municipality and are considered the safest type of municipal bond. Revenue bonds
are backed by the revenues of a project or facility -- tolls from a toll bridge,
for example. Industrial development revenue bonds (which are private activity
bonds) are a specific type of revenue bond backed by the credit and security of
a private user, and therefore investments in these bonds have more potential
risk. Certain types of municipal bonds are issued to obtain funding for
privately operated facilities. Municipal bonds generally have a maturity at the
time of issuance of more than one year.
Municipal Notes. Municipal notes are generally sold as interim financing in
anticipation of the collection of taxes, a bond sale or receipt of other
revenue. Municipal notes generally have maturities at the time of issuance of
one year or less. Investments in municipal notes are limited to notes which are
rated at the date of purchase: (i)"MIG 1" or "MIG 2" by Moody's and in a
comparable rating category by at least one other nationally recognized
statistical rating organization that has rated the notes, or (ii) in a
comparable rating category by only one such organization, including Moody's, if
it is the only organization that has rated the notes, or (iii) if not rated,
are, in the opinion of the
5
<PAGE>
investment adviser, of comparable investment quality and within the credit
quality policies and guidelines established by the Board of Trustees.
Notes rated "MIG 1" are judged to be of the "best quality" and carry the
smallest amount of investment risk. Notes rated "MIG 2" are judged to be of
"high quality", with margins of protection ample although not as large as in the
preceding group.
Municipal Commercial Paper. Municipal commercial paper is a debt obligation with
a stated maturity of one year or less which is issued to finance seasonal
working capital needs or as short-term financing in anticipation of longer-term
debt. Investments in municipal commercial paper are limited to commercial paper
which is rated at the date of purchase: (i) "P-1" or "P-2" by Moody's and "A-1",
"A-1 +" or "A-2" by S&P or (ii) in a comparable rating category by any two of
the nationally recognized statistical ratings organizations that have rated
commercial paper or (iii) in a comparable rating category by only one such
organization if it is the only organization that has rated the commercial paper
or (iv) if not rated, is, in the opinion of the investment adviser, of
comparable investment quality and within the credit quality policies and
guidelines established by the Board of Trustees.
Issuers of municipal (and taxable) commercial paper rated "P-1" have a
"superior capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations". The
"A-1" rating for commercial paper under the S&P classification indicates that
the "degree of safety regarding timely payment is either overwhelming or very
strong". Commercial paper with "overwhelming safety characteristics" will be
rated "A1+". Commercial paper receiving a "P-2" rating has a strong capacity for
repayment of short-term promissory obligations. Commercial paper rated "A-2" has
the capacity for timely payment although the relative degree of safety is not as
overwhelming as for issues designated "A-1". See the Statement of Additional
Information for a more complete description of securities ratings.
When-Issued Securities. The Fund may purchase Municipal Obligations on a
when-issued basis, in which case delivery and payment normally take place 15 to
45 days after the date of the commitment to purchase. The Fund will only make
commitments to purchase Municipal Obligations on a when-issued basis with the
intention of actually acquiring the securities but may sell them before the
settlement date if it is deemed advisable. Any gains realized in such sales
would produce taxable income. The when-issued securities are subject to market
fluctuation and no interest accrues to the purchaser during this period. The
payment obligation and the interest rate that will be received on the securities
are each fixed at the time the purchaser enters into the commitment. For
purposes of determining the Fund's weighted average maturity, the maturity of a
when-issued security is calculated from its commitment date. Purchasing
Municipal Obligations on a when-issued basis is a form of leveraging and can
involve a risk that the yields available in the market when the delivery takes
place may actually be higher than those obtained in the transaction itself in
which case there could be an unrealized loss at the time of delivery.
The Fund will establish a segregated account with its custodian in which
it will maintain cash, United States government securities, or other liquid,
high quality debt instruments in an amount at least equal in value to the Fund's
commitments to purchase when-issued securities. If the value of these assets
declines, the Fund will place additional liquid assets in the account on a daily
basis so that the value of the assets in the account is equal to the amount of
such commitments.
Securities With Put or Demand Rights. The Fund has the ability to enter into put
transactions, sometimes referred to as stand-by commitments, with respect to
Municipal Obligations held in its portfolio or to purchase securities which
carry a demand feature or put option which permit the Fund, as holder, to tender
them back to the issuer or a third party prior to maturity and receive payment
within seven days. Segregated accounts will be maintained by the Fund for all
such transactions.
The amount payable to the Fund by the seller upon its exercise of a put
will normally be (i) the Fund's acquisition cost of the securities (excluding
any accrued interest which the Fund paid on their acquisition), less any
amortized market premium plus any amortized market or original issue discount
during the period the Fund owned the securities, plus (ii) all interest accrued
on the securities since the last interest payment date during the period the
securities were owned by the Fund. Absent unusual circumstances, the Fund values
the underlying securities at their amortized cost. Accordingly, the amount
payable by a broker dealer or bank during the time a put is exercisable will be
substantially the same as the value of the underlying securities.
The Fund's right to exercise a put is unconditional and unqualified. A
put is not transferable by the Fund, although the Fund may sell the underlying
securities to a third party at any time. The Fund expects that puts will
generally be available without any additional direct or indirect cost. However,
if necessary and advisable, the Fund may pay for certain puts either separately
in cash or by paying a higher price for portfolio securities which are
6
<PAGE>
acquired subject to such a put (thus reducing the yield to maturity otherwise
available to the same securities). Thus, the aggregate price paid for securities
with put rights may be higher than the price that would otherwise be paid.
The Fund may enter into put transactions only with broker dealers (in
accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission) and banks
which, in the opinion of the investment adviser, present minimal credit risks.
The investment adviser will monitor periodically the creditworthiness of issuers
of such obligations held by the Fund. The Fund's ability to exercise a put will
depend on the ability of the broker-dealer or bank to pay for the underlying
securities at the time the put is exercised. In the event that a broker-dealer
or bank should default on its obligation to purchase an underlying security, the
Fund might be unable to recover all or a portion of any loss sustained from
having to sell the security elsewhere. The Fund intends to enter into put
transactions solely to maintain portfolio liquidity and does not intend to
exercise its rights thereunder for trading purposes.
For a detailed description of put transactions, see "Investment
Policies -- Securities with Put Rights" in the Statement of Additional
Information.
Taxable Securities. Under normal market conditions, the Fund may at times elect
to invest temporarily up to 20% of the current value of its net assets in
taxable securities of the type described below pending the investment in
Municipal Obligations of proceeds of sales of Fund shares or proceeds from the
sale of portfolio securities or in anticipation of redemptions. However, at all
times under normal market conditions the percentage of the Fund's income and
corresponding distributions which is tax-exempt will be very close to 100%. In
addition, for temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest up to 100% of
its total assets in such taxable securities when, in the opinion of the
investment adviser, it is advisable to do so because of market conditions. The
types of taxable securities in which the Fund may invest are limited to the
following money market instruments which have remaining maturities not exceeding
thirteen months; (i) obligations of the United States government, its agencies
or instrumentalities; (ii) negotiable certificates of deposit and bankers'
acceptances of United States banks which have more than $1 billion in total
assets at the time of investment and are members of the Federal Reserve System
or are examined by the Comptroller of the Currency or whose deposits are insured
by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; (iii) domestic and foreign U.S.
dollar-denominated commercial paper rated "P-1" by Moody's or "A-1" or "A-1+" by
S&P; and (iv) repurchase agreements with respect to any of the foregoing
portfolio securities. The Fund also has the right to hold up to 100% of its
total assets in cash as the investment adviser deems necessary for temporary
defensive purposes.
Investments of the Fund in U.S. dollar-denominated foreign commercial
paper may involve certain risks not applicable to investment by the Fund in the
obligations of domestic issuers. These risks may include risks of foreign
political or economic instability, difficulties in enforcing a judgment against
a foreign issuer should it default, the imposition or tightening of exchange
controls and changes in foreign governmental attitudes toward private
investment, including the possibility of increased taxation, nationalization or
expropriation of Fund assets. Foreign issuers of securities may also be subject
to different accounting and disclosure systems, which may affect the type and
quality of information available about an issuer. The rating services used by
the Fund take these factors into consideration when assigning a rating to a
particular security, and therefore the additional risk to the Fund of investing
in foreign securities with the same ratings as a domestic security is not
expected to be significant.
The Fund will not invest in any obligations of or loan any of its
portfolio securities to FUNB or its affiliates as defined in the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") or any affiliates of the Fund.
Subject to the limitations described, the Fund is permitted to invest in
obligations of correspondent banks of FUNB (banks with which the FUNB maintains
a special bank servicing relationship) which are not affiliates of Evergreen
Tax-Free Trust, its investment adviser or its distributor, but the Fund will not
give preference in its investment selections to those obligations.
After purchase by the Fund, a security may cease to be rated or its
rating may be reduced below the minimum required for purchase by the Fund.
Neither event will require a sale of such security by the Fund. However, the
investment adviser will consider such event in its determination of whether the
Fund should continue to hold the security. To the extent the ratings given by
Moody's or S&P may change as a result of changes in such organizations of their
rating systems, the Fund will attempt to use comparable ratings as standards for
investments in accordance with the investment policies contained in this
Prospectus and in the Statement of Additional Information.
Opinions relating to the validity of Municipal Obligations and to the
exclusion of interest thereon from Federal and Pennsylvania personal income
taxes are rendered by bond counsel to the respective issuers at the
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<PAGE>
time of issuance. Neither the Fund, the Evergreen Tax-Free Trust nor the
investment adviser will review the proceedings relating to the issuance of
Municipal Obligations or the basis for such opinions.
Municipal Lease Obligations. Municipal lease obligations are financing
arrangements secured by leases of property to a municipality. These obligations
are considered to be illiquid securities and typically are not fully backed by
the municipality's credit. Interest from a municipal lease obligation may become
taxable if the lease is assigned. If the governmental user does not appropriate
sufficient funds for the following year's lease payments, the lease will
terminate, with the possibility of default on the lease obligations and
significant loss to the Fund. The Fund will not purchase any municipal lease
obligation that is not covered by a legal opinion (typically from the issuer's
counsel) to the effect that, as of the effective date of such lease, the lease
is the valid and binding obligation of the governmental issuer. For a more
detailed description of Municipal Leases, see "Investment Policies -- Municipal
Leases" in the Statement of Additional Information.
Resource Recovery Bonds. Resource recovery bonds may be general obligations of
the issuing municipality or supported by corporate or bank guarantees. The
viability of the resource recovery project, environmental protection regulations
and project operator tax incentives may affect the value and credit quality of
resource recovery bonds.
Variable and Floating Rate Obligations. Certain of the Municipal Obligations
which the Fund may purchase have a floating or variable rate of interest. Such
obligations bear interest at rates which are not fixed, but which vary with
changes in specified market rates or indices, such as a Federal Reserve
composite index. Certain of such obligations may carry a demand feature or put
option which would permit the Fund, as holder, to tender them back to the issuer
or a third party prior to maturity ("demand instruments"). The Fund may invest
in floating and variable rate Municipal Obligations even if they carry stated
maturities in excess of one year. Obligations with a demand feature generally
receive two ratings, one representing an evaluation of the degree of risk
associated with scheduled interest and principal payments and the other
representing an evaluation of the degree of risk associated with the demand
feature. The two highest ratings assigned to the demand feature by Moody's are
"VMIG 1" and "VMIG 2" which have generally the same characteristics as Moody's
"MIG 1" and "MIG 2" ratings. Investments in variable and floating rate
obligations are limited to those that are rated "VMIG" 1 by Moody's or, if not
rated, are, in the opinion of the investment adviser, of comparable investment
quality. The investment adviser will monitor on an ongoing basis the earning
power, cash flow and other liquidity ratios of the issuers of such obligations
and will similarly monitor the ability of an issuer of a demand instrument to
pay principal and interest on demand. The Fund's right to obtain payment at par
on a demand instrument could be affected by events occurring between the date
the Fund elects to demand payment and the date payment is due which may
adversely affect the ability of the issuer of the instrument to make payment
when due.
The Fund does not intend to concentrate its investments in any one
industry. Thus, from time to time, the Fund may invest 25% or more of its assets
in Municipal Obligations which are related in such a way that an economic,
business or political development or change affecting one such Obligation would
also affect the other Obligations; for example, Municipal Obligations, the
interest on which is paid from revenues of similar type projects or Municipal
Obligations whose issuers are located in the same state.
Because the taxable money market is a broader and more liquid market with
a greater number of investors, issuers and market makers than is the market for
short-term tax-exempt municipal obligations, the liquidity of the Fund may not
be equal to that of a money market fund which invests exclusively in short-term
taxable money market instruments. The more limited marketability of short-term
tax-exempt municipal obligations may make it difficult in certain circumstances
to dispose of large investments advantageously. In general, tax-exempt municipal
obligations are also subject to credit risks such as the loss of credit ratings
or possible default. In addition, an issuer of tax-exempt municipal obligations
may lose its tax-exempt status in the event of a change in the current tax laws.
Risk Factors: Investing in Pennsylvania Municipal Obligations. Each investor
should consider carefully the special risks inherent in the Fund's investment in
Pennsylvania Municipal Obligations. Pennsylvania has been historically
identified as a heavy industry state although that reputation has recently
changed as the industrial composition of Pennsylvania diversified when the coal,
steel, and railroad industries began to decline. This diversification was
necessary when the traditionally strong industries in Pennsylvania declined as a
long-term shift in jobs, investment and workers away from the northeast part of
the nation took place. The major new sources of growth are in the service
sector, including trade, medical and health services, education and financial
institutions. Pennsylvania is highly urbanized, with approximately 50% of the
Commonwealth's population contained in the metropolitan areas which include the
cities of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
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It should be noted that Pennsylvania Municipal Obligations may be
adversely affected by local political and economic conditions and developments
within Pennsylvania. For example, adverse conditions in a significant industry
within Pennsylvania may from time to time have a correspondingly adverse effect
on specific issuers within Pennsylvania or on anticipated revenue to the
Commonwealth itself; conversely, an improving economic outlook for a significant
industry may have a positive effect on such issuers or revenues. An expanded
discussion of the risks associated with the purchase of Pennsylvania issues is
contained in the Statement of Additional Information.
Investment Company Securities. The Fund may invest in securities issued by other
investment companies. Such securities will be acquired by Fund within the limits
prescribed by the 1940 Act, which include a prohibition against the Fund
investing more than 10% of the value of its total assets in such securities.
Investments in securities issued by other investment companies will subject
shareholders to the imposition of duplicative fees and expenses.
The Fund may engage in the following portfolio transactions:
Loans of Portfolio Securities. The Fund may loan its portfolio securities to
brokers, dealers, and financial institutions to increase current income. All
loans of securities must be continuously secured by collateral consisting of
United States government securities, cash or letters of credit maintained on a
daily mark-to-market basis in an amount at least equal to the current market
value of the securities loaned plus the interest payable with respect to the
loan.
As a condition of the loan, the Fund must have the right to call the loan
and obtain the return of the securities loaned within five business days.
Moreover, the Fund will receive any interest or dividends paid on the loaned
securities. The Fund will not lend portfolio securities to FUNB, or to any
affiliate of the FUNB or to any other affiliate of the Fund. Loans of securities
involve a risk that the borrower may fail to return the securities or may fail
to provide additional collateral.
Repurchase Agreements. Securities held by the Fund may be subject to repurchase
agreements. A repurchase agreement is a transaction in which the seller of a
security commits itself at the time of the sale to repurchase that security from
the buyer at a mutually agreed upon time and price. The Fund will enter into
repurchase agreements only with dealers, domestic banks or recognized financial
institutions which, in the opinion of the investment adviser, present minimal
credit risks. The Fund will enter into repurchase agreements only with respect
to obligations which could otherwise be purchased by the Fund or any other
obligations backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Where the
securities underlying a repurchase agreement are not U.S. government securities,
they must be of the highest quality at the time the repurchase agreement is
entered into (e.g., a long-term debt security would be required to be rated by
S&P as "AAA" or its equivalent). While the maturity of the underlying securities
in a repurchase agreement transaction may be more than one year, the term of the
repurchase agreement is always less than one year. The maturities of the
underlying securities will have to be taken into account in calculating the
Fund's dollar weighted average portfolio maturity if the seller of the
repurchase agreement fails to perform under such agreement. In the event of
default by the seller under the repurchase agreement, the Fund may experience a
loss of income from the loaned securities and a decrease in the value of any
collateral maintained, problems in exercising its rights to the underlying
securities and costs and time delays in connection with the disposition of such
securities. The Fund will invest no more than 10% of its net assets in
repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days and other illiquid
investments.
INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND RESTRICTIONS
The investment objective of the Fund and its policy of investing at least
80% of its net assets in Municipal Obligations are fundamental policies and
except for policies with respect to repurchase agreements and securities with
put rights, which are also fundamental policies of the Fund and subject to the
investment restrictions set forth below, the Fund's investment policies and the
investment adviser's discretion to make use of a particular investment technique
or activity are not fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Trustees
without the approval of shareholders.
The Fund may not: (1) borrow money or pledge or mortgage its assets,
except that the Fund may borrow from banks up to 10% of the current value of its
total net assets for temporary purposes only in order to meet redemptions, and
those borrowings may be secured by the pledge of not more than 10% of the
current value of its total net assets (but investments may not be purchased by
the Fund while any such borrowings exist); (2) make loans, except loans of
portfolio securities having a value of not more than 10% of the Fund's current
assets and except that the Fund may purchase a portion of an issue of publicly
distributed bonds, debentures or other obligations, make deposits with banks and
enter into repurchase agreements with respect to its portfolio securities;
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or (3) invest an amount equal to 10% or more of the current value of the Fund's
net assets in illiquid securities, including those securities which do not have
readily available market quotations and repurchase agreements having maturities
of more than seven calendar days. Investments in restricted securities eligible
for resale pursuant to Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933 which have been
determined to be liquid by the Board of Trustees based upon the trading markets
for the securities will not be included for purposes of this limitation.
However, investing in Rule 144A securities could have the effect of increasing
the level of fund illiquidity to the extent that qualified institutional buyers
become, for a time, uninterested in purchasing such securities. The foregoing
investment restrictions and those described in the Statement of Additional
Information are fundamental policies which may be changed only when permitted by
law and approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund, as described under "Other Information" in the Statement
of Additional Information.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT ADVISER
The management of the Fund is supervised by the Trustees of Evergreen
Tax-Free Trust. The Capital Management Group of First Union National Bank of
North Carolina ("CMG") serves as investment adviser to the Fund. First Union
National Bank of North Carolina ("FUNB") a subsidiary of First Union Corporation
("First Union"), the sixth largest bank holding company in the United States.
First Union is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and had $96.7 billion
in consolidated assets as of December 31, 1995. First Union and its subsidiaries
provide a broad range of financial services to individuals and businesses
throughout the United States. The Capital Management Group of FUNB manages or
otherwise oversees the investment of over $5.3 billion in assets belonging to a
wide range of clients, including the fifteen series of Evergreen Investment
Trust (formerly known as First Union Funds). First Union Brokerage Services,
Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of FUNB, is a registered broker-dealer that is
principally engaged in providing retail brokerage services consistent with its
federal banking authorizations. First Union Capital Markets Corp., a
wholly-owned subsidiary of First Union, is a registered broker-dealer
principally engaged in providing, consistent with its federal banking
authorizations, private placement, securities dealing, and underwriting
services. Prior to January 1, 1996, First Fidelity Bank, N.A. ("FFB") served as
investment adviser to the Fund. CMG succeeded to the mutual funds advisory
business of First Fidelity in connection with the acquisition of First Fidelity
Bancorporation by a subsidiary of First Union.
CMG manages investments and supervises the daily business affairs of the
Fund and, as compensation therefor, is entitled to receive an annual fee equal
to .40 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Fund up to $500 million, .36
of 1% of the next $500 million of assets, .32 of 1% of assets in excess of $1
billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion, and .28 of 1% of assets in excess of
$1.5 billion. The total annualized operating expenses of the Fund for its most
recent fiscal period are set forth in the section entitled "Financial
Highlights". Evergreen Asset Management Corp. ("Evergreen Asset"), a subsidiary
of FUNB, serves as administrator to the Fund and is entitled to receive a fee
based on the average daily net assets of the Fund at a rate based on the total
assets of the mutual funds administered by Evergreen Asset for which CMG or
Evergreen Asset also serve as investment adviser, calculated in accordance with
the following schedule: .050% of the first $7 billion; .035% on the next $3
billion; .030% on the next $5 billion; .020% on the next $10 billion; .015% on
the next $5 billion; and .010% on assets in excess of $30 billion. Furman Selz
Incorporated, an affiliate of Evergreen Funds Distributor, Inc., distributor for
the Evergreen group of mutual funds, serves as sub-administrator for the Fund
and is entitled to receive a fee from the Fund calculated on the average daily
net assets of the Fund at a rate based on the total assets of the mutual funds
administered by Evergreen Asset for which CMG or Evergreen Asset also serve as
investment adviser, calculated in accordance with the following schedule: .0100%
of the first $7 billion; .0075% on the next $3 billion; .0050% on the next $15
billion; and .0040% on assets in excess of $25 billion. The total assets of the
mutual funds administered by Evergreen Asset for which CMG or Evergreen Asset
serve as investment adviser were approximately $10.4 billion as of December 31,
1995.
DISTRIBUTION PLANS AND AGREEMENTS
Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act permits an investment company to pay
expenses associated with the distribution of its shares in accordance with a
duly adopted plan. The Fund has adopted for its Class A shares a "Rule 12b-1
plan" (the "Plan"). Pursuant to the Plan, the Fund may incur
distribution-related and shareholder servicing-related expenses which may not
exceed an annual rate of .35 of 1% of the Fund's aggregate average daily net
assets attributable to Class A shares. Payments with respect to Class A shares
under the Plan are
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currently voluntarily limited to .30 of 1% of each Fund's aggregate average
daily net assets attributable to Class A shares. The Plan provides that a
portion of the fee payable thereunder may constitute a service fee to be used
for providing ongoing personal services and/or the maintenance of shareholder
accounts. Service fee payments to financial intermediaries for such purposes
will not exceed .25 of 1% of the aggregate average daily net assets attributable
to each Class of shares of the Fund.
The Fund has also entered into a distribution agreement (the
"Distribution Agreement") with Evergreen Funds Distributor, Inc. ("EFD").
Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, the Fund will compensate EFD for its
services as distributor at a rate which may not exceed an annual rate of .30 of
1% of the Fund's aggregate average daily net assets attributable to Class A
shares. The Distribution Agreement provides that EFD will use the distribution
fee received from the Fund for payments (i) to compensate broker-dealers or
other persons for distributing shares of the Fund, including interest and
principal payments made in respect of amounts paid to broker-dealers or other
persons that have been financed (EFD may assign its rights to receive
compensation under the Plan to secure such financings), (ii) to otherwise
promote the sale of shares of the Fund, and (iii) to compensate broker-dealers,
depository institutions and other financial intermediaries for providing
administrative, accounting and other services with respect to the Fund's
shareholders. The financing of payments made by EFD to compensate broker-dealers
or other persons for distributing shares of the Fund may be provided by First
Union or its affiliates. The Fund may also make payments, in amounts up to .25
of 1% of the Fund's aggregate average daily net assets on an annual basis
attributable to Class B shares, to compensate organizations, which may include
EFD and Evergreen Asset or its affiliates, for personal services rendered to
shareholders and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts or for engaging
others to render such services. The Fund may not pay any distribution or
services fees during any fiscal period in excess of the amounts set forth above.
Since EFD's compensation under the Distribution Agreement is not directly tied
to the expenses incurred by EFD, the amount of compensation received by it under
the Distribution Agreement during any year may be more or less than its actual
expenses and may result in a profit to EFD. Distribution expenses incurred by
EFD in one fiscal year that exceed the level of compensation paid to EFD for
that year may be paid from distribution fees received from the Fund in
subsequent fiscal years. The Plan is in compliance with rules of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. which effectively limit the annual
asset-based sales charges and service fees that a mutual fund may pay on a class
of shares to .75 of 1% and .25 of 1%, respectively, of the average annual net
assets attributable to that class. The rules also limit the aggregate of all
front-end, deferred and asset-based sales charges imposed with respect to a
class of shares by a mutual fund that also charges a service fee to 6.25% of
cumulative gross sales of shares of that class, plus interest at the prime rate
plus 1% per annum.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
HOW TO BUY SHARES
You can purchase shares of the Fund through broker-dealers, banks or
other financial intermediaries, or directly through EFD. The minimum initial
investment is $1,000, which may be waived in certain situations. There is no
minimum for subsequent investments. Share certificates are not issued. In states
where EFD is not registered as a broker-dealer shares of the Fund will only be
sold through other broker-dealers or other financial institutions that are
registered. See the Share Purchase Application and Statement of Additional
Information for more information. Only Class A shares of the Fund are offered
through this Prospectus. (See "General Information" -- "Other Classes of
Shares".) Class A shares of the Fund can be purchased at net asset value without
an initial sales charge. Certain broker-dealers or other financial institutions
may impose a fee in connection with purchases at net asset value.
How the Fund Values its Shares. The net asset value of the Fund's shares for
purposes of both purchases and redemptions is determined twice daily, at 12 noon
(Eastern time) and promptly after the regular close of the New York Stock
Exchange (the "Exchange") (currently 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) each business day
(i.e., any weekday exclusive of days on which the Exchange or State Street is
closed). The Exchange is closed on New Year's Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday,
Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
The net asset value per share is calculated by taking the sum of the values of
the Fund's investments and any cash and other assets, subtracting liabilities,
and dividing by the total number of shares outstanding. All expenses, including
the fees payable to the Fund's investment adviser, are accrued daily. The
securities in the Fund's portfolio are valued on an amortized cost basis. Under
this method of valuation, a security is initially valued at its acquisition
cost, and thereafter, a constant straight-line amortization of any discount or
premium is assumed each
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day regardless of the impact of fluctuating interest rates on the market value
of the security. The market value of the obligations in the Fund's portfolio can
be expected to vary inversely to changes in prevailing interest rates. As a
result, the market value of the obligations in the Fund's portfolio may vary
from the value determined using the amortized cost method. Securities which are
not rated are normally valued on the basis of valuations provided by a pricing
service when such prices are believed to reflect the fair value of such
securities. Other assets and securities for which no quotations are readily
available are valued at the fair value as determined in good faith by the
Trustees. The Fund attempts to maintain its net asset value at $1.00 per share.
Under most conditions, management believes this will be possible, although there
can be no assurance that this will be achieved. Calculations are periodically
made to compare the value of the Fund's portfolio valued at amortized cost with
market values. If a deviation of 1/2 of 1% or more were to occur between the net
asset value calculated by reference to market values and the Fund's $1.00 per
share net asset value, or if there were other deviations which the Trustees
believed would result in a material dilution to shareholders or purchasers, the
Trustees would promptly consider what action, if any, should be initiated.
Additional Purchase Information. As a condition of this offering, if a purchase
is canceled due to nonpayment or because an investor's check does not clear, the
investor will be responsible for any loss the Fund or the Fund's investment
adviser incurs. If such investor is an existing shareholder, the Fund may redeem
shares from his or her account to reimburse the Fund or the Fund's investment
adviser for any loss. In addition, such investors may be prohibited or
restricted from making further purchases in any of the Evergreen mutual funds.
Shares of the Fund are sold at the net asset value per share next
determined after a shareholder's investment has been converted to Federal funds.
Investments by Federal funds wire will be effective upon receipt. Qualified
institutions may telephone orders for the purchase of Fund shares. Shares
purchased by institutions via telephone will receive the dividend declared on
that day if the telephone order is placed by 12 noon (Eastern time), and federal
funds are received the same day by 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time). Institutions should
telephone the Fund at the phone number on the front page of this Prospectus for
additional information on same day purchases by telephone. Investment checks
received at State Street will be invested on the date of receipt. Shareholders
will begin earning dividends the following business day.
The Fund cannot accept investments specifying a certain price or date and
reserves the right to reject any specific purchase order, including orders in
connection with exchanges from the other Evergreen mutual funds. Although not
currently anticipated, the Fund reserves the right to suspend the offer of
shares for a period of time.
General. In addition to the discount or commission paid to dealers, EFD will
from time to time pay to dealers additional cash or other incentives that are
conditioned upon the sale of a specified minimum dollar amount of shares of a
Fund and/or other Evergreen Mutual Funds. Such incentives will take the form of
payment for attendance at seminars, lunches, dinners, sporting events or theater
performances, or payment for travel, lodging and entertainment incurred in
connection with travel by persons associated with a dealer and their immediate
family members to urban or resort locations within or outside the United States.
Such a dealer may elect to receive cash incentives of equivalent amount in lieu
of such payments. EFD may also limit the availability of such incentives to
certain specified dealers. EFD from time to time sponsors promotions involving
First Union Brokerage Services, Inc. ("FUBS"), an affiliate of each Fund's
investment adviser, and select broker-dealers, pursuant to which incentives are
paid, including gift certificates and payments in amounts up to 1% of the dollar
amount of shares of a Fund sold. Awards may also be made based on the opening of
a minimum number of accounts. Such promotions are not being made available to
all dealers.
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
You may "redeem", i.e., sell your shares in the Fund to the Fund on any
day the Exchange is open, either directly or through your financial
intermediary. The price you will receive is the net asset value next calculated
after the Fund receives your request in proper form. Proceeds generally will be
sent to you within seven days. However, for shares recently purchased by check,
the Fund will not send proceeds until it is reasonably satisfied that the check
has been collected (which may take up to ten days). Once a redemption request
has been telephoned or mailed, it is irrevocable and may not be modified or
cancelled.
Redeeming Shares Through Your Financial Intermediary. The Fund must receive
instructions from your financial intermediary before 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time)
for you to receive that day's net asset value. Your financial intermediary is
responsible for furnishing all necessary documentation to the Fund and may
charge you for this service. Certain financial intermediaries may require that
you give instructions earlier than 4:00 p.m.
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Redeeming Shares Directly by Mail or Telephone. Send a signed letter of
instruction or stock power form to State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State
Street") which is the registrar, transfer agent and dividend-disbursing agent
for the Fund. Stock power forms are available from your financial intermediary,
State Street, and many commercial banks. Additional documentation is required
for the sale of shares by corporations, financial intermediaries, fiduciaries
and surviving joint owners. Signature guarantees are required for all redemption
requests for shares with a value of more than $10,000 or where the redemption
proceeds are to be mailed to an address other than that shown in the account
registration. A signature guarantee must be provided by a bank or trust company
(not a Notary Public), a member firm of a domestic stock exchange or by other
financial institutions whose guarantees are acceptable to State Street.
Shareholders may withdraw amounts of $1,000 or more from their accounts
by calling the telephone number on the front page of this Prospectus between the
hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Eastern time) each business day (i.e., any
weekday exclusive of days on which the Exchange or State Street's offices are
closed). The Exchange is closed on New Year's Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday,
Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Redemption requests made after 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time) will be processed using
the net asset value determined on the next business day. Such redemption
requests must include the shareholder's account name, as registered with the
Fund, and the account number. During periods of drastic economic or market
changes, shareholders may experience difficulty in effecting telephone
redemptions. Shareholders who are unable to reach the Fund or State Street by
telephone should follow the procedures outlined above for redemption by mail.
The telephone redemption service is not made available to shareholders
automatically. Shareholders wishing to use the telephone redemption service must
indicate this on the Share Purchase Application and choose how the redemption
proceeds are to be paid. Redemption proceeds will either (i) be mailed by check
to the shareholder at the address in which the account is registered or (ii) be
wired to an account with the same registration as the shareholder's account in
the Fund at a designated commercial bank. State Street currently deducts a $5.00
wire charge from all redemption proceeds wired. This charge is subject to change
without notice. Redemption proceeds will be wired on the same day if the request
is made prior to 12 noon (Eastern time). Such shares, however, will not earn
dividends for that day. Redemption requests received after 12 noon will earn
dividends for that day, and the proceeds will be wired on the following business
day. A shareholder who decides later to use this service, or to change
instructions already given, should fill out a Shareholder Services Form and send
it to State Street Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 9021, Boston, Massachusetts
02205-9827, with such shareholder's signature guaranteed by a bank or trust
company (not a Notary Public), a member firm of a domestic stock exchange or by
other financial institutions whose guarantees are acceptable to State Street.
Shareholders should allow approximately ten days for such form to be processed.
The Fund will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions
communicated by telephone are genuine. These procedures include requiring some
form of personal identification prior to acting upon instructions and tape
recording of telephone instructions. If the Fund fails to follow such
procedures, it may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent
instructions. The Fund will not be liable for following telephone instructions
reasonably believed to be genuine. The Fund reserves the right to refuse a
telephone redemption if it is believed advisable to do so. Financial
intermediaries may charge a fee for handling telephonic requests. Procedures for
redeeming Fund shares by telephone may be modified or terminated without notice
at any time.
Redemptions by Check. Upon request, the Fund will provide holders of Class A
shares, without charge, with checks drawn on the Fund that will clear through
State Street. Shareholders will be subject to State Street's rules and
regulations governing such checking accounts. Checks will be sent usually within
ten business days following the date the account is established. Checks may be
made payable to the order of any payee in an amount of $250 or more. The payee
of the check may cash or deposit it like a check drawn on a bank. (Investors
should be aware that, as in the case with regular bank checks, certain banks may
not provide cash at the time of deposit, but will wait until they have received
payment from State Street.) When such a check is presented to State Street for
payment, State Street, as the shareholder's agent, causes the Fund to redeem a
sufficient number of full and fractional shares in the shareholder's account to
cover the amount of the check. Checks will be returned by State Street if there
are insufficient or uncollectable shares to meet the withdrawal amount. The
check writing procedure for withdrawal enables shareholders to continue earning
income on the shares to be redeemed up to but not including the date the
redemption check is presented to State Street for payment.
Shareholders wishing to use this method of redemption, should fill out
the appropriate part of the Share Purchase Application (including the Signature
Card) and mail the completed form to State Street Bank and Trust Company, P.O.
Box 9021, Boston, Massachusetts 02205-9827. Shareholders requesting this service
after an
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account has been opened must contact State Street since additional documentation
will be required. Currently, there is no charge either for checks or for the
clearance of any checks. This service may be terminated or altered at any time.
General. Under unusual circumstances, the Fund may suspend redemptions or
postpone payment for up to seven days or longer, as permitted by Federal
securities law. The Fund reserves the right to close an account that through
redemption has remained below $1,000 for thirty days. Shareholders will receive
sixty days' written notice to increase the account value before the account is
closed. The Fund has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act
pursuant to which the Fund is obligated to redeem shares solely in cash, up to
the lesser of $250,000 of 1% of the Fund's total net assets during any ninety
day period for any one shareholder. See the Statement of Additional Information
for further details.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
How To Exchange Shares. You may exchange some or all of your shares for shares
of the same Class of the other Evergreen mutual funds through your financial
intermediary, or by telephone or mail as described below. An exchange which
represents an initial investment in another Evergreen mutual fund must amount to
at least $1,000. Once an exchange request has been telephoned or mailed, it is
irrevocable and may not be modified or canceled. Exchanges will be made on the
basis of the relative net asset values of the shares exchanged next determined
after an exchange request is received. Exchanges are subject to minimum
investment and suitability requirements.
Each of the Evergreen mutual funds has different investment objectives
and policies. For complete information, a prospectus of the fund into which an
exchange will be made should be read prior to the exchange. An exchange is
treated for Federal income tax purposes as a redemption and purchase of shares
and may result in the realization of a capital gain or loss. Shareholders are
limited to five exchanges per calendar year, with a maximum of three per
calendar quarter. This exchange privilege may be materially modified or
discontinued at any time by the Fund upon sixty days' notice to shareholders and
is only available in states in which shares of the fund being acquired may
lawfully be sold.
Exchanges Through Your Financial Intermediary. The Fund must receive exchange
instructions from your financial intermediary before 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time)
for you to receive that day's net asset value. Your financial intermediary is
responsible for furnishing all necessary documentation to the Fund and may
charge you for this service.
Exchanges by Telephone and Mail. You may exchange shares by telephone by calling
the telephone number on the front page of this Prospectus. Exchange requests
made after 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time) will be processed using the net asset value
determined on the next business day. During periods of drastic economic or
market changes, shareholders may experience difficulty in effecting telephone
exchanges. You should follow the procedures outlined below for exchanges by mail
if you are unable to reach State Street by telephone. If you wish to use the
telephone exchange service you should indicate this on the Share Purchase
Application. As noted above, the Fund will employ reasonable procedures to
confirm that instructions for the redemption or exchange of shares communicated
by telephone are genuine. A telephone exchange may be refused by the Fund or
State Street if it is believed advisable to do so. Procedures for exchanging
Fund shares by telephone may be modified or terminated at any time. Written
requests for exchanges should follow the same procedures outlined for written
redemption requests in the section entitled "How to Redeem Shares", however, no
signature guarantee is required.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
The Fund offers the following shareholder services. For more information
about these services or your account, contact EFD or the toll-free number on the
front page of this Prospectus. Some services are described in more detail in the
Share Purchase Application.
Systematic Investment Plan. You may make monthly or quarterly investments into
an existing account automatically in amounts of not less than $25 per month or
$75 per quarter. Each Fund reserves the right to close an account that through
liquidation or termination of the systematic investment plan has not reached a
minimum balance of $1,000 ($250 for retirement accounts) within 24 months of the
initial investment.
Telephone Investment Plan. You may make investments into an existing account
electronically in amounts of not less than $100 or more than $25,000 per
investment. Telephone investment requests received by 3:00 p.m. (Eastern time)
will be credited to a shareholder's account two business days after the request
is received.
14
<PAGE>
Systematic Cash Withdrawal Plan. When an account of $10,000 or more is opened or
when an existing account reaches that size, you may participate in the Fund's
Systematic Cash Withdrawal Plan by filling out the appropriate part of the Share
Purchase Application. Under this plan, you may receive (or designate a third
party to receive) a monthly or quarterly check in a stated amount of not less
than $75. Fund shares will be redeemed as necessary to meet withdrawal payments.
All participants must elect to have their dividends and capital gain
distributions reinvested automatically.
Investments Through Employee Benefit and Savings Plans. Certain qualified and
non-qualified benefit and savings plans may make shares of the Fund and the
other Evergreen mutual funds available to their participants. The Fund's
investment adviser may provide compensation to organizations providing
administrative and recordkeeping services to plans which make shares of the
Evergreen mutual funds available to their participants.
Automatic Reinvestment Plan. For the convenience of investors, all dividends and
distributions are automatically reinvested in full and fractional shares of the
Fund at the net asset value per share at the close of business on the last
business day of each month, unless otherwise requested by a shareholder in
writing. If the transfer agent does not receive a written request for subsequent
dividends and/or distributions to be paid in cash at least three full business
days prior to a given record date, the dividends and/or distributions to be paid
to a shareholder will be reinvested. If you elect to receive dividends and
distributions in cash and the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the checks, or
if the checks remain uncashed for six months, the checks will be reinvested into
your account at the then current net asset value.
Tax Sheltered Retirement Plans. You may open a pension and profit sharing
account in any Evergreen mutual fund (except those funds having an objective of
providing tax free income), including: (i) Individual Retirement Accounts
("IRAs") and Rollover IRAs; (ii) Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) for sole
proprietors, partnerships and corporations; and (iii) Profit-Sharing and Money
Purchase Pension Plans for corporations and their employees.
EFFECT OF BANKING LAWS
The Glass-Steagall Act and other banking laws and regulations presently
prohibit member banks of the Federal Reserve System ("Member Banks") or their
non-bank affiliates from sponsoring, organizing, controlling, or distributing
the shares of registered open-end investment companies such as the Fund. Such
laws and regulations also prohibit banks from issuing, underwriting or
distributing securities in general. However, under the Glass-Steagall Act and
such other laws and regulations, a Member Bank or an affiliate thereof may act
as investment adviser, transfer agent or custodian to a registered open-end
investment company and may also act as agent in connection with the purchase of
shares of such an investment company upon the order of its customer. Evergreen
Asset, since it is a subsidiary of FUNB, and CMG are subject to and in
compliance with the aforementioned laws and regulations.
Changes to applicable laws and regulations or future judicial or
administrative decisions could result in CMG being prevented from continuing to
perform the services required under the investment advisory contract or from
acting as agent in connection with the purchase of shares of the Fund by its
customers. If CMG was prevented from continuing to provide the services called
for under the investment advisory agreement, it is expected that the Trustees
would identify, and call upon the Fund's shareholders to approve, a new
investment adviser. If this were to occur, it is not anticipated that the
shareholders of the Fund would suffer any adverse financial consequences.
OTHER INFORMATION
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
The Fund declares substantially all of its net income as dividends on
each business day. Such dividends are paid monthly. Net income, for dividend
purposes, includes accrued interest and any market discount or premium that day,
less the estimated expenses of the Fund. Gains or losses realized upon the sale
of portfolio securities are not included in net income, but are reflected in the
net asset value of the Fund's shares. Distributions of any net realized capital
gains will be made annually or more frequently as required by the provisions of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). The amount of
dividends may fluctuate from day to day, and the dividend may be omitted on a
day where Fund expenses exceed net investment income. Dividends and
15
<PAGE>
distributions generally are taxable in the year in which they are paid, except
any dividends paid in January that were declared in the previous calendar
quarter may be treated as paid in the immediately preceding December.
Such dividends will be automatically reinvested in full and fractional
shares of the Fund on the last business day of each month. However, shareholders
who so inform the transfer agent in writing may have their dividends paid out in
cash monthly. Shareholders who invest by check will be credited with a dividend
on the business day following initial investment. Shareholders will receive
dividends on investments made by Federal funds bank wire the same day the wire
is received provided that wire purchases are received by State Street by 12 noon
(Eastern time). Shares purchased by qualified institutions via telephone as
described in "How to Purchase Shares" will receive the dividend declared on that
day if the telephone order is placed by 12 noon (Eastern time), and Federal
funds are received by 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time). All other wire purchases
received after 12 noon (Eastern time) will earn dividends beginning the
following business day. Dividends accruing on the day of redemption will be paid
to redeeming shareholders except for redemptions by check and where proceeds are
wired the same day. (See "How to Redeem Shares".)
The Fund has qualified and intends to continue to qualify to be treated
as a regulated investment company under the Code. While so qualified, it is
expected that the Fund will not be required to pay any Federal income taxes on
that portion of its investment company taxable income and any net realized
capital gains it distributes to shareholders. The Code imposes a 4%
nondeductible excise tax on regulated investment companies, such as the Fund, to
the extent they do not meet certain distribution requirements by the end of each
calendar year. The Fund anticipates meeting such distribution requirements. The
excise tax generally does not apply to the tax exempt income of a regulated
investment company that pays exempt interest dividends.
The Fund will designate and pay exempt-interest dividends derived from
interest earned on qualifying tax exempt obligations. Such exempt-interest
dividends may be excluded by shareholders of the Fund from their gross income
for Federal income tax purposes, however, (1) all or a portion of such
exempt-interest dividends may be a specific preference item for purposes of the
Federal individual and corporate alternative minimum taxes to the extent that
they are derived from certain types of private activity bonds issued after
August 7, 1986, and (2) all exempt-interest dividends will be a component of
"adjusted current earnings" for purposes of the Federal corporate alternative
minimum tax. Dividends paid from taxable income, if any, and distributions of
any net realized short-term capital gains (whether from tax exempt or taxable
obligations) are taxable as ordinary income, even though received in additional
Fund shares. Market discount recognized on taxable and tax-free bonds is taxable
as ordinary income, not as excludable income.
Following the end of each calendar year, every shareholder of the Fund
will be sent applicable tax information and information regarding the dividends
and capital gain distributions made during the calendar year. Under current law,
the highest Federal income tax rate applicable to net long-term capital gains
realized by individuals is 28%. The rate applicable to corporations is 35%.
Since the Fund's gross income is ordinarily expected to be interest income, it
is not expected that the 70% dividends-received deduction for corporations will
be applicable. Specific questions should be addressed to the investor's own tax
adviser.
The Fund is required by Federal law to withhold 31% of reportable
payments (which may include dividends, capital gain distributions, if any, and
redemptions) paid to certain shareholders. In order to avoid this backup
withholding requirement, you must certify on the Share Purchase Application, or
on a separate form supplied by State Street, that the investor's social security
or taxpayer identification number is correct and that the investor is not
currently subject to backup withholding or is exempt from backup withholding.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Portfolio Transactions. Consistent with the Rules of Fair Practice of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., and subject to seeking best
price and execution, the Fund may consider sales of its shares as a factor in
the selection of dealers to enter into portfolio transactions with the Fund.
Organization. The Fund is a separate investment series of Evergreen Tax-Free
Trust (formerly known as FFB Funds Trust), a Massachusetts business trust
organized in 1985. The Fund does not intend to hold annual shareholder meetings;
shareholder meetings will be held only when required by applicable law.
Shareholders have available certain procedures for the removal of Trustees.
A shareholder in each Class of the Fund will be entitled to his or her
share of all dividends and distributions from the Fund's assets, based upon the
relative value of such shares to those of other Classes of the Fund, and,
16
<PAGE>
upon redeeming shares, will receive the then current net value of the Class of
shares of the Fund represented by the redeemed shares less any applicable
contingent deferred sales charge. The Trust is empowered to establish, without
shareholder approval, additional series, which may have different investment
objectives, and additional Classes of shares for any existing or future series.
If an additional series were established in the Fund, each share of the series
or Class would normally be entitled to one vote for all purposes. Generally,
shares of each series and Class would vote together as a single Class on
matters, such as the election of Trustees, that affect each series and Class in
substantially the same manner. Class A, and Class Y shares have identical
voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights, except that each Class bears, to
the extent applicable, its own distribution and transfer agency expenses as well
as any other expenses applicable only to a specific Class. Each Class of shares
votes separately with respect to Rule 12b-1 distribution plans and other matters
for which separate Class voting is appropriate under applicable law. Shares are
entitled to dividends as determined by the Trustees and, in liquidation of the
Fund, are entitled to receive the net assets of the Fund.
Custodian, Registrar, Transfer Agent And Dividend-Disbursing Agent. State Street
Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 9021, Boston, Massachusetts 02205-9827 acts as
the Fund's custodian, registrar, transfer agent and dividend-disbursing agent
for a fee based upon the number of shareholder accounts maintained for the Fund.
Principal Underwriter. EFD, an affiliate of Furman Selz LLC., located 230 Park
Avenue, New York, New York 10169, is the principal underwriter of the Fund.
Furman Selz Incorporated also acts as sub-administrator to the Fund.
Other Classes of Shares. The Fund offers two classes of shares, Class A and
Class Y. Class Y shares are not offered by this Prospectus and are only
available to (i) persons who at or prior to December 31, 1994, owned shares in a
mutual fund advised by Evergreen Asset, (ii) certain institutional investors and
(iii) investment advisory clients of CMG, Evergreen Asset or their affiliates.
The dividends payable with respect to Class A shares will be less than those
payable with respect to Class Y shares due to the distribution and distribution
and shareholder servicing related expenses borne by Class A shares and the fact
that such expenses are not borne by Class Y shares.
Performance Information. From time to time, the Fund may quote its yield in
advertisements or in reports to shareholders. Yield information may be useful in
reviewing the performance of the Fund and for providing a basis for comparison
with other investment alternatives. However, since net investment income of the
Fund changes in response to fluctuations in interest rates and Fund expenses,
any given yield quotation should not be considered representative of the Fund's
yields for any future period. The method of calculating the Fund's yield is set
forth in the Statement of Additional Information. Before investing in the Fund,
the investor may want to determine which investment -- tax-free or
taxable -- will result in a higher after-tax return. To do this, the yield on
the tax-free investment should be divided by the decimal determined by
subtracting from 1 the highest Federal tax rate to which the investor currently
is subject. For example, if the tax-free yield is 6% and the investor's maximum
tax bracket is 36%, the computation is: 6% Tax-Free Yield /(1 - .36 Tax Rate) =
6/.64 = 9.38% Taxable Yield. In this example, the investor's after-tax return
will be higher from the 6% tax-free investment if available taxable yields are
below 9.38%. Conversely, the taxable investment will provide a higher return
when taxable yields exceed 9.38%. This is only an example and is not necessarily
reflective of the Fund's yield. The tax equivalent yield will be lower for
investors in the lower income brackets.
Comparative performance information may also be used from time to time in
advertising or marketing the Fund's shares, including data from Lipper
Analytical Services, Inc., IBC/Donoghue's Money Fund Report, Bank Rate Monitor
and other industry publications.
In marketing a Fund's shares, information may be provided that is
designed to help individuals understand their investment goals and explore
various financial strategies. Such information may include publications
describing general principles of investing, such as asset allocation,
diversification, risk tolerance, and goal setting; a questionnaire designed to
help create a personal financial profile; and an action plan offering investment
alternatives. The information provided to investors may also include discussions
of other Evergreen mutual funds, products, and services, which may include:
retirement investing; brokerage products and services; the effects of periodic
investment plans and dollar cost averaging; saving for college; and charitable
giving. In addition, the information provided to investors may quote financial
or business publications and periodicals, including model portfolios or
allocations, as they relate to fund management, investment philosophy, and
investment techniques. The materials may also reprint, and use as advertising
and sales literature, articles from Evergreen Events, a quarterly magazine
provided free of charge to Evergreen Mutual fund shareholders.
17
<PAGE>
Liability Under Massachusetts Law. Under Massachusetts law, trustees and
shareholders of a business trust may, in certain circumstances, be held
personally liable for its obligations. The Declaration of Trust under which the
Fund operates provide that no trustee or shareholder will be personally liable
for the obligations of the Trust and that every written contract made by the
Trust contain a provision to that effect. If any trustee or shareholder were
required to pay any liability of the Trust, that person would be entitled to
reimbursement from the general assets of the Trust.
Additional Information. This Prospectus and the Statement of Additional
Information, which have been incorporated by reference herein, do not contain
all the information set forth in the Registration Statement filed by the Trust
with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended. Copies of the Registration Statements may be obtained at a
reasonable charge from the SEC or may be examined, without charge, at the
offices of the SEC in Washington, D.C.
18
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Capital Management Group of First Union National Bank of North Carolina, 201
South College Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28288
CUSTODIAN & TRANSFER AGENT
State Street Bank and Trust Company, Box 9021, Boston, Massachusetts
02205-9827
LEGAL COUNSEL
Sullivan & Worcester LLP, 1025 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20036
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
KPMG Peat Marwick, LLP One Mellon Bank Center Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219
DISTRIBUTOR
Evergreen Funds Distributor, Inc., 230 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10169
537627 1/96
*******************************************************************************
Y Money Market
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS January 22, 1996
EVERGREEN(SM) PENNSYLVANIA TAX-FREE (Evergreen Tree Logo)
MONEY MARKET FUND
CLASS Y SHARES
The Evergreen Pennsylvania Tax-Free Money Market Fund (the "Fund")
is designed to provide investors with current income, stability of
principal and liquidity. This Prospectus provides information regarding the
Class Y shares offered by the Fund. The Fund is a series of open-end,
diversified, management investment company. This Prospectus sets forth
concise information about the Fund that a prospective investor should know
before investing. The address of the Fund is 2500 Westchester Avenue,
Purchase, New York 10577.
A "Statement of Additional Information" for the Fund dated January
22, 1996 has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is
incorporated by reference herein. The Statement of Additional Information
provides information regarding certain matters discussed in this Prospectus
and other matters which may be of interest to investors, and may be
obtained without charge by calling the Fund at (800) 235-0064. There can be
no assurance that the investment objective of any Fund will be achieved.
Investors are advised to read this Prospectus carefully.
THE SHARES OFFERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF
ANY BANK, ARE NOT ENDORSED OR GUARANTEED BY ANY BANK, ARE NOT INSURED OR
OTHERWISE PROTECTED BY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY, AND
INVOLVE INVESTMENT RISKS.
AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND IS NEITHER INSURED NOR GUARANTEED BY THE U.S.
GOVERNMENT, AND THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE FUND WILL BE ABLE TO
MAINTAIN A STABLE NET ASSET VALUE OF $1.00 PER SHARE.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
KEEP THIS PROSPECTUS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
EVERGREEN(SM) is a Service Mark of Evergreen Asset Management Corp.
Copyright 1995, Evergreen Asset Management Corp.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
OVERVIEW OF THE FUND 2
EXPENSE INFORMATION 3
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 4
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND
Investment Objectives and Policies 5
INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND RESTRICTIONS 9
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
Investment Adviser 10
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
How to Buy Shares 10
How to Redeem Shares 12
Exchange Privilege 13
Shareholder Services 14
Effect of Banking Laws 14
OTHER INFORMATION
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes 15
General Information 16
</TABLE>
OVERVIEW OF THE FUND
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information contained elsewhere in this Prospectus. See "Description of the
Fund" and "Management of the Fund".
The Capital Management Group of First Union National Bank of North
Carolina ("FUNB") ("CMG") serves as investment adviser to Evergreen Pennsylvania
Tax-Free Money Market Fund. FUNB is a subsidiary of First Union Corporation, the
sixth largest bank holding company in the United States.
EVERGREEN PENNSYLVANIA TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUND invests in high quality
Pennsylvania securities that are exempt from Federal and Pennsylvania personal
income taxes in the opinion of bond counsel to the issuer with remaining
maturities of thirteen months or less.
The Fund seeks to maintain a stable net asset value of $1.00 per share
although no assurances can be given that such a stable net asset value will be
maintained.
THERE IS NO ASSURANCE THAT THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE OF THE FUND WILL BE
ACHIEVED.
2
<PAGE>
EXPENSE INFORMATION
The table set forth below summarizes the shareholder transaction costs
associated with an investment in the Class Y Shares of the Fund. For further
information see "Purchase and Redemption of Shares".
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
<S> <C>
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchases None
Sales Charge on Dividend Reinvestments None
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge None
Redemption Fee None
Exchange Fee (only applies after 4 exchanges per
year) $ 5.00
</TABLE>
The following table shows for the Fund the estimated annual operating
expenses (as a percentage of average net assets) attributable to Class Y Shares,
together with examples of the cumulative effect of such expenses on a
hypothetical $1,000 investment for the periods specified assuming (i) a 5%
annual return and (ii) redemption at the end of each period.
EVERGREEN PENNSYLVANIA TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL OPERATING EXAMPLE
EXPENSES Class Y
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Management Fees .40%
After 1 Year $ 9
12b-1 Fees -- After 3 Years
After 3 Years $ 30
Other Expenses .53%
After 5 Years $ 51
After 10 Years $ 114
Total .93%
</TABLE>
The estimated operating expenses and examples do not reflect fee waivers
and expense reimbursements for the most recent fiscal period. Actual expenses
net of fee waivers and expense reimbursements for the fiscal year ended February
28, 1995 for Class Y Shares were .21%.
From time to time the Fund's investment adviser may at its discretion
waive its fee or reimburse the Fund for certain of its expenses in order to
reduce the Fund's expense ratio. The investment adviser may cease these
voluntary waivers or reimbursements at any time.
The purpose of the foregoing table is to assist an investor in
understanding the various costs and expenses that an investor in Class Y Shares
of the Funds will bear directly or indirectly. The amounts set forth under
"Other Expenses" as well as the amounts set forth in the examples are estimated
amounts based on historical experience for the most recent fiscal period. Such
expenses have been restated to reflect current fee arrangements. THE EXAMPLES
SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES OR ANNUAL
RETURN. ACTUAL EXPENSES AND ANNUAL RETURN MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE
SHOWN. For a more complete description of the various costs and expenses borne
by the Funds see "Management of the Funds."
3
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The information on the following pages present financial highlights for a
share outstanding throughout each period indicated. The information in the
tables for each of the years in the two-year period ended February 28, 1995 have
been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, the Fund's current independent auditors.
The information in the tables for February 28, 1993 and prior periods have been
audited by Price Waterhouse LLP, the Fund's prior independent auditors. A report
of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP or Price Waterhouse LLP, as the case may be, on the
audited information with respect to the Fund is incorporated by reference in the
Fund's Statement of Additional Information. The following information should be
read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes which are
incorporated by reference in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information.
Further information about the Fund's performance is contained in the
Fund's annual report to shareholders, which may be obtained without charge.
EVERGREEN PENNSYLVANIA TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A
SHARES
AUGUST 22,* CLASS Y SHARES
THROUGH SIX MONTHS AUGUST 15, 1991*
AUGUST 31, ENDED THROUGH
1995 AUGUST 31, 1995 YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, FEBRUARY 29,
(UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED) 1995 1994 1993 1992
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period........ $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income....................... .02 .02 .03 .02 .03 .02
Less distributions to shareholders from
investment income......................... (.02) (.02) (.03) (.02) (.03) (.02)
Net asset value, end of period.............. $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00
TOTAL RETURN+............................... 1.9% 1.9% 2.8% 2.1% 2.7% 4.0%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)... $120 $99,513 $43,539 $14,383 $15,999 $20,699
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses **............................... .21%++ .21%++ .33% .47% .35% .19%++
Net investment income **.................. 3.66%++ 3.66%++ 3.09% 2.10% 2.62% 3.90%++
</TABLE>
* Commencement of class operations.
+ Total return is calculated on net asset value per share for the periods
indicated and is not annualized.
++ Annualized.
** Net of expense waivers and reimbursements. If the Fund had borne all
expenses that were reimbursed or waived by the investment adviser, the
annualized ratios of expenses and net investment income to average net
assets would have been the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A
SHARES CLASS Y SHARES
SIX MONTHS SIX MONTHS
ENDED ENDED AUGUST 15, 1991*
AUGUST 31, AUGUST 31, YEAR ENDED THROUGH
1995 1995 FEBRUARY 28, FEBRUARY 29,
(UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED) 1995 1994 1993 1992
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Expenses.......................................... .79% .79% 1.05% 1.26% 1.07% .77%
Net investment income............................. 3.66% 3.08% 2.37% 1.31% 1.90% 3.32%
</TABLE>
4
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The investment objective of the Fund is to seek to provide investors with
as high a level of current income as is consistent with preservation of capital
and liquidity. There is no assurance that this objective will be achieved. To
obtain its objective the Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in
municipal obligations issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or its
counties, municipalities, authorities or other political subdivisions, and
municipal obligations issued by territories or possessions of the United States,
such as Puerto Rico (collectively, "Municipal Obligations"), the interest on
which, in the opinion of bond counsel, is exempt from Federal and Pennsylvania
personal income taxes. The Fund limits its investments to Municipal Obligations
with remaining maturities of thirteen months or less and will maintain a
dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity of 90 days or less.
Normally, the Fund will seek to invest substantially all of its assets in
short-term Municipal Obligations. However, under certain unusual circumstances,
such as a temporary decline in the issuance of Pennsylvania obligations, the
Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in the following: short-term municipal
securities issued outside of Pennsylvania (the income from which may be subject
to Pennsylvania income taxes) or certain taxable fixed income securities (the
income from which may be subject to Federal and Pennsylvania personal income
taxes). In most instances, however, the Fund will seek to avoid such holdings in
an effort to provide income that is fully exempt from Federal and Pennsylvania
personal income taxes.
The Fund may also invest in Municipal Obligations issued to finance
private activities, whose interest is a preference item for purposes of the
Federal alternative minimum tax. Such "private activity bonds" might include
industrial development bonds and securities issued to finance projects such as
solid waste disposal facilities, student loans or water and sewage projects. The
Fund currently intends to treat "private activity bonds" as not federally tax
exempt and, accordingly, to limit investments in "private activity bonds" to no
more than 20% of assets. See "Other Information -- Dividends, Distributions and
Taxes".
The Fund will not invest in options, financial futures transactions or
other similar "derivative" instruments except as otherwise provided herein.
Shares of the Fund are not insured or guaranteed by the United States
government. The Fund will only purchase securities: (i) rated within the two
highest rating categories by Moody's Investors Service Inc., ("Moody's") and
Standard & Poors Ratings Group ("S & P") or in a comparable rating category by
any two of the nationally recognized statistical rating organizations that have
rated the securities; (ii) rated in a comparable rating category by only one
such organization that has rated the securities, or (iii) which, if unrated, are
deemed to be of equivalent quality as determined by the investment adviser
pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. The types of
Municipal Obligations in which the Fund may invest include the following:
Municipal Bonds. Municipal bonds generally have a maturity at the time of
issuance of more than one year. Municipal bonds may be issued to raise money for
various public purposes -- such as constructing public facilities and resource
recovery projects and making loans to public institutions. There are generally
two types of municipal bonds: general obligation bonds and revenue bonds.
General obligation bonds are backed by the taxing power of the issuing
municipality and are considered the safest type of municipal bond. Revenue bonds
are backed by the revenues of a project or facility -- tolls from a toll bridge,
for example. Industrial development revenue bonds (which are private activity
bonds) are a specific type of revenue bond backed by the credit and security of
a private user, and therefore investments in these bonds have more potential
risk. Certain types of municipal bonds are issued to obtain funding for
privately operated facilities. Municipal bonds generally have a maturity at the
time of issuance of more than one year.
Municipal Notes. Municipal notes are generally sold as interim financing in
anticipation of the collection of taxes, a bond sale or receipt of other
revenue. Municipal notes generally have maturities at the time of issuance of
one year or less. Investments in municipal notes are limited to notes which are
rated at the date of purchase: (i)"MIG 1" or "MIG 2" by Moody's and in a
comparable rating category by at least one other nationally recognized
statistical rating organization that has rated the notes, or (ii) in a
comparable rating category by only one such organization, including Moody's, if
it is the only organization that has rated the notes, or (iii) if not rated,
are, in the opinion of the
5
<PAGE>
investment adviser, of comparable investment quality and within the credit
quality policies and guidelines established by the Board of Trustees.
Notes rated "MIG 1" are judged to be of the "best quality" and carry the
smallest amount of investment risk. Notes rated "MIG 2" are judged to be of
"high quality", with margins of protection ample although not as large as in the
preceding group.
Municipal Commercial Paper. Municipal commercial paper is a debt obligation with
a stated maturity of one year or less which is issued to finance seasonal
working capital needs or as short-term financing in anticipation of longer-term
debt. Investments in municipal commercial paper are limited to commercial paper
which is rated at the date of purchase: (i) "P-1" or "P-2" by Moody's and "A-1",
"A-1 +" or "A-2" by S&P or (ii) in a comparable rating category by any two of
the nationally recognized statistical ratings organizations that have rated
commercial paper or (iii) in a comparable rating category by only one such
organization if it is the only organization that has rated the commercial paper
or (iv) if not rated, is, in the opinion of the investment adviser, of
comparable investment quality and within the credit quality policies and
guidelines established by the Board of Trustees.
Issuers of municipal (and taxable) commercial paper rated "P-1" have a
"superior capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations". The
"A-1" rating for commercial paper under the S&P classification indicates that
the "degree of safety regarding timely payment is either overwhelming or very
strong". Commercial paper with "overwhelming safety characteristics" will be
rated "A1+". Commercial paper receiving a "P-2" rating has a strong capacity for
repayment of short-term promissory obligations. Commercial paper rated "A-2" has
the capacity for timely payment although the relative degree of safety is not as
overwhelming as for issues designated "A-1". See the Statement of Additional
Information, for a more complete description of securities ratings.
When-Issued Securities. The Fund may purchase Municipal Obligations on a
when-issued basis, in which case delivery and payment normally take place 15 to
45 days after the date of the commitment to purchase. The Fund will only make
commitments to purchase Municipal Obligations on a when-issued basis with the
intention of actually acquiring the securities but may sell them before the
settlement date if it is deemed advisable. Any gains realized in such sales
would produce taxable income. The when-issued securities are subject to market
fluctuation and no interest accrues to the purchaser during this period. The
payment obligation and the interest rate that will be received on the securities
are each fixed at the time the purchaser enters into the commitment. For
purposes of determining the Fund's weighted average maturity, the maturity of a
when-issued security is calculated from its commitment date. Purchasing
Municipal Obligations on a when-issued basis is a form of leveraging and can
involve a risk that the yields available in the market when the delivery takes
place may actually be higher than those obtained in the transaction itself in
which case there could be an unrealized loss at the time of delivery.
The Fund will establish a segregated account with its custodian in which
it will maintain cash, United States government securities, or other liquid,
high quality debt instruments in an amount at least equal in value to the Fund's
commitments to purchase when-issued securities. If the value of these assets
declines, the Fund will place additional liquid assets in the account on a daily
basis so that the value of the assets in the account is equal to the amount of
such commitments.
Securities With Put or Demand Rights. The Fund has the ability to enter into put
transactions, sometimes referred to as stand-by commitments, with respect to
Municipal Obligations held in its portfolio or to purchase securities which
carry a demand feature or put option which permit the Fund, as holder, to tender
them back to the issuer or a third party prior to maturity and receive payment
within seven days. Segregated accounts will be maintained by the Fund for all
such transactions.
The amount payable to the Fund by the seller upon its exercise of a put
will normally be (i) the Fund's acquisition cost of the securities (excluding
any accrued interest which the Fund paid on their acquisition), less any
amortized market premium plus any amortized market or original issue discount
during the period the Fund owned the securities, plus (ii) all interest accrued
on the securities since the last interest payment date during the period the
securities were owned by the Fund. Absent unusual circumstances, the Fund values
the underlying securities at their amortized cost. Accordingly, the amount
payable by a broker dealer or bank during the time a put is exercisable will be
substantially the same as the value of the underlying securities.
The Fund's right to exercise a put is unconditional and unqualified. A
put is not transferable by the Fund, although the Fund may sell the underlying
securities to a third party at any time. The Fund expects that puts will
generally be available without any additional direct or indirect cost. However,
if necessary and advisable, the Fund may pay for certain puts either separately
in cash or by paying a higher price for portfolio securities which are
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acquired subject to such a put (thus reducing the yield to maturity otherwise
available to the same securities). Thus, the aggregate price paid for securities
with put rights may be higher than the price that would otherwise be paid.
The Fund may enter into put transactions only with broker dealers (in
accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission) and banks
which, in the opinion of the investment adviser, present minimal credit risks.
The investment adviser will monitor periodically the creditworthiness of issuers
of such obligations held by the Fund. The Fund's ability to exercise a put will
depend on the ability of the broker-dealer or bank to pay for the underlying
securities at the time the put is exercised. In the event that a broker-dealer
or bank should default on its obligation to purchase an underlying security, the
Fund might be unable to recover all or a portion of any loss sustained from
having to sell the security elsewhere. The Fund intends to enter into put
transactions solely to maintain portfolio liquidity and does not intend to
exercise its rights thereunder for trading purposes.
For a detailed description of put transactions, see "Investment Policies
-- Securities with Put Rights" in the Statement of Additional Information.
Taxable Securities. Under normal market conditions, the Fund may at times elect
to invest temporarily up to 20% of the current value of its net assets in
taxable securities of the type described below pending the investment in
Municipal Obligations of proceeds of sales of Fund shares or proceeds from the
sale of portfolio securities or in anticipation of redemptions. However, at all
times under normal market conditions the percentage of the Fund's income and
corresponding distributions which is tax-exempt will be very close to 100%. In
addition, for temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest up to 100% of
its total assets in such taxable securities when, in the opinion of the
investment adviser, it is advisable to do so because of market conditions. The
types of taxable securities in which the Fund may invest are limited to the
following money market instruments which have remaining maturities not exceeding
thirteen months; (i) obligations of the United States government, its agencies
or instrumentalities; (ii) negotiable certificates of deposit and bankers'
acceptances of United States banks which have more than $1 billion in total
assets at the time of investment and are members of the Federal Reserve System
or are examined by the Comptroller of the Currency or whose deposits are insured
by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; (iii) domestic and foreign U.S.
dollar-denominated commercial paper rated "P-1" by Moody's or "A-1" or "A-1+" by
S&P; and (iv) repurchase agreements with respect to any of the foregoing
portfolio securities. The Fund also has the right to hold up to 100% of its
total assets in cash as the investment adviser deems necessary for temporary
defensive purposes.
Investments of the Fund in U.S. dollar-denominated foreign commercial
paper may involve certain risks not applicable to investment by the Fund in the
obligations of domestic issuers. These risks may include risks of foreign
political or economic instability, difficulties in enforcing a judgment against
a foreign issuer should it default, the imposition or tightening of exchange
controls and changes in foreign governmental attitudes toward private
investment, including the possibility of increased taxation, nationalization or
expropriation of Fund assets. Foreign issuers of securities may also be subject
to different accounting and disclosure systems, which may affect the type and
quality of information available about an issuer. The rating services used by
the Fund take these factors into consideration when assigning a rating to a
particular security, and therefore the additional risk to the Fund of investing
in foreign securities with the same ratings as a domestic security is not
expected to be significant.
The Fund will not invest in any obligations of or loan any of its
portfolio securities to the FUNB or its affiliates as defined in the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") or any affiliates of the Fund.
Subject to the limitations described, the Fund is permitted to invest in
obligations of correspondent banks of FUNB (banks with which the FUNB maintains
a special bank servicing relationship) which are not affiliates of the Evergreen
Tax-Free Trust, its investment adviser or its distributor, but the Fund will not
give preference in its investment selections to those obligations.
After purchase by the Fund, a security may cease to be rated or its
rating may be reduced below the minimum required for purchase by the Fund.
Neither event will require a sale of such security by the Fund. However, the
investment adviser will consider such event in its determination of whether the
Fund should continue to hold the security. To the extent the ratings given by
Moody's or S&P may change as a result of changes in such organizations of their
rating systems, the Fund will attempt to use comparable ratings as standards for
investments in accordance with the investment policies contained in this
Prospectus and in the Statement of Additional Information.
Opinions relating to the validity of Municipal Obligations and to the
exclusion of interest thereon from Federal and Pennsylvania personal income
taxes are rendered by bond counsel to the respective issuers at the
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time of issuance. Neither the Fund, the Evergreen Tax-Free Trust nor the
investment adviser will review the proceedings relating to the issuance of
Municipal Obligations or the basis for such opinions.
Municipal Lease Obligations. Municipal lease obligations are financing
arrangements secured by leases of property to a municipality. These obligations
are considered to be illiquid securities and typically are not fully backed by
the municipality's credit. Interest from a municipal lease obligation may become
taxable if the lease is assigned. If the governmental user does not appropriate
sufficient funds for the following year's lease payments, the lease will
terminate, with the possibility of default on the lease obligations and
significant loss to the Fund. The Fund will not purchase any municipal lease
obligation that is not covered by a legal opinion (typically from the issuer's
counsel) to the effect that, as of the effective date of such lease, the lease
is the valid and binding obligation of the governmental issuer. For a more
detailed description of Municipal Leases, see "Investment Policies -- Municipal
Leases" in the Statement of Additional Information.
