<PAGE>
As field with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 27, 1997
File No. 33-2610
File No. 811-4550
________________________________________________________________________________
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [X]
Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 [X]
and
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 [X]
Amendment No. 41 [X]
THE MAINSTAY FUNDS
------------------
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
51 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10010
----------------------------------------
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(212) 576-5773
----------------------------------------
(Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code)
with a copy to:
A. Thomas Smith III, Esq. Jeffrey L. Steele, Esq.
The MainStay Funds Dechert Price & Rhoads
51 Madison Avenue 1500 K Street, N.W.
New York, New York 10010 Washington, DC 20005
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)
[X] Immediately upon filing pursuant to [_] on ( ) pursuant to
paragraph (b), or paragraph (b), or
[_] 60 days after filing pursuant to [_] on ( ) pursuant to
paragraph (a)(1), or paragraph (a)(1), or
[_] 75 days after filing pursuant to [_] on ( ) pursuant to
paragraph (a)(2), or paragraph (a)(2), of
Rule 485.
On January 9, 1986 the Registrant registered an indefinite number of shares
of all series then existing or subsequently established under the Securities Act
of 1933 pursuant to Rule 24f-2, which it expressly reaffirms. The Rule 24f-2
Notice for the Registrant's fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 was filed on
February 25, 1997.
________________________________________________________________________________
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS AND STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RELATING TO
THE MAINSTAY FUNDS
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
ITEMS REQUIRED BY FORM N-1A
---------------------------
Item Number in Part A Prospectus Caption
- --------------------- ------------------
1 Cover Page
2 Tell Me the Key Facts - Analyze the Cost of
Investing: Two Kinds of Fees; If you invest
$1,000, you might pay
3 Financial Highlights
4 Tell Me the Key Facts -Descriptions of Each Fund;
General Investment Considerations; Tell Me the
Details - The Trust; Other Information About the
Funds; Description of Investments and Investment
Practices; Investment Restrictions
5 Tell Me the Key Facts -Descriptions of Each Fund;
Know With Whom You're Investing; Tell Me the
Details - The Trust; Investment Advisers,
Administrator and Distributor
5A See Annual Reports
6 Tell Me the Key Facts - Decide whether to pay a
sales charge now, later or maybe never; Decide How
to Receive Your Earnings; Understand the Tax
Consequences; Know Your Rights as a Shareholder;
Tell Me the Details - The Trust; Alternative Sales
Arrangements; Portfolio Transactions; Tax
Information
<PAGE>
Item Number in Part A Prospectus Caption
- --------------------- ------------------
7 Tell Me the Key Facts - Decide whether to pay a
sales charge now, later or maybe never; Consider
Reducing Your Sales Charge; Open an Account and
Buy Shares; Know with Whom You're Investing; Tell
Me the Details - Investment Advisers,
Administrator and Distributor; How to Purchase
Shares of the Funds; Alternative Sales
Arrangements
8 Tell Me the Key Facts - Know How to Sell and
Exchange Shares; Tell Me the Details -
Redemptions, Repurchases and Exchanges
9 Not Applicable
Item Number in Part B Statement of Additional
- --------------------- -----------------------
Information Caption
-------------------
10 Cover Page
11 Table of Contents
12 Organization and Capitalization
13 Additional Investment Policies of the Money Market
Fund; Investment Practices Common to Multiple
Funds; Additional Fundamental Investment
Restrictions; Additional Non-Fundamental
Investment Restrictions
14 Trustees and Officers
15 Trustees and Officers; Other Information
16 The Advisers, the Administrator and the
Distributor
17 Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage
18 Organization and Capitalization
-2-
<PAGE>
Item Number in Part B Statement of Additional
- --------------------- -----------------------
Information Caption
-------------------
19 Shareholder Investment Account; Redemption and
Repurchase; Net Asset Value
20 Tax Status
21 The Advisers, the Administrator and the
Distributor
22 Calculation of Performance; Quotations; Tax Status
23 Financial Statements
-3-
<PAGE>
MAINSTAY STRATEGIC INCOME FUND
SUPPLEMENT DATED AUGUST 28, 1997
TO THE PROSPECTUS DATED MAY 1, 1997
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following is unaudited information for a share of beneficial interest
outstanding throughout the period from February 28, 1997 (commencement of
operations) to June 30, 1997. Additional information concerning the performance
of the Fund is included in the Fund's semi-annual report to shareholders. For a
free copy of the Fund's semi-annual report, write to NYLIFE Distributors Inc.,
300 Interpace Parkway, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054 or call 1-800-522-4202.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class A Class B
------- -------
February 28, 1997*
through
June 30, 1997**
--------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net asset value at beginning of period........................................... $10.00 $10.00
------ ------
Net investment income............................................................ 0.18 0.16
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments.................................. 0.08 0.08
Net realized and unrealized gain on foreign currency transactions................ 0.03 0.03
------ ------
Total from investment operations................................................. 0.29 0.27
------ ------
Less dividends:
From net investment income..................................................... (0.17) (0.16)
------ ------
Net asset value at end of period................................................. $10.12 $10.11
====== ======
Total investment return (a)...................................................... 2.97% 2.68%
Ratio (to average net assets)/Supplemental Data:
Net investment income.......................................................... 6.54%+ 5.79%+
Net expenses................................................................... 1.35%+ 1.90%+
Expenses (before reimbursement)................................................ 1.41%+ 2.16%+
Portfolio turnover rate.......................................................... 129% 129%
Net assets at end of period (in 000's)........................................... $28,740 $24,539
</TABLE>
____________
* Commencement of operations.
** Unaudited.
+ Annualized.
(a) Total return % calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not annualized.
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The MainStay Funds Prospectus May 1, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
================================================================================
Read This!
================================================================================
These Funds aren't federally insured or guaranteed by the U.S. government--even
if you're investing through a bank. Shares of these Funds are not deposits or
obligations of, or guaranteed or insured by any financial institution, the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or any other government agency.
Investments in the Funds are subject to investment risks, including possible
loss of principal.
No guarantees. There are no guarantees that a Fund will meet its objectives. All
mutual funds involve risk, including the potential to lose some or all of your
original investment. Except for money market funds, the price of a mutual fund
share will fluctuate and, when sold, may be higher or lower than your original
purchase price. Furthermore, although the Money Market Fund attempts to maintain
a stable net asset value of $1 per share, there can be no assurance that it will
succeed in doing so.
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.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please read this Prospectus carefully before you invest and keep it for future
reference. It includes information you should know before investing. We hope you
will easily find and understand the information you need but if you have any
suggestions for improvement--or if you need any help--please ask your Registered
Representative.
For even more details, write to NYLIFE Distributors Inc., 260 Cherry Hill Road,
Parsippany, N.J. 07054, call 1-800-MAINSTAY (1-800-624-6782), or visit our
website at http://www.mainstayfunds.com.
The Statement of Additional Information (SAI) is incorporated by reference into
this Prospectus and also has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC). For a free copy of the SAI write to NYLIFE Distributors, Inc.
or call 1-800-MAINSTAY. The SEC maintains a website (http://www.sec.gov) that
contains the SAI, material incorporated by reference, and other information
regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MainStay offers 14 mutual funds.
================================================================================
Growth
================================================================================
Capital Appreciation Fund ............................................ page 25
Equity Index Fund .................................................... page 26
International Equity Fund ............................................ page 27
================================================================================
Growth & Income
================================================================================
Convertible Fund ..................................................... page 28
Total Return Fund .................................................... page 29
Value Fund ........................................................... page 30
================================================================================
Income
================================================================================
Government Fund ...................................................... page 31
High Yield Corporate Bond Fund ....................................... page 32
International Bond Fund .............................................. page 33
Money Market Fund .................................................... page 34
Strategic Income Fund ................................................ page 35
================================================================================
Tax Free
================================================================================
California Tax Free Fund ............................................. page 36
New York Tax Free Fund ............................................... page 37
Tax Free Bond Fund ................................................... page 38
[LOGO]MAINSTAY(R) FUNDS
<PAGE>
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2
<PAGE>
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What's Inside?
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
================================================================================
Tell Me Quickly page
================================================================================
The MainStay Funds ........................................................ 1
A Quick Overview...Understanding The MainStay Funds ....................... 4
================================================================================
Tell Me the Key Facts
================================================================================
Analyze the Costs of Investing: Two Kinds of Fees ......................... 6
If You Invest $1,000, You Might Pay... .................................... 6
Financial Highlights ...................................................... 12
Descriptions of Each Fund ................................................. 25
General Investment Considerations ......................................... 39
Decide Whether to Pay a Sales Charge Now, Later...or Maybe Never .......... 41
Consider Reducing Your Sales Charges ...................................... 42
Open an Account/Buy Shares ................................................ 43
Know How to Sell and Exchange Shares ...................................... 45
Decide How to Receive Your Earnings ....................................... 47
Understand the Tax Consequences ........................................... 48
Know With Whom You're Investing ........................................... 49
Know Your Rights as a Shareholder ......................................... 51
================================================================================
Tell Me the Details
================================================================================
The Trust ................................................................. 52
Other Information About the Funds ......................................... 52
Description of Investments and Investment Practices ....................... 56
Investment Restrictions ................................................... 61
Investment Advisers, Administrator and Distributor ........................ 63
How to Purchase Shares of the Funds ....................................... 65
Alternative Sales Arrangements ............................................ 66
Redemptions and Exchanges ................................................. 69
Tax-deferred Retirement Plans ............................................. 71
Net Asset Value ........................................................... 71
Portfolio Transactions .................................................... 71
Tax Information ........................................................... 71
Appendix A: Description of Securities Ratings ............................. 73
Appendix B: Taxable Equivalent Yield Table ................................ 76
3
<PAGE>
================================================================================
Tell Me Quickly
================================================================================
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Quick Overview...
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investing in a mutual fund may seem complicated, but it may be easier when you
go through a Registered Representative. He or she can do many of the
administrative tasks--and help you confidently manage the rest.
1
================================================================================
Set your investment priorities
================================================================================
Decide if they are:
o protecting what you have,
o receiving income from dividends,
o participating in the potential for greater investment returns, or
o a combination of any of the above.
How much risk of losing money are you willing to take, how aggressive are you
willing to be to try to make money? This two-part question may be the most
difficult question in the world of investing. Start with your gut feeling--then
talk it over with your Registered Representative. This is also an appropriate
time to talk about your investment goals. Your Registered Representative may
have some ideas you haven't considered.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2
================================================================================
Study the Funds' objectives, policies, and risks
================================================================================
Focus on the Funds that seem to be seeking your objectives. Read about the
people who manage each Fund. Understand the types of securities in which each
Fund invests and the risks associated with those investments.
Talk with your registered representative.
For key facts about and risks of the Funds, see pages 25-38. For more detailed
information, see Tell Me the Details in this prospectus and see the SAI.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3
================================================================================
Evaluate each Fund's track record, fees and expenses
================================================================================
Turn to pages 12-24 for Financial Highlights. Read down the columns (by year)
and find, in particular, the beginning and ending share prices, the amount of
income produced, and the "total investment return" figures to see how each Fund
has done in the past.
Don't just look at recent performance, which may or may not be repeated. Read
the "total investment return" for each year to look for a performance pattern.
Remember, though, no fund can ever guarantee it will continue to perform at the
same levels.
Understand one-time and ongoing fees.
See the tables beginning on page 7 for your Fund's one-time and ongoing fees
and the impact of those costs on a $1,000 investment.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7
================================================================================
Open an account/Buy shares
================================================================================
To open an account, fill out an application, and have your Registered
Representative place the order. He or she can be invaluable here.
Make sure to provide complete information, including who will own the account,
and certify your Social Security number or Taxpayer I.D. number. This is also
the time to decide how you want to receive earnings--in cash or additional
shares--and whether you want telephone privileges and to make other choices
that will affect how you access your investments. (You may also place the order
directly with MainStay.)
For more on opening an account--
including opening an account directly--see pages 43-44.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8
================================================================================
See how many shares your money will buy
================================================================================
You can calculate the number of shares of a Fund your money buys using a simple
equation: (1) subtract the amount of any sales charge, then (2) divide the
remaining amount of your investment by the price of one share of the Fund.
Each Fund's share price (NAV or "net asset value") is calculated at the close
of business of the New York Stock Exchange, normally 4:00 PM Eastern time, each
business day (except for the Money Market Fund, which is calculated at noon).
The number of shares you receive is based on the NAV next calculated after your
order is received. You'll receive written confirmation of your purchase.
To learn more, see pages 44 and 71.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9
================================================================================
Ongoing fees
================================================================================
Every mutual fund pays fees for services. These may include administration,
distribution and marketing, investment management, and shareholder services.
Fees may be charged on different schedules but the Fund accrues for these
expenses daily. You're not charged directly, the Fund pays the fees to the
firms who provide the services, and then deducts the amounts from the Fund's
assets. This, consequently, reduces the NAV of your shares.
To learn more, see pages 6-11.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
...Understanding The MainStay Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4
================================================================================
Decide how much to invest in each Fund
================================================================================
You may split your investment among as many MainStay Funds as you desire. The
initial investment, however, must be at least $500 in each Fund ($1,000 for the
Money Market Fund and Equity Index Fund), then $50 thereafter (except for the
Equity Index Fund, which requires $1,000).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5
================================================================================
Decide when to pay the sales charge: now or later
================================================================================
There may be a sales charge on share purchases. You may choose to pay it when
you invest (and you'll own "Class A" shares), or defer it until you sell,
according to a sliding scale based on the number of years you own the shares
(you'll own "Class B" shares). The sliding scale drops from 5% in the first
year to 0% after six years.
Deferring the sales charge allows you to buy more shares, but you'll pay higher
ongoing fees than Class A shareholders, which will reduce any earnings paid to
you.
For a list of the pros and cons of each choice, see page 41.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6
================================================================================
Consider reducing the sales charge
================================================================================
There are also many ways to reduce or eliminate your sales charges, including
combining purchases, signing up for a letter of intent, or others. There are no
sales charges for reinvesting earnings.
See page 42 for details.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10
================================================================================
Earn dividends and capital gains
================================================================================
Your Fund may earn money through interest payments, dividend payments, or
through capital appreciation of the securities it owns. The Fund periodically
distributes these earnings to you, based on the number of shares you own.
You should check how often a Fund makes distributions, especially if current
income is important to you.
You may elect to have earnings sent to you or have them automatically
reinvested in more shares (with no sales charge).
To learn more, see page 47.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11
================================================================================
Exchange shares/ Redeem shares
================================================================================
You generally may redeem your shares on any business day. The Fund will redeem
shares at the current net asset value and send you a check. If you wish, you
may exchange shares of one Fund for shares of another. You can only exchange
shares of the same class. An exchange is considered a sale of one Fund and a
purchase of another and may have tax consequences.
If you own Class B shares you may pay a charge when you redeem your shares,
depending on the length of time you've held the shares. MainStay provides a
number of convenient ways to redeem your shares.
If you buy $1 million or more of Class Ashares and redeem them within a year of
the purchase, you may pay a sales charge.
To learn more, see pages 45-46.
12
================================================================================
Manage your taxes/ Align your goals
================================================================================
If you've made a profit on your investment--either through dividends,
distributions, or capital gains, you may have to pay taxes at tax time (consult
your tax adviser).
Be aware that even a tax-free fund may earn taxable income for you. Also be
aware that your Fund may earn 1997 income that will be paid to you in January,
1998, but will apply to your 1997 tax return.
To learn more, see page 48.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13
================================================================================
Know your rights/ Stay informed
================================================================================
Most of all, you have the right to ask questions--and have them answered
intelligently. You may call your Registered Representative at any time.
MainStay will send you a quarterly statement (a monthly statement for the Money
Market Fund), a confirmation of each transaction, and annual and semiannual
reports on your Fund's status and investments.
To learn more, see page 51.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5
<PAGE>
================================================================================
Tell Me The Key Facts
================================================================================
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Analyze the Costs of Investing: Two Kinds of Fees
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To help you understand the costs of investing in a MainStay Fund, we've provided
expense information based on the expenses paid by each Fund for the most recent
fiscal year. Because some expenses are based on the value of the Fund's assets,
which fluctuates daily, you should only use these figures as hypothetical
examples of what you might actually pay.
One-time fees. You may pay one-time transaction fees: a sales charge
(commission) for each separate investment or redemption, as applicable. See
pages 41 and 66-69 for more details.
Ongoing fees. Each Fund pays ongoing operating fees to the investment adviser,
administrator, custodians and other professionals who provide services to the
Fund. These fees are billed to the Fund and then factored into the share price.
They're not billed to you separately, but they do reduce the value of each share
you own. See pages 49 and 63-64 for more details.
The Rule 12b-1 fees, shown on pages 7-11, pay for example, commissions and
marketing/promotional expenses. Management fees go to the investment advisers
who invest your money and to others for their administrative duties such as
keeping records and providing you with statements and reports. "Other" includes
legal, auditing, custodian, and other fees. See pages 63-64 for more details on
fees.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Why read about costs? Costs are important since they may lower your earnings.
For example, a Fund with higher costs must perform better just to equal the
return of a Fund with lower costs. All things being equal, therefore, a
lower-cost Fund will begin with an advantage.
Lower fees alone, however, will not guarantee better total return performance.
For example, a Fund with no up-front sales charge may actually have higher
ongoing expenses. It may also leave you without a Registered Representative to
advise you. Before investing, you should be sure you understand the nature of
different costs.
Investing a million? The up-front sales charge is waived on investments of $1
million or more in Class A shares. But, there may be a charge of 1% on
redemptions (sales of shares) made within a year of the purchase date.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If You Invest $1,000, You Might Pay...
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The "Examples" on the following pages are provided to help you understand the
various costs and expenses that an investor in each Fund will bear directly or
indirectly.
The examples on pages 7-11 are based on a hypothetical 5% annual return on an
investment of $1,000 and redemption at the end of each period, and the annual
fund operating expenses reflected in each chart under Sales Charges and
Operating Expenses. Each pie chart illustrates the expenses that would be paid
by a shareholder for shares held for a period of five years with the same
assumptions.
The actual return on your investment, of course, may be more or less than 5%,
and the actual expenses may also be more or less than those shown. This, of
course, depends on a variety of factors, including the performance of the Fund.
The figures in the following charts, therefore, do not represent how your
investment will perform, nor do they show how the Funds have actually performed
in the past. They are strictly hypothetical examples.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Take Note: The lowest sales charge won't always be the least expensive option.