Resource Recovery Bonds. Resource recovery bonds may be general obligations of
the issuing municipality or supported by corporate or bank guarantees. The
viability of the resource recovery project, environmental protection regulations
and project operator tax incentives may affect the value and credit quality of
resource recovery bonds.
Variable and Floating Rate Obligations. Certain of the Municipal Obligations
which the Fund may purchase have a floating or variable rate of interest. Such
obligations bear interest at rates which are not fixed, but which vary with
changes in specified market rates or indices, such as a Federal Reserve
composite index. Certain of such obligations may carry a demand feature or put
option which would permit the Fund, as holder, to tender them back to the issuer
or a third party prior to maturity ("demand instruments"). The Fund may invest
in floating and variable rate Municipal Obligations even if they carry stated
maturities in excess of one year. Obligations with a demand feature generally
receive two ratings, one representing an evaluation of the degree of risk
associated with scheduled interest and principal payments and the other
representing an evaluation of the degree of risk associated with the demand
feature. The two highest ratings assigned to the demand feature by Moody's are
"VMIG 1" and "VMIG 2" which have generally the same characteristics as Moody's
"MIG 1" and "MIG 2" ratings. Investments in variable and floating rate
obligations are limited to those that are rated "VMIG" 1 by Moody's or, if not
rated, are, in the opinion of the investment adviser, of comparable investment
quality. The investment adviser will monitor on an ongoing basis the earning
power, cash flow and other liquidity ratios of the issuers of such obligations
and will similarly monitor the ability of an issuer of a demand instrument to
pay principal and interest on demand. The Fund's right to obtain payment at par
on a demand instrument could be affected by events occurring between the date
the Fund elects to demand payment and the date payment is due which may
adversely affect the ability of the issuer of the instrument to make payment
when due.
The Fund does not intend to concentrate its investments in any one
industry. Thus, from time to time, the Fund may invest 25% or more of its assets
in Municipal Obligations which are related in such a way that an economic,
business or political development or change affecting one such Obligation would
also affect the other Obligations; for example, Municipal Obligations, the
interest on which is paid from revenues of similar type projects or Municipal
Obligations whose issuers are located in the same state.
Because the taxable money market is a broader and more liquid market with
a greater number of investors, issuers and market makers than is the market for
short-term tax-exempt municipal obligations, the liquidity of the Fund may not
be equal to that of a money market fund which invests exclusively in short-term
taxable money market instruments. The more limited marketability of short-term
tax-exempt municipal obligations may make it difficult in certain circumstances
to dispose of large investments advantageously. In general, tax-exempt municipal
obligations are also subject to credit risks such as the loss of credit ratings
or possible default. In addition, an issuer of tax-exempt municipal obligations
may lose its tax-exempt status in the event of a change in the current tax laws.
Risk Factors: Investing in Pennsylvania Municipal Obligations. Each investor
should consider carefully the special risks inherent in the Fund's investment in
Pennsylvania Municipal Obligations. Pennsylvania has been historically
identified as a heavy industry state although that reputation has recently
changed as the industrial composition of Pennsylvania diversified when the coal,
steel, and railroad industries began to decline. This diversification was
necessary when the traditionally strong industries in Pennsylvania declined as a
long-term shift in jobs, investment and workers away from the northeast part of
the nation took place. The major new sources of growth are in the service
sector, including trade, medical and health services, education and financial
institutions. Pennsylvania is highly urbanized, with approximately 50% of the
Commonwealth's population contained in the metropolitan areas which include the
cities of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
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It should be noted that Pennsylvania Municipal Obligations may be
adversely affected by local political and economic conditions and developments
within Pennsylvania. For example, adverse conditions in a significant industry
within Pennsylvania may from time to time have a correspondingly adverse effect
on specific issuers within Pennsylvania or on anticipated revenue to the
Commonwealth itself; conversely, an improving economic outlook for a significant
industry may have a positive effect on such issuers or revenues. An expanded
discussion of the risks associated with the purchase of Pennsylvania issues is
contained in the Statement of Additional Information.
Investment Company Securities. The Fund may invest in securities issued by other
investment companies. Such securities will be acquired by Fund within the limits
prescribed by the 1940 Act, which include a prohibition against the Fund
investing more than 10% of the value of its total assets in such securities.
Investments in securities issued by other investment companies will subject
shareholders to the imposition of duplicative fees and expenses.
The Fund may engage in the following portfolio transactions:
Loans of Portfolio Securities. The Fund may loan its portfolio securities to
brokers, dealers, and financial institutions to increase current income. All
loans of securities must be continuously secured by collateral consisting of
United States government securities, cash or letters of credit maintained on a
daily mark-to-market basis in an amount at least equal to the current market
value of the securities loaned plus the interest payable with respect to the
loan.
As a condition of the loan, the Fund must have the right to call the loan
and obtain the return of the securities loaned within five business days.
Moreover, the Fund will receive any interest or dividends paid on the loaned
securities. The Fund will not lend portfolio securities to FUNB, or to any
affiliate of the FUNB or to any other affiliate of the Fund. Loans of securities
involve a risk that the borrower may fail to return the securities or may fail
to provide additional collateral.
Repurchase Agreements. Securities held by the Fund may be subject to repurchase
agreements. A repurchase agreement is a transaction in which the seller of a
security commits itself at the time of the sale to repurchase that security from
the buyer at a mutually agreed upon time and price. The Fund will enter into
repurchase agreements only with dealers, domestic banks or recognized financial
institutions which, in the opinion of the investment adviser, present minimal
credit risks. The Fund will enter into repurchase agreements only with respect
to obligations which could otherwise be purchased by the Fund or any other
obligations backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. Where the
securities underlying a repurchase agreement are not U.S. government securities,
they must be of the highest quality at the time the repurchase agreement is
entered into (e.g., a long-term debt security would be required to be rated by
S&P as "AAA" or its equivalent). While the maturity of the underlying securities
in a repurchase agreement transaction may be more than one year, the term of the
repurchase agreement is always less than one year. The maturities of the
underlying securities will have to be taken into account in calculating the
Fund's dollar weighted average portfolio maturity if the seller of the
repurchase agreement fails to perform under such agreement. In the event of
default by the seller under the repurchase agreement, the Fund may experience a
loss of income from the loaned securities and a decrease in the value of any
collateral maintained, problems in exercising its rights to the underlying
securities and costs and time delays in connection with the disposition of such
securities. The Fund will invest no more than 10% of its net assets in
repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days and other illiquid
investments.
INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND RESTRICTIONS
The investment objective of the Fund and its policy of investing at least
80% of its net assets in Municipal Obligations are fundamental policies and
except for policies with respect to repurchase agreements and securities with
put rights, which are also fundamental policies of the Fund and subject to the
investment restrictions set forth below, the Fund's investment policies and the
investment adviser's discretion to make use of a particular investment technique
or activity are not fundamental and may be changed by the Board of Trustees of
the Trust without the approval of shareholders.
The Fund may not: (1) borrow money or pledge or mortgage its assets,
except that the Fund may borrow from banks up to 10% of the current value of its
total net assets for temporary purposes only in order to meet redemptions, and
those borrowings may be secured by the pledge of not more than 10% of the
current value of its total net assets (but investments may not be purchased by
the Fund while any such borrowings exist); (2) make loans, except loans of
portfolio securities having a value of not more than 10% of the Fund's current
assets and except that the Fund may purchase a portion of an issue of publicly
distributed bonds, debentures or other obligations, make deposits with banks and
enter into repurchase agreements with respect to its portfolio securities;
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or (3) invest an amount equal to 10% or more of the current value of the Fund's
net assets in illiquid securities, including those securities which do not have
readily available market quotations and repurchase agreements having maturities
of more than seven calendar days. Investments in restricted securities eligible
for resale pursuant to Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933 which have been
determined to be liquid by the Board of Trustees based upon the trading markets
for the securities will not be included for purposes of this limitation.
However, investing in Rule 144A securities could have the effect of increasing
the level of fund illiquidity to the extent that qualified institutional buyers
become, for a time, uninterested in purchasing such securities. The foregoing
investment restrictions and those described in the Statement of Additional
Information are fundamental policies which may be changed only when permitted by
law and approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund, as described under "Other Information" in the Statement
of Additional Information.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
INVESTMENT ADVISER
The management of the Fund is supervised by the Trustees of Evergreen
Tax-Free Trust. The Capital Management Group of First Union National Bank of
North Carolina ("CMG") serves as investment adviser to the Fund. First Union
National Bank of North Carolina ("FUNB") is a subsidiary of First Union
Corporation ("First Union"), the sixth largest bank holding company in the
United States. First Union is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and
had $96.7 billion in consolidated assets as of December 31, 1995. First Union
and its subsidiaries provide a broad range of financial services to individuals
and businesses throughout the United States. The Capital Management Group of
FUNB manages or otherwise oversees the investment of over $5.3 billion in assets
belonging to a wide range of clients, including the fifteen series of Evergreen
Investment Trust (formerly known as First Union Funds). First Union Brokerage
Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of FUNB, is a registered broker-dealer
that is principally engaged in providing retail brokerage services consistent
with its federal banking authorizations. First Union Capital Markets Corp., a
wholly-owned subsidiary of First Union, is a registered broker-dealer
principally engaged in providing, consistent with its federal banking
authorizations, private placement, securities dealing, and underwriting
services. Prior to January 1, 1996, First Fidelity Bank, N.A. ("First Fidelity")
served as investment adviser to the Fund. CMG succeeded to the mutual funds
advisory business of First Fidelity in connection with the acquisition of First
Fidelity Bancorporation by a subsidiary of First Union.
CMG manages investments and supervises the daily business affairs of the
Fund and, as compensation therefor, is entitled to receive an annual fee equal
to .40 of 1% of the average daily net assets of the Fund up to $500 million, .36
of 1% of the next $500 million of assets, .32 of 1% of assets in excess of $1
billion but not exceeding $1.5 billion, and .28 of 1% of assets in excess of
$1.5 billion. The total annualized operating expenses of the Fund for its most
recent fiscal period are set forth in the section entitled "Financial
Highlights". Evergreen Asset Management Corp. ("Evergreen Asset"), a subsidiary
of FUNB, serves as administrator to the Fund and is entitled to receive a fee
based on the average daily net assets of the Fund at a rate based on the total
assets of the mutual funds administered by Evergreen Asset for which CMG or
Evergreen Asset also serve as investment adviser, calculated in accordance with
the following schedule: .050% of the first $7 billion; .035% on the next $3
billion; .030% on the next $5 billion; .020% on the next $10 billion; .015% on
the next $5 billion; and .010% on assets in excess of $30 billion. Furman Selz
Incorporated, an affiliate of Evergreen Funds Distributor, Inc., distributor for
the Evergreen group of mutual funds, serves as sub-administrator for the Fund
and is entitled to receive a fee from the Fund calculated on the average daily
net assets of the Fund at a rate based on the total assets of the mutual funds
administered by Evergreen Asset for which CMG or Evergreen Asset also serve as
investment adviser, calculated in accordance with the following schedule: .0100%
of the first $7 billion; .0075% on the next $3 billion; .0050% on the next $15
billion; and .0040% on assets in excess of $25 billion. The total assets of the
mutual funds administered by Evergreen Asset for which CMG or Evergreen Asset
serve as investment adviser were approximately $10.4 billion as of December 31,
1995.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
HOW TO BUY SHARES
Eligible investors may purchase Fund shares at net asset value by mail or
wire as described below. The Fund imposes no sales charges on Class Y shares.
Class Y shares are the only class of shares offered by this
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Prospectus and are only available to (i) persons who at or prior to December 30,
1994, owned shares in a mutual fund advised by Evergreen Asset, (ii) certain
institutional investors and (iii) investment advisory clients of CMG, Evergreen
Asset or their affiliates. The minimum initial investment is $1,000, which may
be waived in certain situations. There is no minimum for subsequent investments.
Investors may make subsequent investments by establishing a Systematic
Investment Plan or a Telephone Investment Plan.
Purchases by Mail or Wire. Each investor must complete the Share Purchase
Application and mail it, together with a check made payable to the Fund whose
shares are being purchased, to State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State
Street") at P.O. Box 9021, Boston, Massachusetts 02205-9827. Checks not drawn on
U.S. banks will be subject to foreign collection which will delay an investor's
investment date and will be subject to processing fees.
When making subsequent investments, an investor should either enclose the
return remittance portion of the statement, or indicate on the face of the
check, the name of the Fund in which an investment is to be made, the exact
title of the account, the address, and the Fund account number. Purchase
requests should not be sent to a Fund in New York. If they are, the Fund must
forward them to State Street, and the request will not be effective until State
Street receives them.
Initial investments may also be made by wire by (i) calling State Street
at (800) 423-2615 for an account number and (ii) instructing your bank, which
may charge a fee, to wire federal funds to State Street, as follows: State
Street Bank and Trust Company, ABA No.0110-0002-8, Attn: Custodian and
Shareholder Services. The wire must include references to the Fund in which an
investment is being made, account registration, and the account number. A
completed Application must also be sent to State Street indicating that the
shares have been purchased by wire, giving the date the wire was sent and
referencing the account number. Subsequent wire investments may be made by
existing shareholders by following the instructions outlined above. It is not
necessary, however, for existing shareholders to call for another account
number.
How the Fund Values Its Shares. The net asset value of the Fund's shares for
purposes of both purchases and redemptions is determined twice daily, at 12 noon
(Eastern time) and promptly after the regular close of the New York Stock
Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) each business day (i.e., any weekday
exclusive of days on which the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") or State
Street is closed). The Exchange is closed on New Year's Day, Presidents Day,
Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and
Christmas Day. The net asset value per share is calculated by taking the sum of
the values of a Fund's investments and any cash and other assets, subtracting
liabilities, and dividing by the total number of shares outstanding. All
expenses, including the fees payable to the Fund's Investment adviser, are
accrued daily. The securities in the Fund's portfolio are valued on an amortized
cost basis. Under this method of valuation, a security is initially valued at
its acquisition cost, and thereafter, a constant straight-line amortization of
any discount or premium is assumed each day regardless of the impact of
fluctuating interest rates on the market value of the security. The market value
of the obligations in the Fund's portfolio can be expected to vary inversely to
changes in prevailing interest rates. As a result, the market value of the
obligations in the Fund's portfolio may vary from the value determined using the
amortized cost method. Securities which are not rated are normally valued on the
basis of valuations provided by a pricing service when such prices are believed
to reflect the fair value of such securities. Other assets and securities for
which no quotations are readily available are valued at the fair value as
determined in good faith by the Trustees.
The Fund attempts to maintain its net asset value at $1.00 per share.
Under most conditions, management believes this will be possible, although there
can be no assurance that this will be achieved. Calculations are periodically
made to compare the value of a Fund's portfolio valued at amortized cost with
market values. If a deviation of 1/2 of 1% or more were to occur between the net
asset value calculated by reference to market values and a Fund's $1.00 per
share net asset value, or if there were other deviations which the Trustees
believed would result in a material dilution to shareholders or purchasers, the
Trustees would promptly consider what action, if any, should be initiated.
Additional Purchase Information. As a condition of this offering, if a purchase
is canceled due to nonpayment or because an investor's check does not clear, the
investor will be responsible for any loss the Fund or the Fund's investment
adviser incurs. If such investor is an existing shareholder, the Fund may redeem
shares from his or her account to reimburse the Fund or the Fund's investment
adviser for any loss. In addition, such investors may be prohibited or
restricted from making further purchases in any of the Evergreen mutual funds.
Shares of the Fund are sold at the net asset value per share next
determined after a shareholder's investment has been converted to federal funds.
Investments by federal funds wire will be effective upon receipt.
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Qualified institutions may telephone orders for the purchase of Fund shares.
Shares purchased by institutions via telephone will receive the dividend
declared on that day if the telephone order is placed by 12 noon (Eastern time),
and federal funds are received the same day by 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time).
Institutions should telephone the Fund at the number on the front page of this
Prospectus for additional information on same day purchases by telephone.
Investment checks received at State Street will be invested on the date of
receipt. Shareholders will begin earning dividends the following business day.
The Fund cannot accept investments specifying a certain price or date and
reserves the right to reject any specific purchase order. Including orders in
connection with exchanges from the other Evergreen mutual funds. Although not
currently anticipated, the Fund reserves the right to suspend the offer of
shares for a period of time.
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
You may "redeem", i.e., sell your shares in the Fund to the Fund on any
day the Exchange is open, either directly or through your financial
intermediary. The price you will receive is the net asset value next calculated
after the Fund receives your request in proper form. Proceeds generally will be
sent to you within seven days. However, for shares recently purchased by check,
the Fund will not send proceeds until it is reasonably satisfied that the check
has been collected (which may take up to ten days). Once a redemption request
has been telephoned or mailed, it is irrevocable and may not be modified or
cancelled.
Redeeming Shares Directly by Mail or Telephone. Send a signed letter of
instruction or stock power form to State Street which is the registrar, transfer
agent and dividend-disbursing agent for the Fund. Stock power forms are
available from your financial intermediary, State Street, and many commercial
banks. Additional documentation is required for the sale of shares by
corporations, financial intermediaries, fiduciaries and surviving joint owners.
Signature guarantees are required for all redemption requests for shares with a
value of more than $10,000 or where the redemption proceeds are to be mailed to
an address other than that shown in the account registration. A signature
guarantee must be provided by a bank or trust company (not a Notary Public), a
member firm of a domestic stock exchange or by other financial institutions
whose guarantees are acceptable to State Street.
Shareholders may withdraw amounts of $1,000 or more from their accounts
by calling State Street at (800) 423-2615 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:30
p.m. (Eastern time) each business day (i.e., any weekday exclusive of days on
which the Exchange or State Street's offices are closed). The Exchange is closed
on New Year's Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day,
Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Redemption requests made after
4:00 p.m. (Eastern time) will be processed using the net asset value determined
on the next business day. Such redemption requests must include the
shareholder's account name, as registered with the Fund, and the account number.
During periods of drastic economic or market changes, shareholders may
experience difficulty in effecting telephone redemptions. Shareholders who are
unable to reach the Fund or State Street by telephone should follow the
procedures outlined above for redemption by mail.
The telephone redemption service is not made available to shareholders
automatically. Shareholders wishing to use the telephone redemption service must
indicate this on the Share Purchase Application and choose how the redemption
proceeds are to be paid. Redemption proceeds will either (i) be mailed by check
to the shareholder at the address in which the account is registered or (ii) be
wired to an account with the same registration as the shareholder's account in
the Fund at a designated commercial bank. State Street currently deducts a $5.00
wire charge from all redemption proceeds wired. This charge is subject to change
without notice. Redemption proceeds will be wired on the same day if the request
is made prior to 12 noon (Eastern time). Such shares, however, will not earn
dividends for that day. Redemption requests received after 12 noon will earn
dividends for that day, and the proceeds will be wired on the following business
day. A shareholder who decides later to use this service, or to change
instructions already given, should fill out a Shareholder Services Form and send
it to State Street Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 9021, Boston, Massachusetts
02205-9827, with such shareholder's signature guaranteed by a bank or trust
company (not a Notary Public), a member firm of a domestic stock exchange or by
other financial institutions whose guarantees are acceptable to State Street.
Shareholders should allow approximately ten days for such form to be processed.
The Fund will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions
communicated by telephone are genuine. These procedures include requiring some
form of personal identification prior to acting upon instructions and tape
recording of telephone instructions. If the Fund fails to follow such
procedures, it may be liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent
instructions. The Funds will not be liable for following telephone instructions
reasonably believed to be genuine. The Fund reserves the right to refuse a
telephone redemption if it is believed advisable to do so. Financial
intermediaries may
12
<PAGE>
charge a fee for handling telephonic requests. Procedures for redeeming Fund
shares by telephone may be modified or terminated without notice at any time.
Redemptions by Check. Upon request, the Fund will provide holders of Class Y
shares, without charge, with checks drawn on the Fund that will clear through
State Street. Shareholders will be subject to State Street's rules and
regulations governing such checking accounts. Checks will be sent usually within
ten business days following the date the account is established. Checks may be
made payable to the order of any payee in an amount of $250 or more. The payee
of the check may cash or deposit it like a check drawn on a bank. (Investors
should be aware that, as in the case with regular bank checks, certain banks may
not provide cash at the time of deposit, but will wait until they have received
payment from State Street.) When such a check is presented to State Street for
payment, State Street, as the shareholder's agent, causes the Fund to redeem a
sufficient number of full and fractional shares in the shareholder's account to
cover the amount of the check. Checks will be returned by State Street if there
are insufficient or uncollectable shares to meet the withdrawal amount. The
check writing procedure for withdrawal enables shareholders to continue earning
income on the shares to be redeemed up to but not including the date the
redemption check is presented to State Street for payment.
Shareholders wishing to use this method of redemption, should fill out
the appropriate part of the Share Purchase Application (including the Signature
Card) and mail the completed form to State Street Bank and Trust Company, P.O.
Box 9021, Boston, Massachusetts 02205-9827. Shareholders requesting this service
after an account has been opened must contact State Street since additional
documentation will be required. Currently, there is no charge either for checks
or for the clearance of any checks. This service may be terminated or altered at
any time.
General. Under unusual circumstances, the Fund may suspend redemptions or
postpone payment for up to seven days or longer, as permitted by Federal
securities law. The Fund reserves the right to close an account that through
redemption has remained below $1,000 for thirty days. Shareholders will receive
sixty days' written notice to increase the account value before the account is
closed. The Fund has elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act
pursuant to which the Fund is obligated to redeem shares solely in cash, up to
the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of a Fund's total net assets during any ninety day
period for any one shareholder. See the Statement of Additional Information for
further details.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
How To Exchange Shares. You may exchange some or all of your shares for shares
of the same Class of the other Evergreen mutual funds by telephone or mail as
described below. An exchange which represents an initial investment in another
Evergreen mutual fund must amount to at least $1,000. Once an exchange request
has been telephoned or mailed, it is irrevocable and may not be modified or
canceled. Exchanges will be made on the basis of the relative net asset values
of the shares exchanged next determined after an exchange request is received.
Exchanges are subject to minimum investment and suitability requirements.
Each of the Evergreen mutual funds has different investment objectives
and policies. For complete information, a prospectus of the fund into which an
exchange will be made should be read prior to the exchange. An exchange is
treated for Federal income tax purposes as a redemption and purchase of shares
and may result in the realization of a capital gain or loss. The Fund imposes a
fee of $5 per exchange on shareholders who exchange in excess of four times per
calendar year. This exchange privilege may be materially modified or
discontinued at any time by the Fund upon sixty days' notice to shareholders and
is only available in states in which shares of the fund being acquired may
lawfully be sold.
Exchanges by Telephone and Mail. You may exchange shares by telephone by calling
State Street at (800) 423-2615. Exchange requests made after 4:00 p.m. (Eastern
time) will be processed using the net asset value determined on the next
business day. During periods of drastic economic or market changes, shareholders
may experience difficulty in effecting telephone exchanges. You should follow
the procedures outlined below for exchanges by mail if you are unable to reach
State Street by telephone. If you wish to use the telephone exchange service you
should indicate this on the Share Purchase Application. As noted above, each
Fund will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions for the
redemption or exchange of shares communicated by telephone are genuine. A
telephone exchange may be refused by the Fund or State Street if it is believed
advisable to do so. Procedures for exchanging Fund shares by telephone may be
modified or terminated at any time. Written requests for exchanges should follow
the same procedures outlined for written redemption requests in the section
entitled "How to Redeem Shares", however, no signature guarantee is required.
13
<PAGE>
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
The Funds offer the following shareholder services. For more information
about these services or your account, contact your financial intermediary,
Evergreen Funds Distributor, Inc. ("EFD"), the distributor of the Funds' shares,
or the number on the front page of this Prospectus. Some services are described
in more detail in the Share Purchase Application.
Systematic Investment Plan. You may make monthly or quarterly investments into
an existing account automatically in amounts of not less than $50 per month or
$75 per quarter.
Telephone Investment Plan. You may make investments into an existing account
electronically in amounts of not less than $100 or more than $25,000 per
investment. Telephone investment requests received by 3:00 p.m. (Eastern time)
will be credited to a shareholder's account two business days after the request
is received.
Systematic Cash Withdrawal Plan. When an account of $10,000 or more is opened or
when an existing account reaches that size, you may participate in the Fund's
Systematic Cash Withdrawal Plan by filling out the appropriate part of the Share
Purchase Application. Under this plan, you may receive (or designate a third
party to receive) a monthly or quarterly check in a stated amount of not less
than $75. Fund shares will be redeemed as necessary to meet withdrawal payments.
All participants must elect to have their dividends and capital gain
distributions reinvested automatically.
Tax Sheltered Retirement Plans. Eligible investors may open a pension and profit
sharing account in any Evergreen mutual fund (except those funds having an
objective of providing tax free income) under the following prototype retirement
plans: (i) Individual Retirement Accounts ("IRAs") and Rollover IRAs; (ii)
Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) for sole proprietors, partnerships and
corporations; and (iii) Profit-Sharing and Money Purchase Pension Plans for
corporations and their employees.
Automatic Reinvestment Plan. For the convenience of investors, all dividends and
distributions are automatically reinvested in full and fractional shares of the
Fund at the net asset value per share at the close of business on the last
business day of each month, unless otherwise requested by a shareholder in
writing. If the transfer agent does not receive a written request for subsequent
dividends and/or distributions to be paid in cash at least three full business
days prior to a given record date, the dividends and/or distributions to be paid
to a shareholder will be reinvested. If you elect to receive dividends and
distributions in cash and the U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the checks, or
if the checks remain uncashed for six months, the checks will be reinvested into
your account at the then current net asset value.
EFFECT OF BANKING LAWS
The Glass-Steagall Act and other banking laws and regulations presently
prohibit member banks of the Federal Reserve System ("Member Banks") or their
non-bank affiliates from sponsoring, organizing, controlling, or distributing
the shares of registered open-end investment companies such as the Fund. Such
laws and regulations also prohibit banks from issuing, underwriting or
distributing securities in general. However, under the Glass-Steagall Act and
such other laws and regulations, a Member Bank or an affiliate thereof may act
as investment adviser, transfer agent or custodian to a registered open-end
investment company and may also act as agent in connection with the purchase of
shares of such an investment company upon the order of its customer. Evergreen
Asset, since it is a subsidiary of FUNB, and CMG are subject to and in
compliance with the aforementioned laws and regulations.
Changes to applicable laws and regulations or future judicial or
administrative decisions could result in CMG being prevented from continuing to
perform the services required under the investment advisory contract or from
acting as agent in connection with the purchase of shares of the Fund by its
customers. If CMG was prevented from continuing to provide the services called
for under the investment advisory agreement, it is expected that the Trustees
would identify, and call upon the Fund's shareholders to approve, a new
investment adviser. If this were to occur, it is not anticipated that the
shareholders of the Fund would suffer any adverse financial consequences.
14
<PAGE>
OTHER INFORMATION
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
The Fund declares substantially all of its net income as dividends on
each business day. Such dividends are paid monthly. Net income, for dividend
purposes, includes accrued interest and any market discount or premium that day,
less the estimated expenses of the Fund. Gains or losses realized upon the sale
of portfolio securities are not included in net income, but are reflected in the
net asset value of the Fund's shares. Distributions of any net realized capital
gains will be made annually or more frequently as required by the provisions of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). The amount of
dividends may fluctuate from day to day, and the dividend may be omitted on a
day where Fund expenses exceed net investment income. Dividends and
distributions generally are taxable in the year in which they are paid, except
any dividends paid in January that were declared in the previous calendar
quarter may be treated as paid in the immediately preceding December.
Such dividends will be automatically reinvested in full and fractional
shares of the Fund on the last business day of each month. However, shareholders
who so inform the transfer agent in writing may have their dividends paid out in
cash monthly. Shareholders who invest by check will be credited with a dividend
on the business day following initial investment. Shareholders will receive
dividends on investments made by federal funds bank wire the same day the wire
is received provided that wire purchases are received by State Street by 12 noon
(Eastern time). Shares purchased by qualified institutions via telephone as
described in "How to Purchase Shares" will receive the dividend declared on that
day if the telephone order is placed by 12 noon (Eastern time), and federal
funds are received by 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time). All other wire purchases
received after 12 noon (Eastern time) will earn dividends beginning the
following business day. Dividends accruing on the day of redemption will be paid
to redeeming shareholders except for redemptions by check and where proceeds are
wired the same day. (See "How to Redeem Shares".)
The Fund has qualified and intends to continue to qualify to be treated
as a regulated investment company under the Code. While so qualified, it is
expected that the Fund will not be required to pay any Federal income taxes on
that portion of its investment company taxable income and any net realized
capital gains it distributes to shareholders. The Code imposes a 4%
nondeductible excise tax on regulated investment companies, such as the Funds,
to the extent they do not meet certain distribution requirements by the end of
each calendar year. Each Fund anticipates meeting such distribution
requirements. The excise tax generally does not apply to the tax exempt income
of a regulated investment company that pays exempt interest dividends.
The Fund will designate and pay exempt-interest dividends derived from
interest earned on qualifying tax exempt obligations. Such exempt-interest
dividends may be excluded by shareholders of the Fund from their gross income
for Federal income tax purposes, however, (1) all or a portion of such
exempt-interest dividends may be a specific preference item for purposes of the
Federal individual and corporate alternative minimum taxes to the extent that
they are derived from certain types of private activity bonds issued after
August 7, 1986, and (2) all exempt-interest dividends will be a component of
"adjusted current earnings" for purposes of the Federal corporate alternative
minimum tax. Dividends paid from taxable income, if any, and distributions of
any net realized short-term capital gains (whether from tax exempt or taxable
obligations) are taxable as ordinary income, even though received in additional
Fund shares. Market discount recognized on taxable and tax-free bonds is taxable
as ordinary income, not as excludable income.
Following the end of each calendar year, every shareholder of the Fund
will be sent applicable tax information and information regarding the dividends
and capital gain distributions made during the calendar year. Under current law,
the highest Federal income tax rate applicable to net long-term capital gains
realized by individuals is 28%. The rate applicable to corporations is 35%.
Since the Fund's gross income is ordinarily expected to be interest income, it
is not expected that the 70% dividends-received deduction for corporations will
be applicable. Specific questions should be addressed to the investor's own tax
adviser.
The Fund is required by Federal law to withhold 31% of reportable
payments (which may include dividends, capital gain distributions, if any, and
redemptions) paid to certain shareholders. In order to avoid this backup
withholding requirement, you must certify on the Share Purchase Application, or
on a separate form supplied by State Street, that the investor's social security
or taxpayer identification number is correct and that the investor is not
currently subject to backup withholding or is exempt from backup withholding.
15
<PAGE>
GENERAL INFORMATION
Portfolio Transactions. Consistent with the Rules of Fair Practice of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., and subject to seeking best
price and execution, the Fund may consider sales of its shares as a factor in
the selection of dealers to enter into portfolio transactions with the Fund.
Organization. The Fund is a separate investment series of Evergreen Tax Free
Trust, as Massachusetts business trust organized in 1985. The Fund does not
intend to hold annual shareholder meetings; shareholder meetings will be held
only when required by applicable law. Shareholders have available certain
procedures for the removal of Trustees.
A shareholder in each class of the Fund will be entitled to his or her
share of all dividends and distributions from the Fund's assets, based upon the
relative value of such shares to those of other Classes of the Fund, and, upon
redeeming shares, will receive the then current net asset value of the Class of
shares of the Fund represented by the redeemed shares less any applicable CDSC.
The Trust is empowered to establish, without shareholder approval, additional
investment series, which may have different investment objectives, and
additional classes of shares for any existing or future series. If an additional
series or class were established in the Fund, each share of the series or class
would normally be entitled to one vote for all purposes. Generally, shares of
each series and class would vote together as a single class on matters, such as
the election of Trustees, that affect each series and class in substantially the
same manner. Class A and Y shares have identical voting, dividend, liquidation
and other rights, except that each class bears, to the extent applicable, its
own distribution and transfer agency expenses as well as any other expenses
applicable only to a specific class. Each class of shares votes separately with
respect to Rule 12b-1 distribution plans and other matters for which separate
class voting is appropriate under applicable law. Shares are entitled to
dividends as determined by the Trustees and, in liquidation of the Fund, are
entitled to receive the net assets of the Fund.
Custodian, Registrar, Transfer Agent And Dividend-Disbursing Agent. State Street
Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 9021, Boston, Massachusetts 02205-9827 acts as
the Fund's custodian, registrar, transfer agent and dividend-disbursing agent
for a fee based upon the number of shareholder accounts maintained for the
Funds.
Principal Underwriter. EFD, an affiliate of Furman Selz LLC, located 230 Park
Avenue, New York, New York 10169, is the principal underwriter of the Fund.
Furman Selz LLC also acts as sub-administrator to the Fund.
Other Classes of Shares. ??????? offers two classes of shares, Class A and Class
Y. Class Y shares are the only Class offered by this Prospectus and are only
available to (i) persons who at or prior to December 31, 1994, owned shares in a
mutual fund advised by Evergreen Asset, (ii) certain institutional investors and
(iii) investment advisory clients of CMG, Evergreen Asset or their affiliates.
The dividends payable with respect to Class A shares will be less than those
payable with respect to Class Y shares due to the distribution and distribution
and shareholder servicing related expenses borne by Class A shares and the fact
that such expenses are not borne by Class Y shares.
Performance Information. From time to time, the Fund may quote its yield in
advertisements or in reports to shareholders. Yield information may be useful in
reviewing the performance of the Fund and for providing a basis for comparison
with other investment alternatives. However, since net investment income of the
Fund changes in response to fluctuations in interest rates and Fund expenses,
any given yield quotation should not be considered representative of a Fund's
yields for any future period.
The method of calculating the Fund's yield is set forth in the Statement
of Additional Information. Before investing in the Fund, the investor may want
to determine which investment -- tax-free or taxable -- will result in a
higher after-tax return. To do this, the yield on the tax-free investment should
be divided by the decimal determined by subtracting from 1 the highest Federal
tax rate to which the investor currently is subject. For example, if the
tax-free yield is 6% and the investor's maximum tax bracket is 36%, the
computation is: 6% Tax-Free Yield /(1 - .36 Tax Rate) = 6/.64 = 9.38% Taxable
Yield. In this example, the investor's after-tax return will be higher from the
6% tax-free investment if available taxable yields are below 9.38%. Conversely,
the taxable investment will provide a higher return when taxable yields exceed
9.38%. This is only an example and is not necessarily reflective of the Fund's
yield. The tax equivalent yield will be lower for investors in the lower income
brackets.
16
<PAGE>
Comparative performance information may also be used from time to time in
advertising or marketing the Fund's shares, including data from Lipper
Analytical Services, Inc., IBC/Donoghue's Money Fund Report, Bank Rate Monitor
and other industry publications.
Liability Under Massachusetts Law. Under Massachusetts law, trustees and
shareholders of a business trust may, in certain circumstances, be held
personally liable for its obligations. The Declaration of Trust under which the
Fund operates provides that no trustee or shareholder will be personally liable
for the obligations of the Trust and that every written contract made by the
Trust contain a provision to that effect. If any trustee or shareholder were
required to pay any liability of the Trust, that person would be entitled to
reimbursement from the general assets of the trust.
Additional Information. This Prospectus and the Statement of Additional
Information, which have been incorporated by reference herein, do not contain
all the information set forth in the Registration Statement filed by the Trust
with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") under the Securities Act.
Copies of the Registration Statements may be obtained at a reasonable charge
from the SEC or may be examined, without charge, at the offices of the SEC in
Washington, D.C.
17
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Capital Management Group of First Union National Bank of North Carolina, 201
South College Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28288
CUSTODIAN & TRANSFER AGENT
State Street Bank and Trust Company, Box 9021, Boston, Massachusetts
02205-9827
LEGAL COUNSEL
Sullivan & Worcester LLP, 1025 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20036
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
KPMG Peat Marwick, LLP One Mellon Bank Center Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219
DISTRIBUTOR
Evergreen Funds Distributor, Inc., 230 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10169
537680
*******************************************************************************
AB State Funds
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS January 22, 1996
EVERGREEN(SM) STATE SPECIFIC TAX-FREE FUNDS (Evergreen Tree Logo)
EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND
EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
CLASS A SHARES
CLASS B SHARES
The Evergreen State Specific Tax-Free Funds (the "Funds") are
designed to provide investors with current income exempt from Federal
income tax and certain state income tax. This Prospectus provides
information regarding the Class A and Class B shares offered by the Funds.
Each Fund is, or is a series of, an open-end, non-diversified, management
investment company except for EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND
FUND which is diversified. This Prospectus sets forth concise information
about the Funds that a prospective investor should know before investing.
The address of the Funds is 2500 Westchester Avenue, Purchase, New York
10577.
A "Statement of Additional Information" for the Funds and certain
other funds in the Evergreen group of mutual funds dated January 22, 1996
has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is
incorporated by reference herein. The Statement of Additional Information
provides information regarding certain matters discussed in this Prospectus
and other matters which may be of interest to investors, and may be
obtained without charge by calling the Funds at (800) 807-2940. There can
be no assurance that the investment objective of any Fund will be achieved.
Investors are advised to read this Prospectus carefully.
THE SHARES OFFERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF
ANY BANK, ARE NOT ENDORSED OR GUARANTEED BY ANY BANK, ARE NOT INSURED OR
OTHERWISE PROTECTED BY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY AND
INVOLVE INVESTMENT RISKS.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND WILL INVEST AT LEAST 65%
OF THE VALUE OF ITS TOTAL ASSETS IN MUNICIPAL SECURITIES CONSISTING OF HIGH
YIELD (I.E., HIGH RISK), MEDIUM, LOWER RATED AND UNRATED BONDS. SUCH
SECURITIES ARE COMMONLY CALLED JUNK BONDS AND ARE SUBJECT TO GREATER MARKET
FLUCTUATIONS AND RISK OF LOSS OF INCOME AND PRINCIPAL THAN HIGHER RATED
SECURITIES. LOWER QUALITY SECURITIES INVOLVE A GREATER RISK OF DEFAULT AND,
CONSEQUENTLY, SHARES OF THE EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND
FUND ARE SPECULATIVE SECURITIES.
KEEP THIS PROSPECTUS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
EVERGREEN(SM) is a Service Mark of Evergreen Asset Management Corp.
Copyright 1995, Evergreen Asset Management Corp.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNDS 2
EXPENSE INFORMATION 3
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 6
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNDS
Investment Objectives and Policies 13
Investment Practices and Restrictions 16
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS
Investment Adviser 21
Distribution Plans and Agreements 22
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
How to Buy Shares 24
How to Redeem Shares 26
Exchange Privilege 27
Shareholder Services 27
Effect of Banking Laws 28
OTHER INFORMATION
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes 28
General Information 30
APPENDIX
Florida Risk Considerations 32
</TABLE>
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNDS
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information contained elsewhere in this Prospectus. See "Description of the
Funds" and "Management of the Funds".
The Capital Management Group of First Union National Bank of North
Carolina ("CMG") serves as investment adviser to Evergreen State Specific
Tax-Free Funds which include: EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN
GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND,
EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND, EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND and EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH
INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND. First Union National Bank of North Carolina ("FUNB")
is a subsidiary of First Union Corporation, the sixth largest bank holding
company in the United States.
EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND (formerly First Union Florida
Municipal Bond Portfolio, successor to ABT Florida Tax-Free Fund) seeks current
income exempt from federal income tax consistent with preservation of capital.
In addition, the Fund intends to qualify as an investment exempt from the
Florida state intangibles tax.
EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND (formerly First Union Georgia
Municipal Bond Portfolio) seeks current income exempt from federal income tax
and Georgia state income tax, consistent with preservation of capital.
EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND (formerly FFB New Jersey
Tax-Free Income Fund) seeks a high level of income, exempt from federal and New
Jersey personal income taxes.
EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND (formerly First Union North
Carolina Municipal Bond Portfolio) seeks current income exempt from federal
income tax and North Carolina state income tax, consistent with preservation of
capital. In addition, the Fund intends to qualify as an investment substantially
exempt from the North Carolina intangible personal property tax.
EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND (formerly First Union South
Carolina Municipal Bond Portfolio seeks current income exempt from federal
income tax and South Carolina state income tax.
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND (formerly First Union Virginia
Municipal Bond Portfolio) seeks current income exempt from federal income tax
and Virginia state income tax, consistent with preservation of capital.
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND (successor to ABT
Florida High Income Municipal Bond Fund) seeks to provide a high level of
current income exempt from federal income tax. Under normal circumstances, the
Fund will invest at least 65% of the value of its total assets in municipal
securities consisting of high yield (i.e., high risk), medium, lower rated and
unrated bonds.
THERE IS NO ASSURANCE THAT THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE OF ANY FUND WILL BE
ACHIEVED.
2
<PAGE>
EXPENSE INFORMATION
The table set forth below summarizes the shareholder transaction costs
associated with an investment in Class A and Class B Shares of a Fund. For
further information see "Purchase and Redemption of Fund Shares" and "General
Information -- Other Classes of Shares".
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES Class A Shares Class B Shares
<S> <C> <C>
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchases 4.75% None
(as a % of offering price)
Sales Charge on Dividend Reinvestments None None
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (as a % of original purchase None 5% during the first year, 4% during the
price or redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) second year, 3% during the third and fourth
years, 2% during the fifth year, 1% during
the sixth and seventh years and 0% after the
seventh year
Redemption Fee None None
Exchange Fee None None
</TABLE>
The following tables show for each Fund the estimated annual operating
expenses (as a percentage of average net assets) attributable to each Class of
Shares, together with examples of the cumulative effect of such expenses on a
hypothetical $1,000 investment in each Class for the periods specified assuming
(i) a 5% annual return and (ii) redemption at the end of each period and,
additionally for Class B shares, no redemption at the end of each period.
In the following examples (i) the expenses for Class A Shares assume
deduction of the maximum 4.75% sales charge at the time of purchase, (ii) the
expenses for Class B Shares assume deduction at the time of redemption (if
applicable) of the maximum contingent deferred sales charge applicable for that
time period, and (iii) the expenses for Class B Shares reflect the conversion to
Class A Shares eight years after purchase (years eight through ten, therefore,
reflect Class A expenses).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
EXAMPLES
Assuming Assuming
ANNUAL OPERATING Redemption no
EXPENSES at End of Period Redemption
Class A Class B Class A Class B Class B
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Management Fees(a) .30% .30%
After 1 Year $ 53 $ 66 $ 16
12b-1 Fees(b) .06% .75%
After 3 Years $ 66 $ 79 $ 49
Shareholder Service Fees -- .25%
After 5 Years $ 80 $ 104 $ 84
Other Expenses .25% .25%
After 10 Years $ 120 $ 147 $147
Total .61% 1.55%
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
EXAMPLES
Assuming Assuming
ANNUAL OPERATING Redemption no
EXPENSES at End of Period Redemption
Class A Class B Class A Class B Class B
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Management Fees .50% .50%
After 1 Year $ 60 $ 70 $ 20
12b-1 Fees(b) .25% .75%
After 3 Years $ 85 $ 93 $ 63
Shareholder Service Fees -- .25%
After 5 Years $ 113 $ 128 $108
Other Expenses(c) .50% .50%
After 10 Years $ 191 $ 204 $204
Total 1.25% 2.00%
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND
EXAMPLES
Assuming Assuming
ANNUAL OPERATING Redemption no
EXPENSES at End of Period Redemption
Class A Class B Class A Class B Class B
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Management Fees .50% .50%
After 1 Year $ 53 $ 70 $ 20
12b-1 Fees (b) .25% .75%
After 3 Years $ 83 $ 91 $ 61
Shareholder Service Fees -- .25%
After 5 Years $ 110 $ 125 $105
Other Expenses .44% .44%
After 10 Years $ 185 $ 202 $202
Total 1.19% 1.99%
</TABLE>
3
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
EXAMPLES
Assuming Assuming
ANNUAL OPERATING Redemption no
EXPENSES at End of Period Redemption
Class A Class B Class A Class B Class B
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Management Fees .50%
.50% After 1 Year $ 60 $ 70 $ 20
12b-1 Fees(b) .25% .75%
After 3 Years $ 85 $ 93 $ 63
Shareholder Service Fees -- .25%
After 5 Years $ 113 $ 128 $108
Other Expenses .50% .50%
After 10 Years $ 191 $ 204 $204
Total 1.25% 2.00%
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
EXAMPLES
Assuming Assuming
ANNUAL OPERATING Redemption no
EXPENSES at End of Period Redemption
Class A Class B Class A Class B Class B
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Management Fees .50% .50%
After 1 Year $ 60 $ 70 $ 20
12b-1 Fees(b) .25% .75%
After 3 Years $ 85 $ 93 $ 63
Shareholder Service Fees -- .25%
After 5 Years $ 113 $ 128 $108
Other Expenses(c) .50% .50%
After 10 Years $ 191 $ 204 $204
Total 1.25% 2.00%
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
EXAMPLES
Assuming Assuming
ANNUAL OPERATING Redemption no
EXPENSES at End of Period Redemption
Class A Class B Class A Class B Class B
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Management Fees .50% .50%
After 1 Year $ 60 $ 70 $ 20
12b-1 Fees(b) .25% .75%
After 3 Years $ 85 $ 93 $ 63
Shareholder Service Fees -- .25%
After 5 Years $ 113 $ 128 $108
Other Expenses(c) .50% .50%
After 10 Years $ 191 $ 204 $204
Total 1.25% 2.00%
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
EXAMPLES
Assuming Assuming
ANNUAL OPERATING Redemption no
EXPENSES at End of Period Redemption
Class A Class B Class A Class B Class B
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Management Fees(a) .30% .30%
After 1 Year $ 58 $ 68 $ 18
12b-1 Fees(b) .25% 1.00%
After 3 Years $ 80 $ 87 $ 57
Other Expenses .52% .52%
After 5 Years $ 104 $ 119 $ 99
After 10 Years $ 172 $ 185 $185
Total 1.07% 1.82%
</TABLE>
(a) CMG has agreed to limit the Management Fee charged to EVERGREEN FLORIDA
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND and EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND to
.30 of 1% of average net assets until July 7, 1996.
From time to time each Fund's adviser may, at its discretion, reduce or waive
its fees or reimburse these Funds for certain of their other expenses in order
to reduce their expense ratios. Each Fund's adviser may cease these voluntary
waivers and reimbursements at any time.
(b) Class A Shares can pay up to .75 of 1% of average annual net assets as a
12b-1 Fee. For the forseeable future, the Class A Shares 12b-1 Fees will be
limited to .25 of 1% of average annual net assets. For Class B Shares of
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, a portion of the 12b-1
Fees equivalent to .25 of 1% of average annual assets will be shareholder
servicing-related. Distribution-related 12b-1 Fees will be limited to .75 of
1% of average annual assets as permitted under the rules of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND will not pay 12b-1 Fees to the extent
that the effect of such payment would be to cause the Fund's ratio of
expenses to average net assets for Class A Shares to exceed .61 of 1%
through July 1, 1996.
4
<PAGE>
The estimated annual operating expenses and examples do not reflect fee
waivers and expense reimbursements for the most recent fiscal period. Actual
expenses for Class A and B Shares net of fee waivers and expense reimbursements
for the fiscal period ended August 31, 1995 or February 28, 1995, as applicable
were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A CLASS B
<S> <C> <C>
EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND .82% 1.44%
EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND .71% 1.46%
EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND .38% N/A
EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND .92% 1.67%
EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND .53% 1.28%
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND .72% 1.47%
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND 1.07% N/A
</TABLE>
(c) Reflects agreements by CMG to limit aggregate operating expenses (including
the investment advisory fees, but excluding interest, taxes, brokerage
commissions, Rule 12b-1 Fees, shareholder servicing fees and extraordinary
expenses) of EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND and EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND to 1% of
average net assets for the foreseeable future. Absent such agreements, the
estimated annual operating expenses for the Funds would be as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A CLASS B
<S> <C> <C>
EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND 2.83% 3.58%
EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND 6.50% 7.25%
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND 3.83% 4.58%
</TABLE>
The purpose of the foregoing table is to assist an investor in
understanding the various costs and expenses that an investor in each Class of
Shares of the Funds will bear directly or indirectly. The amounts set forth both
in the tables and in the examples are estimated amounts based on the experience
of each Fund for its most recent fiscal period. Such expenses have been restated
to reflect current fee arrangements and in the case of Funds that did not offer
all of the above-referenced Classes of shares during such periods, the amounts
set forth in the tables are based on the expenses incurred by the Classes which
were offered. THE EXAMPLES SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR
FUTURE EXPENSES OR ANNUAL RETURN. ACTUAL EXPENSES AND ANNUAL RETURN MAY BE
GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN. For a more complete description of the various
costs and expenses borne by the Funds see "Management of the Funds." As a result
of asset-based sales charges, long-term shareholders may pay more than the
economic equivalent of the maximum front-end sales charges permitted under the
rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
5
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS(stacked plus signs)
The tables on the following pages present, for each Fund, financial
highlights for a share outstanding throughout each period indicated. The
information in the tables for the five most recent fiscal years or the life of
the Fund if shorter for EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN NORTH
CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND and
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND has been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick
LLP, each Fund's independent auditors. The information in the tables for
EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND for the fiscal period ended August 31,
1995 has been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, the Fund's current independent
auditors. The information in the tables for each of the years in the four-year
period ended April 30, 1995 was audited by Tait, Weller & Baker, the Fund's
prior independent auditors. The information in the tables for EVERGREEN NEW
JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND for each of the years in the two-year period ended
February 28, 1995 has been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP. The Fund's current
independent auditors. The information in the tables for EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY
TAX-FREE INCOME FUND for each of the periods from July 16, 1991 (commencement of
operations) through February 28, 1993 has been audited by Price Waterhouse LLP,
the Fund's prior independent auditors. The information in the tables for
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND for the fiscal period ended
August 31, 1995 has been audited by Price Waterhouse LLP, the Fund's current
independent auditors. The information in the tables for each of the years in the
two-year period ended April 30, 1995 and for the period June 17, 1992
(commencement of operations) through April 30, 1993 was audited by Tait, Weller
& Baker, the Fund's prior independent auditors. A report of KPMG Peat Marwick
LLP, Price Waterhouse LLP or Tait, Weller & Baker, as the case may be, on the
audited information with respect to each Fund is incorporated by reference in
the Fund's Statement of Additional Information. The following information for
each Fund should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and
related notes which are incorporated by reference in the Fund's Statement of
Additional Information.
Further information about each Fund's performance is contained in the
Fund's annual report to shareholders, which may be obtained without charge.
EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND(stacked plus signs)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES
FOUR MAY 11,
MONTHS 1988*
ENDED THROUGH
AUGUST 31, YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, APRIL 30,
1995# 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period..... $9.61 $9.52 $9.95 $9.35 $9.21 $8.80 $9.09 $8.82
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income.................... .25 .54 .56 .56 .61 .66 .58 .47
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments.......................... .22 .11 (.36) .67 .22 .43 (.24) .22
Total from investment operations........ .47 .65 .20 1.23 .83 1.09 .34 .69
Less distributions to shareholders from:
Net investment income.................... (.25) (.54) (.56) (.56) (.61) (.68) (.59) (.42)
Distributions in excess of net investment
income.................................. (.03) -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Net realized gains....................... (.06) (.02) (.07) (.07) (.04) -- (.04) --
Paid-in capital.......................... -- -- -- -- (.04) -- -- --
Total distributions..................... (.34) (.56) (.63) (.63) (.69) (.68) (.63) (.42)
Net asset value, end of period.......... $9.74 $9.61 $9.52 $9.95 $9.35 $9.21 $8.80 $9.09
TOTAL RETURN+............................ 4.2% 7.1% 1.9% 13.6% 9.3% 12.9% 3.7% 9.2%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000's
omitted)................................ $136,449 $168,542 $199,612 $198,286 $147,996 $75,791 $7,286 $717
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses................................ .82%++** .61% .56% .58% .41%** .10%** .10%** .30%**++
Net investment income................... 4.89%++** 5.73% 5.37% 5.66% 6.12%** 6.55%** 6.15%** 5.30%**++
Portfolio turnover rate.................. 29% 53% 32% 24% 24% 66% 82% 2%
<CAPTION>
CLASS B CLASS Y
SHARES SHARES
JUNE 30, JUNE 30,
1995* 1995*
THROUGH THROUGH
AUGUST AUGUST
31, 31,
1995# 1995#
<S> <C> <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period..... $9.67 $9.67
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income.................... .07 .09
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments.......................... .10 .10
Total from investment operations........ .17 .19
Less distributions to shareholders from:
Net investment income.................... (.07) (.09)
Distributions in excess of net investment
income.................................. (.03) (.03)
Net realized gains....................... -- --
Paid-in capital.......................... -- --
Total distributions..................... (.10) (.12)
Net asset value, end of period.......... $9.74 $9.74
TOTAL RETURN+............................ 1.5% 1.7%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000's
omitted)................................ $27,351 $ 3,602
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses................................ 1.44%++ .59%++
Net investment income................... 3.22%++ 4.93%++
Portfolio turnover rate.................. 29% 29%
</TABLE>
# The Fund changed its fiscal year-end from April 30 to August 31.
* Commencement of class operations.
+ Total return is calculated on net asset value per share for the periods
indicated and is not annualized. Initial sales charge or contingent deferred
sales charge is not reflected.
++ Annualized.
** Net of expense waivers and reimbursements. If the Fund had borne all
expenses that were reimbursed or waived by the investment adviser, the
annualized ratios of expenses and net investment income (loss) to average
net assets, exclusive of any applicable state expense limitations, would
have been the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES
MAY 11, 1988*
FOUR MONTHS THROUGH
ENDED YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, APRIL 30,
AUGUST 31, 1995# 1992 1991 1990 1989
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Expenses..................................................... 1.05% .68% .88% 5.14% 20.40%
Net investment income (loss)................................. 4.66% 5.85% 5.77% 1.01% (14.80%)
</TABLE>
(stacked plus signs) On June 30, 1995, ABT Florida Tax-Free Fund sold its net
assets to First Union Florida Municipal Bond Portfolio
which was subsequently renamed Evergreen Florida Municipal Bond Fund.
ABT Florida Tax-Free Fund was the
accounting survivor in the combination. Accordingly, the information stated
in the above table prior to the combination reflects the results of ABT
Florida Tax-Free Fund. The net asset values per share and related per share
data have been restated to reflect the conversion of shares.
6
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND -- CLASS A, B, AND Y SHARES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES
JULY 2, JULY 2, CLASS Y
1993* 1993* SHARES
EIGHT MONTHS YEAR ENDED THROUGH EIGHT MONTHS YEAR ENDED THROUGH EIGHT MONTHS
ENDED AUGUST DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, ENDED AUGUST DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, ENDED AUGUST
31, 1995# 1994 1993 31, 1995# 1994 1993 31, 1995#
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning
of period.................. $8.74 $10.19 $10.00 $ 8.74 $10.19 $10.00 $ 8.74
Income (loss) from
investment operations:
Net investment income....... .33 .48 .20 .28 .43 .18 .35
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on
investments................ .73 (1.45) .19 .73 (1.45) .19 .73
Total from investment
operations............... 1.06 (.97) .39 1.01 (1.02) .37 1.08
Less distributions to
shareholders from:
Net investment income....... (.33) (.48) (.20) (.28) (.43) (.18) (.35)
Net asset value, end of
period..................... $9.47 $8.74 $10.19 $9.47 $8.74 $10.19 $ 9.47
TOTAL RETURN+............... 12.3% (9.6%) 4.0% 11.7% (10.2%) 3.7% 12.5%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period
(000's omitted).......... $2,098 $1,387 $817 $7,538 $6,912 $3,692 $1,339
Ratios to average net
assets:
Expenses **................ .71%++ .53% .25%++ 1.46%++ 1.13% .75%++ 46%++
Net investment income **... 5.39%++ 5.26% 4.71%++ 4.64%++ 4.66% 4.15%++ 5.64%++
Portfolio turnover rate..... 91% 147% 15% 91% 147% 15% 91%
<CAPTION>
CLASS Y
SHARES
FEBRUARY 28,
1994* THROUGH
DECEMBER 31,
1994
<S> <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning
of period.................. $9.83
Income (loss) from
investment operations:
Net investment income....... .42
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on
investments................ (1.09)
Total from investment
operations............... (.67)
Less distributions to
shareholders from:
Net investment income....... (.42)
Net asset value, end of
period..................... $8.74
TOTAL RETURN+............... (6.9%)
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period
(000's omitted).......... $284
Ratios to average net
assets:
Expenses **................ .31%++
Net investment income **... 5.68%++
Portfolio turnover rate..... 147%
</TABLE>
# The Fund changed its fiscal year-end from December 31 to August 31.
* Commencement of class operations.
+ Total return is calculated on net asset value per share for the periods
indicated and is not annualized. Initial sales charge or contingent deferred
sales charge is not reflected.
++ Annualized.
** Net of expense waivers and reimbursements. If the Fund had borne all
expenses that were reimbursed or waived by the investment adviser, the
annualized ratios of expenses and net investment income (loss) to average
net assets, exclusive of any applicable state expense limitations, would
have been the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES
JULY 2, JULY 2, CLASS Y
1993* 1993* SHARES
EIGHT MONTHS YEAR ENDED THROUGH EIGHT MONTHS YEAR ENDED THROUGH EIGHT MONTHS
ENDED AUGUST DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, ENDED AUGUST DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, ENDED AUGUST
31, 1995# 1994 1993 31, 1995# 1994 1993 31, 1995#
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Expense.................... 2.83% 3.61% 6.82% 3.58% 4.21% 7.32% 2.58%
Net investment income
(loss).................... 3.27% 2.18% (1.86%) 2.52% 1.58% (2.42%) 3.52%
<CAPTION>
CLASS Y
SHARES
FEBRUARY 28,
1994*
THROUGH
DECEMBER 31,
1994
<S> <C>
Expense.................... 3.39%
Net investment income
(loss).................... 2.60%
</TABLE>
7
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A
SIX MONTHS
ENDED
AUGUST 31, 1995 YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28,
(UNAUDITED) 1995 1994 1993
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period............................... $10.53 $10.99 $11.01 $10.22
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income.............................................. .28 .57 .60 .63
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments............. .22 (.46) (.02) .79
Total from investment operations.................................. .50 .11 .58 1.42
Less distributions to shareholders from net investment income...... (.28) (.57) (.60) (.63)
Net asset value, end of period..................................... $10.75 $10.53 $10.99 $11.01
TOTAL RETURN+...................................................... 4.8% 1.4% 5.3% 14.5%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted).......................... $35,469 $34,852 $42,783 $30,863
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses **....................................................... .38%++ .25% .14% .00%
Net investment income **.......................................... 5.20%++ 5.52% 5.31% 5.97%
Portfolio turnover rate............................................ 0% 8% 2% 5%
<CAPTION>
CLASS A
JULY 16, 1991*
THROUGH
FEBRUARY 29,
1992
<S> <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period............................... $10.00
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income.............................................. .38
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments............. .22
Total from investment operations.................................. .60
Less distributions to shareholders from net investment income...... (.38)
Net asset value, end of period..................................... $10.22
TOTAL RETURN+...................................................... 9.7%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted).......................... $13,129
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses **....................................................... .01%++
Net investment income **.......................................... 5.89%++
Portfolio turnover rate............................................ 5%
</TABLE>
* Commencement of class operations.
+ Total return is calculated on net asset value per share for the periods
indicated and is not annualized. Initial sales charge or contingent deferred
sales charges are not reflected.
++ Annualized.
** Net of expense waivers and reimbursements. If the Fund had borne all
expenses that were reimbursed or waived by the investment adviser the
annualized ratios of expenses and net investment income to average net
assets would have been the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A
SIX MONTHS JULY 16, 1991*
ENDED THROUGH
AUGUST 31, 1995 YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28, FEBRUARY 29,
(UNAUDITED) 1995 1994 1993 1992
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Expenses................................................ 1.08%++ 1.04% 1.05% 1.16% 1.20%
Net investment income................................... 4.50%++ 4.73% 4.40% 4.81% 4.70%
</TABLE>
8
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND -- CLASS A, B AND Y SHARES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES CLASS Y
JANUARY 11, JANUARY 11, SHARES
EIGHT MONTHS YEAR ENDED 1993* THROUGH EIGHT MONTHS YEAR ENDED 1993* THROUGH EIGHT MONTHS
ENDED AUGUST DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, ENDED AUGUST DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, ENDED AUGUST
31, 1995# 1994 1993 31, 1995# 1994 1993 31, 1995#
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning
of period................. $9.16 $10.61 $10.00 $9.16 $10.61 $10.00 $9.16
Income (loss) from
investment operations:
Net investment income...... .33 .49 .46 .28 .44 .42 .35
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on
investments............... .79 (1.45) .64 .79 (1.45) .64 .79
Total from investment
operations.............. 1.12 (.96) 1.10 1.07 (1.01) 1.06 1.14
Less distributions to
shareholders from:
Net investment income...... (.33) (.49) (.46) (.28) (.44) (.42) (.35)
Net realized gains......... -- -- (.03) -- -- (.03) --
Total distributions....... (.33) (.49) (.49) (.28) (.44) (.45) (.35)
Net asset value, end of
period.................... $9.95 $9.16 $10.61 $9.95 $9.16 $10.61 $9.95
TOTAL RETURN+.............. 12.3% (9.1%) 11.3% 11.8% (9.6%) 10.8% 12.5%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period
(000's omitted)........... $8,279 $7,979 $12,739 $49,040 $ 44,616 $45,168 $1,005
Ratios to average net
assets:
Expenses **............... 92%++ .79% .32%++ 1.67%++ 1.37% .79%++ .67%++
Net investment income **.. 5.09%++ 5.11% 4.91%++ 4.34%++ 4.53% 4.47%++ 5.34%++
Portfolio turnover rate.... 117% 126% 57% 117% 126% 57% 117%
<CAPTION>
CLASS Y
SHARES
FEBRUARY 28,
1994* THROUGH
DECEMBER 31,
1994
<S> <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning
of period................. $10.31
Income (loss) from
investment operations:
Net investment income...... .43
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on
investments............... (1.15)
Total from investment
operations.............. (.72)
Less distributions to
shareholders from:
Net investment income...... (.43)
Net realized gains......... --
Total distributions....... (.43)
Net asset value, end of
period.................... $9.16
TOTAL RETURN+.............. (7.0%)
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period
(000's omitted)........... $642
Ratios to average net
assets:
Expenses **............... .59%++
Net investment income **.. 5.58%++
Portfolio turnover rate.... 126%
</TABLE>
# The Fund changed its fiscal year-end from December 31 to August 31.
* Commencement of class operations.
+ Total return is calculated on net asset value per share for the periods
indicated and is not annualized. Initial sales charge or contingent deferred
sales charge is not reflected.
++ Annualized.
** Net of expense waivers and reimbursements. If the Fund had borne all
expenses that were reimbursed or waived by the investment adviser, the
annualized ratios of expenses and net investment income (loss) to average
net assets, exclusive of any applicable state expense limitations, would
have been the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES CLASS Y
JANUARY 11, JANUARY 11, SHARES
EIGHT MONTHS YEAR ENDED 1993* THROUGH EIGHT MONTHS YEAR ENDED 1993* THROUGH EIGHT MONTHS
ENDED AUGUST DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, ENDED AUGUST DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, ENDED AUGUST
31, 1995# 1994 1993 31, 1995# 1994 1993 31, 1995#
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Expenses................. 1.27% 1.18% 1.25% 2.02% 1.76% 1.74% 1.02%
Net investment income.... 4.74% 4.72% 3.98% 3.99% 4.14% 3.52% 4.99%
<CAPTION>
CLASS Y
SHARES
FEBRUARY 28,
1994* THROUGH
DECEMBER 31,
1994
<S> <C>
Expenses................. .98%
Net investment income.... 5.19%
</TABLE>
9
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND -- CLASS A, B AND Y SHARES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES CLASS Y
JANUARY 3, JANUARY 3, SHARES
EIGHT MONTHS 1994* THROUGH EIGHT MONTHS 1994* THROUGH EIGHT MONTHS
ENDED AUGUST DECEMBER 31, ENDED AUGUST DECEMBER 31, ENDED AUGUST
31, 1995# 1994 31, 1995# 1994 31, 1995#
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period... $8.62 $10.00 $8.62 $10.00 $8.62
Income (loss) from investment
operations:
Net investment income.................. .34 .46 .29 .41 .35
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments........................ .97 (1.38) .97 (1.38) .97
Total from investment operations...... 1.31 (.92) 1.26 (.97) 1.32
Less distributions to shareholders
from:
Net investment income.................. (.34) (.46) (.29) (.41) (.35)
Net asset value, end of period......... $9.59 $8.62 $9.59 $8.62 $9.59
TOTAL RETURN+.......................... 15.4% (9.3%) 14.8% (9.8%) 15.5%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000's
omitted).............................. $610 $312 $3,542 $2,456 $1,673
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses **........................... .53%++ .25%++ 1.28%++ .87%++ .28%++
Net investment income **.............. 5.41%++ 5.57%++ 4.66%++ 4.88%++ 5.66%++
Portfolio turnover rate................ 66% 23% 66% 23% 66%
<CAPTION>
CLASS Y
SHARES
FEBRUARY 28,
1994* THROUGH
DECEMBER 31,
1994
<S> <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period... $9.74
Income (loss) from investment
operations:
Net investment income.................. .43
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments........................ (1.12)
Total from investment operations...... (.69)
Less distributions to shareholders
from:
Net investment income.................. (.43)
Net asset value, end of period......... $8.62
TOTAL RETURN+.......................... (7.1%)
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000's
omitted).............................. $92
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses **........................... .00%++
Net investment income **.............. 5.92%++
Portfolio turnover rate................ 23%
</TABLE>
# The Fund changed its fiscal year-end from December 31 to August 31.
* Commencement of class operations.
+ Total return is calculated on net asset value per share for the periods
indicated and is not annualized. Initial sales charge or contingent deferred
sales charge is not reflected.
++ Annualized.
** Net of expense waivers and reimbursements. If the Fund had borne all
expenses that were reimbursed or waived by the investment adviser, the
annualized ratios of expenses and net investment income (loss) to average
net assets, exclusive of any applicable state expense limitations, would
have been the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES CLASS Y
JANUARY 3, JANUARY 3, SHARES
EIGHT MONTHS 1994* EIGHT MONTHS 1994* EIGHT MONTHS
ENDED THROUGH ENDED THROUGH ENDED
AUGUST 31, DECEMBER 31, AUGUST 31, DECEMBER 31, AUGUST 31,
1995# 1994 1995# 1994 1995#
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Expenses............................. 6.50% 10.71% 7.25% 11.33% 6.25%
Net investment loss.................. (.56%) (4.89%) (1.31%) (5.58%) (.31%)
<CAPTION>
CLASS Y SHARES
FEBRUARY 28,
1994*
THROUGH
DECEMBER 31,
1994
<S> <C>
Expenses............................. 10.46%
Net investment loss.................. (4.54%)
</TABLE>
10
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND -- CLASS A, B AND Y SHARES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES CLASS Y
JULY 2, JULY 2, SHARES
EIGHT MONTHS 1993* EIGHT MONTHS 1993* EIGHT MONTHS
ENDED YEAR ENDED THROUGH ENDED YEAR ENDED THROUGH ENDED
AUGUST 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, AUGUST 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, AUGUST 31,
1995# 1994 1993 1995# 1994 1993 1995#
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE DATA
Net asset value,
beginning of period.... $8.85 $10.19 $10.00 $8.85 $10.19 $10.00 $8.85
Income (loss) from
investment operations:
Net investment income... .33 .47 .20 .28 .42 .17 .34
Net realized and
unrealized gain (loss)
on investments......... .82 (1.34) .19 .82 (1.34) .19 .82
Total from investment
operations........... 1.15 (.87) .39 1.10 (.92) .36 1.16
Less distributions to
shareholders from:
Net investment income... (.33) (.47) (.20) (.28) (.42) (.17) (.34)
Net asset value, end of
period................. $9.67 $8.85 $10.19 $9.67 $8.85 $10.19 $9.67
TOTAL RETURN+........... 13.1% (8.6%) 3.9% 12.5% (9.1%) 3.7% 13.3%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL
DATA
Net assets, end of
period (000's
omitted)............... $ 1,984 $1,606 $1,306 $ 5,803 $3,817 $2,235 $965
Ratios to average net
assets:
Expenses **............ .72%++ .53% .25%++ 1.47%++ 1.12% .75%++ .47%++
Net investment
income **............ 5.17%++ 5.11% 4.64%++ 4.42%++ 4.54% 4.25%++ 5.42%++
Portfolio turnover
rate................... 87% 59% 0% 87% 59% 0% 87%
<CAPTION>
CLASS Y SHARES
FEBRUARY 28, 1994*
THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, 1994
<S> <C>
PER SHARE DATA
Net asset value,
beginning of period.... $9.83
Income (loss) from
investment operations:
Net investment income... .41
Net realized and
unrealized gain (loss)
on investments........... (.98)
Total from investment
operations........... (.57)
Less distributions to
shareholders from:
Net investment income... (.41)
Net asset value, end of
period................. $8.85
TOTAL RETURN+........... (5.8%)
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL
DATA
Net assets, end of
period (000's
omitted)............... $344
Ratios to average net
assets:
Expenses **............ .28%++
Net investment
income **............ 5.54%++
Portfolio turnover
rate................... 59%
</TABLE>
# The Fund changed its fiscal year-end from December 31 to August 31.
* Commencement of class operations.
+ Total return is calculated on net asset value per share for the periods
indicated and is not annualized. Initial sales charge or contingent deferred
sales charge is not reflected.
++ Annualized.