The contingent deferred sales charge (Class B shares) declines the longer you
stay invested in the Fund (from 5% in year one to 0% after six years). However,
if your sales charge drops to 0%, your cost over time might be more than the
cost of paying the full up-front sales charge. Take a look at the examples on
the following pages--higher 12b-1 fees are paid (which are ongoing fees) if you
defer the sales charge.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales Charges and Operating Expenses Examples
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
================================================================================
CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND CLASS A CLASS B
================================================================================
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchase of
Shares (as a percentage of offering price) 5.50% None
Deferred Sales Charge
(as a percentage of redemption proceeds)(1) None 5.00%
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(as a percentage of average net assets)
Management Fees(2) 0.58% 0.58%
12b-1 Fees(3) 0.25% 0.75%
Other Expenses 0.26% 0.26%
---- ----
Total Fund Operating Expenses 1.09% 1.59%
==== ====
================================================================================
CLASS A CLASS B
================================================================================
Assuming No Assuming Redemption
Redemption at the End of Each Period
---------- -------------------------
Expenses after 1 year $ 66 $ 16 $ 66
Expenses after 3 years $ 88 $ 50 $ 80
Expenses after 5 years $112 $ 87 $107
Expenses after 10 years $181 $189 $189
[PIE CHART DEPICTING INFORMATION BELOW] [PIE CHART DEPICTING INFORMATION BELOW]
$ 55 up-front sales charge $ 20 deferred sales charge
30 management fees 32 management fees
13 12b-1 fees 41 12b-1 fees
14 other expenses 14 other expenses
--------------------------- ---------------------------
$112 total sales charges $107 total sales charges
and expenses and expenses
================================================================================
EQUITY INDEX FUND CLASS A
================================================================================
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchase of
Shares (as a percentage of offering price) 3.00% N/A
Deferred Sales Charge
(as a percentage of redemption proceeds)(1) None
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(as a percentage of average net assets)
Management Fees (2),(4) 0.32%
12b-1 Fees(3) 0.25%
Other Expenses 0.23%
----
Total Fund Operating Expenses
After Reimbursement(4) 0.80%
====
================================================================================
CLASS A
================================================================================
Expenses after 1 year $ 38 N/A
Expenses after 3 years $ 55
Expenses after 5 years $ 73
Expenses after 10 years $126
[PIE CHART DEPICTING INFORMATION BELOW]
$ 30 up-front sales charge
17 management fees
14 12b-1 fees
12 other expenses
---------------------------
$ 73 total sales charges
and expenses
================================================================================
INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND CLASS A CLASS B
================================================================================
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchase of
Shares (as a percentage of offering price) 5.50% None
Deferred Sales Charge
(as a percentage of redemption proceeds)(1) None 5.00%
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(as a percentage of average net assets)
Management Fees(2) 1.00% 1.00%
12b-1 Fees(3) 0.25% 0.96%
Other Expenses 0.77% 0.77%
---- ----
Total Fund Operating Expenses 2.02% 2.73%
==== ====
================================================================================
CLASS A CLASS B
================================================================================
Assuming No Assuming Redemption
Redemption at the End of Each Period
---------- -------------------------
Expenses after 1 year $ 74 $ 28 $ 78
Expenses after 3 years $115 $ 85 $115
Expenses after 5 years $158 $144 $164
Expenses after 10 years $277 $306 $306
[PIE CHART DEPICTING INFORMATION BELOW] [PIE CHART DEPICTING INFORMATION BELOW]
$ 55 up-front sales charge $ 20 deferred sales charge
51 management fees 53 management fees
13 12b-1 fees 51 12b-1 fees
39 other expenses 40 other expenses
--------------------------- ---------------------------
$ 158 total sales charges $164 total sales charges
and expenses and expenses
7
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales Charges and Operating Expenses Examples
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
================================================================================
CONVERTIBLE FUND CLASS A CLASS B
================================================================================
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchase of
Shares (as a percentage of offering price) 5.50% None
Deferred Sales Charge
(as a percentage of redemption proceeds)(1) None 5.00%
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(as a percentage of average net assets)
Management Fees(2) 0.72% 0.72%
12b-1 Fees(3) 0.25% 0.88%
Other Expenses 0.55% 0.55%
---- ----
Total Fund Operating Expenses 1.52% 2.15%
==== ====
================================================================================
CLASS A CLASS B
================================================================================
Assuming No Assuming Redemption
Redemption at the End of Each Period
---------- -------------------------
Expenses after 1 year $ 70 $ 22 $ 72
Expenses after 3 years $100 $ 67 $ 97
Expenses after 5 years $133 $115 $135
Expenses after 10 years $226 $248 $248
[PIE CHART DEPICTING INFORMATION BELOW] [PIE CHART DEPICTING INFORMATION BELOW]
$ 55 up-front sales charge $ 20 deferred sales charge
37 management fees 39 management fees
13 12b-1 fees 47 12b-1 fees
28 other expenses 29 other expenses
--------------------------- ---------------------------
$ 133 total sales charges $135 total sales charges
and expenses and expenses
================================================================================
TOTAL RETURN FUND CLASS A CLASS B
================================================================================
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchase of
Shares (as a percentage of offering price) 5.50% None
Deferred Sales Charge
(as a percentage of redemption proceeds)(1) None 5.00%
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(as a percentage of average net assets)
Management Fees(2) 0.62% 0.62%
12b-1 Fees(3) 0.25% 0.74%
Other Expenses 0.23% 0.23%
---- ----
Total Fund Operating Expenses 1.10% 1.59%
==== ====
================================================================================
CLASS A CLASS B
================================================================================
Assuming No Assuming Redemption
Redemption at the End of Each Period
---------- -------------------------
Expenses after 1 year $ 66 $ 16 $ 66
Expenses after 3 years $ 88 $ 50 $ 80
Expenses after 5 years $112 $ 87 $107
Expenses after 10 years $182 $189 $189
[PIE CHART DEPICTING INFORMATION BELOW] [PIE CHART DEPICTING INFORMATION BELOW]
$ 55 up-front sales charge $ 20 deferred sales charge
32 management fees 34 management fees
13 12b-1 fees 40 12b-1 fees
12 other expenses 13 other expenses
--------------------------- ---------------------------
$112 total sales charges $ 107 total sales charges
and expenses and expenses
================================================================================
VALUE FUND CLASS A CLASS B
================================================================================
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchase of
Shares (as a percentage of offering price) 5.50% None
Deferred Sales Charge
(as a percentage of redemption proceeds)(1) None 5.00%
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(as a percentage of average net assets)
Management Fees(2) 0.60% 0.60%
12b-1 Fees(3) 0.25% 0.78%
Other Expenses 0.23% 0.23%
---- ----
Total Fund Operating Expenses 1.08% 1.61%
==== ====
================================================================================
CLASS A CLASS B
================================================================================
Assuming No Assuming Redemption
Redemption at the End of Each Period
---------- -------------------------
Expenses after 1 year $ 65 $ 16 $ 66
Expenses after 3 years $ 87 $ 51 $ 81
Expenses after 5 years $111 $ 88 $108
Expenses after 10 years $179 $191 $191
[PIE CHART DEPICTING INFORMATION BELOW] [PIE CHART DEPICTING INFORMATION BELOW]
$ 55 up-front sales charge $ 20 deferred sales charge
31 management fees 33 management fees
13 12b-1 fees 43 12b-1 fees
12 other expenses 12 other expenses
--------------------------- ---------------------------
$ 111 total sales charges $ 108 total sales charges
and expenses and expenses
8
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales Charges and Operating Expenses Examples
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
================================================================================
GOVERNMENT FUND CLASS A CLASS B
================================================================================
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchase of
Shares (as a percentage of offering price) 4.50% None
Deferred Sales Charge
(as a percentage of redemption proceeds)(1) None 5.00%
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(as a percentage of average net assets)
Management Fees(2) 0.60% 0.60%
12b-1 Fees(3) 0.25% 0.83%
Other Expenses 0.19% 0.19%
---- ----
Total Fund Operating Expenses 1.04% 1.62%
==== ====
================================================================================
CLASS A CLASS B
================================================================================
Assuming No Assuming Redemption
Redemption at the End of Each Period
---------- -------------------------
Expenses after 1 year $ 55 $ 16 $ 66
Expenses after 3 years $ 77 $ 51 $ 81
Expenses after 5 years $100 $ 88 $108
Expenses after 10 years $166 $192 $192
[PIE CHART DEPICTING INFORMATION BELOW] [PIE CHART DEPICTING INFORMATION BELOW]
$ 45 up-front sales charge $ 20 deferred sales charge
32 management fees 32 management fees
13 12b-1 fees 45 12b-1 fees
10 other expenses 10 other expenses
--------------------------- ---------------------------
$ 100 total sales charges $ 108 total sales charges
and expenses and expenses
================================================================================
HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BOND FUND CLASS A CLASS B
================================================================================
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchase of
Shares (as a percentage of offering price) 4.50% None
Deferred Sales Charge
(as a percentage of redemption proceeds)(1) None 5.00%
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(as a percentage of average net assets)
Management Fees(2) 0.56% 0.56%
12b-1 Fees(3) 0.25% 0.83%
Other Expenses 0.17% 0.17%
---- ----
Total Fund Operating Expenses 0.98% 1.56%
==== ====
================================================================================
CLASS A CLASS B
================================================================================
Assuming No Assuming Redemption
Redemption at the End of Each Period
---------- -------------------------
Expenses after 1 year $ 55 $ 16 $ 66
Expenses after 3 years $ 75 $ 49 $ 79
Expenses after 5 years $ 97 $ 85 $105
Expenses after 10 years $160 $186 $186
[PIE CHART DEPICTING INFORMATION BELOW] [PIE CHART DEPICTING INFORMATION BELOW]
$ 45 up-front sales charge $ 20 deferred sales charge
30 management fees 31 management fees
13 12b-1 fees 45 12b-1 fees
9 other expenses 9 other expenses
--------------------------- ---------------------------
$ 97 total sales charges $105 total sales charges
and expenses and expenses
================================================================================
INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND CLASS A CLASS B
================================================================================
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchase of
Shares (as a percentage of offering price) 4.50% None
Deferred Sales Charge
(as a percentage of redemption proceeds)(1) None 5.00%
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(as a percentage of average net assets)
Management Fees(2),(6) 0.40% 0.40%
12b-1 Fees3 0.25% 0.91%
Other Expenses 0.81% 0.81%
---- ----
Total Fund Operating Expenses
After Reimbursement(6) 1.46% 2.12%
==== ====
================================================================================
CLASS A CLASS B
================================================================================
Assuming No Assuming Redemption
Redemption at the End of Each Period
---------- -------------------------
Expenses after 1 year $ 59 $ 22 $ 72
Expenses after 3 years $ 89 $ 66 $ 96
Expenses after 5 years $121 $114 $134
Expenses after 10 years $212 $245 $245
[PIE CHART DEPICTING INFORMATION BELOW] [PIE CHART DEPICTING INFORMATION BELOW]
$ 45 up-front sales charge $ 20 deferred sales charge
21 management fees 21 management fees
13 12b-1 fees 49 12b-1 fees
42 other expenses 44 other expenses
--------------------------- ---------------------------
$ 121 total sales charges $ 134 total sales charges
and expenses and expenses
9
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales Charges and Operating Expenses Examples
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
================================================================================
STRATEGIC INCOME FUND CLASS A CLASS B
================================================================================
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchase of
Shares (as a percentage of offering price) 4.50% None
Deferred Sales Charge
(as a percentage of redemption proceeds)(1) None 5.00%
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(as a percentage of average net assets)
Management Fees(2),(5) 0.33% 0.33%
12b-1 Fees(3) 0.25% 1.00%
Other Expenses 0.57% 0.57%
---- ----
Total Fund Operating Expenses(5) 1.15% 1.90%
==== ====
================================================================================
CLASS A CLASS B
================================================================================
Assuming No Assuming Redemption
Redemption at the End of Each Period
---------- -------------------------
Expenses after 1 year $ 56 $ 19 $ 69
Expenses after 3 years $ 80 $ 60 $ 90
Expenses after 5 years $105 $103 $123
Expenses after 10 years $178 $222 $222
[PIE CHART DEPICTING INFORMATION BELOW] [PIE CHART DEPICTING INFORMATION BELOW]
$ 45 up-front sales charge $ 20 deferred sales charge
17 management fees 18 management fees
13 12b-1 fees 54 12b-1 fees
30 other expenses 31 other expenses
--------------------------- ---------------------------
$ 105 total sales charges $ 123 total sales charges
and expenses and expenses
================================================================================
MONEY MARKET FUND CLASS A CLASS B
================================================================================
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchase of
Shares (as a percentage of offering price) None None
Deferred Sales Charge
(as a percentage of redemption proceeds)(1) None None
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(as a percentage of average net assets)
Management Fees(2),(7) 0.22% 0.22%
12b-1 Fees(3) None None
Other Expenses 0.48% 0.48%
---- ----
Total Fund Operating Expenses
After Reimbursement(7) 0.70% 0.70%
==== ====
================================================================================
CLASS A CLASS B
================================================================================
Assuming No Assuming Redemption
Redemption at the End of Each Period
---------- -------------------------
Expenses after 1 year $ 7 $ 7 $ 7
Expenses after 3 years $ 22 $ 22 $ 22
Expenses after 5 years $ 39 $ 39 $ 39
Expenses after 10 years $ 87 $ 87 $ 87
[PIE CHART DEPICTING INFORMATION BELOW] [PIE CHART DEPICTING INFORMATION BELOW]
$ 0 up-front sales charge $ 0 deferred sales charge
12 management fees 12 management fees
0 12b-1 fees 0 12b-1 fees
27 other expenses 27 other expenses
--------------------------- ---------------------------
$ 39 total sales charges $ 39 total sales charges
and expenses and expenses
================================================================================
CALIFORNIA TAX FREE FUND CLASS A CLASS B
================================================================================
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchase of
Shares (as a percentage of offering price) 4.50% None
Deferred Sales Charge
(as a percentage of redemption proceeds)(1) None 5.00%
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(as a percentage of average net assets)
Management Fees(2),(8) 0.40% 0.40%
12b-1 Fees(3) 0.25% 0.50%
Other Expenses 0.59% 0.59%
---- ----
Total Fund Operating Expenses
After Reimbursement(8) 1.24% 1.49%
==== ====
================================================================================
CLASS A CLASS B
================================================================================
Assuming No Assuming Redemption
Redemption at the End of Each Period
---------- -------------------------
Expenses after 1 year $ 57 $ 15 $ 65
Expenses after 3 years $ 83 $ 47 $ 77
Expenses after 5 years $110 $ 81 $101
Expenses after 10 years $188 $178 $178
[PIE CHART DEPICTING INFORMATION BELOW] [PIE CHART DEPICTING INFORMATION BELOW]
$ 45 up-front sales charge $ 20 deferred sales charge
21 management fees 22 management fees
13 12b-1 fees 27 12b-1 fees
31 other expenses 32 other expenses
--------------------------- ---------------------------
$ 110 total sales charges $ 101 total sales charges
and expenses and expenses
10
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales Charges and Operating Expenses Examples
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
================================================================================
NEW YORK TAX FREE FUND CLASS A CLASS B
================================================================================
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchase of
Shares (as a percentage of offering price) 4.50% None
Deferred Sales Charge
(as a percentage of redemption proceeds)(1) None 5.00%
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(as a percentage of average net assets)
Management Fees(2),(8) 0.30% 0.30%
12b-1 Fees(3) 0.25% 0.50%
Other Expenses 0.69% 0.69%
---- ----
Total Fund Operating Expenses
After Reimbursement(8) 1.24% 1.49%
==== ====
================================================================================
CLASS A CLASS B
================================================================================
Assuming No Assuming Redemption
Redemption at the End of Each Period
---------- -------------------------
Expenses after 1 year $ 57 $ 15 $ 65
Expenses after 3 years $ 83 $ 47 $ 77
Expenses after 5 years $110 $ 81 $101
Expenses after 10 years $188 $178 $178
[PIE CHART DEPICTING INFORMATION BELOW] [PIE CHART DEPICTING INFORMATION BELOW]
$ 45 up-front sales charge $ 20 deferred sales charge
16 management fees 16 management fees
13 12b-1 fees 27 12b-1 fees
36 other expenses 38 other expenses
--------------------------- ---------------------------
$ 110 total sales charges $ 101 total sales charges
and expenses and expenses
================================================================================
TAX FREE BOND FUND CLASS A CLASS B
================================================================================
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchase of
Shares (as a percentage of offering price) 4.50% None
Deferred Sales Charge
(as a percentage of redemption proceeds)(1) None 5.00%
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
(as a percentage of average net assets)
Management Fees(2) 0.60% 0.60%
12b-1 Fees(3) 0.25% 0.46%
Other Expenses 0.14% 0.14%
---- ----
Total Fund Operating Expenses 0.99% 1.20%
==== ====
================================================================================
CLASS A CLASS B
================================================================================
Assuming No Assuming Redemption
Redemption at the End of Each Period
---------- -------------------------
Expenses after 1 year $ 55 $ 12 $ 62
Expenses after 3 years $ 75 $ 38 $ 68
Expenses after 5 years $ 97 $ 66 $ 86
Expenses after 10 years $161 $145 $145
[PIE CHART DEPICTING INFORMATION BELOW] [PIE CHART DEPICTING INFORMATION BELOW]
$ 45 up-front sales charge $ 20 deferred sales charge
32 management fees 33 management fees
13 12b-1 fees 25 12b-1 fees
7 other expenses 8 other expenses
--------------------------- ---------------------------
$ 97 total sales charges $ 86 total sales charges
and expenses and expenses
(1) Generally, Class A shares of the Funds are not subject to a contingent
deferred sales charge upon redemption. However, because front-end sales
charges are waived on investments in Class A shares of $1 million or more, a
contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% will be imposed on redemptions of
such investments effected within one year of the date of purchase. With
respect to Class B shares, the amount of the contingent deferred sales
charge will depend on the number of years since the shareholder made the
purchase payment from which an amount is being redeemed. See "Alternative
Sales Arrangements--Deferred Sales Charge--Class B Shares--Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge, Class B."
(2) Management Fees include both Investment Advisory and Administration fees.
(3) Under rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the
"NASD"), a distribution fee of up to 0.75% of average annual net assets is
treated as a sales charge for certain purposes under those rules. Because
the distribution fee is an annual fee charged against the assets of a Fund,
long-term shareholders may indirectly pay an amount that is more than the
economic equivalent of the maximum front-end sales charge permitted by rules
of the NASD. For a description of the distribution plans adopted by the
Funds, see "The Distributor."
(4) Effective January 1, 1996, in the event the total expenses of Equity Index
Fund (including Rule 12b-1 fees) for any fiscal year exceeds 0.80% of the
value of the Fund's average annual net assets, the Administrator will reduce
its fees payable by the Fund by the difference between the Fund's total
expenses and 0.80%. This fee waiver is voluntary and may be terminated at
any time. Without the expense limitation, the total expenses of the Fund
would have been 0.97% of the Fund's average net assets.
(5) The Adviser and the Administrator have jointly agreed to voluntarily reduce
their fees payable by the Fund to the extent necessary such that total
expenses do not exceed on an annualized basis 1.15% and 1.90% of the average
daily net assets for Class A and Class B shares, respectively, until such
time as the Fund reaches $100 million in assets or one year from the date of
the Fund's commencement of operations, whichever may occur first. Estimated
management fees are expected to be 0.60%, and the estimated annual total
fund operating expenses are expected to be 1.42% and 2.17%, for Class A and
Class B, respectively, if such voluntary reduction in fees are not in place.
(6) The Adviser and Administrator each agreed that a portion of its fees would
not be imposed, pursuant to the applicable contracts, until such time as
International Bond Fund reaches $50 million in net assets. Had the reduction
in fees not been reflected in the above table, the management fee would have
been 0.70%, and the annualized total fund operating expenses would have been
1.76% and 2.42% for Class A and Class B, respectively.
(7) The Adviser and Administrator each agreed that a portion of its fees would
not be imposed, pursuant to the applicable contracts, during the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1996. In addition, the Adviser and the Administrator
agreed to limit certain expenses at various times during the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1996 to the extent the expenses of the Fund exceeded on
an annualized basis defined voluntary expense limitations, expressed as a
percentage of net assets of the Fund. Had the reduction of certain fees
otherwise payable and voluntary expense limitations not been reflected in
the above table, the annualized operating expenses would have been 0.98% and
management fees would have been 0.50%.
(8) Based on a voluntary expense limitation imposed by the Adviser and the
Administrator; they reserve the right to terminate or revise this limitation
when the assets of a Fund reach $25 million. Without the expense limitation,
total expenses for California Tax Free Fund would be 1.34% and 1.59% for the
Class A and Class B shares, respectively, and total expenses for New York
Tax Free Fund would be 1.44% and 1.69% for the Class A and Class B shares,
respectively.
11
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Highlights
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here are the financial histories for each of the MainStay Funds, other than
Strategic Income Fund. The information for each of the five years up to December
31, 1996 (including the short year ended December 31, 1994) has been audited by
Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants. You should read the related
financial information and notes and the independent accountants' unqualified
reports on each Fund incorporated by reference in the SAI.
Additional performance information is included in each Fund's annual report to
shareholders.
For a free copy of the SAI or the annual reports, ask your Registered
Representative; call 1-800-MAINSTAY (1-800-624-6782); or write to NYLIFE
Distributors, Inc., 260 Cherry Hill Road, Parsippany, N.J. 07054.
================================================================================
MAINSTAY CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND
================================================================================
Selected data for a share outstanding throughout the years ended December 31,
1996 and December 31, 1995, the period September 1, 1994 through December 31,
1994 and the years ended August 31, 1994, August 31, 1993, August 31, 1992,
August 31, 1991, August 31, 1990, August 31, 1989, August 31, 1988 and August
31, 1987.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class B
---------------------
Class A Class B Class A Class B September 1
------- ------- ------- ------- through
Year Ended Year Ended December 31,
December 31, 1996 December 31, 1995 1994(a) 1994
----------------------- -------------------- ------------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value at beginning of period .......... $ 25.90 $ 25.77 $ 19.11 $ 19.11 $ 19.93 $ 19.47
-------- ---------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Net investment income (loss)* ................... (0.08) (0.22) 0.03 (0.08) (0.03) (0.12)
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments .................... 5.05 5.01 6.81 6.79 (0.65) 1.13
-------- ---------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations ................ 4.97 4.79 6.84 6.71 (0.68) 1.01
-------- ---------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Less dividends and distributions:
Dividends from net investment income ............ -- -- -- -- --
Distributions from net realized gain ............ (0.31) (0.31) (0.05) (0.05) (0.14) (0.55)
-------- ---------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Total dividends and distributions ............... (0.31) (0.31) (0.05) (0.05) (0.14) (0.55)
-------- ---------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value at end of period ................ $ 30.56 $ 30.25 $ 25.90 $ 25.77 $ 19.11 $ 19.93
======== ========== ======= ======== ======== ========
Total investment return(b) ...................... 19.16% 18.56% 35.79% 35.11% (3.40%) 5.36%
Ratios (to average net assets)/Supplemental Data:
Net investment income (loss) .................. (0.3%) (0.8%) 0.2% (0.4%) (0.5%)+ (0.6%)
Net expenses .................................. 1.1% 1.6% 1.1% 1.7% 1.8%+ 1.8%
Portfolio turnover rate ......................... 16% 16% 29% 29% 11% 31%
Average commission rate paid .................... $ 0.0599 $ 0.0599 (c) (c) (c) (c)
Net assets at end of period (in 000's) .......... $126,958 $1,342,578 $44,434 $856,221 $499,133 $472,497
<CAPTION>
Class B
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987
-------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value at beginning of period .......... $ 14.14 $ 15.96 $ 11.35 $ 12.44 $ 9.37 $ 13.14 $ 10.05
-------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net investment income (loss)* ................... (0.12) (0.19) (0.13) (0.02) (0.11) (0.12) (0.12)
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments .................... 5.64 1.30 5.16 (0.36) 3.18 (3.65) 3.21
-------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total from investment operations ................ 5.52 1.11 5.03 (0.38) 3.07 (3.77) 3.09
-------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Less dividends and distributions:
Dividends from net investment income ............ -- -- -- (0.02) -- -- --
Distributions from net realized gain ............ (0.19) (2.93) (0.42) (0.69) -- -- --
-------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total dividends and distributions ............... (0.19) (2.93) (0.42) (0.71) -- -- --
-------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net asset value at end of period ................ $ 19.47 $ 14.14 $ 15.96 $ 11.35 $ 12.44 $ 9.37 $ 13.14
======== ======== ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Total investment return(b) ...................... 39.25% 6.77% 45.89% (3.14%) 32.76% (28.69%) 30.75%
Ratios (to average net assets)/Supplemental Data:
Net investment income (loss) .................. (0.7%) (1.2%) (1.0%) (0.2%) (0.8%) (1.3%) (1.5%)
Net expenses .................................. 1.8% 2.0% 2.5% 2.5% 2.8% 2.7% 2.9%
Portfolio turnover rate ......................... 73% 157% 327% 259% 256% 60% 16%
Average commission rate paid .................... (c) (c) (c) (c) (c) (c) (c)
Net assets at end of period (in 000's) .......... $279,300 $128,710 $65,659 $36,062 $34,685 $28,845 $36,954
</TABLE>
- ----------
* Per share data based on average shares outstanding during the period.