** Net of expense waivers and reimbursements. If the Fund had borne all
expenses that were reimbursed or waived by the investment adviser, the
annualized ratios of expenses and net investment income (loss) to average
net assets, exclusive of any applicable state expense limitations, would
have been the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES CLASS Y
JULY 2, JULY 2, SHARES
EIGHT MONTHS 1993* EIGHT MONTHS 1993* EIGHT MONTHS
ENDED YEAR ENDED THROUGH ENDED YEAR ENDED THROUGH ENDED
AUGUST 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, AUGUST 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, AUGUST 31,
1995# 1994 1993 1995# 1994 1993 1995#
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Expenses................... 3.83% 5.14% 7.75% 4.58% 5.73% 8.25% 3.58%
Net investment income
(loss).................... 2.06% .50% (2.86%) 1.31% (.07%) (3.25%) 2.31%
<CAPTION>
CLASS Y
SHARES
FEBRUARY 28,
1994*
THROUGH
DECEMBER 31,
1994
<S> <C>
Expenses................... 4.89%
Net investment income
(loss).................... .93%
</TABLE>
11
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND -- CLASS A AND Y SHARES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES #
FOUR MONTHS
ENDED YEAR ENDED JUNE 17,
AUGUST 31, APRIL 30, 1992* THROUGH
1995 1995 1994 APRIL 30, 1993
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE DATA
Net asset value, beginning of period.......................... $10.16 $10.08 $10.36 $10.00
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income......................................... .21 .65 .68 .61
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments........ .24 .08 (.26) .39
Total from investment operations............................. .45 .73 .42 1.00
Less distributions to shareholders from:
Net investment income......................................... (.21) (.65) (.68) (.61)
Net realized gains............................................ -- -- (.02) (.03)
Total distributions.......................................... (.21) (.65) (.70) (.64)
Net asset value, end of period................................ $10.40 $10.16 $10.08 $10.36
TOTAL RETURN+................................................. 4.4% 7.6% 3.3% 10.3%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)..................... $59,551 $65,043 $72,683 $33,541
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses..................................................... 1.07%++** .60%** .14%** .00++**
Net investment income........................................ 5.92%++** 6.52%** 6.16%** 5.92%++**
Portfolio turnover rate....................................... 14% 28% 31% 50%
<CAPTION>
CLASS B SHARES
JULY 10, 1995*
THROUGH
AUGUST 31,
1995
<S> <C>
PER SHARE DATA
Net asset value, beginning of period.......................... $10.41
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income......................................... .08
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments........ (.01)
Total from investment operations............................. .07
Less distributions to shareholders from:
Net investment income......................................... (.08)
Net realized gains............................................ --
Total distributions.......................................... (.08)
Net asset value, end of period................................ $10.40
TOTAL RETURN+................................................. .6%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)..................... $3,137
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses..................................................... 1.09%++
Net investment income........................................ 3.40%++
Portfolio turnover rate....................................... 14%
</TABLE>
# Effective June 30, 1995, Evergreen Florida High Income Municipal Bond Fund, a
new series of the Evergreen Municipal Trust, acquired substantially all of
the net assets of ABT Florida High Income Municipal Bond Fund. ABT Florida
High Income Municipal Bond Fund, which had a fiscal year that ended on April
30, was the accounting survivor in the combination. Accordingly, the
information above includes the results of operations of ABT Florida High
Income Municipal Bond Fund prior to June 30, 1995.
* Commencement of class operations.
+ Total return is calculated on net asset value per share for the periods
indicated and is not annualized. Initial sales load and contingent deferred
sales is not reflected.
++ Annualized.
** Net of expense waivers and reimbursements. If the Fund had borne all
expenses that were reimbursed or waived by the investment adviser, the
annualized ratios of expenses and net investment income (loss) to average
net assets would have been the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES
FOUR MONTHS JUNE 17, 1992
ENDED YEAR ENDED THROUGH
AUGUST 31, APRIL 30, APRIL 30,
1995# 1995 1994 1993
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Expenses.................................................. 1.42% 1.26% 1.12% 1.12%
Net investment income..................................... 5.72% 5.86% 5.18% 4.80%
</TABLE>
12
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNDS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
The Funds seek current income exempt from federal regular income tax and,
where applicable, state income taxes, consistent with preservation of capital.
In addition, the EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND intends to qualify as an
investment exempt from the Florida state intangibles tax. Florida does not
currently tax personal income.
Each Fund's investment objective is fundamental and cannot be changed
without shareholder approval. While there is no assurance that each objective
will be achieved, the Funds will endeavor to do so by following the investment
policies detailed below. Unless otherwise indicated, the investment policies of
a Fund may be changed by the Board of Trustees ("Trustees") without the approval
of shareholders. Shareholders will be notified before any material change in
these policies becomes effective.
As a matter of fundamental investment policy, which may not be changed
without shareholder approval, each Fund will normally invest its assets so that
at least 80% of its annual interest income is, or at least 80% of its net assets
are, invested in obligations which provide interest income which is exempt from
federal regular income taxes. The interest retains its tax-free status when
distributed to the Funds' shareholders. In addition, at least 65% of the value
of each Fund's total assets will be invested in municipal bonds of the
particular state after which the Fund is named. To qualify as an investment
exempt from the Florida state intangibles tax, the Evergreen Florida Municipal
Bond Fund's portfolio must consist entirely of investments exempt from the
Florida state intangibles tax on the last business day of the calendar year.
Each Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing
principally in municipal bonds, including industrial development bonds, of its
designated state. In addition, the Funds may invest in obligations issued by or
on behalf of any state, territory, or possession of the United States, including
the District of Columbia, or their political subdivisions or agencies and
instrumentalities, the interest from which is exempt from federal (regular, if
applicable) income tax. It is likely that shareholders who are subject to the
alternative minimum tax will be required to include interest from a portion of
the municipal securities owned by a Fund in calculating the federal individual
alternative minimum tax or the federal alternative minimum tax for corporations.
Municipal bonds are debt obligations issued by the state or local
entities to support a government's general financial needs or special projects,
such as housing projects or sewer works. Municipal bonds include industrial
development bonds issued by or on behalf of public authorities to provide
financing aid to acquire sites or construct or equip facilities for privately or
publicly owned corporations.
The two principal classifications of municipal bonds are "general
obligation" and "revenue" bonds. General obligation bonds are secured by the
issuer's pledge of its full faith and credit and taxing power for the payment of
principal and interest. Revenue bonds are paid off only with the revenue
generated by the project financed by the bond or other specified sources of
revenue. For example, in the case of a bridge project, proceeds from the tolls
would go directly to retiring the bond issue. Thus, unlike general obligation
bonds, revenue bonds do not represent a pledge of credit or create any debt of
or charge against the general revenues of a municipality or public authority.
The municipal bonds in which the Funds will invest are subject to one or
more of the following quality standards: rated Baa or better by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or BBB or better by Standard & Poor's
Ratings Group ("S&P") or, if unrated, are determined by the Fund's investment
adviser to be of comparable quality to such ratings; insured by a municipal bond
insurance company which is rated Aa by Moody's or AA by S&P; guaranteed at the
time of purchase by the U.S. government as to the payment of principal and
interest; or fully collateralized by an escrow of U.S. government securities.
Bonds rated BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody's have speculative characteristics.
Changes in economic conditions or other circumstances are more likely to lead to
weakened capacity to make principal and interest payments than higher rated
bonds. However, like the higher
13
<PAGE>
rated bonds, these securities are considered to be investment grade. If any
security owned by a Fund loses its rating or has its rating reduced after the
Fund has purchased it, the Fund is not required to sell or otherwise dispose of
the security, but may consider doing so. If ratings made by Moody's or S&P
change because of changes in those organizations or their ratings systems, the
Funds will try to use comparable ratings as standards in accordance with the
Funds' investment objectives. A description of the rating categories is
contained in an Appendix to the Statement of Additional Information.
The Funds may also invest in:
participation interests in any of the above obligations.
(Participation interests may be purchased from financial institutions such
as commercial banks, savings and loan associations and insurance companies,
and give a Fund an undivided interest in particular municipal securities.);
variable rate municipal securities. (Variable rate securities
offer interest rates which are tied to a money market rate, usually a
published interest rate or interest rate index or the 91-day U.S. Treasury
bill rate. Many of these securities are subject to prepayment of principal
on demand by the Fund, usually in seven days or less.); and
municipal leases as described in "Investment Practices and
Restrictions", below.
During periods when, in the opinion of the Funds investment adviser, a
temporary defensive position in the market is appropriate, a Fund may
temporarily invest in short-term tax-exempt or taxable investments. These
temporary investments include: notes issued by or on behalf of municipal or
corporate issuers; obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its
agencies, or instrumentalities; other debt securities; commercial paper; bank
certificates of deposit; shares of other investment companies; and repurchase
agreements. There are no rating requirements applicable to temporary
investments. However, the Funds investment adviser will limit temporary
investments to those it considers to be of comparable quality to the Funds'
primary investments.
Although the Funds are permitted to make taxable, temporary investments,
there is no current intention of generating income subject to federal regular
income tax, where applicable. However, certain temporary investments will
generate income which is subject to state taxes. The Funds may employ certain
additional investment strategies which are discussed in "Investment Practices
and Restrictions", below.
EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND
The objective of the EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND is to seek
a high level of income, exempt from federal and New Jersey personal income
taxes. The Fund is available only to investors who reside in New Jersey. There
is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its stated objective. The investment
objective of the Fund is fundamental and so may not be changed without the
approval of a majority of the Fund's shareholders.
To attain its objective, the EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND
invests at least 80% of its net assets in municipal securities issued by the
State of New Jersey or its counties, municipalities, authorities or other
political subdivisions and municipal securities issued by territories or
possessions of the United States, such as Puerto Rico, the interests on which,
in the opinion of bond counsel, is exempt from federal and New Jersey personal
income taxes. The Fund normally invests in intermediate and long-term municipal
securities. Intermediate-term municipal securities generally mature in three to
ten years. Long-term municipal securities generally mature in ten to thirty
years. The Fund has no maximum or minimum maturity for any individual municipal
securities, however, it will maintain a dollar-weighted average portfolio
maturity of twenty years or less. If its investment adviser determines that
market conditions warrant a shorter average maturity, the Fund's investments
will be adjusted accordingly.
The Fund will only purchase securities rated within the three highest
rating categories by Moody's or by S&P and unrated securities of equivalent
quality as determined by the investment adviser pursuant to guidelines
established by the Trustees. See the Statement of Additional Information for
further information in regard to ratings.
The Fund will seek to invest substantially all of its assets in
intermediate and long-term municipal securities. However, under certain
circumstances, such as a temporary decline in the issuance of New Jersey
obligations, the Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in the following:
short-term municipal securities issued outside of New Jersey (the income from
which may be subject to New Jersey income taxes) or certain taxable fixed income
securities (the income from which may be subject to federal and New Jersey
personal income taxes).
14
<PAGE>
In addition, under unusual circumstances the Fund reserves the right to
invest more than 20% of its assets in securities other than New Jersey municipal
securities such as taxable fixed income securities, the interest from which may
be subject to Federal and New Jersey personal income taxes. In most instances,
however, the Fund will seek to avoid holdings in an effort to provide income
that is fully exempt from federal and New Jersey personal income taxes.
The Fund may also invest in municipal securities issued to finance
private activities, whose interest is a preference item for purposes of the
Federal alternative minimum tax. Such "private activity bonds" might include
industrial development bonds and securities issued to finance project such as
solid waste disposal facilities, student loans or water and sewage projects. The
Fund currently intends to treat "private activity bonds" as not federally
tax-exempt and accordingly to limit income from "private activity bonds" to no
more than 20%. See "Other Information-Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" for
further information. The Fund may invest in other municipal securities and may
employ additional investment strategies which are discussed in "Investment
Practices and Restrictions" below.
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND seeks to provide a high
level of current income which is exempt from federal income taxes. This
objective is fundamental and may not be changed without shareholder approval.
The term "high-level" indicates that the Fund seeks to achieve an income level
that exceeds that which an investor would expect from an investment grade
portfolio with similar maturity characteristics. EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND invests primarily in high yield, medium and lower rated (Baa
through C by Moody's and BBB through C1 by S&P) and unrated municipal
securities. To varying degrees, medium and lower rated municipal securities, as
well as unrated municipal securities, are considered to have speculative
characteristics and are subject to greater market fluctuations and risk of loss
of income and principal than higher rated securities. To the extent that an
investor realizes a yield in excess of that which could be expected from a fund
which invests primarily in investment grade securities, the investor should
expect to bear increased risk due to the fact that the risk of principal and/or
interest not being repaid with respect to the high yield securities described
above is significantly greater than that which exists in connection with
investment grade securities. In assessing the risk involved in purchasing medium
and lower rated and unrated securities, the Fund's investment adviser will use
nationally recognized statistical rating organizations such as Moody's and S&P,
and will also rely heavily on credit analysis it develops internally. Under
normal circumstances, the Fund's dollar-weighted average maturity generally will
be fifteen years or more. However, the Fund may invest in securities of any
maturity, and if the Fund's investment adviser determines that market conditions
warrant a shorter average maturity, the Fund's investments will be adjusted
accordingly. In pursuit of its investment objective, EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH
INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND will, under normal market conditions, invest at least
65% of its total assets in such medium and lower rated municipal securities or
unrated municipal securities of comparable quality to such rated municipal
bonds. Investors should note that such a policy is not a fundamental policy of
the Fund and shareholder approval is not necessary to change such policy. There
is no assurance that EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND can
achieve its investment objective.
The Fund will not invest in municipal securities which are in default,
i.e., securities rated D by S&P. Investments may also be made by EVERGREEN
FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND in higher quality municipal bonds and,
for temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest less than 65% of its total
assets in the medium and lower quality municipal securities described above. The
Fund may assume a defensive position if, for example, yield spreads between
lower grade and investment grade municipal bonds are narrow and the yields
available on lower quality municipal securities do not justify the increased
risk associated with an investment in such securities or when there is a lack of
medium and lower quality issues in which to invest. EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH
INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND may also invest primarily in higher quality municipal
obligations if its net assets are at a level that would not permit the Fund to
invest in medium and lower rated municipal bonds and at the same time maintain
adequate diversification and liquidity. Investing in this manner may result in
yields lower than those normally associated with a fund that invests primarily
in medium and lower quality municipal securities.
15
<PAGE>
During the fiscal year ended August 31, 1995 EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH
INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND'S holdings had the following average credit quality
characteristics:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Percent of
Rating Net Assets
<S> <C> <C>
Aaa or AAA 5.4%
Aa or AA --
A 1.9
Baa or BBB 18.3
Ba or BB 8.0
Non-rated 61.5
Total 95.1%
</TABLE>
The Fund may purchase industrial development bonds only if the interest
on such bonds is, in the opinion of bond counsel, exempt from federal income
taxes. It is anticipated that the annual portfolio turnover rate for the Fund
may exceed 100%. The Fund may invest in other municipal securities and may
employ certain additional investment strategies which are discussed in
"Investment Practices and Restrictions", below. Also, see the Statement of
Additional Information for further information in regard to ratings.
INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND RESTRICTIONS
Risk Factors. Bond yields are dependent on several factors including market
conditions, the size of an offering, the maturity of the bond, ratings of the
bond and the ability of issuers to meet their obligations. There is no limit on
the maturity of the bonds purchased by the Funds. Because the prices of bonds
fluctuate inversely in relation to the direction of interest rates, the prices
of longer term bonds fluctuate more widely in response to market interest rate
changes. A Fund's concentration in securities issued by its designated state and
that state's political subdivisions provides a greater level of risk than a fund
which is diversified across numerous states and municipal entities.
Although the Funds, other than EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND, will not purchase securities rated below BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody's
(i.e., junk bonds), the Funds are not required to dispose of securities that
have been downgraded subsequent to their purchase. If the municipal obligations
held by a Fund (because of adverse economic conditions in a particular state,
for example) are downgraded, the Fund's concentration in securities of that
state may cause the Fund to be subject to the risks inherent in holding material
amounts of low-rated debt securities in its portfolio. As stated above,
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND invests primarily in high
yield, medium and lower rated (Baa through C by Moody's and BBB through C1 by
S&P) and unrated securities. Additional risk factors relating to the investment
by EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND in high yield, medium and
lower rated (Baa through C by Moody's and BBB through C1 by S&P) and unrated
securities are discussed below.
Portfolio Turnover. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% would occur if all of a
Fund's portfolio securities were replaced in one year. The portfolio turnover
rate experienced by a Fund directly affects the transaction costs relating to
the purchase and sale of securities which a Fund bears directly. A high rate of
portfolio turnover will increase such costs. See the Statement of Additional
Information for further information regarding the practices of the Funds
affecting portfolio turnover.
Non-Diversification. Each of EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN
GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND,
EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND and EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND is a non-diversified
portfolio of an investment company and, as such, there is no limit on the
percentage of assets which can be invested in any single issuer. An investment
in a Fund, therefore, will entail greater risk than would exist in a diversified
investment company because the higher percentage of investments among fewer
issuers may result in greater fluctuation in the total market value of the
Fund's portfolio. Each of the Funds intends to comply with Subchapter M of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") which requires that at
the end of each quarter of each taxable year, with regard to at least 50% of the
Fund's total assets, no more than 5% of the total assets may be invested in the
securities of a single issuer and that with respect to the remainder of the
Fund's total assets, no more than 25% of its total assets are invested in the
securities of a single issuer.
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Repurchase Agreements. The Funds may invest in repurchase agreements. Repurchase
agreements are agreements by which a Fund purchases a security (usually U.S.
government securities) for cash and obtains a simultaneous commitment from the
seller (usually a bank or broker/dealer) to repurchase the security at an
agreed-upon price and specified future date. The repurchase price reflects an
agreed-upon interest rate for the time period of the agreement. The Funds' risk
is the inability of the seller to pay the agreed-upon price on the delivery
date. However, this risk is tempered by the ability of the Funds to sell the
security in the open market in the case of a default. In such a case, the Funds
may incur costs in disposing of the security which would increase Fund expenses.
The Funds Investment adviser will monitor the creditworthiness of the firms with
which the Funds enter into repurchase agreements.
When-Issued And Delayed Delivery Transactions. The Funds may purchase securities
on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis. These transactions are arrangements
in which the Funds purchase securities with payment and delivery scheduled for a
future time. The seller's failure to complete these transactions may cause the
Funds to miss a price or yield considered to be advantageous. Settlement dates
may be a month or more after entering into these transactions, and the market
values of the securities purchased may vary from the purchase prices.
Accordingly, the Funds may pay more or less than the market value of the
securities on the settlement date. The Funds may dispose of a commitment prior
to settlement if the Funds investment adviser deems it appropriate to do so. In
addition, the Funds may enter into transactions to sell their purchase
commitments to third parties at current market values and simultaneously acquire
other commitments to purchase similar securities at later dates. The Funds may
realize short-term profits or losses upon the sale of such commitments.
Lending Of Portfolio Securities. In order to generate additional income, the
Funds may lend their portfolio securities on a short-term or long-term basis to
broker/dealers, banks, or other institutional borrowers of securities. The Funds
will only enter into loan arrangements with creditworthy borrowers and will
receive collateral in the form of cash or U.S. government securities equal to at
least 100% of the value of the securities loaned. As a matter of fundamental
investment policy, which cannot be changed without shareholder approval, the
Funds will not lend any of their assets except portfolio securities up to
one-third of the value of their total assets, except for EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY
TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, which will only lend up to 5% of the value of its assets.
There is the risk that when lending portfolio securities, the securities may not
be available to a Fund on a timely basis and the Fund may, therefore, lose the
opportunity to sell the securities at a desirable price. In addition, in the
event that a borrower of securities would file for bankruptcy or become
insolvent, disposition of the securities may be delayed pending court action.
Investing In Securities Of Other Investment Companies. Each Fund may invest in
the securities of other investment companies. This is a short-term measure to
invest cash which has not yet been invested in other portfolio instruments and
is subject to the following limitations: (1) no Fund will own more than 3% of
the total outstanding voting stock of any one investment company, (2) no Fund
may invest more than 5% of its total assets in any one investment company and
(3) no Fund may invest more than 10% of its total assets in investment companies
in general. The Funds investment adviser will waive its investment advisory fee
on assets invested in securities of other open end investment companies.
Borrowing. As a matter of fundamental policy, which may not be changed without
shareholder approval, the Funds may not borrow money except as a temporary
measure to facilitate redemption requests which might otherwise require the
untimely disposition of portfolio investments and for extraordinary or emergency
purposes, provided that the aggregate amount of such borrowings shall not exceed
one-third of the value of the total net assets at the time of such borrowing.
Illiquid Securities. The Funds may invest up to 15% of their net assets in
illiquid securities and other securities which are not readily marketable.
Repurchase agreements with maturities longer than seven days will be included
for the purpose of the foregoing 15% limit. Securities eligible for resale
pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, which have been
determined to be liquid, will not be considered by the Funds investment adviser
to be illiquid or not readily marketable and, therefore, are not subject to the
aforementioned 15% limit. The inability of a Fund to dispose of illiquid or not
readily marketable investments readily or at a reasonable price could impair a
Fund's ability to raise cash for redemptions or other purposes. The liquidity of
securities purchased by a Fund which are eligible for resale pursuant to Rule
144A will be monitored by the Funds investment adviser on an ongoing basis,
subject to the oversight of the Trustees. In the event that such a security is
deemed to be no longer liquid, a Fund's holdings will be reviewed to determine
what action, if any, is required to ensure that the retention of such security
does not result in a Fund having more than 15% of its assets invested in
illiquid or not readily marketable securities.
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Unseasoned Issuers. The Funds will not invest more than 5% of the value of their
total assets in securities of issuers (or guarantors, where applicable) which
have records of less than three years of continuous operations, including the
operation of any predecessor.
Risk Factors Associated with Medium and Lower Rated and Unrated Municipal
Obligations. EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND will invest in
medium and lower rated or unrated municipal securities. The market for high
yield, high risk debt securities rated in the medium and lower rating
categories, or which are unrated, is relatively new and its growth has
paralleled a long economic expansion. Past experience may not, therefore,
provide an accurate indication of future performance of this market,
particularly during periods of economic recession. An economic downturn or
increase in interest rates is likely to have a greater negative effect on this
market, the value of high yield debt securities in the Fund's portfolio, the
Fund's net asset value and the ability of the bonds' issuers to repay principal
and interest, meet projected business goals and obtain additional financing,
than would be the case if investments by the Fund were limited to higher rated
securities. These circumstances also may result in a higher incidence of
defaults. Yields on medium or lower-rated municipal bonds may not fully reflect
the higher risks of such bonds. Therefore, the risk of a decline in market
value, should interest rates increase or credit quality concerns develop, may be
higher than has historically been experienced with such investments. An
investment in EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND may be
considered more speculative than investment in shares of another fund which
invests primarily in higher rated debt securities.
Prices of high yield debt securities may be more sensitive to adverse
economic changes or corporate developments than higher rated investments. Debt
securities with longer maturities, which may have higher yields, may increase or
decrease in value more than debt securities with shorter maturities. Market
prices of high yield debt securities structured as zero coupon or pay-in-kind
securities are affected to a greater extent by interest rate changes and may be
more volatile than securities which pay interest periodically and in cash. Where
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND deems it appropriate and in
the best interests of its shareholders, it may incur additional expenses to seek
recovery on a debt security on which the issuer has defaulted and to pursue
litigation to protect the interests of security holders of its portfolio
entities.
Because the market for medium or lower rated securities may be thinner
and less active than the market for higher rated securities, there may be market
price volatility for these securities and limited liquidity in the resale
market. Unrated securities are usually not as attractive to as many buyers as
are rated securities, a factor which may make unrated securities less
marketable. These factors may have the effect of limiting the availability of
the securities for purchase by EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
and may also limit the ability of the Fund to sell such securities at their fair
value either to meet redemption requests or in response to changes in the
economy or the financial markets. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions,
whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and
liquidity of medium or lower rated debt securities, especially in a thinly
traded market. To the extent the Fund owns or may acquire illiquid or restricted
high yield securities, these securities may involve special registration
responsibilities, liabilities and costs, and liquidity and valuation
difficulties. Changes in values of debt securities which the Fund owns will
affect the Fund's net asset value per share. If market quotations are not
readily available for the Fund's lower rated or unrated securities, these
securities will be valued by a method that the Trustees believes accurately
reflects fair value. Valuation becomes more difficult and judgment plays a
greater role in valuing high yield debt securities than with respect to
securities for which more external sources of quotations and last sale
information are available.
Special tax considerations are associated with investing in high yield
debt securities structured as zero coupon or pay-in-kind securities. A Fund
investing in such securities accrues income on these securities prior to the
receipt of cash payments. EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND must
distribute substantially all of its income to shareholders to qualify for pass
through treatment under the tax laws and may, therefore, have to dispose of
portfolio securities to satisfy distribution requirements.
While credit ratings are only one factor EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND'S investment adviser relies on in evaluating high yield debt
securities, certain risks are associated with using credit ratings. Credit
ratings evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments, not market value
risk. Credit rating agencies may fail to change in timely manner the credit
ratings to reflect subsequent events; however, the Fund's investment adviser
continuously monitors the issuers of high yield debt securities in the Fund's
portfolio in an attempt to determine if the issuers will have sufficient cash
flow and profits to meet required principal and interest payments. Achievement
of EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND'S investment objective may
be more dependent upon the Fund's investment adviser and the credit analysis
capability of the Fund's investment adviser, than is the case for higher quality
debt securities. Credit ratings for individual securities may change from
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time to time and EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND may retain a
portfolio security whose rating has been changed. See the Statement of
Additional Information for a description of bond and note ratings.
Transactions in Options and Futures. The Funds, other than EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY
TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, may engage in options and futures transactions. Options
and futures transactions are intended to enable a Fund to manage market or
interest rate risk, and the Funds do not use these transactions for speculation
or leverage. The Funds, other than EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND,
may attempt to hedge all or a portion of their portfolios through the purchase
of both put and call options on their portfolio securities and listed put
options on financial futures contracts for portfolio securities. The Funds may
also write covered call options on their portfolio securities to attempt to
increase their current income. The Funds will maintain their positions in
securities, option rights, and segregated cash subject to puts and calls until
the options are exercised, closed, or have expired. An option position may be
closed out only on an exchange which provides a secondary market for an option
of the same series. The Funds may purchase listed put options on financial
futures contracts. These options will be used only to protect portfolio
securities against decreases in value resulting from market factors such as an
anticipated increase in interest rates.
The Funds, other than EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, may
write (i.e., sell) covered call and put options. By writing a call option, a
Fund becomes obligated during the term of the option to deliver the securities
underlying the option upon payment of the exercise price. By writing a put
option, a Fund becomes obligated during the term of the option to purchase the
securities underlying the option at the exercise price if the option is
exercised. The Funds also may write straddles (combinations of covered puts and
calls on the same underlying security). The Funds may only write "covered"
options. This means that so long as a Fund is obligated as the writer of a call
option, it will own the underlying securities subject to the option or, in the
case of call options on U.S. Treasury bills, the Fund might own substantially
similar U.S. Treasury bills. A Fund will be considered "covered" with respect to
a put option it writes if, so long as it is obligated as the writer of the put
option, it deposits and maintains with its custodian in a segregated account
liquid assets having a value equal to or greater than the exercise price of the
option.
The principal reason for writing call or put options is to obtain,
through a receipt of premiums, a greater current return than would be realized
on the underlying securities alone. The Funds receive a premium from writing a
call or put option which they retain whether or not the option is exercised. By
writing a call option, the Funds might lose the potential for gain on the
underlying security while the option is open, and by writing a put option the
Funds might become obligated to purchase the underlying securities for more than
their current market price upon exercise.
A futures contract is a firm commitment by two parties: the seller, who
agrees to make delivery of the specific type of instrument called for in the
contract ("going short"), and the buyer, who agrees to take delivery of the
instrument ("going long") at a certain time in the future. Financial futures
contracts call for the delivery of particular debt instruments issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury or by specified agencies or instrumentalities of
the U.S. government. If a Fund would enter into financial futures contracts
directly to hedge its holdings of fixed income securities, it would enter into
contracts to deliver securities at an undetermined price (i.e., "go short") to
protect itself against the possibility that the prices of its fixed income
securities may decline during the Fund's anticipated holding period. A Fund
would "go long" (agree to purchase securities in the future at a predetermined
price) to hedge against a decline in market interest rates.
The Funds, other than EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, may also
enter into financial futures contracts and write options on such contracts. The
Funds intend to enter into such contracts and related options for hedging
purposes. The Funds will enter into futures on securities or index-based futures
contracts in order to hedge against changes in interest rates or securities
prices. A futures contract on securities is an agreement to buy or sell
securities during a designated month at whatever price exists at that time. A
futures contract on a securities index does not involve the actual delivery of
securities, but merely requires the payment of a cash settlement based on
changes in the securities index. The Funds do not make payment or deliver
securities upon entering into a futures contract. Instead, they put down a
margin deposit, which is adjusted to reflect changes in the value of the
contract and which remains in effect until the contract is terminated.
The Funds, other than EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, may sell
or purchase other financial futures contracts. When a futures contract is sold
by a Fund, the profit on the contract will tend to rise when the value of the
underlying securities declines and to fall when the value of such securities
increases. Thus, the Funds sell futures contracts in order to offset a possible
decline in the profit on their securities. If a futures contract is purchased by
a Fund, the value of the contract will tend to rise when the value of the
underlying
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securities increases and to fall when the value of such securities declines. The
Funds may enter into closing purchase and sale transactions in order to
terminate a futures contract and may buy or sell put and call options for the
purpose of closing out their options positions. The Funds' ability to enter into
closing transactions depends on the development and maintenance of a liquid
secondary market. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market will
exist for any particular contract or at any particular time. As a result, there
can be no assurance that the Funds will be able to enter into an offsetting
transaction with respect to a particular contract at a particular time. If the
Funds are not able to enter into an offsetting transaction, the Funds will
continue to be required to maintain the margin deposits on the contract and to
complete the contract according to its terms, in which case it would continue to
bear market risk on the transaction.
Risk Characteristics Of Options And Futures. Although options and futures
transactions are intended to enable the Funds to manage market or interest rate
risks, these investment devices can be highly volatile, and the Funds use of
them can result in poorer performance (i.e., the Funds return may be reduced).
The Funds attempt to use such investment devices for hedging purposes may not be
successful. Successful futures strategies require the ability to predict future
movements in securities prices, interest rates and other economic factors. When
the Funds use financial futures contracts and options on financial futures
contracts as hedging devices, there is a risk that the prices of the securities
subject to the financial futures contracts and options on financial futures
contracts may not correlate perfectly with the prices of the securities in the
Funds' portfolios. This may cause the financial futures contract and any related
options to react to market changes differently than the portfolio securities. In
addition, the Funds investment adviser could be incorrect in its expectations
and forecasts about the direction or extent of market factors, such as interest
rates, securities price movements, and other economic factors. Even if the Funds
investment adviser correctly predicts interest rate movements, a hedge could be
unsuccessful if changes in the value of a Fund's futures position did not
correspond to changes in the value of its investments. In these events, the
Funds may lose money on the financial futures contracts or the options on
financial futures contracts. It is not certain that a secondary market for
positions in financial futures contracts or for options on financial futures
contracts will exist at all times. Although the Funds investment adviser will
consider liquidity before entering into financial futures contracts or options
on financial futures contracts transactions, there is no assurance that a liquid
secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular financial futures
contract or option on a financial futures contract at any particular time. The
Funds' ability to establish and close out financial futures contracts and
options on financial futures contract positions depends on this secondary
market. If a Fund is unable to close out its position due to disruptions in the
market or lack of liquidity, the Fund may lose money on the futures contract or
option, and the losses to the Fund could be significant.
Municipal lease obligations. Each Fund may purchase municipal leases, which are
issued by state and local governments or authorities to finance the acquisition
of equipment and facilities. The Funds may purchase municipal securities in the
form of participation interests which represent undivided proportional interests
in lease payments by a governmental or non-profit entity. The lease payments and
other rights under the lease provide for and secure the payments on the
certificates. Lease obligations may be limited by municipal charter or the
nature of the appropriation for the lease. In particular, lease obligations may
be subject to periodic appropriation. If the entity does not appropriate funds
for future lease payments, the entity cannot be compelled to make such payments.
Furthermore, a lease may provide that the certificate trustee cannot accelerate
lease obligations upon default. The trustee would only be able to enforce lease
payments as they become due. In the event of a default or failure of
appropriation, it is unlikely that the trustee would be able to obtain an
acceptable substitute source of payment or that the substitute source of payment
would generate tax-exempt income.
Resource recovery bonds. Each Fund may purchase resource recovery bonds, which
may be general obligations of the issuing municipality or supported by corporate
or bank guarantees. The viability of the resource recovery project,
environmental protection regulations and project operator tax incentives may
affect the value and credit quality of resource recovery bonds.
Zero coupon debt securities. The Funds may purchase zero coupon debt securities.
These securities do not make regular interest payments. Instead, they are sold
at a deep discount from their face value. In calculating their daily dividends,
each day the Fund takes into account as income a portion of the difference
between these securities' purchase price and their face value. Because they do
not pay current income, the prices of zero coupon debt securities can be very
volatile when interest rates change.
Securities with Put or Demand Rights. The Funds have the ability to enter into
put transactions, sometimes referred to as stand-by commitments, with respect to
Municipal Obligations held in their portfolio or to purchase securities which
carry a demand feature or put option which permit a Fund, as holder, to tender
them back to the
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issuer or a third party prior to maturity and receive payment within seven days.
Segregated accounts will be maintained by each Fund for all such transactions.
For a detailed description of put transactions, see "Investment
Policies -- Securities with Put Rights" in the Statement of Additional
Information.
The amount payable to a Fund by the seller upon its exercise of a put
will normally be (i) the Funds' acquisition cost of the securities (excluding
any accrued interest which the Funds paid on their acquisition), less any
amortized market premium plus any amortized market or original issue discount
during the period a Fund owned the securities, plus (ii) all interest accrued on
the securities since the last interest payment date during the period the
securities were owned by a Fund. Accordingly, the amount payable by a
broker-dealer or bank during the time a put is exercisable will be substantially
the same as the value of the underlying securities.
A Fund's right to exercise a put is unconditional and unqualified. A put
is not transferable by a Fund, although each Fund may sell the underlying
securities to a third party at any time. The Funds expect that puts will
generally be available without any additional direct or indirect cost. However,
if necessary and advisable, a Fund may pay for certain puts either separately in
cash or by paying a higher price for portfolio securities which are acquired
subject to such a put (thus reducing the yield to maturity otherwise available
to the same securities). Thus, the aggravate price paid for securities with put
rights may be higher than the price that would otherwise be paid.
A Fund may enter into put transactions only with broker-dealers (in
accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission) and banks
which, in the opinion of the Funds' Adviser, present minimal credit risks. Each
Fund's investment adviser will monitor periodically the creditworthiness of
issuers of such obligations held by each Fund. A Fund's ability to exercise a
put will depend on the ability of the broker-dealer or bank to pay for the
underlying securities at the time the put is exercised. In the event that a
broker-dealer should default on its obligation to purchase an underlying
security, a Fund might be unable to recover all or a portion of any loss
sustained from having to sell the security elsewhere. The Funds intend to enter
into put transactions solely to maintain portfolio liquidity and do not intend
to exercise their rights thereunder for trading purposes.
SPECIAL RISK FACTORS RELATED TO INVESTING IN MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
It should be noted that municipal securities may be adversely affected by
local political and economic conditions and developments within a state. For
example, adverse conditions in a significant industry within New Jersey may from
time to time have a correspondingly adverse effect on specific issuers within
New Jersey or on anticipated revenue to the State itself; conversely, an
improving economic outlook for a significant industry may have a positive effect
on such issuers or revenues.
The value of municipal securities may also be affected by general
conditions in the money markets or the municipal bond markets, the levels of
federal and state income tax rates, the supply of tax-exempt bonds, the size of
the particular offering, the maturity of the obligation, the credit quality and
rating of the issue, and perceptions with respect to the level of interest
rates. In general, the value of bonds tends to appreciate when interest rates
decline and depreciate when interest rates rise. An expanded discussion of the
risks associated with the purchase of securities issued in certain states is
contained in the Statement of Additional Information.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS
INVESTMENT ADVISER
The management of each Fund is supervised by the Trustees of the Trust
under which each Fund has been established. The Capital Management Group of
First Union National Bank of North Carolina ("CMG") serves as investment adviser
to EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND,
EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN VIRGINIA
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND and EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND. First
Union National Bank of North Carolina ("FUNB") is a subsidiary of First Union
Corporation ("First Union"), the sixth largest bank holding company in the
United States. First Union is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and
had $96.7 billion in consolidated assets as of December 31, 1995. First Union
and its subsidiaries provide a broad range of financial services to individuals
and businesses through offices in 36 states. CMG manages or otherwise oversees
the investment of over $36 billion in assets belonging to a wide range of
clients, including all the series of Evergreen Investment Trust (formerly known
as First Union
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Funds). First Union Brokerage Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of FUNB,
is a registered broker-dealer that is principally engaged in providing retail
brokerage services consistent with its federal banking authorizations. First
Union Capital Markets Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Union, is a
registered broker-dealer principally engaged in providing, consistent with its
federal banking authorizations, private placement, securities dealing, and
underwriting services.
CMG manages investments and supervises the daily business affairs of
EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND,
EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN VIRGINIA
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND and EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND and,
as compensation therefor, is entitled to receive an annual fee equal to .50 of
1% of the average daily net assets of each Fund, other than EVERGREEN FLORIDA
HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, from which it is entitled to receive an annual
fee equal to .60 of 1% of average daily net assets and EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY
TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, from which it is entitled to receive an annual fee based
on the average daily net assets of the Fund calculated as follows: up to $500
million -- .50 of 1%; in excess of $500 million up to $1 billion -- .45 of 1%;
in excess of $1 billion up to $1.5 billion -- .35 of 1%. The total annualized
operating expenses of EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN GEORGIA
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, EVERGREEN NORTH
CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND,
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND and EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1995 are set forth in
the section entitled "Financial Highlights". Evergreen Asset Management Corp.
("Evergreen Asset"), a subsidiary of FUNB, serves as administrator to each Fund
and is entitled to receive a fee based on the average daily net assets of each
Fund at a rate based on the total assets of the mutual funds administered by
Evergreen Asset for which CMG or Evergreen Asset also serve as investment
adviser, calculated in accordance with the following schedule: .050% of the
first $7 billion; .035% on the next $3 billion; .030% on the next $5 billion;
.020% on the next $10 billion; .015% on the next $5 billion; and .010% on assets
in excess of $30 billion. Furman Selz Incorporated, an affiliate of Evergreen
Funds Distributor, Inc., distributor for the Evergreen group of mutual funds,
serves as sub-administrator for each Fund and is entitled to receive a fee from
each Fund calculated on the average daily net assets of each Fund at a rate
based on the total assets of the mutual funds administered by Evergreen Asset
for which CMG or Evergreen Asset also serve as investment adviser, calculated in
accordance with the following schedule: .0100% of the first $7 billion; .0075%
on the next $3 billion; .0050% on the next $15 billion; and .0040% on assets in
excess of $25 billion. The total assets of the mutual funds administered by
Evergreen Asset for which CMG or Evergreen Asset serve as investment adviser
were approximately $1 billion as of September 30, 1995. Prior to January 1,
1996, First Fidelity Bank, N.A. ("First Fidelity") served as investment adviser
to EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND. CMG succeeded to the mutual funds
advisory business of First Fidelity in connection with the acquisition of First
Fidelity by a subsidiary of First Union.
Robert S. Drye is a Vice President of FUNB, and has been with FUNB since
1968. Since 1989, Mr. Drye has served as a portfolio manager for several of the
series of Evergreen Investment Trust and for certain common trust funds. Prior
to 1989, Mr. Drye was a marketing specialist with First Union Brokerage
Services, Inc. Mr. Drye has managed the EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND
FUND since its inception in 1994 and the EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
since its inception in 1993. Richard K. Marrone is a Vice President of FUNB. Mr.
Marrone joined FUNB in 1993 with eleven years experience managing fixed income
assets at Woodbridge Capital Management, a subsidiary of Comerica Bank, N.A. Mr.
Marrone is responsible for the portfolio management of several series of
Evergreen Investment Trust and certain common trust funds. Mr. Marrone has
served as portfolio manager of the EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
since 1993, the EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND since its
inception in 1995 and EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND since its inception
in 1993. Charles E. Jeanne joined FUNB in 1993. Prior to joining FUNB, Mr.
Jeanne served as a trader/portfolio manager for First American Bank where he was
responsible for individual accounts and common trust funds. Mr. Jeanne has been
the portfolio manager for the EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND since its
inception in 1993. Jocelyn Turner is a Municipal Bond Portfolio Manager for CMG
and has managed the EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND since 1992. Ms.
Turner was previously employed as a Vice President, Municipal Bond Portfolio
Manager at One Federal Asset Management, Boston, MA since 1987.
DISTRIBUTION PLANS AND AGREEMENTS
Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 permits an investment
company to pay expenses associated with the distribution of its shares in
accordance with a duly adopted plan. Each Fund has adopted for each of its Class
A and Class B shares a Rule 12b-1 plan (each, a "Plan" or collectively the
"Plans"). Under the
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<PAGE>
Plans, each Fund may incur distribution-related and shareholder
servicing-related expenses which may not exceed an annual rate of .75 of 1% of
the aggregate average daily net assets attributable to the Class A shares of
each Fund other than EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, .35 of 1% of the
aggregate average daily net assets attributable to the Class A shares of
EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, 1.00% of the aggregate average daily
net assets attributable to the Class B shares of EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE
INCOME FUND and EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL FUND, and .75 of 1% of
the aggregate average daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares of
EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND,
EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND and EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND. Payments under the Plans
adopted with respect to Class A shares are currently voluntarily limited to .25
of 1% of each Fund's aggregate average daily net assets attributable to Class A
shares. The Plans provide that a portion of the fee payable thereunder may
constitute a service fee to be used for providing ongoing personal services
and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts. EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND
FUND, EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND and EVERGREEN VIRGINIA
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND have, in addition to the Plans adopted with respect to their
Class B shares, adopted a shareholder service plan ("Service Plans") relating to
the Class B shares which permit each Fund to incur a fee of up to .25 of 1% of
the aggregate average daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares for
ongoing personal services and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts. Such
service fee payments to financial intermediaries for such purposes, whether
pursuant to a Plan or Service Plans, will not exceed .25% of the aggregate
average daily net assets attributable to each Class of shares of each Fund.
Each Fund has also entered into a distribution agreement (each a
"Distribution Agreement" or collectively the "Distribution Agreements") with
Evergreen Funds Distributor, Inc. ("EFD"). Pursuant to the Distribution
Agreements, each Fund will compensate EFD for its services as distributor at a
rate which may not exceed an annual rate of .25 of 1% of a Fund's aggregate
average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares, and .75 of 1% of a
Fund's aggregate average daily net assets attributable to the Class B shares.
The Distribution Agreements provide that EFD will use the distribution fee
received from a Fund for payments (i) to compensate broker-dealers or other
persons for distributing shares of the Funds, including interest and principal
payments made in respect of amounts paid to broker-dealers or other persons that
have been financed (EFD may assign its rights to receive compensation under the
Plans to secure such financings), (ii) to otherwise promote the sale of shares
of the Fund, and (iii) to compensate broker-dealers, depository institutions and
other financial intermediaries for providing administrative, accounting and
other services with respect to the Fund's shareholders. The financing of
payments made by EFD to compensate broker-dealers or other persons for
distributing shares of the Funds may be provided by FUNB or its affiliates. The
Funds may also make payments under the Plans (and in the case of EVERGREEN
FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN
NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
and EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, the Service Plans), in amounts up to
.25 of 1% of a Fund's aggregate average daily net assets on an annual basis
attributable to Class B shares, to compensate organizations, which may include
EFD and each Fund's investment adviser or their affiliates, for personal
services rendered to shareholders and/or the maintenance of shareholder
accounts.
The Funds may not pay any distribution or services fees during any fiscal
period in excess of the amounts set forth above. Since EFD's compensation under
the Distribution Agreements is not directly tied to the expenses incurred by
EFD, the amount of compensation received by it under the Distribution Agreements
during any year may be more or less than its actual expenses and may result in a
profit to EFD. Distribution expenses incurred by EFD in one fiscal year that
exceed the level of compensation paid to EFD for that year may be paid from
distribution fees received from a Fund in subsequent fiscal years.
The Plans and Service Plans are in compliance with rules of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. which effectively limit the annual
asset-based sales charges and service fees that a mutual fund may pay on a class
of shares to .75 of 1% and .25 of 1%, respectively, of the average annual net
assets attributable to that class. The rules also limit the aggregate of all
front-end, deferred and asset-based sales charges imposed with respect to a
class of shares by a mutual fund that also charges a service fee to 6.25% of
cumulative gross sales of shares of that class, plus interest at the prime rate
plus 1% per annum.
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<PAGE>
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
HOW TO BUY SHARES
You can purchase shares of any of the Funds through broker-dealers, banks
or other financial intermediaries, or directly through EFD. The minimum initial
investment is $1,000, which may be waived in certain situations. There is no
minimum for subsequent investments. Investments of $25 or more are allowed under
the systematic investment program. Share certificates are not issued. In states
where EFD is not registered as a broker-dealer shares of a Fund will only be
sold through other broker-dealers or other financial institutions that are
registered. See the Share Purchase Application and Statement of Additional
Information for more information. Only Class A and Class B shares are offered
through this Prospectus (see "General Information" -- "Other Classes of
Shares").
Class A Shares-Front-End Sales Charge Alternative. You can purchase Class A
shares at net asset value plus an initial sales charge on purchases under
$1,000,000. On purchases of $1,000,000 or more, a contingent deferred sales
charge ("CDSC") equal to the lesser of 1% of the purchase price or redemption
value will be imposed on shares redeemed during the first year after purchase.
The schedule of charges for Class A Shares is as follows:
Initial Sales Charge
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
as a % of the Net as a % of the Commission to Dealer/Agent
Amount of Purchase Amount Invested Offering Price as a % of Offering Price
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Less than $50,000 4.99% 4.75% 4.25%
$50,000 - $99,000 4.71% 4.50% 4.25%
$100,000 - $249,999 3.90% 3.75% 3.25%
$250,000 - $499,999 2.56% 2.50% 2.00%
$500,000 - $999,999 2.04% 2.00% 1.75%
$1,000,000 - $2,999,999 None None 1.00%
$3,000,000 - $4,999,999 None None .50%
Over $5,000,000 None None .25%
</TABLE>
No front-end sales charges are imposed on Class A shares purchased by:
institutional investors, which may include bank trust departments and registered
investment advisers; investment advisers, consultants or financial planners who
place trades for their own accounts or the accounts of their clients and who
charge such clients a management, consulting, advisory or other fee; clients of
investment advisers or financial planners who place trades for their own
accounts if the accounts are linked to the master account of such investment
advisers or financial planners on the books of the broker-dealer through whom
shares are purchased; institutional clients of broker-dealers, including
retirement and deferred compensation plans and the trusts used to fund these
plans, which place trades through an omnibus account maintained with a Fund by
the broker-dealer; shareholders of record on October 12, 1990 in any series of
Evergreen Investment Trust in existence on that date, and the members of their
immediate families; employees of FUNB and its affiliates, EFD and any
broker-dealer with whom EFD has entered into an agreement to sell shares of the
Funds, and members of the immediate families of such employees; and upon the
initial purchase of an Evergreen mutual fund by investors reinvesting the
proceeds from a redemption within the preceding thirty days of shares of other
mutual funds, provided such shares were initially purchased with a front-end
sales charge or subject to a contingent deferred sales charge. Certain
broker-dealers or other financial institutions may impose a fee on transactions
in shares of the Funds.
When Class A shares are sold, EFD will normally retain a portion of the
applicable sales charge and pay the balance to the broker-dealer or other
financial intermediary through whom the sale was made. EFD may also pay fees to
banks from sales charges for services performed on behalf of the bank's
customers in connection with the purchase of shares of the Funds. In addition to
compensation paid at the time of sale, entities whose clients have purchased
Class A shares may receive a trailing commission equal to .25 of 1% of the
aggregate average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares of each Fund
held by their clients. Certain purchases of Class A shares may qualify for
reduced sales charges in accordance with a Fund's Combined Purchase Privilege,
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<PAGE>
Cumulative Quantity Discount, Statement of Intention, Privilege for Certain
Retirement Plans and Reinstatement Privilege. Consult the Share Purchase
Application and Statement of Additional Information for additional information
concerning these reduced sales charges.
Class B Shares-Deferred Sales Charge Alternative. You can purchase Class B
shares at net asset value without an initial sales charge. However, you may pay
a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") if you redeem shares within seven
years after purchase. Shares obtained from dividend or distribution reinvestment
are not subject to the CDSC. The amount of the CDSC (expressed as a percentage
of the lesser of the current net asset value or original cost) will vary
according to the number of years from the purchase of Class B shares as set
forth below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Since Purchase Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
<S> <C> <C>
FIRST 5%
SECOND 4%
THIRD and FOURTH 3%
FIFTH 2%
SIXTH and SEVENTH 1%
</TABLE>
The CDSC is deducted from the amount of the redemption and is paid to
EFD. The CDSC will be waived on redemptions of shares following the death or
disability of a shareholder, to meet distribution requirements for certain
qualified retirement plans or in the case of certain redemptions made under a
Fund's Systematic Cash Withdrawal Plan. Class B shares are subject to higher
distribution and/or shareholder service fees than Class A shares for a period of
seven years (after which they convert to Class A shares). The higher fees mean a
higher expense ratio, so Class B shares pay correspondingly lower dividends and
may have a lower net asset value than Class A shares. See the Statement of
Additional Information for further details.
With respect to Class B shares, no CDSC will be imposed on: (1) the
portion of redemption proceeds attributable to increases in the value of the
account due to increases in the net asset value per share, (2) shares acquired
through reinvestment of dividends and capital gains, (3) shares held for more
than seven years after the end of the calendar month of acquisition, (4)
accounts following the death or disability of a shareholder, or (5) minimum
required distributions to a shareholder over the age of 70 1/2 from an IRA or
other retirement plan.
How the Funds Value Their Shares. The net asset value of each Class of shares of
a Fund is calculated by dividing the value of the amount of the Fund's net
assets attributable to that Class by the outstanding shares of that Class.
Shares are valued each day the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") is open
as of the close of regular trading (currently 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). The
Exchange is closed on New Year's Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day,
Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The securities
in a Fund are valued at their current market value determined on the basis of
market quotations or, if such quotations are not readily available, such other
methods as the Trustees believe would accurately reflect fair market value.
General. The decision as to which Class of shares is more beneficial to you
depends on the amount of your investment and the length of time you will hold
it. If you are making a large investment, thus qualifying for a reduced sales
charge, you might consider Class A shares. If you are making a smaller
investment, you might consider Class B shares since 100% of your purchase is
invested immediately and since such shares will convert to Class A shares, which
incur lower ongoing distribution and/or shareholder service fees, after seven
years. The compensation received by dealers and agents may differ depending on
whether they sell Class A or Class B shares. There is no size limit on purchases
of Class A shares.
In addition to the discount or commission paid to dealers, EFD will from
time to time pay to dealers additional cash or other incentives that are
conditioned upon the sale of a specified minimum dollar amount of shares of a
Fund and/or other Evergreen Mutual Funds. Such incentives will take the form of
payment for attendance at seminars, lunches, dinners, sporting events or theater
performances, or payment for travel, lodging and entertainment incurred in
connection with travel by persons associated with a dealer and their immediate
family members to urban or resort locations within or outside the United States.
Such a dealer may elect to receive cash incentives of equivalent amount in lieu
of such payments. EFD may also limit the availability of such incentives to
certain specified dealers. EFD from time to time sponsors promotions involving
First Union Brokerage Services, Inc. ("FUBS"), an affiliate of each Fund's
investment adviser, and select broker-dealers, pursuant to which incentives are
paid, including gift certificates and payments in amounts up to 1% of the dollar
amount of shares of a Fund sold. Awards may also be made based on the opening of
a minimum number of accounts. Such promotions are not being made available to
all dealers.
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<PAGE>
Additional Purchase Information. As a condition of this offering, if a purchase
is canceled due to nonpayment or because an investor's check does not clear, the
investor will be responsible for any loss a Fund or the Fund's investment
adviser incurs. If such investor is an existing shareholder, a Fund may redeem
shares from an investor's account to reimburse the Fund or its investment
adviser for any loss. In addition, such investors may be prohibited or
restricted from making further purchases in any of the Evergreen mutual funds.
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
You may "redeem", i.e., sell your shares in a Fund to the Fund on any day
the Exchange is open, either directly or through your financial intermediary.
The price you will receive is the net asset value (less any applicable CDSC for
Class B shares) next calculated after the Fund receives your request in proper
form. Proceeds generally will be sent to you within seven days. However, for
shares recently purchased by check, a Fund will not send proceeds until it is
reasonably satisfied that the check has been collected (which may take up to ten
days). Once a redemption request has been telephoned or mailed, it is
irrevocable and may not be modified or canceled.
Redeeming Shares Through Your Financial Intermediary. A Fund must receive
instructions from your financial intermediary before 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time)
for you to receive that day's net asset value (less any applicable CDSC for
Class B shares). Your financial intermediary is responsible for furnishing all
necessary documentation to a Fund and may charge you for this service. Certain
financial intermediaries may require that you give instructions earlier than
4:00 p.m.
Redeeming Shares Directly by Mail or Telephone. Send a signed letter of
instruction or stock power form to State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State
Street") which is the registrar, transfer agent and dividend-disbursing agent
for each Fund. Stock power forms are available from your financial intermediary,
State Street, and many commercial banks. Additional documentation is required
for the sale of shares by corporations, financial intermediaries, fiduciaries
and surviving joint owners. Signature guarantees are required for all redemption
requests for shares with a value of more than $10,000 or where the redemption
proceeds are to be mailed to an address other than that shown in the account
registration. A signature guarantee must be provided by a bank or trust company
(not a Notary Public), a member firm of a domestic stock exchange or by other
financial institutions whose guarantees are acceptable to State Street.
Shareholders may withdraw amounts of $1,000 or more from their accounts
by calling the telephone number on the front page of this Prospectus between the
hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. (Eastern time) each business day (i.e., any
weekday exclusive of days on which the Exchange or State Street's offices are
closed). The Exchange is closed on New Year's Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday,
Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Redemption requests made after 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time) will be processed using
the net asset value determined on the next business day. Such redemption
requests must include the shareholder's account name, as registered with a Fund,
and the account number. During periods of drastic economic or market changes,
shareholders may experience difficulty in effecting telephone redemptions.
Shareholders who are unable to reach a Fund or State Street by telephone should
follow the procedures outlined above for redemption by mail.
The telephone redemption service is not made available to shareholders
automatically. Shareholders wishing to use the telephone redemption service must
indicate this on the Share Purchase Application and choose how the redemption
proceeds are to be paid. Redemption proceeds will either (i) be mailed by check
to the shareholder at the address in which the account is registered or (ii) be
wired to an account with the same registration as the shareholder's account in a
Fund at a designated commercial bank. State Street currently deducts a $5 wire
charge from all redemption proceeds wired. This charge is subject to change
without notice. A shareholder who decides later to use this service, or to
change instructions already given, should fill out a Shareholder Services Form
and send it to State Street Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 9021, Boston,
Massachusetts 02205-9827, with such shareholder's signature guaranteed by a bank
or trust company (not a Notary Public), a member firm of a domestic stock
exchange or by other financial institutions whose guarantees are acceptable to
State Street. Shareholders should allow approximately ten days for such form to
be processed. The Funds will employ reasonable procedures to verify that
telephone requests are genuine. These procedures include requiring some form of
personal identification prior to acting upon instructions and tape recording of
conversations. If the Fund fails to follow such procedures, it may be liable for
any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions. The Fund shall not be
liable for following telephone instructions reasonably believed to be genuine.
Also, the Fund reserves the right to refuse a telephone redemption request, if
it is believed advisable to do
26
<PAGE>
so. Financial intermediaries may charge a fee for handling telephonic requests.
The telephone redemption option may be suspended or terminated at any time
without notice.
General. The sale of shares is a taxable transaction for federal tax purposes.
Under unusual circumstances, a Fund may suspend redemptions or postpone payment
for up to seven days or longer, as permitted by federal securities law. The
Funds reserve the right to close an account that through redemption has remained
below $1,000 for thirty days. Shareholders will receive sixty days' written
notice to increase the account value before the account is closed. The Funds
have elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the Investment Company Act of
1940 pursuant to which each Fund is obligated to redeem shares solely in cash,
up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of a Fund's total net assets during any
ninety day period for any one shareholder. See the Statement of Additional
Information for further details.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
How To Exchange Shares. You may exchange some or all of your shares for shares
of the same Class in the other Evergreen mutual funds through your financial
intermediary, or by telephone or mail as described below. An exchange which
represents an initial investment in another Evergreen mutual fund must amount to
at least $1,000. Once an exchange request has been telephoned or mailed, it is
irrevocable and may not be modified or canceled. Exchanges will be made on the
basis of the relative net asset values of the shares exchanged next determined
after an exchange request is received. Exchanges are subject to minimum
investment and suitability requirements.
Each of the Evergreen mutual funds has different investment objectives
and policies. For complete information, a prospectus of the fund into which an
exchange will be made should be read prior to the exchange. An exchange is
treated for federal income tax purposes as a redemption and purchase of shares
and may result in the realization of a capital gain or loss. Shareholders are
limited to five exchanges per calendar year, with a maximum of three per
calendar quarter. This exchange privilege may be modified or discontinued at any
time by the Fund upon sixty days' notice to shareholders and is only available
in states in which shares of the fund being acquired may lawfully be sold.
No CDSC will be imposed in the event Class B shares are exchanged for
Class B shares of other Evergreen mutual funds. If you redeem shares, the CDSC
applicable to the Class B shares of the Evergreen mutual fund originally
purchased for cash is applied. Also, Class B shares will continue to age
following an exchange for purposes of conversion to Class A shares and
determining the amount of the applicable CDSC.
Exchanges Through Your Financial Intermediary. A Fund must receive exchange
instructions from your financial intermediary before 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time)
for you to receive that day's net asset value. Your financial intermediary is
responsible for furnishing all necessary documentation to a Fund and may charge
you for this service.
Exchanges by Telephone and Mail. You may exchange shares by telephone by calling
the telephone number on the front page of this Prospectus. Exchange requests
made after 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time) will be processed using the net asset value
determined on the next business day. During periods of drastic economic or
market changes, shareholders may experience difficulty in effecting telephone
exchanges. You should follow the procedures outlined below for exchanges by mail
if you are unable to reach State Street by telephone. If you wish to use the
telephone exchange service you should indicate this on the Share Purchase
Application. As noted above, each Fund will employ reasonable procedures to
confirm that instructions for the redemption or exchange of shares communicated
by telephone are genuine. A telephone exchange may be refused by a Fund or State
Street if it is believed advisable to do so. Procedures for exchanging Fund
shares by telephone may be modified or terminated at any time. Written requests
for exchanges should follow the same procedures outlined for written redemption
requests in the section entitled "How to Redeem Shares", however, no signature
guarantee is required.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
The Funds offer the following shareholder services. For more information
about these services or your account, contact your financial intermediary, EFD
or the toll-free number on the front page of this Prospectus. Some services are
described in more detail in the Share Purchase Application.
Systematic Investment Plan. You may make monthly or quarterly investments into
an existing account automatically in amounts of not less than $25 per month or
$75 per quarter. Each Fund reserves the right to close an account that through
liquidation or termination of the systematic investment plan has not reached a
minimum balance of $1,000 ($250 for retirement accounts) within 24 months of the
initial investment. You can open a
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<PAGE>
systematic investment plan in the EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND for a
minimum of only $50 per month with no initial investment required.
Telephone Investment Plan. You may make investments into an existing account
electronically in amounts of not less than $100 or more than $10,000 per
investment. Telephone investment requests received by 3:00 p.m. (Eastern time)
will be credited to a shareholder's account the day the request is received.
Systematic Cash Withdrawal Plan. When an account of $10,000 or more is opened or
when an existing account reaches that size, you may participate in the Funds'
Systematic Cash Withdrawal Plan by filling out the appropriate part of the Share
Purchase Application. Under this plan, you may receive (or designate a third
party to receive) a monthly or quarterly check in a stated amount of not less
than $75. Fund shares will be redeemed as necessary to meet withdrawal payments.
All participants must elect to have their dividends and capital gain
distributions reinvested automatically. Any applicable Class B CDSC will be
waived with respect to redemptions occurring under a Systematic Cash Withdrawal
Plan during a calendar year to the extent that such redemptions do not exceed
10% of (i) the initial value of the account plus (ii) the value, at the time of
purchase, of any subsequent investments.
Automatic Reinvestment Plan. For the convenience of investors, all dividends and
distributions are automatically reinvested in full and fractional shares of a
Fund at the net asset value per share on the last business day of each month,
unless otherwise requested by a shareholder in writing. If the transfer agent
does not receive a written request for subsequent dividends and/or distributions
to be paid in cash at least three full business days prior to a given record
date, the dividends and/or distributions to be paid to a shareholder will be
reinvested. If you elect to receive dividends and distributions in cash and the
U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the checks, or if the checks remain uncashed
for six months, the checks will be reinvested into your account at the then
current net asset value.
EFFECT OF BANKING LAWS
The Glass-Steagall Act and other banking laws and regulations presently
prohibit member banks of the Federal Reserve System ("Member Banks") or their
non-bank affiliates from sponsoring, organizing, controlling, or distributing
the shares of registered open-end investment companies such as the Funds. Such
laws and regulations also prohibit banks from issuing, underwriting or
distributing securities in general. However, under the Glass-Steagall Act and
such other laws and regulations, a Member Bank or an affiliate thereof may act
as investment adviser, transfer agent or custodian to a registered open-end
investment company and may also act as agent in connection with the purchase of
shares of such an investment company upon the order of its customer. Evergreen
Asset, since it is a subsidiary of FUNB, and CMG are subject to and in
compliance with the aforementioned laws and regulations.
Changes to applicable laws and regulations or future judicial or
administrative decisions could result in CMG being prevented from continuing to
perform the services required under the investment advisory contract or from
acting as agent in connection with the purchase of shares of a Fund by its
customers. If CMG were prevented from continuing to provide the services called
for under the investment advisory agreement, it is expected that the Trustees
would identify, and call upon each Fund's shareholders to approve, a new
investment adviser. If this were to occur, it is not anticipated that the
shareholders of any Fund would suffer any adverse financial consequences.
OTHER INFORMATION
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Income dividends are declared daily and paid monthly. Distributions of
any net realized gains of a Fund will be made at least annually. Shareholders
will begin to earn dividends on the first business day after shares are
purchased unless shares were not paid for, in which case dividends are not
earned until the next business day after payment is received. Each Fund has
qualified and intends to continue to qualify to be treated as a regulated
investment company under the Code. While so qualified, so long as each Fund
distributes all of its investment company taxable income and any net realized
gains to shareholders, it is expected that the Funds will not be required to pay
any Federal income taxes. A 4% nondeductible excise tax will be imposed on a
Fund if it does not meet certain distribution requirements by the end of each
calendar year. Each Fund anticipates meeting such distribution requirements.
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<PAGE>
The Funds will designate and pay exempt-interest dividends derived from
interest earned on qualifying tax-exempt obligations. Such exempt-interest
dividends may be excluded by shareholders of a Fund from their gross income for
federal income tax purposes, however (1) all or a portion of such
exempt-interest dividends may be a specific preference item for purposes of the
federal individual and corporate alternative minimum taxes to the extent that
they are derived from certain types of private activity bonds issued after
August 7, 1986, and (2) all exempt-interest dividends will be a component of the
"adjusted current earnings" for purposes of the federal corporate alternative
minimum tax.
Dividends paid from taxable income, if any, and distributions of any net
realized short-term capital gains (whether from tax exempt or taxable
obligations) are taxable as ordinary income and long-term capital gain
distributions are taxable as long-term capital gains, even though received in
additional shares of the Fund, and regardless of the investors holding period
relating to the shares with respect to which such gains are distributed. Market
discount recognized on taxable and tax-exempt bonds is taxable as ordinary
income, not as excludable income. Under current law, the highest federal income
tax rate applicable to net long-term gains realized by individuals is 28%. The
rate applicable to corporations is 35%.
Since each Fund's gross income is ordinarily expected to be tax exempt
interest income, it is not expected that the 70% dividends-received deduction
for corporations will be applicable. Specific questions should be addressed to
the investor's own tax adviser.
Each Fund is required by federal law to withhold 31% of reportable
payments (which may include dividends, capital gains distributions (if any) and
redemptions) paid to certain shareholders. In order to avoid this backup
withholding requirement, each investor must certify on the Share Purchase
Application, or on a separate form supplied by State Street, that the investor's
social security or taxpayer identification number is correct and that the
investor is not currently subject to backup withholding or is exempt from backup
withholding.
Set forth below are brief descriptions of the personal income tax status
of an investment in each of the Funds under Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, North
Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia tax laws currently in effect. Income from
a Fund is not necessarily free from state income taxes in states other than its
designated state. State laws differ on this issue, and shareholders are urged to
consult their own tax advisers regarding the status of their accounts under
state and local laws.
EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND AND EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND. Florida does not currently impose an income tax on
individuals. Thus, individual shareholders of the Funds will not be subject to
any Florida state income tax on distributions received from the Funds. However,
certain distributions will be taxable to corporate shareholders which are
subject to Florida corporate income tax. Florida currently imposes an
intangibles tax at the annual rate of 0.20% on certain securities and other
intangible assets owned by Florida residents. Certain types of tax exempt
securities of Florida issuers, U.S. government securities and tax exempt
securities issued by certain U.S. territories and possessions are exempt from
this intangibles tax. Shares of the Funds will also be exempt from the Florida
intangibles tax if the portfolio consists exclusively of securities exempt from
the intangibles tax on the last business day of the calendar year. If the
portfolio consists of any assets which are not so exempt on the last business
day of the calendar year, however, only the portion of the shares of the Funds
which relate to securities issued by the United States and its possessions and
territories will be exempt from the Florida intangibles tax, and the remaining
portion of such shares will be fully subject to the intangibles tax, even if
they partly relate to Florida tax exempt securities.
EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND. Under existing Georgia law,
shareholders of the Fund will not be subject to individual or corporate Georgia
income taxes on distributions from the Fund to the extent that such
distributions represent exempt-interest dividends for federal income tax
purposes that are attributable to (1) interest-bearing obligations issued by or
on behalf of the State of Georgia or its political subdivisions, or (2) interest
on obligations of the United States or of any other issuer whose obligations are
exempt from state income taxes under federal law. Distributions, if any, derived
from capital gains or other sources generally will be taxable for Georgia income
tax purposes to shareholders of the Fund who are subject to the Georgia income
tax. For purposes of the Georgia intangibles tax, shares of the Fund likely are
taxable (at the rate of 10 cents per $1,000 in value of the shares held on
January 1 of each year) to shareholders who are otherwise subject to such tax.
EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND. In any year in which the Fund
satisfies the requirements for treatment as a "qualified investment fund" under
New Jersey law, distributions from the Fund will be exempt from the New Jersey
Gross Income Tax to the extent such distributions are attributable to interest
or gains from (i) obligations issued by or on behalf of the State of New Jersey
or any county, municipality, school or other district,
29
<PAGE>
agency, authority, commission, instrumentality, public corporation, body
corporate and politic or political subdivision of New Jersey or (ii) obligations
that are otherwise statutorily exempt from state or local taxation or under the
laws of the United States. Any gains realized on the sale or redemption of
shares held in a qualified investment fund are also exempt from the New Jersey
Gross Income Tax.
EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND. Under existing North
Carolina law, shareholders of the Fund will not be subject to individual or
corporate North Carolina income taxes on distributions from the Fund to the
extent that such distributions represent exempt-interest dividends for federal
income tax purposes that are attributable to (1) interest on obligations issued
by North Carolina and political subdivisions thereof or (2) interest on
obligations of the United States or its territories or possessions.
Distributions, if any, derived from capital gains or other sources generally
will be taxable for North Carolina income tax purposes to shareholders of the
Fund who are subject to the North Carolina income tax.
EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND. Under existing South
Carolina law, shareholders of the Fund will not be subject to individual or
corporate South Carolina income taxes on Fund distributions to the extent that
such distributions represent exempt-interest dividends for federal income tax
purposes that are attributable to (1) interest on obligations of the State of
South Carolina, or any of its political subdivisions, (2) interest on
obligations of the United States, or (3) interest on obligations of any agency
or instrumentality of the United States that is prohibited by federal law from
being taxed by a state or any political subdivision of a state. Distributions,
if any, derived from capital gains or other sources, generally will be taxable
for South Carolina income tax purposes to shareholders of the Fund who are
subject to South Carolina income tax.
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND. Under existing Virginia law,
shareholders of the Fund will not be subject to individual or corporate Virginia
income taxes on distributions received from the Fund to the extent that such
distributions represent exempt-interest dividends for federal income tax
purposes that are attributable to interest earned on (1) obligations issued by
or on behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia or any political subdivision
thereof, or (2) obligations issued by a territory or possession of the United
States or any subdivision thereof which federal law exempts from state income
taxes. Distributions, if any, derived from capital gains or other sources
generally will be taxable for Virginia income tax purposes to shareholders of
the Fund who are subject to Virginia income tax.
Statements describing the tax status of shareholders' dividends and
distributions will be mailed annually by the Funds. These statements will set
forth the amount of income exempt from federal and if applicable, state
taxation, and the amount, if any, subject to federal and state taxation.
Moreover, to the extent necessary, these statements will indicate the amount of
exempt-interest dividends which are a specific preference item for purposes of
the federal individual and corporate alternative minimum taxes. The exemption of
interest income for federal income tax purposes does not necessarily result in
exemption under the income or other tax law of any state or local taxing
authority. Investors should consult their own tax advisers about the status of
distributions from the Funds in their states and localities. Each Fund notifies
shareholders annually as to the interest exempt from federal taxes earned by the
Fund.
A shareholder who acquires Class A shares of a Fund and sells or otherwise
disposes of such shares within ninety days of acquisition may not be allowed to
include certain sales charges incurred in acquiring such shares for purposes of
calculating gain and loss realized upon a sale or exchange of shares of the
Fund.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Portfolio Transactions. Consistent with the Rules of Fair Practice of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., and subject to seeking best
price and execution, a Fund may consider sales of its shares as a factor in the
selection of dealers to enter into portfolio transactions with the Fund.
Organization. EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND is a separate
investment series of The Evergreen Municipal Trust, a Massachusetts business
trust organized in 1988. EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND is a separate
investment series of The Evergreen Tax Free Trust (formerly FFB Funds Trust), a
Massachusetts business trust organized in 1985. EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND
FUND, EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND and EVERGREEN VIRGINIA
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND are each separate investment series of Evergreen Investment
Trust (formerly First Union Funds), a Massachusetts business trust organized in
1984. The Funds do not intend to hold annual shareholder meetings; shareholder
meetings will be held only when required by applicable law. Shareholders have
available certain procedures for the removal of Trustees.
30
<PAGE>
A shareholder in each class of a Fund will be entitled to his or her
share of all dividends and distributions from a Fund's assets, based upon the
relative value of such shares to those of other Classes of the Fund, and, upon
redeeming shares, will receive the then current net asset value of the Class of
shares of the Fund represented by the redeemed shares less any applicable CDSC.
Each Trust named above is empowered to establish, without shareholder approval,
additional investment series, which may have different investment objectives,
and additional classes of shares for any existing or future series. If an
additional series or class were established in a Fund, each share of the series
or class would normally be entitled to one vote for all purposes. Generally,
shares of each series and class would vote together as a single class on
matters, such as the election of Trustees, that affect each series and class in
substantially the same manner. Class A, B and Y shares have identical voting,
dividend, liquidation and other rights, except that each class bears, to the
extent applicable, its own distribution, shareholder service and transfer agency
expenses as well as any other expenses applicable only to a specific class. Each
class of shares votes separately with respect to Rule 12b-1 distribution plans
and other matters for which separate class voting is appropriate under
applicable law. Shares are entitled to dividends as determined by the Trustees
and, in liquidation of a Fund, are entitled to receive the net assets of the
Fund.
Custodian, Registrar, Transfer Agent and Dividend-Disbursing Agent. State Street
Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 9021, Boston, Massachusetts 02205-9827 acts as
each Fund's custodian, registrar, transfer agent and dividend-disbursing agent
for a fee based upon the number of shareholder accounts maintained for the
Funds. The transfer agency fee with respect to the Class B shares will be higher
than the transfer agency fee with respect to the Class A shares.
Principal Underwriter. EFD, an affiliate of Furman Selz LLC located at 230 Park
Avenue, New York, New York 10169, is the principal underwriter of the Funds.
Furman Selz Incorporated also acts as sub-administrator to the Funds.
Other Classes of Shares. Each Fund currently offers three classes of shares,
Class A, Class B and Class Y, and may in the future offer additional classes.
Class Y shares are not offered by this Prospectus and are only available to (i)
persons who at or prior to December 31, 1994, owned shares in a mutual fund
advised by Evergreen Asset (ii) certain institutional investors and (iii)
investment advisory clients of CMG, Evergreen Asset or their affiliates. The
dividends payable with respect to Class A and Class B shares will be less than
those payable with respect to Class Y shares due to the distribution and
distribution related expenses borne by Class A and Class B shares and the fact
that such expenses are not borne by Class Y shares.
Performance Information. A Fund's performance may be quoted in advertising in
terms of yield or total return. Both types of performance are based on
Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") formulas and are not intended to
indicate future performance.
Yield is a way of showing the rate of income a Fund earns on its
investments as a percentage of the Fund's share price. A Fund's yield is
calculated according to accounting methods that are standardized by the SEC for
all stock and bond funds. Because yield accounting methods differ from the
method used for other accounting purposes, a Fund's yield may not equal its
distribution rate, the income paid to your account or the income reported in a
Fund's financial statements. To calculate yield, a Fund takes the interest
income it earned from its portfolio of investments (as defined by the SEC
formula) for a 30-day period (net of expenses), divides it by the average number
of shares entitled to receive dividends, and expresses the result as an
annualized percentage rate based on a Fund's share price at the end of the
30-day period. This yield does not reflect gains or losses from selling
securities.
Total returns are based on the overall dollar or percentage change in the
value of a hypothetical investment in a Fund. A Fund's total return shows its
overall change in value including changes in share prices and assumes all a
Fund's distributions are reinvested. A cumulative total return reflects a Fund's
performance over a stated period of time. An average annual total return
reflects the hypothetical annually compounded return that would have produced
the same cumulative total return if a Fund's performance had been constant over
the entire period. Because average annual total returns tend to smooth out
variations in a Fund's return, you should recognize that they are not the same
as actual year-by-year results. To illustrate the components of overall
performance, a Fund may separate its cumulative and average annual total returns
into income results and realized and unrealized gain or loss.
Each Fund may also quote tax-equivalent yields, which show the taxable
yields an investor would have to earn before taxes to equal the Fund's tax-free
yields. A tax-equivalent yield is calculated by dividing a Fund's tax-
31
<PAGE>
exempt yield by the result of one minus a stated federal tax rate. If only a
portion of a Fund's income was tax-exempt, only that portion is adjusted in the
calculation.
Comparative performance information may also be used from time to time in
advertising or marketing a Fund's shares, including data from Lipper Analytical
Services, Inc., Morningstar and other industry publications. The Fund may also
advertise in items of sales literature an "actual distribution rate" which is
computed by dividing the total ordinary income distributed (which may include
the excess of short-term capital gains over losses) to shareholders for the
latest twelve month period by the maximum public offering price per share on the
last day of the period. Investors should be aware that past performance may not
be reflective of future results.
In marketing a Fund's shares, information may be provided that is
designed to help individuals understand their investment goals and explore
various financial strategies. Such information may include publications
describing general principles of investing, such as asset allocation,
diversification, risk tolerance, and goal setting; a questionnaire designed to
help create a personal financial profile; and an action plan offering investment
alternatives. The information provided to investors may also include discussions
of other Evergreen mutual funds, products, and services, which may include:
retirement investing; brokerage products and services; the effects of periodic
investment plans and dollar cost averaging; saving for college; and charitable
giving. In addition, the information provided to investors may quote financial
or business publications and periodicals, including model portfolios or
allocations, as they relate to fund management, investment philosophy, and
investment techniques. The materials may also reprint, and use as advertising
and sales literature, articles from Evergreen Events, a quarterly magazine
provided free of charge to Evergreen Mutual fund shareholders.
Liability Under Massachusetts Law. Under Massachusetts law, trustees and
shareholders of a business trust may, in certain circumstances, be held
personally liable for its obligations. The Declarations of Trust under which
each Fund operates provide that no Trustee or shareholder will be personally
liable for the obligations of the Trust and that every written contract made by
the Trust contain a provision to that effect. If any Trustee or shareholder were
required to pay any liability of the Trust, that person would be entitled to
reimbursement from the general assets of the Trust.
Additional Information. This Prospectus and the Statement of Additional
Information, which have been incorporated by reference herein, do not contain
all the information set forth in the Registration Statements filed by the Trusts
with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Copies of the
Registration Statements may be obtained at a reasonable charge from the SEC or
may be examined, without charge, at the offices of the SEC in Washington, D.C.
APPENDIX A -- FLORIDA RISK CONSIDERATIONS
The following is a summary of economic factors which may affect the
ability of the municipal issuers of Florida obligations to repay general
obligation and revenue bonds. Such information is derived from sources that are
generally available to investors and is believed by the Funds to be accurate,
but has not been independently verified and may not be complete. Under current
law, the State of Florida is required to maintain a balanced budget such that
current expenses are met from current revenues. Florida does not currently
impose a tax on personal income but does impose taxes on corporate income
derived from activities within the state. In addition, Florida imposes an ad
valorem tax as well as sales and use taxes. These taxes are the principal
sources of funds to meet state expenses, including repayment of, and interest
on, obligations backed solely by the full faith and credit of the state, without
recourse to any specific project or related revenue source.
On November 3, 1992, Florida voters approved an amendment to the state
constitution which limits the annual growth in the assessed valuation of
residential property and which, over time, could constrain the growth in
property taxes, a major revenue source for local governments. The amendment
restricts annual increases in assessed valuation to the lesser of 3% or the
Consumer Price Index. The amendment applies only to residential properties
eligible for the homestead exemption and does not affect the valuation of
rental, commercial, or industrial properties. When sold, residential property
would be reassessed at market value. The amendment became effective January 1,
1993. While no immediate ratings implications are expected, the amendment could
have a negative impact on the financial performance of local governments over
time and lead to ratings revisions which may have a negative impact on the
prices of affected bonds.
Many of the bonds in which the Funds invest were issued by various units
of local government in the State of Florida. In addition, most of these bonds
are revenue bonds where the security interest of the bond holders typically is
limited to the pledge of revenues or special assessments flowing from the
project financed by the bonds. Projects include, but are not limited to, water
and waste water utilities, drainage systems, roadways, and other
development-related infrastructures. Therefore, the capacity of these issuers to
repay their obligations may be affected by variations in the Florida economy.
32
<PAGE>
Since 1970, Florida has been one of the fastest growing states in the
nation. Average annual population growth over the last 20 years was 320,000.
During this period only California and Texas grew more rapidly. In terms of
total population, Florida moved from the ninth most populous state in 1970 to
fourth today.
This rapid and sustained pace of population growth has given rise to
sharp increases in construction activity and to the need for roads, drainage
systems, and utilities to serve the burgeoning population. In turn this has
driven the growth in the volume of revenue bond debt outstanding.
The pace of growth, however, has not been steady. During economic
expansions, Florida's population growth has exceeded 500,000 people per year,
but in recessions growth has slowed to 120,000 per year. The variations in
construction activity over the course of business cycles is also very large.
Although the amplitude of the swings during business cycles is large, the
duration of downturns in Florida's growth has been short. Historically,
depressed levels of growth have lasted only a year or two at most. Furthermore,
Florida's cycles have not been periods of growth or decline. Instead, what has
occurred are periods of more growth or less growth.
Florida's ability to meet increasing expenses will be dependent in part
upon the state's ability to foster business and economic growth. During the past
decade, Florida has experienced significant increases in the technology-based
and other light industries and in the service sector. This growth has
diversified the state's overall economy, which at one time was dominated by the
citrus and tourism industries. The state's economic and business growth could be
restricted, however, by the natural limitations of environmental resources and
the state's ability to finance adequate public facilities such as roads and
schools.
33
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Capital Management Group of First Union National Bank of North Carolina, 201
South College Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28288
CUSTODIAN & TRANSFER AGENT
State Street Bank and Trust Company, Box 9021, Boston, Massachusetts
02205-9827
LEGAL COUNSEL
Sullivan & Worcester LLP, 1025 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20036
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, One Mellon Bank Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219
EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND
FUND, EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND,
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Price Waterhouse LLP, 1177 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
DISTRIBUTOR
Evergreen Funds Distributor, Inc., 230 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10169
536118rev02 (10/pkg.) 1/96
*******************************************************************************
Y State Funds
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS January 22, 1996
EVERGREEN(SM) STATE SPECIFIC TAX FREE FUNDS (Evergreen Tree Logo)
EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND
EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
CLASS Y SHARES
The Evergreen State Specific Tax-Free Funds (the "Funds") are
designed to provide investors with current income exempt from Federal
income tax and certain state income tax. This Prospectus provides
information regarding the Class Y shares offered by the Funds. Each Fund
is, or is a series of, an open-end, non-diversified, management investment
company except for EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND which
is diversified. This Prospectus sets forth concise information about the
Funds that a prospective investor should know before investing. The address
of the Funds is 2500 Westchester Avenue, Purchase, New York 10577.
A "Statement of Additional Information" for the Funds and certain
other funds in the Evergreen group of mutual funds dated January 22, 1996
has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is
incorporated by reference herein. The Statement of Additional Information
provides information regarding certain matters discussed in this Prospectus
and other matters which may be of interest to investors, and may be
obtained without charge by calling the Funds at (800) 235-0064. There can
be no assurance that the investment objective of any Fund will be achieved.
Investors are advised to read this Prospectus carefully.
THE SHARES OFFERED BY THIS PROSPECTUS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF
ANY BANK, ARE NOT ENDORSED OR GUARANTEED BY ANY BANK, ARE NOT INSURED OR
OTHERWISE PROTECTED BY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY AND
INVOLVE INVESTMENT RISKS.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND WILL INVEST AT LEAST 65%
OF THE VALUE OF ITS TOTAL ASSETS IN MUNICIPAL SECURITIES CONSISTING OF HIGH
YIELD (I.E., HIGH RISK), MEDIUM, LOWER RATED AND UNRATED BONDS. SUCH
SECURITIES ARE COMMONLY CALLED JUNK BONDS AND ARE SUBJECT TO GREATER MARKET
FLUCTUATIONS AND RISK OF LOSS OF INCOME AND PRINCIPAL THAN HIGHER RATED
SECURITIES. LOWER QUALITY SECURITIES INVOLVE A GREATER RISK OF DEFAULT AND,
CONSEQUENTLY, SHARES OF THE EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND
FUND ARE SPECULATIVE SECURITIES.
KEEP THIS PROSPECTUS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
EVERGREEN(SM) is a Service Mark of Evergreen Asset Management Corp.
Copyright 1995, Evergreen Asset Management Corp.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNDS 2
EXPENSE INFORMATION 3
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 5
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNDS
Investment Objectives and Policies 12
Investment Practices and Restrictions 14
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS
Investment Adviser 18
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
How to Buy Shares 20
How to Redeem Shares 21
Exchange Privilege 21
Shareholder Services 22
Effect of Banking Laws 22
OTHER INFORMATION
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes 23
Management's Discussion of Fund Performance 25
General Information 25
APPENDIX
Florida Risk Considerations 27
</TABLE>
OVERVIEW OF THE FUNDS
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed
information contained elsewhere in this Prospectus. See "Description of the
Funds" and "Management of the Funds".
The Capital Management Group of First Union National Bank of North
Carolina ("CMG") serves as investment adviser to Evergreen State Specific Tax
Free Funds which include: EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN
GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND,
EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND
FUND AND EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND. First Union National
Bank of North Carolina ("FUNB") is a subsidiary of First Union Corporation, the
sixth largest bank holding company in the United States.
EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND (formerly First Union Florida
Municipal Bond Portfolio, successor to ABT Florida Tax-Free Fund) seeks current
income exempt from federal income tax consistent with preservation of capital.
In addition, the Fund intends to qualify as an investment exempt from the
Florida state intangibles tax.
EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND (formerly First Union Georgia
Municipal Bond Portfolio) seeks current income exempt from federal income tax
and Georgia state income tax, consistent with preservation of capital.
EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND (formerly FFB New Jersey
Tax-Free Income Fund) seeks a high level of income, exempt from federal and New
Jersey personal income taxes.
EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND (formerly First Union North
Carolina Municipal Bond Portfolio) seeks current income exempt from federal
income tax and North Carolina state income tax, consistent with preservation of
capital. In addition, the Fund intends to qualify as an investment substantially
exempt from the North Carolina intangible personal property tax.
EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND (formerly First Union South
Carolina Municipal Bond Portfolio) seeks current income exempt from federal
income tax and South Carolina state income tax.
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND (formerly First Union Virginia
Municipal Bond Fund) seeks current income exempt from federal income tax and
Virginia state income tax, consistent with preservation of capital.
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND (successor to ABT
Florida High Income Municipal Bond Fund) seeks to provide a high level of
current income exempt from federal income taxes. Under normal circumstances, the
Fund will invest at least 65% of the value of its total assets in municipal
securities consisting of high yield (i.e., high risk), medium, lower rated and
unrated bonds.
THERE IS NO ASSURANCE THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE OF ANY FUND WILL BE
ACHIEVED.
2
<PAGE>
EXPENSE INFORMATION
The table set forth below summarizes the shareholder transaction costs
associated with an investment in the Class Y Shares of the Fund. For further
information see "Purchase and Redemption of Shares".
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
<S> <C>
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchases None
Sales Charge on Dividend Reinvestments None
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge None
Redemption Fee None
Exchange Fee (only applies after 4 exchanges per
year) $ 5.00
</TABLE>
The following table shows for the Fund the estimated annual operating
expenses (as a percentage of average net assets) attributable to Class Y Shares,
together with examples of the cumulative effect of such expenses on a
hypothetical $1,000 investment for the periods specified assuming (i) a 5%
annual return and (ii) redemption at the end of each period.
EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL OPERATING EXAMPLE
EXPENSES Class Y
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Management Fees* .30%
After 1 Year $ 6
12b-1 Fees --
After 3 Years $ 18
Other Expenses .25%
After 5 Years $ 31
After 10 Years $ 69
Total .55%
</TABLE>
EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL OPERATING EXAMPLE
EXPENSES+ Class Y
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Management Fees .50%
After 1 Year $ 10
12b-1 Fees --
After 3 Years $ 32
Other Expenses** .50%
After 5 Years $ 55
After 10 Years $ 122
Total 1.00%
</TABLE>
EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL OPERATING EXAMPLE
EXPENSES Class Y
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Management Fees .50%
After 1 Year $ 10
12b-1 Fees --
After 3 Years $ 30
Other Expenses** .44%
After 5 Years $ 52
After 10 Years $ 115
Total .94%
</TABLE>
EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL OPERATING EXAMPLE
EXPENSES+ Class Y
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Management Fees .50%
After 1 Year $ 10
12b-1 Fees --
After 3 Years $ 32
Other Expenses .50%
After 5 Years $ 55
After 10 Years $ 122
Total 1.00%
</TABLE>
3
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL OPERATING EXAMPLE
EXPENSES+ Class Y
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Management Fees .50%
After 1 Year $ 10
12b-1 Fees --
After 3 Years $ 32
Other Expenses** .50%
After 5 Years $ 55
After 10 Years $ 122
Total 1.00%
</TABLE>
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL OPERATING EXAMPLE
EXPENSES+ Class Y
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Management Fees .50%
After 1 Year $ 10
12b-1 Fees --
After 3 Years $ 32
Other Expenses** .50%
After 5 Years $ 55
After 10 Years $ 122
Total 1.00%
</TABLE>
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL OPERATING EXAMPLE
EXPENSES Class Y
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Management Fees* .30%
After 1 Year $ 8
12b-1 Fees --
After 3 Years $ 26
Other Expenses .52%
After 5 Years $ 46
After 10 Years $ 101
Total .82%
</TABLE>
+ The estimated annual operating expenses and examples do not reflect fee
waivers and reimbursements for the most recent fiscal year. Actual expenses
for Class Y Shares, net of fee waivers and expense reimbursements for the
period ended August 31, 1995 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND .46%
EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND .67%
EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND .28%
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND .47%
</TABLE>
* CMG has agreed to limit the Management fee charged to EVERGREEN FLORIDA
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND and EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND to
.30 of 1% of average net assets until July 7, 1996.
** Reflects agreements by CMG to limit aggregate operating expenses (including
the management fees, but excluding interest, taxes, brokerage commissions,
Rule 12b-1 Fees, shareholder servicing fees and extraordinary expenses) of
EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND and EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND to 1% of average net
assets for the foreseeable future. Absent such agreements, the estimated
annual operating expenses for the Funds would be as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND 2.58%
EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND 6.25%
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND 3.58%
</TABLE>
From time to time, each Fund's investment adviser may, at its discretion,
reduce or waive its fees or reimburse the Funds for certain of their expenses in
order to reduce their expense ratios. Each Fund's investment adviser may cease
these waivers and reimbursements at any time.
The purpose of the foregoing table is to assist an investor in
understanding the various costs and expenses that an investor in each Class of
Shares of the Funds will bear directly or indirectly. The amounts set forth both
in the tables and in the examples are estimated amounts based on the experience
of each Fund for the most recent fiscal period. Such amounts have been restated
to reflect current fee arrangements and in the case of funds that did not offer
all of the above-referenced Classes of shares during such periods, the amounts
set forth in the tables are based on the expenses incurred by the Classes which
were offered. THE EXAMPLES SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR
FUTURE EXPENSES OR ANNUAL RETURN. ACTUAL EXPENSES AND ANNUAL RETURN MAY BE
GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN. For a more complete description of the various
costs and expenses borne by the Funds see "Management of the Funds".
4
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The tables on the following pages present, for each Fund, financial
highlights for a share outstanding throughout each period indicated. The
information in the tables for the five most recent fiscal years or the life of
the Fund if shorter for EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN NORTH
CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND and
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND has been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick
LLP, each Fund's independent auditors. The information in the tables for
EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND for the fiscal period ended August 31,
1995 has been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, the Fund's current independent
auditors. The information in the tables for each of the years in the four-year
period ended April 30, 1995 was audited by Tait, Weller & Baker, the Fund's
prior independent auditors. The information in the tables for EVERGREEN NEW
JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND for each of the years in the two-year period ended
February 28, 1995 has been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, the Fund's current
independent auditors. The information in the tables for each of the periods from
July 16, 1991 (commencement of operations) through February 28, 1993 has been
audited by Price Waterhouse LLP, the Fund's prior independent auditors. The
information in the tables for EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
for the fiscal period ended August 31, 1995 has been audited by Price Waterhouse
LLP, the Fund's current independent auditors. The information in the tables for
each of the years in the two-year period ended April 30, 1995 and for the period
June 17, 1992 (commencement of operations) through April 30, 1993 was audited by
Tait, Weller & Baker, the Fund's prior independent auditors. A report of KPMG
Peat Marwick LLP, Price Waterhouse LLP or Tait, Weller & Baker, as the case may
be on the audited information with respect to each Fund is incorporated by
reference in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information. The following
information for each Fund should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements and related notes which are incorporated by reference in the Fund's
Statement of Additional Information.
Further information about each Fund's performance is contained in the
Fund's annual report to shareholders, which may be obtained without charge.
EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND++
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES
FOUR MAY 11,
MONTHS 1988*
ENDED THROUGH
AUGUST 31, YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, APRIL 30,
1995# 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period..... $9.61 $9.52 $9.95 $9.35 $9.21 $8.80 $9.09 $8.82
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income.................... .25 .54 .56 .56 .61 .66 .58 .47
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments.......................... .22 .11 (.36) .67 .22 .43 (.24) .22
Total from investment operations........ .47 .65 .20 1.23 .83 1.09 .34 .69
Less distributions to shareholders from:
Net investment income.................... (.25) (.54) (.56) (.56) (.61) (.68) (.59) (.42)
Distributions in excess of net investment
income.................................. (.03) -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Net realized gains....................... (.06) (.02) (.07) (.07) (.04) -- (.04) --
Paid-in capital.......................... -- -- -- -- (.04) -- -- --
Total distributions..................... (.34) (.56) (.63) (.63) (.69) (.68) (.63) (.42)
Net asset value, end of period.......... $9.74 $9.61 $9.52 $9.95 $9.35 $9.21 $8.80 $9.09
TOTAL RETURN+............................ 4.2% 7.1% 1.9% 13.6% 9.3% 12.9% 3.7% 9.2%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000's
omitted)................................ $136,449 $168,542 $199,612 $198,286 $147,996 $75,791 $7,286 $717
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses................................ .82%++** .61% .56% .58% .41%** .10%** .10%** .30%**++
Net investment income................... 4.89%++** 5.73% 5.37% 5.66% 6.12%** 6.55%** 6.15%** 5.30%**++
Portfolio turnover rate.................. 29% 53% 32% 24% 24% 66% 82% 2%
<CAPTION>
CLASS B CLASS Y
SHARES SHARES
JUNE 30, JUNE 30,
1995* 1995*
THROUGH THROUGH
AUGUST AUGUST
31, 31,
1995# 1995#
<S> <C> <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period..... $9.67 $9.67
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income.................... .07 .09
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments.......................... .10 .10
Total from investment operations........ .17 .19
Less distributions to shareholders from:
Net investment income.................... (.07) (.09)
Distributions in excess of net investment
income.................................. (.03) (.03)
Net realized gains....................... -- --
Paid-in capital.......................... -- --
Total distributions..................... (.10) (.12)
Net asset value, end of period.......... $9.74 $9.74
TOTAL RETURN+............................ 1.5% 1.7%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000's
omitted)................................ $27,351 $ 3,602
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses................................ 1.44%++ .59%++
Net investment income................... 3.22%++ 4.93%++
Portfolio turnover rate.................. 29% 29%
</TABLE>
# The Fund changed its fiscal year-end from April 30 to August 31.
* Commencement of class operations.
+ Total return is calculated on net asset value per share for the periods
indicated and is not annualized. Initial sales charge or contingent deferred
sales charge is not reflected.
++ Annualized.
** Net of expense waivers and reimbursements. If the Fund had borne all
expenses that were reimbursed or waived by the investment adviser, the
annualized ratios of expenses and net investment income (loss) to average
net assets, exclusive of any applicable state expense limitations, would
have been the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES
MAY 11, 1988*
FOUR MONTHS THROUGH
ENDED YEAR ENDED APRIL 30, APRIL 30,
AUGUST 31, 1995# 1992 1991 1990 1989
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Expenses..................................................... 1.05% .68% .88% 5.14% 20.40%
Net investment income (loss)................................. 4.66% 5.85% 5.77% 1.01% (14.80%)
</TABLE>
++ On June 30, 1995, ABT Florida Tax-Free Fund sold its net assets to First
Union Florida Municipal Bond Portfolio which was subsequently renamed
Evergreen Florida Municipal Bond Fund. ABT Florida Tax-Free Fund was the
accounting survivor in the combination. Accordingly, the information stated
in the above table prior to the combination reflects the results of ABT
Florida Tax-Free Fund. The net asset values per share and related per share
data have been restated to reflect the conversion of shares.
5
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND -- CLASS A, B AND Y SHARES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES CLASS Y
JULY 2, JULY 2, SHARES
EIGHT MONTHS 1993* EIGHT MONTHS 1993* EIGHT MONTHS
ENDED YEAR ENDED THROUGH ENDED YEAR ENDED THROUGH ENDED
AUGUST 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, AUGUST 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, AUGUST 31,
1995# 1994 1993 1995# 1994 1993 1995#
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning
of period.................. $8.74 $10.19 $10.00 $8.74 $10.19 $10.00 $8.74
Income (loss) from
investment operations......
Net investment income....... .33 .48 .20 .28 .43 .18 .35
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on
investments................ .73 (1.45) .19 .73 (1.45) .19 .73
Total from investment
operations............... 1.06 (.97) .39 1.01 (1.02) .37 1.08
Less distributions to
shareholders from:
Net investment income....... (.33) (.48) (.20) (.28) (.43) (.18) (.35)
Net asset value, end of
period..................... $9.47 $8.74 $10.19 $9.47 $8.74 $10.19 $9.47
TOTAL RETURN+............... 12.3% (9.6%) 4.0% 11.7% (10.2%) 3.7% 12.5%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period
(000's omitted)............ $2,098 $1,387 $817 $7,538 $6,912 $3,692 $1,339
Ratios to average net
assets:
Expenses **................ .71%++ .53% .25%++ 1.46%++ 1.13% .75%++ .46%++
Net investment income **... 5.39%++ 5.26% 4.71%++ 4.64%++ 4.66% 4.15%++ 5.64%++
Portfolio turnover rate..... 91% 147% 15% 91% 147% 15% 91%
<CAPTION>
FEBRUARY 28,
1994*
THROUGH
DECEMBER 31,
1994
<S> <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning
of period.................. $9.83
Income (loss) from
investment operations......
Net investment income....... .42
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on
investments................ (1.09)
Total from investment
operations............... (.67)
Less distributions to
shareholders from:
Net investment income....... (.42)
Net asset value, end of
period..................... $8.74
TOTAL RETURN+............... (6.9%)
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period
(000's omitted)............ $284
Ratios to average net
assets:
Expenses **................ .31%++
Net investment income **... 5.68%++
Portfolio turnover rate..... 147%
</TABLE>
# The Fund changed its fiscal year-end from December 31 to August 31.
* Commencement of class operations.
+ Total return is calculated on net asset value per share for the periods
indicated and is not annualized. Initial sales charge or contingent deferred
sales charge is not reflected.
++ Annualized.
** Net of expense waivers and reimbursements. If the Fund had borne all
expenses that were reimbursed or waived by the investment adviser, the
annualized ratios of expenses and net investment income (loss) to average
net assets, exclusive of any applicable state expense limitations, would
have been the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES CLASS Y
JULY 2, JULY 2, SHARES
EIGHT MONTHS 1993* EIGHT MONTHS 1993* EIGHT MONTHS
ENDED YEAR ENDED THROUGH ENDED YEAR ENDED THROUGH ENDED
AUGUST 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, AUGUST 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, AUGUST 31,
1995# 1994 1993 1995# 1994 1993 1995#
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Expense..................... 2.83% 3.61% 6.82% 3.58% 4.21% 7.32% 2.58%
Net investment income
(loss)..................... 3.27% 2.18% (1.86%) 2.52% 1.58% (2.42%) 3.52%
<CAPTION>
FEBRUARY 28,
1994* THROUGH
DECEMBER 31,
1994
<S> <C>
Expense..................... 3.39%
Net investment income
(loss)..................... 2.60%
</TABLE>
6
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A
SIX MONTHS
ENDED
AUGUST 31, 1995 YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28,
(UNAUDITED) 1995 1994 1993
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period............................... $10.53 $10.99 $11.01 $10.22
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income.............................................. .28 .57 .60 .63
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments............. .22 (.46) (.02) .79
Total from investment operations.................................. .50 .11 .58 1.42
Less distributions to shareholders from net investment income...... (.28) (.57) (.60) (.63)
Net asset value, end of period..................................... $10.75 $10.53 $10.99 $11.01
TOTAL RETURN+...................................................... 4.8% 1.4% 5.3% 14.5%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted).......................... $35,469 $34,852 $42,783 $30,863
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses**........................................................ .38%++ .25% .14% .00%
Net investment income**........................................... 5.20%++ 5.52% 5.31% 5.97%
Portfolio turnover rate............................................ 0% 8% 2% 5%
<CAPTION>
JULY 16, 1991*
THROUGH
FEBRUARY 29,
1992
<S> <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period............................... $10.00
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income.............................................. .38
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments............. .22
Total from investment operations.................................. .60
Less distributions to shareholders from net investment income...... (.38)
Net asset value, end of period..................................... $10.22
TOTAL RETURN+...................................................... 9.7%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted).......................... $ 13,129
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses**........................................................ .01%++
Net investment income**........................................... 5.89%++
Portfolio turnover rate............................................ 5%
</TABLE>
* Commencement of class operations.
+ Total return is calculated on net asset value per share for the periods
indicated and is not annualized. Initial sales charge is not reflected.
++ Annualized.
** Net of expense waivers and reimbursements. If the Fund had borne all
expenses that were reimbursed or waived by the investment advisor, the
annualized ratios of expenses and net investment income to average net
assets would have been the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS
ENDED
AUGUST 31, 1995 YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 28,
(UNAUDITED) 1995 1994 1993
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Expenses.............................................................. 1.08% 1.04% 1.05% 1.16%
Net investment income................................................. 4.50% 4.73% 4.40% 4.81%
<CAPTION>
JULY 16, 1991*
THROUGH
FEBRUARY 29,
1992
<S> <C>
Expenses.............................................................. 1.20%
Net investment income................................................. 4.70%
</TABLE>
7
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND -- CLASS A, B AND Y SHARES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS Y
CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES SHARES
EIGHT MONTHS JANUARY 11, EIGHT MONTHS JANUARY 11, EIGHT MONTHS
ENDED YEAR ENDED 1993* THROUGH ENDED YEAR ENDED 1993* THROUGH ENDED
AUGUST 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, AUGUST 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, AUGUST 31,
1995# 1994 1993 1995# 1994 1993 1995#
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning
of period................. $9.16 $10.61 $10.00 $9.16 $10.61 $10.00 $9.16
Income (loss) from
investment operations:
Net investment income...... .33 .49 .46 .28 .44 .42 .35
Net realized and unrealized
(loss) on investments..... .79 (1.45) .64 .79 (1.45) .64 .79
Total from investment
operations.............. 1.12 (.96) 1.10 1.07 (1.01) 1.06 1.14
Less distributions to
shareholders from:
Net investment income...... (.33) (.49) (.46) (.28) (.44) (.42) (.35)
Net realized gains......... -- -- (.03) -- -- (.03) --
Total distributions........ (.33) (.49) (.49) (.28) (.44) (.45) (.35)
Net asset value, end of
period.................... $9.95 $9.16 $10.61 $9.95 $9.16 $10.61 $9.95
TOTAL RETURN+.............. 12.3% (9.1%) 11.3% 11.8% (9.6%) 10.8% 12.5%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period
(000's omitted)........... $8,279 $7,979 $12,739 $49,040 $ 44,616 $45,168 $1,005
Ratios to average net
assets:
Expenses **............... .92%++ .79% .32%++ 1.67%++ 1.37% .79%++ .67%++
Net investment income
**...................... 5.09%++ 5.11% 4.91%++ 4.34%++ 4.53% 4.47%++ 5.34%++
Portfolio turnover rate.... 117% 126% 57% 117% 126% 57% 117%
<CAPTION>
FEBRUARY 28,
1994* THROUGH
DECEMBER 31,
1994
<S> <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning
of period................. $10.31
Income (loss) from
investment operations:
Net investment income...... .43
Net realized and unrealized
(loss) on investments..... (1.15)
Total from investment
operations.............. (.72)
Less distributions to
shareholders from:
Net investment income...... (.43)
Net realized gains......... --
Total distributions........ (.43)
Net asset value, end of
period.................... $9.16
TOTAL RETURN+.............. (7.0%)
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period
(000's omitted)........... $642
Ratios to average net
assets:
Expenses **............... .59%++
Net investment income
**...................... 5.58%++
Portfolio turnover rate.... 126%
</TABLE>
# The Fund changed its fiscal year-end from December 31 to August 31.
* Commencement of class operations.
+ Total return is calculated on net asset value per share for the periods
indicated and is not annualized. Initial sales charge or contingent deferred
sales charge is not reflected.
++ Annualized.
** Net of expense waivers and reimbursements. If the Fund had borne all expenses
that were reimbursed or waived by the investment adviser, the annualized
ratios of expenses and net investment income (loss) to average net assets
would have been the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS Y
CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES SHARES
EIGHT MONTHS EIGHT MONTHS EIGHT MONTHS
ENDED YEAR ENDED JANUARY 11, 1993* ENDED YEAR ENDED JANUARY 11, 1993* ENDED
AUGUST 31, DECEMBER 31, THROUGH DECEMBER AUGUST 31, DECEMBER 31, THROUGH DECEMBER AUGUST 31,
1995# 1994 31, 1993 1995# 1994 31, 1993 1995#
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Expenses........ 1.27% 1.18% 1.25% 2.02% 1.76% 1.74% 1.02%
Net investment
income......... 4.74% 4.72% 3.98% 3.99% 4.14% 3.52% 4.99%
<CAPTION>
FEBRUARY 28, 1994*
THROUGH DECEMBER
31, 1994
<S> <C>
Expenses........ .98%
Net investment
income......... 5.19%
</TABLE>
8
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND -- CLASS A, B AND Y SHARES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES CLASS Y SHARES
EIGHT MONTHS JANUARY 3, EIGHT MONTHS JANUARY 3, EIGHT MONTHS FEBRUARY 28,
ENDED 1994* THROUGH ENDED 1994* THROUGH ENDED 1994* THROUGH
AUGUST 31, DECEMBER 31, AUGUST 31, DECEMBER 31, AUGUST 31, DECEMBER 31,
1995# 1994 1995# 1994 1995# 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period... $8.62 $10.00 $ 8.62 $10.00 $ 8.62 $9.74
Income (loss) from investment
operations:
Net investment income.................. .34 .46 .29 .41 .35 .43
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments....................... .97 (1.38) .97 (1.38) .97 (1.12)
Total from investment operations..... 1.31 (.92) 1.26 (.97) 1.32 (.69)
Less distributions to shareholders
from:
Net investment income.................. (.34) (.46) (.29) (.41) (.35) (.43)
Net asset value, end of period......... $9.59 $8.62 $9.59 $8.62 $9.59 $8.62
TOTAL RETURN+.......................... 15.4% (9.3%) 14.8% (9.8%) 15.5% (7.1%)
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000's
omitted)............................. $610 $312 $3,542 $2,456 $1,673 $92
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses **.......................... .53%++ .25%++ 1.28%++ .87%++ .28%++ .00%++
Net investment income **............. 5.41%++ 5.57%++ 4.66%++ 4.88%++ 5.66%++ 5.92%++
Portfolio turnover rate................ 66% 23% 66% 23% 66% 23%
</TABLE>
# The Fund changed its fiscal year-end from December 31 to August 31.
* Commencement of class operations.
+ Total return is calculated on net asset value per share for the periods
indicated and is not annualized. Initial sales charge or contingent deferred
sales charge is not reflected.
++ Annualized.
** Net of expense waivers and reimbursements. If the Fund had borne all
expenses that were reimbursed or waived by the investment adviser, the
annualized ratios of expenses and net investment income (loss) to average
net assets, exclusive of any applicable state expense limitations, would
have been the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES CLASS Y SHARES
EIGHT MONTHS JANUARY 3, EIGHT MONTHS JANUARY 3, EIGHT MONTHS FEBRUARY 28,
ENDED 1994* THROUGH ENDED 1994* THROUGH ENDED 1994* THROUGH
AUGUST 31, DECEMBER 31, AUGUST 31, DECEMBER 31, AUGUST 31, DECEMBER 31,
1995# 1994 1995# 1994 1995# 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Expenses............................... 6.50% 10.71% 7.25% 11.33% 6.25% 10.46%
Net investment loss.................... (.56%) (4.89%) (1.31%) (5.58%) (.31%) (4.54%)
</TABLE>
9
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND -- CLASS A, B AND Y SHARES*
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES CLASS Y
JULY 2, JULY 2, SHARES
EIGHT MONTHS 1993* EIGHT MONTHS 1993* EIGHT MONTHS
ENDED YEAR ENDED THROUGH ENDED YEAR ENDED THROUGH ENDED
AUGUST 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, AUGUST 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, AUGUST 31,
1995# 1994 1993 1995# 1994 1993 1995#
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value,
beginning of period.... $ 8.85 $10.19 $10.00 $8.85 $10.19 $10.00 $8.85
Income (loss) from
investment operations:
Net investment income... .33 .47 .20 .28 .42 .17 .34
Net realized and
unrealized gain (loss)
on investments......... .82 (1.34) .19 .82 (1.34) .19 .82
Total from investment
operations........... 1.15 (.87) .39 1.10 (.92) .36 1.16
Less distributions to
shareholders from:
Net investment income... (.33) (.47) (.20) (.28) (.42) (.17) (.34)
Net asset value, end of
period................. $9.67 $8.85 $10.19 $9.67 $8.85 $10.19 $9.67
TOTAL RETURN+........... 13.1% (8.6%) 3.9% 12.5% (9.1%) 3.7% 13.3%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL
DATA:
Net assets, end of
period (000's
omitted)............... $1,984 $1,606 $1,306 $ 5,803 $3,817 $2,235 $965
Ratios to average net
assets:
Expenses **............ .72%++ .53% .25%++ 1.47%++ 1.12% .75%++ .47%++
Net investment income
**................... 5.17%++ 5.11% 4.64%++ 4.42%++ 4.54% 4.25%++ 5.42%++
Portfolio turnover
rate................... 87% 59% 0% 87% 59% 0% 87%
<CAPTION>
FEBRUARY 28, 1994*
THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, 1994
<S> <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value,
beginning of period.... $9.83
Income (loss) from
investment operations:
Net investment income... .41
Net realized and
unrealized gain (loss)
on investments......... (.98)
Total from investment
operations........... (.57)
Less distributions to
shareholders from:
Net investment income... (.41)
Net asset value, end of
period................. $8.85
TOTAL RETURN+........... (5.8%)
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL
DATA:
Net assets, end of
period (000's
omitted)............... $344
Ratios to average net
assets:
Expenses **............ .28%++
Net investment income
**................... 5.54%++
Portfolio turnover
rate................... 59%
</TABLE>
# The Fund changed its fiscal year-end from December 31 to August 31.
* Commencement of class operations.
+ Total return is calculated on net asset value per share for the periods
indicated and is not annualized. Initial sales charge or contingent deferred
sales charge is not reflected.
++ Annualized.
** Net of expense waivers and reimbursements. If the Fund had borne all
expenses that were reimbursed or waived by the investment adviser, the
annualized ratios of expenses and net investment income (loss) to average
net assets, exclusive of any applicable state expense limitations, would
have been the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES CLASS B SHARES CLASS Y
JULY 2, JULY 2, SHARES
EIGHT MONTHS 1993* EIGHT MONTHS 1993* EIGHT MONTHS
ENDED YEAR ENDED THROUGH ENDED YEAR ENDED THROUGH ENDED
AUGUST 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, AUGUST 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, AUGUST 31,
1995# 1994 1993 1995# 1994 1993 1995#
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Expenses................ 3.83% 5.14% 7.75% 4.58% 5.73% 8.25% 3.58%
Net investment income
(loss)................. 2.06% .50% (2.86%) 1.31% (.07%) (3.25%) 2.31%
<CAPTION>
FEBRUARY 28,
1994* THROUGH
DECEMBER 31, 1994
<S> <C>
Expenses................ 4.89%
Net investment income
(loss)................. .93%
</TABLE>
10
<PAGE>
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND -- CLASS A AND Y SHARES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES#
JUNE 17,
FOUR MONTHS 1992*
ENDED YEAR ENDED THROUGH
AUGUST 31, APRIL 30, APRIL
1995 1995 1994 30, 1993
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period................................. $10.16 $10.08 $10.36 $10.00
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income................................................ .21 .65 .68 .61
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments............... .24 .08 (.26) .39
Total from investment operations.................................... .45 .73 .42 1.00
Less distributions to shareholders from:
Net investment income................................................ (.21) (.65) (.68) (.61)
Net realized gains................................................... -- -- (.02) (.03)
Total distributions................................................. (.21) (.65) (.70) (.64)
Net asset value at end of period..................................... $10.40 $10.16 $10.08 $10.36
TOTAL RETURN+........................................................ 4.4% 7.6% 3.3% 10.3%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)............................ $59,551 $65,043 $72,683 $33,541
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses............................................................ 1.07%++** .60%** .14%** .00%++**
Net investment income............................................... 5.92%++** 6.52%** 6.16%** 5.92%**++
Portfolio turnover rate.............................................. 14% 28% 31% 50%
<CAPTION>
CLASS B SHARES
JULY 10, 1995*
THROUGH
AUGUST 31,
1995
<S> <C>
PER SHARE DATA:
Net asset value, beginning of period................................. $10.41
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income................................................ .08
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments............... (.01)
Total from investment operations.................................... .07
Less distributions to shareholders from:
Net investment income................................................ (.08)
Net realized gains................................................... --
Total distributions................................................. (.08)
Net asset value at end of period..................................... $10.40
TOTAL RETURN+........................................................ .6%
RATIOS & SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (000's omitted)............................ $3,137
Ratios to average net assets:
Expenses............................................................ 1.09%++
Net investment income............................................... 3.40%++
Portfolio turnover rate.............................................. 14%
</TABLE>
# Effective June 30, 1995, Evergreen Florida High Income Municipal Bond Fund, a
new series of the Evergreen Municipal Trust, acquired substantially all of
the net assets of ABT Florida High Income Municipal Bond Fund. ABT Florida
High Income Municipal Bond Fund, which had a fiscal year that ended on April
30, was the accounting survivor in the combination. Accordingly, the
information above includes the results of operations of ABT Florida High
Income Municipal Bond Fund prior to June 30, 1995.
* Commencement of class operations.
+ Total return is calculated on net asset value per share for the periods
indicated and is not annualized. Initial sales charge and contingent deferred
sales charge is not reflected.
++ Annualized.
** Net of expense waivers and reimbursements. If the Fund had borne all
expenses that were reimbursed or waived by the investment adviser, the
annualized ratios of expenses and net investment income (loss) to average
net assets would have been the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A SHARES
FOUR MONTHS
ENDED YEAR ENDED
AUGUST 31, APRIL 30,
1995# 1995 1994
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Expenses....................................................................... 1.42% 1.26% 1.12%
Net investment income.......................................................... 5.57% 5.86% 5.18%
<CAPTION>
JUNE 17, 1992*
THROUGH
APRIL 30, 1993
<S> <C>
Expenses....................................................................... 1.12%
Net investment income.......................................................... 4.80%
</TABLE>
11
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNDS
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
The Funds seek current income exempt from federal regular income tax and,
where applicable, state income taxes, consistent with preservation of capital.
In addition, the EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND intends to qualify as an
investment exempt from the Florida state intangibles tax. Florida does not
currently tax personal income.
Each Fund's investment objective is fundamental cannot be changed without
shareholder approval. While there is no assurance that each objective will be
achieved, the Funds will endeavor to do so by following the investment policies
detailed below. Unless otherwise indicated, the investment policies of a Fund
may be changed by the Board of Trustees ("Trustees") without the approval of
shareholders. Shareholders will be notified before any material change in these
policies becomes effective.
As a matter of fundamental investment policy, which may not be changed
without shareholder approval, each Fund will normally invest its assets so that
at least 80% of its annual interest income is, or at least 80% of its net assets
are, invested in obligations which provide interest income which is exempt from
federal regular income taxes. The interest retains its tax-free status when
distributed to the Funds' shareholders. In addition, at least 65% of the value
of each Fund's total assets will be invested in municipal bonds of the
particular state after which the Fund is named. To qualify as an investment
exempt from the Florida state intangibles tax, the EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND'S portfolio must consist entirely of investments exempt from the
Florida state intangibles tax on the last business day of the calendar year.
Each Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing
principally in municipal bonds, including industrial development bonds, of its
designated state. In addition, the Funds may invest in obligations issued by or
on behalf of any state, territory, or possession of the United States, including
the District of Columbia, or their political subdivisions or agencies and
instrumentalities, the interest from which is exempt from federal (regular, if
applicable) income tax. It is likely that shareholders who are subject to the
alternative minimum tax will be required to include interest from a portion of
the municipal securities owned by a Fund in calculating the federal individual
alternative minimum tax or the federal alternative minimum tax for corporations.
Municipal bonds are debt obligations issued by the state or local
entities to support a government's general financial needs or special projects,
such as housing projects or sewer works. Municipal bonds include industrial
development bonds issued by or on behalf of public authorities to provide
financing aid to acquire sites or construct or equip facilities for privately or
publicly owned corporations.
The two principal classifications of municipal bonds are "general
obligation" and "revenue" bonds. General obligation bonds are secured by the
issuer's pledge of its full faith and credit and taxing power for the payment of
principal and interest. Revenue bonds are paid off only with the revenue
generated by the project financed by the bond or other specified sources of
revenue. For example, in the case of a bridge project, proceeds from the tolls
would go directly to retiring the bond issue. Thus, unlike general obligation
bonds, revenue bonds do not represent a pledge of credit or create any debt of
or charge against the general revenues of a municipality or public authority.
The municipal bonds in which the Funds will invest are subject to one or
more of the following quality standards: rated Baa or better by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or BBB or better by Standard & Poor's
Ratings Group ("S&P") or, if unrated, are determined by the Fund's investment
adviser to be of comparable quality to such ratings; insured by a municipal bond
insurance company which is rated Aa by Moody's or AA by S&P; guaranteed at the
time of purchase by the U.S. government as to the payment of principal and
interest; or fully collateralized by an escrow of U.S. government securities.
Bonds rated BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody's have speculative characteristics.
Changes in economic conditions or other circumstances are more likely to lead to
weakened capacity to make principal and interest payments than higher rated
bonds. However, like the higher
12
<PAGE>
rated bonds, these securities are considered to be investment grade. If any
security owned by a Fund loses its rating or has its rating reduced after the
Fund has purchased it, the Fund is not required to sell or otherwise dispose of
the security, but may consider doing so. If ratings made by Moody's or S&P
change because of changes in those organizations or their ratings systems, the
Funds will try to use comparable ratings as standards in accordance with the
Funds' investment objectives. A description of the rating categories is
contained in an Appendix to the Statement of Additional Information.
The Funds may also invest in:
participation interests in any of the above obligations.
(Participation interests may be purchased from financial institutions
such as commercial banks, savings and loan associations and insurance
companies, and give a Fund an undivided interest in particular municipal
securities.);
variable rate municipal securities. (Variable rate securities
offer interest rates which are tied to a money market rate, usually a
published interest rate or interest rate index or the 91-day U.S.
Treasury bill rate. Many of these securities are subject to prepayment of
principal on demand by the Fund, usually in seven days or less.); and
municipal leases as described in "Investment Practices and
Restrictions", below issued by state and local governments or authorities
to finance the acquisition of equipment and facilities.
During periods when, in the opinion of the Funds investment adviser, a
temporary defensive position in the market is appropriate, a Fund may
temporarily invest in short-term tax-exempt or taxable investments. These
temporary investments include: notes issued by or on behalf of municipal or
corporate issuers; obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its
agencies, or instrumentalities; other debt securities; commercial paper; bank
certificates of deposit; shares of other investment companies; and repurchase
agreements. There are no rating requirements applicable to temporary
investments. However, the Funds investment adviser will limit temporary
investments to those it considers to be of comparable quality to the Funds'
primary investments.
Although the Funds are permitted to make taxable, temporary investments,
there is no current intention of generating income subject to federal regular
income tax, where applicable. However, certain temporary investments will
generate income which is subject to state taxes. The Funds may employ certain
additional investment strategies which are discussed in "Investment Practices
and Restrictions", below.
EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND
The objective of the EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX FREE INCOME FUND is to seek
a high level of income, exempt from Federal and New Jersey personal income
taxes. The Fund is available only to investors who reside in New Jersey. There
is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its stated objective. The investment
objective of the Fund is fundamental and so may not be changed without the
approval of a majority of the Fund's shareholders.
To attain its objective, the EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND
invests at least 80% of its net assets in municipal securities issued by the
State of New Jersey or its counties, municipalities, authorities or other
political subdivisions and municipal obligations issued by territories or
possessions of the United States, such as Puerto Rico, the interests on which,
in the opinion of bond counsel, is exempt from federal and New Jersey personal
income taxes. The Fund normally invests in intermediate and long-term municipal
securities. Intermediate-term municipal securities generally mature in three to
ten years. Long-term municipal securities generally mature in ten to thirty
years. The Fund has no maximum or minimum maturity for any individual municipal
securities, however, it will maintain a dollar-weighted average portfolio
maturity of twenty years or less. If its investment adviser determines that
market conditions warrant a shorter average maturity, the Fund's investments
will be adjusted accordingly.
The Fund will only purchase securities rated within the three highest
rating categories by Moody's or by S&P and unrated securities of equivalent
quality as determined by the investment adviser pursuant to guidelines
established by the Trustees. See the Statement of Additional Information for
further information in regard to ratings.
The Fund will seek to invest substantially all of its assets in
intermediate and long-term Municipal Obligations. However, under certain
circumstances, such as a temporary decline in the issuance of New Jersey
obligations, the Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in the following:
short-term municipal securities issued
13
<PAGE>
outside of New Jersey (the income from which may be subject to New Jersey income
taxes) or certain taxable fixed income securities (the income from which may be
subject to federal and New Jersey personal income taxes).
In addition, under unusual circumstances the Fund reserves the right to
invest more than 20% of its assets in securities other than New Jersey Municipal
Obligations such as taxable fixed income securities, the interest from which may
be subject to Federal and New Jersey personal income taxes. In most instances,
however, the Fund will seek to avoid holdings in an effort to provide income
that is fully exempt from federal and New Jersey personal income taxes.
The Fund may also invest in municipal securities issued to finance
private activities, whose interest is a preference item for purposes of the
Federal alternative minimum tax. Such "private activity bonds" might include
industrial development bonds and securities issued to finance project such as
solid waste disposal facilities, student loans or water and sewage projects. The
Fund currently intends to treat "private activity bonds" as not Federally
tax-exempt and accordingly to limit income from "private activity bonds" to no
more than 20%. See "Other Information-Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" for
further information. The Fund may invest in other municipal securities and may
employ additional investment strategies which are discussed in "Investment
Practices and Restrictions" below.
Municipal lease obligations. The Funds may purchase municipal securities in the
form of participation interests which represent undivided proportional interests
in lease payments by a governmental or non-profit entity. The lease payments and
other rights under the lease provide for and secure the payments on the
certificates. Lease obligations may be limited by municipal charter or the
nature of the appropriation for the lease. In particular, lease obligations may
be subject to periodic appropriation. If the entity does not appropriate funds
for future lease payments, the entity cannot be compelled to make such payments.
Furthermore, a lease may provide that the certificate trustee cannot accelerate
lease obligations upon default. The trustee would only be able to enforce lease
payments as they become due. In the event of a default or failure of
appropriation, it is unlikely that the trustee would be able to obtain an
acceptable substitute source of payment or that the substitute source of payment
would generate tax-exempt income.
Resource recovery bonds. Each Fund may purchase resource recovery bonds, which
may be general obligations of the issuing municipality or supported by corporate
or bank guarantees. The viability of the resource recovery project,
environmental protection regulations and project operator tax incentives may
affect the value and credit quality of resource recovery bonds.
Zero coupon debt securities. The Funds may ??? zero coupon debt securities do
not make regular interest payments. Instead, they are sold at a deep discount
from their face value. In calculating their daily dividends, each day the Fund
takes into account as income a portion of the difference between these
securities' purchase price and their face value. Because they do not pay current
income, the prices of zero coupon debt securities can be very volatile when
interest rates change.
Securities with Put or Demand Rights. The Funds have the ability to enter into
put transactions, sometimes referred to as stand-by commitments, with respect to
Municipal Obligations held in their portfolio or to purchase securities which
carry a demand feature or put option which permit a Fund, as holder, to tender
them back to the issuer or a third party prior to maturity and receive payment
within seven days. Segregated accounts will be maintained by each Fund for all
such transactions. For a detailed description of put transactions, see
"Investment Policies -- Securities with Put Rights" in the Statement of
Additional Information.
The amount payable to a Fund by the seller upon its exercise of a put
will normally be (i) the Funds' acquisition cost of the securities (excluding
any accrued interest which the Funds paid on their acquisition), less any
amortized market premium plus any amortized market or original issue discount
during the period a Fund owned the securities, plus (ii) all interest accrued on
the securities since the last interest payment date during the period the
securities were owned by a Fund. Accordingly, the amount payable by a
broker-dealer or bank during the time a put is exercisable will be substantially
the same as the value of the underlying securities.
A Fund's right to exercise a put is unconditional and unqualified. A put
is not transferable by a Fund, although each Fund may sell the underlying
securities to a third party at any time. The Funds expect that puts will
generally be available without any additional direct or indirect cost. However,
if necessary and advisable, a Fund may pay for certain puts either separately in
cash or by paying a higher price for portfolio securities which are acquired
subject to such a put (thus reducing the yield to maturity otherwise available
to the same securities).
14
<PAGE>
Thus, the aggravate price paid for securities with put rights may be higher than
the price that would otherwise be paid.
A Fund may enter into put transactions only with broker-dealers (in
accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission) and banks
which, in the opinion of the Funds' Adviser, present minimal credit risks. The
Funds' Adviser will monitor periodically the creditworthiness of issuers of such
obligations held by the Fund. A Funds' ability to exercise a put will depend on
the ability of the broker-dealer or bank to pay for the underlying securities at
the time the put is exercised. In the event that a broker-dealer should default
on its obligation to purchase an underlying security, a Fund might be unable to
recover all or a portion of any loss sustained from having to sell the security
elsewhere. The Funds intend to enter into put transactions solely to maintain
portfolio liquidity and does not intend to exercise its rights thereunder for
trading purposes.
SPECIAL RISK FACTORS RELATED TO INVESTING IN MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS
It should be noted that municipal securities may be adversely affected by
local political and economic conditions and developments within a state. For
example, adverse conditions in a significant industry within New Jersey may from
time to time have a correspondingly adverse effect on specific issuers within
New Jersey or on anticipated revenue to the State itself; conversely, an
improving economic outlook for a significant industry may have a positive effect
on such issuers or revenues.
The value of municipal securities may also be affected by general
conditions in the money markets or the municipal bond markets, the levels of
federal and state income tax rates, the supply of tax-exempt bonds, the size of
the particular offering, the maturity of the obligation, the credit quality and
rating of the issue, and perceptions with respect to the level of interest
rates. In general, the value of bonds tends to appreciate when interest rates
decline and depreciate when interest rates rise. An expanded discussion of the
risks associated with the purchase of securities issued is contained in the
Statement of Additional Information.
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND seeks to provide a high
level of current income which is exempt from federal income taxes. The term
"high-level" indicates that the Fund seeks to achieve an income level that
exceeds that which an investor would expect from an investment grade portfolio
with similar maturity characteristics. EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND invests primarily in high yield, medium and lower rated (Baa through C
by Moody's and BBB through C1 by S&P) and unrated municipal securities. To
varying degrees, medium and lower rated municipal securities, as well as unrated
municipal securities, are considered to have speculative characteristics and are
subject to greater market fluctuations and risk of loss of income and principal
than higher rated securities. To the extent that an investor realizes a yield in
excess of that which could be expected from a fund which invests primarily in
investment grade securities, the investor should expect to bear increased risk
due to the fact that the risk of principal and/or interest not being repaid with
respect to the high yield securities described above is significantly greater
than that which exists in connection with investment grade securities. In
assessing the risk involved in purchasing medium and lower rated and unrated
securities, the Fund's investment adviser will use nationally recognized
statistical rating organizations such as Moody's and S&P, and will also rely
heavily on credit analysis it develops internally. Under normal circumstances,
the Fund's dollar-weighted average maturity generally will be fifteen years or
more. However, the Fund may invest in securities of any maturity, and if the
Fund's investment adviser determines that market conditions warrant a shorter
average maturity, the Fund's investments will be adjusted accordingly. In
pursuit of its investment objective, EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND will, under normal market conditions, invest at least 65% of its total
assets in such medium and lower rated municipal securities or unrated municipal
securities of comparable quality to such rated municipal bonds. Investors should
note that such a policy is not a fundamental policy of the Fund and shareholder
approval is not necessary to change such policy. There is no assurance that
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND can achieve its investment
objective.
The Fund will not invest in municipal securities which are in default,
i.e., securities rated D by S&P. Investments may also be made by EVERGREEN
FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND in higher quality municipal bonds and,
for temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest less than 65% of its total
assets in the medium and lower quality municipal securities described above. The
Fund may assume a defensive position if, for example, yield spreads between
lower grade and investment grade municipal bonds are narrow and the yields
available on lower quality municipal securities do not justify the increased
risk associated with an investment in such securities or when there is a lack of
medium and lower quality issues in which to invest. EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH
INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND may also invest primarily in higher quality municipal
obligations until its net
15
<PAGE>
assets reach a level that would permit the Fund to begin investing in medium and
lower rated municipal bonds and at the same time maintain adequate
diversification and liquidity. Investing in this manner may result in yields
lower than those normally associated with a fund that invests primarily in
medium and lower quality municipal securities.
During the fiscal year ended August 31, 1995 EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH
INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND'S holdings had the following average credit quality
characteristics:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Percent of
Rating Net Assets
<S> <C>
Aaa or AAA 5.4%
Aa or AA --
A 1.9
Baa or BBB 18.3
Ba or BB 8.0
Non-rated 61.5
Total 95.1%
</TABLE>
The Fund may purchase industrial development bonds only if the interest
on such bonds is, in the opinion of bond counsel, exempt from federal income
taxes. It is anticipated that the annual portfolio turnover rate for the Fund
may exceed 100%. The Fund may employ certain additional investment strategies
which are discussed in "Investment Practices and Restrictions", below. Also, see
the Statement of Additional Information for further information in regard to
ratings.
INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND RESTRICTIONS
Risk Factors. Bond yields are dependent on several factors including market
conditions, the size of an offering, the maturity of the bond, ratings of the
bond and the ability of issuers to meet their obligations. There is no limit on
the maturity of the bonds purchased by the Funds. Because the prices of bonds
fluctuate inversely in relation to the direction of interest rates, the prices
of longer term bonds fluctuate more widely in response to market interest rate
changes. A Fund's concentration in securities issued by its designated state and
that state's political subdivisions provides a greater level of risk than a fund
which is diversified across numerous states and municipal entities. An expanded
discussion of the risks associated with the purchase of the designated state's
municipal bonds is contained in the Statements of Additional Information.
Although the Funds, other than EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND, will not purchase securities rated below BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody's
(i.e., junk bonds), the Funds are not required to dispose of securities that
have been downgraded subsequent to their purchase. If the municipal obligations
held by a Fund (because of adverse economic conditions in a particular state,
for example) are downgraded, the Fund's concentration in securities of that
state may cause the Fund to be subject to the risks inherent in holding material
amounts of low-rated debt securities in its portfolio. As stated above,
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND invests primarily in high
yield, medium and lower rated (Baa through C by Moody's and BBB through C1 by
S&P) and unrated securities. Additional risk factors relating to the investment
by EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND in high yield, medium and
lower rated (Baa through C by Moody's and BBB through C1 by S&P) and unrated
securities are discussed below.
Portfolio Turnover. A portfolio turnover rate of 100% would occur if all of a
Fund's portfolio securities were replaced in one year. The portfolio turnover
rate experienced by a Fund directly affects the transaction costs relating to
the purchase and sale of securities which a Fund bears directly. A high rate of
portfolio turnover will increase such costs. See the Statement of Additional
Information for further information regarding the practices of the Funds
affecting portfolio turnover.
Non-Diversification. Each of EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN
GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND,
EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND AND EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND is a non-diversified
portfolio of an investment company and, as such, there is no limit on the
percentage of assets which can be invested in any single issuer. An investment
in a Fund, therefore, will entail greater risk than would exist in a diversified
investment company because the higher percentage of investments among fewer
issuers may result in greater fluctuation in the total market value of the
Fund's portfolio. Each of the Funds intends to comply with Subchapter M of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") which requires that at
the end of
16
<PAGE>
each quarter of each taxable year, with regard to at least 50% of the Fund's
total assets, no more than 5% of the total assets may be invested in the
securities of a single issuer and that with respect to the remainder of the
Fund's total assets, no more than 25% of its total assets are invested in the
securities of a single issuer.
Repurchase Agreements. The Funds may invest in repurchase agreements. Repurchase
agreements are agreements by which a Fund purchases a security (usually U.S.
government securities) for cash and obtains a simultaneous commitment from the
seller (usually a bank or broker/dealer) to repurchase the security at an
agreed-upon price and specified future date. The repurchase price reflects an
agreed-upon interest rate for the time period of the agreement. The Funds' risk
is the inability of the seller to pay the agreed-upon price on the delivery
date. However, this risk is tempered by the ability of the Funds to sell the
security in the open market in the case of a default. In such a case, the Funds
may incur costs in disposing of the security which would increase Fund expenses.
The Funds Investment adviser will monitor the creditworthiness of the firms with
which the Funds enter into repurchase agreements.
When-Issued And Delayed Delivery Transactions. The Funds may purchase securities
on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis. These transactions are arrangements
in which the Funds purchase securities with payment and delivery scheduled for a
future time. The seller's failure to complete these transactions may cause the
Funds to miss a price or yield considered to be advantageous. Settlement dates
may be a month or more after entering into these transactions, and the market
values of the securities purchased may vary from the purchase prices.
Accordingly, the Funds may pay more or less than the market value of the
securities on the settlement date. The Funds may dispose of a commitment prior
to settlement if the Funds investment adviser deems it appropriate to do so. In
addition, the Funds may enter into transactions to sell their purchase
commitments to third parties at current market values and simultaneously acquire
other commitments to purchase similar securities at later dates. The Funds may
realize short-term profits or losses upon the sale of such commitments.
Lending Of Portfolio Securities. In order to generate additional income, the
Funds may lend their portfolio securities on a short-term or long-term basis to
broker/dealers, banks, or other institutional borrowers of securities. The Funds
will only enter into loan arrangements with creditworthy borrowers and will
receive collateral in the form of cash or U.S. government securities equal to at
least 100% of the value of the securities loaned. As a matter of fundamental
investment policy, which cannot be changed without shareholder approval, the
Funds will not lend any of their assets except portfolio securities up to
one-third of the value of their total assets, except for EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY
TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, which will only lend up to 5% of the value of its assets.
There is the risk that when lending portfolio securities, the securities may not
be available to a Fund on a timely basis and the Fund may, therefore, lose the
opportunity to sell the securities at a desirable price. In addition, in the
event that a borrower of securities would file for bankruptcy or become
insolvent, disposition of the securities may be delayed pending court action.
Investing In Securities Of Other Investment Companies. Each Fund may invest in
the securities of other investment companies. This is a short-term measure to
invest cash which has not yet been invested in other portfolio instruments and
is subject to the following limitations: (1) no Fund will own more than 3% of
the total outstanding voting stock of any one investment company, (2) no Fund
may invest more than 5% of its total assets in any one investment company and
(3) no Fund may invest more than 10% of its total assets in investment companies
in general. The Funds investment adviser will waive its investment advisory fee
on assets invested in securities of other open end investment companies.
Borrowing. As a matter of fundamental policy, which may not be changed without
shareholder approval, the Funds may not borrow money except as a temporary
measure to facilitate redemption requests which might otherwise require the
untimely disposition of portfolio investments and for extraordinary or emergency
purposes, provided that the aggregate amount of such borrowings shall not exceed
one-third of the value of the total net assets at the time of such borrowing.
Illiquid Securities. The Funds may invest up to 15% of their net assets in
illiquid securities and other securities which are not readily marketable.
Repurchase agreements with maturities longer than seven days will be included
for the purpose of the foregoing 15% limit. Securities eligible for resale
pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, which have been
determined to be liquid, will not be considered by the Funds investment adviser
to be illiquid or not readily marketable and, therefore, are not subject to the
aforementioned 15% limit. The inability of a Fund to dispose of illiquid or not
readily marketable investments readily or at a reasonable price could impair a
Fund's ability to raise cash for redemptions or other purposes. The liquidity of
securities purchased by a Fund which are eligible for resale pursuant to Rule
144A will be monitored by the Funds investment adviser on an ongoing basis,
subject to the oversight of the Trustees. In the event that such a security is
deemed to be no longer
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liquid, a Fund's holdings will be reviewed to determine what action, if any, is
required to ensure that the retention of such security does not result in a Fund
having more than 15% of its assets invested in illiquid or not readily
marketable securities.
Unseasoned Issuers. The Funds will not invest more than 5% of the value of their
total assets in securities of issuers (or guarantors, where applicable) which
have records of less than three years of continuous operations, including the
operation of any predecessor.
Risk Factors Associated with Medium and Lower Rated and Unrated Municipal
Obligations. EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND will invest in
medium and lower rated or unrated municipal securities. The market for high
yield, high risk debt securities rated in the medium and lower rating
categories, or which are unrated, is relatively new and its growth has
paralleled a long economic expansion. Past experience may not, therefore,
provide an accurate indication of future performance of this market,
particularly during periods of economic recession. An economic downturn or
increase in interest rates is likely to have a greater negative effect on this
market, the value of high yield debt securities in the Fund's portfolio, the
Fund's net asset value and the ability of the bonds' issuers to repay principal
and interest, meet projected business goals and obtain additional financing,
than would be the case if investments by the Fund were limited to higher rated
securities. These circumstances also may result in a higher incidence of
defaults. Yields on medium or lower-rated municipal bonds may not fully reflect
the higher risks of such bonds. Therefore, the risk of a decline in market
value, should interest rates increase or credit quality concerns develop, may be
higher than has historically been experienced with such investments. An
investment in EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND may be
considered more speculative than investment in shares of another fund which
invests primarily in higher rated debt securities.
Prices of high yield debt securities may be more sensitive to adverse
economic changes or corporate developments than higher rated investments. Debt
securities with longer maturities, which may have higher yields, may increase or
decrease in value more than debt securities with shorter maturities. Market
prices of high yield debt securities structured as zero coupon or pay-in-kind
securities are affected to a greater extent by interest rate changes and may be
more volatile than securities which pay interest periodically and in cash. Where
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND deems it appropriate and in
the best interests of its shareholders, it may incur additional expenses to seek
recovery on a debt security on which the issuer has defaulted and to pursue
litigation to protect the interests of security holders of its portfolio
entities.
Because the market for medium or lower rated securities may be thinner
and less active than the market for higher rated securities, there may be market
price volatility for these securities and limited liquidity in the resale
market. Unrated securities are usually not as attractive to as many buyers as
are rated securities, a factor which may make unrated securities less
marketable. These factors may have the effect of limiting the availability of
the securities for purchase by EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
and may also limit the ability of the Fund to sell such securities at their fair
value either to meet redemption requests or in response to changes in the
economy or the financial markets. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions,
whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and
liquidity of medium or lower rated debt securities, especially in a thinly
traded market. To the extent the Fund owns or may acquire illiquid or restricted
high yield securities, these securities may involve special registration
responsibilities, liabilities and costs, and liquidity and valuation
difficulties. Changes in values of debt securities which the Fund owns will
affect the Fund's net asset value per share. If market quotations are not
readily available for the Fund's lower rated or unrated securities, these
securities will be valued by a method that the Trustees believes accurately
reflects fair value. Valuation becomes more difficult and judgment plays a
greater role in valuing high yield debt securities than with respect to
securities for which more external sources of quotations and last sale
information are available.
Special tax considerations are associated with investing in high yield
debt securities structured as zero coupon or pay-in-kind securities. A Fund
investing in such securities accrues income on these securities prior to the
receipt of cash payments. EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND must
distribute substantially all of its income to shareholders to qualify for pass
through treatment under the tax laws and may, therefore, have to dispose of
portfolio securities to satisfy distribution requirements.
While credit ratings are only one factor EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND'S investment adviser relies on in evaluating high yield debt
securities, certain risks are associated with using credit ratings. Credit
ratings evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments, not market value
risk. Credit rating agencies may fail to change in timely manner the credit
ratings to reflect subsequent events; however, the Fund's investment adviser
continuously monitors the issuers of high yield debt securities in the Fund's
portfolio in an attempt to determine if the issuers will have sufficient cash
flow and profits to meet required principal and interest
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payments. Achievement of EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND'S
investment objective may be more dependent upon the Fund's investment adviser
and the credit analysis capability of the Fund's investment adviser, than is the
case for higher quality debt securities. Credit ratings for individual
securities may change from time to time and EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND may retain a portfolio security whose rating has been
changed. See the Statement of Additional Information for a description of bond
and note ratings.