+ Annualized.
(a) The Fund changed its fiscal year end from August 31 to December 31.
(b) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not
annualized.
(c) Disclosure of amount required for fiscal years beginning on or after
September 1, 1995.
12
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Highlights
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
================================================================================
MAINSTAY EQUITY INDEX FUND
================================================================================
Selected data for a share outstanding throughout the years ended December 31,
1996 and December 31, 1995, the period September 1, 1994 through December 31,
1994, the years ended August 31, 1994, August 31, 1993 and August 31, 1992 and
the period December 20, 1990 through August 31, 1991.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Dec. 20,
September 1 Year Ended 1990(a)
Year Ended Year Ended through August 31, through
December 31, December 31, December 31, ------------------------------ August 31,
1996 1995 1994* 1994 1993 1992 1991
-------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value at beginning of period ...... $ 19.15 $ 14.09 $ 14.48 $ 13.84 $ 12.15 $ 11.41 $ 9.45
-------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net investment income ....................... 0.30 0.24 0.09 0.27 0.22 0.18 0.11
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
investments 3.92 4.82 (0.48) 0.37 1.47 0.56 1.85
-------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total from investment operations ............ 4.22 5.06 (0.39) 0.64 1.69 0.74 1.96
-------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Less dividends and distributions:
Dividends from net investment income ........ (0.54) (0.27) -- (0.25) (0.18) (0.17) --
Distributions from net realized gain ........ (0.82) (0.27) -- (0.18) (0.02) (0.04) --
-------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total dividends and distributions ........... (1.36) (0.54) -- (0.43) (0.20) (0.21) --
-------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Reverse share split ......................... 1.36 0.54 -- 0.43 0.20 0.21 --
-------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net asset value at end of period ............ $ 23.37 $ 19.15 $ 14.09 $ 14.48 $ 13.84 $ 12.15 $ 11.41
======== ======== ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Total investment return(b) .................. 22.04% 35.91% (2.68%) 4.59% 13.91% 6.49% 20.74%+
Ratios (to average net assets)/
Supplemental Data:
Net investment income ................... 1.8% 1.7% 2.0%+ 1.9% 1.9% 1.8% 1.9%+
Expenses ................................ 0.8% 1.1% 0.9%+ 0.9% 0.9% 1.2% 1.4%+
Expenses (before reimbursement) ......... 1.0% 1.1% 0.9%+ 0.9% 0.9% 1.2% 1.4%+
Portfolio turnover rate ..................... 3% 4% 2% 12% 4% 3% 1%
Average commission rate paid ................ $ 0.0465 (c) (c) (c) (c) (c) (c)
Net assets at end of period (in 000's) ...... $225,750 $109,308 $61,561 $62,828 $62,921 $41,742 $23,534
</TABLE>
- ----------
* The Fund changed its fiscal year end from August 31 to December 31.
+ Annualized.
(a) Commencement of operations.
(b) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not
annualized.
(c) Disclosure of amount required for fiscal years beginning on or after
September 1, 1995.
13
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Highlights
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
================================================================================
MAINSTAY INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND
================================================================================
Selected data for a share outstanding throughout the years ended December 31,
1996 and December 31, 1995 and the period September 13, 1994 through December
31, 1994.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class B
---------------
Class A Class B Class A Class B September 13(a)
------- ------- ------- ------- through
Year Ended Year Ended December 31,
December 31, 1996 December 31, 1995 1994
------------------- ------------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value at beginning of period .......... $ 10.05 $ 9.97 $ 9.77 $ 9.77 $ 10.00
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net investment income (loss) .................... 0.29 0.24 0.27 0.26 (0.04)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments ................................ 0.07 0.07 0.10 0.07 (0.16)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on foreign currency transactions .............. 0.62 0.59 0.14 0.09 (0.03)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total from investment operations ................ 0.98 0.90 0.51 0.42 (0.23)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Less dividends and distributions:
From net investment income ...................... (0.52) (0.46) (0.15) (0.15) --
In excess of net realized gain on investments
and foreign currency transactions ............. (0.03) (0.03) (0.08) (0.07) --
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total dividends and distributions to shareholders (0.55) (0.49) (0.23) (0.22) --
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net asset value at end of period ................ $ 10.48 $ 10.38 $ 10.05 $ 9.97 $ 9.77
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Total investment return(b) ...................... 9.78% 9.05% 5.25% 4.27% (2.30%)
Ratios (to average net assets)/Supplemental Data:
Net investment loss ........................... (0.1%) (0.8%) (0.2%) (1.0%) (1.6%)+
Expenses ...................................... 2.0% 2.7% 2.2% 3.0% 3.9%+
Portfolio turnover rate ......................... 19% 19% 25% 25% 9%
Average commission rate paid .................... $0.0374 $0.0374 (c) (c) (c)
Net assets at end of period (in 000's) .......... $17,475 $52,709 $12,856 $25,341 $20,549
</TABLE>
- ----------
+ Annualized.
(a) Commencement of operations.
(b) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not
annualized.
(c) Disclosure of amount required for fiscal years beginning on or after
September 1, 1995.
14
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Highlights
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
================================================================================
MAINSTAY CONVERTIBLE FUND
================================================================================
Selected data for a share outstanding throughout the years ended December 31,
1996 and December 31, 1995, the period September 1, 1994 through December 31,
1994 and the years ended August 31, 1994, August 31, 1993, August 31, 1992,
August 31, 1991, August 31, 1990, August 31, 1989, August 31, 1988 and August
31, 1987.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class B
---------------------
Class A Class B Class A Class B September 1
------- ------- ------- ------- through
Year Ended Year Ended December 31,
December 31, 1996 December 31, 1995 1994* 1994
----------------------- -------------------- ------------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value at beginning of period .......... $ 13.45 $ 13.45 $ 11.67 $ 11.67 $ 12.83 $ 13.92
------- -------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Net investment income ........................... 0.57 0.48 0.59 0.51 0.19 0.50
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments .................... 1.02 1.02 2.14 2.14 (0.71) 0.70
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
foreign currency transactions ................. 0.02 0.02 (0.00)(c) (0.00)(c) -- (0.01)
------- -------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations ................ 1.61 1.52 2.73 2.65 (0.52) 1.19
------- -------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Less dividends and distributions:
Dividends from net investment income ............ (0.62) (0.54) (0.55) (0.47) (0.21) (0.49)
Distributions from net realized gain ............ (0.63) (0.63) (0.40) (0.40) (0.43) (1.79)
------- -------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Total dividends and distributions ............... (1.25) (1.17) (0.95) (0.87) (0.64) (2.28)
------- -------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value at end of period ................ $ 13.81 $ 13.80 $ 13.45 $ 13.45 $ 11.67 $ 12.83
======= ======== ======= ======== ======== ========
Total investment return(b) ...................... 12.13% 11.39% 23.72% 23.02% (4.09%) 8.95%
Ratios (to average net assets)/Supplemental Data:
Net investment income ......................... 4.4% 3.8% 4.9% 4.3% 4.8%+ 3.5%
Net Expenses .................................. 1.5% 2.1% 1.5% 2.1% 1.9%+ 1.9%
Portfolio turnover rate ......................... 296% 296% 243% 243% 77% 269%
Average commission rate paid .................... $0.0468 $ 0.0468 (d) (d) (d) (d)
Net assets at end of period (in 000's) .......... $56,621 $797,243 $26,836 $427,461 $180,304 $160,407
<CAPTION>
Class B
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987
-------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value at beginning of period .......... $ 11.46 $ 10.10 $ 8.02 $ 9.16 $ 8.91 $ 10.22 $ 9.88
------ ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net investment income ........................... 0.92 0.32 0.24 0.40 0.52 0.40 0.42
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investments .................... 2.45 1.32 2.08 (1.06) 0.41 (1.21) 0.33
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
foreign currency transactions ................. -- -- -- -- -- -- --
------ ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total from investment operations ................ 3.37 1.64 2.32 (0.66) 0.93 (0.81) 0.75
------ ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Less dividends and distributions:
Dividends from net investment income ............ (0.42) (0.28) (0.24) (0.48) (0.46) (0.42) (0.41)
Distributions from net realized gain ............ (0.49) -- -- -- (0.22) (0.08) --
------ ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total dividends and distributions ............... (0.91) (0.28) (0.24) (0.48) (0.68) (0.50) (0.41)
------ ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net asset value at end of period ................ $ 13.92 $ 11.46 $ 10.10 $ 8.02 $ 9.16 $ 8.91 $ 10.22
====== ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Total investment return(b) ...................... 30.80% 16.43% 29.58% (7.25%) 10.73% (7.83%) 7.76%
Ratios (to average net assets)/Supplemental Data:
Net investment income ......................... 3.4% 2.9% 2.8% 4.7% 5.6% 4.4% 4.1%
Net Expenses .................................. 1.9% 2.3% 2.7% 2.5% 2.6% 2.6% 2.7%
Portfolio turnover rate ......................... 370% 291% 283% 204% 308% 182% 147%
Average commission rate paid .................... (d) (d) (d) (d) (d) (d) (d)
Net assets at end of period (in 000's) .......... $58,943 $28,899 $20,029 $17,791 $25,651 $29,189 $36,627
</TABLE>
- ----------
+ Annualized.
(a) The Fund changed its fiscal year end from August 31 to December 31.
(b) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not
annualized.
(c) Less than one cent per share.
(d) Disclosure of amount required for fiscal years beginning on or after
September 1, 1995.
15
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Highlights
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
================================================================================
MAINSTAY TOTAL RETURN FUND
================================================================================
Selected data for a share outstanding throughout the years ended December 31,
1996 and December 31, 1995, the period September 1, 1994 through December 31,
1994 and the years ended August 31, 1994, August 31, 1993, August 31, 1992,
August 31, 1991, August 31, 1990, August 31, 1989 and the period December 29,
1987 through August 31, 1988.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class B
---------------------
Class A Class B Class A Class B September 1
------- ------- ------- ------- through
Year Ended Year Ended December 31,
December 31, 1996 December 31, 1995 1994(a) 1994
----------------------- -------------------- ------------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value at beginning of period $ 18.53 $ 18.53 $ 14.76 $ 14.76 $ 15.28 $ 15.42
------- ---------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Net investment income ........................... 0.37 0.27 0.42 0.33 0.11 0.38
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments ................................ 2.07 2.08 3.77 3.77 (0.52) (0.02)
------- ---------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations ................ 2.44 2.35 4.19 4.10 (0.41) 0.36
------- ---------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Less dividends and distributions:
Dividends from net investment income ............ (0.37) (0.27) (0.42) (0.33) (0.11) (0.37)
Distributions from net realized gain ............ (0.51) (0.51) -- -- -- (0.13)
------- ---------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Total dividends and distributions ............... (0.88) (0.78) (0.42) (0.33) (0.11) (0.50)
------- ---------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value at end of period ................ $ 20.09 $ 20.10 $ 18.53 $ 18.53 $ 14.76 $ 15.28
======= ========== ======= ======== ======== ========
Total investment return(c) ...................... 13.22% 12.73% 28.66% 27.96% (2.65%) 2.41%
Ratios (to average net assets)/
Supplemental Data:
Net investment income ....................... 1.9% 1.4% 2.5% 2.0% 2.5%+ 2.5%
Expenses .................................... 1.1% 1.6% 1.1% 1.7% 1.7%+ 1.7%
Portfolio turnover rate ......................... 173% 173% 228% 228% 74% 273%
Average commission rate paid .................... $0.0599 $ 0.0599 (d) (d) (d) (d)
Net assets at end of period (in 000's) $68,975 $1,029,878 $19,206 $860,881 $648,725 $639,619
<CAPTION>
Class B
--------------------------------------------------------------------
1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988
-------- -------- ------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value at beginning of period $ 13.37 $ 13.89 $ 11.07 $ 11.82 $ 10.24 $10.00
-------- -------- -------- ------- ------- ------
Net investment income ........................... 0.33 0.22 0.26 0.32 0.38 0.18
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments ................................ 2.31 0.32 2.83 (0.29) 1.67 0.16
-------- -------- -------- ------- ------- ------
Total from investment operations ................ 2.64 0.54 3.09 0.03 2.05 0.34
-------- -------- -------- ------- ------- ------
Less dividends and distributions:
Dividends from net investment income ............ (0.36) (0.23) (0.27) (0.33) (0.38) (0.10)
Distributions from net realized gain ............ (0.23) (0.83) -- (0.45) (0.09) --
-------- -------- -------- ------- ------- ------
Total dividends and distributions ............... (0.59) (1.06) (0.27) (0.78) (0.47) (0.10)
-------- -------- -------- ------- ------- ------
Net asset value at end of period ................ $ 15.42 $ 13.37 $ 13.89 $ 11.07 $ 11.82 $10.24
======== ======== ======== ======= ======= ======
Total investment return(c) ...................... 20.09% 3.96% 28.42% 0.19% 20.69% 3.39%
Ratios (to average net assets)/
Supplemental Data:
Net investment income ....................... 2.4% 1.7% 2.1% 2.8% 3.6% 3.0%+
Expenses .................................... 1.8% 2.0% 2.4% 2.4% 2.8% 3.4%+
Portfolio turnover rate ......................... 340% 316% 213% 171% 271% 197%
Average commission rate paid .................... (d) (d) (d) (d) (d) (d)
Net assets at end of period (in 000's) $486,959 $292,002 $116,072 $47,008 $21,383 $9,936
</TABLE>
- ----------
+ Annualized.
(a) The Fund changed its fiscal year end from August 31 to December 31.
(b) Commenced operations December 29, 1987.
(c) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not
annualized.
(d) Disclosure of amount required for fiscal years beginning on or after
September 1, 1995.
16
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Highlights
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
================================================================================
MAINSTAY VALUE FUND
================================================================================
Selected data for a share outstanding throughout the years ended December 31,
1996 and December 31, 1995, the period September 1, 1994 through December 31,
1994 and the years ended August 31, 1994, August 31, 1993, August 31, 1992,
August 31, 1991, August 31, 1990, August 31, 1989, August 31, 1988 and August
31, 1987.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class B
---------------------
Class A Class B Class A Class B September 1
------- ------- ------- ------- through
Year Ended Year Ended December 31,
December 31, 1996 December 31, 1995 1994(a) 1994
----------------------- -------------------- ------------- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value at beginning of period $ 18.25 $ 18.25 $ 14.66 $ 14.66 $ 16.30 $ 15.90
------- ---------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Net investment income (loss) .......... 0.30 0.20 0.29 0.19 0.04 0.06
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments ...................... 3.66 3.64 3.91 3.91 (1.03) 1.04
------- ---------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations ...... 3.96 3.84 4.20 4.10 (0.99) 1.10
------- ---------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Less dividends and distributions:
Dividends from net investment income .. (0.30) (0.20) (0.29) (0.19) (0.03) (0.06)
Distributions from net realized gain .. (1.57) (1.57) (0.32) (0.32) (0.62) (0.64)
------- ---------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Total dividends and distributions ..... (1.87) (1.77) (0.61) (0.51) (0.65) (0.70)
------- ---------- ------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value at end of period ...... $ 20.34 $ 20.32 $ 18.25 $ 18.25 $ 14.66 $ 16.30
======= ========== ======= ======== ======== ========
Total investment return(b) ............ 21.84% 21.11% 28.74% 28.01% (6.03%) 7.26%
Ratios (to average net assets)/
Supplemental Data:
Net investment income (loss) ...... 1.6% 1.1% 1.5% 0.9% 0.8%+ 0.5%
Net Expenses ...................... 1.1% 1.6% 1.2% 1.8% 1.8%+ 1.9%
Portfolio turnover rate ............... 47% 47% 48% 48% 11% 53%
Average commission rate paid .......... $0.0595 $ 0.0595 (c) (c) (c) (c)
Net assets at end of period (in 000's) $73,259 $1,019,307 $25,258 $708,840 $472,365 $449,789
<CAPTION>
Class B
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987
-------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value at beginning of period $ 13.82 $ 13.27 $ 10.42 $ 12.55 $ 9.51 $ 11.62 $ 10.37
-------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net investment income (loss) .......... 0.07 0.12 0.14 0.25 0.19 0.09 (0.08)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments ...................... 3.40 1.64 3.07 (1.47) 2.98 (2.09) 1.33
-------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total from investment operations ...... 3.47 1.76 3.21 (1.22) 3.17 (2.00) 1.25
-------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Less dividends and distributions:
Dividends from net investment income .. (0.10) (0.09) (0.20) (0.18) (0.13) (0.06) --
Distributions from net realized gain .. (1.29) (1.12) (0.16) (0.73) -- (0.05) --
-------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total dividends and distributions ..... (1.39) (1.21) (0.36) (0.91) (0.13) (0.11) --
-------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net asset value at end of period ...... $ 15.90 $ 13.82 $ 13.27 $ 10.42 $ 12.55 $ 9.51 $ 11.62
======== ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Total investment return(b) ............ 26.58% 14.82% 31.79% (10.23%) 33.66% (17.22%) 12.05%
Ratios (to average net assets)/
Supplemental Data:
Net investment income (loss) ...... 0.5% 0.8% 1.2% 2.2% 1.7% 0.9% (1.1%)
Net Expenses ...................... 1.9% 1.9% 2.4% 2.6% 2.8% 2.9% 3.3%
Portfolio turnover rate ............... 77% 145% 150% 117% 107% 88% 41%
Average commission rate paid .......... (c) (c) (c) (c) (c) (c) (c)
Net assets at end of period (in 000's) $226,524 $77,877 $44,548 $30,827 $26,218 $17,252 $20,647
</TABLE>
- ----------
+ Annualized.
(a) The Fund changed its fiscal year end from August 31 to December 31.
(b) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not
annualized.
(c) Disclosure of amount required for fiscal years beginning on or after
September 1, 1995.
17
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Highlights
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
================================================================================
MAINSTAY GOVERNMENT FUND (a)
================================================================================
Selected data for a share outstanding throughout the years ended December 31,
1996 and December 31, 1995, the period September 1, 1994 through December 31,
1994 and the years ended August 31, 1994, August 31, 1993, August 31, 1992,
August 31, 1991, August 31, 1990, August 31, 1989, August 31, 1988 and August
31, 1987.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class B
-----------------------
Class A Class B Class A Class B September 1
------- ------- ------- ------- through
Year Ended Year Ended December 31,
December 31, 1996 December 31, 1995 1994(b) 1994
--------------------- -------------------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value at beginning of period $ 8.41 $ 8.41 $ 7.76 $ 7.76 $ 8.04 $ 8.77
------- -------- ------- -------- ---------- ----------
Net investment income ................. 0.50 0.46 0.58 0.54 0.19 0.57
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments ...................... (0.35) (0.37) 0.65 0.65 (0.29) (0.71)
------- -------- ------- -------- ---------- ----------
Total from investment operations ...... 0.15 0.09 1.23 1.19 (0.10) (0.14)
------- -------- ------- -------- ---------- ----------
Less dividends and distributions:
Dividends from net investment income .. (0.50) (0.46) (0.58) (0.54) (0.18) (0.57)
Distributions in excess of net
investment income ................... -- -- (0.00)(d) (0.00)(d) -- (0.01)
Return of capital ..................... -- -- -- -- -- (0.01)
------- -------- ------- -------- ---------- ----------
Total dividends and distributions ..... (0.50) (0.46) (0.58) (0.54) (0.18) (0.59)
------- -------- ------- -------- ---------- ----------
Net asset value at end of period ...... $ 8.06 $ 8.04 $ 8.41 $ 8.41 $ 7.76 $ 8.04
======= ======== ======= ======== ========== ==========
Total investment return(c) ............ 1.97% 1.25% 16.38% 15.69% (1.24%) (1.63%)
Ratios (to average net assets)/
Supplemental Data:
Net investment income ............. 6.3% 5.7% 7.3% 6.7% 7.1%+ 7.1%
Net expenses ...................... 1.0% 1.6% 1.0% 1.7% 1.7%+ 1.7%
Portfolio turnover rate ............... 307% 307% 540% 540% 143% 491%
Net assets at end of period (in 000's) $16,413 $782,970 $12,784 $990,184 $1,024,492 $1,119,586
<CAPTION>
Class B
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987
-------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value at beginning of period $ 8.88 $ 8.82 $ 8.48 $ 9.01 $ 8.96 $ 9.40 $ 10.00
---------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net investment income ................. 0.68 0.73 0.81 0.83 0.99 0.95 0.95
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments ...................... (0.09) 0.07 0.35 (0.52) (0.04) (0.44) (0.51)
---------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations ...... 0.59 0.80 1.16 0.31 0.95 0.51 0.44
---------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Less dividends and distributions:
Dividends from net investment income .. (0.70) (0.74) (0.82) (0.84) (0.90) (0.95) (1.04)
Distributions in excess of net
investment income ................... -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Return of capital ..................... -- -- -- -- -- -- --
---------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total dividends and distributions ..... (0.70) (0.74) (0.82) (0.84) (0.90) (0.95) (1.04)
---------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net asset value at end of period ...... $ 8.77 $ 8.88 $ 8.82 $ 8.48 $ 9.01 $ 8.96 $ 9.40
========== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
Total investment return(c) ............ 6.92% 9.46% 14.33% 3.53% 11.18% 5.53% 4.62%
Ratios (to average net assets)/
Supplemental Data:
Net investment income ............. 7.8% 8.3% 9.5% 9.4% 10.2% 10.3% 9.7%
Net expenses ...................... 1.7% 1.8% 1.8% 2.0% 2.0% 2.0% 1.9%
Portfolio turnover rate ............... 629% 613% 318% 228% 383% 476% 594%
Net assets at end of period (in 000's) $1,210,998 $957,010 $622,550 $463,010 $512,669 $436,836 $349,817
</TABLE>
- ----------
+ Annualized.
(a) Formerly Government Plus Fund.
(b) The Fund changed its fiscal year end from August 31 to December 31.
(c) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not
annualized.
(d) Less than one cent per share.
18
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Highlights
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
================================================================================
MAINSTAY HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BOND FUND
================================================================================
Selected data for a share outstanding throughout the years ended December 31,
1996 and December 31, 1995, the period September 1, 1994 through December 31,
1994 and the years ended August 31, 1994, August 31, 1993, August 31, 1992,
August 31, 1991, August 31, 1990, August 31, 1989, August 31, 1988 and August
31, 1987.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class B
-----------------------
Class A Class B Class A Class B September 1
------- ------- ------- ------- through
Year Ended Year Ended December 31,
December 31, 1996 December 31, 1995 1994(a) 1994
----------------------- ---------------------- ------------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value at beginning of period ...$ 7.92 $ 7.92 $ 7.44 $ 7.44 $ 7.70 $ 7.93
-------- ---------- ------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net investment income .................... 0.72 0.67 0.84 0.81 0.23 0.69
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments ......................... 0.52 0.52 0.61 0.61 (0.27) (0.08)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on foreign currency transactions ....... (0.00)(c) (0.00)(c) (0.00)(c) (0.00)(c -- --
-------- ---------- ------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total from investment operations ......... 1.24 1.19 1.45 1.42 (0.04) 0.61
-------- ---------- ------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Less dividends and distributions:
From net investment income ............... (0.71) (0.67) (0.84) (0.81) (0.22) (0.67)
In excess of net investment income ....... -- -- (0.01) (0.01) -- --
From net realized gain on investments .... (0.18) (0.18) (0.10) (0.10) -- (0.17)
In excess of net realized gain on
investments -- -- (0.02) (0.02) -- --
-------- ---------- ------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total dividends and distributions ........ (0.89) (0.85) (0.97) (0.94) (0.22) (0.84)
-------- ---------- ------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net asset value at end of period .........$ 8.27 $ 8.26 $ 7.92 $ 7.92 $ 7.44 $ 7.70
======== ========== ======= ========== ========== ==========
Total investment return(b) ............... 16.33% 15.58% 20.28% 19.71% (0.48%) 7.95%
Ratios (to average net assets)/
Supplemental Data:
Net investment income ................ 9.0% 8.4% 10.2% 9.5% 9.1%+ 8.7%
Net expenses ......................... 1.0% 1.6% 1.0% 1.6% 1.6%+ 1.6%
Portfolio turnover rate .................. 118% 118% 137% 137% 45% 190%
Average commission rate paid .............$ 0.0630 $ 0.0630 (d) (d) (d) (d)
Net assets at end of period (in 000's) ...$116,805 $2,441,180 $42,850 $1,601,238 $1,128,913 $1,090,261
<CAPTION>
Class B
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987
-------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value at beginning of period $ 7.41 $ 6.66 $ 6.54 $ 8.34 $ 9.10 $ 9.37 $ 9.95
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Net investment income ................. 0.70 0.79 0.89 1.01 1.41 1.08 0.99
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments ...................... 0.54 0.75 0.15 (1.77) (0.85) (0.30) (0.48)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on foreign currency transactions .... -- -- -- -- -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Total from investment operations ...... 1.24 1.54 1.04 (0.76) 0.56 0.78 0.51
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Less dividends and distributions:
From net investment income ............ (0.72) (0.79) (0.92) (1.04) (1.32) (1.05) (1.09)
In excess of net investment income .... -- -- -- -- -- -- --
From net realized gain on investments . -- -- -- -- -- -- --
In excess of net realized gain on
investments ......................... -- -- -- -- -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Total dividends and distributions ..... (0.72) (0.79) (0.92) (1.04) (1.32) (1.05) (1.09)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------
Net asset value at end of period ...... $ 7.93 $ 7.41 $ 6.66 $ 6.54 $ 8.34 $ 9.10 $ 9.37
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== =======
Total investment return(b) ............ 18.58% 24.55% 18.25% (9.51%) 6.71% 8.98% 5.45%
Ratios (to average net assets)/
Supplemental Data:
Net investment income ............. 9.9% 11.0% 14.4% 14.3% 15.3% 12.1% 11.2%
Net expenses ...................... 1.7% 1.9% 2.1% 2.1% 2.1% 2.2% 2.1%
Portfolio turnover rate ............... 207% 226% 214% 305% 403% 437% 48%
Average commission rate paid .......... (d) (d) (d) (d) (d) (d) (d)
Net assets at end of period (in 000's) $808,538 $447,819 $262,103 $201,052 $181,496 $109,569 $85,786
</TABLE>
- ----------
+ Annualized.
(a) The Fund changed its fiscal year end from August 31 to December 31.
(b) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not
annualized.
(c) Less than one cent per share.
(d) Disclosure of amount required for fiscal years beginning on or after
September 1, 1995.
19
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Highlights
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
================================================================================
MAINSTAY INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND
================================================================================
Selected data for a share outstanding throughout the years ended December 31,
1996 and December 31, 1995 and the period September 13, 1994 through December
31, 1994.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class B
---------------
Class A Class B Class A Class B September 13(a)
------- ------- ------- ------- through
Year Ended Year Ended December 31,
December 31, 1996 December 31, 1995 1994
------------------- ------------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value at beginning of period ...... $ 10.43 $ 10.45 $ 9.90 $ 9.90 $ 10.00
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net investment income ....................... 0.72 0.64 1.15 1.06 0.12
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments ............................ 0.27 0.27 0.59 0.61 (0.08)
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on foreign currency transactions .......... 0.41 0.42 0.07 0.07 (0.02)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total from investment operations ............ 1.40 1.33 1.81 1.74 0.02
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Less dividends and distributions:
From net investment income .................. (0.73) (0.65) (0.61) (0.56) (0.12)
From net realized gain on investments and
foreign currency transactions ............. (0.15) (0.15) (0.28) (0.28) --
In excess of net realized gain on investments
and foreign currency transactions ......... -- -- (0.39) (0.35) --
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total dividends and distributions ........... (0.88) (0.80) (1.28) (1.19) (0.12)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net asset value at end of period ............ $ 10.95 $ 10.98 $ 10.43 $ 10.45 $ 9.90
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Total investment return(b) .................. 13.90% 13.13% 18.68% 17.96% 0.20%
Ratios (to average net assets)/
Supplemental Data:
Net investment income ................... 5.4% 4.8% 5.6% 4.9% 4.8%+
Net Expenses ............................ 1.5% 2.1% 1.5% 2.2% 2.8%+
Expenses (before reimbursement) ......... 1.8% 2.4% 1.8% 2.5% 3.1%+
Portfolio turnover rate ..................... 59% 59% 103% 103% 4%
Net assets at end of period (in 000's) ...... $11,965 $19,020 $11,494 $13,212 $17,155
</TABLE>
- ----------
+ Annualized.
(a) Commencement of operations.
(b) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not
annualized.
20
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Highlights
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
================================================================================
MAINSTAY MONEY MARKET FUND
================================================================================
Selected data for a share outstanding throughout the years ended December 31,
1996 and December 31, 1995, the period September 1, 1994 through December 31,
1994, and the years ended August 31, 1994, August 31, 1993, August 31, 1992,
August 31, 1991, August 31, 1990, August 31, 1989, August 31, 1988 and August
31, 1987.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class B
----------------------
Class A Class B Class A Class B September 1
------- ------- ------- ------- through
Year Ended Year Ended December 31,
December 31, 1996 December 31, 1995 1994(a) 1994
----------------------- -------------------- ------------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value at beginning of period .. $ 1.00 $ 1.00 $ 1.00 $ 1.00 $ 1.00 $ 1.00
------- -------- ------- -------- ------- --------
Net investment income ................... 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.02 0.03
------- -------- ------- -------- ------- --------
Less dividends from net investment income (0.05) (0.05) (0.05) (0.05) (0.02) (0.03)
------- -------- ------- -------- ------- --------
Net asset value at end of period ........ $ 1.00 $ 1.00 $ 1.00 $ 1.00 $ 1.00 $ 1.00
======= ======== ======= ======== ======= ========
Total investment return(b) .............. 4.91% 4.91% 5.51% 5.51% 1.54% 3.08%
Ratios (to average net assets)/
Supplemental Data:
Net investment income ............... 4.8% 4.8% 5.4% 5.4% 4.6%+ 3.1%
Net expenses ........................ 0.7% 0.7% 0.7% 0.7% 0.7%+ 0.7%
Expenses (before waiver and
reimbursement) .................... 1.0% 1.0% 0.9% 0.9% 0.9%+ 1.0%
Net assets at end of period (in 000's) .. $53,890 $317,483 $34,880 $279,843 $221,912 $192,477
<CAPTION>
Class B
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987
-------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value at beginning of period .. $ 1.00 $ 1.00 $ 1.00 $ 1.00 $ 1.00 $ 1.00 $ 1.00
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Net investment income ................... 0.03 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.08 0.06 0.05
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Less dividends from net investment income (0.03) (0.04) (0.06) (0.08) (0.08) (0.06) (0.05)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Net asset value at end of period ........ $ 1.00 $ 1.00 $ 1.00 $ 1.00 $ 1.00 $ 1.00 $ 1.00
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======= =======
Total investment return(b) .............. 2.71% 3.80% 6.63% 8.36% 8.75% 6.76% 5.11%
Ratios (to average net assets)/
Supplemental Data:
Net investment income ............... 2.7% 4.0% 6.5% 7.7% 8.6% 6.5% 5.1%
Net expenses ........................ 0.7% 0.7% 0.7% 0.7% 0.7% 0.8% 1.3%
Expenses (before waiver and
reimbursement) .................... 0.9% 1.0% 0.9% 0.9% 1.0% 1.0% 1.6%
Net assets at end of period (in 000's) .. $149,907 $182,567 $246,954 $256,489 $171,088 $59,572 $24,646
</TABLE>
- ----------
+ Annualized.
(a) The Fund changed its fiscal year end from August 31 to December 31.
(b) Total return is not annualized.
21
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Highlights
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
================================================================================
MAINSTAY CALIFORNIA TAX FREE FUND
================================================================================
Selected data for a share outstanding throughout the years ended December 31,
1996 and December 31, 1995, the period September 1, 1994 through December 31,
1994, the years ended August 31, 1994 and August 31, 1993 and the period October
1, 1991 through August 31, 1992.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class A
-----------------------------------------------
October 1,
Class A Class B Class A Class B September 1 Year Year 1991(a)
------- ------- ------- ------- through Ended Ended through
Year Ended Year Ended December 31, August 31, August 31, August 31,
December 31, 1996 December 31, 1995 1994* 1994 1993 1992
------------------ ------------------ ------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value at beginning of period $ 9.95 $ 9.91 $ 9.10 $ 9.10 $ 9.57 $ 10.38 $ 9.90 $ 9.55
------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------- ------- -------
Net investment income ................. 0.49 0.45 0.50 0.52 0.17 0.53 0.55 0.45
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments ...................... (0.16) (0.16) 0.85 0.81 (0.47) (0.51) 0.64 0.30
------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------- ------- -------
Total from investment operations ...... 0.33 0.29 1.35 1.33 (0.30) 0.02 1.19 0.75
------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------- ------- -------
Less dividends and distributions:
Dividends from net investment income .. (0.50) (0.45) (0.50) (0.52) (0.17) (0.52) (0.59) (0.40)
Distributions from net realized gain .. -- -- -- -- -- (0.31) (0.12) --
------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------- ------- -------
Total dividends and distributions ..... (0.50) (0.45) (0.50) (0.52) (0.17) (0.83) (0.71) (0.40)
------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------- ------- -------
Net asset value at end of period ...... $ 9.78 $ 9.75 $ 9.95 $ 9.91 $ 9.10 $ 9.57 $ 10.38 $ 9.90
======= ====== ======= ====== ======= ======= ======= =======
Total investment return(b) ............ 3.44% 3.10% 15.18% 14.91% (3.11%) 0.12% 12.58% 8.02%
Ratios (to average net assets)/
Supplemental Data:
Net investment income ............. 5.0% 4.7% 5.3% 5.1% 5.5%+ 5.4% 5.6% 5.6%+
Net expenses ...................... 1.24% 1.49% 1.24% 1.49% 0.99%+ 0.99% 0.99% 0.99%+
Expenses (before reimbursement) ... 1.3% 1.6% 1.4% 1.7% 1.2%+ 1.1% 1.2% 1.6%+
Portfolio turnover rate ............... 79% 79% 107% 107% 24% 96% 154% 87%
Net assets at end of period (in 000's) $18,098 $5,089 $19,825 $1,963 $16,667 $17,356 $14,603 $10,085
</TABLE>
- ----------
* The Fund changed its fiscal year end from August 31 to December 31.
+ Annualized.
(a) Commencement of operations.
(b) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not
annualized.
22
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Highlights
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
================================================================================
MAINSTAY NEW YORK TAX FREE FUND
================================================================================
Selected data for a share outstanding throughout the years ended December 31,
1996 and December 31, 1995, the period September 1, 1994 through December 31,
1994, the years ended August 31, 1994 and August 31, 1993 and the period October
1, 1991 through August 31, 1992.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class A
-----------------------------------------------
October 1,
Class A Class B Class A Class B September 1 Year Year 1991(a)
------- ------- ------- ------- through Ended Ended through
Year Ended Year Ended December 31, August 31, August 31, August 31,
December 31, 1996 December 31, 1995 1994* 1994 1993 1992
------------------ ------------------ ------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value at beginning of period $ 10.12 $10.02 $ 9.20 $ 9.20 $ 9.58 $ 10.43 $ 9.95 $ 9.55
------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------- ------- -------
Net investment income ................. 0.50 0.45 0.52 0.59 0.19 0.56 0.60 0.49
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments ...................... (0.21) (0.18) 0.91 0.82 (0.39) (0.59) 0.54 0.34
------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------- ------- -------
Total from investment operations ...... 0.29 0.27 1.43 1.41 (0.20) (0.03) 1.14 0.83
------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------- ------- -------
Less dividends and distributions:
Dividends from net investment income .. (0.50) (0.45) (0.51) (0.59) (0.18) (0.57) (0.65) (0.43)
Distributions from net realized gain .. -- -- -- -- -- (0.25) (0.01) --
------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------- ------- -------
Total dividends and distributions ..... (0.50) (0.45) (0.51) (0.59) (0.18) (0.82) (0.66) (0.43)
------- ------ ------- ------ ------- ------- ------- -------
Net asset value at end of period ...... $ 9.91 $ 9.84 $ 10.12 $10.02 $ 9.20 $ 9.58 $ 10.43 $ 9.95
======= ====== ======= ====== ======= ======= ======= =======
Total investment return(b) ............ 3.06% 2.86% 15.97% 15.67% (2.11%) (0.35%) 11.88% 8.95%
Ratios (to average net assets)/
Supplemental Data:
Net investment income ............. 5.0% 4.7% 5.4% 5.1% 6.1%+ 5.7% 6.0% 5.9%+
Net expenses ...................... 1.24% 1.49% 1.24% 1.49% 0.99%+ 0.99% 0.98% 0.99%+
Expenses (before reimbursement) ... 1.4% 1.6% 1.4% 1.6% 1.2%+ 1.1% 1.2% 1.5%+
Portfolio turnover rate ............... 114% 114% 114% 114% 39% 169% 131% 23%
Net assets at end of period (in 000's) $15,572 $4,100 $18,248 $1,588 $17,106 $17,862 $15,665 $10,605
</TABLE>
- ----------
* The Fund changed its fiscal year end from August 31 to December 31.
+ Annualized.
(a) Commencement of operations.
(b) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not
annualized.
23
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial Highlights
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
================================================================================
MAINSTAY TAX FREE BOND FUND
================================================================================
Selected data for a share outstanding throughout the years ended December 31,
1996 and December 31, 1995, the period September 1, 1994 through December 31,
1994 and the years ended August 31, 1994, August 31, 1993, August 31, 1992,
August 31, 1991, August 31, 1990, August 31, 1989, August 31, 1988 and August
31, 1987.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class B
---------------------
Class A Class B Class A Class B September 1
------- ------- ------- ------- through
Year Ended Year Ended December 31,
December 31, 1996 December 31, 1995 1994(a) 1994
--------------------- -------------------- ------------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value at beginning of period $ 10.02 $ 10.03 $ 9.20 $ 9.20 $ 9.71 $ 10.39
------- -------- ------ -------- -------- --------
Net investment income ................. 0.54 0.51 0.52 0.51 0.17 0.54
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments ...................... (0.19) (0.19) 0.83 0.83 (0.51) (0.61)
------- -------- ------ -------- -------- --------
Total from investment operations ...... 0.35 0.32 1.35 1.34 (0.34) (0.07)
------- -------- ------ -------- -------- --------
Less dividends and distributions:
Dividends from net investment income .. (0.53) (0.51) (0.53) (0.51) (0.17) (0.53)
Distributions from net realized gain .. -- -- -- -- -- (0.08)
------- -------- ------ -------- -------- --------
Total dividends and distributions ..... (0.53) (0.51) (0.53) (0.51) (0.17) (0.61)
------- -------- ------ -------- -------- --------
Net asset value at end of period ...... $ 9.84 $ 9.84 $10.02 $ 10.03 $ 9.20 $ 9.71
======= ======== ====== ======== ======== ========
Total investment return(b) ............ 3.63% 3.33% 15.00% 14.86% (3.53%) (0.69%)
Ratios (to average net assets)/
Supplemental Data:
Net investment income ............. 5.4% 5.2% 5.5% 5.2% 5.6%+ 5.4%
Net expenses ...................... 1.0% 1.2% 1.0% 1.2% 1.2%+ 1.2%
Expenses (before waiver and
reimbursement) .................. 1.0% 1.2% 1.0% 1.2% 1.2%+ 1.2%
Portfolio turnover rate ............... 95% 95% 110% 110% 37% 92%
Net assets at end of period (in 000's) $16,486 $496,231 $9,752 $543,314 $513,781 $552,156
<CAPTION>
Class B
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987
-------- -------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value at beginning of period $ 10.21 $ 9.82 $ 9.40 $ 9.74 $ 9.60 $ 9.73 $ 10.02
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- --------
Net investment income ................. 0.57 0.59 0.59 0.61 0.70 0.65 0.67
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments ...................... 0.47 0.40 0.43 (0.33) 0.08 (0.13) (0.29)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- --------
Total from investment operations ...... 1.04 0.99 1.02 0.28 0.78 0.52 0.38
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- --------
Less dividends and distributions:
Dividends from net investment income .. (0.60) (0.60) (0.60) (0.62) (0.64) (0.65) (0.67))
Distributions from net realized gain .. (0.26) -- -- -- -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- --------
Total dividends and distributions ..... (0.86) (0.60) (0.60) (0.62) (0.64) (0.65) (0.67)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- ------- --------
Net asset value at end of period ...... $ 10.39 $ 10.21 $ 9.82 $ 9.40 $ 9.74 $ 9.60 $ 9.73
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======= ========
Total investment return(b) ............ 10.81% 10.42% 11.21% 2.88% 8.34% 5.60% 3.30%
Ratios (to average net assets)/
Supplemental Data:
Net investment income ............. 5.6% 5.9% 6.1% 6.4% 6.8% 6.8% 7.0%
Net expenses ...................... 1.2% 1.3% 1.4% 1.4% 1.6% 1.5% 1.5%
Expenses (before waiver and
reimbursement) .................. 1.2% 1.3% 1.4% 1.4% 1.6% 1.6% 2.3%
Portfolio turnover rate ............... 138% 97% 52% 44% 186% 215% 153%
Net assets at end of period (in 000's) $476,761 $292,936 $174,625 $131,342 $111,787 $82,042 $ 67,559
</TABLE>
- ----------
+ Annualized.
(a) The Fund changed its fiscal year end from August 31 to December 31.
(b) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not
annualized.
24
<PAGE>
================================================================================
Capital Appreciation Fund
The Fund's objective is:
================================================================================
to seek long-term growth of capital. Dividend income, if any, is an incidental
consideration.
Who should invest? Investors who seek growth and are willing to accept a higher
level of risk for higher return potential.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHO'S MANAGING YOUR MONEY?
EDMUND SPELMAN AND RUDY CARRYL OF MACKAY-SHIELDS FINANCIAL CORPORATION.
Mr. Spelman is a Director at MacKay-Shields who specializes in equities. He
joined the firm in 1991 after working as an analyst at Oppenheimer & Co. since
1983. Mr. Spelman has acted as a portfolio manager of the Capital Appreciation
and Total Return Funds since 1991. Mr. Carryl joined MacKay-Shields Financial
Corporation as a Director--and the manager of this Fund--in 1992. He has fifteen
years of investment management and research experience. Mr. Carryl was research
director and senior portfolio manager at Value Line, Inc. from 1978-1992. Mr.
Carryl has also acted as a portfolio manager of the Total Return Fund since
1992.
================================================================================
The Fund invests in:
================================================================================
The Fund may invest in a variety of companies and securities including common
stocks, preferred stocks, warrants, and other equity securities. The Adviser
selects investments according to the economic environment and the attractiveness
of particular markets. Generally, the Fund does not invest its assets for
short-term profits.
Under normal market conditions...
...securities of companies with these characteristics:
o participation in expanding product or service markets;
o increasing unit sales volume;
o revenue growth and earnings per share superior to the average of common
stocks comprising indices such as the S&P 500 Index; or
o an increasing return on investment.
...any other securities that are deemed by MacKay-Shields to be ready for a rise
in price, or expected to have accelerated growth in earnings due to special
factors like new management, new products, changes in consumer demand, or
changes in the economy.