Transactions in Options and Futures. The Funds, other than EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY
TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, may engage in options and futures transactions. Options
and futures transactions are intended to enable a Fund to manage market or
interest rate risk, and the Funds do not use these transactions for speculation
or leverage. The Funds, other than EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND,
may attempt to hedge all or a portion of their portfolios through the purchase
of both put and call options on their portfolio securities and listed put
options on financial futures contracts for portfolio securities. The Funds may
also write covered call options on their portfolio securities to attempt to
increase their current income. The Funds will maintain their positions in
securities, option rights, and segregated cash subject to puts and calls until
the options are exercised, closed, or have expired. An option position may be
closed out only on an exchange which provides a secondary market for an option
of the same series. The Funds may purchase listed put options on financial
futures contracts. These options will be used only to protect portfolio
securities against decreases in value resulting from market factors such as an
anticipated increase in interest rates.
The Funds, other than EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, may
write (i.e., sell) covered call and put options. By writing a call option, a
Fund becomes obligated during the term of the option to deliver the securities
underlying the option upon payment of the exercise price. By writing a put
option, a Fund becomes obligated during the term of the option to purchase the
securities underlying the option at the exercise price if the option is
exercised. The Funds also may write straddles (combinations of covered puts and
calls on the same underlying security). The Funds may only write
"covered"options. This means that so long as a Fund is obligated as the writer
of a call option, it will own the underlying securities subject to the option
or, in the case of call options on U.S. Treasury bills, the Fund might own
substantially similar U.S. Treasury bills. A Fund will be considered
"covered"with respect to a put option it writes if, so long as it is obligated
as the writer of the put option, it deposits and maintains with its custodian in
a segregated account liquid assets having a value equal to or greater than the
exercise price of the option.
The principal reason for writing call or put options is to obtain,
through a receipt of premiums, a greater current return than would be realized
on the underlying securities alone. The Funds receive a premium from writing a
call or put option which they retain whether or not the option is exercised. By
writing a call option, the Funds might lose the potential for gain on the
underlying security while the option is open, and by writing a put option the
Funds might become obligated to purchase the underlying securities for more than
their current market price upon exercise.
A futures contract is a firm commitment by two parties: the seller, who
agrees to make delivery of the specific type of instrument called for in the
contract ("going short"), and the buyer, who agrees to take delivery of the
instrument ("going long") at a certain time in the future. Financial futures
contracts call for the delivery of particular debt instruments issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury or by specified agencies or instrumentalities of
the U.S. government. If a Fund would enter into financial futures contracts
directly to hedge its holdings of fixed income securities, it would enter into
contracts to deliver securities at an undetermined price (i.e., "go short") to
protect itself against the possibility that the prices of its fixed income
securities may decline during the Fund's anticipated holding period. A Fund
would "go long" (agree to purchase securities in the future at a predetermined
price) to hedge against a decline in market interest rates.
The Funds, other than EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, may also
enter into financial futures contracts and write options on such contracts. The
Funds intend to enter into such contracts and related options for hedging
purposes. The Funds will enter into futures on securities or index-based futures
contracts in order to hedge against changes in interest rates or securities
prices. A futures contract on securities is an agreement to buy or sell
securities during a designated month at whatever price exists at that time. A
futures contract on a securities index does not involve the actual delivery of
securities, but merely requires the payment of a cash settlement based on
changes in the securities index. The Funds do not make payment or deliver
securities upon entering into a futures contract. Instead, they put down a
margin deposit, which is adjusted to reflect changes in the value of the
contract and which remains in effect until the contract is terminated.
The Funds, other than EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, may sell
or purchase other financial futures contracts. When a futures contract is sold
by a Fund, the profit on the contract will tend to rise
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when the value of the underlying securities declines and to fall when the value
of such securities increases. Thus, the Funds sell futures contracts in order to
offset a possible decline in the profit on their securities. If a futures
contract is purchased by a Fund, the value of the contract will tend to rise
when the value of the underlying securities increases and to fall when the value
of such securities declines. The Funds may enter into closing purchase and sale
transactions in order to terminate a futures contract and may buy or sell put
and call options for the purpose of closing out their options positions. The
Funds' ability to enter into closing transactions depends on the development and
maintenance of a liquid secondary market. There is no assurance that a liquid
secondary market will exist for any particular contract or at any particular
time. As a result, there can be no assurance that the Funds will be able to
enter into an offsetting transaction with respect to a particular contract at a
particular time. If the Funds are not able to enter into an offsetting
transaction, the Funds will continue to be required to maintain the margin
deposits on the contract and to complete the contract according to its terms, in
which case it would continue to bear market risk on the transaction.
Risk Characteristics Of Options And Futures. Although options and futures
transactions are intended to enable the Funds to manage market or interest rate
risks, these investment devices can be highly volatile, and the Funds use of
them can result in poorer performance (i.e., the Funds return may be reduced).
The Funds attempt to use such investment devices for hedging purposes may not be
successful. Successful futures strategies require the ability to predict future
movements in securities prices, interest rates and other economic factors. When
the Funds use financial futures contracts and options on financial futures
contracts as hedging devices, there is a risk that the prices of the securities
subject to the financial futures contracts and options on financial futures
contracts may not correlate perfectly with the prices of the securities in the
Funds' portfolios. This may cause the financial futures contract and any related
options to react to market changes differently than the portfolio securities. In
addition, the Funds investment adviser could be incorrect in its expectations
and forecasts about the direction or extent of market factors, such as interest
rates, securities price movements, and other economic factors. Even if the Funds
investment adviser correctly predicts interest rate movements, a hedge could be
unsuccessful if changes in the value of a Fund's futures position did not
correspond to changes in the value of its investments. In these events, the
Funds may lose money on the financial futures contracts or the options on
financial futures contracts. It is not certain that a secondary market for
positions in financial futures contracts or for options on financial futures
contracts will exist at all times. Although the Funds investment adviser will
consider liquidity before entering into financial futures contracts or options
on financial futures contracts transactions, there is no assurance that a liquid
secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular financial futures
contract or option on a financial futures contract at any particular time. The
Funds' ability to establish and close out financial futures contracts and
options on financial futures contract positions depends on this secondary
market. If a Fund is unable to close out its position due to disruptions in the
market or lack of liquidity, the Fund may lose money on the futures contract or
option, and the losses to the Fund could be significant.
A Fund's right to exercise a put is unconditional and unqualified. A put
is not transferable by a Fund, although each Fund may sell the underlying
securities to a third party at any time. The Funds expect that puts will
generally be available without any additional direct or indirect cost. However,
if necessary and advisable, a Fund may pay for certain puts either separately in
cash or by paying a higher price for portfolio securities which are acquired
subject to such a put (thus reducing the yield to maturity otherwise available
to the same securities). Thus, the aggravate price paid for securities with put
rights may be higher than the price that would otherwise be paid.
A Fund may enter into put transactions only with broker-dealers (in
accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission) and banks
which, in the opinion of the Funds' Adviser, present minimal credit risks. The
Funds' Adviser will monitor periodically the creditworthiness of issuers of such
obligations held by the Fund. A Funds' ability to exercise a put will depend on
the ability of the broker-dealer or bank to pay for the underlying securities at
the time the put is exercised. In the event that a broker-dealer should default
on its obligation to purchase an underlying security, a Fund might be unable to
recover all or a portion of any loss sustained from having to sell the security
elsewhere. The Funds intend to enter into put transactions solely to maintain
portfolio liquidity and does not intend to exercise its rights thereunder for
trading purposes.
SPECIAL RISK FACTORS RELATED TO INVESTING IN MUNICIPAL OBLIGATIONS
It should be noted that municipal securities may be adversely affected by
local political and economic conditions and developments within a state. For
example, adverse conditions in a significant industry within New Jersey may from
time to time have a correspondingly adverse effect on specific issuers within
New Jersey or on
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anticipated revenue to the State itself; conversely, an improving economic
outlook for a significant industry may have a positive effect on such issuers or
revenues.
The value of municipal securities may also be affected by general
conditions in the money markets or the municipal bond markets, the levels of
federal and state income tax rates, the supply of tax-exempt bonds, the size of
the particular offering, the maturity of the obligation, the credit quality and
rating of the issue, and perceptions with respect to the level of interest
rates. In general, the value of bonds tends to appreciate when interest rates
decline and depreciate when interest rates rise. An expanded discussion of the
risks associated with the purchase of securities issued is contained in the
Statement of Additional Information.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS
INVESTMENT ADVISER
The management of each Fund is supervised by the Trustees of the Trust
under which each Fund has been established ("Trustees"). The Capital Management
Group of First Union National Bank of North Carolina ("CMG") serves as
investment adviser to EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN GEORGIA
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, EVERGREEN NORTH
CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND,
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND AND EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND. First Union National Bank of North Carolina ("FUNB") is a
subsidiary of First Union Corporation ("First Union"), the sixth largest bank
holding company in the United States. First Union is headquartered in Charlotte,
North Carolina, and had $96.7 billion in consolidated assets as of December 31,
1995. First Union and its subsidiaries provide a broad range of financial
services to individuals and businesses through offices in 36 states. CMG manages
or otherwise oversees the investment of over $36 billion in assets belonging to
a wide range of clients, including all the series of Evergreen Investment Trust
(formerly known as First Union Funds). First Union Brokerage Services, Inc., a
wholly-owned subsidiary of FUNB, is a registered broker-dealer that is
principally engaged in providing retail brokerage services consistent with its
federal banking authorizations. First Union Capital Markets Corp., a
wholly-owned subsidiary of First Union, is a registered broker-dealer
principally engaged in providing, consistent with its federal banking
authorizations, private placement, securities dealing, and underwriting
services.
CMG manages investments and supervises the daily business affairs of
EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND,
EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN VIRGINIA
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND AND EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND and,
as compensation therefor, is entitled to receive an annual fee equal to .50 of
1% of the average daily net assets of each Fund, other than EVERGREEN FLORIDA
HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, from which it is entitled to receive an annual
fee equal to .60 of 1% of average daily net assets and EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY
TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, from which it is entitled to receive an annual fee based
on the average daily net assets of the Fund calculated as follows: up to $500
million -- .50 of 1%; in excess of $500 million up to $1 million -- .45 of 1%;
in excess of $1 billion up to $ 1.5 billion -- .35 of 1%. The total annualized
operating expenses of EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN GEORGIA
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, EVERGREEN NORTH
CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND,
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND AND EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1995 are set forth in
the section entitled "Financial Highlights". Evergreen Asset Management Corp.
("Evergreen Asset"), a subsidiary of FUNB, serves as administrator to each Fund
and is entitled to receive a fee based on the average daily net assets of each
Fund at a rate based on the total assets of the mutual funds administered by
Evergreen Asset for which CMG or Evergreen Asset also serve as investment
adviser, calculated in accordance with the following schedule: .050% of the
first $7 billion; .035% on the next $3 billion; .030% on the next $5 billion;
.020% on the next $10 billion; .015% on the next $5 billion; and .010% on assets
in excess of $30 billion. Furman Selz Incorporated, an affiliate of Evergreen
Funds Distributor, Inc., distributor for the Evergreen group of mutual funds,
serves as sub-administrator for each Fund and is entitled to receive a fee from
each Fund calculated on the average daily net assets of each Fund at a rate
based on the total assets of the mutual funds administered by Evergreen Asset
for which CMG or Evergreen Asset also serve as investment adviser, calculated in
accordance with the following schedule: .0100% of the first $7 billion; .0075%
on the next $3 billion; .0050% on the next $15 billion; and .0040% on assets in
excess of $25 billion. The total assets of the mutual funds administered by
Evergreen Asset for which CMG or Evergreen Asset serve as investment
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adviser were approximately $1 billion as of September 30, 1995. Prior to January
1, 1996, First Fidelity Bank, N.A. ("First Fidelity") served as investment
adviser to EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND. CMG succeeded to the
mutual funds advisory business of First Fidelity in connection with the
acquisition of First Fidelity by a subsidiary of First Union.
Robert S. Drye is a Vice President of FUNB, and has been with FUNB since
1968. Since 1989, Mr. Drye has served as a portfolio manager for several of the
series of Evergreen Investment Trust and for certain common trust funds. Prior
to 1989, Mr. Drye was a marketing specialist with First Union Brokerage
Services, Inc. Mr. Drye has managed the EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND
FUND since its inception in 1994 and the EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
since its inception in 1993. Richard K. Marrone is a Vice President of FUNB. Mr.
Marrone joined FUNB in 1993 with eleven years experience managing fixed income
assets at Woodbridge Capital Management, a subsidiary of Comerica Bank, N.A. Mr.
Marrone is responsible for the portfolio management of several series of
Evergreen Investment Trust and certain common trust funds. Mr. Marrone has
served as portfolio manager of the EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
since 1993, the EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND since its
inception in 1995 and EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND since its inception
in 1993. Charles E. Jeanne joined FUNB in 1993. Prior to joining FUNB, Mr.
Jeanne served as a trader/portfolio manager for First American Bank where he was
responsible for individual accounts and common trust funds. Mr. Jeanne has been
the portfolio manager for the EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND since its
inception in 1993. Jocelyn Turner is a Municipal Bond Portfolio Manager for CMG
and has managed the EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND since 1992. Ms.
Turner was previously employed as a Vice President, Municipal Bond Portfolio
Manager at One Federal Asset Management, Boston, MA since 1987.
PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES
HOW TO BUY SHARES
Eligible investors may purchase Fund shares at net asset value by mail or
wire as described below. The Funds impose no sales charges on Class Y shares.
Class Y shares are the only class of shares offered by this Prospectus and are
only available to (i) persons who at or prior to December 31, 1994 owned shares
in a mutual fund advised by Evergreen Asset, (ii) certain institutional
investors and (iii) investment advisory clients of CMG Evergreen Asset or their
affiliates. The minimum initial investment is $1,000, which may be waived in
certain situations. There is no minimum for subsequent investments. Investors
may make subsequent investments by establishing a Systematic Investment Plan or
a Telephone Investment Plan.
Purchases by Mail or Wire. Each investor must complete the Share Purchase
Application and mail it, together with a check made payable to the Fund whose
shares are being purchased, to State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State
Street") at P.O. Box 9021, Boston, Massachusetts 02205-9827. Checks not drawn on
U.S. banks will be subject to foreign collection which will delay an investor's
investment date and will be subject to processing fees.
When making subsequent investments, an investor should either enclose the
return remittance portion of the statement, or indicate on the face of the
check, the name of the Fund in which an investment is to be made, the exact
title of the account, the address, and the Fund account number. Purchase
requests should not be sent to a Fund in New York. If they are, the Fund must
forward them to State Street, and the request will not be effective until State
Street receives them.
Initial investments may also be made by wire by (i) calling State Street
at 800-423-2615 for an account number and (ii) instructing your bank, which may
charge a fee, to wire federal funds to State Street, as follows: State Street
Bank and Trust Company, ABA No.0110-0002-8, Attn: Custodian and Shareholder
Services. The wire must include references to the Fund in which an investment is
being made, account registration, and the account number. A completed
Application must also be sent to State Street indicating that the shares have
been purchased by wire, giving the date the wire was sent and referencing the
account number. Subsequent wire investments may be made by existing shareholders
by following the instructions outlined above. It is not necessary, however, for
existing shareholders to call for another account number.
How the Funds Value Their Shares. The net asset value of each Class of shares of
a Fund is calculated by dividing the value of the amount of the Fund's net
assets attributable to that Class by the outstanding shares of that Class.
Shares are valued each day the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") is open
as of the close of regular trading (currently 4:00 p.m. Eastern time). The
Exchange is closed on New Year's Day, Presidents Day, Good
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Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and
Christmas Day. The securities in a Fund are valued at their current market value
determined on the basis of market quotations or, if such quotations are not
readily available, such other methods as the Trustees believe would accurately
reflect fair market value.
Additional Purchase Information. As a condition of this offering, if a purchase
is canceled due to nonpayment or because an investor's check does not clear, the
investor will be responsible for any loss a Fund or the Fund's investment
adviser incurs. If such investor is an existing shareholder, a Fund may redeem
shares from an investor's account to reimburse the Fund or the Fund's investment
adviser for any loss. In addition, such investors may be prohibited or
restricted from making further purchases in any of the Evergreen mutual funds.
A Fund cannot accept investments specifying a certain price or date and
reserves the right to reject any specific purchase order, including orders in
connection with exchanges from the other Evergreen mutual funds. Although not
currently anticipated, each Fund reserves the right to suspend the offer of
shares for a period of time.
Shares of each Fund are sold at the net asset value per share next
determined after a shareholder's order is received. Investments by federal funds
wire or by check will be effective upon receipt by State Street. Qualified
institutions may telephone orders for the purchase of Fund shares. Investors may
also purchase shares through a broker/dealer, which may charge a fee for the
service.
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES
You may "redeem", i.e., sell your shares in a Fund to the Fund on any day
the Exchange is open, either directly or through your financial intermediary.
The price you will receive is the net asset value next calculated after the Fund
receives your request in proper form. Proceeds generally will be sent to you
within seven days. However, for shares recently purchased by check, a Fund will
not send proceeds until it is reasonably satisfied that the check has been
collected (which may take up to ten days). Once a redemption request has been
telephoned or mailed, it is irrevocable and may not be modified or canceled.
Redeeming Shares Directly by Mail or Telephone. Send a signed letter of
instruction or stock power form to State Street which is the registrar, transfer
agent and dividend-disbursing agent for each Fund. Stock power forms are
available from your financial intermediary, State Street, and many commercial
banks. Additional documentation is required for the sale of shares by
corporations, financial intermediaries, fiduciaries and surviving joint owners.
Signature guarantees are required for all redemption requests for shares with a
value of more than $10,000 or where the redemption proceeds are to be mailed to
an address other than that shown in the account registration. A signature
guarantee must be provided by a bank or trust company (not a Notary Public), a
member firm of a domestic stock exchange or by other financial institutions
whose guarantees are acceptable to State Street.
Shareholders may withdraw amounts of $1,000 or more from their accounts
by calling State Street (800-423-2615) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:30
p.m. (Eastern time) each business day (i.e., any weekday exclusive of days on
which the Exchange or State Street's offices are closed). The Exchange is closed
on New Year's Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day,
Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Redemption requests made after
4:00 p.m. (Eastern time) will be processed using the net asset value determined
on the next business day. Such redemption requests must include the
shareholder's account name, as registered with a Fund, and the account number.
During periods of drastic economic or market changes, shareholders may
experience difficulty in effecting telephone redemptions. Shareholders who are
unable to reach a Fund or State Street by telephone should follow the procedures
outlined above for redemption by mail.
The telephone redemption service is not made available to shareholders
automatically. Shareholders wishing to use the telephone redemption service must
indicate this on the Share Purchase Application and choose how the redemption
proceeds are to be paid. Redemption proceeds will either (i) be mailed by check
to the shareholder at the address in which the account is registered or (ii) be
wired to an account with the same registration as the shareholder's account in a
Fund at a designated commercial bank. State Street currently deducts a $5 wire
charge from all redemption proceeds wired. This charge is subject to change
without notice. A shareholder who decides later to use this service, or to
change instructions already given, should fill out a Shareholder Services Form
and send it to State Street Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 9021, Boston,
Massachusetts 02205-9827, with such shareholder's signature guaranteed by a bank
or trust company (not a Notary Public), a member firm of a domestic stock
exchange or by other financial institutions whose guarantees are acceptable to
State Street. Shareholders should allow approximately ten days for such form to
be processed. The Funds will employ reasonable procedures to verify that
telephone requests are genuine. These procedures include requiring some form of
personal identification prior to acting upon instructions and tape recording of
conversations. If a Fund fails to follow such procedures, it may be liable for
any losses due to unauthorized or
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fraudulent instructions. The Funds shall not be liable for following telephone
instructions reasonably believed to be genuine. Also, the Funds reserve the
right to refuse a telephone redemption request, if it is believed advisable to
do so. Financial intermediaries may charge a fee for handling telephonic
requests. The telephone redemption option may be suspended or terminated at any
time without notice.
General. The sale of shares is a taxable transaction for Federal tax purposes.
Under unusual circumstances, a Fund may suspend redemptions or postpone payment
for up to seven days or longer, as permitted by Federal securities law. The
Funds reserve the right to close an account that through redemption has remained
below $1,000 for thirty days. Shareholders will receive sixty days' written
notice to increase the account value before the account is closed. The Funds
have elected to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the Investment Company Act of
1940 pursuant to which each Fund is obligated to redeem shares solely in cash,
up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1% of a Fund's total net assets during any
ninety day period for any one shareholder. See the Statement of Additional
Information for further details.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
How To Exchange Shares. You may exchange some or all of your shares for shares
of the same Class in the other Evergreen mutual funds by telephone or mail as
described below. An exchange which represents an initial investment in another
Evergreen mutual fund must amount to at least $1,000. Once an exchange request
has been telephoned or mailed, it is irrevocable and may not be modified or
canceled. Exchanges will be made on the basis of the relative net asset values
of the shares exchanged next determined after an exchange request is received.
Exchanges are subject to minimum investment and suitability requirements.
Each of the Evergreen mutual funds has different investment objectives
and policies. For complete information, a prospectus of the fund into which an
exchange will be made should be read prior to the exchange. An exchange is
treated for Federal income tax purposes as a redemption and purchase of shares
and may result in the realization of a capital gain or loss. Each Fund imposes a
fee of $5 per exchange on shareholders who exchange in excess of four times per
calendar year. This exchange privilege may be modified or discontinued at any
time by the Fund upon sixty days' notice to shareholders and is only available
in states in which shares of the fund being acquired may lawfully be sold.
Exchanges by Telephone and Mail. You may exchange shares with a value of $1,000
or more by telephone by calling State Street (800-423-2615). Exchange requests
made after 4:00 p.m. (Eastern time) will be processed using the net asset value
determined on the next business day. During periods of drastic economic or
market changes, shareholders may experience difficulty in effecting telephone
exchanges. You should follow the procedures outlined below for exchanges by mail
if you are unable to reach State Street by telephone. If you wish to use the
telephone exchange service you should indicate this on the Share Purchase
Application. As noted above, each Fund will employ reasonable procedures to
confirm that instructions for the redemption or exchange of shares communicated
by telephone are genuine. A telephone exchange may be refused by a Fund or State
Street if it is believed advisable to do so. Procedures for exchanging Fund
shares by telephone may be modified or terminated at any time. Written requests
for exchanges should follow the same procedures outlined for written redemption
requests in the section entitled "How to Redeem Shares", however, no signature
guarantee is required.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
The Funds offer the following shareholder services. For more information
about these services or your account, contact your financial intermediary,
Evergreen Funds Distributor, Inc. ("EFD"), the distributor of the Funds, or the
toll-free number on the front page of this Prospectus. Some services are
described in more detail in the Share Purchase Application. Systematic
Investment Plan. You may make monthly or quarterly investments into an existing
account automatically in amounts of not less than $25.
Telephone Investment Plan. You may make investments into an existing account
electronically in amounts of not less than $100 or more than $10,000 per
investment. Telephone investment requests received by 3:00 p.m. (Eastern time)
will be credited to a shareholder's account the day the request is received.
Systematic Cash Withdrawal Plan. When an account of $10,000 or more is opened or
when an existing account reaches that size, you may participate in the Funds'
Systematic Cash Withdrawal Plan by filling out the appropriate part of the Share
Purchase Application. Under this plan, you may receive (or designate a third
party to receive) a monthly or quarterly check in a stated amount of not less
than $100. Fund shares will be redeemed as necessary to meet withdrawal
payments. All participants must elect to have their dividends and capital gain
distributions reinvested automatically.
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Automatic Reinvestment Plan. For the convenience of investors, all dividends and
distributions are automatically reinvested in full and fractional shares of a
Fund at the net asset value per share on the last business day of each month,
unless otherwise requested by a shareholder in writing. If the transfer agent
does not receive a written request for subsequent dividends and/or distributions
to be paid in cash at least three full business days prior to a given record
date, the dividends and/or distributions to be paid to a shareholder will be
reinvested. If you elect to receive dividends and distributions in cash and the
U.S. Postal Service cannot deliver the checks, or if the checks remain uncashed
for six months, the checks will be reinvested into your account at the then
current net asset value.
EFFECT OF BANKING LAWS
The Glass-Steagall Act and other banking laws and regulations presently
prohibit member banks of the Federal Reserve System ("Member Banks") or their
non-bank affiliates from sponsoring, organizing, controlling, or distributing
the shares of registered open-end investment companies such as the Funds. Such
laws and regulations also prohibit banks from issuing, underwriting or
distributing securities in general. However, under the Glass-Steagall Act and
such other laws and regulations, a Member Bank or an affiliate thereof may act
as investment adviser, transfer agent or custodian to a registered open-end
investment company and may also act as agent in connection with the purchase of
shares of such an investment company upon the order of its customer. Evergreen
Asset, since it is a subsidiary of FUNB, and CMG are subject to and in
compliance with the aforementioned laws and regulations.
Changes to applicable laws and regulations or future judicial or
administrative decisions could result in CMG being prevented from continuing to
perform the services required under the investment advisory contract or from
acting as agent in connection with the purchase of shares of a Fund by its
customers. If CMG were prevented from continuing to provide the services called
for under the investment advisory agreement, it is expected that the Trustees
would identify, and call upon each Fund's shareholders to approve, a new
investment adviser. If this were to occur, it is not anticipated that the
shareholders of any Fund would suffer any adverse financial consequences.
OTHER INFORMATION
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
Income dividends are declared daily and paid monthly. Distributions of
any net realized gains of a Fund will be made at least annually. Shareholders
will begin to earn dividends on the first business day after shares are
purchased unless shares were not paid for, in which case dividends are not
earned until the next business day after payment is received. Each Fund has
qualified and intends to continue to qualify to be treated as a regulated
investment company under the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"). While so
qualified, so long as each Fund distributes all of its investment company
taxable income and any net realized gains to shareholders, it is expected that
the Funds will not be required to pay any Federal income taxes. A 4%
nondeductible excise tax will be imposed on a Fund if it does not meet certain
distribution requirements by the end of each calendar year. Each Fund
anticipates meeting such distribution requirements.
The Funds will designate and pay exempt-interest dividends derived from
interest earned on qualifying tax-exempt obligations. Such exempt-interest
dividends may be excluded by shareholders of a Fund from their gross income for
Federal income tax purposes, however (1) all or a portion of such
exempt-interest dividends may be a specific preference item for purposes of the
Federal individual and corporate alternative minimum taxes to the extent that
they are derived from certain types of private activity bonds issued after
August 7, 1986, and (2) all exempt-interest dividends will be a component of the
"adjusted current earnings" for purposes of the Federal corporate alternative
minimum tax.
Dividends paid from taxable income, if any, and distributions of any net
realized short-term capital gains (whether from tax exempt or taxable
obligations) are taxable as ordinary income and long-term capital gain
distributions are taxable as long-term capital gains, even though received in
additional shares of the Fund, and regardless of the investors holding period
relating to the shares with respect to which such gains are distributed. Market
discount recognized on taxable and tax-exempt bonds is taxable as ordinary
income, not as excludable income. Under current law, the highest Federal income
tax rate applicable to net long-term gains realized by individuals is 28%. The
rate applicable to corporations is 35%.
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Since each Fund's gross income is ordinarily expected to be tax exempt
interest income, it is not expected that the 70% dividends-received deduction
for corporations will be applicable. Specific questions should be addressed to
the investor's own tax adviser.
Each Fund is required by Federal law to withhold 31% of reportable
payments (which may include dividends, capital gains distributions (if any) and
redemptions) paid to certain shareholders. In order to avoid this backup
withholding requirement, each investor must certify on the Share Purchase
Application, or on a separate form supplied by State Street, that the investor's
social security or taxpayer identification number is correct and that the
investor is not currently subject to backup withholding or is exempt from backup
withholding.
EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND AND EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND. Florida does not currently impose tax on individuals. Thus,
individual shareholders of the Funds will not be subject to any Florida state
income tax on distributions received from the Funds. However, certain
distributions will be taxable to corporate shareholders which are subject to
Florida corporate income tax. Florida currently imposes an intangible tax at the
annual rate of 0.20% on certain securities and other intangible assets owned by
Florida residents. Certain types of tax exempt securities of Florida issuers,
U.S. government securities and tax exempt securities issued by certain U.S.
territories and possessions are exempt from this intangible tax. Shares of the
Funds will also be exempt from the Florida intangible tax if the portfolio
consists exclusively of securities which are not so exempt on the last business
day of the calendar year, however, only the portion of the shares of the Funds
which relate to securities issued by the United States and its possessions and
territories will be exempt from the Florida intangible tax, and the remaining
portion of such shares will be fully subject to the intangible tax, even if they
partly relate to Florida tax exempt securities.
EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND. Under existing Georgia law,
shareholders of the Fund will not be subject to individual or corporate Georgia
income taxes on distributions from the Fund to the extent that such
distributions represent exempt-interest dividends for federal income tax
purposes that are attributable to (1) interest-bearing obligations issued by or
on behalf of the State of Georgia or its political subdivisions, or (2) interest
on obligations of the United States or of any other issuer whose obligations are
exempt from state income taxes under federal tax. Distributions, if any, derived
from capital gains or other sources generally will be taxable for Georgia income
tax purposes to shareholders of the Fund who are subject to the Georgia income
tax. For purposes of the Georgia intangible tax, shares of the Fund likely are
taxable (at the rate of 10 cents per $1,000 in value of the shares held on
January 1 of each year) to shareholders who are otherwise subject to such tax.
EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND. In any year in which the Fund
satisfies the requirements for treatment as a "qualified investment fund" under
New Jersey law, distribution from the Fund will be exempt from the New Jersey
Gross Income Tax to the extent such distributions are attributable to interest
or gains from (i) obligations issued by or on behalf of the State of New Jersey
or any country, municipality, school or other district, agency, authority,
commission, instrumentality, public corporation, body corporate and politic or
political subdivision of New Jersey or (ii) obligations that are otherwise
statutorily exempt from state or local taxation or under the laws of the United
States. Any gains realized on the sale or redemption of shares held in a
qualified investment fund are also exempt from the New Jersey Gross Income Tax.
EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND. Under existing North
Carolina law, shareholders of the Fund will not be subject to individual or
corporate North Carolina income taxes on distributions from the Fund to the
extend that such distributions represent exempt-interest dividends for federal
income tax purposes that are attributable to (1) interest on obligations issued
by North Carolina and political subdivisions thereof or (2) interest on
obligations of the United States or its territories or possessions.
Distributions, if any, derived from capital gains or other sources generally
will be taxable for North Carolina income tax purposes to shareholders of the
Fund who are subject to the North Carolina income tax.
EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND. Under existing South
Carolina law, shareholders of the Fund will not be subject to individual or
corporate South Carolina income taxes on Fund distributions to the extent that
such distributions represent exempt-interest dividends for federal income tax
purposes that are attributable to (1) interest on obligations of the State of
South Carolina, or any of its political subdivisions, (2) interest on
obligations of the United States, or (3) interest on obligations of any agency
or instrumentality of the United States that is prohibited by federal law from
being taxed by a state or any political subdivision of a state. Distributions,
if any, derived from capital gains or other sources, generally will be taxable
for South Carolina income tax purposes to shareholders of the Fund who are
subject to South Carolina income tax.
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EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND. Under existing Virginia law,
shareholders of the Fund will not be subject to individual or corporate Virginia
income taxes on distributions received from the Fund to the extent that such
distributions represent exempt-interest dividends for federal income tax
purposes that are attributable to interest earned on (1) obligations issued by a
territory or possession of the United States or any subdivision thereof which
federal law exempts from state income taxes. Distributions, if any, derived from
capital gains or other sources generally will be taxable for Virginia income tax
purposes to shareholders of the Fund who are subject to Virginia income tax.
Statements describing the tax status of shareholders' dividends and
distributions will be mailed annually by the Funds. These statements will set
forth the amount of income exempt from federal and if applicable, state
taxation, and the amount, if any, subject to federal and state taxation.
Moreover, to the extent necessary, these statements will indicate the amount of
exempt-interest dividends which are a specific preference item for purposes of
the federal individual and corporate alternative minimum taxes. The exemption of
interest income for federal income tax purposes does not necessarily result in
exemption under the income or other tax law of any state or local taxing
authority. Investors should consult their own tax advisers about the status of
distributions from the Funds in their states and localities. Each Fund notifies
shareholders annually as to the interest exempt from federal taxes earned by the
Fund.
A shareholder who acquires Class A shares of a Fund and sells or
otherwise disposes of such shares within ninety days of acquisition may not be
allowed to include certain sales charges incurred in acquiring such shares for
purposes of calculating gain and loss realized upon a sale or exchange of shares
of the Fund.
OTHER INFORMATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
Portfolio Transactions. Consistent with the Rules of Fair Practice of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., and subject to seeking best
price and execution, a Fund may consider sales of its shares as a factor in the
selection of dealers to enter into portfolio transactions with the Fund.
Organization. EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND is a separate
investment series of The Evergreen Municipal Trust, a Massachusetts business
trust organized in 1988. EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND is a separate
investment series of The Evergreen Tax Free Trust (formerly FFB Funds Trust), a
Massachusetts business trust organized in 1985. EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND
FUND, EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL
BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND AND EVERGREEN VIRGINIA
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND are each separate investment series of Evergreen Investment
Trust (formerly First Union Funds), a Massachusetts business trust organized in
1984. The Funds do not intend to hold annual shareholder meetings; shareholder
meetings will be held only when required by applicable law. Shareholders have
available certain procedures for the removal of Trustees.
A shareholder in each class of a Fund will be entitled to his or her
share of all dividends and distributions from a Fund's assets, based upon the
relative value of such shares to those of other Classes of the Fund, and, upon
redeeming shares, will receive the then current net asset value of the Class of
shares of the Fund represented by the redeemed shares less any applicable CDSC.
Each Trust named above is empowered to establish, without shareholder approval,
additional investment series, which may have different investment objectives,
and additional classes of shares for any existing or future series. If an
additional series or class were established in a Fund, each share of the series
or class would normally be entitled to one vote for all purposes. Generally,
shares of each series and class would vote together as a single class on
matters, such as the election of Trustees, that affect each series and class in
substantially the same manner. Class A, B and Y shares have identical voting,
dividend, liquidation and other rights, except that each class bears, to the
extent applicable, its own distribution, shareholder service and transfer agency
expenses as well as any other expenses applicable only to a specific class. Each
class of shares votes separately with respect to Rule 12b-1 distribution plans
and other matters for which separate class voting is appropriate under
applicable law. Shares are entitled to dividends as determined by the Trustees
and, in liquidation of a Fund, are entitled to receive the net assets of the
Fund.
Custodian, Registrar, Transfer Agent and Dividend-Disbursing Agent. State Street
Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 9021, Boston, Massachusetts 02205-9827 acts as
each Fund's registrar, transfer agent and dividend-disbursing agent for a fee
based upon the number of shareholder accounts maintained for the Funds. The
transfer
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agency fee with respect to the Class B shares will be higher than the transfer
agency fee with respect to the Class A shares.
Principal Underwriter. EFD, an affiliate of Furman Seiz LLC, located 230 Park
Avenue, New York, New York 10169, is the principal underwriter of the Funds.
Furman Selz LLC also acts as sub-administrator to the Funds.
Other Classes of Shares. Each Fund currently offers three classes of shares,
Class A, Class B and Class Y, and may in the future offer additional classes.
Class Y shares are the only class of shares offered by this Prospectus and are
only available to (i) persons who at or prior to December 31, 1994, owned shares
in a mutual fund advised by Evergreen Asset, (ii) certain institutional
investors and (iii) investment advisory clients of CMG, Evergreen Asset or their
affiliates. The dividends payable with respect to Class A and Class B shares
will be less than those payable with respect to Class Y shares due to the
distribution and distribution related expenses borne by Class A and Class B
shares and the fact that such expenses are not borne by Class Y shares.
Performance Information. A Fund's performance may be quoted in advertising in
terms of yield or total return. Both types of performance are based on
Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") formulas and are not intended to
indicate future performance.
Yield is a way of showing the rate of income a Fund earns on its
investments as a percentage of the Fund's share price. A Fund's yield is
calculated according to accounting methods that are standardized by the SEC for
all stock and bond funds. Because yield accounting methods differ from the
method used for other accounting purposes, a Fund's yield may not equal its
distribution rate, the income paid to your account or the income reported in a
Fund's financial statements. To calculate yield, a Fund takes the interest
income it earned from its portfolio of investments (as defined by the SEC
formula) for a 30-day period (net of expenses), divides it by the average number
of shares entitled to receive dividends, and expresses the result as an
annualized percentage rate based on a Fund's share price at the end of the
30-day period. This yield does not reflect gains or losses from selling
securities.
Total returns are based on the overall dollar or percentage change in the
value of a hypothetical investment in a Fund. A Fund's total return shows its
overall change in value including changes in share prices and assumes all a
Fund's distributions are reinvested. A cumulative total return reflects a Fund's
performance over a stated period of time. An average annual total return
reflects the hypothetical annually compounded return that would have produced
the same cumulative total return if a Fund's performance had been constant over
the entire period. Because average annual total returns tend to smooth out
variations in a Fund's return, you should recognize that they are not the same
as actual year-by-year results. To illustrate the components of overall
performance, a Fund may separate its cumulative and average annual total returns
into income results and realized and unrealized gain or loss.
A Fund may also quote tax-equivalent yields, which show the taxable
yields an investor would have to earn before taxes to equal the Fund's tax-free
yields. A tax-equivalent yield is calculated by dividing a Fund's tax-exempt
yield by the result of one minus a stated federal tax rate. If only a portion of
a Fund's income was tax-exempt, only that portion is adjusted in the
calculation.
Comparative performance information may also be used from time to time in
advertising or marketing a Fund's shares, including data from Lipper Analytical
Services, Inc., Morningstar and other industry publications. The Fund may also
advertise in items of sales literature an "actual distribution rate" which is
computed by dividing the total ordinary income distributed (which may include
the excess of short-term capital gains over losses) to shareholders for the
latest twelve month period by the maximum public offering price per share on the
last day of the period. Investors should be aware that past performance may not
be reflective of future results.
Liability Under Massachusetts Law. Under Massachusetts law, trustees and
shareholders of a business trust may, in certain circumstances, be held
personally liable for its obligations. The Declarations of Trust under which
each Fund operates provide that no Trustee or shareholder will be personally
liable for the obligations of the Trust and that every written contract made by
the Trust contain a provision to that effect. If any Trustee or shareholder were
required to pay any liability of the Trust, that person would be entitled to
reimbursement from the general assets of the Trust.
Additional Information. This Prospectus and the Statement of Additional
Information, which have been incorporated by reference herein, do not contain
all the information set forth in the Registration Statements filed by the Trusts
with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended. Copies of the Registration Statements may be obtained at a
reasonable charge from the SEC or may be examined, without charge, at the
offices of the SEC in Washington, D.C.
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APPENDIX A -- FLORIDA RISK CONSIDERATIONS
The following is a summary of economic factors which may affect the
ability of the municipal issuers of Florida obligations to repay general
obligation and revenue bonds. Such information is derived from sources that are
generally available to investors and is believed by the Funds to be accurate,
but has not been independently verified and may not be complete. Under current
law, the State of Florida is required to maintain a balanced budget such that
current expenses are met from current revenues. Florida does not currently
impose a tax on personal income but does impose taxes on corporate income
derived from activities within the state. In addition, Florida imposes an ad
valorem tax as well as sales and use taxes. These taxes are the principal
sources of funds to meet state expenses, including repayment of, and interest
on, obligations backed solely by the full faith and credit of the state, without
recourse to any specific project or related revenue source.
On November 3, 1992, Florida voters approved an amendment to the state
constitution which limits the annual growth in the assessed valuation of
residential property and which, over time, could constrain the growth in
property taxes, a major revenue source for local governments. The amendment
restricts annual increases in assessed valuation to the lesser of 3% or the
Consumer Price Index. The amendment applies only to residential properties
eligible for the homestead exemption and does not affect the valuation of
rental, commercial, or industrial properties. When sold, residential property
would be reassessed at market value. The amendment became effective January 1,
1993. While no immediate ratings implications are expected, the amendment could
have a negative impact on the financial performance of local governments over
time and lead to ratings revisions which may have a negative impact on the
prices of affected bonds.
Many of the bonds in which the Funds invest were issued by various units
of local government in the State of Florida. In addition, most of these bonds
are revenue bonds where the security interest of the bond holders typically is
limited to the pledge of revenues or special assessments flowing from the
project financed by the bonds. Projects include, but are not limited to, water
and waste water utilities, drainage systems, roadways, and other
development-related infrastructures. Therefore, the capacity of these issuers to
repay their obligations may be affected by variations in the Florida economy.
Since 1970, Florida has been one of the fastest growing states in the
nation. Average annual population growth over the last 20 years was 320,000.
During this period only California and Texas grew more rapidly. In terms of
total population, Florida moved from the ninth most populous state in 1970 to
fourth today.
This rapid and sustained pace of population growth has given rise to
sharp increases in construction activity and to the need for roads, drainage
systems, and utilities to serve the burgeoning population. In turn this has
driven the growth in the volume of revenue bond debt outstanding.
The pace of growth, however, has not been steady. During economic
expansions, Florida's population growth has exceeded 500,000 people per year,
but in recessions growth has slowed to 120,000 per year. The variations in
construction activity over the course of business cycles is also very large.
Although the amplitude of the swings during business cycles is large, the
duration of downturns in Florida's growth has been short. Historically,
depressed levels of growth have lasted only a year or two at most. Furthermore,
Florida's cycles have not been periods of growth or decline. Instead, what has
occurred are periods of more growth or less growth.
Florida's ability to meet increasing expenses will be dependent in part
upon the state's ability to foster business and economic growth. During the past
decade, Florida has experienced significant increases in the technology-based
and other light industries and in the service sector. This growth has
diversified the state's overall economy, which at one time was dominated by the
citrus and tourism industries. The state's economic and business growth could be
restricted, however, by the natural limitations of environmental resources and
the state's ability to finance adequate public facilities such as roads and
schools.
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INVESTMENT ADVISER
Capital Management Group of First Union National Bank of North Carolina, 201
South College Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28288
CUSTODIAN & TRANSFER AGENT
State Street Bank and Trust Company, Box 9021, Boston, Massachusetts
02205-9827
LEGAL COUNSEL
Sullivan & Worcester LLP, 1025 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20036
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, One Mellon Bank Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219
EVERGREEN FLORIDA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN GEORGIA MUNICIPAL BOND
FUND, EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND, EVERGREEN NORTH CAROLINA
MUNICIPAL BOND FUND, EVERGREEN SOUTH CAROLINA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND,
EVERGREEN VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
Price Waterhouse LLP, 1177 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036
EVERGREEN FLORIDA HIGH INCOME MUNICIPAL BOND FUND
DISTRIBUTOR
Evergreen Funds Distributor, Inc., 230 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10169
536126rev02
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STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
January 22, 1996
THE EVERGREEN TAX FREE FUNDS
2500 Westchester Avenue, Purchase, New York 10577
800-807-2940
Evergreen Florida Municipal Bond Fund (formerly First Union Florida
Municipal Bond Portfolio) ("Florida Municipal Bond")
Evergreen Georgia Municipal Bond Fund (formerly First Union Georgia
Municipal Bond Portfolio) ("Georgia Municipal Bond")
Evergreen New Jersey Tax Free Income Fund (formerly FFB
New Jersey Tax Free Income Fund) ("New Jersey Tax Free")
Evergreen North Carolina Municipal Bond Fund (formerly First Union North
Carolina Municipal Bond Portfolio) ("North Carolina Municipal Bond")
Evergreen South Carolina Municipal Bond Fund (formerly First Union
South Carolina Municipal Bond Portfolio) ("South Carolina Municipal Bond")
Evergreen Virginia Municipal Bond Fund (formerly First Union Virginia
Municipal Bond Portfolio)("Virginia Municipal Bond")
Evergreen Florida High Income Municipal Bond Fund ("Florida High Income")
Evergreen High Grade Tax Free Fund (formerly First Union High Grade Tax Free
Portfolio) ("High Grade")
Evergreen Short-Intermediate Municipal Fund ("Short-Intermediate")
Evergreen Short-Intermediate Municipal Fund-California ("Short-Intermediate-CA")
This Statement of Additional Information pertains to all classes of shares
of the Funds listed below. It is not a prospectus and should be read in
conjunction with the Prospectus dated January 22, 1996 for the Fund in which you
are making or contemplating an investment. The Evergreen Tax Free Funds are
offered through four separate prospectuses: one offering Class A and Class B
shares, and a separate prospectus offering Class Y shares of Florida Municipal
Bond, Georgia Municipal Bond, New Jersey Tax Free, North Carolina Municipal
Bond, South Carolina Municipal Bond, Virginia Municipal Bond and Florida High
Income; and one offering Class A and Class B shares and a separate prospectus
offering Class Y shares of High Grade, Short-Intermediate and
Short-Intermediate-CA. Copies of each Prospectus may be obtained without charge
by calling the number listed above.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Investment Objectives and Policies................................
Investment Restrictions...........................................
Non-Fundamental Operating Policies................................
Management........................................................
Investment Adviser................................................
Distribution Plans................................................
Allocation of Brokerage...........................................
Additional Tax Information........................................
Net Asset Value...................................................
Purchase of Shares................................................
Performance Information...........................................
Financial Statements..............................................
1
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Appendix A - Description of Bond Municipal Note And Commercial Paper Ratings
Appendix B - Additional Information Concerning California
Appendix C - Additional Information Concerning Florida
Appendix D - Additional Information Concerning Georgia
Appendix E - Additional Information Concerning North Carolina
Appendix F - Additional Information Concerning South Carolina
Appendix G - Additional Information Concerning Virginia
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
(See also "Description of the Funds - Investment Objective
and Policies" in each Fund's Prospectus)
The investment objective of each Fund and a description of the securities in
which each Fund may invest is set forth under "Description of the Funds
Investment Objective and Policies" in the relevant Prospectus. The investment
objectives of Florida Municipal Bond, Georgia Municipal Bond, North Carolina
Municipal Bond, South Carolina Municipal Bond, Virginia Municipal Bond and High
Grade are fundamental and cannot be changed without the approval of
shareholders. The following expands the discussion in the Prospectus regarding
certain investments of each Fund.
Additional Information Regarding Investments that each Fund May Make
Participation Interests (All Funds)
Participation interests may take the form of participations, beneficial
interests, in a trust, partnership interests, or any other form of indirect
ownership that allows a Fund to treat the income from the investments as exempt
from federal and state tax. The financial institutions from which a Fund
purchases participation interests frequently provide or secure from another
financial institution irrevocable letters of credit or guarantees and give a
Fund the right to demand payment of the principal amounts of the participation
interests plus accrued interest on short notice (usually within seven days).
Variable Rate Municipal Securities (All Funds)
Variable interest rates generally reduce changes in the market value of
municipal securities from their original purchase prices. Accordingly, as
interest rates decrease or increase, the potential for capital appreciation or
depreciation is less for variable rate municipal securities than for fixed
income obligations.
Many municipal securities with variable interest rates purchased by a Fund
are subject to repayment of principal (usually within seven days) on the Fund's
demand. The terms of these variable rates demand instruments require payment of
principal obligations by the issuer of the participation interests or a
guarantor of either issuer. All variable rate municipal securities will meet the
quality standards for a Fund. The Fund's investment adviser has been instructed
by the Board of Trustees (the "Trustees") to monitor the pricing, quality, and
liquidity of the variable rate municipal securities, including participation
interests held by a Fund, on the basis of published financial information and
reports of the rating agencies and other analytical services.
Municipal Leases (All Funds)
When determining whether municipal leases purchased by a Fund will be
classified as a liquid or illiquid security, the Trustees have directed each
Fund's investment adviser to consider certain factors, such as: the frequency of
trades and quotes for the security; the volatility of quotations and trade
prices for the security, the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the
security and the number of potential purchasers; dealer undertakings to make a
market in the security; the nature of the security and the nature of the
marketplace trades (e.g., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method
of soliciting offers, and the mechanics of transfer); the rating of the security
and the financial condition and prospects of the issuer of the security; whether
the lease can be terminated by the lessee; the potential recovery, if any, from
a sale of the leased property upon termination of the lease; the lessee's
general credit strength (e.g., its debt, administrative, economic and financial
characteristics and prospects); the likelihood that the lessee will discontinue
appropriating funding for the leased property because the property is no longer
deemed essential to its operations (e.g., the potential for an "event of
nonappropriation"); any credit enhancement or legal recourse provided upon an
event of nonappropriation or other termination of the lease; and such other
factors as may be relevant to the Fund's ability to dispose of the security.
When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Transactions
These transactions are made to secure what is considered to be an
advantageous price or yield for a Fund. No fees or other expenses, other than
normal transaction costs, are incurred. However, liquid assets of a Fund
sufficient to make payment for the securities to be purchased are segregated on
the Fund's records at the trade date. These assets are marked to market daily
and are maintained until the transaction has been settled. The Funds (other than
High Grade, Short-Intermediate and Short-Intermediate-CA) do not intend to
engage in when-issued and delayed delivery transactions to an extent that would
cause the segregation of more than 20% of the total value of its assets.
Short-Intermediate and Short-Intermediate-CA do not expect that commitments to
purchase when-issued securities will normally exceed 25% of their total assets
and High Grade does not expect that such commitments will exceed 20% of its
total assets.
Futures and Options Transactions (All Funds Except High Grade,
New Jersey, Short-Intermediate and Short-Intermediate-CA)
A Fund may attempt to hedge all or a portion of its portfolio by buying and
selling financial futures contracts and options on financial futures contracts.
Additionally, a Fund may buy and sell call and put options on portfolio
securities. The Funds do not intend to invest more than 5% of their assets in
options and futures.
Purchasing Put Options on Financial Futures Contracts
A Fund may purchase listed put and call options on financial futures
contracts for U.S. government securities. Unlike entering directly into a
futures contract, which requires the purchaser to buy a financial instrument on
a set date at a specified price, the purchase of a put option on a futures
contract entitles (but does not obligate) its purchaser to decide on or before a
future date whether to assume a short position at the specified price.
A Fund may purchase put options on futures to protect portfolio securities
against decreases in value resulting from an anticipated increase in market
interest rates. Generally, if the hedged portfolio securities decrease in value
during the term of an option, the related futures contracts will also decrease
in value and the option will increase in value. In such an event, the Fund will
normally close out its option by selling an identical option. If the hedge is
successful, the proceeds received by a Fund upon the sale of the second option
will be large enough to offset both the premium paid by the Fund for the
original option plus the realized decrease in value of the hedged securities.
Alternatively, a Fund may exercise its put option. To do so, it would
simultaneously enter into a futures contract of the type underlying the option
(for a price less than the strike price of the option) and exercise the option.
A Fund would then deliver the futures contract in return for payment of the
strike price. If a Fund neither closes out nor exercises an option, the option
will expire on the date provided in the option contract, and the premium paid
for the contract will be lost.
Writing Call Options on Financial Futures Contracts
In addition to purchasing put options on futures, a Fund may write listed
call options on futures contracts for U.S. government securities to hedge its
portfolio against an increase in market interest rates. When a Fund writes a
call option on a futures contract, it is undertaking the obligation of assuming
a short futures position (selling a futures contract) at the fixed strike price
at any time during the life of the option, if the option is exercised. As market
interest rates rise, causing the prices of futures to go down, a Fund's
obligation under a call option on a future (to sell a futures contract) costs
less to fulfill, causing the value of the Fund's call option position to
increase.
In other words, as the underlying futures price goes down below the strike
price, the buyer of the option has no reason to exercise the call, so that the
Fund keeps the premium received for the option. This premium can offset the drop
in value of a Fund's fixed income portfolio which is occurring as interest rates
rise.
Prior to the expiration of a call written by a Fund, or exercise of it by
the buyer, a Fund may close out the option by buying an identical option. If the
hedge is successful, the cost of the second option will be less than the premium
received by the Fund for the initial option. The net premium income of a Fund
will then offset the decrease in value of the hedged securities.
Writing Put Options on Financial Futures Contracts
A Fund may write listed put options on financial futures contracts for U.S.
government securities to hedge its portfolio against a decrease in market
interest rates. When a Fund writes a put option on a futures contract, it
receives a premium for undertaking the obligation to assume a long futures
position (buying a futures contract) at a fixed price at any time during the
life of the option. As market interest rates decrease, the market price at any
time during the life of the option. As market interest rates decrease, the
market price of the underlying futures contract normally increases.
As the market value of the underlying futures contract increases, the buyer
of the put option has less reason to exercise the put because the buyer can sell
the same futures contract at a higher price in the market. The premium received
by a Fund can then be used to offset the higher prices of portfolio securities
to be purchased in the future due to the decrease in the market interest rates.
Prior to the expiration of the put option or its exercise by the buyer, a
Fund may close out the option by buying an identical option. If the hedge is
successful, the cost of buying the second option will be less than the premium
received by the Fund for the initial option.
Purchasing Call Options on Financial Futures Contracts
An additional way in which a Fund may hedge against decreases in market
interest rates is to buy a listed call option on a financial futures contract
for U.S. government securities. When a Fund purchases a call option on a futures
contract, it is purchasing the right (not the obligation) to assume a long
futures position (buy a futures contract) at a fixed price at any time during
the life of the option. As market interest rates fall, the value of the
underlying futures contract will normally increase, resulting in an increase in
value of the Fund's option position. When the market price of the underlying
futures contract increases above the strike price plus premium paid, the Fund
could exercise its option and buy the futures contract below market price.
Prior to the exercise or expiration of the call option a Fund could sell an
identical call option and close out its position. If the premium received upon
selling the offsetting call is greater than the premium originally paid, the
Fund has completed a successful hedge.
Limitation on Open Futures Positions
A Fund will not maintain open positions in futures contracts it has sold or
call options it has written on futures contracts if, in the aggregate, the value
of the open positions (marked to market) exceeds the current market value of its
securities portfolio plus or minus the unrealized gain or loss on those open
positions, adjusted for the correlation of volatility between the hedged
securities and the futures contracts. If this limitation is exceeded at any
time, a Fund will take prompt action to close out a sufficient number of open
contracts to bring its open futures and options positions within this
limitation.
"Margin" in Futures Transactions
Unlike the purchase or sale of a security, a Fund does not pay or receive
money upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Rather, a Fund is
required to deposit an amount of "initial margin" in cash or U.S. Treasury bills
with its custodian (or the broker, if legally permitted). The nature of initial
margin in futures transactions is different from that of margin in securities
transactions in that futures contract initial margin does not involve the
borrowing of funds by a Fund to finance the transactions. Initial margin is in
the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the contract
which is returned to the Fund upon termination of the futures contract, assuming
all contractual obligations have been satisfied. A Fund may not purchase or sell
futures contracts or related options if immediately thereafter the sum of the
amount of margin deposits on the Fund's existing futures positions and premiums
paid for related options would exceed 5% of the market value of the Fund's total
assets.
A futures contract held by a Fund is valued daily at the official
settlement price of the exchange on which it is traded. Each day the Fund pays
or receives cash, called "variation margin", equal to the daily change in value
of the futures contract. This process is known as "marking to market". Variation
margin does not represent a borrowing or loan by a Fund but is instead
settlement between the Fund and the broker of the amount one would owe the other
if the futures contract expired. In computing its daily net asset value, the
Fund will mark-to-market its open futures positions.
A Fund is also required to deposit and maintain margin when it writes call
options on futures contracts.
Purchasing and Writing Put and Call Options on Portfolio Securities (All Funds,
except High Grade, Short-Intermediate and Short-Intermediate-CA)
A Fund may purchase put and call options on portfolio securities to protect
against price movements in particular securities. A put option gives the Fund,
in return for a premium, the right to sell the underlying security to the writer
(seller) at a specified price during the term of the option. A call option gives
the Fund, in return for a premium, the right to buy the underlying security from
the seller.
A Fund may generally purchase and write over-the-counter options on
portfolio securities in negotiated transactions with the writers or buyers of
the options since options on the portfolio securities held by the Fund are to be
traded on an exchange. A Fund purchases and writes options only with investment
dealers and other financial institutions (such as commercial banks or savings
and loan associations) deemed creditworthy by the Fund's adviser.
Over-the-counter options are two party contracts with price and terms
negotiated between buyer and seller. In contrast, exchange-traded options are
third party contracts with standardized strike prices and expiration dates and
are purchased from a clearing corporation. Exchange traded options have a
continuous liquid market while over-the-counter options may not.
Repurchase Agreements (All Funds)
Repurchase agreements are arrangements in which banks, broker/dealers, and
other recognized financial institutions sell U.S. government securities or other
securities to a Fund and agree at the time of sale to repurchase them at a
mutually agreed upon time and price within one year from the date of
acquisition. A Fund or its custodian will take possession of the securities
subject to repurchase agreements. To the extent that the original seller does
not repurchase the securities from a Fund, the Fund could receive less than the
repurchase price on any sale of such securities. In the event that such a
defaulting seller filed for bankruptcy or became insolvent, disposition of such
securities by the Fund might be delayed pending court action. Each Fund believes
that under the regular procedures normally in effect for custody of the Fund's
portfolio securities subject to repurchase agreements, a court of competent
jurisdiction would rule in favor of the Fund and allow retention or disposition
of such securities. A Fund may only enter into repurchase agreements with banks
and other recognized financial institutions, such as broker/dealers, which are
found by the Fund's investment adviser to be creditworthy pursuant to guidelines
established by the Trustees.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements (All Funds)
A Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements. These transactions are
similar to borrowing cash. In a reverse repurchase agreement, a Fund transfers
possession of a portfolio instrument to another person, such as a financial
institution, broker, or dealer, in return for a percentage of the instrument's
market value in cash, and agrees that on a stipulated date in the future the
Fund will repurchase the portfolio instrument by remitting the original
consideration plus interest at an agreed upon rate.
The use of reverse repurchase agreements may enable a Fund to avoid selling
portfolio instruments at a time when a sale may be deemed to be disadvantageous,
but the ability to enter into reverse repurchase agreements does not ensure that
the Fund will be able to avoid selling portfolio instruments at a
disadvantageous time.
When effecting reverse repurchase agreements, liquid assets of a Fund, in a
dollar amount sufficient to make payment for the obligating to be purchased, are
segregated at the trade date. These securities are marked to market daily and
maintained until the transaction is settled.
Lending of Portfolio Securities (All Funds)
The collateral received when a Fund lends portfolio securities must be
valued daily and, should the market value of the loaned securities increase, the
borrower must furnish additional collateral to the Fund. During the time
portfolio securities are on loan, the borrower pays the Fund any dividends or
interest paid on such securities. Loans are subject to termination at the option
of the Fund or the borrower. A Fund may pay reasonable administrative and
custodial fees in connection with a loan and may pay a negotiated portion of the
interest earned on the cash or equivalent collateral to the borrower or placing
broker. A Fund does not have the right to vote securities on loan, but would
terminate the loan and regain the right to vote if that were considered
important with respect to the investment.
Restricted Securities (All Funds)
A Fund may invest in restricted securities. Restricted securities are any
securities in which a Fund may otherwise invest pursuant to its investment
objectives and policies but which are subject to restrictions on resale under
federal securities laws. A Fund will not invest more than 15% (10% for High
Grade) of the value of its net assets in restricted securities; however, certain
restricted securities which the Trustees deem to be liquid will be excluded from
this 15% limitation.
The ability of the Trustees to determine the liquidity of certain
restricted securities is permitted under a Securities and Exchange Commission
("SEC") Staff position set forth in the adopting release for Rule 144A under the
Securities Act of 1933 (the "Rule"). The Rule is a non-exclusive, safe-harbor
for certain secondary market transactions involving securities subject to
restrictions on resale under federal securities laws. The Rule provides an
exemption from registration for resales of otherwise restricted securities to
qualified institutional buyers. The Rule was expected to further enhance the
liquidity of the secondary market for securities eligible for resale under the
Rule 144A. Each Fund believes that the Staff of the SEC has left the question of
determining the liquidity of all restricted securities (eligible for resale
under Rule 144A) for determination by the Trustees. The Trustees consider the
following criteria in determining the liquidity of certain restricted
securities:
(i) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security;
(ii) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security
and the number of other potential buyers; (iii) dealer undertakings
to make a market in the security; and (iv) the nature of the security and
the nature of the marketplace trades.
Municipal Bond Insurance (High Grade)
The Fund may purchase two types of municipal bond insurance policies
("Policies") issued by municipal bond insurers. One type of Policy covers
certain municipal securities only during the period in which they are in the
Fund's portfolio. In the event that a municipal security covered by such a
Policy is sold by the Fund, the insurer of the relevant Policy will be liable
only for those payments of interest and principal which are then due and owing
at the time of sale.
The other type of Policy covers municipal securities not only while they
remain in the Fund's portfolio but also until their final maturity, even if they
are sold out of the Fund's portfolio, so that the coverage may benefit all
subsequent holders of those municipal securities. The Fund will obtain insurance
which covers municipal securities until final maturity even after they are sold
out of the Fund's portfolio only if, in the judgment of the investment adviser,
the Fund would receive net proceeds from the sale of those securities, after
deducting the cost of such permanent insurance and related fees, significantly
in excess of the proceeds it would receive if such municipal securities were
sold without insurance. Payments received from municipal bond insurers may not
be tax-exempt income to shareholders of the Fund.
Depending upon the characteristics of the municipal security held by the
Fund, the annual premiums for the Policies are estimated to range from 0.10% to
0.25% of the value of the municipal securities covered under the Policies, with
an average annual premium rate of approximately 0.175%.
The Fund may purchase Policies from Municipal Bond Investors Assurance
Corp. ("MBIA"), AMBAC Indemnity Corporation ("AMBAC"), Financial Guaranty
Insurance Company ("FGIC"), each as described under "Municipal Bond Insurers",
or any other municipal bond insurer which is rated at least Aa by Moody's or AA
by S&P. Each Policy guarantees the payment of principal and interest on those
municipal securities it insures. The Policies will have the same general
characteristics and features. A municipal security will be eligible for coverage
if it meets certain requirements set forth in a Policy. In the event interest or
principal on an insured municipal security is not paid when due, the insurer
covering the security will be obligated under its Policy to make such payment
not later than 30 days after it has been notified by the Fund that such
non-payment has occurred.
MBIA, AMBAC, and FGIC will not have the right to withdraw coverage on
securities insured by their Policies so long as such securities remain in the
Fund's portfolio, nor may MBIA, AMBAC, or FGIC cancel their Policies for any
reason except failure to pay premiums when due. MBIA, AMBAC, and FGIC will
reserve the right at any time upon 90 days' written notice to the Fund to refuse
to insure any additional municipal securities purchased by the Fund after the
effective date of such notice. The Trustees will reserve the right to terminate
any of the Policies if it determines that the benefits to the Fund of having its
portfolio insured under such Policy are not justified by the expense involved.
Additionally, the Trustees reserve the right to enter into contracts with
insurance carriers other than MBIA, AMBAC, or FGIC, if such carriers are rated
Aaa by Moody's or AAA by S&P.
Under the Policies, municipal bond insurers unconditionally guarantee to
the Fund the timely payment of principal and interest on the insured municipal
securities when and as such payments shall become due but shall not be paid by
the issuer, except that in the event of any acceleration of the due date of the
principal by reason of mandatory or optional redemption (other than acceleration
by reason of mandatory sinking fund payments), default or otherwise, the
payments guaranteed will be made in such amounts and at such times as payments
of principal would have been due had there not been such acceleration. The
municipal bond insurers will be responsible for such payments less any amounts
received by the Fund from any trustee for the municipal bond holders or from any
other source. The Policies do not guarantee payment on an accelerated basis, the
payment of any redemption premium, the value for the Shares of the Fund, or
payments of any tender purchase price upon the tender of the municipal
securities. The Policies also do not insure against nonpayment of principal of
or interest on the securities resulting from the insolvency, negligence or any
other act or omission of the trustee or other paying agent for the securities.
However, with respect to small issue industrial development municipal bonds and
pollution control revenue municipal bonds covered by the Policies, the municipal
bond insurers guarantee the full and complete payments required to be made by or
on behalf of an issuer of such municipal securities if there occurs any change
in the tax-exempt status of interest on such municipal securities, including
principal, interest or premium payments, if any, as and when required to be made
by or on behalf of the issuer pursuant to the terms of such municipal
securities. A when-issued municipal security will be covered under the Policies
upon the settlement date of the original issue of such when-issued municipal
securities. In determining whether to insure municipal securities held by the
Fund, each municipal bond insurer has applied its own standard, which
corresponds generally to the standards it has established for determining the
insurability of new issues of municipal securities. This insurance is intended
to reduce financial risk, but the cost thereof and compliance with investment
restrictions imposed under the Policies and these guidelines will reduce the
yield to shareholders of the Fund.
If a Policy terminates as to municipal securities sold by the Fund on the
date of sale, in which event municipal bond insurers will be liable only for
those payments of principal and interest that are then due and owing, the
provision for insurance will not enhance the marketability of securities held by
the Fund, whether or not the securities are in default or subject to significant
risk of default, unless the option to obtain permanent insurance is exercised.
On the other hand, since issuer-obtained insurance will remain in effect as long
as the insured municipal securities are outstanding, such insurance may enhance
the marketability of municipal securities covered thereby, but the exact effect,
if any, on marketability cannot be estimated. The Fund generally intends to
retain any securities that are in default or subject to significant risk of
default and to place a value on the insurance, which ordinary will be the
difference between the market value of the defaulted security and the market
value of similar securities of minimum high grade (i.e., rated A by Moody's or
S&P) that are not in default. To the extent that the Fund holds defaulted
securities, it may be limited in its ability to manage its investment and to
purchase other municipal securities. Except as described above with respect to
securities that are in default or subject to significant risk of default, the
Fund will not place any value on the insurance in valuing the municipal
securities that it holds.
Municipal Bond Insurers (High Grade)
Municipal bond insurance may be provided by one or more of the following
insurers or any other municipal bond insurer which is rated at least Aaa by
Moody's or AAA by S&P.
Municipal Bond Investors Assurance Corp. (High Grade)
Municipal Bond Investors Assurance Corp. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
MBIA, Inc., a Connecticut insurance company, which is owned by AEtna Life and
Casualty, Credit Local DeFrance CAECL, S.A., The Fund American Companies, and
the public. The investors of MBIA, Inc. are not obligated to pay the obligations
of MBIA. MBIA, domiciled in New York, is regulated by the New York State
Insurance Department and licensed to do business in various states. The address
of MBIA is 113 King Street, Armonk, New York, 10504, and its telephone number is
(914) 273-4345. S&P has rated the claims-paying ability of MBIA AAA.
AMBAC Indemnity Corporation (High Grade)
AMBAC Indemnity Corporation is a Wisconsin-domiciled stock insurance
company, regulated by the Insurance Department of Wisconsin, and licensed to do
business in various states. AMBAC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AMBAC, Inc., a
financial holding company which is owned by the public. Copies of certain
statutorily required filings of AMBAC can be obtained from AMBAC. The address of
AMBAC's administrative offices is One State Street Plaza, 17th Floor, New York,
New York, 10004, and its telephone number is (212) 668-0340.
S&P has rated the claims-paying ability of AMBAC AAA.
Financial Guaranty Insurance Company (High Grade)
Financial Guaranty Insurance Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of FGIC
Corporation, a Delaware holding company. FGIC Corporation is wholly-owned by
General Electric Capital Corporation. The investors of FGIC Corporation are not
obligated to pay the debts of or the claims against Financial Guaranty.
Financial Guaranty is subject to regulation by the state of New York Insurance
Department and is licensed to do business in various states. The address of
Financial Guaranty is 115 Broadway, New York, New York, 10006, and its telephone
number is (212) 312-3000. S&P has rated the claims-paying ability of Financial
Guaranty AAA.
Municipal Bonds
The two principal classifications of municipal bonds are "general
obligation" bonds and "revenue bonds". General obligation bonds are secured by
the issuer's pledge of its full faith, credit and unlimited taxing power for the
payment of principal and interest. Revenue or special tax bonds are payable only
from the revenues derived from a particular facility or class of facilities or
projects or, in a few cases, from the proceeds of a special excise or other tax,
but are not supported by the issuer's power to levy general taxes. There are, of
course, variations in the security of municipal bonds, both within a particular
classification and between classifications, depending on numerous factors. The
yields of municipal bonds depend on, among other things, general money market
conditions, general conditions of the municipal bond market, size of a
particular offering, the maturity of the obligations and rating of the issue.
Since the Funds may invest in industrial development bonds, the Funds may
not be appropriate investment for entities which are "substantial users" of
facilities financed by industrial development bonds or for investors who are
"related persons". Generally, an individual will not be a "related person" under
the Code unless such investor or his immediate family (spouse, brothers, sisters
and lineal descendants) own directly or indirectly in the aggregate more than 50
percent of the value of the equity of a corporation or partnership which is a
"substantial user" of a facility financed from proceeds of "industrial
development bonds". A "substantial user" of such facilities is defined generally
as a "non-exempt person who regularly uses a part of a facility" financed from
the proceeds of industrial development bonds.
As set forth in the Prospectus, the Code establishes new unified volume
caps for most "private purpose" municipal bonds (such as industrial development
bonds and obligations to finance low-interest mortgages on owner-occupied
housing and student loans). The unified volume cap is not expected to affect
adversely the availability of Municipal Obligations for investment by the Funds;
however, it is possible that proposals will be introduced before Congress to
further restrict or eliminate the federal income tax exemption for interest on
Municipal Obligations. Any such proposals, if enacted, could adversely affect
the availability of municipal bonds for investment by the Funds and the value of
each Fund's portfolio might be affected. In that event, each Fund might
reevaluate its investment policies and restrictions and consider recommending to
its shareholders changes in both.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
.........Except as noted, the investment restrictions set forth below are
fundamental and may not be changed with respect to each Fund without the
affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.
Where an asterisk (*) appears after a Fund's name, the relevant policy is
non-fundamental with respect to that Fund and may be changed by the Fund's
investment adviser without shareholder approval, subject to review and approval
by the Trustees. As used in this Statement of Additional Information and in the
Prospectus, "a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund" means
the lesser of (1) the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of
beneficial interest of the Fund or (2) 67% of the shares present if more than
50% of the shares are present at a meeting in person or by proxy.