...other investments suitable for most or all MainStay Funds. (See pages 39-40,
General Investment Considerations and pages 56-61, Description of Investments
and Investment Practices, for details.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Risks? Opportunities for greater gain often come with greater risk of loss. Some
of the securities, therefore, may carry above-average risk, compared to common
stock indexes, such as the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 Index.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25
<PAGE>
================================================================================
Equity Index Fund
The Fund's objective is:
================================================================================
to provide investment results that correspond to the total return performance
(and reflect reinvestment of dividends) of publicly traded common stocks
represented by the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index (the "S&P
500 Index" or the "Index").
Who should invest? Investors who seek a conservative way to participate in the
growth potential of stocks with the protection of a principal guarantee.
See page 52 for more details about the Fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guarantee. This Fund comes with an unconditional guarantee from NYLIFE, Inc.
that, 10 years from your date of purchase, the net asset value of a unit (equal
to the NAV of a Fund share when purchased), plus the value of all cumulative
reinvested dividends and distributions attributable to such share paid during
the 10-year period, will not be less than the price you paid for the Fund share.
For details and limitations of the guarantee, see Other Information About the
Funds--Equity Index Fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHO'S MANAGING YOUR MONEY?
JAMES MEHLING OF MONITOR CAPITAL ADVISORS, INC.
Mr. Mehling joined Monitor Capital Advisors in 1991 after working as director of
risk management in the investment department of New York Life Insurance Company.
Mr. Mehling is currently Chief Investment Officer for Monitor. He began his
career in financial services with Merrill Lynch in 1976 and was with County
NatWest Government Securities from 1987-1989. Mr. Mehling has served as
portfolio manager to the Fund since 1991.
================================================================================
The Fund invests in:
================================================================================
Under normal market conditions...
...at least 80% of net assets in stocks listed in the Index. The Fund will
attempt to be fully invested at all times, and will invest in stocks in the same
proportions as they are invested in the Index.
The Fund may invest in securities of foreign issuers included in the Index.
...other investments suitable for most or all MainStay Funds. (See pages 39-40,
General Investment Considerations and pages 56-61, Description of Investments
and Investment Practices, for details.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Risks? An investment in this Fund involves risks similar to those of investing
directly in common stocks. The Fund uses the Index because it represents about
two-thirds of the total market value of all common stocks, and is well-known to
investors. The Index also represents total return performance including
reinvested dividends of the stocks in the Index. If the value of the Index
declines, the NAV of shares of the Fund will also decline.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Index is a broad measurement of stock market performance composed of 500
common stocks selected by Standard & Poor's ("S&P").
The Fund is neither sponsored by nor affiliated with S&P.
By including a stock in the Index, neither S&P nor the Fund's Adviser takes any
stance on the stock's investment value.
26
<PAGE>
================================================================================
International Equity Fund
The Fund's objective is:
================================================================================
to provide long-term growth of capital commensurate with an acceptable level of
risk by investing in a portfolio consisting primarily of non-U.S. equity
securities. Current income is a secondary objective.
Who should invest? Investors who prefer the higher return potential of
international equities or want to add diversification to their domestic
investments.
See page 54 for more details about the Fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHO'S MANAGING YOUR MONEY?
SHIGEMI TAKAGI OF MACKAY-SHIELDS FINANCIAL CORPORATION.
Mr. Takagi is a Director at MacKay-Shields, specializing in international
equities. He joined the firm in 1989 after working at First Boston Corp. as an
international equity analyst. He has served as a portfolio manager since the
Fund was started in 1994.
================================================================================
The Fund invests in:
================================================================================
Under normal market conditions...
...at least 65% of total assets in a diversified portfolio of equity securities,
which may include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants, and other equity
securities of issuers, wherever organized, who do business mainly outside the
U.S. Eligible investments include any equity or equity-related investments,
domestic or foreign, whether denominated in foreign currencies or U.S. dollars.
...a variety of countries, with a minimum of 5 countries other than the U.S.
This includes countries with established economies as well as emerging market
countries, including those in Latin America, and other newly industrialized
countries such as South Korea and Taiwan, that the Adviser believes present
favorable opportunities.
...no more than 25% of total assets in any one industry group or in any one
government, not including the U.S.
The Fund may buy and sell currency on a spot basis and enter into forward
foreign currency contracts for hedging purposes. The Fund may also buy foreign
currency options, securities and securities index options, and enter into
futures contracts and related options. (For more details, see page 54, Other
Information About the Funds--International Equity Fund.)
...other investments suitable for most or all MainStay Funds. (See pages 39-40,
General Investment Considerations and pages 56-61, Description of Investments
and Investment Practices, for details.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Fund is for long-term investors who seek growth over current income. It is
not designed as a way to speculate on short-term stock market swings. Investors
should be able to tolerate sudden and sometimes substantial fluctuations in
value.
Risks? Alone, this Fund is not a balanced investment plan. It is appropriate for
investors wanting investments in markets outside the U.S., while seeking to
avoid undue volatility. The orientation is in avoiding excessive risk, although
there are risks associated with any investment. Due to this philosophy, the Fund
may not attain as high a return as more aggressively managed international
funds--although the Fund is expected to outperform some funds in down markets.
There is no guarantee that the Fund will succeed in achieving its objective.
Investments in foreign securities could be more volatile and more difficult to
sell than U.S. invest-ments, and involve additional risks. (For more on risks of
investing in foreign securities, see page 57, Description of Investments and
Investment Practices--Foreign Securities.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Securities of issuers in one country may be denominated in the currency of
another country.
27
<PAGE>
================================================================================
Convertible Fund
The Fund's objective is:
================================================================================
to seek capital appreciation together with current income. Certain of the Fund's
investments have speculative characteristics.
Who should invest? Investors who want income from securities that may offer
growth potential if converted into common stock.
See page 52 for more details about the Fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHO'S MANAGING YOUR MONEY?
DENIS LAPLAIGE,
NEIL FEINBERG AND THOMAS WYNN OF MACKAY-SHIELDS FINANCIAL CORPORATION.
Mr. Laplaige is President, Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer of
MacKay-Shields. He joined the firm in 1982, became a Director in 1988, Managing
Director in 1991, a member of the Board of Directors in 1993, and Chief
Investment Officer in 1996. He has managed this Fund since 1991 and is also a
manager of the Value Fund and the High Yield Corporate Bond Fund. Mr. Feinberg
is a Director of MacKay-Shields and has been a portfolio manager for the
Convertible Fund since he joined the firm in 1992. For the previous three years,
he was an analyst for National Securities and Research Corporation, and for the
prior four years he worked as a CPA/auditor for Peat Marwick Main & Company. Mr.
Wynn has been a portfolio manager for the Convertible Fund since 1997 and joined
the firm in 1995 as a research analyst. He was previously a portfolio manager at
Fiduciary Trust for nine years and has over twelve years experience in
investment management and research.
================================================================================
The Fund invests in:
================================================================================
Under normal market conditions...
...at least 65% of net assets in convertible securities (such as preferred
stock, bonds, debentures, corporate notes, and others which can be converted
into common stock).
The Fund takes a flexible approach by investing in a broad range of securities
of a variety of companies and industries.
...not more than 5% of total assets in securities that are:
o rated less than B by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or S&P; or
o unrated but judged by the Adviser to be of comparable quality.
The Fund may invest without restriction in securities rated Ba or B by Moody's
or BB or B by S&P.
...up to 35% of total assets in non-convertible debt, equity securities that do
not pay regular dividends, U.S. government securities, cash, or cash
equivalents.
...other investments suitable for most or all MainStay Funds. (See pages 39-40,
General Investment Considerations and pages 56-61, Description of Investments
and Investment Practices, for details.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Risks? Generally, when interest rates fall, the NAV rises, and when interest
rates rise, the NAV declines.
A convertible security's total return partly depends on the performance of the
common stock into which it can be converted. The Fund doesn't generally restrict
investments by rating category.
Securities rated Ba (Moody's), BB (S&P) or lower (sometimes called "junk bonds")
aren't considered "investment-grade" and run greater risks of price
fluctuations, loss of principal and interest, default, or bankruptcy by the
issuer, and other risks which is why these securities are considered
speculative. (See page 60, Risks of Investing in High Yield Securities (`Junk
Bonds') for more details; and Appendix A for a description of ratings.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28
<PAGE>
================================================================================
Total Return Fund
The Fund's objective is:
================================================================================
to realize current income consistent with reasonable opportunity for future
growth of capital and income.
The Fund takes a flexible approach by investing in a broad range of securities
which may be spread among different companies, industries, and types of
securities. Securities may include common stocks, convertible securities,
warrants, bonds, preferred stocks, and other debt obligations, including money
market instruments.
Who should invest? Investors who seek a combination of income and growth
potential and want to manage risk through diversification.
See page 56 for more details about the Fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHO'S MANAGING YOUR MONEY?
RAVI AKHOURY, EDMUND SPELMAN AND RUDY CARRYL OF MACKAY-SHIELDS FINANCIAL
CORPORATION.
Mr. Akhoury joined MacKay-Shields as a Director in 1984, became Managing
Director in 1988, President and member, Board of Directors in 1989, and Chairman
and CEO in 1992. Previously, he'd served four years as fixed-income manager for
Fischer Francis Trees and Watts and seven years for the Equitable Life Assurance
Society. He has been a portfolio manager of the Total Return Fund since 1987,
and also manages the Government and Tax Free Bond Funds. Biographies for Mr.
Spelman and Mr. Carryl appear on page 25.
================================================================================
The Fund invests in:
================================================================================
Under normal market conditions...
...at least 30% of net assets in equities. Usually, a majority of stocks of
companies with revenue growth and earnings per share better than the average of
the stocks that comprise the S&P 500 Index. The Fund also invests in stocks and
other equities which the Adviser believes are "undervalued;"
...at least 30% of net assets in debt securities, including U.S. government
securities, corporate debt securities, asset-backed securities, mortgage-backed
securities and commercial paper. The long-term investments are expected mainly
to be rated A or better by S&P or Moody's, or, unrated but judged by the Adviser
to be of comparable quality.
...up to 20% of the debt securities may be rated below A but must be rated at
least Ba (Moody's) or BB (S&P), or, if unrated, judged
by the Adviser to be of comparable creditworthiness.
...no more than 5% of the Fund's net assets may be below investment grade.
...other investments suitable for most or all MainStay Funds. (See pages 39-40,
General Investment Considerations and pages 56-61, Description of Investments
and Investment Practices, for details.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Risks? The Fund may allocate its assets among equity and debt securities and,
therefore, has some exposure to the risks of both common stocks and bonds. Debt
securities rated Ba (Moody's) or BB (S&P) run greater risks of price
fluctuations, default by the issuer, and other risks. Securities rated Ba
(Moody's), BB (S&P) or lower are considered speculative and are sometimes called
"junk bonds." (See page 60 for more details; and Appendix A for ratings
descriptions.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
29
<PAGE>
================================================================================
Value Fund
The Fund's objective is:
================================================================================
to realize maximum long-term total return from a combination of capital growth
and income. It is not designed or managed primarily to produce current income.
Who should invest? Investors who seek to maximize total return from securities
which may have more potential than the market currently sees.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHO'S MANAGING YOUR MONEY?
DENIS LAPLAIGE AND JEFFREY A. SIMON OF MACKAY-SHIELDS FINANCIAL CORPORATION.
Mr. Laplaige, President, Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer of
MacKay-Shields, has served as a portfolio manager of the Value Fund since 1986.
His biography is on page 28. Mr. Simon joined MacKay-Shields in 1993. Mr. Simon
is a Director of MacKay-Shields and specializes in equity securities.
Previously, Mr. Simon was a senior equity research analyst and portfolio manager
at National Securities and Research Corporation from 1991-1992 and Neuberger &
Berman from 1987-1991.
================================================================================
The Fund invests in:
================================================================================
The Fund takes a flexible approach, emphasizing investments in common stocks
with the characteristics listed below.
Under normal market conditions...
...at least 65% of net assets in common stocks which:
o the Adviser believes were "undervalued" (selling below their value) when
purchased;
o typically pay dividends, although there may be non-dividend-paying stocks if
they meet the "undervalued" criteria; and
o are listed on a national securities exchange or are traded in the
Over-the-Counter (OTC) market.
...other investments suitable for most or all MainStay Funds. (See pages 39-40,
General Investment Considerations and pages 56-61, Description of Investments
and Investment Practices, for details.)
Usually, stocks deemed to be at full value will be replaced with new,
"undervalued" stocks.
In assessing whether a stock is undervalued, the Adviser considers many factors
and will compare the market price to the company's "book" value, estimated value
of the company's assets (liquidating value), and cash flow. To a lesser extent,
the Adviser will also look at trends and forecasts such as growth rates and
future earnings.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Risks? The Fund invests primarily in common stocks and therefore is exposed to
the risks of investing in those securities, including fluctuations in value.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30
<PAGE>
================================================================================
Government Fund
The Fund's objective is:
================================================================================
to seek a high level of current income, consistent with safety of principal.
Who should invest? Investors who seek to combine high current income and safety
of principal.
See page 53 for more details about the Fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHO'S MANAGING YOUR MONEY?
RAVI AKHOURY AND EDWARD MUNSHOWER OF MACKAY-SHIELDS FINANCIAL CORPORATION.
Mr. Akhoury, Chairman and CEO of MacKay-Shields, has served as portfolio manager
of the Government Fund since 1986. His biography appears on page 29. Mr.
Munshower is a Director of MacKay-Shields and has been a portfolio manager for
the Government Fund since 1986. He joined MacKay-Shields as a fixed income
investment specialist in 1985 after having been an investment analyst for New
York Life Insurance Company. Mr. Munshower has over 14 years of experience in
investment management and research.
================================================================================
The Fund invests in:
================================================================================
Under normal market conditions...
...at least 65% of net assets in U.S. government securities including:
o U.S. Treasury bills (maturing in one year or less), notes (1-10 years), and
bonds (generally 10+ years);
o debt securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies
or instrumentalities; and
o Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA") mortgage-backed
certificates and other U.S. government securities representing ownership
interests in mortgage pools, such as securities issued by the Federal
National Mortgage Association ("FNMA") and by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation ("FHLMC").
...up to 35% of total assets in mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities that
are not U.S. government securities.
...enter into agreements to purchase securities on a when-issued or forward
commitment basis.
...other investments suitable for most or all MainStay Funds. (See pages 39-40,
General Investment Considerations and pages 56-61, Description of Investments
and Investment Practices, for details.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Risks? Although some of the instruments the Fund purchases are backed by the
U.S. government and its agencies, shares of the Fund are not guaranteed and the
Fund's NAV will fluctuate. Generally, when interest rates fall, the NAV rises,
and when interest rates rise, the NAV declines.
Mortgage-backed securities may be prepaid prior to maturity. Prepayment rates
may be affected by changes in mortgage rates. During periods of falling rates,
prepayments tend to increase, and during periods of rising rates, they tend to
decrease. Prepayments usually are reinvested at different rates than the
original investment. As a result, these securities can increase in value less
than "non-callable" bonds during falling rate periods, yet involve comparable
risks during rising rate periods.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
31
<PAGE>
================================================================================
High Yield Corporate Bond Fund
The Fund's primary objective is:
================================================================================
maximum current income through investment in a diversified portfolio of high
yield debt securities. Capital appreciation is a secondary objective. The
potential for high yield is accompanied by higher risk. Certain of the Fund's
investments are speculative.
Who should invest? Investors who want to maximize current income and can accept
the higher risk of securities with high yield potential.
See page 53 for more details about the Fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHO'S MANAGING YOUR MONEY?
DENIS LAPLAIGE AND STEVEN TANANBAUM OF MACKAY-SHIELDS FINANCIAL CORPORATION.
Mr. Laplaige, President, Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer of
MacKay-Shields, has served as portfolio manager of the High Yield Corporate Bond
Fund since 1991. His biography is on page 28. Mr. Tananbaum has been a portfolio
manager for the Fund since he joined MacKay-Shields in 1989 and is a portfolio
manager for the Strategic Income Fund. He is also a Director at MacKay-Shields.
Previously, he worked as a high yield and merger associate intern in the
corporate finance department at Kidder Peabody.
================================================================================
The Fund invests in:
================================================================================
Under normal market conditions...
...at least 65% of total assets in corporate debt securities: all types of
foreign and domestic debt securities ordinarily in the lower rating categories
of Moody's (Baa to B) and S&P (BBB to B).
...without restriction in securities rated at least Ba or B by Moody's, BB or B
by S&P, or unrated securities determined by the Adviser to be of comparable
quality.
...not more than 15% of net assets in securities rated lower than B by Moody's
or S&P.
...up to 25% of total assets in equity securities, including common stocks,
preferred stocks, warrants, and rights.
...other investments suitable for most or all MainStay Funds. (See pages 39-40,
General Investment Considerations and pages 56-61, Description of Investments
and Investment Practices, for details.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Risks? Generally, when interest rates fall, the NAV rises, and when interest
rates rise, the NAV declines.
Securities rated below BBB or Baa (sometimes called "junk bonds") are not
considered "investment-grade" and run greater risks of price fluctuations, loss
of principal and interest, default or bankruptcy by the issuer, and other risks
which is why these securities are considered speculative. (For a more complete
discussion of those risks, see page 60, Risks of Investing in High Yield
Securities (`Junk Bonds')). Seeking to reduce risk, the Fund's Adviser
diversifies investments and also pays close attention to issuer creditworthiness
and trends across industries and in the economy. (See Appendix A for a
description of ratings.)
If the Adviser is incorrect in its expectations of changes in interest rates, or
in its evaluation of the normal yield relationship between two securities, the
Fund's income, NAV and potential capital gains could decrease, or the potential
loss could increase. This and other factors may affect the income available for
distribution to shareholders.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
32
<PAGE>
================================================================================
International Bond Fund
The Fund's objective is:
================================================================================
to seek to provide competitive overall return commensurate with an acceptable
level of risk by investing primarily in a portfolio consisting of non-U.S.
(primarily government) debt securities.
Who should invest? Investors who prefer the higher return potential of
international bonds or want to add diversification to their domestic
investments.
See page 54 for more details about the Fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHO'S MANAGING YOUR MONEY?
JOSEPH PORTERA OF MACKAY-SHIELDS FINANCIAL CORPORATION.
Mr. Portera is a Director of MacKay-Shields specializing in international bonds.
He is also a portfolio manager for the Strategic Income Fund. He returned to
MacKay-Shields in December 1996 after working at Fiduciary Trust Company
International as a portfolio manager in international bonds. Mr. Portera joined
MacKay-Shields in 1991 and was portfolio manager of the International Bond Fund
from its inception in September 1994 to August 1995. Previously, Mr. Portera was
a portfolio manager specializing in international debt securities at ABN-AMRO
Bank, N.V.from 1988 to 1991.
================================================================================
The Fund invests in:
================================================================================
Under normal market conditions...
...any debt or debt-related investment, domestic or foreign, denominated in
foreign or U.S. currency.
...at least 65% of total assets in debt securities of foreign governments,
agencies and supranational organizations denominated in foreign currencies.
These could have fixed, variable, floating or inverse floating rates of
interest. The Fund may also purchase debt securities of corporate issuers. Some
of these securities may be privately issued and/or convertible into common
stock, or they may be traded together with warrants for the purchase of common
stock.
...a variety of countries, with a minimum of 5 countries other than the U.S.
This includes countries with established economies as well as emerging market
countries, including those in Latin America, and other newly industrialized
countries, such as South Korea and Taiwan, that the Adviser believes present
favorable opportunities.
...not more than 25% of net assets in debt securities rated below BBB by S&P or
Baa by Moody's, or, if unrated, determined by the Adviser to be of equal
quality. (See Appendix A for a description of ratings.)
The Fund may buy and sell currency on a spot basis and enter into forward
foreign currency contracts for hedging purposes. The Fund may also buy forward
foreign currency options, securities and securities index options, and enter
into futures contracts and related options. (For more details, see page 54,
Other Information About the Funds-- International Bond Fund)
...other investments suitable for most or all MainStay Funds. (See pages 39-40,
General Investment Considerations and pages 56-61, Description of Investments
and Investment Practices, for details.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Risks? Alone, this Fund is not a balanced investment plan. It may be appropriate
for investors wanting investments in markets outside the U.S. while seeking to
avoid higher volatility. The orientation is in avoiding excessive risk, although
there are risks associated with any investment. Due to this philosophy, the Fund
may not attain as high a return as more aggressively managed international
funds--although the Fund is expected to outperform some funds in down markets.
There is no guarantee that the Fund will succeed in achieving its objective.
Generally, when interest rates fall, the NAV rises, and when interest rates
rise, the NAV declines.
Securities rated below BBB or Baa (sometimes called "junk bonds") are not
considered "investment-grade" and run greater risks of price fluctuations, loss
of principal and interest, default or bankruptcy by the issuer, and other risks,
which is why these securities are considered speculative. (See page 60, Risks of
Investing in High Yield Securities (`Junk Bonds'), for details and Appendix A
for a description of ratings.)
Investments in foreign securities could be more volatile and more difficult to
sell than U.S. investments, and involve additional risks. (For more on risks of
investing in foreign securities, see page 57, Description of Investments and
Investment Practices--Foreign Securities.)
There are certain risks associated with investments in securities with floating
or inverse floating rates of interest. (See page 57, Description of Investments
and Investment Practices--Floaters and Inverse Floaters.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Securities of issuers in one country may be denominated in the currency of
another country.
33
<PAGE>
================================================================================
Money Market Fund
The Fund's objective is:
================================================================================
to seek as high a level of current income as is considered consistent with the
preservation of capital and liquidity. Investments in the Fund are neither
insured nor guaranteed by the U.S. government. Although the Fund attempts to
maintain a stable net asset value (NAV) of $1 per share, there can be no
assurance that it will succeed in doing so.