1........Concentration of Assets in Any One Issuer
.........None of Florida High Income, Short-Intermediate or
Short-Intermediate-CA may invest more than 5% of its total assets, at the time
of the investment in question, in the securities of any one issuer other than
the U.S. government and its agencies or instrumentalities, except that up to 25%
of the value of each Fund's total assets may be invested without regard to such
5% limitation. For this purpose each political subdivision, agency, or
instrumentality and each multi-state agency of which a state is a member, and
each public authority which issues industrial development bonds on behalf of a
private entity, will be regarded as a separate issuer for determining the
diversification of each Fund's portfolio.
With respect to 75% of the value of its total assets, High Grade will not
purchase securities of any one issuer (other than cash, cash items or securities
issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities)
if as a result more than 5% of the value of its total assets would be invested
in the securities of that issuer.
Under this limitation, each governmental subdivision, including states and
the District of Columbia, territories, possessions of the United States, or
their political subdivisions, agencies, authorities, instrumentalities, or
similar entities, will be considered a separate issuer if its assets and
revenues are separate from those of the governmental body creating it and the
security is backed only by its own assets and revenues.
Industrial development bonds, backed only by the assets and revenues of a
nongovernmental issuer, are considered to be issued solely by that issuer. If,
in the case of an industrial development bond or governmental-issued security, a
governmental or other entity guarantees the security, such guarantee would be
considered a separate security issued by the guarantor as well as the other
issuer, subject to limited exclusions allowed by the Investment Company Act of
1940.
2........Ten Percent Limitation on Securities of Any One Issuer
.........Short-Intermediate-CA, Florida High Income*, and Short-Intermediate may
not purchase more than 10% of any class of securities (voting securities in the
case of Florida High Income* and Short-Intermediate) of any one issuer other
than the U.S. government and its agencies or instrumentalities.
3........Investment for Purposes of Control or Management
.........None of Florida High Income, Short-Intermediate or
Short-Intermediate-CA may invest in companies for the purpose of exercising
control or management.
4........Purchase of Securities on Margin
.........None of Florida Municipal Bond, Georgia Municipal Bond, North Carolina
Municipal Bond, South Carolina Municipal Bond, Virginia Municipal Bond, Florida
High Income*, High Grade, Short-Intermediate or Short-Intermediate-CA may
purchase securities on margin, except that each Fund may obtain such short-term
credits as may be necessary for the clearance of transactions. A deposit or
payment by a Fund of initial or variation margin in connection with financial
futures contracts or related options transactions is not considered the purchase
of a security on margin.
5........Unseasoned Issuers
.........None of Florida Municipal Bond*, Georgia Municipal Bond*, North
Carolina Municipal Bond*, South Carolina Municipal Bond*, Virginia Municipal
Bond* or High Grade* will invest more than 5% of its total assets in industrial
development bonds (and, in the case of High Grade, other municipal securities)
where the principal and interest are the responsibility of companies (or
guarantors, where applicable) with less than three years of continuous
operations, including the operation of any predecessor.
.........None of Florida High Income*, Short-Intermediate or
Short-Intermediate-CA may invest more than 5% of its total assets in securities
of unseasoned issuers (taxable securities of unseasoned issuers for
Short-Intermediate and Short-Intermediate-CA) that have been in continuous
operation for less than three years, including operating periods of their
predecessors, except that no such limitation shall apply to the extent that (i)
each Fund may invest in obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government
and its agencies or instrumentalities, (ii) Short-Intermediate and
Short-Intermediate-CA may invest in municipal securities, and (iii) Florida High
Income* may invest in municipal bonds.
6........Underwriting
.........None of Florida Municipal Bond, Georgia Municipal Bond, New Jersey Tax
Free, North Carolina Municipal Bond, South Carolina Municipal Bond, Virginia
Municipal Bond, High Grade Florida High Income*, Short-Intermediate or
Short-Intermediate-CA may engage in the business of underwriting the securities
of other issuers, provided that the purchase of municipal securities or other
permitted investments, directly from the issuer thereof (or from an underwriter
for an issuer) and the later disposition of such securities in accordance with a
Fund's investment program shall not be deemed to be an underwriting.
7........Interests in Oil, Gas or Other Mineral Exploration or Development
Programs
.........Neither Florida High Income, Short-Intermediate nor
Short-Intermediate-CA may purchase, sell or invest in interests in oil, gas or
other mineral exploration or development programs.
.........Florida Municipal Bond*, Georgia Municipal Bond*, North Carolina
Municipal Bond*, South Carolina Municipal Bond*, Virginia Municipal Bond*, or
High Grade will not purchase interests in or sell oil, gas or other mineral
exploration or development programs or leases, although they may purchase the
securities of issuers which invest in or sponsor such programs.
8........Concentration in Any One Industry
.........Neither New Jersey Tax Exempt, Short-Intermediate, nor
Short-Intermediate-CA may invest 25% or more of its total assets in the
securities of issuers conducting their principal business activities in any one
industry; provided, that this limitation shall not apply (i) with respect to
each Fund, to obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its
agencies or instrumentalities and to municipal securities, or (ii) with respect
to Short-Intermediate-CA to certificates of deposit and bankers' acceptances
issued by domestic branches of U.S. banks.
.........Florida Municipal Bond, Georgia Municipal Bond, North Carolina
Municipal Bond, South Carolina Municipal Bond, Virginia Municipal Bond, High
Grade and Florida High Income will not purchase securities if, as a result of
such purchase, 25% or more of the value of its total assets would be invested in
any one industry, or in industrial development bonds or other securities, the
interest upon which is paid from revenues of similar types of projects. However,
the Fund may invest as temporary investments more than 25% of the value of its
assets in cash or cash items, securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
government, its agencies or instrumentalities, or instruments secured by these
money market instruments, such as repurchase agreements.
9........Warrants
.........None of Florida High Income*, Short-Intermediate or
Short-Intermediate-CA may invest more than 5% of its total net assets in
warrants, and, of this amount, no more than 2% of each Fund's total net assets
may be invested in warrants that are listed on neither the New York nor the
American Stock Exchange.
10.......Ownership by Trustees/Officers
.........None of Florida Municipal Bond*, Georgia Municipal Bond*, North
Carolina Municipal Bond*, South Carolina Municipal Bond*, Virginia Municipal
Bond*, High Grade*, Florida High Income*, Short-Intermediate or
Short-Intermediate-CA may purchase or retain the securities of any issuer if (i)
one or more officers or Trustees of a Fund or its investment adviser
individually owns or would own, directly or beneficially, more than 1/2 of 1% of
the securities of such issuer, and (ii) in the aggregate, such persons own or
would own, directly or beneficially, more than 5% of such securities.
11.......Short Sales
.........High Grade and Florida High Income* will not make short sales of
securities or maintain a short position, unless at all times when a short
position is open a Fund owns an equal amount of such securities or of 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 use of short sales will allow the Funds to retain
certain bonds in their portfolios longer than it would without such sales. To
the extent that a Fund receives the current income produced by such bonds for a
longer period than it might otherwise, a Fund's investment objective is
furthered.
.........Florida Municipal Bond, Georgia Municipal Bond, North Carolina
Municipal Bond, South Carolina Municipal Bond, Virginia Municipal Bond,
Short-Intermediate and Short- Intermediate-CA will not sell any securities short
or maintain a short position.
12.......Lending of Funds and Securities
.........None of Florida High Income, Short-Intermediate or
Short-Intermediate-CA may lend its funds to other persons, provided that each
Fund may purchase issues of debt securities, acquire privately negotiated loans
made to municipal borrowers and enter into repurchase agreements.
.........Neither Florida High Income* nor Short-Intermediate may lend its
portfolio securities, unless the borrower is a broker, dealer or financial
institution that pledges and maintains collateral with the Fund consisting of
cash or securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government having a value at
all times not less than 100% of the current market value of the loaned
securities, including accrued interest, provided that the aggregate amount of
such loans shall not exceed 30% of the Fund's total assets.
.........Short-Intermediate-CA may not lend its portfolio securities, unless the
borrower is a broker, dealer or financial institution that pledges and maintains
collateral with the Fund consisting of cash, letters of credit or securities
issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government having a value at all times not less
than 100% of the current market value of the loaned securities, including
accrued interest, provided that the aggregate amount of such loans shall not
exceed 30% of the Fund's total assets.
.........Florida Municipal Bond, Georgia Municipal Bond, North Carolina
Municipal Bond, South Carolina Municipal Bond and Virginia Municipal Bond will
not lend any of their assets, except portfolio securities up to one-third of the
value of their total assets. Each Fund may, however, acquire publicly or
non-publicly issued municipal bonds or temporary investments or enter into
repurchase agreements in accordance with its investment objective, policies and
limitations or the Declaration of Trust.
.........High Grade will not lend any of its assets except that it may purchase
or hold money market instruments, including repurchase agreements and variable
amount demand master notes in accordance with its investment objective, policies
and limitations and it may lend portfolio securities valued at not more than 15%
of its total assets to broker-dealers.
13.......Commodities
.........Florida High Income* may not purchase, sell or invest in physical
commodities unless acquired as a result of ownership of securities or other
instruments (but this shall not prevent the Fund from purchasing or selling
options and futures contracts or from investing in securities or other
instruments backed by physical commodities).
.........Neither Short-Intermediate nor Short-Intermediate-CA may purchase, sell
or invest in commodities, commodity contracts or financial futures contracts.
.........High Grade will not purchase or sell commodities or commodity
contracts.
.........Florida Municipal Bond, Georgia Municipal Bond, North Carolina
Municipal Bond, South Carolina Municipal Bond and Virginia Municipal Bond will
not purchase or sell commodities. However, each Fund may purchase put and call
options on portfolio securities and on financial futures contracts. In addition,
each Fund reserves the right to hedge its portfolio by entering into financial
futures contracts and to sell puts and calls on financial futures contracts.
14.......Real Estate
.........Florida Municipal Bond, Georgia Municipal Bond, North Carolina
Municipal Bond, South Carolina Municipal Bond and Virginia Municipal Bond will
not buy or sell real estate, including limited partnership interests, although
each Fund may invest in municipal bonds secured by real estate or interests in
real estate.
.........New Jersey Tax Free and Florida High Income* may not purchase, sell or
invest in real estate or interests in real estate, except that it may purchase,
sell or invest in marketable securities of companies holding real estate or
interests in real estate, including real estate investment trusts.
.........High Grade will not buy or sell real estate, although it may invest in
securities of companies whose business involves the purchase or sale of real
estate or in securities which are secured by real estate or interests in real
estate.
.........Neither Short-Intermediate nor Short-Intermediate-CA may purchase, sell
or invest in real estate or interests in real estate, except that each Fund may
purchase municipal securities and other debt securities secured by real estate
or interests therein.
15.......Borrowing, Senior Securities, Reverse Repurchase Agreements
.........Neither New Jersey Tax Free, Short-Intermediate nor
Short-Intermediate-CA nor Florida High Income may borrow money, issue senior
securities or enter into reverse repurchase agreements, except for temporary or
emergency purposes, and not for leveraging, and then in amounts not in excess of
10% of the value of each Fund's total assets at the time of such borrowing; or
mortgage, pledge or hypothecate any assets except in connection with any such
borrowing and in amounts not in excess of the lesser of the dollar amounts
borrowed or 10% of the value of each Fund's total assets at the time of such
borrowing, provided that Short-Intermediate and Short-Intermediate-CA will not
purchase any securities at any time when borrowings, including reverse
repurchase agreements, are outstanding. No Fund will enter into reverse
repurchase agreements exceeding 5% of the value of its total assets.
.........Florida Municipal Bond, Georgia Municipal Bond, North Carolina
Municipal Bond, South Carolina Municipal Bond, Virginia Municipal Bond and High
Grade will not issue senior securities, except each Fund may borrow money
directly or through reverse repurchase agreement as a temporary measure for
extraordinary or emergency purposes in an amount up to one-third of the value of
its total assets, including the amount borrowed, in order to meet redemption
requests without immediately selling portfolio instruments; and except to the
extent a Fund will enter into futures contracts. Any such borrowings need not be
collateralized. No Fund will purchase any securities while borrowings in excess
of 5% of its total assets are outstanding. No Fund will borrow money or engage
in reverse repurchase agreements for investment leverage purposes. None of
Florida Municipal Bond*, Georgia Municipal Bond*, North Carolina Municipal
Bond*, South Carolina Municipal Bond*, Virginia Municipal Bond* or High Grade
will mortgage, pledge or hypothecate any assets except to secure permitted
borrowings. In those cases, High Grade may pledge assets having a market value
not exceeding the lesser of the dollar amounts borrowed or 15% of the value of
total assets at the time of borrowing. Margin deposits for the purchase and sale
of financial futures contracts and related options and segregation or collateral
arrangements made in connection with options activities and the purchase of
securities on a when-issued basis are not deemed to be a pledge.
16.......Joint Trading
.........Florida High Income may not participate on a joint or joint and several
basis in any trading account in any securities. (The "bunching of orders for the
purchase or sale of portfolio securities with its investment adviser or accounts
under its management to reduce brokerage commissions, to average prices among
them or to facilitate such transactions is not considered a trading account in
securities for purposes of this restriction).
17.......Options
.........Neither New Jersey Tax Free, Short-Intermediate nor
Short-Intermediate-CA may write, purchase or sell put or call options, or
combinations thereof, except that each Fund may purchase securities with rights
to put securities to the seller in accordance with its investment program.
18.......Investing in Securities of Other Investment Companies
.........Florida Municipal Bond*, Georgia Municipal Bond*,
North Carolina Municipal Bond*, South Carolina Municipal Bond*, Virginia
Municipal Bond* and High Grade will purchase securities of investment companies
only in open-market transactions involving customary broker's commissions.
However, these limitations are not applicable if the securities are acquired in
a merger, consolidation or acquisition of assets. It should be noted that
investment companies incur certain expenses such as management fees and
therefore any investment by a Fund in shares of another investment company would
be subject to such duplicate expenses.
.........Florida High Income*, New Jersey Tax Free, Short-Intermediate* and
Short-Intermediate-CA* may not purchase the securities of other investment
companies, except to the extent such purchases are not prohibited by applicable
law.
19.......Restricted Securities
.........High Grade will not invest more than 10% of its total assets in
securities subject to restrictions on resale under the Federal securities laws.
.........New Jersey Tax Free will not purchase restricted securities, which are
securi ties that must be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 before they
may be offered or sold to the public. This restriction does not apply to
restricted securities which are determined to be liquid by the Adviser under
supervision of the Board of Trustees.
20.......Investment in Municipal Securities
.........Neither Short-Intermediate nor Short-Intermediate-CA may invest more
than 20% of its total assets in securities other than, in the case of
Short-Intermediate, municipal securities, and in the case of
Short-Intermediate-CA, California municipal securities (as described under
"Description of the Funds - Investment Objective and Policies" in the Funds'
Prospectus), unless extraordinary circumstances dictate a more defensive
posture.
.........Florida High Income will invest, under normal market conditions, at
least 80% of its net assets in municipal securities and at least 90% of such
assets will be invested in Florida obligations.
NON FUNDAMENTAL OPERATING POLICIES
.........Certain Funds have adopted additional non-fundamental operating
policies. Operating policies may be changed by the Board of Trustees without a
shareholder vote.
1........Securities Issued by Government Units; Industrial Development Bonds
.........Short-Intermediate has determined not to invest more than 25% of its
total assets (i) in securities issued by governmental units located in any one
state, territory or possession of the United States (but this limitation does
not apply to project notes backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
government) or (ii) industrial development bonds not backed by bank letters of
credit. In addition, Short-Intermediate-CA has determined not to invest more
than 25% of its total assets in industrial development bonds not backed by bank
letters of credit.
2........Illiquid Securities.
.........Florida Municipal Bond*, Georgia Municipal Bond*, North Carolina
Municipal Bond*, South Carolina Municipal Bond*, Virginia Municipal Bond*, High
Grade, Short-Intermediate* and Short-Intermediate-CA* may not invest more than
15% (10% in the case of High Grade) of their net assets in illiquid securities
and other securities which are not readily marketable, including repurchase
agreements which have a maturity of longer than seven days, but excluding
certain securities and municipal leases determined by the Trustees to be liquid.
3........Other. In order to comply with certain state blue sky limitations:
-----
...........Each of Short-Intermediate and Short-Intermediate-CA interprets
fundamental investment restriction 7 to prohibit investments in oil, gas and
mineral leases.
...........Each of Short-Intermediate and Short-Intermediate-CA interprets
fundamental investment restriction 14 to prohibit investment in real estate
limited partnerships which are not readily marketable.
Except with respect to borrowing money, if a percentage limitation is
adhered to at the time of investment, a later increase or decrease in percentage
resulting from any change in value or net assets will not result in a violation
of such restriction.
The Funds (other than Short-Intermediate, Short-Intermediate-CA and Florida
High Income) have no present intention to borrow money or invest in reverse
repurchase agreements in excess of 5% of the value of their net assets during
the coming fiscal year. The Funds did not invest more than 5% of their net
assets in securities of other investment companies in the last fiscal year, and
have no present intent to do so during the coming year.
For purposes of their policies and limitations, the Funds consider
certificates of deposit and demand and time deposits issued by a U.S. branch of
a domestic bank or savings and loan having capital, surplus, and undivided
profits in excess of $100,000,000 at the time of investment to be "cash items".
.........High Grade does not intend to invest more than 25% of the value of its
assets in any issuer in a single state.
MANAGEMENT
The Trustees and executive officers of the Trusts, their ages, addresses
and principal occupations during the past five years are set forth below:
Laurence B. Ashkin (67), 180 East Pearson Street, Chicago, IL-Trustee. Real
estate developer and construction consultant since 1980; President of Centrum
Equities since 1987 and Centrum Properties, Inc. since 1980.
Foster Bam*(68), Greenwich Plaza, Greenwich, CT-Trustee. Partner in the law firm
of Cummings and Lockwood since 1968.
James S. Howell (71), 4124 Crossgate Road, Charlotte, NC-Chairman and Trustee.
Retired Vice President of Lance Inc. (food manufacturing); Chairman of the
Distribution Comm. Foundation for the Carolinas from 1989 to 1993.
Gerald M. McDonnell (56), 821 Regency Drive, Charlotte, NC-Trustee. Sales
Representative with Nucor-Yamoto Inc. (steel producer) since 1988.
Thomas L. McVerry (57), 4419 Parkview Drive, Charlotte, NC-Trustee. Director of
Carolina Cooperative Federal Credit Union since 1990 and Rexham Corporation from
1988 to 1990; Vice President of Rexham Industries, Inc. (diversified
manufacturer) from 1989 to 1990; Vice President-Finance and Resources, Rexham
Corporation from 1979 to 1990.
William Walt Pettit*(40), Holcomb and Pettit, P.A., 207 West Trade St.,
Charlotte, NC-Trustee. Partner in the law firm Holcomb and Pettit, P.A. since
1990; Attorney, Clontz and Clontz from 1980 to 1990.
Russell A. Salton, III, M.D. (48), Primary Physician Care, 1515 Mockingbird
Lane, Charlotte, NC-Trustee. President, Primary Physician Care since 1990.
Michael S. Scofield (52), 212 S. Tryon Street Suite 980, Charlotte, NC-Trustee.
Attorney, Law Offices of Michael S. Scofield since prior to 1989.
Robert J. Jeffries (72), 2118 New Bedford Drive, Sun City Center, FL-Trustee
Emeritus. Corporate consultant since 1967.
John J. Pileggi (36), 237 Park Avenue, Suite 910, New York, NY-President and
Treasurer. Senior Managing Director, Furman Selz Incorporated since 1992,
Managing Director from 1984 to 1992.
Joan V. Fiore (39), 237 Park Avenue, Suite 910, New York, NY-Secretary. Managing
Director and Counsel, Furman Selz Incorporated since 1991; Staff Attorney,
Securities and Exchange Commission from 1986 to 1991.
Except for Messrs. Ashkin, Bam and Jeffries, who are not Trustees of
Evergreen Investment Trust (formerly First Union Funds), the Trustees and
officers listed above hold the same positions with a total of ten registered
investment companies offering a total of thirty-two investment funds within the
Evergreen mutual fund complex.
- - --------
* Mr. Bam and Mr. Pettit may each be deemed to be an "interested person"
within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940
Act").
The officers of the Trusts are all officers and/or employees of Furman
Selz Incorporated. Furman Selz Incorporated is an affiliate of Evergreen Funds
Distributor, Inc., the distributor of each Class of shares of each Fund.
The Funds do not pay any direct remuneration to any officer or Trustee
who is an "affiliated person" of either First Union National Bank of North
Carolina or Evergreen Asset Management Corp. or their affiliates. See
"Investment Adviser." Currently, none of the Trustees is an "affiliated person"
as defined in the 1940 Act. The Trusts pay each Trustee who is not an
"affiliated person" an annual retainer and a fee per meeting attended, plus
expenses (and $500 for each telephone conference meeting) as follows:
Name of Trust/Fund Annual Retainer Meeting Fee
The Evergreen Municipal Trust - $ 4,000*
Florida High Income $100
Short-Intermediate $100
Short-Intermediate-CA $100
Evergreen Investment Trust - $ 9,000** $1,500**
Florida Municipal Bond
Georgia Municipal Bond
North Carolina Municipal Bond
South Carolina Municipal Bond
Virginia Municipal Bond
High Grade
- - ------------------------
* Allocated among the Evergreen Money Market Fund, which is not a series
fund, and the Evergreen Municipal Trust which offers four investment series, the
Evergreen Tax Exempt Money Market Fund, Evergreen Short-Intermediate Municipal
Fund, Evergreen Short-Intermediate Municipal Fund-California, and Evergreen
Florida High Income Municipal Bond Fund.
** Evergreen Investment Trust pays an annual retainer to each Trustee and a
per-meeting fee that are allocated among its fifteen series. Additionally, each
member of the Audit Committee receives $200 for attendance at each meeting of
the of the Audit Committee and an additional fee is paid to the Chairman of the
Board of $2,000.
*** Evergreen Tax Free Trust pays an annual retainer to each Trustee and a
per-meeting fee that are allocated among its XXXX series. Additionally, each
member of the Audit Committee receives $200 for attendance at each meeting of
the Audit Committee and an additional fee is paid to the Chairman of the Board
of $.
Set forth below for each of the Trustees is the aggregate compensation
paid to such Trustees by each Trust for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1995.
Total
Compensation
Aggregate Compensation From Trust From Trusts
& Fund
Name of Municipal Investment Complex Paid
Person Trust* Trust** to Trustees
Laurence Ashkin 3,340 1,513 22,054
Foster Bam 3,306 1,524 22,092
James S. Howell 2,982 16,852 35,725
Robert J. 3,310 1,493 21,893
Jeffries
Gerald M. 2,982 14,343 33,215
McDonnell
Thomas L. 3,032 15,818 39,740
McVerry
William Walt 2,982 15,618 34,490
Pettit
Russell A. 2,982 13,268 32,140
Salton, III, M.D.
Michael S. 2,982 14,343 33,215
Scofield
* Florida High Income commenced operations on June 30, 1995 and, therefore,
compensation with regard to such Fund covers the period from June 30, 1995
through August 31, 1995.
** Formerly known as First Union Funds.
No officer or Trustee of the Trusts owned Class A or B shares of any Fund
as of the date hereof. The number and percent of outstanding Class Y shares of
of each Fund owned by officers and Trustees as a group on October 4, 1995, is as
follows:
No. of Shares Owned
By Officers and Ownership by Officers and
Trustees Trustees as a % of Class
Name of Fund as a Group
Florida Municipal Bond -0- -0-
Georgia Municipal Bond -0- -0-
North Carolina Municipal Bond 2,213 .27%
South Carolina Municipal Bond -0- -0-
Virginia Municipal Bond -0- -0-
Florida High Income -0- -0-
High Grade 427,000 18.63%
Short-Intermediate 96,659 2.52%
Short-Intermediate-CA -0- -0-
Set forth below is information with respect to each person, who, to
each Fund's knowledge, owned beneficially or of record more than 5% of a class
of each Fund's total outstanding shares and their aggregate ownership of the
Fund's total outstanding shares as of October 9, 1995.
Name of No. of % of
Name and Address Fund/Class Shares Class/Fund
- - ---------------- ---------- ------ ----------
First Union National Bank North Carolina 193,070 95.14%/ 3.25%
Trust Accounts Municipal Bond/Y
Attn: Ginny Batten
11th Floor CMG-1151
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28288-0001
Fubs & Co. Febo South Carolina 16,326 26.03%/ 2.52%
7RK0124218 Municipal Bond/A
Thomas B. Carr and
Louise R. Carr
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28288-0001
Fubs & Co. Febo South Carolina 5,656 9.02%/ .87%
Charles Dean Turner Municipal Bond/A
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28288-0001
Fubs & Co. Febo South Carolina 5,464 8.71%/ .84%
Mildred R. Robards Municipal Bond/A
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28288-0001
Fubs & Co. Febo South Carolina 5,146 8.20%/ .80%
Warren A. Ransom, Jr. Municipal Bond/A
Laurie P. Ransom
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28288-0001
Fubs & Co. Febo South Carolina 4,135 6.59%/ .70%
Virginia S. Herring Municipal Bond/A
Oren L. Herring, Jr. JTWROS
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28288-0001
<PAGE>
Fubs & Co. Febo South Carolina 3,985 6.35%/ .62%
Joan B. Sawyer Municipal Bond/A
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28288-0001
Fubs & Co. Febo South Carolina 3,401 5.42%/ .53%
Dale S. Wyatt Municipal Bond/A
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28288-0001
Fubs & Co. Febo South Carolina 3,140 5.01%/ .49%
First Union National Bank- Municipal Bond/A
SC F/B/O
Carolyn E Bickler "Loan Acct"
Attn: David Edmiston Loan Officer
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28288-0001
Fubs & Co. Febo South Carolina 31,031 8.16%/ 4.80%
Ruby B. Motsinger Municipal Bond/B
Joseph Glenn Motsinger
Melvin L. Motsinger
Hilda M. Thompson
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28288-0001
First Union National Bank* South Carolina 95,854 47.07%/ 14.82%
Trust Accounts Municipal Bond/Y
Attn: Ginny Batten
11th Floor CMG-1151
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28288-0001
First Union National Bank* South Carolina 107,769 52.92%/ 16.66%
Trust Accounts Municipal Bond/Y
Attn: Ginny Batten
11th Floor CMG-1151
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28288-0001
Duff M. Green Virginia 21,528 10.42%/ 2.54%
c/o First Union National Bank Municipal Bond/A
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28288-0001
<PAGE>
Fubs & Co. Febo Virginia 11,154 5.40%/ 1.31%
Howard S. Barger Municipal Bond/A
Dorothy M. Barger
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28288-0001
Fubs & Co. Febo Virginia 10,694 5.18%/ 1.26%
Earl Wilson Watts, Jr., M.D. Municipal Bond/A
and Barbara A. Watts
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28288-0001
Fubs & Co. Febo Virginia 39,866 7.37%/ 4.70%
Harry S. Williams Municipal Bond/B
Patsy Williams
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28288-0001
First Union National Bank Virginia 37,447 37.02%/ 4.41%
Trust Accounts Municipal Bond/Y
Attn: Ginny Batten
11th Floor CMG-1151
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28288-0001
First Union National Bank Virginia 62,670 61.95%/ 7.38%
Trust Accounts Municipal Bond/Y
Attn: Ginny Batten
11th Floor CMG-1151
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28288-0001
Merrill Lunch Pierce Fenner Florida
Private Client Group Municipal Bond/A 714,623 5.33%/ 4.28%
C/O FUBS
301 S. Tryon St.
Charlotte, NC 28288
First Union National Bank Florida 429,145 93.53%/ 2.57%
Trust Accounts Municipal Bond/Y
Attn: Ginny Batten
11th Floor CMG-1151
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28288-0001
Fubs & Co. Febo Georgia 14,825 6.94%/ 1.24%
Samuel A. Barber Municipal Bond/A
Velma H. Barber
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28288-0001
<PAGE>
Fubs & Co. Febo Georgia 12,793 5.98%/ 1.07%
Mrs. Ralph Marlet Municipal Bond/A
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28288-0001
First Union National Bank Georgia 158,856 91.63%/13.25%
Trust Accounts Municipal Bond/Y
Attn: Ginny Batten
11th Floor CMG-1151
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28288-0001
First Union National Bank Georgia 14,502 8.36%/ 1.21%
Trust Accounts Municipal Bond/Y
Attn: Ginny Batten
11th Floor CMG-1151
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28288-0001
First Union National Bank Fl.High Income 4,708 99 .80%/ .03%
Trust Accounts Muni Bond/Y
Attn: Ginny Batten
11th Floor CMG-1151
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28288-0001
Merrill Lynch Fl.High Income 665,779 11.17%/ 4.00%
Trade House Account - Aid Muni Bond/A
c/o:FUBS & Co. FEBO
301 S.Tryon St.
Charlotte, NC 28288
FUBS & Co. FEBO Fl.High Income 29,183 6.65%/ .17%
Robert David Butler Sr.and Muni Bond/B
Martha Lee Butler Trust
Robert & Martha Butler Ttees
U/A/D/ 3/29/90
301 S. Tryon St.
Charolotte, NC 28288
FUBS & Co. FEBO Fl.High Income 48,963 11.16%/ .29%
Don L. Waldron Muni Bond/B
Gladys M. Wood JT Ten
301 S. Tryon St.
Charolotte, NC 28288
FUBS & Co. FEBO Fl.High Income 28,256 6.44%/ .17%
Harlowe R. Zinn Trust Muni Bond/B
Harlowe R. Zinni and
Marjorie Z. Zinn Co.TTES
U/A/D/ 12/15/93
301 S. Tryon St.
Charolotte, NC 28288
25
<PAGE>
First Union National Bank High Grade/Y 342,656 14.95%/ 3.14%
Trust Accounts
Attn: Ginny Batten
11th Floor CMG-1151
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28288-0001
Foster & Foster High Grade/Y 405,595 7.70%/ 3.72%
P.O. Box 1669
Greenwich, CT 06836-1669
Fubs & Co. Febo Short-Intermediate/A 131,696 6.76%/ 2.46%
Manuel Garcia and
Adeline Garcia
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28288-0001
Fubs & Co. Febo Short-Intermediate/A 198,346 5.24%/ 3.70%
International Gem Society Inc.
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28288-0001
Fubs & Co. Febo Short-Intermediate/A 254,140 2.34%/ 4.74%
First Union National Bank-
FL F/B/O
International Gem Society Inc
Att: Susan Weiner
"Loan Account"
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28288-0001
Fubs & Co. FBO Short-Intermediate/B 35,906 5.52%/ .67%
Mark E. Smith
Melissa A. Smith JT TEN
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28288-0001
Fubs & Co. FBO Short-Intermediate/B 47,407 7.29%/ .89%
Carl R. Nodine and
Linda F. Nodine
C/O First Union National Bank
301 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28288-0001
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT ADVISER
(See also "Management of the Fund" in each Fund's Prospectus)
The investment adviser of Short-Intermediate and Short-Intermediate-CA is
Evergreen Asset Management Corp., a New York corporation, with offices at 2500
Westchester Avenue, Purchase, New York ("Evergreen Asset" or the "Adviser").
Evergreen Asset is owned by First Union National Bank of North Carolina ("FUNB"
or the "Adviser") which, in turn, is a subsidiary of First Union Corporation
("First Union"), a bank holding company headquartered in Charlotte, North
Carolina. The investment adviser of Florida Municipal Bond, Georgia Municipal
Bond, New Jersey Tax Free, North Carolina Municipal Bond, South Carolina
Municipal Bond, Virginia Municipal Bond, Florida High Income and High Grade is
FUNB which provides investment advisory services through its Capital Management
Group. The Directors of Evergreen Asset are Richard K. Wagoner and Barbara I.
Colvin. The executive officers of Evergreen Asset are Stephen A. Lieber,
Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer, Nola Maddox Falcone, President and
Co-Chief Executive Officer, Theodore J. Israel, Jr., Executive Vice President,
Joseph J. McBrien, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, and George R.
Gaspari, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
On June 30, 1994, Evergreen Asset and Lieber and Company ("Lieber")
were acquired by First Union through certain of its subsidiaries. Evergreen
Asset was acquired by FUNB, a wholly-owned subsidiary (except for directors'
qualifying shares) of First Union, by merger into EAMC Corporation ("EAMC") a
wholly-owned subsidiary of FUNB. EAMC then assumed the name "Evergreen Asset
Management Corp." and succeeded to the business of Evergreen Asset.
Contemporaneously with the succession of EAMC to the business of Evergreen Asset
and its assumption of the name "Evergreen Asset Management Corp.", Short-
Intermediate and Short-Intermediate-CA entered into a new investment advisory
agreement with EAMC and into a distribution agreement with Evergreen Funds
Distributor, Inc. (the "Distributor"), an affiliate of Furman Selz Incorporated.
At that time, EAMC also entered into a new sub-advisory agreement with Lieber
pursuant to which Lieber provides certain services to Evergreen Asset in
connection with its duties as investment adviser.
The partnership interests in Lieber, a New York general partnership,
were acquired by Lieber I Corp. and Lieber II Corp., which are both wholly-owned
subsidiaries of FUNB. The business of Lieber is being continued. The new
advisory and sub-advisory agreements were approved by the shareholders of
Short-Intermediate and Short-Intermediate-CA at their meeting held on June 23,
1994, and became effective on June 30, 1994. Florida High Income, which
commenced operations on June 30, 1995, entered into an advisory agreement with
FUNB on June 30, 1995.
Prior to XXXXXXXXXXX, 199X, First Fidelity Bank, N.A. ("First Fidelity")
acted as investment adviser to New Jersey Tax Free. On June 18, 1995, First
Union Corporation ("First Union") the corporate parent of FUNB, entered into an
Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") with First Fidelity
Bancorporation ("FFB"), the corporate parent of First Fidelity which provided,
among other things, for the merger (the "Merger") of First Fidelity with and
into a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Union. The Merger was consummated on
XXXXX, 199X. As a result of the Merger, FUNB and its wholly-owned subsidiary,
Evergreen Asset Management Corp., succeeded to the investment advisory and
administrative functions currently performed by various units of First Fidelity.
Under its Investment Advisory Agreement with each Fund, each Adviser has
agreed to furnish reports, statistical and research services and recommendations
with respect to each Fund's portfolio of investments. In addition, each Adviser
provides office facilities to the Funds and performs a variety of administrative
services. Each Fund pays the cost of all of its other expenses and liabilities,
including expenses and liabilities incurred in connection with maintaining their
registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the 1940 Act,
printing prospectuses (for existing shareholders) as they are updated, state
qualifications, share certificates, mailings, brokerage, custodian and stock
transfer charges, printing, legal and auditing expenses, expenses of shareholder
meetings and reports to shareholders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each
Adviser will pay the costs of printing and distributing prospectuses used for
prospective shareholders.
The method of computing the investment advisory fee for each Fund is
described in such Fund's Prospectus. The advisory fees paid by each Fund for the
three most recent fiscal periods reflected in its registration statement are set
forth below:
FLORIDA MUNICIPAL
BOND Period Ended Year Ended Year Ended
8/31/95 12/31/94 12/31/93
Advisory Fee $243,413 $171,732 $31,835
Waiver (73,661) (171,732) (31,835)
Net Advisory Fee 16,975 $ 0 $ 0
========= ========== ==========
Expense
Reinbursement (46,864) (90,218) (68,939)
-------- -------- ---------
GEORGIA MUNICIPAL
BOND Period Ended Year Ended Year Ended
8/31/95 12/31/94 12/31/93
Advisory Fee $ 32,646 $36,674 $5,416
Waiver (32,646) (36,674) (5,416)
Net Advisory Fee $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
======== ======== =========
Exspense
Reinbursement (105,409) (189,746) (65,758)
---------- --------- ---------
NEW JERSEY
TAX FREE Period Ended Year Ended Year Ended
2/28/95 2/28/94 2/28/93
Advisory Fee $191,038 $116,651 $116,651
Waiver (191,038) (116,651) (116,651)
Net Advisory Fee $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
========== ========== ==========
Exspense
Reinbursement -0- $33,402 $ 72,680
--------- ---------- ----------
NORTH CAROLINA
MUNICIPAL BOND Period Ended Year Ended Year Ended
8/31/95 12/31/94 12/31/93
Advisory Fee $190,284 $287,040 $170,496
Waiver (132,051) (193,158) (170,496)
Net Advisory Fee $ 58,233 $93,882 $ 0
========== ========== ==========
Exspense
Reinbursement -0- (28,121) (152,589)
--------- ---------- ----------
SOUTH CAROLINA
MUNICIPAL BOND Period Ended Year Ended
8/31/95 12/31/94
Advisory Fee $ 13,154 $8,905
Waiver (13,154) (8,905)
Net Advisory Fee $ 0 $ 0
======== ========
Expense
Reinbursement (144,430) (177,387)
--------- ----------
VIRGINIA
MUNICIPAL BOND Period Ended Year Ended Year Ended
8/31/95 12/31/94 12/31/93
Advisory Fee $ 23,156 $24,942 $4,283
-------- ------- -----
Waiver ($ 23,156) ($24,942) ($4,283)
Net Advisory Fee 0 0 0
======== ======== ========
Expense
Reinbursement (120,876) (205,073) (59,974)
--------- --------- --------
FLORIDA HIGH
INCOME Year Ended
8/31/95
Advisory Fee $123,320
---------
Waiver (71,690)
Net Advisory Fee $ 51,630
========
Expense
Reimbursement 0
HIGH GRADE Period Ended Year Ended Year Ended
8/31/95 12/31/94 12/31/93
Advisory Fee $338,767 $599,854 $643,946
-------- ------- -------
Waiver ( 20,456) (16,091) (280,300)
Net Advisory Fee $318,311 $583,763 $363,646
========= ========= ==========
SHORT-INTERMEDIATE Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended
8/31/95 8/31/94 8/31/93
Advisory Fee $263,947 $301,565 $313,180
-------- ------- -------
Waiver ( 63,612) (150,194) (256,324)
Net Advisory Fee $200,335 $151,371 $56,856
======== ======== ========
Expense
Reimbursement ( 28,521) $ 0 $ 0
-------- -------- -------
29
<PAGE>
SHORT-INTERMEDIATE-
CA Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended
8/31/95 8/31/94 8/31/93
Advisory Fee $134,625 $164,447 $158,025
--------- ------- -------
Waiver ( 48,955) (129,952) (150,551)
Net Advisory Fee $ 85,670 $34,495 $7,474
======= ======= =======
Expense
Reimbursement 0 0 $44,957
-------- ------- ------
Florida Municipal Bond, Georgia Municipal Bond, North Carolina
Municipal Bond, South Carolina Municipal Bond, Virginia Municipal Bond and
Florida High Grade commenced operations on July 2, 1993, July 2, 1993, January
11, 1993, January 4, 1994, July 2, 1993 and June 30, 1995, respectively, and,
therefore, the first year's figures set forth in the table above reflect for
Florida Municipal Bond, Georgia Municipal Bond, North Carolina Municipal Bond
and Virginia Municipal Bond investment advisory fees paid for the period from
commencement of operations through December 31, 1993, with respect to South
Carolina Municipal Bond, December 31, 1994 and, with respect to Florida High
Income, August 31, 1995.
Expense Limitations
Each Adviser's fee will be reduced by, or the Adviser will reimburse
the Funds (except Short-Intermediate and Short-Intermediate-CA, which have
specific percentage limitations described below) for any amount necessary to
prevent such expenses (exclusive of taxes, interest, brokerage commissions and
extraordinary expenses, but inclusive of the Adviser's fee) from exceeding the
most restrictive of the expense limitations imposed by state securities
commissions of the states in which the Funds' shares are then registered or
qualified for sale. Reimbursement, when necessary, will be made monthly in the
same manner in which the advisory fee is paid. Currently the most restrictive
state expense limitation is 2.5% of the first $30,000,000 of the Fund's average
daily net assets, 2% of the next $70,000,000 of such assets and 1.5% of such
assets in excess of $100,000,000.
With respect to Short-Intermediate and Short-Intermediate CA, Evergreen
Asset has agreed to reimburse each Fund to the extent that the Fund's aggregate
operating expenses (including the Adviser's fee but excluding interest, taxes,
brokerage commissions and extraordinary expenses, and, for Class A and Class B
shares Rule 12b-1 distribution fees and shareholder servicing fees payable)
exceed 1% of its average net assets for any fiscal year.
The Investment Advisory Agreements are terminable, without the payment of
any penalty, on sixty days' written notice, by a vote of the holders of a
majority of each Fund's outstanding shares, or by a vote of a majority of each
Trust's Trustees or by the respective Adviser. The Investment Advisory
Agreements will automatically terminate in the event of their assignment. Each
Investment Advisory Agreement provides in substance that the Adviser shall not
be liable for any action or failure to act in accordance with its duties
thereunder in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence
on the part of the Adviser or of reckless disregard of its obligations
thereunder. The Investment Advisory Agreements with respect to Florida High
Income, Short-Intermediate and Short-Intermediate-CA were approved by each
Fund's shareholders on June 23, 1994, became effective on June 30, 1994, (June
30, 1995 with respect to Florida High Income) and will continue in effect until
June 30, 1996, (June 30, 1997 with respect to Florida High Income) and
thereafter from year to year provided that their continuance is approved
annually by a vote of a majority of the Trustees of each Trust including a
majority of those Trustees who are not parties thereto or "interested persons"
(as defined in the 1940 Act) of any such party, cast in person at a meeting duly
called for the purpose of voting on such approval or a majority of the
outstanding voting shares of each Fund. With respect to Florida Municipal Bond,
Georgia Municipal Bond, North Carolina Municipal Bond, South Carolina Municipal
Bond, Virginia Municipal Bond and High Grade, the Investment Advisory Agreement
dated February 28, 1985 and amended from time to time thereafter was last
approved by the Trustees of Evergreen Investment Trust (formerly, First Union
Funds) on April 20, 1995 and it will continue from year to year with respect to
each Fund provided that such continuance is approved annually by a vote of a
majority of the Trustees of Evergreen Investment Trust including a majority of
those Trustees who are not parties thereto or "interested persons" of any such
party cast in person at a meeting duly called for the purpose of voting on such
approval or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each
Fund. With respect to New Jersey Tax Free, the Investment Advisory Agreement
dated XXXXXXX, 199X were first approved by the shareholders of the Fund on
XXXXXXXX, 199X and will continue until June 30, 1997 and from year to year with
respect to the Fund provided that such continuance is approved annually by a
vote of a majority of the Trustees including a majority of those Trustees who
are not parties thereto or "interested persons" of any such party cast in person
at a meeting duly called for the purpose of voting on such approval or by a vote
of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund.
Certain other clients of each Adviser may have investment objectives
and policies similar to those of the Funds. Each Adviser (including the
sub-adviser) may, from time to time, make recommendations which result in the
purchase or sale of a particular security by its other clients simultaneously
with a Fund. If transactions on behalf of more than one client during the same
period increase the demand for securities being purchased or the supply of
securities being sold, there may be an adverse effect on price or quantity. It
is the policy of each Adviser to allocate advisory recommendations and the
placing of orders in a manner which is deemed equitable by the Adviser to the
accounts involved, including the Funds. When two or more of the clients of the
Adviser (including one or more of the Funds) are purchasing or selling the same
security on a given day from the same broker-dealer, such transactions may be
averaged as to price.
Although the investment objectives of the Funds are not the same, and
their investment decisions are made independently of each other, they rely upon
the same resources for investment advice and recommendations. Therefore, on
occasion, when a particular security meets the different investment objectives
of the various Funds, they may simultaneously purchase or sell the same
security. This could have a detrimental effect on the price and quantity of the
security available to each Fund. If simultaneous transactions occur, the Adviser
attempts to allocate the securities, both as to price and quantity, in
accordance with a method deemed equitable to each Fund and consistent with their
different investment objectives. In some cases, simultaneous purchases or sales
could have a beneficial effect, in that the ability of one Fund to participate
in volume transactions may produce better executions for that Fund.
Each Fund has adopted procedures under Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act to
permit purchase and sales transactions to be effected between each Fund and the
other registered investment companies for which either Evergreen Asset or FUNB
acts as investment adviser or between the Fund and any advisory clients of
Evergreen Asset, FUNB or Lieber. Each Fund may from time to time engage in such
transactions but only in accordance with these procedures and if they are
equitable to each participant and consistent with each participant's investment
objectives.
Prior to July 1, 1995, Federated Administrative Services, a subsidiary of
Federated Investors, provided legal, accounting and other administrative
personnel and support services to each of the portfolios of Evergreen Investment
Trust. The Trust paid a fee for such services at the following annual rate: .15%
on the first $250 million average daily net assets of the Trust; .125% on the
next $250 million; .10% on the next $250 million and .075% on assets in excess
of $250 million. On July 1, 1995, Evergreen Asset commenced providing
administrative services to each of the portfolios of Evergreen Investment Trust
for a fee based on the average daily net assets of each fund administered by
Evergreen Asset for which Evergreen Asset or FUNB also serves as investment
adviser, calculated daily and payable monthly at the following annual rates:
.050% on the first $7 billion; .035% on the next $3 billion; .030% on the next
$5 billion; .020% on the next $10 billion; .015% on the next $5 billion; and
.010% on assets in excess of $30 billion. Furman Selz Incorporated, an affiliate
of the Distributor, serves as sub-administrator to Florida Municipal Bond,
Georgia Municipal Bond, North Carolina Municipal Bond, South Carolina Municipal
Bond, Virginia Municipal Bond and High Grade and is entitled to receive a fee
from each Fund calculated on the average daily net assets of each Fund at a rate
based on the total assets of the mutual funds administered by Evergreen Asset
for which FUNB or Evergreen Asset also serve as investment adviser, calculated
in accordance with the following schedule: .0100% of the first $7 billion;
.0075% on the next $3 billion; .0050% on the next $15 billion; and .0040% on
assets in excess of $25 billion. The total assets of mutual funds administered
by Evergreen Asset for which Evergreen Asset or FUNB serve as investment adviser
as of September 30, 1995 were approximately $10.1 billion.
Prior to XXXXXX, 199X, Furman Selz acted as administrator for Pennsylvania.
For the fiscal years ended February 28, 1993, 1994 and 1995 Furman Selz waived
its entire administrative fee.
For the fiscal period ended August 31, 1995, the year ended December 31,
1994, and the period from July 2, 1993 (commencement of operations) to December
31, 1993, Florida Municipal Bond incurred $38,751, $75,397 and $24,932,
respectively, in administrative service costs, all of which were voluntarily
waived for the year ended December 31, 1994 and the period from July 2, 1993
(commencement of operations) to December 31, 1993. For the fiscal period ended
August 31, 1995, the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994, and the period from
July 2, 1993 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 1993, Georgia
Municipal Bond incurred $3,901, $75,479 and $24,931, respectively, in
administrative service costs, all of which were voluntarily waived. For the
fiscal period ended August 31, 1995, the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994,
and for the period from January 11, 1993 (commencement of operations) to
December 31, 1993, North Carolina Municipal Bond incurred $23,309, $75,476 and
$48,493, respectively, in administrative service costs, of which $0, $28,121 and
$48,493, respectively were voluntarily waived. For the fiscal period ended
August 31, 1995, and the period January 3, 1994 (commencement of operations) to
December 31, 1994, South Carolina Municipal Bond incurred $1,451 and $104,356,
respectively in administrative service costs, all of which were voluntarily
waived. For the fiscal period ended August 31, 1995, the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1994, and the period from July 2, 1993 (commencement of operations)
to December 31, 1993, Virginia Municipal Bond incurred $2,701, $75,479 and
$24,931, respectively, in administrative service costs, all of which were
voluntarily waived. For the fiscal period ended August 31, 1995 and the fiscal
years ended December 31, 1994 and 1993, High Grade incurred $39,697, $101,004
and $112,663, respectively, in administrative service costs.
DISTRIBUTION PLANS
Reference is made to "Management of the Fund - Distribution Plans and
Agreements" in the Prospectus of each Fund for additional disclosure regarding
the Funds' distribution arrangements. Distribution fees are accrued daily and
paid monthly on the Class A and B shares and are charged as class expenses, as
accrued. The distribution fees attributable to the Class B shares are designed
to permit an investor to purchase such shares through broker-dealers without the
assessment of a front-end sales charge, while at the same time permitting the
Distributor to compensate broker-dealers in connection with the sale of such
shares. In this regard the purpose and function of the combined contingent
deferred sales charge and distribution services fee on the Class B shares are
the same as those of the front-end sales charge and distribution fee with
respect to the Class A shares in that in each case the sales charge and/or
distribution fee provide for the financing of the distribution of the Fund's
shares.
Under the Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plans that have been adopted by each
Fund with respect to each of its Class A and Class B shares (each a "Plan" and
collectively, the "Plans"), the Treasurer of each Fund reports the amounts
expended under the Plan and the purposes for which such expenditures were made
to the Trustees of each Trust for their review on a quarterly basis. Also, each
Plan provides that the selection and nomination of Trustees who are not
"interested persons" of each Trust (as defined in the 1940 Act) are committed to
the discretion of such disinterested Trustees then in office.
Each Adviser may from time to time and from its own funds or such other
resources as may be permitted by rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission
make payments for distribution services to the Distributor; the latter may in
turn pay part or all of such compensation to brokers or other persons for their
distribution assistance.
Short-Intermediate and Short-Intermediate-CA commenced offering Class A and
Class B shares on January 3, 1995 and Florida High Income commenced offering
Class A and Class B shares on June 30, 1995. Each Plan with respect to such
Funds became effective on December 30, 1994 (June 30, 1995 with respect to
Florida High Income) and was initially approved by the sole shareholder of each
Class of shares of each Fund with respect to which a Plan was adopted on that
date and by the unanimous vote of the Trustees of each Trust, including the
disinterested Trustees voting separately, at a meeting called for that purpose
and held on December 13, 1994 (April 20, 1995 with respect to Florida High
Income). The Distribution Agreements between each Fund and the Distributor,
pursuant to which distribution fees are paid under the Plans by each Fund with
respect to its Class A, and Class B shares were also approved at the December
13, 1994 (April 20, 1995 with respect to Florida High Income) meeting by the
unanimous vote of the Trustees, including the disinterested Trustees voting
separately. Each Plan and Distribution Agreement will continue in effect for
successive twelve-month periods provided, however, that such continuance is
specifically approved at least annually by the Trustees of each Trust or by vote
of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in
the 1940 Act) of that Class, and, in either case, by a majority of the Trustees
of the Trust who are not parties to the Agreement or interested persons, as
defined in the 1940 Act, of any such party (other than as Trustees of the Trust)
and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the
Plan or any agreement related thereto.
Prior to July 7, 1995, Federated Securities Corp., a subsidiary of
Federated Investors, served as the distributor for Florida Municipal Bond,
Georgia Municipal Bond, North Carolina Municipal Bond, South Carolina Municipal
Bond, Virginia Municipal Bond and High Grade as well as other portfolios of
Evergreen Investment Trust. The Distribution Agreements between each Fund and
the Distributor pursuant to which distribution fees are paid under the Plans by
each Fund with respect to its Class A and Class B shares were approved on April
20, 1995 by the unanimous vote of the Trustees including the disinterested
Trustees voting separately.
The Plans permit the payment of fees to brokers and others for
distribution and shareholder-related administrative services and to
broker-dealers, depository institutions, financial intermediaries and
administrators for administrative services as to Class A and Class B shares. The
Plans are designed to (i) stimulate brokers to provide distribution and
administrative support services to each Fund and holders of Class A and Class B
shares and (ii) stimulate administrators to render administrative support
services to the Fund and holders of Class A and Class B shares. The
administrative services are provided by a representative who has knowledge of
the shareholder's particular circumstances and goals, and include, but are not
limited to providing office space, equipment, telephone facilities, and various
personnel including clerical, supervisory, and computer, as necessary or
beneficial to establish and maintain shareholder accounts and records;
processing purchase and redemption transactions and automatic investments of
client account cash balances; answering routine client inquiries regarding Class
A and Class B shares; assisting clients in changing dividend options, account
designations, and addresses; and providing such other services as the Fund
reasonably requests for its Class A and Class B shares.
In addition to the Plans, Florida Municipal Bond, Georgia Municipal
Bond, North Carolina Municipal Bond, South Carolina Municipal Bond, Virginia
Municipal Bond and High Grade have each adopted a Shareholder Services Plan
whereby shareholder servicing agents may receive fees from the Fund for
providing services which include, but are not limited to, distributing
prospectuses and other information, providing shareholder assistance, and
communicating or facilitating purchases and redemptions of Class B shares of the
Fund.
In the event that a Plan or Distribution Agreement is terminated or not
continued with respect to one or more Classes of a Fund, (i) no distribution
fees (other than current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the
Fund to the Distributor with respect to that Class or Classes, and (ii) the Fund
would not be obligated to pay the Distributor for any amounts expended under the
Distribution Agreement not previously recovered by the Distributor from
distribution services fees in respect of shares of such Class or Classes through
deferred sales charges.
All material amendments to any Plan or Distribution Agreement must be
approved by a vote of the Trustees of a Trust or the holders of the Fund's
outstanding voting securities, voting separately by Class, and in either case,
by a majority of the disinterested Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called
for the purpose of voting on such approval; and any Plan or Distribution
Agreement may not be amended in order to increase materially the costs that a
36
<PAGE>
particular Class of shares of a Fund may bear pursuant to the Plan or
Distribution Agreement without the approval of a majority of the holders of the
outstanding voting shares of the Class affected. With respect to Florida
Municipal Bond, Georgia Municipal Bond, North Carolina Municipal Bond, South
Carolina Municipal Bond, Virginia Municipal Bond and High Grade, amendments to
the Shareholder Services Plan require a majority vote of the disinterested
Trustees but do not require a shareholders vote. Any Plan, Shareholder Services
Plan or Distribution Agreement may be terminated (a) by a Fund without penalty
at any time by a majority vote of the holders of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund, voting separately by Class or by a majority vote of the
Trustees who are not "interested persons" as defined in the 1940 Act, or (b) by
the Distributor. To terminate any Distribution Agreement, any party must give
the other parties 60 days' written notice; to terminate a Plan only, the Fund
need give no notice to the Distributor. Any Distribution Agreement will
terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
For the fiscal period from January 1, 1995 through August 31, 1995,
Florida Municipal Bond, Georgia Municipal Bond, North Carolina Municipal Bond,
South Carolina Municipal Bond, Virginia Municipal Bond and High Grade incurred
$1, $2,856, $13,739, $788, $3,127, and $97,996, respectively, in distribution
services fees on behalf of their Class A shares.
For the fiscal period from January 1, 1995 through August 31, 1995,
Florida Municipal Bond, Georgia Municipal Bond, North Carolina Municipal Bond,
South Carolina Municipal Bond, Virginia Municipal Bond, and High Grade, incurred
$21.041, $37,476, $239,789, $15,094, $22,700, and $167,706, respectively, in
distribution services fees on behalf of their Class B shares.
For the fiscal period from January 3, 1995 through August 31, 1995,
Short- Intermediate and Short-Intermediate-CA incurred $4,106 and $0,
respectively, in distribution services fees on behalf of their Class A shares.
For the fiscal period from January 3, 1995 through August 31, 1995,
Short- Intermediate and Short-Intermediate-CA incurred $20,584 and $0,
respectively, in distribution services fees on behalf of their Class B shares.
For the fiscal period from June 30, 1995 through August 31, 1995,
Florida High Income incurred $ 41,690 in distribution services fees on behalf of
its Class A shares.
For the fiscal period from June 30, 1995 through August 31, 1995,
Florida High Income incurred $ 1,565 in distribution services fees on behalf of
its Class B shares.
Shareholder Services Plans
For the period ended August 31, 1995, Florida Municipal Bond incurred
shareholder services fees of $7,013 on behalf of its Class B shares; Georgia
Municipal Bond incurred shareholder services fees of $12,492 on behalf of its
Class B shares; North Carolina Municipal Bond incurred shareholder services fees
of $79,930 on behalf of its Class B shares; South Carolina Municipal Bond
incurred shareholder service fees of $5,031 on behalf of its Class B shares;
37
<PAGE>
Virginia Municipal Bond incurred shareholder service fees of $7,567 on behalf of
its Class B shares; and High Grade incurred shareholder service fees of $55,902
on behalf of its Class B shares.
ALLOCATION OF BROKERAGE
Decisions regarding each Fund's portfolio are made by its Adviser,
subject to the supervision and control of the Trustees. Orders for the purchase
and sale of securities and other investments are placed by employees of the
Adviser, all of whom, in the case of Evergreen Asset, are associated with
Lieber. In general, the same individuals perform the same functions for the
other funds managed by the Adviser. A Fund will not effect any brokerage
transactions with any broker or dealer affiliated directly or indirectly with
the Adviser unless such transactions are fair and reasonable, under the
circumstances, to the Fund's shareholders. Circumstances that may indicate that
such transactions are fair or reasonable include the frequency of such
transactions, the selection process and the commissions payable in connection
with such transactions.
It is anticipated that most of the Funds purchase and sale transactions
will be with the issuer or an underwriter or with major dealers in such
securities acting as principals. Such transactions are normally on a net basis
and generally do not involve payment of brokerage commissions. However, the cost
of securities purchased from an underwriter usually includes a commission paid
by the issuer to the underwriter. Purchases or sales from dealers will normally
reflect the spread between bid and ask prices.
In selecting firms to effect securities transactions, the primary
consideration of each Fund shall be prompt execution at the most favorable
price. A Fund will also consider such factors as the price of the securities and
the size and difficulty of execution of the order. If these objectives may be
met with more than one firm, the Fund will also consider the availability of
statistical and investment data and economic facts and opinions helpful to the
Fund. To the extent that receipt of these services for which the Adviser or its
affiliates might otherwise have paid, it would tend to reduce their expenses.
Except with respect to North Carolina Municipal Bond, the transactions
in which the Funds engage do not involve the payment of brokerage commissions
and are executed with dealers other than Lieber. For the fiscal period ended
August 31, 1995, the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994, and for the period
from January 11, 1993 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 1993, North
Carolina Municipal Bond paid $ 0, $ 1,250 and $0, respectively, in commissions
on brokerage transactions.
ADDITIONAL TAX INFORMATION
(See also "Taxes" in the Prospectus)
Each Fund has qualified and intends to continue to qualify for and
elect the tax treatment applicable to regulated investment companies ("RIC")
under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"). (Such qualification does not involve supervision of management or
investment practices or policies by the Internal Revenue Service.) In order to
qualify as a regulated investment company, a Fund must, among other things, (a)
derive at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest, payments with
respect to proceeds from securities loans, gains from the sale or other
disposition of securities or foreign currencies and other income (including
gains from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to its
business of investing in such securities; (b) derive less than 30% of its gross
income from the sale or other disposition of securities, options, futures or
forward contracts (other than those on foreign currencies), or foreign
currencies (or options, futures or forward contracts thereon) that are not
directly related to the RIC's principal business of investing in securities (or
options and futures with respect thereto) held for less than three months; and
(c) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of its taxable
year, (i) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund's total assets is
represented by cash, U.S. government securities and other securities limited in
respect of any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the Fund's total
assets and 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not
more than 25% of the value of its total assets is invested in the securities of
any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities and securities of other
regulated investment companies). By so qualifying, a Fund is not subject to
Federal income tax if it timely distributes its investment company taxable
income and any net realized capital gains. A 4% nondeductible excise tax will be
imposed on a Fund to the extent it does not meet certain distribution
requirements by the end of each calendar year. Each Fund anticipates meeting
such distribution requirements.
Dividends paid by a Fund from investment company taxable income
generally will be taxed to the shareholders as ordinary income. Investment
company taxable income includes net investment income and net realized
short-term gains (if any). Any dividends received by a Fund from domestic
corporations will constitute a portion of the Fund's gross investment income. It
is anticipated that this portion of the dividends paid by a Fund (other than
distributions of securities profits) will qualify for the 70% dividends-received
deduction for corporations. Shareholders will be informed of the amounts of
dividends which so qualify.
Distributions of the excess of net long-term capital gain over net
short-term capital loss are taxable to shareholders (who are not exempt from
tax) as long-term capital gain, regardless of the length of time the shares of a
Fund have been held by such shareholders. Short-term capital gains distributions
are taxable to shareholders who are not exempt from tax as ordinary income. Such
distributions are not eligible for the dividends-received deduction. Any loss
recognized upon the sale of shares of a Fund held by a shareholder for six
months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent that
the shareholder received a long-term capital gain distribution with respect to
such shares.
Distributions of investment company taxable income and any net
short-term capital gains will be taxable as ordinary income as described above
to shareholders (who are not exempt from tax), whether made in shares or in
cash. Shareholders electing to receive distributions in the form of additional
shares will have a cost basis for Federal income tax purposes in each share so
received equal to the net asset value of a share of a Fund on the reinvestment
date.
Distributions by each Fund result in a reduction in the net asset value
of the Fund's shares. Should a distribution reduce the net asset value below a
shareholder's cost basis, such distribution nevertheless would be taxable as
ordinary income or capital gain as described above to shareholders (who are not
exempt from tax), even though, from an investment standpoint, it may constitute
a return of capital. In particular, investors should be careful to consider the
tax implications of buying shares just prior to a distribution. The price of
shares purchased at that time includes the amount of the forthcoming
distribution. Those purchasing just prior to a distribution will then receive
what is in effect a return of capital upon the distribution which will
nevertheless be taxable to shareholders subject to taxes.
Upon a sale or exchange of its shares, a shareholder will realize a
taxable gain or loss depending on its basis in the shares. Such gains or losses
will be treated as a capital gain or loss if the shares are capital assets in
the investor's hands and will be a long-term capital gain or loss if the shares
have been held for more than one year. Generally, any loss realized on a sale or
exchange will be disallowed to the extent shares disposed of are replaced within
a period of sixty-one days beginning thirty days before and ending thirty days
after the shares are disposed of. Any loss realized by a shareholder on the sale
of shares of the Fund held by the shareholder for six months or less will be
disallowed to the extent of any exempt interest dividends received by the
shareholder with respect to such shares, and will be treated for tax purposes as
a long-term capital loss to the extent of any distributions of net capital gains
received by the shareholder with respect to such shares.
All distributions, whether received in shares or cash, must be reported
by each shareholder on his or her Federal income tax return. Each shareholder
should consult his or her own tax adviser to determine the state and local tax
implications of Fund distributions.
Shareholders who fail to furnish their taxpayer identification numbers to a
Fund and to certify as to its correctness and certain other shareholders may be
subject to a 31% Federal income tax backup withholding requirement on dividends,
distributions of capital gains and redemption proceeds paid to them by the Fund.
If the withholding provisions are applicable, any such dividends or capital gain
distributions to these shareholders, whether taken in cash or reinvested in
additional shares, and any redemption proceeds will be reduced by the amounts
required to be withheld. Investors may wish to consult their own tax advisers
about the applicability of the backup withholding provisions.
The foregoing discussion relates solely to U.S. Federal income tax law as
applicable to U.S. persons (i.e., U.S. citizens and residents and U.S. domestic
corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates). It does not reflect the special
tax consequences to certain taxpayers (e.g., banks, insurance companies, tax
exempt organizations and foreign persons). Shareholders are encouraged to
consult their own tax advisers regarding specific questions relating to Federal,
state and local tax consequences of investing in shares of a Fund. Each
shareholder who is not a U.S. person should consult his or her tax adviser
regarding the U.S. and foreign tax consequences of ownership of shares of a
Fund, including the possibility that such a shareholder may be subject to a U.S.
withholding tax at a rate of 31% (or at a lower rate under a tax treaty) on
amounts treated as income from U.S. sources under the Code.
Special Tax Considerations
To the extent that the Fund distributes exempt interest dividends to a
shareholder, interest on indebtedness incurred or continued by such shareholder
to purchase or carry shares of the Fund is not deductible. Furthermore, entities
or persons who are "substantial users" (or related persons) of facilities
financed by "private activity" bonds (some of which were formerly referred to as
"industrial development" bonds) should consult their tax advisers before
purchasing shares of the Fund. "Substantial user" is defined generally as
including a "non-exempt person" who regularly uses in its trade or business a
part of a facility financed from the proceeds of industrial development bonds.
The percentage of the total dividends paid by a Fund with respect to
any taxable year that qualifies as exempt interest dividends will be the same
for all shareholders of the Fund receiving dividends with respect to such year.
If a shareholder receives an exempt interest dividend with respect to any share
and such share has been held for six months or less, any loss on the sale or
exchange of such share will be disallowed to the extent of the exempt interest
dividend amount.
NET ASSET VALUE
The following information supplements that set forth in each Prospectus
under the subheading "How to Buy Shares - How the Funds Value Their Shares" in
the Section entitled "Purchase and Redemption of Shares".
The public offering price of shares of a Fund is its net asset value,
plus, in the case of Class A shares, a sales charge which will vary depending on
the purchase alternative chosen by the investor, as more fully described in the
Prospectus. See "Purchase of Shares - Class A Shares - Front-End Sales Charge
Alternative. " On each Fund business day on which a purchase or redemption order
is received by a Fund and trading in the types of securities in which a Fund
invests might materially affect the value of Fund shares, the per share net
asset value of each such Fund is computed in accordance with the Declaration of
Trust and By-Laws governing each Fund as of the next close of regular trading on
the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") (currently 4:00 p.m. Eastern time)
by dividing the value of the Fund's total assets, less its liabilities, by the
total number of its shares then outstanding. A Fund business day is any weekday,
exclusive of national holidays on which the Exchange is closed and Good Friday.
For each Fund, securities for which the primary market is on a domestic or
foreign exchange and over-the-counter securities admitted to trading on the
NASDAQ National List are valued at the last quoted sale or, if no sale, at the
mean of closing bid and asked price and portfolio bonds are presently valued by
a recognized pricing service when such prices are believed to reflect the fair
value of the security. Over-the-counter securities not included in the NASDAQ
National List for which market quotations are readily available are valued at a
price quoted by one or more brokers. If accurate quotations are not available,
securities will be valued at fair value determined in good faith by the Board of
Trustees.
The respective per share net asset values of the Class A, Class B and
Class Y shares are expected to be substantially the same. Under certain
circumstances, however, the per share net asset values of the Class B shares may
be lower than the per share net asset value of the Class A shares (and, in turn,
that of Class A shares may be lower than Class Y shares) as a result of the
greater daily expense accruals, relative to Class A and Class Y shares, of Class
B shares relating to distribution services fees (and, with respect to Florida
Municipal Bond, Georgia Municipal Bond, North Carolina Municipal Bond, South
Carolina Municipal Bond, Virginia Municipal Bond, Florida High Income and High
Grade, shareholder service fee) and, to the extent applicable, transfer agency
fees and the fact that Class Y shares bear no additional distribution,
shareholder service or transfer agency related fees. While it is expected that,
in the event each Class of shares of a Fund realizes net investment income or
does not realize a net operating loss for a period, the per share net asset
values of the three classes will tend to converge immediately after the payment
of dividends, which dividends will differ by approximately the amount of the
expense accrual differential among the Classes, there is no assurance that this
will be the case. In the event one or more Classes of a Fund experiences a net
operating loss for any fiscal period, the net asset value per share of such
Class or Classes will remain lower than that of Classes that incurred lower
expenses for the period.
PURCHASE OF SHARES
The following information supplements that set forth in each Prospectus
under the heading "Purchase and Redemption of Shares - How To Buy Shares".
General
Shares of each Fund will be offered on a continuous basis at a price
equal to their net asset value plus an initial sales charge at the time of
purchase (the "front-end sales charge alternative"), or with a contingent
deferred sales charge (the deferred sales charge alternative"), as described
below. Class Y shares which, as described below, are not offered to the general
public, are offered without any front-end or contingent sales charges. Shares of
each Fund are offered on a continuous basis through (i) investment dealers that
are members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and have
entered into selected dealer agreements with the Distributor ("selected
dealers"), (ii) depository institutions and other financial intermediaries or
their affiliates, that have entered into selected agent agreements with the
Distributor ("selected agents"), or (iii) the Distributor. The minimum for
initial investments is $1,000; there is no minimum for subsequent investments.
The subscriber may use the Share Purchase Application available from the
Distributor for his or her initial investment. Sales personnel of selected
dealers and agents distributing a Fund's shares may receive differing
compensation for selling Class A or Class B shares.
Investors may purchase shares of a Fund in the United States either
through selected dealers or agents or directly through the Distributor. A Fund
reserves the right to suspend the sale of its shares to the public in response
to conditions in the securities markets or for other reasons.
Each Fund will accept unconditional orders for its shares to be
executed at the public offering price equal to the net asset value next
determined (plus for Class A shares, the applicable sales charges), as described
below. Orders received by the Distributor prior to the close of regular trading
on the Exchange on each day the Exchange is open for trading are priced at the
net asset value computed as of the close of regular trading on the Exchange on
that day (plus for Class A shares the sales charges). In the case of orders for
purchase of shares placed through selected dealers or agents, the applicable
public offering price will be the net asset value as so determined, but only if
the selected dealer or agent receives the order prior to the close of regular
trading on the Exchange and transmits it to the Distributor prior to its close
of business that same day (normally 5:00 p.m. Eastern time). The selected dealer
or agent is responsible for transmitting such orders by 5:00 p.m. If the
selected dealer or agent fails to do so, the investor's right to that day's
closing price must be settled between the investor and the selected dealer or
agent. If the selected dealer or agent receives the order after the close of
regular trading on the Exchange, the price will be based on the net asset value
determined as of the close of regular trading on the Exchange on the next day it
is open for trading.
Following the initial purchase of shares of a Fund, a shareholder may
place orders to purchase additional shares by telephone if the shareholder has
completed the appropriate portion of the Share Purchase Application. Payment for
shares purchased by telephone can be made only by Electronic Funds Transfer from
a bank account maintained by the shareholder at a bank that is a member of the
National Automated Clearing House Association ("ACH"). If a shareholder's
telephone purchase request is received before 3:00 p.m. New York time on a Fund
business day, the order to purchase shares is automatically placed the same Fund
business day for non-money market funds, and two days following the day the
order is received for money market funds, and the applicable public offering
price will be the public offering price determined as of the close of business
on such business day. Full and fractional shares are credited to a subscriber's
account in the amount of his or her subscription. As a convenience to the
subscriber, and to avoid unnecessary expense to a Fund, stock certificates not
issued for any class of shares of any Fund. This facilitates later redemption
are and relieves the shareholder of the responsibility for and inconvenience of
lost or stolen certificates.