Who should invest? Investors who are averse to risk or want to earn competitive
yields on cash they're planning to spend or invest in the near future.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
================================================================================
The Fund invests in:
================================================================================
...short-term securities of the U.S. government (those that mature within 397
days).
...bank and bank holding company obligations (including CDs and bankers'
acceptances).
...commercial paper (short-term, unsecured loans to corporations), including
variable rate master demand notes, and other short-term corporate loans (one
year or less).
...dollar-denominated loans to U.S. and foreign issuers and securities of
foreign branches of U.S. banks (such as negotiable CDs, also known as
Eurodollars) including variable rate master demand notes and floating rate
notes.
...up to 5% of total assets in securities of one issuer, (this doesn't apply to
U.S. government securities and related repurchase agreements and securities
subject to certain puts) except, up to 25% of total assets may be invested in
securities of a single issuer for up to 3 days if they're rated in the highest
category by at least two major rating agencies ("First Tier"), or, if unrated,
determined to be of comparable quality by the Adviser.
...up to 5% of total assets in securities that were rated in the top two
categories by at least two nationally recognized rating agencies, but not rated
in the highest category by two or more major rating agencies ("Second Tier"),
or, if unrated, determined to be of comparable quality by the Adviser when
acquired.
...up to 1% of total assets (or $1 million, whichever is greater at the time of
the purchase) in securities of any one issuer which is Second Tier).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Risks? Any investment the Fund makes must present minimal credit risk in the
opinion of the Adviser. If rated, a security must be rated within the two
highest rating categories for short-term debt securities by at least two major
rating agencies (or by one major agency, if only that agency has rated the
security).
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Fund generally can't invest in securities with remaining maturities longer
than 397 days (13 months). In addition, the weighted average portfolio maturity
may not exceed 90 days. (See the SAI for a more detailed explanation.)
34
<PAGE>
================================================================================
Strategic Income Fund
The Fund's investment objective is:
================================================================================
to provide current income and competitive overall return by investing primarily
in domestic and foreign debt securities.
Who should invest? Investors who seek an opportunity for potentially higher
income and overall return by investing in multiple bond market sectors.
See page 55 for more details about the Fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHO'S MANAGING YOUR MONEY?
NEIL FEINBERG, JOSEPH PORTERA, FRANK A. SALEM AND STEVEN TANANBAUM OF
MACKAY-SHIELDS FINANCIAL CORPORATION. Messrs. Feinberg, Portera and Tananbaum
have served as portfolio managers since the Fund started in 1997. Their
biographies appear on pages 28, 33, and 32, respectively. Frank A. Salem, who is
primarily responsible for the fixed-income portion of the Fund's portfolio, is a
Director of MacKay-Shields and has been a portfolio manager for the Fund since
1997. Previously, Mr. Salem was with Dean Witter Intercapital Group as Vice
President and Senior Portfolio Manager. Prior to Dean Witter, he was with
Mitchell Hutchins Institutional Investors as a Vice President and Portfolio
Manager. Mr. Salem has 19 years experience in investment management and
research.
================================================================================
The Fund invests in:
================================================================================
Under normal market conditions...
...at least 65% of total assets in a diversified portfolio of domestic and
foreign debt or debt-related securities issued by government and corporate
issuers. The securities may be denominated in U.S. or foreign currency, and may
have fixed, variable, floating or inverse floating rates of interest. Maturities
of the securities held by the Fund will vary.
...various bond market sectors (U.S. government--including mortgage-related
securities, foreign government, U.S. corporate and foreign corporate including
high yield securities in each of the foregoing sectors). The Adviser will
allocate the Fund's investments among the various bond market sectors based on
current and projected economic and market conditions.
... a variety of countries, which may include countries with established
economies as well as emerging market countries, including those in Latin America
and other newly industrialized countries, such as South Korea and Taiwan, that
the Adviser believes present favorable opportunities.
...securities rated below BBB by Standard and Poor's ("S&P") or Baa by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), or if unrated, determined by the Adviser to
be of comparable quality.
...not more than 15% of net assets in securities rated lower than B by S&P or
Moody's.
...up to 30% of total assets in equity securities, including common stocks,
preferred stocks, warrants and rights.
...securities in which the Fund may invest include:
o obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. or foreign governments, their
agencies, subdivisions or instrumentalities, obligations of supranational
entities or international agencies;
o debt securities issued by domestic or foreign corporate entities, zero coupon
bonds, and municipal bonds;
o mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities;
o loan participation interests;
o securities that are privately issued and/or convertible into common stock, or
securities traded together with warrants for the purchase of common stock;
and
o cash equivalents.
...futures on debt securities and bond index futures, options on these futures
and options on debt securities.
The Fund may buy and sell currency on a spot basis and enter into forward
foreign currency contracts for hedging purposes. The Fund may also buy forward
foreign currency options.
...other investments suitable for the Fund. (See pages 39-40, General Investment
Considerations; and pages 56-61, Description of Investments and Investment
Practices.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Risks? The NAV of the Fund's shares will fluctuate depending on a number of
factors. Generally, when interest rates fall, the NAV rises, and when interest
rates rise, the NAV declines. Other factors such as changes in the perceived
creditworthiness of certain issuers, changes in the relative values of currency,
and changes in the average maturity of the Fund's investments can also affect
NAV.
The risks of investing in particular types of debt securities also may vary. For
example, some types of debt securities are particularly sensitive to interest
rate changes (e.g. zero coupon bonds and some mortgage- or asset-backed
securities) and may therefore be especially volatile. Others may entail unique
or special risks that can affect value. For example, securities rated below BBB
or Baa (sometimes called "junk bonds") are not considered "investment-grade" and
run greater risks of price fluctuations, loss of principal and interest, default
or bankruptcy by the issuer, and other risks which is why these securities are
considered speculative.
Investments in foreign securities could be more volatile and more difficult to
sell than U.S. investments, and involve additional risks, including currency
fluctuations and political and economic instabilities.
There are certain risks associated with investments in securities with floating
or inverse floating rates of interest.
Securities of issuers in one country may be denominated in the currency of
another country.
For additional information regarding risks associated with investment in the
Fund, see pages 56-61, Description of Investments and Investment Practices.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
35
<PAGE>
================================================================================
California Tax Free Fund
The Fund's objective is:
================================================================================
to seek to provide a high level of current income exempt from regular federal
income tax and California personal income tax, consistent with preservation of
capital. The Fund invests primarily in municipal securities issued by the State
of California and its political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities.
Who should invest? California residents who want to keep more of what they earn
by investing for income that's double tax-free.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHO'S MANAGING YOUR MONEY?
RAVI AKHOURY AND JAMES FLOOD OF MACKAY-SHIELDS FINANCIAL CORPORATION.
Mr. Akhoury, Chairman and CEOof MacKay-Shields, has served as portfolio manager
since the Fund started in 1991. His biography appears on page 29. Mr. Flood, a
Director of MacKay-Shields, has been a portfolio manager for the Fund since
1992. His biography appears on page 38.
================================================================================
The Fund invests in:
================================================================================
Under normal market conditions...
...at least 80% of total assets in California tax-exempt securities. These could
have fixed, variable or floating rates of interest. They may also be zero coupon
municipal bonds, with no coupon rate.
The tax-exempt securities must be:
o rated, at purchase, in one of the top four categories by Moody's or S&P;
o short-term tax-exempt securities which, at purchase, are rated in one of the
top three categories by Moody's or S&P;
o municipal commercial paper which, at purchase, is rated P-1 by Moody's or A-1
by S&P;
o unrated securities determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality.
The two main types of municipal bonds are "General Obligation" and "Revenue"
bonds. (See page 58, Descriptions of Investments and Investment Practices--
Municipal Securities and Municipal Lease Obligations, for details.)
The Fund may also purchase Industrial Development and Pollution Control Bonds,
which are generally not secured by the taxing power of the municipality but are
secured by revenues paid by the industrial user.
...generally not more than 25% of total assets in securities of any one
governmental unit.
...not more than 20% of total assets in tax-exempt securities subject to the
federal alternative minimum tax (AMT) for individual shareholders.
...tax-exempt debt obligations issued by political subdivisions and authorities
of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
...other investments suitable for most or all MainStay Funds. (See pages 39-40,
General Investment Considerations and pages 56-61, Description of Investments
and Investment Practices, for details.)
The Fund may also buy and sell call and put options, invest in futures contracts
on debt securities or securities indexes, and invest in options on futures
contracts.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Risks? The value of these securities--and the Fund's NAV--may rise or fall due
to various factors. These factors include changes in interest rates, and the
ability of the issuers to make their interest and principal payments on these
securities. Generally, when interest rates fall, the NAV rises, and when rates
rise, the NAV declines.
Changes in credit ratings may cause the Fund to hold bonds rated below
"investment-grade." The Fund isn't obligated to sell a security that has been
downgraded below investment-grade, but will sell the security as soon as
reasonably practicable, depending on market conditions, if more than 5% of the
total assets would be invested in securities rated below investment grade.
Securities rated BBB (S&P) or Baa (Moody's) run greater risks of price
fluctuations, default by the issuer, and other risks that may be considered
speculative. Municipal bonds rated below investment-grade may not currently pay
interest and may have extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real
investment standing. (See Appendix A for a description of ratings.)
Issuers of municipal lease securities aren't obligated to continue payments
unless money is appropriated periodically by the legislative body. This could
make collecting difficult in the case of a default.
Since the Fund concentrates its investments in California securities, the NAV of
the Fund's shares can be adversely affected by political developments or
economic events in California, including a default of a municipal issuer or a
financial crisis.
Investments in futures contracts and options carry certain risks. (See page 59,
Description of Investments and Investment Practices--Risk Management
Techniques.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To help you decide whether taxable or non-taxable yields are better for you, see
page 76 for a comparative yield table.
36
<PAGE>
================================================================================
New York Tax Free Fund
The Fund's objective is:
================================================================================
to seek to provide a high level of current income exempt from regular federal
income tax and personal income tax of New York State and its political
subdivisions, including New York City, consistent with preservation of capital.
The Fund invests primarily in municipal securities issued by the State of New
York and its political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities.
Who should invest? New York State or New York City residents who want to keep
more of what they earn with income that's double or triple tax-free.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHO'S MANAGING YOUR MONEY?
RAVI AKHOURY AND JAMES FLOOD OF MACKAY-SHIELDS FINANCIAL CORPORATION.
Mr. Akhoury, Chairman and CEOof MacKay-Shields, has served as portfolio manager
since the Fund started in 1991. His biography appears on page 29. Mr. Flood, a
Director of MacKay-Shields, has been a portfolio manager for the Fund since
1992. His biography appears on page 38.
================================================================================
The Fund invests in:
================================================================================
Under normal market conditions...
...at least 80% of total assets in New York tax-exempt securities. These could
have fixed, variable or floating rates of interest. They may also be zero coupon
municipal bonds, with no coupon rate.
The tax-exempt securities must be:
o rated, at purchase, in one of the top four categories by Moody's or S&P;
o short-term tax-exempt securities which, at purchase, are rated in one of the
top three categories by Moody's or S&P;
o municipal commercial paper which, at purchase, is rated P-1 by Moody's or A-1
by S&P;
o unrated securities determined by the Adviser to be of comparable quality.
The two main types of municipal bonds are "General Obligation" and "Revenue"
bonds. (See page 58, Descriptions of Investments and Investment Practices--
Municipal Securities and Municipal Lease Obligations, for details.)
The Fund may also purchase Industrial Development and Pollution Control Bonds,
which are generally not secured by the taxing power of the municipality but are
secured by revenues paid by the industrial user.
...generally not more than 25% of total assets in securities of any one
governmental unit.
...not more than 20% of total assets in tax-exempt securities subject to the
federal alternative minimum tax (AMT) for individ ual shareholders.
...tax-exempt debt obligations issued by political subdivisions and authorities
of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
...other investments suitable for most or all MainStay Funds. (See pages 39-40,
General Investment Considerations and pages 56-61, Description of Investments
and Investment Practices, for details.)
The Fund may also buy and sell call and put options, invest in futures contracts
on debt securities or securities indexes, and invest in options on futures
contracts.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Risks? The value of these securities--and the Fund's NAV--may rise or fall due
to various factors. These factors may include changes in interest rates, and the
ability of the issuers to make their interest and principal payments on these
securities. Generally, when interest rates fall, the NAV rises, and when rates
rise, the NAV declines.
Changes in credit ratings may cause the Fund to hold bonds rated below
"investment-grade." The Fund isn't obligated to sell a security that has been
downgraded below investment-grade; but will sell the security as soon as
reasonably practicable, depending on market conditions, if more than 5% of the
total assets would be invested in securities rated below investment grade.
Securities rated BBB (S&P) or Baa (Moody's) run greater risks of price
fluctuations, default by the issuer, and other risks that may be considered
speculative. Municipal bonds rated below investment-grade may not currently pay
interest and may have extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real
investment standing. (See Appendix A for a description of ratings.)
Issuers of municipal lease securities aren't obligated to continue payments
unless money is appropriated periodically by the legislative body. This could
make collect ing difficult in the case of a default.
Since the Fund concentrates its investments in New York securities, the NAV of
the Fund's shares can be adversely affected by politi cal developments or
economic events in New York State, including a default of a municipal issuer or
a financial crisis.
Investments in futures contracts and options carry certain risks. (See page 59,
Description of Investments and Investment Practices--Risk Management
Techniques.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To help you decide whether taxable or non-taxable yields are better for you, see
page 76 for a comparative yield table.
37
<PAGE>
================================================================================
Tax Free Bond Fund
The Fund's objective is:
================================================================================
to provide a high level of current income free from regular federal income tax,
consistent with the preservation of capital. There may be some earnings,
however, subject to federal tax; and most may be subject to state and local
taxes.
Who should invest? Investors in a high federal income tax bracket or investors
who want to pay less of their investment earnings to the IRS.
See page 56 for more details about the Fund.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHO'S MANAGING YOUR MONEY?
RAVI AKHOURY AND JAMES FLOOD OF MACKAY-SHIELDS FINANCIAL CORPORATION.
Mr. Akhoury, Chairman and CEOof MacKay-Shields, has served as portfolio manager
since the Fund started in 1986. His biography appears on page 29. Mr. Flood is a
Director of MacKay-Shields and has acted as portfolio manager for this Fund
since 1992, when he joined the firm. Previously, he worked for over 8 years as
portfolio manager for Value Line, Inc.
================================================================================
The Fund invests in:
================================================================================
Under normal market conditions...
...tax-exempt securities which are, at the time of pur chase, rated in one of
the top four categories (or short-term tax-exempt securities rated in one of the
top three categories) by Moody's or S&P, or if unrated, deemed by the Adviser to
be of comparable quality. The Fund may also buy futures, options on futures and
cash equivalents.
...at least 80% of net assets in "municipal bonds" issued by, or on behalf of,
the states, the District of Columbia, territories and possessions of the United
States and their political subdivisions, and their agencies, authorities and
instrumentalities.
The two main types of municipal bonds are "General Obligation" and "Revenue"
bonds. (See page 58, Descriptions of Investments and Investment
Practices--Municipal Securities and Municipal Lease Obligations, for details.)
...more than 25% of total assets may be invested in Industrial Development
Bonds, which are generally not secured by the taxing power of the municipality
but are secured by revenues paid by the industrial user.
...not more than 20% of net assets in unrated tax-exempt securities determined
by the Adviser to be of comparable quality to securities rated within the four
highest grades by S&P and Moody's.
...not more than 10% of assets in illiquid municipal lease obligations and other
securities that are "illiquid" (can't be easily sold). (See page 58 for more
details.)
...other investments suitable for most or all MainStay Funds. (See pages 39-40,
General Investment Considerations and pages 56-61, Description of Investments
and Investment Practices, for details.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Risks? Generally, when interest rates fall, expect the NAV to rise, and when
rates rise, expect the NAV to decline.
The Fund may not invest in a tax-exempt security rated below "medium-grade."
Securities rated BBB (S&P) or Baa (Moody's) run greater risks of price
fluctuations, default by the issuer, and other risks that may be considered
speculative. (See Appendix A for a description of ratings.)
Issuers of municipal lease securities aren't obligated to continue payments
unless money is appropriated periodically by the legislative body. This could
make collecting difficult in the case of a default. (For more details, see
California Tax Free Fund, New York Tax Free and Tax Free Bond Fund in the SAI.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Laws may change, and issuers may fail to follow tax laws, causing a tax-exempt
item to become a taxable one.
To help you decide whether taxable or non-taxable yields are better for you, see
page 76 for a comparative yield table.
38
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General Investment Considerations
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
================================================================================
SOME IMPORTANT POINTS TO UNDERSTAND ABOUT INVESTING IN MUTUAL FUNDS
================================================================================
[ART] The share price of a Fund isn't always stable
The value of the securities in a Fund and the share price (NAV) of that Fund
(other than the Money Market Fund) will fluctuate. Many factors can affect the
value of securities, including:
o conditions in the securities markets;
o business success of the companies that issued the securities;
o creditworthiness of the companies that issued the securities;
o interest rates;
o average maturity of the Fund's nonequity or debt investments;
o foreign currency exchange rates (where applicable); and
o other factors.
Funds aren't guaranteed
Remember, mutual funds are not guaranteed or federally insured, even if you buy
them through a bank. MainStay recommends that you speak with your Registered
Representative to learn about other smart ways to help protect your money based
on the level of risk you are willing to take. The Equity Index Fund comes with a
limited guarantee. MainStay also recommends that you discuss its parameters
fully with your Registered Representative before investing. (See page 52, Other
Information About the Funds--Equity Index Fund--The Guarantee, for details.)
Fundamental investment objectives
The investment objective of each Fund is fundamental, which means it can't be
changed without shareholder approval.
Read the prospectus
You need to consider as many factors as possible when making an investment
decision--which is why it's important to read the prospectus.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND DIVERSIFICATION
Each of the Funds, except the Equity Index Fund, International Bond Fund,
California Tax Free Fund, and New York Tax Free Fund, is "diversified" for the
purposes of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended ("1940 Act").
The Equity Index Fund, International Bond Fund, California Tax Free Fund, and
New York Tax Free Fund are each "nondiversified" for the purposes of the 1940
Act, meaning that each may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the
securities of one issuer than a diversified Fund. As a "nondiversified" fund, a
Fund may be more susceptible to risks associated with a single economic,
political, or regulatory occurrence than a diversified portfolio might be.
However, each Fund intends to qualify as a "regulated investment company" under
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and
therefore will be subject to diversification limits requiring that, as of the
close of each fiscal quarter:
o no more than 25% of its total assets may be invested in the securities of a
single issuer (except for U.S. government securities); and
o with respect to 50% of its total assets, no more than 5% of such assets may
be invested in the securities of a single issuer (except for U.S.
government securities) or invested in more than 10% of the outstanding
voting securities of a single issuer.
TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE MEASURES
In times of unusual or adverse market conditions--for temporary defensive
purposes--each Fund, except the Equity Index Fund, may invest without limit in
cash and cash equivalents (as defined on page 56 under Description of
Investments and Investment Practices--Cash Equivalents). In addition, under such
circumstances:
...The High Yield Corporate Bond Fund may invest without limit in securities
rated A or higher by Moody's or S&P, and may invest more than 25% of its net
assets in U.S. government securities;
...The International Equity Fund may invest up to 5% of its assets in debt
instruments rated below investment-grade;
39
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General Investment Considerations
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
...The California Tax Free Fund and New York Tax Free Fund may, for defensive
purposes, each invest more than 25% of its total assets in Industrial
Development and Pollution Control Bonds whether or not the users of facilities
financed by such bonds are located in the same geographic region or whether the
proceeds are used to finance similar types of projects. In cases where users are
in the same locale, or where proceeds are used for similar projects, there may
be additional risk. In an economic downturn in the area, or if a business or
political development affects the area or type of project, there could generally
be less need for the facilities or use of those facilities.
In addition, in adverse market conditions such as an uncertain interest rate
environment or when, in the opinion of the Adviser, no suitable tax-exempt
securities are available, the California Tax Free Fund and New YorkTax Free Fund
may temporarily invest more than 20% of its total assets in taxable money market
instruments, tax-exempt securities of another state (not exempt from taxes of
the Fund's target state), or in tax-exempt securities subject to the Alternative
Minimum Tax. Only those tax-exempt securities of another state which satisfy the
applicable credit and quality standards for California or New York tax-exempt
securities may be purchased by a Fund.
INVESTMENTS IN ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES
Each Fund has a nonfundamental policy (except it is fundamental for California
Tax Free Fund and New York Tax Free Fund) that it will not invest more than 10%
of its net assets (15% for the InternationalBond, International Equityand
Strategic Income Funds) in "illiquid" securities. These are securities subject
to legal or contractual restrictions on resale (other than restricted securities
eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933),
repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days, certain options traded
over the counter or other securities which legally or in the opinion of the
applicable Adviser are deemed illiquid.
The Equity Index Fund is subject to the 10% limit on investments in illiquid
securities but is not permitted to purchase securities subject to restrictions
on disposition under the Securities Act of 1933. There may be undesirable delays
and added costs in selling restricted securities.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The effects of trading costs on your total return
"Portfolio turnover" is the term used in the industry for measuring the amount
of trading that occurs in a fund's portfolio during the year. A 100% turnover
rate, for example, means that, on average, every security in the portfolio has
been replaced once during the year.
Funds with high turnover rates (over 100%) often have higher transaction costs
(which are paid by the fund) and may generate short-term capital gains (on which
you'll pay taxes, even if you don't sell any shares by year-end).
You can find the turnover rate for any fund, in any prospectus, as a line item
in the "Financial Highlights" table for that fund. MainStay recommends, however,
that you consider all the facts when you compare the turnover rates of different
funds. The Strategic Income Fund estimates that its annual portfolio turnover
rate will not exceed 275%.
A fund with consistently higher total returns and higher turnover rates than
another fund may actually be achieving better performance precisely because the
managers are active traders. You should be aware that the "total return" figure
(also found as a line item in a fund's "Financial Highlights" table) already
includes portfolio turnover costs.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ART] Take note:
The High Yield Corporate Bond and International Bond Funds normally must each
invest at least 65% of its total assets in "bonds," and the Tax Free Bond Fund
normally must invest at least 80% of its total assets in "bonds." For this
purpose, each Fund considers the various types of debt or fixed-income
securities in which it invests, as specifically described elsewhere in this
prospectus, to be "bonds" as referenced in the Fund's name. The use of this name
is not meant to restrict each Fund's investment to a narrow category of debt
securities that are formally denominated as "bonds." For additional investment
restrictions, see the Fund descriptions on pages 32 and 53, 33 and 54, and 38
and 56.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
40
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Decide Whether to Pay a Sales Charge Now, Later...or Maybe Never
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MainStay gives you the choice to either pay a sales charge "up-front" (Class A
shares), or pay a sales charge at the "back-end" when you sell (Class Bshares).
Your Registered Representative can help you determine which type of sales charge
would work better for you, based on how much and how long you wish to invest,
and other factors listed in the table below.
MOST OF THE CHARACTERISTICS ARE THE SAME
Both Class A and Class B shares represent an interest in the same investments,
give you the same rights, and are identical in all other respects, except each
bears its own service and distribution expenses (Rule 12b-1 fees), and any other
specific class expenses the Board may approve.
NOT FOR THE MONEY MARKET FUND
The Money Market Fund generally doesn't impose a sales charge and has no Rule
12b-1 fees. There are two classes of shares of the Money Market Fund only to
track exchanges from other Funds.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ART] Take note: The Equity Index Fund only offers Class A shares.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
================================================================================
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES IF YOU...
...PAY UP-FRONT {CLASS A SHARES}?
vs ...PAY WHEN YOU REDEEM/SELL (CLASS B SHARES)?
================================================================================
Since some of your investment goes to pay a sales charge up-front, you start off
owning fewer shares. But, you're usually better off paying up-front if you:
o plan to own the shares for an extended period of time, since the Rule 12b-1
fees on Class B shares will eventually exceed the cost of the up-front
sales charge; or
o qualify for a reduced sales charge (see page 42, Consider Reducing Your
Sales Charge, for details).
You pay lower ongoing Rule 12b-1 fees--which means there's more net income to
pay you higher dividends per share.
You pay no sales charge when you redeem/sell your shares. (except if you bought
more than $1 million of shares and redeemed within 1 year, see page 42)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If there aren't enough shares...
When you sell Class B shares, the Fund is permitted to sell additional Class B
shares to cover the cost of the sales charge. If you don't own enough extra
Class B shares to do this, the sales charge will be taken from the proceeds of
your sale, reducing the amount paid to you.
If it's automatic reinvestment...
You don't pay any sales charge (Class A or Class B) on shares bought through the
automatic reinvestment of dividends or capital gains. The full amount goes
toward buying more shares.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You pay no up-front sales charge, your full investment goes toward buying
shares, so you start off owning more shares.
The ongoing Rule 12b-1 fees are higher, which means:
o you receive lower dividends;
o your NAV will generally be lower; and,
o therefore, total performance per share will be lower than the Class A
shares (but you'll own more shares).
You may pay a sales charge if you sell shares within the next 6 years (there are
exceptions; see page 68, Deferred Sales Charge Class B Shares--Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge, Class B);
o the sales charge drops from 5% in the first year to 0% after six years,
o it's assumed you're selling the shares you've owned the longest, so you pay
the lowest possible sales charge,
o if you sell a Fund's shares, the sales charge will be based on the lower of
the current NAV of Fund shares less dividends and distributions or the
price you originally paid for those shares.
41
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consider Reducing Your Sales Charge
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE REINVESTMENT PRIVILEGE MAY HELP YOU AVOID SALES CHARGES
When you sell shares, you have the right--for 30 days--to reinvest any or all of
the money in any MainStay Fund without paying another sales charge (as long as
those shares haven't been reinvested once already). If you've paid a sales
charge when you redeem (Class B shares), you'll receive a pro-rata credit for
reinvesting.
Note:
Reinvestment won't relieve you of any tax consequences on gains realized
from the sale. The deductions for losses may, however, be denied and, in some
cases, sales charges may not be taken into account in computing gains or losses
if the reinvestment privilege is exercised.
COMBINING PURCHASES LOWERS THE CHARGE
Generally, you can reduce a sales charge on purchases of Class A shares based on
how much you've already invested. The sales charge will be calculated on the
total net asset value of all the MainStay Fund shares you own--excluding Money
Market Fund shares. This is helpful because the more you invest with MainStay,
the lower the sales charge. (See Alternative Sales Arrangements, page 66.)
Make your actions known
To receive the reduced sales charge, you must convey the information about the
shares you already own at the time you buy on the new account application. This
privilege of "Rights of Accumulation" may be ended or altered at any time upon
written notice.
REGULAR WITHDRAWALS TO PAY PREMIUMS
You won't pay a sales charge upon selling (Class B shares or Class A shares if
you purchased $1 million or more) if you redeem shares under the Systematic
Withdrawal Plan to pay scheduled monthly premiums on insurance issued by New
York Life or an affiliate.
SIGN A LETTER OF INTENT (LOI)
If you qualify, you can sign a letter stating your intention to invest at least
$100,000 within the next 24 months in Class A shares of one or more MainStay
Funds and to pay the up-front sales charge. The current sales charge will be
based on the total amount you intend to invest (the more you invest, the smaller
the sales charge). See Alternative Sales Arrangements, page 66. For more
information on LOIs, call your Registered Representative or MainStay Shareholder
Services, Inc. ("MSS") at 1-800-MAINSTAY.
INVEST $1,000,000 OR MORE
If you invest $1,000,000 or more in Class A shares of one or more MainStay
Funds, and don't sell the shares for at least one year, the up-front sales
charge is waived. If you sell the shares within one year, you will pay a sales
charge of 1% upon sale. See page 67, Reduced Sales Charges on Class A
shares--Contingent Deferred Sales Charge, Class A, for details. (This rule
doesn't apply to exchanges between MainStay Funds or withdrawals from qualified
pension, profit sharing, and retirement plans.) Purchases of $1,000,000 or more
must be for Class A shares only.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ART] Take note: Sales charges are sometimes waived
There are other situations, including purchases by certain retirement plans,
which entitle you to a waiver of the sales charge. (For purchases at NAV, see
page 67 for the full listing.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
42
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Open an Account and...
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RELY ON YOUR REGISTERED REPRESENTATIVE
MainStay Funds are called "load" funds, meaning you pay a sales charge for the
ongoing assistance and advice of your Registered Representative.
"No-load" (no commission) funds generally require you to buy their shares on
your own, directly from them.
HAVE YOUR REGISTERED REPRESENTATIVE PLACE THE ORDER
Your Registered Representative can enter your order immediately by calling
NYLIFE Distributors, Inc. (the "Distributor"), help you complete the application
correctly and send it in for you.
The Distributor must receive payment within 3 business days or MainStay will
cancel your order. You and/or the broker/dealer may also be liable for any
losses or fees incurred.
YOU MUST INVEST AT LEAST THE MINIMUM AMOUNT
To open an account:
o $1,000 for Money Market Fund and Equity Index Fund;
o $500 for all other Funds;
o Each time after that: $50 for all Funds except the Equity Index Fund (which
has a $1,000 minimum).
Except for the Equity Index Fund, the minimum initial investment is waived for
purchases by Trustees of the Trust, New York Life and its subsidiaries and their
employees, officers, directors or agents.
FILL OUT THE APPLICATION COMPLETELY...
...with your Registered Representative's help.
Be sure to include the:
o name(s) you want to appear on the account;
o MainStay Fund(s) you want to invest in;
o choice of Class A or Class B shares;
o amount of the investment;
o your certified Social Security number or Taxpayer I.D. number;
o financial information;
o employer information; and
o other requested information.
================================================================================
HOW TO BUY SHARES
================================================================================
[GRAPHIC OF A CHECK PARTIALLY PLACED INTO AN ENVELOPE]
SEND A CHECK TO YOUR REGISTERED REPRESENTATIVE WITH THE APPLICATION
You'll pay the next NAV that's set after your order is received and accepted,
plus any sales charge if purchasing Class A shares. Your check must be in U.S.
dollars and drawn on a U.S. bank. Include the account number, Fund name and
class of shares (Class A or Class B) you wish to buy. If the check doesn't
clear, your order will be cancelled and you could be liable for losses or fees.
We also reserve the right to limit the number of checks processed at one time.
You may send additional investments (minimum $50 each check; except $1,000 for
the Equity Index Fund) directly to: The MainStay Funds, PO Box 8401, Boston, MA
02266-8401. Please include your fund and account number and class of shares with
all checks.
[GRAPHIC OF A TELEPHONE]
HAVE YOUR REGISTERED REPRESENTATIVE ORDER BY TELEPHONE...
... between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM Eastern time on any day the New York Stock
Exchange is open. You'll pay the next NAV that's set after your order is
received and accepted, plus any sales charge for Class A shares. Have your
Registered Representative call the Distributor. Purchase orders effected by
telephone are subject to a purchase minimum of $5,000 per Fund. You may not
purchase shares of the Money Market Fund by telephone. The Distributor must
receive your money (and the application, if it's your initial investment) within
the next 3 business days. All calls are recorded.
43
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
...Buy Shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAKE SURE YOU ARE USING THE PROPER FORMS
Your order to buy is only accepted when received by the Shareholder Servicing
Agent with all information, signatures, documents, and payments required to
carry it out. Federal law requires you to provide a certified Taxpayer I.D.
number when you open an account.
BUY SHARES AT THE CURRENT MARKET PRICE
(known as the net asset value, or NAV) on days the New York Stock Exchange is
open.
The NAV--the price of a share that is used for buying and selling--is determined
each day that the New York Stock Exchange is open. For each Fund, other than the
Money Market Fund, NAV is calculated at the close of business of the New York
Stock Exchange (normally at 4:00 PM Eastern time). For the Money Market Fund,
NAV is determined at noon.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[GRAPHIC] NAV is calculated by:
o taking the current market value of the Fund's total assets attributable to
a class of shares (either Class A shares or Class B shares) or, in the case
of the Money Market Fund, using the amortized cost method of valuation;
o subtracting the liabilities attributable to that class; and
o dividing the remainder by the total number of shares owned of that class.
(See page 71 and the SAI for the full details on calculating NAV.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[GRAPHIC] Make sure your application is complete
MainStay and the Distributor each reserves the right to reject your application,
particularly if it's incomplete (for instance, if you haven't included your
certified Taxpayer I.D. number).
Choices
If you want the ability to sell shares by telephone, or receive checks for the
dividends or capital gains you earn, you must grant authorization on the
application.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
================================================================================
[GRAPHIC OF A RADIO TOWER]
WIRE MONEY FROM YOUR BANK ACCOUNT
Have your Registered Representative call the Distributor for an account number
and wiring instructions. Give them to your bank, which may charge a fee for
wiring. The Distributor must receive your money (and application, if it's your
initial investment) within the next 3 business days.
To buy shares the same day, your Registered Representative must call by noon,
Eastern time, and the wire must be received by the Shareholder Servicing Agent
before 4:00 pm Eastern time. (See page 65, How to Purchase Shares of the
Funds--By Wire, for the wire address.) No wires are accepted on days when the
New York Stock Exchange is closed, or on Martin Luther King Day, Columbus Day or
Veterans Day, because the bank that would receive your wire is closed.
The fastest way to invest
Wiring will reduce the waiting time on selling or exchanging shares because your
money will be cleared right away. If you buy by check and quickly decide to
sell, the Fund will withhold payment for up to 10 days of purchase or until the
check clears, whichever is first.
[GRAPHIC OF A CLOCK]
SET UP A SYSTEMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN
Through payroll deductions or AutoInvest, you may open an account by authorizing
your bank to automatically send money on a regular schedule to purchase shares
of one or more MainStay Funds. The initial minimum is $100 per Fund per class of
share, except $1,000 for the Money Market Fund and the Equity Index Fund.
Subsequent minimum investments for all Funds are $50, except $1,000 for the
Equity Index Fund. (See page 65, How to Purchase Shares of the Funds--Systematic
Investment Plans, for waiving minimums and for details on AutoInvest.)
44
<PAGE>
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Know How to Sell and Exchange Shares
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLACE YOUR SALES ORDER DIRECTLY OR THROUGH YOUR REGISTERED REPRESENTATIVE, IF
ALLOWED BY THE BROKER DEALER
If you place the order through your Registered Representative:
o The transfer agent must receive the order with all the information,
signatures, and documentation necessary to carry out the order ("good
order").
o Your shares are then priced at the next NAV set for the Fund (either 4:00
PM Eastern time that day, or the next day, if the order is placed too late)
after receipt of your order.
IF YOU PLACE THE ORDER DIRECTLY, YOU CAN DO IT THROUGH A WRITTEN REQUEST OR IN
ONE OF THE FOLLOWING THREE WAYS
When you want to use one of MainStay's alternative selling privileges, call
1-800-MAINSTAY to verify that the options you want are on record--before you
need to use them.
You may also establish a Systematic Exchange Program to have a minimum of $100
exchanged periodically from any MainStay Fund (except the Equity Index Fund) to
another MainStay Fund within the same class of shares. The Fund from which
exchanges are made must have an account value of at least $10,000 at the time
the Systematic Exchange Program is established. (See page 69, Redemptions and
Exchanges--Exchange Privileges, for details.)
OPTION 1
WRITE A CHECK (IF YOU OWN SHARES OF THE MONEY MARKET FUND) [GRAPHIC]
o Minimum amount: $100
o Authorization: The Fund must receive a completed signature card and
authorization form
You may open a special account with State Street Bank and Trust Company for
writing checks against the money in your Money Market Fund account. (This is not
available for qualified retirement plans or IRAs.) You'll be sent a supply of
checks. When you write a check, the Fund will sell enough shares to cover the
amount and any applicable deferred sales charge.
If you write a check for more than the value of your shares--plus any deferred
sales charge--the Fund will return the check and may assess an extra charge.
You're entitled to the dividends declared on shares you redeem up to the time
the check is processed.
You may not close your account by writing a check.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[GRAPHIC OF A CHECK]
Your shares could be redeemed involuntarily
To reduce expenses, we have the right to redeem the shares in any account valued
at less than $250 ($500 for the Money Market Fund), provided that the value
isn't based on fluctuations in market prices.
We'll give you 60 days' written notice to give you time to add to your account
and avoid the redemption.
To avoid paying a reporting penalty, we may also redeem your shares if you
haven't given us a certified Taxpayer I.D. number.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPTION 2
[GRAPHIC OF A CALENDAR]
USE A SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
o Requires at least $10,000 in the account at time of request
You may arrange to make monthly redemptions of $100 or more from any Fund other
than the Equity Index Fund. Shares will be sold automatically to cover the
amount plus any applicable sales charge.
These redemptions, like any sale, may result in a gain or loss and, therefore,
may be subject to taxation. Consult your tax adviser on the consequences.
MainStay may end this plan at any time, or begin charging up to $5 per
redemption after 30 days' written notice to you.
No sales charges
There are no deferred sales charges on systematic redemptions to pay scheduled
monthly premiums on policies issued by New York Life or an affiliate.
Words to the wise
We don't recommend using this plan during times when you're regularly buying
shares. You'll be paying new sales charges just to replace the shares you're
selling.
Also remember, these redemptions aren't dividends or income. If you redeem more
than your Fund is earning for you, eventually, your account will be worth less
than your original investment and, ultimately, you will redeem all of your
shares.
Systematic withdrawal plans established by phone are subject to the procedures
applicable to telephone redemptions.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You have help
If permitted by the broker-dealer, your Registered Representative may sell or
exchange your shares, or set up a systematic withdrawal plan for you, by phone,
unless you notify us in writing not to allow it.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
45
<PAGE>
OPTION 3
[GRAPHIC OF A TELEPHONE]
MAKE A TELEPHONE REQUEST:
1-800-MAINSTAY
You may sell or exchange shares directly over the phone.
o Minimum amount: $500 for exchanges
o You automatically have this privilege unless you notify us in writing that
you do not want it.
Whether you're buying, selling, or requesting a wire transfer or a check, the
price you receive is the next price (NAV) determined for the Fund (either at
4:00 PM Eastern time that day; or at 4:00 PM the next day, if the order is
placed too late) after receipt of your order.
Your broker-dealer must receive your order by 4:00 PM, and is responsible for
sending it in by 5:00 PM the day you place it.
o Be ready to present your Social Security number or Taxpayer I.D. number
over the phone.
o You can only exchange by phone between accounts with identical names,
addresses and Social Security numbers/Taxpayer I.D. numbers. Exchanges
between different accounts are only allowed if made in writing and include
the proper information--ask your Registered Representative.
Telephone redemptions are not permitted for shares:
o represented by certificates;
o bought within the previous 10 calendar days; or
o owned by someone whose address of record has changed within the previous 30
days.
Telephone exchanges are not permitted for shares represented by certificate.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ART] Convenient, yes...but not risk-free
Telephone redemption privileges are convenient, but you give up some security.
By signing an application to purchase shares, you agree that neither MainStay
Funds nor the Shareholder Servicing Agent will be liable for following
instructions via the phone that they reasonably believe are genuine. When using
the MainStay Audio Response System, you bear the risk of any loss from your
errors in using the System, unless the Fund or the Shareholder Servicing Agent
fails to use established safeguards for your protection. These safeguards are
among those currently in place at MainStay Funds:
o all phone calls are tape recorded;
o written confirmation of every transaction is sent to your address of
record.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We'll send your money within the next 7 days. MainStay will make the payment,
minus any deferred sales charge, within 7 days after receiving your redemption
request in "good order." You will receive the first NAV fixed after your order
is received in "good order."
Use exchange privileges. Once you open an account, you may exchange shares of
the same class (Class A shares for Class A shares; Class B shares for Class B
shares) between MainStay Funds without a sales charge. There are two exceptions.
You will pay a sales charge if you:
o exchange shares of the Money Market Fund for Class A shares in another
Fund, unless you've already paid the sales charge on those shares; or,
o exchange Class B shares out of the Money Market Fund into another Fund and
redeem within 6 years of the original purchase.
You may not exchange Class A shares for Class B shares, or vice versa. If you
sell Class B shares and then buy Class A shares, you may have to pay a deferred
sales charge on the Class B shares, as applicable, and pay an initial sales
charge on the Class A shares.
When exchanged shares are redeemed, any applicable sales charge will be charged.
What if you buy by check then quickly sell? We will withhold payment for up to
10 days of purchase or until the check clears, whichever is first.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you're requesting a wire transfer by phone
o Minimum amount: $5,000
o Limit: One every 30 days
o Authorization: You must select this option on your application
After receiving your sell order by phone, we will send the proceeds by bank wire
to your designated bank account the next business day. Your bank may charge you
a fee to receive the wire transfer.
If you're requesting a check by phone
o Maximum amount: $100,000
The check will be payable to you--as the name (or names) appear on the
account--and mailed to the address appearing on the account. (See page 69,
Redemptions and Exchanges, for more details.)
Requests to redeem shares valued at more than $100,000 must be made in writing
and require a signature guarantee.
You may change your mind
To cancel any telephone privilege, call 1-800-MAINSTAY between 8:00 AM and 6:00
PM Eastern time. We reserve the right to suspend or end telephone privileges at
any time without notice.
46
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Decide How to Receive Your Earnings
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TWO KINDS OF EARNINGS
DIVIDENDS AND INTEREST
Most Funds earn either dividends from stocks, interest from bonds and other
securities, or both. A mutual fund, however, always pays this income to you as
"dividends." The dividends paid by each Fund will vary based on the income from
its investments and the expenses incurred by the Fund.
When the Funds pay
The Money Market Fund declares dividends daily; you're paid monthly. The High
Yield Corporate Bond, Government, Tax Free Bond, International Bond, Strategic
Income, California Tax Free and New York Tax Free Funds declare and distribute
any dividends monthly. The other Funds, except the Equity Index Fund, declare
and distribute any dividends quarterly. The Equity Index Fund distributes
dividends at least annually.
In the Money Market Fund, you begin earning dividends the business day after the
transfer agent receives your investment and is open for business.
CAPITAL GAINS
Funds earn capital gains when they sell securities in their portfolio at a
profit.
When the Funds pay
At the end of each fiscal year, each MainStay Fund matches its gains against its
losses. If the balance results in a gain, the Fund will distribute the gain to
shareholders.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When are you paid? On the first business day of each month after a dividend is
declared.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW TO TAKE YOUR EARNINGS
You may choose how to receive earnings (and change your choice as often as you
like) by notifying your Registered Representative (if permitted by the
broker-dealer) or MainStay directly. If you don't make a choice on your
application, your earnings will be automatically reinvested in the same class of
shares of the same Fund. In order to reinvest dividends and/or capital gains in
another Fund, you must have an established account in that class of shares of
that Fund. Here are your choices:
REINVEST EVERYTHING IN:
o the same Fund; or
o in another Fund of your choice.
TAKE THE DIVIDENDS IN CASH
Reinvest the capital gains in:
o the same Fund; or
o in another Fund of your choice.
TAKE THE CAPITAL GAINS IN CASH
Reinvest the dividends in:
o the same Fund; or
o in another Fund of your choice.
TAKE EVERYTHING IN CASH
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Understand the Tax Consequences
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Each Fund intends to be treated as a regulated investment company under
subchapter M of the Code. As a regulated investment company, each MainStay Fund
is required to distribute at least 90% of its:
o net taxable income;
o net short-term capital gains; and
o net tax-exempt income. "Net" means the amount remaining after tax deductible
expenses (expenses reduce "gross" earnings: in other words, the amount the Fund
can pay to you.)