Alternative Purchase Arrangements
Each Fund issues three classes of shares: (i) Class A shares, which are
sold to investors choosing the front-end sales charge alternative; (ii) Class B
shares, which are sold to investors choosing the deferred sales charge
alternative; and (iii) Class Y shares, which are offered only to (a) persons who
at or prior to December 30, 1994 owned shares in a mutual fund advised by
Evergreen Asset, (b) certain investment advisory clients of the Advisers and
their affiliates, and (c) institutional investors. The three classes of shares
each represent an interest in the same portfolio of investments of the Fund,
have the same rights and are identical in all respects, except that (I) only
Class A and Class B shares are subject to a Rule 12b-1 distribution fee, (II)
Class B shares of Florida Municipal Bond, Georgia Municipal Bond, North Carolina
Municipal Bond, South Carolina Municipal Bond, Virginia Municipal Bond and High
Grade and subject to a shareholder service fee, (III) Class A shares bear the
expense of the front-end sales charge and Class B shares bear the expense of the
deferred sales charge, (IV) Class B shares bear the expense of a higher Rule
12b-1 distribution services fee and shareholder service fee than Class A shares
and higher transfer agency costs, (V) with the exception of Class Y shares, each
Class of each Fund has exclusive voting rights with respect to provisions of the
Rule 12b-1 Plan pursuant to which its distribution services (and, to the extent
applicable, shareholder service) fee is paid which relates to a specific Class
and other matters for which separate Class voting is appropriate under
applicable law, provided that, if the Fund submits to a simultaneous vote of
Class A and Class B shareholders an amendment to the Rule 12b-1 Plan that would
materially increase the amount to be paid thereunder with respect to the Class A
shares, the Class A shareholders and the Class B shareholders will vote
separately by Class, and (VI) only the Class B shares are subject to a
conversion feature. Each Class has different exchange privileges and certain
different shareholder service options available.
The alternative purchase arrangements permit an investor to choose the
method of purchasing shares that is most beneficial given the amount of the
purchase, the length of time the investor expects to hold the shares, and other
circumstances. Investors should consider whether, during the anticipated life of
their investment in the Fund, the accumulated distribution services (and, to the
extent applicable, shareholder service) fee and contingent deferred sales
charges on Class B shares prior to conversion would be less than the front-end
sales charge and accumulated distribution services fee on Class A shares
purchased at the same time, and to what extent such differential would be offset
by the higher return of Class A shares. Class B shares will normally not be
suitable for the investor who qualifies to purchase Class A shares at the lowest
applicable sales charge. For this reason, the Distributor will reject any order
(except orders for Class B shares from certain retirement plans) for more than
$2,500,000 for Class B shares.
Class A shares are subject to a lower distribution services fee and no
shareholder service fee and, accordingly, pay correspondingly higher dividends
per share than Class B shares. However, because front-end sales charges are
deducted at the time of purchase, investors purchasing Class A shares would not
have all their funds invested initially and, therefore, would initially own
fewer shares. Investors not qualifying for reduced front-end sales charges who
expect to maintain their investment for an extended period of time might
consider purchasing Class A shares because the accumulated continuing
distribution (and, to the extent applicable, shareholder service) charges on
Class B shares may exceed the front-end sales charge on Class A shares during
the life of the investment. Again, however, such investors must weigh this
consideration against the fact that, because of such front-end sales charges,
not all their funds will be invested initially.
Other investors might determine, however, that it would be more
advantageous to purchase Class B shares in order to have all their funds
invested initially, although remaining subject to higher continuing distribution
services (and, to the extent applicable, shareholder service) fees and being
subject to a contingent deferred sales charge for a seven-year period. For
example, based on current fees and expenses, an investor subject to the 4.75%
front-end sales charge would have to hold his or her investment approximately
seven years for the Class B distribution services (and, to the extent
applicable, shareholders service) fees to exceed the front-end sales charge plus
the accumulated distribution services fee of Class A shares. In this example, an
investor intending to maintain his or her investment for a longer period might
consider purchasing Class A shares. This example does not take into account the
time value of money, which further reduces the impact of the Class B
distribution services (and, to the extent applicable, shareholder service) fees
on the investment, fluctuations in net asset value or the effect of different
performance assumptions.
With respect to each Fund, the Trustees have determined that currently
no conflict of interest exists between or among the Class A, Class B and Class Y
shares. On an ongoing basis, the Trustees, pursuant to their fiduciary duties
under the 1940 Act and state laws, will seek to ensure that no such conflict
arises.
Front-end Sales Charge Alternative--Class A Shares
The public offering price of Class A shares for purchasers choosing the
front-end sales charge alternative is the net asset value plus a sales charge as
set forth in the Prospectus for each Fund.
Shares issued pursuant to the automatic reinvestment of income
dividends or capital gains distributions are not subject to any sales charges.
The Fund receives the entire net asset value of its Class A shares sold to
investors. The Distributor's commission is the sales charge set forth in the
Prospectus for each Fund, less any applicable discount or commission "reallowed"
to selected dealers and agents. The Distributor will reallow discounts to
selected dealers and agents in the amounts indicated in the table in the
Prospectus. In this regard, the Distributor may elect to reallow the entire
sales charge to selected dealers and agents for all sales with respect to which
orders are placed with the Distributor.
Set forth below is an example of the method of computing the offering
price of the Class A shares of each Fund. The example assumes a purchase of
Class A shares of a Fund aggregating less than $100,000 subject to the schedule
of sales charges set forth in the Prospectus at a price based upon the net asset
value of Class A shares of each Fund at the end of each Fund's latest fiscal
year.
Net Per Share Offering
Asset Sales Price
Value Charge Date Per Share
Florida
Municipal
Bond $ 9.74 $.49 8/31/95 $10.23
Georgia
Municipal
Bond $ 9.47 $.47 8/31/95 $ 9.94
North Carolina
Municipal Bond $ 9.95 $.50 8/31/95 $10.45
South Carolina
Municipal Bond $ 9.59 $.48 8/31/95 $10.07
Virginia
Municipal
Bond $ 9.67 $.48 8/31/95 $10.15
Florida
High Income $10.40 $.52 8/31/95 $10.92
High Grade $10.69 $.53 8/31/95 $11.22
Short-
Intermediate $10.17 $.51 8/31/95 $10.68
Short-
Intermediate-
CA $10.06 $.50 8/31/95 $10.56
Prior to January 3, 1995, shares of the Funds other than Florida
Municipal Bond, Georgia Municipal Bond, North Carolina Municipal Bond, South
Carolina Municipal Bond, Virginia Municipal Bond and High Grade were offered
exclusively on a no-load basis and, accordingly, no underwriting commissions
were paid in respect of sales of shares of the Funds or retained by the
Distributor. In addition, since Class B shares were not offered prior to January
3, 1995, contingent deferred sales charges have been paid to the Distributor
with respect to Class B shares only since January 3, 1995.
With respect to Florida Municipal Bond, Georgia Municipal Bond, North
Carolina Municipal Bond, South Carolina Municipal Bond, Virginia Municipal Bond
and High Grade for the periods indicated, the following commissions were paid to
and amounts were retained by Federated Securities Corp., which, prior to July 7,
1995, was the principal underwriter of portfolios of Evergreen Investment Trust:
Period from Period from Year Ended Perid from
July 7, 1995 to January 1, 1995 12/31/94 July 2, 1993 to
August 31, 1995 to July 6, 1995 December 31,1993
Florida Municipal
Bond Fund
Commissions Received $ 23, 324 $ 64,431 $ 2,000 $ 132,000
Commissions Retained 2, 747 1,554 --- 20,000
Georgia Municipal Bond
Commissions Received $ 9,947 $ 46,263 $103,000 $ 15,000
Commissions Retained 1,747 2,473 6,000 2,000
Virginia Municipal Bond
Commissions Received $ 4,340 $ 41,373 $ 62,000 $ 49,000
Commissions Retained 533 1,787 6,000 7,000
North Carolina Municipal
Bond
Period from Period from Year Ended Period from
July 7, 1995 to January 1, 1995 12/31/94 January 11, 1993
August 31, 1995 to July 6, 1995 to December 31,1995
Commissions Received $ 5,238 $ 117,937 $ 210,000 $ 35,000
Commissions Retained 637 7,206 3,000 5,000
* * * * * * * * * * * *
South Carolina Municipal
Bond Period from Period from Period from
July 7, 1995 to January 1, 1995 January 3, 1994 to
August 31, 1995 to July 6, 1995 December 31, 1994
Commissions Received $ 853 $ 34,388 $ 34,000
Commissions Retained 98 3,497 5,000
* * * * * * * * * * * *
High Grade
Period from Period from
July 7, 1995 to January 1, 1995 Year Ended Year Ended
August 31,1995 to July 6, 1995 12/31/94 12/31/93
Commissions Received $ 5,767 $ 29,154 $ 82,000 $ 549,000
Commissions Retained 712 1,515 5,000 82,000
Investors choosing the front-end sales charge alternative may under
certain circumstances be entitled to pay reduced sales charges. The
circumstances under which such investors may pay reduced sales charges are
described below.
Combined Purchase Privilege. Certain persons may qualify for the sales
charge reductions by combining purchases of shares of one or more Evergreen
mutual funds other than money market funds into a single "purchase", if the
resulting "purchase" totals at least $100,000. The term "purchase" refers to:
(i) a single purchase by an individual, or to concurrent purchases, which in the
aggregate are at least equal to the prescribed amounts, by an individual, his or
her spouse and their children under the age of 21 years purchasing shares for
his, her or their own account(s); (ii) a single purchase by a trustee or other
fiduciary purchasing shares for a single trust, estate or single fiduciary
account although more than one beneficiary is involved; or (iii) a single
purchase for the employee benefit plans of a single employer. The term
"purchase" also includes purchases by any "company", as the term is defined in
the 1940 Act, but does not include purchases by any such company which has not
been in existence for at least six months or which has no purpose other than the
purchase of shares of a Fund or shares of other registered investment companies
at a discount. The term "purchase" does not include purchases by any group of
individuals whose sole organizational nexus is that the participants therein are
credit card holders of a company, policy holders of an insurance company,
customers of either a bank or broker-dealer or clients of an investment adviser.
A "purchase" may also include shares, purchased at the same time through a
single selected dealer or agent, of any Evergreen mutual fund. Currently, the
Evergreen mutual funds include:
Evergreen Fund
Evergreen Global Real Estate Equity Fund
Evergreen U.S. Real Estate Equity Fund
Evergreen Limited Market Fund, Inc.
Evergreen Growth and Income Fund
Evergreen Total Return Fund
Evergreen American Retirement Fund
Evergreen Small Cap Equity Income Fund
Evergreen Tax Strategic Foundation Fund
Evergreen Short-Intermediate Municipal Fund
Evergreen Short-Intermediate Municipal Fund-California
Evergreen Tax Exempt Money Market Fund
Evergreen Money Market Fund
Evergreen Foundation Fund
Evergreen Florida High Income Municipal Bond Fund
Evergreen Aggressive Growth
Fund Evergreen Balanced Fund*
Evergreen Utility Fund*
Evergreen Value Fund*
Evergreen U.S. Government Fund*
Evergreen Fixed Income Fund*
Evergreen Managed Bond Fund*
Evergreen Emerging Markets Growth Fund*
Evergreen International Equity Fund*
Evergreen Treasury Money Market Fund*
Evergreen Florida Municipal Bond Fund*
Evergreen Georgia Municipal Bond Fund*
Evergreen North Carolina Municipal Bond Fund*
Evergreen South Carolina Municipal Bond Fund*
Evergreen Virginia Municipal Bond Fund*
Evergreen High Grade Tax Free Fund*
* Prior to July 7, 1995, each Fund was named "First Union" instead of
"Evergreen."
Prospectuses for the Evergreen mutual funds may be obtained without
charge by contacting the Distributor or the Advisers at the address or telephone
number shown on the front cover of this Statement of Additional Information.
Cumulative Quantity Discount (Right of Accumulation). An investor's
purchase of additional Class A shares of a Fund may qualify for a Cumulative
Quantity Discount. The applicable sales charge will be based on the total of:
(i) the investor's current purchase;
(ii) the net asset value (at the close of business on the
previous day) of (a) all Class A and Class B shares of the
Fund held by the investor and (b) all such shares of any other
Evergreen mutual fund held by the investor; and
(iii) the net asset value of all shares described in paragraph
(ii) owned by another shareholder eligible to combine his or
her purchase with that of the investor into a single
"purchase" (see above).
For example, if an investor owned Class A or B shares of an Evergreen
mutual fund worth $200,000 at their then current net asset value and,
subsequently, purchased Class A shares of a Fund worth an additional $100,000,
the sales charge for the $100,000 purchase would be at the 3.00% rate applicable
to a single $300,000 purchase of shares of the Fund, rather than the 3.75% rate.
To qualify for the Combined Purchase Privilege or to obtain the
Cumulative Quantity Discount on a purchase through a selected dealer or agent,
the investor or selected dealer or agent must provide the Distributor with
sufficient information to verify that each purchase qualifies for the privilege
or discount.
Statement of Intention. Class A investors may also obtain the reduced
sales charges shown in the Prospectus by means of a written Statement of
Intention, which expresses the investor's intention to invest not less than
$100,000 within a period of 13 months in Class A shares (or Class A and Class B
shares) of the Fund or any other Evergreen mutual fund. Each purchase of shares
under a Statement of Intention will be made at the public offering price or
prices applicable at the time of such purchase to a single transaction of the
dollar amount indicated in the Statement of Intention. At the investor's option,
a Statement of Intention may include purchases of Class A or B shares of the
Fund or any other Evergreen mutual fund made not more than 90 days prior to the
date that the investor signs a Statement of Intention; however, the 13-month
period during which the Statement of Intention is in effect will begin on the
date of the earliest purchase to be included.
Investors qualifying for the Combined Purchase Privilege described
above may purchase shares of the Evergreen mutual funds under a single Statement
of Intention. For example, if at the time an investor signs a Statement of
Intention to invest at least $100,000 in Class A shares of the Fund, the
investor and the investor's spouse each purchase shares of the Fund worth
$20,000 (for a total of $40,000), it will only be necessary to invest a total of
$60,000 during the following 13 months in shares of the Fund or any other
Evergreen mutual fund, to qualify for the 3.75% sales charge on the total amount
being invested (the sales charge applicable to an investment of $100,000).
The Statement of Intention is not a binding obligation upon the
investor to purchase the full amount indicated. The minimum initial investment
under a Statement of Intention is 5% of such amount. Shares purchased with the
first 5% of such amount will be held in escrow (while remaining registered in
the name of the investor) to secure payment of the higher sales charge
applicable to the shares actually purchased if the full amount indicated is not
purchased, and such escrowed shares will be involuntarily redeemed to pay the
additional sales charge, if necessary. Dividends on escrowed shares, whether
paid in cash or reinvested in additional Fund shares, are not subject to escrow.
When the full amount indicated has been purchased, the escrow will be released.
To the extent that an investor purchases more than the dollar amount indicated
on the Statement of Intention and qualifies for a further reduced sales charge,
the sales charge will be adjusted for the entire amount purchased at the end of
the 13-month period. The difference in sales charge will be used to purchase
additional shares of the Fund subject to the rate of sales charge applicable to
the actual amount of the aggregate purchases.
Investors wishing to enter into a Statement of Intention in conjunction
with their initial investment in Class A shares of the Fund should complete the
appropriate portion of the Subscription Application found in the Prospectus
while current Class A shareholders desiring to do so can obtain a form of
Statement of Intention by contacting a Fund at the address or telephone number
shown on the cover of this Statement of Additional Information.
Investments Through Employee Benefit and Savings Plans. Certain
qualified and non-qualified benefit and savings plans may make shares of the
Evergreen mutual funds available to their participants. Investments made by such
employee benefit plans may be exempt from any applicable front-end sales charges
if they meet the criteria set forth in the Prospectus under "Class A
Shares-Front End Sales Charge Alternative". The Advisers may provide
compensation to organizations providing administrative and recordkeeping
services to plans which make shares of the Evergreen mutual funds available to
their participants.
Reinstatement Privilege. A Class A shareholder who has caused any or
all of his or her shares of the Fund to be redeemed or repurchased may reinvest
all or any portion of the redemption or repurchase proceeds in Class A shares of
the Fund at net asset value without any sales charge, provided that such
reinvestment is made within 30 calendar days after the redemption or repurchase
date. Shares are sold to a reinvesting shareholder at the net asset value next
determined as described above. A reinstatement pursuant to this privilege will
not cancel the redemption or repurchase transaction; therefore, any gain or loss
so realized will be recognized for Federal tax purposes except that no loss will
be recognized to the extent that the proceeds are reinvested in shares of the
Fund. The reinstatement privilege may be used by the shareholder only once,
irrespective of the number of shares redeemed or repurchased, except that the
privilege may be used without limit in connection with transactions whose sole
purpose is to transfer a shareholder's interest in the Fund to his or her
individual retirement account or other qualified retirement plan account.
Investors may exercise the reinstatement privilege by written request sent to
the Fund at the address shown on the cover of this Statement of Additional
Information.
Sales at Net Asset Value. In addition to the categories of investors
set forth in the Prospectus, each Fund may sell its Class A shares at net asset
value, i.e., without any sales charge, to: (i) certain investment advisory
clients of the Advisers or their affiliates; (ii) officers and present or former
Trustees of the Trust; present or former trustees of other investment companies
managed by the Advisers; present or retired full-time employees of the Adviser;
officers, directors and present or retired full-time employees of the Adviser,
the Distributor, and their affiliates; officers, directors and present and
full-time employees of selected dealers or agents; or the spouse, sibling,
direct ancestor or direct descendant (collectively "relatives") of any such
person; or any trust, individual retirement account or retirement plan account
for the benefit of any such person or relative; or the estate of any such person
or relative, if such shares are purchased for investment purposes (such shares
may not be resold except to the Fund); (iii) certain employee benefit plans for
employees of the Adviser, the Distributor. and their affiliates; (iv) persons
participating in a fee-based program, sponsored and maintained by a registered
broker-dealer and approved by the Distributor, pursuant to which such persons
pay an asset-based fee to such broker-dealer, or its affiliate or agent, for
service in the nature of investment advisory or administrative services. These
provisions are intended to provide additional job-related incentives to persons
who serve the Funds or work for companies associated with the Funds and selected
dealers and agents of the Funds. Since these persons are in a position to have a
basic understanding of the nature of an investment company as well as a general
familiarity with the Fund, sales to these persons, as compared to sales in the
normal channels of distribution, require substantially less sales effort.
Similarly, these provisions extend the privilege of purchasing shares at net
asset value to certain classes of institutional investors who, because of their
investment sophistication, can be expected to require significantly less than
normal sales effort on the part of the Funds and the Distributor.
Deferred Sales Charge Alternative--Class B Shares
Investors choosing the deferred sales charge alternative purchase Class
B shares at the public offering price equal to the net asset value per share of
the Class B shares on the date of purchase without the imposition of a sales
charge at the time of purchase. The Class B shares are sold without a front-end
sales charge so that the full amount of the investor's purchase payment is
invested in the Fund initially.
Proceeds from the contingent deferred sales charge are paid to the
Distributor and are used by the Distributor to defray the expenses of the
Distributor related to providing distribution-related services to the Fund in
connection with the sale of the Class B shares, such as the payment of
compensation to selected dealers and agents for selling Class B shares. The
combination of the contingent deferred sales charge and the distribution
services fee (and, with respect to Florida Municipal Bond, Georgia Municipal
Bond, North Carolina Municipal Bond, South Carolina Municipal Bond, Virginia
Municipal Bond and High Grade, the shareholder service fee) enables the Fund to
sell the Class B shares without a sales charge being deducted at the time of
purchase. The higher distribution services fee (and, with respect to Florida
Municipal Bond, Georgia Municipal Bond, North Carolina Municipal Bond, South
Carolina Municipal Bond, Virginia Municipal Bond and High Grade, the shareholder
service fee) incurred by Class B shares will cause such shares to have a higher
expense ratio and to pay lower dividends than those related to Class A shares.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. Class B shares which are redeemed
within seven years of purchase will be subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge at the rates set forth in the Prospectus charged as a percentage of the
dollar amount subject thereto. The charge will be assessed on an amount equal to
the lesser of the cost of the shares being redeemed or their net asset value at
the time of redemption. Accordingly, no sales charge will be imposed on
increases in net asset value above the initial purchase price. In addition, no
contingent deferred sales charge will be assessed on shares derived from
reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions. The amount of the
contingent deferred sales charge, if any, will vary depending on the number of
years from the time of payment for the purchase of Class B shares until the time
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of redemption of such shares.
In determining the contingent deferred sales charge applicable to a
redemption, it will be assumed that the redemption is first of any Class A
shares in the shareholder's Fund account, second of Class B shares held for over
eight years or Class B shares acquired pursuant to reinvestment of dividends or
distributions and third of Class B shares held longest during the eight-year
period.
To illustrate, assume that an investor purchased 100 Class B shares at
$10 per share (at a cost of $1,000) and in the second year after purchase, the
net asset value per share is $12 and, during such time, the investor has
acquired 10 additional Class B shares upon dividend reinvestment. If at such
time the investor makes his or her first redemption of 50 Class B shares, 10
Class B shares will not be subject to charge because of dividend reinvestment.
With respect to the remaining 40 Class B shares, the charge is applied only to
the original cost of $10 per share and not to the increase in net asset value of
$2 per share. Therefore, of the $600 of the shares redeemed $400 of the
redemption proceeds (40 shares x $10 original purchase price) will be charged at
a rate of 4.0% (the applicable rate in the second year after purchase for a
contingent deferred sales charge of $16).
The contingent deferred sales charge is waived on redemptions of shares
(i) following the death or disability, as defined in the Code, of a shareholder,
or (ii) to the extent that the redemption represents a minimum required
distribution from an individual retirement account or other retirement plan to a
shareholder who has attained the age of 70-1/2.
Conversion Feature. At the end of the period ending seven years after
the end of the calendar month in which the shareholder's purchase order was
accepted, Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares and will
no longer be subject to a higher distribution services fee imposed on Class B
shares. Such conversion will be on the basis of the relative net asset values of
the two classes, without the imposition of any sales load, fee or other charge.
The purpose of the conversion feature is to reduce the distribution services fee
paid by holders of Class B shares that have been outstanding long enough for the
Distributor to have been compensated for the expenses associated with the sale
of such shares.
For purposes of conversion to Class A, Class B shares purchased through
the reinvestment of dividends and distributions paid in respect of Class B
shares in a shareholder's account will be considered to be held in a separate
sub-account. Each time any Class B shares in the shareholder's account (other
than those in the sub-account) convert to Class A, an equal pro-rata portion of
the Class B shares in the sub-account will also convert to Class A.
The conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares is subject to the
continuing availability of an opinion of counsel to the effect that (i) the
assessment of the higher distribution services fee (and, with respect to Florida
Municipal Bond, Georgia Municipal Bond, North Carolina Municipal Bond, South
Carolina Municipal Bond, Virginia Municipal Bond and High Grade, shareholder
service fee) and transfer agency costs with respect to Class B shares does not
result in the dividends or distributions payable with respect to other Classes
of a Fund's shares being deemed "preferential dividends" under the Code, and
(ii) the conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares does not constitute a
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taxable event under Federal income tax law. The conversion of Class B shares to
Class A shares may be suspended if such an opinion is no longer available at the
time such conversion is to occur. In that event, no further conversions of Class
B shares would occur, and shares might continue to be subject to the higher
distribution services fee (and, with respect to Florida Municipal Bond Fund,
Georgia Municipal Bond Fund, North Carolina Municipal Bond Fund, South Carolina
Municipal Bond Fund, Virginia Municipal Bond Fund and High Grade, the
shareholder services fee) for an indefinite period which may extend beyond the
period ending eight years after the end of the calendar month in which the
shareholder's purchase order was accepted.
Class Y Shares
Class Y shares are not offered to the general public and are available
only to (i) persons who at or prior to December 30, 1994 owned shares in a
mutual fund advised by Evergreen Asset, (ii) certain investment advisory clients
of the Advisers and their affiliates, and (iii) institutional investors. Class Y
shares do not bear any Rule 12b-1 distribution expenses and are not subject to
any front-end or contingent deferred sales charges.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS
(See also "Other Information - General Information" in each Fund's Prospectus)
Capitalization and Organization
The Evergreen Florida High Income Municipal Bond, Evergreen
Short-Intermediate Municipal Fund and Evergreen Short-Intermediate Municipal
Fund-California are each separate series of the Evergreen Municipal Trust, a
Massachusetts business trust. Florida High Income, which is a newly created
series of Evergreen Municipal Trust, acquired substantially all of the assets of
ABT Florida High Income Municipal Bond Fund (the"ABT Fund") on June 30, 1995.
The Evergreen Florida Municipal Bond Fund, Evergreen Georgia Municipal Bond
Fund, Evergreen North Carolina Municipal Bond Fund, Evergreen South Carolina
Municipal Bond Fund, Evergreen Virginia Municipal Bond Fund and Evergreen High
Grade Tax Free Fund, are each separate series of Evergreen Investment Trust, a
Massachusetts business trust. On July 7, 1995, First Union Funds changed its
name to Evergreen Investment Trust. On December 14, 1992, The Salem Funds
changed its name to First Union Funds. The above-named Trusts are individually
referred to in this Statement of Additional Information as the "Trust" and
collectively as the "Trusts". Each Trust is governed by a board of trustees.
Unless otherwise stated, references to the "Board of Trustees" or "Trustees" in
this Statement of Additional Information refer to the Trustees of all the
Trusts.
Florida High Income, Short-Intermediate and Short-Intermediate-CA may issue
an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest with a $0.0001 par value.
Florida Municipal Bond, Georgia Municipal Bond, North Carolina Municipal Bond,
South Carolina Municipal Bond, Virginia Municipal Bond and High Grade may issue
an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest without par value. All
shares of these Funds have equal rights and privileges. Each share is entitled
to one vote, to participate equally in dividends and distributions declared by
the Funds and on liquidation to their proportionate share of the assets
remaining after satisfaction of outstanding liabilities. Shares of these Funds
are fully paid, nonassessable and fully transferable when issued and have no
pre-emptive, conversion or exchange rights. Fractional shares have
proportionally the same rights, including voting rights, as are provided for a
full share.
Under each Trust's Declaration of Trust, each Trustee will continue in
office until the termination of the Fund or his or her earlier death,
incapacity, resignation or removal. Shareholders can remove a Trustee upon a
vote of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of beneficial interest of the
Trust. Vacancies will be filled by a majority of the remaining Trustees, subject
to the 1940 Act. As a result, normally no annual or regular meetings of
shareholders will be held, unless otherwise required by the Declaration of Trust
of each Trust or the 1940 Act.
Shares have noncumulative voting rights, which means that the holders
of more than 50% of the shares voting for the election of Trustees can elect
100% of the Trustees if they choose to do so and in such event the holders of
the remaining shares so voting will not be able to elect any Trustees.
The Trustees of each Trust are authorized to reclassify and issue any
unissued shares to any number of additional series without shareholder approval.
Accordingly, in the future, for reasons such as the desire to establish one or
more additional portfolios of a Trust with different investment objectives,
policies or restrictions, additional series of shares may be created by one or
more Funds. Any issuance of shares of another series or class would be governed
by the 1940 Act and the law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. If shares of
another series of a Trust were issued in connection with the creation of
additional investment portfolios, each share of the newly created portfolio
would normally be entitled to one vote for all purposes. Generally, shares of
all portfolios would vote as a single series on matters, such as the election of
Trustees, that affected all portfolios in substantially the same manner. As to
matters affecting each portfolio differently, such as approval of the Investment
Advisory Agreement and changes in investment policy, shares of each portfolio
would vote separately.
In addition any Fund may, in the future, create additional classes of
shares which represent an interest in that same investment portfolio. Except for
the different distribution related and other specific costs borne by such
additional classes, they will have the same voting and other rights described
for the existing classes of each Fund.
Procedures for calling a shareholders meeting for the removal of the
Trustees of each Trust, similar to those set forth in Section 16(c) of the 1940
Act, will be available to shareholders of each Fund. The rights of the holders
of shares of a series of a Fund may not be modified except by the vote of a
majority of the outstanding shares of such series.
An order has been received from the Securities and Exchange Commission
permitting the issuance and sale of multiple classes of shares representing
interests in each Fund. In the event a Fund were to issue additional Classes of
shares other than those described herein, no further relief from the Securities
and Exchange Commission would be required.
Distributor
Evergreen Funds Distributor, Inc. (the "Distributor"), 237 Park Avenue,
New York, New York 10169, serves as each Fund's principal underwriter, and as
such may solicit orders from the public to purchase shares of any Fund. The
Distributor is not obligated to sell any specific amount of shares and will
purchase shares for resale only against orders for shares. Under the Agreement
between each Fund and the Distributor, each Fund has agreed to indemnify the
Distributor, in the absence of its willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations thereunder, against certain
civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended.
Counsel
Sullivan & Worcester LLP, Washington, D.C., serves as counsel to the
Funds.
Independent Auditors
Price Waterhouse LLP has been selected to be the independent auditors of
Florida High Income, Short-Intermediate and Short-Intermediate-CA.
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP has been selected to be the independent auditors of
Florida Municipal Bond, Georgia Municipal Bond, New Jersey Tax Free, North
Carolina Municipal Bond, South Carolina Municipal Bond, Virginia Municipal Bond
and High Grade.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Total Return
From time to time a Fund may advertise its "total return". Computed
separately for each class, the Fund's "total return" is its average annual
compounded total return for recent one, five, and ten-year periods (or the
period since the Fund's inception). The Fund's total return for such a period is
computed by finding, through the use of a formula prescribed by the Securities
and Exchange Commission, the average annual compounded rate of return over the
period that would equate an assumed initial amount invested to the value of such
investment at the end of the period. For purposes of computing total return,
income dividends and capital gains distributions paid on shares of the Fund are
assumed to have been reinvested when paid and the maximum sales charge
applicable to purchases of Fund shares is assumed to have been paid. The Fund
will include performance data for Class A, Class B, and Class Y shares in any
advertisement or information including performance data of the Fund.
With respect to Short-Intermediate and Short-Intermediate-CA, the
shares of each Fund outstanding prior to January 3, 1995 have been reclassified
as Class Y shares. With respect to Florida High Income, the Fund is the
successor of the ABT Fund and the information presented is with respect to the
ABT Fund's Class A shares, the only outstanding class. The average annual
compounded total return for each Class of shares offered by the Funds for the
most recently completed one and five year fiscal periods and the period since
each Fund's inception is set forth in the table below.
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FLORIDA MUNICIPAL 1 Year
BOND Ended From inception*
8/31/95 to 8/31/95
Class A 9.22% 8.37%
Class B (3 51%)
Class Y 1.67%
GEORGIA MUNICIPAL 1 Year
BOND Ended From inception**
8/31/95 to 8/31/95
Class A 2.48% .22%
Class B 1.80% .59%
Class Y 7.86% 3.13%
NORTH CAROLINA 1 Year
MUNICIPAL BOND Ended From inception***
8/31/95 to 8/31/95
Class A 3.84% 3.04%
Class B 3.21% 3.30%
Class Y 9.29% 3.04%
SHORT-INTERMEDIATE 1 Year From 11/18/91
Ended (inception)
8/31/95 to 8/31/95
Class A - .10%
Class B - ( .50%)
Class Y 4.21% 5.37%
SHORT-INTERMEDIATE- 1 Year From 10/16/92
CA Ended (inception)
8/31/95 to 8/31/95
Class A - -
Class B - -
Class Y 4.20% 4.59%
1 Year
SOUTH CAROLINA Ended From inception-
MUNICIPAL BOND 8/31/95 to 8/31/95
Class A 5.62% ( .23%)
Class B 5.07% ( .21%)
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Class Y 11.16% 4.78%
1 Year
VIRGINIA MUNICIPAL Ended From inception--
BOND 8/31/95 to 8/31/95
Class A 4.14% 1.05%
Class B 3.53% 1.42%
Class Y 9.61% 4.39%
HIGH GRADE 1 Year
Ended From inception---
8/31/95 to 8/31/95
Class A 3.27% 6.03%
Class B 2.62% 4.68%
Class Y 8.69% 3.87%
FLORIDA HIGH 1 Year From June 17, 1992
INCOME Ended (inception) to
8/31/95 8/31/95
Class A 8.97% 8.21%
Class B - (4.36%)
Class Y - -
* Inception date: Class A - July 5, 1993; Class B - July 1, 1993; Class Y -
February 28, 1994.
** Inception date: Class A - July 1, 1993; Class B - July 1, 1993; Class Y -
February 28, 1994.
*** Inception date: Class A - January 12, 1993; Class B - January 12, 1993;
Class Y - February 28, 1994.
- - - Inception date:Class A - January 3, 1994; Class B - January 3, 1994; Class Y
- - - February 28, 1994.
- - -- Inception date:Class A - July 7, 1993; Class B - July 1, 1993; Class Y -
February 28, 1994.
- - -- Inception date: Class A - February 25, 1992; Class B - January 12, 1993;
Class Y - February 28, 1994.
The performance numbers for Short-Intermediate and
Short-Intermediate-CA for the Class A, and Class B shares are hypothetical
numbers based on the performance for Class Y shares as adjusted for any
applicable front-end sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge. For
Florida High Income the performance numbers for the Class B and Class Y shares
are hypothetical numbers based upon the performance for the Class A shares as
adjusted for any applicable contingent deferred sales charge.
A Fund's total return is not fixed and will fluctuate in response to
prevailing market conditions or as a function of the type and quality of the
securities in a Fund's portfolio and its expenses. Total return information is
useful in reviewing a Fund's performance but such information may not provide a
basis for comparison with bank deposits or other investments which pay a fixed
yield for a stated period of time. An investor's principal invested in a Fund is
not fixed and will fluctuate in response to prevailing market conditions.
YIELD CALCULATIONS
From time to time, a Fund may quote its yield in advertisements or in
reports or other communications to shareholders. Yield quotations are expressed
in annualized terms and may be quoted on a compounded basis. Yields are computed
by dividing the Fund's interest income (as defined in the SEC yield formula) for
a given 30-day or one month period, net of expenses, by the average number of
shares entitled to receive distributions during the period, dividing this figure
by the Fund's net asset value per share at the end of the period and annualizing
the result (assuming compounding of income) in order to arrive at an annual
percentage rate. The formula for calculating yield is as follows:
YIELD = 2[(a-b+1)6-1]
cd
Where a = Interest earned during the period
b = Expenses accrued for the period (net of reimbursements) c = The
average daily number of shares outstanding during the period
that were entitled to receive dividends
d = The maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period
Income is calculated for purposes of yield quotations in accordance
with standardized methods applicable to all stock and bond funds. Gains and
losses generally are excluded from the calculation. Income calculated for
purposes of determining a Fund's yield differs from income as determined for
other accounting purposes. Because of the different accounting methods used, and
because of the compounding assumed in yield calculations, the yields quoted for
a Fund may differ from the rate of distributions a Fund paid over the same
period, or the net investment income reported in a Fund's financial statements.
Tax Equivalent Yield
The Funds invest principally in obligations the interest from which is
exempt from federal income tax other than the AMT. In addition, the securities
in which state-specific Funds invest will also, to the extent practicable, be
exempt from such state's income taxes. However, from time to time the Funds may
make investment which generate taxable income. A Fund's tax-equivalent yield is
the rate an investor would have to earn from a fully taxable investment in order
to equal the Fund's yield after taxes. Tax-equivalent yields are calculated by
dividing a Fund's yield by the result of one minus a stated federal or combined
federal and state tax rate. (If only a portion of the Fund's yield is
tax-exempt, only that portion is adjusted in the calculation.) Of course, no
assurance can be given that a Fund will achieve any specific tax-exempt yield.
If only a portion of the Fund's yield is tax-exempt, only that portion is
adjusted in the calculation. Of course, no assurance can be given that the Fund
will achieve any specific tax-exempt yield.
The following formula is used to calculate Tax Equivalent Yield without taking
into account state tax:
Fund's Yield
1 - Fed Tax Rate
The following formula is used to calculate Tax Equivalent Yield taking into
account state tax:
Fund's Yield
1 - Fed Tax Rate + (State Tax Rate - [State Tax Rate x Fed Tax Rate])
Yield information is useful in reviewing a Fund's performance, but
because yields fluctuate, such information cannot necessarily be used to compare
an investment in a Fund's shares with bank deposits, savings accounts and
similar investment alternatives which often provide an agreed or guaranteed
fixed yield for a stated period of time. Shareholders should remember that yield
is a function of the kind and quality of the instruments in the Funds'
investment portfolios, portfolio maturity, operating expenses and market
conditions.
It should be recognized that in periods of declining interest rates the
yields will tend to be somewhat higher than prevailing market rates, and in
periods of rising interest rates the yields will tend to be somewhat lower.
Also, when interest rates are falling, the inflow of net new money to a Fund
from the continuous sale of its shares will likely be invested in instruments
producing lower yields than the balance of the Fund's investments, thereby
reducing the current yield of the Fund. In periods of rising interest rates, the
opposite can be expected to occur.
The tax exempt and tax equivalent yields of each Fund for the
thirty-day period ended August 31, 1995 for each Class of shares offered by the
Funds is set forth in the table below. The table assumes the following combined
federal and state tax rate: California - 36%; Florida - 28%; Georgia - 34%;
North Carolina - 28%; South Carolina - 35%; Virginia - 33.25%.
Yield Tax Equivalent Yield
Florida High Income
Class A 5.86% 8.14%
Class B 5.11% 7.10%
Class Y - -
Short-Intermediate
Class A 4.07% 5.65%
Class B 3.17% 4.40%
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Class Y 4.06% 5.64%
Short-Intermediate-CA
Class A - -
Class B - -
Class Y 3.97% 5.64%
Florida Municipal Bond
Class A 5.50% 7.94%
Class B 4.57% 6.35%
Class Y 5.56% 7.72%
Georgia Municipal Bond
Class A 5.24% 7.94%
Class B 4.50% 6.82%
Class Y 5.49% 8.32%
North Carolina
Municipal Bond
Class A 5.17% 7.18%
Class B 4.42% 6.14%
Class Y 5.40% 7.50%
South Carolina
Municipal Bond
Class A 5.24% 8.06%
Class B 4.49% 6.91%
Class Y 5.48% 8.43%
Virginia Municipal
Bond
Class A 5.14% 7.70%
Class B 4.39% 6.58%
Class Y 5.38% 8.06%
High Grade
Class A 4.99% 6.93%
Class B 4.24% 5.89%
Class Y 5.23% 7.26%
Non-Standardized Performance
In addition to the performance information described above, a Fund may
provide total return information for designated periods, such as for the most
recent six months or most recent twelve months. This total return information is
computed as described under "Total Return" above except that no annualization is
made.
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GENERAL
From time to time, a Fund may quote its performance in advertising and
other types of literature as compared to the performance of the Standard &
Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Lehman
Brothers General Obligations Municipal Bond Index or any other commonly quoted
index of common stock or municipal bond prices. The Standard & Poor's 500
Composite Stock Price Index and the Dow Jones Industrial Average are unmanaged
indices of selected common stock prices. The Lehman Brothers General Obligations
Municipal Bond Index is an unmanaged index of state general obligation debt
issues which are rated A or better and represent a variety of coupon ranges. A
Fund's performance may also be compared to those of other mutual funds having
similar objectives. This comparative performance would be expressed as a ranking
prepared by Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. or similar independent services
monitoring mutual fund performance. A Fund's performance will be calculated by
assuming, to the extent applicable, reinvestment of all capital gains
distributions and income dividends paid. Any such comparisons may be useful to
investors who wish to compare a Fund's past performance with that of its
competitors. Of course, past performance cannot be a guarantee of future
results.
Additional Information
Any shareholder inquiries may be directed to the shareholder's broker or to
each Adviser at the address or telephone number shown on the front cover of this
Statement of Additional Information. This Statement of Additional Information
does not contain all the information set forth in the Registration Statement
filed by the Trusts with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the
Securities Act of 1933. Copies of the Registration Statement may be obtained at
a reasonable charge from the Securities and Exchange Commission or may be
examined, without charge, at the offices of the Securities and Exchange
Commission in Washington, D.C.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Each Fund's financial statements appearing in their most current fiscal
year Annual Report (or in the case of Florida High Income, to shareholders and
the report thereon of the independent auditors appearing therein, namely Price
Waterhouse LLP (in the case of Florida High Income, Short-Intermediate and
Short-Intermediate-CA), or KPMG Peat Marwick LLP (in the case of Florida
Municipal Bond, Georgia Municipal Bond, New Jersey Tax Free, North Carolina
Municipal Bond, South Carolina Municipal Bond, Virginia Municipal Bond and High
Grade) are incorporated by reference in this Statement of Additional
Information. The Annual Reports to Shareholders for each Fund, which contain the
referenced statements, are available upon request and without charge.
APPENDIX "A"
DESCRIPTION OF BOND MUNUCIPAL NOTE AND COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
Standard & Poor's Ratings Group. A Standard & Poor's corporate or
municipal bond rating is a current assessment of the credit worthiness of an
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obligor with respect to a specific obligation. This assessment of credit
worthiness may take into consideration obligors such as guarantors, insurers or
lessees. The debt rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a
security, inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for
a particular investor.
The ratings are based on current information furnished to Standard &
Poor's by the issuer or obtained by Standard & Poor's from other sources it
considers reliable. Standard & Poor's does not perform any audit in connection
with the ratings and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited financial information.
The ratings may be changed, suspended or withdrawn as a result of changes in,
unavailability of such information, or for other circumstances.
The ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following
considerations:
1. Likelihood of default-capacity and willingness of the obligor as to
the timely payment of interest and repayment of principal in accordance with the
terms of the obligation.
2. Nature of and provisions of the obligation.
3. Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in
the event of bankruptcy, reorganization or their arrangement under the laws of
bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditors' rights.
AAA - This is the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's to a
debt obligation and indicates an extremely strong capacity to pay interest and
repay any principal.
AA - Debt rated AA also qualifies as high quality debt obligations.
Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is very strong and in the majority
of instances they differ from AAA issues only in small degree.
A - Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated
categories.
BBB - Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
interest and repay principal. Whereas they normally exhibit protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for
debt in this category than is higher rated categories.
BB, B, CCC, CC, C - Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C is regarded, on a
balance, as predominantly speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest
and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation.
BB indicates the lowest degree of speculation and C the highest degree
of speculation. While such debt will likely have some quality and protective
characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk
exposures to adverse conditions.
BB - Debt rated BB has less near-term vulnerability to default than
other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or
exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions which could lead
to inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments. The BB
rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is
assigned an actual or implied BBB - rating.
B - Debt rated B has greater vulnerability to default but currently has
the capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse
business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair capacity or
willingness to pay interest and repay principal. The B rating category is also
used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied
BB or BB- rating.
CCC - Debt rated CCC has a currently indefinable vulnerability to
default, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial and economic
conditions to meet timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. In the
event of adverse business, financial or economic conditions, it is not likely to
have the capacity to pay interest and repay principal. The CCC rating category
is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or
implied B or B- rating.
CC - The rating CC is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior
debt that is assigned an actual or implied CCC rating.
C - The rating C is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior
debt which is assigned an actual or implied CCC- debt rating. The C rating may
be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed, but
debt service payments are continued.
C1 - The rating C1 is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is
being paid.
D - Debt rated D is in payment default. It is used when interest
payments or principal payments are not made on a due date even if the applicable
grace period has not expired, unless Standard & Poor's believes that such
payments will be made during such grace periods; it will also be used upon a
filing of a bankruptcy petition if debt service payments are jeopardized.
Plus (+) or Minus (-) - To provide more detailed indications of credit
quality, the ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the addition of a plus or
minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
NR - indicates that no public rating has been requested, that there is
insufficient information on which to base a rating, or that Standard & Poor's
does not rate a particular type of obligation as a matter of policy. Debt
obligations of issuers outside the United States and its territories are rated
on the same basis as domestic corporate and municipal issues. The ratings
measure the credit worthiness of the obligor but do not take into account
currency exchange and related uncertainties.
Bond Investment Quality Standards: Under present commercial bank
regulations issued by the Comptroller of the Currency, bonds rated in the top
four categories (AAA, AA, A, BBB, commonly known as "Investment Grade" ratings)
are generally regarded as eligible for bank investment. In addition, the Legal
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Investment Laws of various states may impose certain rating or other standards
for obligations eligible for investment by savings banks, trust companies,
insurance companies and fiduciaries generally.
Moody's Investors Service. A brief description of the applicable Moody's
Investors Service rating symbols and their meanings follows:
Aaa - Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality.
They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to
as "gilt edge". Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
protective elements are likely to change such changes as can be visualized are
most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa - Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as
high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of
protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuations of
protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements
present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa
securities.
A - Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment
attributes and are to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors
giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements
may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the
future.
Baa - Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade
obligations, i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured.
Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but
certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically
unreliable over any great length of time. Some bonds lack outstanding investment
characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well. NOTE:
Bonds within the above categories which possess the strongest investment
attributes are designated by the symbol "1" following the rating.
Ba - Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements;
their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of
interest and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well
safeguarded during good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.
B - Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the
desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of
maintenance of other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be
small.
Caa - Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may
be in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to
principal or interest.
Ca - bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are
speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other
marked shortcomings.
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C - bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and
issue so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever
attaining any real investment standing.
Duff & Phelps: AAA-- highest credit quality, with negligible risk
factors; AA -- high credit quality, with strong protection factors and modest
risk, which may vary very slightly form time to time because of economic
conditions; A--average credit quality with adequate protection factors, but with
greater and more variable risk factors in periods of economic stress. The
indicators "+" and "-" to the AA and A categories indicate the relative position
of a credit within those rating categories.
Fitch Investors Service: AAA -- highest credit quality, with an
exceptionally strong ability to pay interest and repay principal; AA -- very
high credit quality, with very strong ablility to pay interest and repay
principal; A -- high credit quality, considered strong as regards principal and
interest protection, but may be more vulneralbe to adverse changes in economic
conditions and circumstances. The indicators "+" and "-" to the AA, A and BBB
categories indicate the relative position of credit within those rating
categories.
DESCRIPTION OF MUNICIPAL NOTE RATINGS
A Standard & Poor's note rating reflects the liquidity concerns and
market access risks unique to notes. Notes due in three years or less will
likely receive a note rating. Notes maturing beyond three years will most likely
receive a long-term debt rating. The following criteria will be used in making
that assessment.
o Amortization schedule (the larger the final maturity relative to other
maturities the more likely it will be treated as a note).
o Source of Payment (the more dependent the issue is on the market for its
refinancing, the more likely it will be treated as a note.)
Note rating symbols are as follows:
o SP-1 Very strong or strong capacity to pay principal and interest.
Those issues determined to possess overwhelming safety characteristics
will be given a plus (+) designation.
o SP-2 Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest.
o SP-3 Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
Moody's Short-Term Loan Ratings - Moody's ratings for state and
municipal short-term obligations will be designated Moody's Investment Grade
(MIG). This distinction is in recognition of the differences between short-term
credit risk and long-term risk. Factors affecting the liquidity of the borrower
are uppermost in importance in short-term borrowing, while various factors of
major importance in bond risk are of lesser importance over the short run.
Rating symbols and their meanings follow:
o MIG 1 - This designation denotes best quality. There is present strong
protection by established cash flows, superior liquidity support or
demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.
o MIG 2 - This designation denotes high quality. Margins of protection are
ample although not so large as in the preceding group.
o MIG 3 - This designation denotes favorable quality. All security elements are
accounted for but this is lacking the undeniable strength of the preceding
grades. Liquidity and cash flow protection may be narrow and market access for
refinancing is likely to be less well established.
o MIG 4 - This designation denotes adequate quality. Protection commonly
regarded as required of an investment security is present and although not
distinctly or predominantly speculative, there is specific risk.
COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
Moody's Investors Service, Inc.: Commercial paper rated "Prime" carries the
smallest degree of investment risk. The modifiers 1, 2, and 3 are used to denote
relative strength within this highest classification.
Standard & Poor's Ratings Group: "A" is the highest commercial paper
rating category utilized by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group which uses the
numbers 1+, 1, 2 and 3 to denote relative strength within its "A"
classification.
Duff & Phelps: Duff 1 is the highest commercial paper rating category
utilized by Duff & Phelps which uses + or - to denote relative strength within
this classification. Duff 2 represents good certainty of timely payment, with
minimal risk factors. Duff 3 represents satisfactory protection factors, with
risk factors larger and subject to more variation.
Fitch Investors Service: F-1+ -- denotes exceptionally strong credit
quality given to issues regarded as having strongest degree of assurance for
timely payment; F-1+ -- very strong credit quality, with only slightly less
degree of assurance for timely payment than F-1 -- very strong, with only
slightly less degree of assurance for timely payment than F-1+; F-2 -- good
credit quality, caryying a satisfactory degree of assurance for timely payment.
APPENDIX B - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING CALIFORNIA
The following information as to certain California risk factors is
given to investors in view of Short-Intermediate-CA's policy of investing
primarily in California state and municipal issuers. The information is based
primarily upon information derived from public documents relating to securities
offerings of California state and municipal issuers, from independent municipal
credit reports and historically reliable sources, but has not been independently
verified by the Fund
On June 6, 1978, California voters approved Proposition 13, which added
Article XIIIA to the California Constitution. The principal thrust of Article
XIIIA is to limit the amount of ad valorem taxes on real property to one percent
of the full cash value as determined by the county assessor. The assessed
valuation of all real property may be increased, but not in excess of two
percent per year, or decreased to reflect the rate of inflation or deflation as
shown by the consumer price index. Article XIIIA requires a vote of two thirds
of the qualified electorate to impose special taxes, and completely prohibits
the imposition of any additional ad valorem, sales or transaction tax on real
property (other than ad valorem taxes to repay general obligation bonds issued
to acquire or improve real property), and requires the approval of two-thirds of
all members of the State Legislature to change any state tax laws resulting in
increased tax revenues.
On November 6, 1979, California voters approved the initiative seeking
to amend the California Constitution entitled "Limitation of Government
Appropriations" which added Article XIIIB to the California Constitution. Under
Article XIIIB state and local governmental entities have an annual
appropriations limit and may not spend certain monies which are called
appropriations subject to limitations (consisting of tax revenues, state
subventions and certain other funds) in an amount higher than the appropriations
limit. Generally, the appropriations limit is to be based on certain 1978-79
expenditures, and is to be adjusted annually to reflect changes in consumer
prices, population and services provided by these entities.
Decreased in state and local revenues in future fiscal years as a
consequence of these initiatives may continue to result in reductions in
allocations of state revenues to California municipal issuers or reduce the
ability of such California issuers to pay their obligations.
With the apparent onset of recovery in California's economy, revenue
growth over the next few years could recommence at levels that would enable
California to restore fiscal stability. The political environment, however,
combined with pressures on the state's financial flexibility, may frustrate its
ability to reach this goal. Strong interests in long-established state programs
ranging from low-cost public higher education access to welfare and health
benefits join with the more recently emerging pressure for expanded prison
construction and a heightened awareness and concern over the state's business
climate.
The fiscal 1994 budget, which was adopted on July 8, 1994 was
designed to address California'a accumulated deficit over a 22-month period. In
order to alleviate the California's cash needs the state issued $4 billion
revenue anticipation warrants that mature in April 1996 and $3 billion revenue
anticipation notes that matured in June 1995. The state's fiscal plan relies
upon aggressive assumptions of federal aid, projected at 2.8 billion in fiscal
year 1996, to compensate the state for its costs of providing service to illegal
immigrants. These assumptions, combined with fiscal year 1996 constitutionally
mandated increases in spending for K-14 education, and continued growth in
social services and corrections expenditures, are risky. To offset this risk,
the state has enacted a Budget Adjustment Law, known as the "trigger"
legislation, which established a set of backup budget adjustment mechanisms to
address potential shortfalls in cash. The trigger mechanism will be in effect
for both fiscal years 1995 and 1996. So far in fiscal 1996 state revenue
collections have been sufficiantly strong so that no budget adjustments have
been required. However, the state is expected to issue another $2 billion of
notes for cash flow purposes prior to the maturity date of the revenue
anticipation warrants.
In July of 1994, S&P and Moody's lowered the general obligation bond
rating of the state of California. The rating agencies explained their actions
by citing the state's continuing deferral of substantial portions of its
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estimated $3.8 billion accumulated deficit; continuing structural budgetary
constraints including a funding guarantee for K-14 education; overly optimistic
expectation of federal aid to balance fiscal year 1995's budget and fiscal year
19996's cash flow projections; and reliance upon a trigger mechanism to reduce
spending if the plan's federal aid assumptions prove to be inflated.
APPENDIX C - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING FLORIDA
Florida Municipal Bond and Florida High Income Fund invest in
obligations of Florida issuers, which results in each Fund's performance being
subject to risks associated with the overall conditions present within the
state. The following information is a brief summary of the recent prevailing
economic conditions and a general summary of the state's financial status. This
information is based on official statements relating to securities that have
been offered by Florida issuers and from other sources believed to be reliable,
but should not be relied upon as a complete description of all relevant
information.
Florida is the twenty-second largest state, with an area of 54,136
square miles and a water area of 4,424 square miles. The state is 447 miles long
and 361 miles wide with a tidal shoreline of almost 2,300 miles. According to
the U.S. Census Bureau, Florida moved past Illinois in 1986 to become the fourth
most populous state, and as of 1990, had an estimated population of 13.2
million.
Services and trade continue to be the largest components of the Florida
economy, reflecting the importance of tourism as well as the need to serve
Florida's rapidly growing population. Agriculture is also an important part of
the economy, particularly citrus fruits. Oranges have been the principal crop,
accounting for 70% of the nation's output. Manufacturing, although of less
significance, is a rapidly growing component of the economy. The economy also
has substantial insurance, banking, and export participation. Unemployment rates
have historically been below national averages, but have recently risen above
the national rate.
Section 215.32 of the Florida Statutes provides that financial
operations of the State of Florida covering all receipts and expenditures be
maintained through the use of three funds - the General Revenue Fund, the Trust
Fund and the Working Capital Fund. The General Fund receives the majority of
state tax revenues. The Working Capital Fund receives revenues in excess of
appropriations and its balances are freely transferred to the General Revenue
Fund as necessary. In November, 1992, Florida voters approved a constitutional
amendment requiring the state to fund a Budget Stabilization Fund to 5% of
general revenues, with funding to be phased in over five years beginning in
fiscal 1995. The Working Capital Fund will become the Budget Stabilization Fund.
Major sources of tax revenues to the General Revenue Fund are the sales and use
tax, corporate income tax and beverage tax. The over- dependence on the
sensitive sales tax creates vulnerability to recession. Accordingly, financial
operations have been strained during the past few years, but the state has
responded in a timely manner to maintain budgetary control.
The state is highly vulnerable to hurricane damage. Hurricane Andrew
devastated portions of southern Florida in August, 1992, costing billions of
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dollars in emergency relief, damage, and repair costs. However, the overall
financial condition of the major issuers of municipal bond debt in the state
were relatively unaffected by Hurricane Andrew, due to federal disaster
assistance payments and the over all level of private insurance. However, it is
possible that single revenue-based local bond issues could be severely impacted
by storm damage in certain circumstances.
Florida's debt structure is complex. Most state debt is payable from
specified taxes and additionally secured by the full faith and credit of the
state. Under the general obligation pledge, to the extent specified taxes are
insufficient, the state is unconditionally required to make payment on bonds
from all non-dedicated taxes.
Each Fund's concentration in securities issued by the state and its
political subdivisions provides a greater level of risk than a fund which is
diversified across numerous states and municipal entities. The ability of the
state or its municipalities to meet their obligations will depend on the
availability of tax and other revenues; economic, political, and demographic
conditions within the state; and the underlying condition of the state, and its
municipalities.
APPENDIX D - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING GEORGIA
Because Georgia Municipal Bond will ordinarily invest 80% or more of
its net assets in Georgia obligations, it is more susceptible to factors
affecting Georgia issuers than is a comparable municipal bond fund not
concentrated in the obligations of issuers located in a single state.
Georgia's rating reflects the state's positive economic trends,
conservative financial management, improved financial position, and low debt
burden. The state's recovery from the recent economic recession has been steady;
the rate of recovery is better than regional trends, albeit half the rate of
earlier recoveries. While this recovery does not meet the explosive patterns set
in past cycles, recent state data reveal that Georgia ranks among the top five
states in the nation in employment and total population growth. Stronger
economic trends and conservative revenue forecasting resulted in the
continuation of improved financial results for the fiscal year ended June 30,
1994. The state's general fund closed fiscal 1994 with a total fund balance
position of $480.6 million, of which $249.5 million was in the revenue shortfall
reserve fund (3% of revenues), marking the second consecutive year of build-up
in that reserve. The mid-year adjustment reserve was fully funded at $89.1
million. The state's adopted budget fiscal 1995, called for an increase in state
spending to $9.8 billion, up 6.5% from the prior period. Estimating that
economic growth will be in the 6%-8% range for the second straight year, the
budget report forecasted general fund revenues to grow to $9.4 billion, an
increase of $490.0 million, or 5.5% above actual fiscal 1994 levels. Sales and
income taxes account for the majority of that increase, despite a $100 million
cut in personal income taxes. Additional revenues provided by lottery proceeds
($240 million) and indigent-care trust fund monies support the remaining
spending. Revenues for the first three months of the current year are running
nearly 8.4% above fiscal 1994 levels. Most of the increase is attributable to
the growth in personal and corporate income and sales taxes. As a result, the
state anticipates that fiscal 1995 will once again produce positive financial
results.
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Except for the major building projects necessary for the 1996 Summer
Olympics, it appears unlikely that areas in and around metropolitan Atlanta will
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experience the building construction rates of the mid to late 1980's. It further
appears that many of Georgia's other cities are poised to participate in the
recovery that inevitably will take place.
The classification of the Fund under the Investment Company Act of 1940
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as a "non-diversified" investment company allows the Fund to invest more than 5%
of its assets in the securities of any issuer, subject to satisfaction of
certain tax requirements. Because of the relatively small number of issues of
Georgia obligations, the Fund is likely to invest a greater percentage of its
assets in the securities of a single issuer than is an investment company which
invests in a broad range of municipal obligations. Therefore, the Fund would be
more susceptible than a diversified investment company to any single adverse
economic or political occurrence or development affecting Georgia issuers. The
Fund will also be subject to an increase risk of loss if the issuer is unable to
make interest or principal payments or if the market value of such securities
declines. It is also possible that there will not be sufficient availability of
suitable Georgia tax-exempt obligations for the Fund to achieve its objective of
providing income exempt from Georgia income tax.
APPENDIX E - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING NORTH CAROLINA
Because North Carolina Municipal Bond will ordinarily invest 80% or
more of its net assets in North Carolina obligations, it is more susceptible to
factors affecting North Carolina (or the "State") issuers than is a comparable
municipal bond fund not concentrated in the obligations of issuers located in a
single state.
North Carolina has an economy dependent on manufacturing and
agriculture; however, diversification into trade and service areas is occurring.
Historically, textiles and furniture dominated industry lines, but increased
activity in financial services, research, and high technology manufacturing is
now apparent. Tobacco remains the primary agricultural commodity. Economic
development continues, and long-term personal income trends indicate gains,
although wealth levels remain below those of the nation. Employment growth
accelerated over the past two years, and unemployment rates remain below those
of the nation.
North Carolina is characterized by moderate debt levels (albeit with
growing capital needs), favorable economic performance, and financial strengths
exhibited over the past several years. North Carolina is one of only several
states expected to sustain favorable economic expansion throughout the 1990s,
according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis indicators. Economic growth in
the State is bolstered by a lower-than-average cost of living, income levels at
about 90% of U.S. averages - though it is much higher in the metropolitan
centers - and a highly respected public and private higher education system,
including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University in
Durham.
The North Carolina State Constitution requires that the total
expenditures of the State for a fiscal period shall not exceed the total of
receipts during the fiscal period and the surplus remaining in the State
Treasury at the beginning of the period. In certain of the past several years,
the State has had to restrict expenditures to comply with the State
Constitution. The State has long record of sound financial operations, and while
the revenue system is narrow, the budget balancing law is strong and appropriate
curbs are made when necessary.
The state's finances, which enjoyed surpluses and adequate reserves
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throughout the 1980s, began reflecting economic downturn in fiscal 1990.
Reserves were fully depleted during the recession, but through a combination of
tax and spending actions and more recently, with the aid of economic recovery,
have now been fully restored.
Financial operations have been restored to their historically healthy
position after a period of strain between fiscal years 1990 and 1992. Available
unreserved balances and budget stabilization reserve totaled $440 million at the
end of fiscal 1994 equivalent to 4.1% of annual expenditures. On a budgetary
basis, fiscal 1994 ended with an $887.5 million balance; however, a portion of
this balance has been appropriated for fiscal 1995 operations. Conservative
revenue assumptions and sound budgeting practices should result in a similar
balance at the end of 1995. The restoration of adequate reserve levels confirms
the state's longstanding commitment to a sound financial position.
Debt ratios are among the lowest in the country. State debt ratios will
remain below national medians even after all of the $300 million of currently
authorized debt is issued. Payout is rapid.
North Carolina ranks among the top ten states in terms of economic
growth, as measured by job and personal income growth. Diversification into
financial services, research, and high technology manufacturing is reducing
historical dependence on agriculture, textiles, and furniture manufacturing.
As of December 31, 1994, general obligations of the State of North
Carolina were rated Aaa/AAA/AAA by Moody's, S&P and Fitch Investors Service
("Fitch"), respectively. There can be no assurance that the economic conditions
on which these ratings are based will continue or that particular bond issues
may not be adversely affected by changes in economic, political or other
conditions.
North Carolina obligations also include obligations of the governments
of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam to the extent these obligations are
exempt from North Carolina State personal income taxes. The Fund will not invest
more than 5% of its net assets in the obligations of each of the Virgin Islands
and Guam, but may invest without limitation in the obligations of Puerto Rico.
Accordingly, the Fund may be adversely affected by local political and economic
conditions and developments within Puerto Rico affecting the issuers of such
obligations.
APPENDIX F - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING SOUTH CAROLINA
The State of South Carolina has an economy dominated from the early
1920s to the present by textile industry, with over one of every three
manufacturing workers directly or indirectly related to the textile industry.
However, since 1950 the economic bases of the State have become more
diversified, as the trade and service sectors and durable goods manufacturing
industries have developed. Currently, Moody's rates South Carolina general
obligations bonds "Aaa" and S&P rates such bonds "AA+." There can be no
assurance that the economic conditions on which those ratings are based will
continue or that particular bond issues may not be adversely affected by changes
in the economic or political conditions.
The South Carolina State Constitution mandates a balanced budget. If a
deficit occurs, the General Assembly must account for it in the succeeding
fiscal year. In addition, if a deficit appears likely, the State Budget and
Control Board (the "State Board") may reduce appropriations during the current
fiscal year as necessary to prevent the deficit. The State Constitution limits
annual increases in State appropriations to the average growth rate of the
economy of the State and annual increases in the number of State employees to
the average growth of the population of the State.
The State Constitution requires a General Reserve Fund ("General Fund")
that equals three percent of General Fund revenue for the latest fiscal year.
When deficits have occurred, the State has funded them out of the General Fund.
The State Constitution also requires a Capital Reserve Fund ("Capital Fund")
equal to two percent of General Fund revenue. Before March 1st of each year, the
Capital Fund must be used to offset mid-year budget reductions before mandating
cuts in operating appropriations, and after March 1st, the Capital Fund may be
appropriated by a special vote of the General Assembly to finance previously
authorized capital improvements or other nonrecurring purposes. Monies in the
Capital Fund not appropriated or any appropriation for a particular project or
item that has been reduced due to application of the monies to a year-end
deficit must go back to the General Fund.
The effects of the most recent military base-closing and consolidation
legislation is having a negative effect on several sections of the State,
particularly the Charleston area. During 1995, the Charleston Naval Base and
Shipyard will begin closing down. The Navy has estimated that up to 38,000 jobs
will be lost over the next several years.
South Carolina Municipal Bond's concentration in securities issued by
the State or its subdivisions provides a greater level of risk than an
investment company which is diversified across a larger geographic area. For
example, the passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement could result in
increased competition for the State's textile industry due to the availability
of less-expensive foreign labor.
Presently, South Carolina subjects bonds issued by other states to its
income tax. If this tax was declared unconstitutional, the value of bonds in the
Fund could decline a small but measurable amount. Also, the Fund could become
slightly less attractive to potential future investors.
The Fund's investment adviser believes that the information summarized
above describes some of the more significant matters relating to the Fund. The
sources of the information are the official statements of issuers located in
South Carolina, other publicly available documents, and oral statements from
various State agencies. The Fund's investment adviser has not independently
verified any of the information contained in the official statement, other
publicly available documents, or oral statements from various State agencies.
APPENDIX G - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING VIRGINIA
Virginia Municipal Bond invests in obligations of Virginia issuers,
which results in the Fund's performance being subject to risks associated with
the overall conditions present within the State. The following information is a
brief summary of the recent prevailing economic conditions and a general summary
of the State's financial status. This information is based on official
statements relating to securities that have been offered by Virginia issuers and
from other sources believed to be reliable, but should not be relied upon as a
complete description of all relevant information.
Virginia's credit strength is derived from a diversified economy,
relatively low unemployment rates, strong financial management, and low debt
burden. The State's economy benefits significantly from its proximity to
Washington D.C. Government is the State's third- largest employment sector,
comprising 21% of total employment. Other important sectors of the economy
include shipbuilding, tourism, construction, and agriculture.
Virginia is a very conservative debt issuer and has maintained debt
levels that are low in relation to its substantial resources. Conservative
policies also dominate the State's financial operations, and the State
administration continually demonstrates its ability and willingness to adjust
financial planning and budgeting to preserve financial balance. For example,
economic weakness in the State and the region caused personal income and sales
and corporate tax collections to fall below projected forecasts and placed the
State under budgetary strain. The State reacted by reducing its revenue
expectations for the 1990-92 biennium and preserved financial balance through a
series of transfers, appropriation reductions, and other budgetary revisions.
Management's actions resulted in a modest budget surplus for fiscal 1992, and
another modest surplus was reported for fiscal 1993, which ended June 30th. The
1994 Virginia budget experienced a significant surplus due to an improving
economy, including job growth of 3.0%/year overall. Overall, Virginia has a
stable credit outlook due mainly to its diverse economy and resource base, as
well as a conservative approach to financial operations. Revenue growth for 1994
was 6%. Budgets for 1995 and 1996 call for revenue growth of 6.1% and 5.8%,
respectively.
The Fund's concentration in securities issued by the State and its
political subdivisions provides a greater level of risk than a fund which is
diversified across numerous states and municipal entities. The ability of the
State or its municipalities to meet their obligations will depend on the
availability of tax and other revenues; economic, political, and demographic
conditions within the State; and the underlying fiscal condition of the State,
its countries, and its municipalities.
Virginia faces some economic uncertainties with respect to
defense-cutbacks. Although Virginia's unemployment rate of 4.9% (as of August,
1994) is well below the national rate of 5.9%, the State has been able to make
some gains in the services, government, and construction sectors when
manufacturing and trade were down slightly.
The effects of the most recent base-closing legislation were muted
because of consolidation from out-of-state bases to Virginia installations.
While military operations at the Pentagon are unlikely to be threatened, another
round of base-closings scheduled for 1995 may jeopardize a number of Virginia
installations.
******************************************************************************
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 24. Financial Statements and Exhibits
(a) Financial Statements:
In Part A: Financial Highlights
[TO BE ADDED BY AMENDMENT]
In Part C: None.
(b) Exhibits
(1) Declaration of Trust of Registrant*
(1) Amendment to Declaration of Trust of Registrant
(2) By-Laws of Registrant*
(3) Not applicable
(4) Specimen certificate of shares of beneficial interest. of
Registrant**
(5) Form of Advisory Contract
(6) Distribution Contract
(7) Not applicable
(8) Form of Custodian Agreement
(9) (i) Transfer Agency*
(10) Inapplicable
(11) Inapplicable
(12) Inapplicable
(13) Not applicable
(14) Not applicable
(15) (i) Distribution Plan***
(ii) Form of Class B Distribution Plan
16(a) Schedule showing computation of performance quotations
provided in response to Item 22 (unaudited)***
16(b) Not applicable
- -----------------
<PAGE>
* Filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement No.
33-2010 on March 25, 1987.
** Filed with Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement No.
33-2010 on March 10, 1986 and with Pre-Effective Amendments No. 1 of
predecessors FFB Equity Trust (Registration Statement No. 33-2012) and
FFB Tax-Free Trust (Registration Statement No. 33-2011) on April 30,
1986, and August 13, 1986, respectively.
*** Filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to Registration Statement No.
33-2010 on June 30, 1991.
**** Filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to Registration Statement No.
33-2010 on June 30, 1994.
***** Filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 18 to Registration Statement No.
33-2010 on November 10, 1994.
****** Filed with Post-Effective Amendment No. 21.
- --------------------
Item 25. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with Registrant
No person is controlled by or under common control with the
Registrant.
Item 26. Number of Holders of Securities
Evergreen Pennsylvania Tax-Free Money Market Fund 292
Evergreen New Jersey Tax-Free Income Fund 760
Item 27. Indemnification
Reference is made to Article IV of the Registrant's Declaration of Trust.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling persons of
the Registrant by the Registrant pursuant to the Declaration of Trust or
otherwise, the Registrant is aware that in the opinion of the Securities
and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and, therefore, is unenforceable. In the event that a
claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment
by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by trustees, officers or
controlling persons of the Registrant in connection with the successful
defense of any act, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustees,
officers or controlling persons in connection with the shares being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the
matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of
appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is
against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will
be governed by the final adjudication of such issues.
Item 28. Business or Other Connections of Investment Adviser
Evergreen Asset Management Corp. ("Evergreen Asset"), the investment
adviser to Registrant's Evergreen Fund series, and Lieber and Company, the
sub-adviser to Registrant's Evergreen Fund series also acts as such to one or
more of the separate investment series offered by The Evergreen Total Return
Fund, The Evergreen Limited Market Fund, Inc., The Evergreen Value Timing Fund,
The Evergreen Money Market Trust, The Evergreen American Retirement Trust, The
Evergreen Municipal Trust, Evergreen Global Real Estate Equity Trust and
Evergreen Foundation Fund, all registered investment companies. Stephen A.
Lieber, Chairman and Co-CEO, Theodore J. Israel, Jr., Executive Vice President,
Nola Maddox Falcone, President and Co-CEO, George R. Gaspari, Senior Vice
President and CFO and Joseph J. McBrien, Senior Vice President and General
Counsel, are the principal executive officers of Evergreen Asset and Lieber and
Company, were, prior to June 30, 1994 officers and/or directors or trustees of
the Registrant and the other funds for which the Adviser acts as investment
adviser.
For a description of the other business of the First Union National Bank of
North Carolina ("FUNB-NC"), which will serves as investment adviser to
Registrant's Evergreen Aggressive Growth Fund series, see the section entitled
"Investment Advisers" in Part A.
The Directors and principal executive officers of FUNB, are set forth in
the following table:
FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK OF NORTH CAROLINA
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ben Mayo Boddie Raymond A. Bryan, Jr.
Chairman & CEO Chairman & CEO
Boddie-Noell Enterprises, Inc. T.A. Loving Company
P.O. Box 1908 P.O. Drawer 919
Rocky Mount, NC 27802 Goldsboro, NC 27530
John F.A.V. Cecil John W. Copeland
President President
Biltmore Dairy Farms, Inc. Ruddick Corporation
P.O. Box 5355 2000 Two First Union Center
Asheville, NC 28813 Charlotte, NC 28282
John Crosland, Jr. J. William Disher
Chairman of the Board Chairman & President
The Crosland Group, Inc. Lance Incorporated
135 Scaleybark Road P.O. Box 32368
Charlotte, NC 28209 Charlotte, NC 28232
Frank H. Dunn Malcolm E. Everett, III
Chairman and CEO President
First Union National Bank First Union National Bank
of North Carolina of North Carolina
One First Union Center 310 S. Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28288-0006 Charlotte, NC 28288-0156
James F. Goodmon Shelton Gorelick
President & Chief President
Executive Officer SGIC, Inc.
Capitol Broadcasting 741 Kenilworth Ave., Suite 200
Company, Inc. Charlotte, NC 28204
2619 Western Blvd.
Raleigh, NC 27605
Charles L. Grace James E. S. Hynes
President Chairman
Cummins Atlantic, Inc. Hynes Sales Company, Inc.
P.O. Box 240729 P.O. Box 220948
Charlotte, NC 28224-0729 Charlotte, NC 28222
Daniel W. Mathis Earl N. Phillips, Jr.
Vice Chairman President
First Union National Bank First Factors Corporation
of North Carolina P.O. Box 2730
One First Union Center High Point, NC 27261
Charlotte, NC 28288-0009
J. Gregory Poole, Jr. John P. Rostan, III
Chairman & President Senior Vice President
Gregory Poole Equipment Company Waldensian Bakeries, Inc.
P.O. Box 469 P.O. Box 220
Raleigh, NC 27602 Valdese, NC 28690
Nelson Schwab, III Charles M. Shelton, Sr.
Chairman & CEO Chairman & CEO
Paramount Parks The Shelton Companies, Inc
8720 Red Oak Boulevard, Suite 315 3600 One First Union Center
Charlotte, NC 28217 Charlotte, NC 28202
George Shinn Harley F. Shuford, Jr.
Owner and Chairman President and CEO
Shinn Enterprises, Inc. Shuford Industries
One Hive Drive P.O. Box 608
Charlotte, NC 28217 Hickory, NC 28603
FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK OF NORTH CAROLINA
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
James Maynor, President, First Union Mortgage Corporation; Austin
A. Adams, Executive Vice President; Howard L. Arthur, Senior Vice
President; Robert T. Atwood, Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer; Marion A. Cowell, Jr., Executive Vice
President, Secretary and General Counsel; Edward E. Crutchfield,
Jr., Chairman, CEO, First Union Corporation; Frank H. Dunn, Jr.,
Chairman and CEO; Malcolm E. Everett, III, President; John R.
Georgius, President, First Union Corporation; James Hatch, Senior
Vice President and Corporate Controller; Don R. Johnson,
Executive Vice President; Mark Mahoney, Senior Vice President;
Barbara K. Massa, Senior Vice President; Daniel W. Mathis, Vice
Chairman; H. Burt Melton, Executive Vice President; Malcolm T.
Murray, Jr., Executive Vice President; Alvin T. Sale, Executive
Vice President; Louis A. Schmitt, Jr., Executive Vice President;
Ken Stancliff, Senior Vice President and Corporate Treasurer;
Richard K. Wagoner, Executive Vice President and General Fund
Officer.
All of the Executive Officers are located at the following
address: First Union National Bank of North Carolina, One First
Union Center, Charlotte, NC 28288.
Item 29. Principal Underwriters
Evergreen Funds Distributor, Inc. The Director and principal executive
officers are:
Director Michael C. Petrycki
Officers Robert A. Hering President
Michael C. Petrycki Vice President
Gordon Forrester Vice President
Lawrence Wagner VP, Chief Financial Officer
Steven D. Blecher VP, Treasurer, Secretary
Elizabeth Q. Solazzo Assistant Secretary
Thalia M. Cody Assistant Secretary
Item 30. Location of Accounts and Records
Accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by
Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rules promulgated
thereunder are maintained at the offices of the Registrant's Custodian, State
Street Bank and Trust Company, 2 Heritage Drive, North Quincy, Massachusetts
02171 or the offices of Evergreen Asset Management Corp., 2500 Westchester
Avenue, Purchase, New York 10577.
Item 31. Management Services
Not Applicable.
Item 32. Undertakings
Not Applicable.
NOTICE
A copy of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust for The Evergreen Lexicon
Funds is on file with the Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts and notice is hereby given that this Registration Statement has
been executed on behalf of the Trust by an officer of the Trust as an officer
and by its Trustees as trustees and not individually and the obligations of or
arising out of this Registration Statement are not binding upon any of the
Trustees, officers, or Shareholders individually but are binding only upon the
assets and property of the Trust.
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant certifies that it
has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment No. 24 to the Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in The City of New York, State of New York, on the 19th day of
January, 1996.
The Evergreen Lexicon Fund
/s/ John J. Pileggi
by-----------------------------
John J. Pileggi, President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
this Post-Effective Amendment No. 24 to the Registration Statement has been
signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates
indicated.
Signatures Title Date
- ----------- ----- ----
/s/John J. Pileggi
- ----------------------- President and January 19, 1996
John J. Pileggi Treasurer
- ----------------------- Trustee January 19, 1996
Laurence B. Ashkin
/s/Foster Bam
- ----------------------- Trustee January 19, 1996
Foster Bam
/s/James S. Howell
- ----------------------- Trustee January 19, 1996
James S. Howell
/s/Gerald M. McDonnell
- ----------------------- Trustee January 19, 1996
Gerald M. McDonnell
/s/Thomas L. McVerry
- ----------------------- Trustee January 19, 1996
Thomas L. McVerry
/s/William Walt Pettit
- ----------------------- Trustee January 19, 1996
William Walt Pettit
/s/Russell A. Salton, III, M.D
- ------------------------------ Trustee January 19, 1996
Russell A. Salton, III, M.D
/s/Michael S. Scofield
- ----------------------- Trustee January 19, 1996
Michael S. Scofield
<PAGE>
JAMES P. WALLIN, ESQ.
2500 WESTCHESTER AVENUE
Purchase, New York 10577
January 19, 1996
Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20549
Re Post-Effective Amendment of
EVERGREEN TAX-FREE TRUST
Registration No. 33-2010; Investment Company File No. 811-4510
Commissioners:
I have acted as counsel to the above-referenced registrant which proposes
to file, pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485 (the "Rule"), Post-Effective
Amendment No. 24 the "Amendment") to its registration statement under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Pursuant to paragraph (b)(4) of the Rule, I represent that the Amendment
does not contain disclosures which would render it ineligible to become
effective pursuant to paragraph (b) of the Rule.
Very truly yours,
/s/James P. Wallin
---------------------
James P. Wallin
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
Sequentially
Numbered
Name Exhibit
Page
Amendment to Registrant's Declaration of Trust 1
Form of Investment Advisory Agreement with First Union 5
National Bank
Distribution Agreement with Evergreen Funds Distributor, Inc. 6
Form of Custodian Agreement 8
Consent of Independent Public Accountants 11
Form of Class B and C Distribution Plan and Servicing Agreement 15
THE FFB FUNDS TRUST
Action By Trustees to Change The Name of the Trust, Redesignate Existing
Classes and Establish New Classes
The undersigned, being a majority of the Trustees of The FFB Funds
Trust, a Massachusetts business trust ("the Trust"), acting pursuant to Section
2.8 of the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust dated November 5, 1993, as
amended, (the "Declaration") of the Trust, do hereby take the following actions:
1. In accordance with the provisions of Section 8.3(a) of the
Declaration the name of the Trust is hereby changed from The FFB FFB Funds Trust
to The Evergreen Tax Free Trust.
2. In accordance with the provisions of Section 5.11 of the
Declaration, the FFB Pennsylvania Tax- Free Money Market Fund and FFB New Jersey
Tax-Free Income Fund series of the Trust are hereby redesignated the "Evergreen
Pennsylvania Tax-Free Money Market Fund" and "Evergreen New Jersey Tax-Free
Income Fund", respectively.
3. In accordance with the provisions of Section 5.11 of the
Declaration, the two existing classes of shares of the Evergreen Pennsylvania
Tax-Free Money Market Fund, the Investor Class and the Institutional Class, are
hereby redesignated "Class A Shares" and "Class Y Shares", respectively, and the
one existing class of shares of the Evergreen New Jersey Tax-Free Income Fund,
the Investor Class is hereby redesignated as "Class A Shares".
4. In accordance with the provisions of Section 5.11 of the
Declaration, two additional classes of shares of the Evergreen New Jersey
Tax-Free Income Fund are hereby created, to be known as "Class B Shares" and
"Class Y Shares".
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have signed this instrument in
duplicate original counterparts and have caused a duplicate original to be
lodged among the records of the Trust this 19th day of January, 1996.
Laurence B. Ashkin Thomas L. McVerry
Trustee Trustee
Foster Bam William Walt Petit
Trustee Trustee
James S. Howell Russell A. Salton, III
Trustee Trustee
Michael S. Scofield Gerald M. McDonnell
Trustee Trustee
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
[Form of Investment Advisory Agreement]
[Date]
First Union National Bank
of North Carolina
One First Union Center
Charlotte, North Carolina 28288
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned, The Evergreen Tax Free Trust Fund (the "Trust") on behalf
of its series portfolios the [Evergreen New Jersey Tax Free Income
Fund][Evergreen Pennsylvania Tax Free Money Market Fund](the "Fund") is an
investment company which desires to employ its capital by investing and
reinvesting the same in securities in accordance with the limitations specified
in its Declaration of Trust and in its Prospectus as from time to time in
effect, copies of which have been, or will be, submitted to you, and in such
manner and to such extent as may from time to time be approved by the Trustees
of the Trust. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Trust
on behalf of the Fund, desires to employ First Union National Bank of North
Carolina (the "Adviser") and the Adviser desires to be so employed, to supervise
and assist in the management of the business of the Fund. Accordingly, this will
confirm our agreement as follows:
1. The Adviser shall, on a continuous basis, furnish reports, statistical
and research services, and make investment decisions with respect to the Fund's
portfolio of investments. The Adviser shall use its best judgment in rendering
these services to the Fund, and the Fund agrees as an inducement to the Adviser
undertaking such services that the Adviser shall not be liable for any mistake
of judgment or in any other event whatsoever, except for lack of good faith,
provided that nothing herein shall be deemed to protect the Adviser against any
liability to the Fund or to the shareholders of the Fund to which it would
otherwise be subject by reason of wilful misfeasance, bad faith or gross
negligence in the performance of the Adviser's duties hereunder or by reason of
the Adviser's reckless disregard of its obligations and duties hereunder.
2. The Adviser agrees that it will not make short sales of
the Fund's shares of beneficial interest.
<PAGE>
3. The Adviser agrees that in any case where an officer or director of the
Adviser is also an officer or director of another corporation, and the purchase
or sale of securities issued by such other corporation is under consideration,
such officer or director shall abstain from participation in any decision made
on behalf of the Fund to purchase or sell any securities issued by such other
corporation.
4. The Fund will pay the costs of all of its expenses and liabilities,
including expenses and liabilities incurred in connection with maintaining its
registration under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Act") and the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and maintaining any registrations or
qualifications under the securities laws of the states in which the Fund's
shares are registered or qualified for sale, subsequent registrations and
qualifications share certificates, mailing, brokerage, issue and transfer taxes
on sales of the Fund's portfolio securities, custodian and stock transfer
charges, printing, legal and auditing expenses, expenses of shareholders'
meetings, and reports to shareholders.
5. In consideration of the Adviser performing its obligations hereunder,
the Fund will pay to the Adviser an advisory fee, payable monthly, at an annual
rate of 0.XX% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.
6. The Fund understands that the Adviser acts as investment adviser to
other investment companies, and that affiliates of the Adviser act as investment
advisers to individuals, partnerships, corporations, pension funds and other
entities, and the Fund confirms that it has no objection to the Adviser or its
affiliates so acting.
7. This Agreement shall be in effect for a period of two years from the
date hereof. This Agreement shall continue in effect from year to year
thereafter, provided it is approved, at least annually, in the manner required
by the Act. The Act requires that this Agreement and any renewal thereof be
approved by a vote of a majority of Trustees of the Trust who are not parties
thereto or interested persons (as defined in the Act) of any such party, cast in
person at a meeting duly called for the purpose of voting on such approval, and
by a vote of the Trustees of the Trust or a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund. A vote of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund is defined in the Act to mean a vote of the lesser of (i)
more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund or (ii) 67% or
more of the voting securities present at the meeting if more than 50% of the
outstanding voting securities are present or represented by proxy.
<PAGE>
This Agreement may be terminated at any time, without payment of any
penalty, on sixty (60) days' prior written notice by a vote of a majority of the
Fund's outstanding voting securities, by a vote of a majority of the Trustees of
the Trust, or by the Adviser. This Agreement shall be automatically terminated
in the event of its assignment (as such term is defined in the Act).
8. This Agreement is made by the Trust, on behalf of the Fund pursuant to
authority granted by the Trustees, and the obligations created hereby are not
binding on any of the Trustees or shareholders of the Fund individually, but
bind only the property of the Fund.
If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding, please so
indicate by signing and returning to the undersigned the enclosed copy hereof.
Very truly yours,
EVERGREEN TAX FREE TRUST
on behalf of
[Evergreen New Jersey Tax Free Income Fund]
[Evergreen Pennsylvania Tax Free Money Market Fund]
By:
ACCEPTED:
FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK OF NORTH CAROLINA
By:
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
WHEREAS, The Evergreen Tax Free Trust (the "Trust"), has adopted one or
more Plans of Distribution with respect to certain Classes of shares of its
separate investment series (each a "Plan", or collectively the "Plans") pursuant
to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940
Act") which Plans authorize the Trust on behalf of the Funds to enter into
agreements regarding the distribution of such Classes of shares (the "Shares")
of the separate investment series of the Trust (the "Funds") set forth on
Exhibit A; and
WHEREAS, the Trust has agreed that Evergreen Funds Distributor, Inc. (the
"Distributor"), a Delaware corporation, shall act as the distributor of the
Shares; and
WHEREAS, the Distributor agrees to act as distributor of the Shares for the
period of this Distribution Agreement (the "Agreement");
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the agreements hereinafter
contained, it is agreed as follows:
1. Services as Distributor-
1.1. The Distributor agrees to use appropriate efforts to promote each
Fund and to solicit orders for the purchase of Shares and will undertake such
advertising and promotion as it believes reasonable in connection with such
solicitation The services to be performed hereunder by the Distributor are
described in more detail in Section 7 hereof. . In the event that the Trust
establishes additional investment series with respect to which it desires to
retain Evergreen Funds Distributor, Inc. to act as distributor for one or more
Classes hereunder, it shall promptly notify the Distributor in writing. If the
Distributor is willing to render such services it shall notify the Trust in
writing whereupon such portfolio shall become a Fund and its designated Classes
of shares of beneficial interest shall become Shares hereunder.
1.2. All activities by the Distributor and its agents and employees as
the distributor of Shares shall comply with all applicable laws, rules and
regulations, including, without limitation, all rules and regulations made or
adopted pursuant to the 1940 Act by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") or any securities association registered under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
1.3 In selling the Shares, the Distributor shall use its best efforts
in all respects duly to conform with the requirements of all Federal and state
laws relating to the sale of such securities. Neither the Distributor, any
selected dealer or any other person is authorized by the Trust to give any
information or to make any representations, other than those contained in the
Trust's registration statement (the "Registration Statement") or related Fund
prospectus and statement of additional information ("Prospectus and Statement of
Additional Information") and any sales literature specifically approved by the
Trust.
1.4 The Distributor shall adopt and follow procedures, as approved by
the officers of the Trust, for the confirmation of sales to investors and
selected dealers, the collection of amounts payable by investors and selected
dealers on such sales, and the cancellation of unsettled transactions, as may be
1
<PAGE>
necessary to comply with the requirements of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD"), as such requirements may from time to
time exist.
1.5. The Distributor will transmit any orders received by it for
purchase or redemption of Shares to the transfer agent and custodian for the
applicable Fund.
1.6 The Distributor shall provide persons acceptable to the Trust to
serve as officers of the Trust.
1.7. Whenever in their judgment such action is warranted by unusual
market, economic or political conditions, or by abnormal circumstances of any
kind, the Trust's officers may decline to accept any orders for, or make any
sales of Shares until such time as those officers deem it advisable to accept
such orders and to make such sales.
1.8. The Distributor will act only on its own behalf as principal if it
chooses to enter into selling agreements with selected dealers or others. The
Distributor shall offer and sell Shares only to such selected dealers as are
members, in good standing, of the NASD.
1.9 The Distributor agrees to adopt compliance standards, in a form
satisfactory to the Trust, governing the operation of the multiple class
distribution system under which Shares are offered.
2. Duties of the Trust.
2.1. The Trust agrees at its own expense to execute any and all
documents and to furnish, at its own expense, any and all information and
otherwise to take all actions that may be reasonably necessary in connection
with the qualification of Shares for sale in such states as the Trust and the
Distributor may designate.
2.2. The Trust shall furnish from time to time, for use in connection
with the sale of Shares such information with respect to the Funds and the
Shares as the Distributor may reasonably request; and the Trust warrants that
any such information shall be true and correct. Upon request, the Trust shall
also provide or cause to be provided to the Distributor: (a) unaudited
semi-annual statements of each Fund's books and accounts, (b) quarterly earnings
statements of each Fund, (c) a monthly itemized list of the securities in each
Fund, (d) monthly balance sheets as soon as practicable after the end of each
month, and (e) from time to time such additional. information regarding each
Fund's financial condition as the Distributor may reasonably request.
3. Representations of the Trust.
3.1. The Trust represents to the Distributor that it is registered
under the 1940 Act and that the Shares of each of the Funds have been registered
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). The Trust
will file such amendments to its Registration Statement as may be required and
will use its best efforts to ensure that such Registration Statement remains
accurate.
4. Indemnification.
4.1. The Trust shall indemnify and hold harmless the Distributor and
each person, if any, who controls the Distributor within the meaning of Section
15 of the Securities Act against any loss, liability,
2
<PAGE>
claim, damage or expense (including the reasonable cost of investigating or
defending any alleged loss, liability, claim, damage or expense and reasonable
counsel fees incurred in connection therewith), which the Distributor or such
controlling person may incur under the Securities Act or under common law or
otherwise, arising out of or based upon any untrue statement, or alleged untrue
statement, of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, as from
time to time amended or supplemented, any prospectus or annual or interim report
to shareholders of the Trust, or arising out of or based upon any omission, or
alleged omission, to state a material fact requires to be stated therein or
necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, unless such statement
or omission was made in reliance upon, and in conformity with, information
furnished to the Trust in connection therewith by or on behalf of the
Distributor; provided, however, that in no case (i) is the indemnity of the
Trust in favor of the Distributor and any such controlling persons to be deemed
to protect such Distributor or any such controlling persons thereof against any
liability to the Trust or its security holders to which the Distributor or any
such controlling persons would otherwise be subject by reason of willful
misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of their duties or
by reason of the reckless disregard of their obligations and duties under this
Agreement; or (ii) is the Trust to be liable under its indemnity agreement
contained in this paragraph with respect to any claim made against the
Distributor or any such controlling persons, unless the Distributor or such
controlling persons, as the case maybe, shall have notified the Trust in writing
within a reasonable time after the summons or other first legal process giving
information of the nature of the claim shall have been served upon the
Distributor or such controlling persons (or after the Distributor or such
controlling persons shall have received notice of such service on any designated
agent), but failure to notify the Trust of any such claim shall not relieve it
from any liability which it may have to the person against whom such action is
brought otherwise than on account of its indemnity agreement contained in this
paragraph. The Trust will be entitled to participate at its own expense in the
defense, or, if it so elects, to assume the defense of any suit brought to
enforce any such liability, but if the Trust elects to assume the defense, such
defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by it and satisfactory to the
Distributor or such controlling person or persons, defendant or defendants in
the suit. In the event the Trust elects to assume the defense of any such suit
and retain such counsel, the Distributor or such controlling person or persons,
defendant or defendants in the suit, shall bear the fees and expenses of any
additional counsel retained by them, but, in case the Trust does not elect to
assume the defense of any such suit, it will reimburse the Distributor or such
controlling person or persons, defendant or-defendants in the suit, for the
reasonable fees and expenses of any counsel retained by them. The Trust shall
promptly notify the Distributor of the commencement of any litigation or proceed
against it or any of its officers or directors in connection with the issuance
or sale of any of the shares.
4.2. The Distributor shall indemnify and hold harmless the Trust and
each of its directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls the
Trust against any loss, liability, claim, damage or expense described in the
foregoing indemnity contained in paragraph 4.1, but only with respect to
statements or omissions made in reliance upon, and in conformity with,
information furnished to the Trust in writing by or on behalf of the Distributor
for use in connection with the Registration Statement, as from time to time
amended, or the annual or interim reports to shareholders. In case any action
shall be brought against the Trust or any persons so indemnified, in respect of
which indemnity may be sought against the Distributor, the Distributor shall
have the rights and duties given to the Trust, and the Trust and each person so
indemnified shall have the rights and duties given to the Distributor by the
provisions of paragraph 4.1.
3
<PAGE>
5. Offering of Shares.
5.1. None of the Shares shall be offered by either the Distributor or
the Trust under any of the provisions of this Agreement, and no orders for the
purchase or sale of Shares hereunder shall be accepted by the Trust, if and so
long as the effectiveness of the registration statement then in effect or any
necessary amendments thereto shall be suspended under any of the provisions of
the Securities Act or if and so long as a current prospectus and statement of
additional information as required by Section 10(b) (2) of the Securities Act,
as amended, is not on file with the Commission; provided, however, that nothing
contained in this paragraph 5.1 shall in any way restrict or have any
application to or bearing upon the Trust's obligation to repurchase Shares from
any shareholder in accordance with the provisions of the prospectus of each Fund
or the Trust's prospectus or Declaration of Trust.
6. Amendments to Registration Statement and Other Material Events.
6.1. The Trust agrees to advise the Distributor as soon as reasonably
practical by a notice in writing delivered to the Distributor: (a) of any
request or action taken by the Commission which is material to the Distributor's
obligations hereunder or (b) any material fact of which the Trust becomes aware
which affects the Distributor's obligations hereunder.
For purposes of this section, informal requests by or acts of
the Staff of the Commission shall not be deemed actions of or requests by the
Commission.
7. Compensation of Distributor.
7.1. (a) As promptly as possible after the first Business Day (as
defined in the Prospectus) of each month this Agreement is in effect, the Trust
shall compensate the Distributor for its distribution services rendered during
the previous month (but not prior to the Commencement Date); by making payment
to the Distributor in the amounts set forth on Exhibit A annexed hereto with
respect to each Class of Shares of each Fund to which this Agreement is
applicable. The compensation by the Trust of the Distributor is authorized
pursuant to the Plan or Plans adopted by the Trust pursuant to Rule 12b-l under
the 1940 Act.
(b) Under this Agreement, the Distributor shall: (i) make
payments to securities dealers and others engaged in the sale of Shares; (ii)
make payments of principal and interest in connection with the financing of
commission payments made by the Distributor in connection with the sale of
Shares (iii) incur the expense of obtaining such support services, telephone
facilities and shareholder services as may reasonably be required in connection
with its duties hereunder; (iv) formulate and implement marketing and
promotional activities, including, but not limited to, direct mail promotions
and television, radio, newspaper, magazine and other mass media advertising; (v)
prepare, print and distribute sales literature; (vi) prepare, print and
distribute Prospectuses of the Funds and reports for recipients other than
existing shareholders of the Funds; and (vii) provide to the Trust such
information, analyses and opinions with respect to marketing and promotional
activities as the Trust may, from time to time, reasonably request.
(c) The Distributor shall prepare and deliver reports to the
Treasurer of the Trust on a regular, at least monthly, basis, showing the
distribution expenditures incurred by the Distributor in connection with its
services rendered pursuant to this Agreement and the Plan and the purposes
therefor, as well as any supplemental reports as the Trustees, from time to
time, may reasonably request.
4
<PAGE>
(d) The Distributor may retain as a sales charge the difference
between the current offering price of Shares, as set forth in the current
prospectus for each Fund, and net asset value, less any reallowance that is
payable in accordance with the sales charge schedule in effect at any given time
with respect to the Shares.
(e) The Distributor may retain any contingent deferred sales
charge ("CDSCs") payable with respect to the redemption of any Shares, provided
however, that any CDSCs received by the Distributor shall first be applied by
the Distributor or its assignee to any outstanding amounts payable or which may
in the future be payable by the Distributor or its assignee under financing
arrangements entered into in connection with the payment of commissions on the
sale of Shares.
(f) The Distributor may sell, assign, pledge or hypothecate its
rights to receive compensation hereunder. The Trust acknowledges that, in
connection with the financing of commission payments made by the Distributor in
connection with the sale of Shares, the Distributor may sell and assign, and/or
has sold and assigned, to Mutual Fund Funding 1994-1 the Distributor's interest
in certain items of compensation payable to the Distributor hereunder, and that
Mutual Fund Funding 1994-1 in turn may pledge or assign, and/or has assigned,
such interest to First Union Corporation as lender to secure such financing. It
is understood that an assignee may not further sell, assign, pledge, or
hypothecate its right to receive such reimbursement unless such sale,
assignment, pledge or hypothecation has been approved by the vote of the Board
of the Trust, including a majority of the Disinterested Trustees, cast in person
at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval.
(g) In addition to the foregoing, and in respect of its services
hereunder and for similar services rendered to other investment companies for
which Evergreen Asset Management Corp. (the "Investment Adviser") serves as
investment adviser, the Investment Adviser may pay to the Distributor an
additional fee to be paid in such amount and manner as the Investment Adviser
and Distributor may agree from time to time.
8. Confidentiality, Non-Exclusive Agency.
8.1. The Distributor agrees on behalf of itself and its employees to
treat confidentially and as proprietary information of the Trust all records and
other information relative to the Funds and its prior, present or potential
shareholders, and not to use such records and information for any purpose other
than performance of its responsibilities and to obtain approval in writing by
the Trust, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld and may not be
withheld where the Distributor may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt
proceedings for failure to comply, when requested to divulge such information by
duly constituted authorities, or when so requested by the Trust.
8.2. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall prevent the Distributor,
or any affiliated person of the Distributor, from performing services similar to
those to be performed hereunder for any other person, firm, or corporation or
for its or their own accounts or for the accounts of others.
9. Term.
9.1. This Agreement shall continue until June 30, 1997 and thereafter
for successive annual periods, provided such continuance is specifically
approved at least annually by (i) a vote of the majority of the Trustees of the
Trust and (ii) a vote of the majority of those Trustees of the Trust who are not
interested persons of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect financial
interest in the operation of the Plan, in this Agreement or any agreement
related to the Plan (the "Independent Trustees") by vote cast in person at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. This
5
<PAGE>
Agreement is terminable at any time, with respect to the Trust, without penalty,
(a) on not less than 60 days' written notice by vote of a majority of the
Independent Trustees, or by vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding
voting securities of the Trust, or (b) upon not less than 60 days' written
notice by the Distributor. This Agreement may remain in effect with respect to a
Fund even if it has been terminated in accordance with this paragraph with
respect to one or more other Funds of the Trust. This Agreement will also
terminate automatically in the event of its assignment. (As used in this
Agreement, the terms "majority of the outstanding voting securities",
"interested persons", and "assignment" shall have the same meaning as such terms
have in the 1940 Act.)
10. Miscellaneous.
10.1. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State
of New York.
10.2. The captions in this Agreement are included for convenience of
reference only and in no way define or delimit any of the provisions hereof or
otherwise affect their constructions or effect.
10.3 The obligations of the Trust hereunder are not personally binding
upon, nor shall resort be had to the private property of, any of the Trustees,
shareholders, officers, employees or agents of the Trust and only the Trust's
property shall be bound.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to
be executed by their officers designated below as of the 19th day of January,
1996.
EVERGREEN FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC. EVERGREEN TAX FREE TRUST
By:______________________ By: _____________________
Title: Gordon Forrester, Vice President Title: John J. Pileggi, President
6
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
To Distribution Agreement between Evergreen Funds Distributor, Inc.
and EVERGREEN TAX FREE TRUST
FUNDS AND CLASSES COVERED BY THIS AGREEMENT:
Evergreen New Jersey Tax Free Income Fund
CLASS A SHARES
CLASS B SHARES
CLASS Y SHARES
Evergreen Pennsylvania Tax Free Money Market Fund
CLASS A SHARES
CLASS Y SHARES
Distribution Fees
1. During the term of this Agreement, the Trust will pay to the Distributor
a quarterly fee with respect to each of the Funds and Classes of Shares thereof
listed above. This fee will be computed at the annual rate of .25 of 1% of the
average net asset value on an annual basis of Class A Shares of Evergreen New
Jersey Tax Free Income Fund and .35 of 1% of the average net asset value on an
annual basis Evergreen Pennsylvania Tax Free Money Market Fund; and .75 of 1% of
the average net asset value on an annual basis of Class B Shares of Evergreen
New Jersey Tax Free Income Fund.
2. For the quarterly period in which the Agreement becomes effective or
terminates, there shall be an appropriate proration of any fee payable on the
basis of the number of days that the Agreement is in effect during the quarter.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Exhibit A to
the Distribution Agreement between the parties dated January 19, 1996 to be
executed by their officers designated below as of the 19th day of January, 1996.
EVERGREEN FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC. EVERGREEN TAX FREE TRUST
By:______________________ By: _____________________
Title: Gordon Forrester, Vice President Title: John J. Pileggi, President
7
<PAGE>
CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
Between
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
and
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
<PAGE>
1. Employment of Custodian and Property
to be Held By It..............................................l
2. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property
of the Fund Held by the Custodian..............................2
2.1 Holding Securities.........................................2
2.2 Delivery of Securities.....................................3
2.3 Registration of Securities.................................8
2.4 Bank Accounts..............................................9
2.5 Payments for Shares........................................9
2.6 Availability of Federal Funds.............................10
2.7 Collection of Income......................................10
2.8 Payment of Fund Monies....................................ll
2.9 Liability for Payment in Advance of
Receipt of Securities Purchased...................14
2.10 Payments for Repurchases or Redemptions
of Shares of the Fund.............................14
<PAGE>
2.11 Appointment of Agents.............................................15
2.12 Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities System.......................15
2.12A Fund Assets Held in the Custodian's Direct
Paper System....................................................l9
2.13 Segregated Account................................................20
2.14 Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes...........................22
2.15 Proxies...........................................................22
2.16 Communications Relating to Portfolio
Securities......................................................22
2.17 Proper Instructions...............................................23
2.18 Actions Permitted Without Express Authority.......................24
2.19 Evidence of Authority.............................................25
3. Duties of Custodian With Respect to the Books of Account
and Calculation of Net Asset Value and Net Income...............25
4. Records.............................................................26
5. Opinion of Fund's Independent Accountants...........................27
6. Reports to Fund by Independent Public Accountants...................27
7. Compensation of Custodian...........................................28
8. Responsibility of Custodian.........................................28
9. Effective Period, Termination and Amendment.........................29
10.Successor Custodian.................................................31
11.Interpretive and Additional Provisions..............................32
12.Additional Funds....................................................33
13.Massachusetts Law to Apply..........................................33
14.Prior Contracts.....................................................33
<PAGE>
CUSTODIAN CQNTRACT
This Contract between The Evergreen XXXXXXXXX Trust, a business trust
organized and existing under the laws of Massachusetts, having its principal
place of business at 2500 Westchester Avenue, Purchase, New York 10528
hereinafter called the "Fund", and State Street Bank and Trust Company, a
Massachusetts trust company, having its principal place of business at 225
Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02110, hereinafter called the
"Custodian",
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Fund is authorized to issue shares in separate series, with each
such series representing interests in a separate portfolio of securities and
other assets; and WHEREAS, the Fund intends to initially offer shares in XXXX
series, the XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX (such series
together with all other series subsequently established by the Fund and made
subject to this Contract in accordance with paragraph 12, being herein referred
to as the "Portfolio(s)"); NOW THEREFOR, in consideration of the mutual
covenants and agreements hereinafter contained, the parties hereto agree as
follows: 1. Employment of Custodian and Property to be Held by It The Fund
hereby employs the Custodian as the custodian of the assets of the Portfolios of
the Fund pursuant to the provlsions of the Declaration of Trust. The Fund on
behalf of the Portfolio(s) agrees to deliver to the Custodian all
<PAGE>
securities and cash cf the Portfolios, and all payments of incnme, payments of
principal or capital distributions received by lt with respect to a11
securities owned by the Pcrtfolio(s) from time to time, and the cash
consideration received by it for such new or treasury shares of beneficial
interest of the Fund representing interests in the Portfolios, ("Shares") as may
be issued or sold from time to time. The Custodian shall not be responsible for
any property of a Portfolio held or received by the Portfolio and not delivered
to the Custodian. Upon receipt of "Proper Instructions" (within the meaning of
Section 2.17), the Custodian shall on behalf of the applicable Portfolio(s) from
time to time employ one or more sub-custodians, but only in accordance with an
applicable vote by the Board of Trustees of the Fund on behalf of the applicable
Portfolio(s), and provided that the Custodian shall have no more or less
responsibility or liability to the Fund on account of any actions or omissions
of any sub-custodian so employed than any such sub-custodian has to the
Custodian.
2. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held
By the Custodian
2.1 Holding Securities. The Custodian shall hold and physically segregate for
the account of each Portfolio all non-cash property, including all securities
owned by such Portfolio, other than (a) securities which are maintained pursuant
to Section 2.12 in a clearing agency which acts as a securities depository or in
a book-entry system authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury,
collectively rererred to herein as "Securities System" and (b) commercial paper
of an issuer for which State Street and and Trust Company acts as issuing and
paying agent ("Direct Paper ) which is deposited andJor maintained in the Direct
Paper System of the Custodian pursuant to Section 2.12A.
<PAGE>
2.2 Delivery of Securities. The Custodian shall release and deliver securities
owned by a Portfolio held by the Custodian or in a Securities System account of
the Custodian or in the Custodian's Direct Paper book entry system account
("Direct Paper System Account") only upon receipt of Proper Instructions from
the Fund on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, which may be continuing
instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, and only in the following
cases:
1) Upon sale of such securities for the account of the Portfolio and receipt
of payment therefor;
2) Upon the receipt of payment in connection with any repurchase agreement
related to such securities entered into by the Portfolio;
3) In the case of a sale effected through a Securities System, in accordance
with the provisions of Section 2.12 hereof;
4) To the depository agent in connection with tender or other similar offers for
securities of the Portfolio;
5) To the issuer thereof or its agent when such securities are called,
redeemed, retired or otherwise become payable; provided that, in any
such case, the cash or other consideration 1s to be delivered to the
Custodian;
<PAGE>
6) To the issuer thereof, or its agent, for transfer into the name of the
Portfolio or into the name of any nominee or nominees of the Custodian or
into the name or nominee name of any agent appointed pursuant to Section
2.11 or into the name or nominee name of any sub-custodian appointed
pursuant to Article l; or for exchange for a different number of bonds,
certificates or other evidence representing the same aggregate face amount
or number of units; provided that, in any such case, the new securities are
to be delivered to the Custodian;
7) Upon the sale of such securities for the account of the Portfolio, to the
broker or its clearing agent, against a receipt, for examination in
accordance with "street delivery" custom; provided that in any such case,
the Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability for any loss
arising from the delivery of such security prior to receiving payment for
such securities except as may arise from the Custodian's own negligence or
willful misconduct;
<PAGE>
8) For exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of merger, consolidation,
recapitalization, reorganization or readjustment of the securities of the
issuer of such securities, or pursuant to provisions for conversion
contained in such securities, or pursuant to any deposit agreement;
provided that, in any such case, the new securities and cash, if any, are
to be delivered to the Custodian;
9) In the case of warrants, rights or similar securities, the surrender
thereof in the exercise of such warrants, rights or similar securities or
the surrender of interim receipts or temporary securities for definitive
securities; provided that, in any such case, the new securities and cash,
if any, are to be delivered to the Custodian;
10) For delivery in connection with any loans of securities made by the
Portfolio, but only against receipt of adequate collateral as agreed upon
from time to time by the Custodian and the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio,
which may be in the form of cash or obligations issued by the United States
government, its agencies or instrumental ities, except that in connection
with any loans for which collateral is to be credited to the Custodian's
account in the book-entry system authorized by the U.S. Department of the
Treasury, the Custodian will not be held liable or responsible for the
delivery of securities owned by the Portfolio prior to the receipt of such
collateral;
11) For delivery as security in connection with any borrowings by the Fund on
behalf of the Portfolio requiring a pledge of assets by the Fund on behalf
of the Portfolio, but only against receipt of amounts borrowed;
12) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the
Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, the Custodian and a broker-dealer
registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act")
and a member of The National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
("NASD"), relating to compliance with the rules of The Options Clearing
Corporation and of any registered national securities exchange, or of any
similar organization or organizations, regarding escrow or other
arrangements in connection with transactions by the Portfolio of the Fund;
<PAGE>
13) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the
Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, the Custodian, and a Futures Commission
Merchant registered under the Commodity Exchange Act, relating to
compliance with the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
and/or any Contract Market, or any similar organization or organizations,
regarding account deposits in connection with transactions by the Portfolio
of the Fund;
<PAGE>
14) Upon receipt of instructions from the transfer agent ("Transfer Agent") for
the Fund, for delivery to such Transfer Agent or to the holders of shares
in connection with distributions in kind, as may be described from time to
time in the currently effective prospectus and statement of additional
information of the Fund, related to the Portfolio ("Prospectus"), in
satisfaction of requests by holders of Sharcs for repurchase or redemption;
and
15) For any other proper corporate purpose, but only upon receipt of, in
addition to Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf of the applicable
Portfolio, a certified copy of a resolution of the Board of Trustees or of
the Executive Committee signed by an officer cf the Fund and certified by
the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, specifying the securities of the
Portfolio to be delivered, setting forth the purpose for which such
delivery is to be made, declaring such purpose to be a proper corporate
purpose, and naming the person or persons to whom delivery of such
securities shall be made.
<PAGE>
2.3 Registration of Securities. Securities held by the Custodian (other than
bearer securities) shall be registered in the name of the Portfolio or in the
name of any nominee of the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio or of any nominee of
the Custodian which nominee shall be assigned exclusively to the Portfolio,
unless the Fund has authorized in writing the appointment of a nominee to be
used in common with other registered investment companies having the same
investment adviser as the Portfolio, or in the name or nominee name of any agent
appointed pursuant to Section 2.11 or in the name or nominee name of any
sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Article 1. All securities accepted by the
Custodian on behalf of the Portfolio under the terms of this Contract shall be
in "street name" or other good delivery form.
2.4 Bank Accounts. The Custodian shall open and maintain a separate bank
account or accounts in the name of each Portfolio of the Fund, subject only to
draft or order by the Custodian acting pursuant to the terms of this Contract,
and shall hold in such account or accounts, subject to the provisions hereof,
all cash received by it from or for the account of the Portfolio, other than
cash maintained by the Portfolio in a bank account established and used in
accordance with Rule 17f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Funds held
by the Custodian for a Portfolio may be deposited by it to its credit as
Custodian in the Banking Department of the Custodian or in such other banks or
trust companies as it may in its discretion deem necessary or desirable;
provided, however, that every such bank or trust company shall be qualified to
act as a custodian under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and that each such
bank or trust company and the furds to be deposited with each such bank or trust
company shall on behalf of each applicable Portfolio be approved by vote of a
majority of the Board of Trustees of the Fund. Such funds shall be deposited by
the Custodian in its capacity as Custodian and shall be withdrawable by the
Custodian only in that capacity.
2.5 Payments for Shares. The Custodian shall receive from the distributor for
the Shares or from the Transfer Agent of the Fund and deposit into the account
of the appropriate Portfolio such payments as are received for Shares of that
Portfolio issued or sold from time to time by the Fund. The Custodian will
provide timely notification to the Fund on behalf of each such Portfolio and the
Transfer Agent of any receipt by it of payments for Shares of such Portfolio.
2.6 Availability of Federal Funds. The Custodian shall, upon the receipt of
Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf of a Portfolio, make federal funds
available to such Portfolio as of specified times agreed upon from time to time
by the Fund and the Custodian in the amount of checks received in payment for
Shares of such Portfolio which are deposited into the Portfolio's account.
2.7 Collection of Income. The Custodian shall collect on a timely basis all
income and other payments with respect to registered securities held hereunder
to which each Portfolio shall be entitled either by law or pursuant to custom in
the securities business, and shall collect on a timely basis all income and
other payments with respect to bearer securities if, on the date of payment by
the issuer, such securities are held by the Custodian or its agent thereof and
shall credit such income, as collected, to such Portfolio's custodian account.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Custodian shall detach and
present for payment all coupons and other income items requiring presentation as
and when they become due and shall collect interest when due on securities held
hereunder. Income due each rortfolio on securities loaned pursuant to the
provisions of Section 2.2 (10) shall be the responsibility of the Fund. rhe
Custodian will have no duty or responsibility in connection therewith, other
than to provide the Fund with such information or data as may be necessary to
assist the Fund in arranging for the timely delivery to the Custodian of the
income to which the Portfolio is properly entitled.
<PAGE>
2.8 Payment of Fund Monies. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions from the Fund on
behalf of the applicable Portfolio, which may be continuing instructions when
deemed appropriate by the parties, the Custodian shall pay out monies of a
Portfolio in the following cases only:
1) Upon the purchase of securities, options, futures contracts or options
on futures contracts for the account of the Portfolio but only (a) against the
delivery of such securities or evidence of title to such options, futures
contracts or options on futures contracts to the Custodian (or any bank, banking
firm or trust company doing business in the United States or abroad which is
qualified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, to act as a
custodian and has been designated by the Custodian as its agent for this
purpose) regisiered in the name of the Portfolio or in the name of a nominee of
the Custodian referred to in Section 2.3 hereof or in proper form for transfer;
(b) in the case of a purchase effected through a Securities System, in
accordance with the conditions set forth in Section 2.12 hereof; (c) in the case
of a purchase involving the Direct Paper System, in accordance with the
conditions set forth in Section 2.12A; (d) in the case of repurchase agreements
entered into between the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio and the Custodian, or
another bank, or a broker-dealer which is a member of NASD, (i) against delivery
of the securities either in certificate form or through an entry crediting the
Custodian's account at the Federal Reserve Bank with such securities or (ii)
against delivery of the receipt evidencing purchase by the Portfolio of
securities owned by the Custodian along with written evidence of the agreement
by the Custodian to repurchase such securities from the Portfolio or (e) for
transfer to a time deposit account of the Fund in any bank, whether domestic or
foreign; such transfer may be effected prior to receipt of a cocfirmation frcm a
broker and/or the applicable bank pursuant to PropeL rnstructions from the Fund
as defined in Section 2.:17;
2) In connection with conversion, exchange or surrender of securities owned
by the Portfolio as set forth in Section 2.2 hereof; 3) For the redemption or
repurchase of Shares issued by the Portfolio as set forth in Section 2.10
hereof;
4) For the payment of any expense or liability incurred by the Portfolio,
including but not limited to the following payments for the account of the
Portfolio: interest, taxes, management, accounting, transfer agent and legal
fees, and operating expenses of the Fund whether or not such expenses are to be
in whole or part capitalized or treated as deferred expenses;
5) For the payment of any dividends on Shares of the Portfolio declared
pursuant to the governing documents of the Fund;
6) For payment of the amount of dividends received in respect of securities
sold short;
<PAGE>
7) For any other proper purpose, but only upon receipt of, in addition to
Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, a certified copy
of a resolution of the Board of Trustees or of the Executive Committee of the
Fund signed by an officer of the Fund and certified by its Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary, specifying the amount of such payment, setting forth the
purpose for which such payment is to be made, declaring such purpose to be a
proper purpose, and naming the person or persons to whom such payment is to be
made.
2.9 Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt of Securities Purchased.
Except as specifically stated otherwise in this Contract, in any and every case
where payment for purchase of securities for the account of a Portfolio is made
by the Custodian in advance of receipt of the securities purchased in the
absence of specific written instructions from the Fund on behalf of such
Portfolio to so pay in advance, the Custodian shall be absolutely liable to the
Fund for such securities to the same extent as if the securities had been
received by the Custodian.
2.10 Payments for Repurchases or Redemptions of Shares of the Fund. From
such funds as may be available for the purpose but subject to the limitations of
the Declaration of Trust and any applicable votes of the Board of Trustees of
the Fund pursuant thereto, the Custodian shall, upon receipt of instructions
from the Transfer Agent, make funds available for payment to holders of Shares
who have delivered to the Transfer Agent 2 request for redemption or repurchase
of their Shares. In connection with the redemption or repurchase of Shares of a
Portfolio, the Custodian is authorized upon receipt of instructions from the
Transfer Agent to wire funds to or through a commercial bank designated by the
redeeming shareholders. In connection with the redemption or repurchase of
Shares of the Fund, the Custodian shall honor checks drawn on the Custodian by a
holder of Shares, which checks have been furnished by the Fund to the holder of
Shares, when preqented to the Custodian in accordance with such procedures and
controls as are mutually agreed upon from time to time between the Fund and the
Custodian.
<PAGE>
2.11 Appointment of Agents. Subject to prior approval, the Custodian may at
any time or times in its discretion appoint (and may at any time remove) any
other bank or trust company which is itself qualified under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended, to act as a custodian, as its agent to carry
out such of the provisions of this Article 2 as the Custodian may from time to
time direct; provided, however, that the appointment of any agent shall not
relieve the Custodian of its responsibilities or liabilities hereunder.
<PAGE>
2.12 Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities Systems. The Custodian may
deposit and/or maintain securities owned by a Portfolio in a clearing agency
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 17A of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which acts as a securities depository, or in
the book-entry system authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and
certain federal agencies, collectively referred to herein as "Securities System"
in accordance with applicable Federal Reserve Board and Securities and Exchange
Commission rules and regulations, if any, and subject to the following
provisions:
1) The Custodian may keep securities of the Portfolio in a Securities
System provided that such securities are represented in an account ("Account")
of the Custodian in the Securities System which shall not include any assets of
the Custodian other than assets held as a fiduciary, custodian or otherwise for
customers;
2) The records of the Custodian with respect to securities of the Portfolio
which are maintained in a Securities System shall identify by book-entry those
securities belonging to the Portfolio;
3) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for the account of the
Portfolio upon (i) receipt of advice from the Securities System that such
securities have been transferred to the Account, and (i ) the making of an entry
on the records of the Custodian to reflect such payment and transfer for the
account of the Portroliou The Custodian shall t ansfer securities sold for the
account of the Portfolio upon (i) receipt of advice from the Securities System
that payment for such securities has been transferred to the Account, and (ii)
the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect such transfer
and payment for the account of the Portfolio. Copies of all advices from the
Securities System of transfers of securities for the account of the Portfolio
shall identify the Portfolio, be maintained for the Portfolio by the Custodian
and be provided to the Fund at its request. Upon request, the Custodian shall
furnish the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio confirmation of each transfer to or
from the account of the Portfolio in the form of a written advice or notice and
shall furnish to the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio copies of daily transaction
sheets reflecting each day's transactions in the Securities System for the
account of the Portfolio.
4) The Custodian shall provide the Fund for the Portfolio uith any report
obtained by the Custodian Qll the Securities System's accounting system,
internal accountir.g control and procedures for safeguarding securities
deposited in the Securities System;
5) The Custodian shall have received from the Fund on behalf of the
Portfolio the initial or annual certificate, as the case may be, required by
Article 9 hereof; 6) Anything to the contrary in this Contract notwithstanding,
the Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for the benefit of the Portfolio for
any loss or damage to the Portfolio resulting from use of the Securities System
by reason of any negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian or any
of its agents or of any of its or their employees or from failure of the
Custodian or any such agent to enforce effectively such rights as it may have
against the Securities System; at the election of the Fund, it shall be entitled
to be subrogated to the rights of the Custodian with respect to any claim
against the Securities System or any other person which the Custodian may have
as a consequence of any such loss or damage if and to the extent that the
Portfolio hac not been made whole for any such loss or damage.
2.12A Fund Assets Held in the Custodian's Direct Paper System. The
Custodian may deposit and/or maintain securities owned by a Portfolio in the
Direct Paper System of the Custodian subject to the following provisions:
1) No transaction relating to securities in the Direct Paper System will be
effected in the absence of Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf of the
Portfolio;
2) The Custodian may keep securities of the Portfolio in the Direct Paper
System only if such securities are represented in an account ("Account") of the
Custodian in the Direct Paper System which shall not include any assets of the
Custodian other than assets held as a fiduciary, custodian or otherwise for
customers;
3) The records of the Custodian with respect to securities of the Portfolio
which are maintained in the Direct Paper System shall identify by book-entry
those securities belonging to the Portfolio;
4) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for the account of the
Portfolio upon the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect
such payment and transfer of securities to the account of the Portfolio. The
Custodian shall transfer securities sold for the account of the Portfolio upon
the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect such transfer
and receipt of payment for the account of the Portfolio;
5) The Custodian shall furnish the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio
confirmation of each transfer to or from the account of the Portfolio, in the
form of a written advice or notice, of Direct Paper on the next business day
following such transfer and shall furnish to the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio
copies of daily transaction sheets reflecting each day's transaction in the
Securities System for the account of the Portfolio;
6) The Custodian shall provide the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio with any
report on its system of internal accounting control as the Fund may reasonably
request from time to time.
2.13 Segregated Account. The Custodian shall upon receipt of Proper
Instructions from the Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio establish and
maintain a segregated account or accounts for and on behalf of each such
Portfolio, into which account or accounts may be transferred cash and/or
securities, including securities maintained in an account by the Cuctodian
pursuant to Section 2.12 hereof, (i) in accordance with tbe provisions of any
agreement among the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, the Custodian and a
broker-dealer registered under the Exchange Act and a member of the NASD (or any
futures commission merchant registered under the Commodity Exchange Act),
relating to compliance with the rules of The Options Clearing Corporation and of
any registered national securities exchange (or the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission or any registered contract market), or of any similar organization or
organizations, regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with
transactions by the Portfolio, (ii) for purposes of segregating cash or
securities in connection with options purchased, sold or written by the
Portfolio or commodity futures contracts or options thereon purchased or sold by
the Portfolio, (iii) for the purposes of compliance by the Portfolio with the
procedures required by Investment Company Act Release No. 10666, or any
subsequent release or releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission
relating to the maintenance of segregated accounts by registered investment
companies and (iv) for other proper corporate purposes, but only, in the case of
clause (iv), upon receipt of, in addition to Proper Instructions from the Fund
on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, a certified copy of a resolution of the
Board of Trustees or of the Executive Committee sig!led by an officer of the
Fund and certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, setting forth the
purpose or purposes cf such segregated account and declaring such purposes to be
proper corporate purposes.
<PAGE>
2.14 Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes. The Custodian shall execute
ownership and other certificates and affidavits for all federal and state tax
purposes in connection with receipt of income or other payments with respect to
securities of each Portfolio held by it and in connection with transfers of
securities.
2.15 Proxies. The Custodian shall, with respect to the securities held
hereunder, cause to be promptly executed by the registered holder of such
securities, if the securities are registered otherwise than in the name of the
Portfolio or a nominee of the Portfolio, all proxies, without indication of the
manner in which such proxies are to be voted, and shall promptly deliver to the
Portfolio such proxies, all proxy soliciting materials and all notices relating
to such securities. 2.16 Communications Relating to Portfolio Securities. The
Custodian shall transmit promptly to the Fund for each portfolio all written
information 'including, without limitation, pendency of calls and maturities of
securities and expirations of rights in connection therewith and notices of
exercise of call and put options written by the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio
and the maturity of futures contracts purchased or sold by the Portfolio)
received by the Custodian from issuers of the securities being held for the
Yortfolio. With res?ect to tender or exchange offers, the Custodian shall
transmit promptly to the Portfolio all written information received by the
Custodian from issuers of the securities whose tender or exchange is sought and
from the party (or his agents) making the tender or exchange offer. If the
Portfolio desires to take action with respect to any tender offer, exchange
offer or any other similar transaction, the Portfolio shall notify the Custodian
at least three business days prior to the date on which the Custodian is to take
such action.
2.17 Proper Instructions. Proper Instructions as used throughout this
Article 2 means a writing signed or initialled by one or more person or persons
as the Board of Trustees shall have from time to time authorized. Each such
writing shall set forth the specific transaction or type of transaction
involved, including a specific statement of the purpose for which such action is
requested. Oral instructions will be considered Proper Instructions if the
Custodian reasonably believes them to have been given by a person authorized to
give such instructions with respect to the transaction involved. The Fund shall
cause all oral instructions to be confirmed in writing. Upon receipt of a
certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary as to the authorization
by the Board of Trustees of the Fund accompanied by a detailed description of
procedures approved by the Board of Trustees, Proper Instructions may include
communications effected directly between electro-mechanical or electronic
devices provided that the Board of Trustees and the Custodian are satisfied that
such procedures afford adequate safeguards for the Portfolios' assets. For
purposes of this Section, Proper Instructions shall include instructions
received by the Custodian pursuant to any three-party agreement which requires a
segregated asset account in accordance with Section 2.13.
<PAGE>
2.18 Actions Permitted without Express Authority. The Custodian may in its
discretion, without express authority from the Fund on behalf of each applicable
Portfolio:
1) make payments to itself or others for minor expenses of handling
securities or other similar items relating to its duties under this
Contract, provided that all such payments shall be accounted for to
the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio;
2) surrender securities in temporary form for securities in
definitive form;
3) endorse for collection, in the name of the Fortfolio, checks, drafts
and other negotiable instruments; and
4) in general, attend to all non-discretionary details in connection
with the sale, exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer and
other dealings with the securities and property of the Portfolio
except as otherwise directed by the Board of Trustees of the
Fund.
2.19 Evidence of Authority. The Custodian shall be protected in acting upon
any instructions, notice, request, consent, certificate or other instrument or
paper believed by it to be genuine and to have been properly executed by or on
behalf of the Fund. The Custodian may receive and accept a certified copy of a
vote of the Board of Trustees of the Fund as conclusive evidence (a) of the
authority of any person to act in accordance with such vote or (b) of any
determination or of any action by the Board of Trustees pursuant to the
Declaration of Trust as described in such vote, and such vote may be considered
as in full force and effect until receipt by the Custodian of written notice to
the contrary.
<PAGE>
3. Duties of Custodian with Respect to the Books of Account and Calculation
of Net Asset Value and Net Income. The Custodian shall keep the books of account
of each Portfolio and compute the net asset value per share of the outstanding
shares of each Portfolio. The Custodian shall also calculate daily the net
income of the Portfolio as described in the Fund's currently effective
prospectus related to such Portfolio and shall advise the Fund and the Transfer
Agent daily of the total amounts of such net income and shall advise the
Transfer Agent periodically of the division of such net income among its various
components. The calculations of the net asset value per share and the daily
income of each Portfolio shall be made at the time or times described from time
to time in the Fund's currently effective prospectus related to such Portfolio.
4. Records The Custodian. shall with respect to each Portfolio create and
maintain all records relating to its activities and obligations under this
Contract in such manner as will meet the obligations of the Fund under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, with particular attention to Section 31 thereof
and Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2 thereunder, applicable federal and state tax laws and
any other law or administrative rules or procedures which may be applicable to
the Fund. All such records shall be the property of the Fund and shall at all
times during the regular business hours of the Custodian be open for inspection
by duly authorized officers, employees or agents of the Fund and employees and
agents of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Custodian shall, at the
Fund's request, supply the Fund with a tabulation of securities owned by each
Portfolio and held by the Custodian and shall, when requested to do so by the
Fund and for such compensation as shall be agreed upon between the Fund and the
Custodian, include certificate numbers in such tabulations.
5. Opinion of Fund's Independent Accountant. The Custodian shall take all
reasonable action, as the Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio may from
time to time request, to obtain from year to year favorable Gpinions from the
Fund's independent accountanLs with respect to its activities hereunder in
connection with the preparation of the Fund's Form N-lA, and Form N-SAR or other
annual reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission and with respect to any
other requirements of such Commission.
6. Reports to Fund by Independent Public Accountants. The Custodian shall
provide the Fund, on behalf of each of the Portfolios at such times as the Fund
may reasonably require, with reports by independent public accountants on the
accounting system, internal accounting control and procedures for safeguarding
securities, futures contracts and options on futures contracts, including
securities deposited and/or maintained in a Securities System, relating to the
services provided by the Custodian under this Contract; such reports, shall be
of sufficient scope and in sufficient detail, as may reasonably be required by
the Fund to provide reasonable assurance that any material inadequacies would be
disclosed by such examination, and, if there are no such inadequacies, the
reports shall so state.
7. Compensation of Custodian The Custodian shall be entitled to reasonable
compensation for its services and expenses as Custodian, as agreed upon from
time to time between the Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and the
Custodian.
<PAGE>
8. Responsibility of Custodian. So long as and to the extent that it is in
the exercise of reasonable care, the Custodian sha]l not be responsible for the
title9 validity or genuineness of any property or evidence of title thereto
received by it or delivered by it pursuant to this Contract and shall be held
harmless in acting upon any notice, request, consent, certificate or other
instrument reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to be signed by the
proper party or parties, including any futures commission merchant acting
pursuant to the terms of a three-party futures or options agreement. The
Custodian shall be held to the exercise of reasonable care in carrying out the
provisions of this Contract, but shall be kept indemnified by and shall be
without liability to the Fund for any action taken or omitted by it in good
faith without negligence. It shall be entitled to rely on and may act upon
advice of counsel (who may be counsel for the Fund) on all matters, and shall be
without liability for any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to such
advice. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the responsibility of the Custodian with
respect to redemptions effected by check shall be in accordance with a separate
Agreement entered into between the Custodian and the Fund. If the Fund on behalf
of a Portfolio requires the Custodian to take any action with respect to
securities, which action involves the payment of money or which action may, in
the opinion of the Custodian, result in the Custodian or its nominee assigned to
the Fund or the Portfolio being liable for the payment of the Custodian's money
or the Custodian incurring liability of some other form, the Fund on behalf of
the Portfolio, as a prerequisite to requiring the Custodian to take such action,
shall provide indemnity to the Custodian Ln an amount and form satisfactory to
it. If the Fund requires the Custodian to advance the Custodian's cash or
securities for any purpose for the benefit of a Portfolio or in the event that
the Custodian or its nominee shall incur or be assessed any taxes, charges,
expenses, assessments, claims or liabilities in connection with the performance
of this Contract, except such as may arise from its or its nominee's own
negligent action, negligent failure to act or willful misconduct, any property
at any time held for the account of the applicable Portfolio shall be security
therefor and should the Fund fail to repay the Custodian promptly, the Custodian
shall be entitled to utilize available cash and to dispose of such Portfolio's
assets to the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement.
9. Effective Period, Termination and Amendment. This Contract shall become
effective as of its execution, shall continue in full force and effect until
terminated as hereinafter provided, may be amended at any time by mutual
agreement of the parties hereto and may be terminated by either party by an
instrument in writing delivered or mailed, postage prepaid to the other party,
such termination to take effect not sooner than ninety (90) days after the date
of such delivery or mailing; provided, however that the Custodian shall not with
respect to a Portfolio act under Section 2.12 hereof in the absence of receipt
of an initial certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that the
Board of Trustees of the Fund llas approved the initial use of a particular
Securities System by such Portfolio and the receipt of an annual certificate of
the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that the Board of Trustees has reviewed
the use by such Portfolio of such Securities System, as required in each case by
Rule 17f-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended and that the
Custodian shall not with respect to a Portfolio act under Section 2.12A hereof
in the absence of receipt of an initial certificate of the Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary that the Board of Trustees has approved the initial use of
the Direct Paper System by such Portfolio and the receipt of an annual
certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that the Board of
Trustees has reviewed the use by such Portfolio of the Direct Paper System;
provided further, however, that neither party shall amend or terminate this
Contract in contravention of any applicable federal or state regulations, or any
provision of the Declaration of Trust, and further provided, that the Fund on
behalf of one or more of the Portfolios may at any time by action of its Board
of Trustees (i) substitute another bank or trust company for the Custodian by
giving notice as described above to the Custodian, or (ii) immediately terminate
this Contract in the event of the appointment of a conservator or receiver for
the Custodian by the Comptroller of the Currency or upon the happening of a like
event at the direction of an appropriate regulatory agency or court of competent
jurisdiction. Upon termination of the Contract, the Fund on behalf of each
applicable Portfolio shall pay to the Custodian such compensation as may be due
as of the date of such termination and shall likewise reimburse the Custodian
for its costs, expenses and disbursements.
10. Successor Custodian. If a successor custodian for the Fund, of one or
more of the Portfolios shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees of the Fund,
the Custodian shall, upon termination, deliver to such successor custodian at
the office of the Custodian, duly endorsed and in the form for transfer, all
securities of each applicable Portfolio then held by it hereunder and shall
transfer to an account of the successor custodian all of the securities, funds
or other property of each such Portfolio held in a Securities System. If no such
successor custodian shall be appointed, the Custodian shall, in like manner,
upon receipt of a certified copy of a vote of the Board of Trustees of the Fund,
deliver at the office of the Custodian and transfer such securities, funds and
other properties in accordance with such vote. In the event that no written
order designating a successor custodian or certified copy of a vote of the Board
of Trustees shall have been delivered to the Custodian on or before the date
when such termination shall become effective, then the Custodian shall have the
right to deliver to a bank or trust company, which is a "bank" as defined in the
Investment Company Act of 1940, doing business in Boston, Massachusetts, of its
own selection, having an aggregate capital, surplus, and undivided profits, as
shown by its last published report, of not less than $100,000,00; all
securities, funds and Gther properties held by the C-Jstodian of behalf of each
applicable Portfolio and ail instruments held by the Custodian relative thereto
and all other property held by it under this Contract on behalf of each
applicable Portfolio and to transfer to an account of such successor custodian
all of the securities of each such Portfolio held in any Securities System.
Thereafter, such bank or trust company shall be the successor of the Custodian
under this Contract. In the event that securities, funds and other properties
remain in the possession of the Custodian after the date of termination hereof
owing to failure of the Fund to procure the certified copy of the vote referred
to or of the Board of Trustees to appoint a successor custodian, the Custodian
shall be entitled to fair compensation for its services during such period as
the Custodian retains possession of such securities, funds and other properties
and the provisions of this Contract relating to the duties and obligations of
the Custodian shall remain in full force and effect.
11. Interpretive and Additional Provisions In connection with the operation
of this Contract, the Custodian anc the Fund on behalf of each of the
Portfolios, may from time to time agree on such provisions interpretive of or in
addition to the provisions of this Contract as may in their joint opinion be
consistent with the general tenor of this Contract. Any such interpretive or
additional provisions shall be in a writing signed by both parties and shall be
annexed hereto, provided that no such interpretive or additional provisions
shall contrevene any applicable federal or state regulations or any provision of
the Declaration of Trust of the Fund. No interpret;ve or additional provisions
made as provided in the preceding sentence shall be deemed to be an amendment of
this Contract.
l2. Additional Funds. In the event that the Fund establishes one or more
series of Shares in addition to XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX with respect to which it desires to have
the Custodian render services as custodian under the terms hereof, it shall so
notify the Custodian in writing, and if the Custodian agrees in writing to
provide such services, such series of Shares shall become a Portfolio hereunder.
13. Massachusetts Law to Apply This Contract. shall be construed and the
provisions thereof interpreted under and in accordance with laws of The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
14. Prior Contracts This Contract supersedes and terminates, as of the date
hereof, all prior contracts between the Fund on behalf of each of the Portfolios
and the Custodian relating to the custody of the Fund's assets.
RIDER A
15. Trustees Not Bound.
The obligations of the Funds hereunder are not personally binding upon, nor
shall resort be had to the private property of, any of the Trustees,
shareholders, officers, employees or agents of the Fund and only the Fund's
property shall be bound.
See Rider A attached
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this
instrument to be executed in its name and behalf by its duly authorized
representative and its seal to be hereunder affixed as of the XX day of XXXXXXX,
19XX.
<PAGE>
ATTEST XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
By
ATTEST STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST
COMPANY
By
*******************************************************************************
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
The Board of Trustees
Evergreen Tax Free Trust:
With respect to the Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information
included in this Post Effective Amendment No. 24 to the Registration Statement
on Form N-1A of Evergreen Tax Free Trust, formerly FFB Funds Trust, we consent
to the use of our reports, dated April 27, 1995, incorporated by reference and
to the references to our Firm under the headings "Financial Highlights" in Part
A of the Registration Statement and "Financial Statements" in Part B of the
Registration Statement.
By: KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
New York, New York
January 22, 1996
DISTRIBUTION PLAN OF CLASS B SHARES
THE EVERGREEN TAX FREE TRUST
EVERGREEN NEW JERSEY TAX FREE INCOME FUND
Section 1. The Evergreen Tax Free Trust (the "Trust") may act as the
distributor of securities which are issued in respect of one or more of its
separate investment series, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company
Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act") according to the terms of this Distribution Plan
("Plan").
Section 2. The Trust may expend daily amounts at an annual rate of 1% of the
average daily net asset value of the Class B Shares ("Shares") of its Evergreen
Intermediate Term Government Securities Fund ("Fund") to finance any activity
which is principally intended to result in the sale of Shares including, without
limitation, expenditures consisting of payments to a principal underwriter of
the Fund (Principal Underwriter) or others in order: (i) to enable payments to
be made by the Principal Underwriter or others for any activity primarily
intended to result in the sale of Shares, including, without limitation, (a)
compensation to public relations consultants or other persons assisting in, or
providing services in connection with, the distribution of Shares, (b)
advertising, (c) printing and mailing of prospectuses and reports for
distribution to persons other than existing shareholders, (d) preparation and
distribution of advertising material and sales literature, (e) commission
payments, and principal and interest expenses associated with the financing of
commission payments, made by the Principal Underwriter in connection with the
sale of Shares and (f) conducting public relations efforts such as seminars;
(ii) to enable the Principal Underwriter or others to receive, pay or to have
paid to others who have sold Shares, or who provide services to holders of
Shares, a maintenance or other fee in respect of services provided to holders of
Shares, at such intervals as the Principal Underwriter may determine, in respect
of Shares previously sold and remaining outstanding during the period in respect
of which such fee is or has been paid; and/or (iii) to compensate the Principal
Underwriter for its efforts in respect of sales of Shares since inception of the
Plan. Appropriate adjustments shall be made to the payments made pursuant to
this Section 2 to the extent necessary to ensure that no payment is made by the
Fund with respect to any Class in
1
<PAGE>
excess of the applicable limit imposed on asset based, front end and deferred
sales charges under subsection (d) of Section 26 of Article III of the Rules of
Fair Practice of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the
"NASD"). In addition, to the extent any amounts paid hereunder fall within the
definition of an "asset based sales charge" under said NASD Rule such payments
shall be limited to .75 of 1% of the aggregate net asset value of the Shares on
an annual basis and, to the extent that any such payments are made in respect of
"shareholder services" as that term is defined in the NASD Rule, such payments
shall be limited to .25 of 1% of the aggregate net asset value of the Shares on
an annual basis and shall only be made in respect of shareholder services
rendered during the period in which such amounts are accrued.
Section 3. This Plan shall not take effect with respect to any Fund until it
has been approved by votes of a majority of (a) the outstanding Shares of such
Series, (b) the Trustees of the Trust, and (c) those Trustees of the Trust who
are not "interested persons" of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act) and who
have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Plan or
any agreements of the Trust related hereto or any other person related to this
Plan ("Disinterested Trustees"), cast in person at a meeting called for the
purpose of voting on this Plan. In addition, any agreement related to this Plan
and entered into by the Fund in connection therewith shall not take effect until
it has been approved by votes of a majority of (a) the Board of Trustees of the
Trust, and (c) the Disinterested Trustees of the Trust.
Section 4. Unless sooner terminated pursuant to Section 6, this Plan shall
continue in effect for a period of one year from the date it takes effect and
thereafter shall continue in effect for additional periods that shall not exceed
one year so long as such continuance is specifically approved by votes of a
majority of both (a) the Board of Trustees of the Trust and (b) the
Disinterested Trustees of the Trust, cast in person at a meeting called for the
purpose of voting on this Plan.
Section 5. Any person authorized to direct the disposition of monies paid or
payable pursuant to this Plan or any related agreement shall provide to the
Trust's Board and the Board shall review at least quarterly a written report of
the amounts so expended and the purposes for which such expenditures were made.
Section 6. This Plan may be terminated at any time with respect to any Fund
by vote of a majority of the Disinterested Trustees, or by vote of a majority of
the Shares of the Fund.
2
<PAGE>
Section 7. Any agreement of the Trust, with respect to any Fund, related to
this Plan shall be in writing and shall provide:
A. That such agreement may be terminated with respect to a Fund at any time
without payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the Disinterested
Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding Shares of such Fund on
not more than sixty days written notice to any other party to the agreement; and
B. That such agreement shall terminate automatically in the event of its
assignment.
Section 8. This Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount
of distribution expenses provided for in Section 2 with respect to a Fund unless
such amendment is approved by a vote of at least a majority (as defined in the
1940 Act) of the outstanding Shares of such Fund, and no material amendment to
this Plan shall be made unless approved by votes of a majority of (a) the Board
of Trustees of the Trust, and (c) the Disinterested Trustees of the Trust, cast
in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such amendment.
DATED:
January 19, 1996