MOST OF YOUR DIVIDENDS ARE TAXABLE
Virtually all of the dividends you receive from The MainStay Funds (except the
California Tax Free, New York Tax Free and the Tax Free Bond Funds) are taxable,
whether you take them as cash or automatically reinvest them. Some dividends
will be taxable as long-term capital gains.
Tax-free dividends are different
Dividends earned from tax-exempt securities will usually be free from federal
tax. Your MainStay year-end statement will provide full tax information.
MainStay keeps track of your tax status and will mail your tax report each year
by January 31. This report will tell you which dividends and redemptions should
be treated as taxable ordinary income, which, if any, as tax-exempt income, and
which, if any, as long- and short-term capital gains.
Retirement plans
None of the dividends earned in a tax-deferred retirement plan are taxable until
distributed from the plan.
Taxes on foreign investment income
(Mainly from the International Bond and International Equity Funds.) Income
earned from investments in foreign countries may be withheld by those countries
as income taxes. Under certain circumstances, the Fund may elect to pass along
tax credits or deductions to you for foreign income taxes paid, although there
are no assurances that the Fund will be able to do so, or that the credits or
deductions will result in a tax benefit to you.
See page 71 for the tax consequences of the Equity Index Fund guarantee.
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[GRAPHIC] Seek assistance
Your Registered Representative is always available to help you keep your
investment goals coordinated with your tax considerations. You should, however,
rely on your tax adviser for tax counsel.
For additional information on taxation, see the SAI.
Don't overlook sales charges
The amount you pay in sales charges reduces gains and increases losses for tax
purposes.
All income affects your benefits
The government includes tax-exempt income when computing the amount of social
security or other benefits that are subject to tax.
[GRAPHIC] "Tax Free" rarely means "totally tax-free"
o The California Tax Free, New York Tax Free and Tax Free Bond Funds (or any
tax-free fund) may earn taxable income--in other words, you may have
taxable income even from a generally tax-free fund.
o Tax-exempt dividends may still be subject to state and local taxes.
o Any time you sell shares--even shares of a tax-free fund--you will be
subject to tax on any gain (the rise in the share price).
o If you sell shares in a tax-free fund before you become entitled to receive
tax-exempt interest as a dividend, a portion of sales proceeds may be
taxable when paid to you. This is because it will be considered to be money
from the sale instead of a dividend.
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48
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Know With Whom You're Investing
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
================================================================================
WHO MANAGES YOUR MONEY?
================================================================================
Under the supervision of the Funds' Trustees, the investment advisers (each an
"Adviser" and collectively the "Advisers") are responsible for making the
specific decisions about buying, selling and holding securities; selecting
brokers and brokerage firms to trade for them; maintaining accurate records;
and, if possible, negotiating favorable commissions and fees with the brokers
and brokerage firms. For these services, the investment advisers are paid
monthly fees by each Fund. (See Investment Advisers, Administrator and
Distributor--The Advisers, page 63, for a breakdown of their fees.)
================================================================================
MacKay-Shields Financial Corporation
9 West 57th St.
New York, N.Y. 10019
================================================================================
MacKay-Shields manages all the Funds in this prospectus, except the Equity Index
Fund. The firm was incorporated in 1969 as an independent investment advisory
firm and was privately held until 1984 when it became a wholly owned but
autonomously managed subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company. As of
December 31, 1996, MacKay-Shields managed over $23.6 billion in assets.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
================================================================================
Monitor Capital Advisors, Inc.
504 Carnegie Center
Princeton, N.J. 08540
================================================================================
Monitor serves as investment adviser to the Equity Index Fund. Monitor is a
wholly owned subsidiary of NYLIFE Inc. and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary
of New York Life Insurance Company. Monitor, a registered investment adviser
incorporated in 1988, specializes in quantitative investment techniques such as
enhanced indexing and asset allocation. As of December 31, 1996, Monitor managed
assets totaling approximately $1.8 billion, mainly of index funds.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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[ART] Who works to protect your interests?
A Board of Trustees oversees the Funds. The Trustees have financial or other
relevant experience and meet several times during the year to review contracts,
Fund activities, and the quality of services provided to the Funds. Other than
serving as Trustees, most of the Board Members have no affiliation with MainStay
Funds or its service providers.
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49
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Know With Whom You're Investing
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHO DISTRIBUTES THE MAINSTAY FUNDS?
NYLIFE Distributors Inc., 260 Cherry Hill Road, Parsippany, N.J. 07054, acts as
the principal underwriter and distributor of the Funds' shares. NYLIFE
Distributors Inc. (the "Distributor") is a corporation organized under New York
laws and is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance
Company. The Distributor offers shares of each Fund. In addition, NYLIFE
Securities Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance
Company, and other broker-dealers offer shares of some or all of the Funds
pursuant to dealer agreements with the Distributor. The Distributor and other
broker-dealers pay commissions and service fees to Registered Representatives.
The Distributor also pays for printing and mailing prospectuses and sales
literature; and for any advertising for The MainStay Funds. For its services,
the Distributor is paid a monthly fee--the Rule 12b-1 fee--and retains a portion
of sales charges. (See page 64, The Investment Advisers, Administrator and
Distributor--The Distributor for more details.)
WHO KEEPS TRACK OF YOUR ACCOUNT?
MainStay Shareholder Services Inc. (MSS) is the Funds' Transfer, Dividend
Disbursing and Shareholder Servicing Agent. MSS, whose address is 260 Cherry
Hill Road, Parsippany, N.J. 07054, is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of New
York Life Insurance Company. MSS provides customer service, is responsible for
preparing and sending statements, confirms and checks, and keeps certain
financial and accounting records. MSS has entered into an agreement with Boston
Financial Data Services (BFDS), whose address is 2 Heritage Drive, North Quincy,
MA 02171. BFDS will perform certain of the services for which MSS is
responsible. In addition, the Funds may contract with other service
organizations, including broker-dealers and other financial institutions, which
will establish a single omnibus account for their clients with the Funds. The
service organizations will provide shareholder services to the shareholders
within the omnibus accounts and receive fees for those services from the Funds.
The Bank of New York is the custodian of the investments of the Equity Index,
International Bond, International Equity, Strategic Income, California Tax Free
and New York Tax Free Funds and has subcustodial agreements for holding the
Funds' foreign securities.
State Street Bank and Trust Company is the Custodian of the investments of the
Capital Appreciation, Convertible, Government, High Yield Corporate Bond, Money
Market, Tax Free Bond, Total Return and Value Funds, and has subcustodial
agreements for holding the Funds' foreign securities.
WHO RUNS MAINSTAY'S DAY-TO-DAY BUSINESS?
NYLIFE Distributors Inc. (the "Administrator") also serves as the administrator,
handling business affairs for The MainStay Funds. The Administrator provides
offices and conducts clerical, recordkeeping and bookkeeping services, and keeps
most of the financial and accounting records required for each Fund.
The Administrator pays the salaries and expenses of all personnel affiliated
with the Trust, and all the operational expenses that aren't the responsibility
of the Funds. (See page 63, Investment Advisers, Administrator and Distributor,
and the SAI for full details.)
For its services, the Trust pays the Administrator a monthly fee. (See the
breakdown on page 63, The Investment Advisers, Administrator and
Distributor--The Administrator.)
50
<PAGE>
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Know Your Rights as a Shareholder
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO ASK ANY QUESTIONS
Any time you have a question about your account, you should:
o ask your Registered Representative;
o call 1-800-MAINSTAY (between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM Eastern time); or
o write to The MainStay Funds, P.O. Box 8401, Boston, Massachusetts,
02266-8401.
THE RIGHT TO RECEIVE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR INVESTMENT -- CALL 1-800-MAINSTAY
You receive quarterly statements (monthly statements for the Money Market Fund)
covering the Funds you own, including the number and value of shares, dividends
declared or paid and other information.
Confirmations
Every time you buy, sell or exchange shares between Funds, you'll receive a
confirmation in the mail shortly thereafter. It summarizes all the key
information: what you bought and sold, what it cost, the sales charge (if any),
and other vital data. The Money Market Fund mails confirmations once a month
detailing dividend and account activity.
Financial reports
You will receive an annual financial statement for your Fund, examined by the
Fund's independent accountants. You will also receive semiannual financial
statements which are unaudited.
Each financial report shows as of the end of the reporting period:
o the investments owned by the Fund;
o the market value of each investment; and
o other financial information.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[GRAPHIC] Keep your statements.
You may need them for tax reporting purposes.
Be alert: Mistakes can happen.
Always review your confirmations and statements immediately.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE RIGHT TO HAVE ONE SHARE, ONE VOTE
o Every share issued by a Fund carries equal ownership rights.
o By owning shares, you're entitled to vote on certain issues and policies
regarding the Fund or class of shares you own. You have one vote per share
you own.
o You're entitled to vote in the election of MainStay Trustees and to ratify
independent accountants.
o You're entitled to approve the adoption of a new investment advisory
agreement or plan of distribution relating to the Fund.
o You're also entitled to approve any changes in fundamental investment
restrictions or policies of the Fund.
THE RIGHT TO ATTEND MEETINGS
Although MainStay doesn't intend to hold annual shareholder meetings, you have
the right to call a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of voting on
removing a Trustee for cause. Removing a Trustee requires the approval of
two-thirds of the outstanding shares of The MainStay Funds. Generally,
shareholder meetings are only held when the Trustees recommend an action which
requires shareholder approval.
51
<PAGE>
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Tell Me The Details
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
================================================================================
THE TRUST
================================================================================
The Trust is registered with the SEC as an open-end management investment
company under the 1940 Act. Each Fund has a separate investment objective or
objectives which it pursues through separate investment policies, as described
in Tell Me the Key Facts on pages 25 through 38 and in the SAI. The differences
in objectives and policies among the Funds can be expected to affect the degree
of market and financial risk to which each Fund is subject and the investment
return of each Fund. The Trust was established as a Massachusetts business trust
on January 9, 1986 by a Declaration of Trust.
Shares have non-cumulative voting rights, do not have preemptive or subscription
rights and are transferable. No contingent deferred sales charge would be
imposed on distributions during liquidation of a Fund. As of April 1, 1997,
NYLIFE Distributors Inc. owned a controlling interest (as that term is defined
under the 1940 Act) of the New York Tax Free Fund.
As of December 31, 1996, the Trust had aggregate net assets of $9,126,056,988,
and 290,263 shareholders.
================================================================================
OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE FUNDS
================================================================================
None of the Funds alone constitutes a complete investment program.
Investment decisions for each Fund are made independently from those of the
other accounts and investment companies that may be managed by the Advisers.
However, if such other accounts or investment companies are prepared to invest
in, or desire to dispose of, securities in which one Fund invests at the same
time as another Fund, available investments or opportunities for sales will be
allocated equitably to each. In some cases, this procedure may adversely affect
the size of the position obtained for or disposed of by a Fund or the price paid
or received by a Fund.
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CONVERTIBLE FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In selecting convertible securities for purchase or sale, the Adviser takes into
account a variety of investment considerations, including credit risk, projected
interest return and the premium for the convertible security relative to the
underlying common stock.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, based upon the dollar-weighted
average ratings of the Fund's portfolio holdings at the end of each month in the
Fund's fiscal year, the Fund had the following percentages of its net assets
invested in securities rated in the categories indicated (all ratings are by
S&P):
8.82% in securities rated AAA
10.74% in securities rated AA
4.91% in securities rated A
18.65% in securities rated BBB
8.76% in securities rated BB
25.60% in securities rated B
2.52% in securities rated CCC
0.13% in securities rated C
17.65% in cash and cash equivalents
2.22% in equity securities
These figures are intended solely to provide disclosure about the Fund's asset
composition during its fiscal year ended December 31, 1996. The asset
composition after this time may or may not be the same as represented by such
figures. In addition, the categories reflect ratings by S&P, and ratings
assigned by Moody's may not be consistent with ratings assigned by S&P or other
credit rating services, and the Adviser may not necessarily agree with a rating
assigned by any credit rating agency.
The Fund may sell short against the box, among other reasons, to hedge against a
possible market decline in the value of the security owned or to enhance
liquidity. For more information on short sales against the box see page 59.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EQUITY INDEX FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When the Fund has cash reserves, the Fund may invest in cash equivalents, U.S.
government securities and repurchase agreements with respect thereto. The Fund
may also invest up to 25% of its total assets in securities of issuers in one
industry (unless the Index exceeds that concentration) and lend up to 30% of its
total assets to financial institutions.
The Guarantee
NYLIFE Inc. ("NYLIFE"), a New York corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of
New York Life Insurance Company ("New York Life"), will guarantee
unconditionally and irrevocably pursuant to a Guaranty Agreement between NYLIFE
and the Fund (the "Guarantee") that if, exactly 10 years from the date of
purchase (the "Guarantee Date"), the net asset value of a unit equal to the net
asset value of a Fund share when purchased, plus the value of all dividends and
distributions paid, including cumulative reinvested dividends and distributions
attributable to such share paid during that 10-year period ("Guaranteed Share"),
is less than the public offering price initially paid for the share ("Guaranteed
Amount"), NYLIFE will pay for disbursement to shareholders
52
<PAGE>
an amount equal to the difference between the Guaranteed Amount for each such
share and the net asset value of each such Guaranteed Share outstanding and held
by shareholders as of the close of business on the Guarantee Date. There is no
charge to the Fund or its Shareholders for the Guarantee.
If the Fund pays a dividend or distribution in cash to all Fund shareholders,
the amount of the distribution will reduce the Guaranteed Amount with respect to
each Guaranteed Share in the amount of such cash distribution. Fund shares may
be redeemed or exchanged by shareholders prior to their Guarantee Date. However,
any such redeemed or exchanged shares will lose the benefit of the Guarantee.
Following the Guarantee Date, the shares of the Equity Index Fund will be
subject to those risks normally associated with an investment in shares of a
mutual fund that invests in securities represented in the Index.
NYLIFE is a New York holding company incorporated on January 26, 1984. Audited
financial statements for NYLIFE for its most recent fiscal year ended December
31, 1996, appear in the SAI.
New York Life is a mutual life insurance company. Payment obligations under the
Guarantee will be solely the obligations of NYLIFE. None of the Fund, New York
Life, Monitor, NYLIFE Distributors Inc., NYLIFE Securities Inc., any of their
affiliates nor any other party is undertaking any obligation to the Fund or its
shareholders with respect to the Guarantee. New York Life is not obligated to
pay any claim under the Guarantee or to make additional capital contributions to
NYLIFE.
For more information on the Guarantee, see the SAI.
How the indexing works
The weightings of stocks in the Index are based on each stock's relative total
market capitalization (the stock's market price per share times the number of
shares outstanding). The Adviser seeks to provide investment results which
mirror the perfor mance of the Index. The Adviser attempts to achieve this
objective by investing in all stocks in the Index in the same proportion as
their representation in the Index.
It is a reasonable expectation that there will be a close correlation between
the Fund's performance and that of the Index in both rising and falling markets.
The correlation between the performance of the Fund and the Index is expected to
be at least 0.95. A correlation of 1.00 would indicate perfect correlation,
which would be achieved when the Fund's NAV, including the value of its dividend
and capital gains distributions, increases or decreases in exact proportion to
changes in the Index. The Fund's correlation, however, may be affected by, among
other things, transaction costs, changes in either the composition of the Index
or number of shares outstanding for the components of the Index, and the timing
and amount of shareholder redemptions, if any.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOVERNMENT FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in
U.S. government securities, which include obligations issued or guaranteed by
the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities which are supported by:
(i) the full faith and credit of the U.S. government e.g., GNMA certificates;
(ii) the right of the issuer to borrow an amount limited to a specific line of
credit from the U.S. government; (iii) the credit of the instrumentality (e.g.,
bonds issued by the FNMA); or (iv) the discretionary authority of the U.S.
government to purchase certain obligations of U.S. government agencies or
instrumentalities.
The agencies and instrumentalities that issue U.S. government securities
include, among others specifically mentioned in this prospectus: Federal Land
Banks, Farmers Home Administration, Central Bank for Cooperatives, Federal
Intermediate Credit Banks, Federal Farm Credit Bank, Student Loan Marketing
Association and U.S. Maritime Administration.
The Fund anticipates that a significant portion of its portfolio may consist of
Treasury bonds, GNMA mortgage-backed certificates and other U.S. government
securities representing ownership interests in mortgage pools, such as
securities issued by FNMA and FHLMC.
Although the mortgage loans in the pool underlying a GNMA certificate will have
maturities of up to 30 years, the actual average life of a GNMA certificate
typically will be substantially less because the mortgages will be subject to
normal principal amortization and may be prepaid prior to maturity.
The duration of the Fund's portfolio will be managed in light of current and
projected economic and market conditions and other factors considered relevant
by the Adviser.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BOND FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Fund seeks to maximize current income through investment in a diversified
portfolio of high yield debt securities. Capital appreciation is a secondary
objective; and will be sought only when consistent with the Fund's primary
objective. For example, capital appreciation will be sought by lengthening the
maturities of high yield debt securities held in the Fund's portfolio during
periods when the Adviser expects interest rates to decline.
Since available yields and yield differentials vary over time, no specific level
of income or yield differential can ever be ensured.
Debt securities in which the Fund may invest include all types of debt
obligations of both domestic and foreign issuers, such as bonds, debentures,
notes, equipment lease certificates, equipment trust certificates, conditional
sales contracts,
53
<PAGE>
commercial paper and U.S. government securities (including obligations, such as
repurchase agreements, secured by such instruments).
The Fund may invest in participation interests in loans. Such participation
interests, which may take the form of interests in, or assignments of, loans,
are acquired from banks which have made loans or are members of lending
syndicates. The Fund's investments in loan participation interests will be
subject to its limitation on investments in illiquid securities and, to the
extent applicable, its limitation on investments in securities rated below
investment grade.
The Adviser seeks to reduce risk through diversification, credit analysis and
attention to current developments and trends in both the economy and financial
markets. In addition, investments in foreign securities may serve to provide
further diversification. For a further discussion of the special risks of
investing in lower-rated and foreign securities, see Risks of Investing in High
Yield Securities (`Junk Bonds') and Foreign Securities in this prospectus.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, based upon the dollar-weighted
average ratings of the Fund's portfolio holdings at the end of each month in the
Fund's fiscal year, the Fund had the following percentages of its net assets
invested in securities rated in the categories indicated (all ratings are by
S&P):
24.25% in securities rated AAA
13.96% in securities rated BB
39.24% in securities rated B
7.83% in securities rated CCC
0.14% in securities rated D
2.07% in unrated securities
1.57% in cash and cash equivalents
10.94% in equity securities
These figures are intended solely to provide disclosure about the Fund's asset
composition during its fiscal year ended December 31, 1996. The asset
composition after this time may or may not be the same as represented by such
figures. In addition, the categories reflect ratings by S&P, and ratings
assigned by Moody's may not be consistent with ratings assigned by S&P or other
credit ratings services, and the Adviser may not necessarily agree with a rating
assigned by any credit rating agency.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTERNATIONAL BOND FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The International Bond Fund is intended for investors who are seeking
competitive overall return commensurate with an acceptable level of risk from an
international portfolio of debt securities, but who also understand that
international fixed income investments involve more risk than comparable
domestic securities, due, in part, to fluctuating currency values.
In making investments for the Fund, the Adviser considers factors such as
prospects for currency exchange and interest rates, and inflation in each
country, relative economic growth, government policies influencing exchange
rates and business conditions, and quality of individual issuers. The Adviser
will also determine, using good faith and judgement, (1) country allocation; (2)
currency exposure (asset allocation across currencies); and (3) diversified
security holdings within each market.
To hedge the market value of securities held, proposed to be held or sold or
relating to foreign currency exchange rates, the Fund may enter into or purchase
securities or securities index options, foreign currency options, and futures
contracts and related options with respect to securities, indexes of securities,
or currencies. The Fund also may buy and sell currencies on a spot or forward
basis. Subject to compliance with applicable rules, futures contracts and
related options may be used for any legally permissible purpose, including as a
substitute for acquiring a basket of securities and to reduce transaction costs.
The Fund may also purchase and sell foreign exchange contracts for purposes of
seeking to enhance portfolio returns and manage portfolio risk more efficiently.
Generally, the Fund's average maturity will be shorter when interest rates
worldwide or in a particular country are expected to rise, and longer when
interest rates are expected to fall. The Fund may use various techniques to
shorten or lengthen the dollar-weighted average maturity of its portfolio,
including transactions in futures and options on futures, interest rate swaps,
caps, floors and short sales against the box.
The duration of the Fund's portfolio will be managed in light of current and
projected economic and market conditions and other factors considered relevant
by the Adviser.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In making investments for the Fund, the Adviser considers factors such as
prospects for currency exchange and interest rates, and inflation in each
country, relative economic growth, government policies influencing exchange
rates and business conditions, and quality of individual issuers. The Adviser
will also determine, using good faith judgement, (1) country allocation; (2)
currency exposure (asset allocation across currencies); and (3) diversified
security holdings within each market. To hedge the market value of securities
held, proposed to be held or sold, or relating to foreign currency exchange
rates, the Fund may enter into or purchase securities or securities index
options, foreign currency options, and future contracts and related options with
respect to securities, indexes of securities or currencies. The Fund also may
buy and sell currencies on a spot or forward basis. Subject to compliance with
applicable rules, futures contracts and related options may be used for any
legally permissible purpose, including as a substitute for acquiring a basket of
securities and to reduce transaction costs. The Fund also may purchase
securities on a when-issued or forward commitment
54
<PAGE>
basis and engage in portfolio securities lending. The Fund may use all of these
techniques (1) in an effort to manage cash flow and remain fully invested in the
stock and currency markets, instead of or in addition to buying and selling
stocks and currencies, or (2) in an effort to hedge against a decline in the
value of securities or currencies owned by it or an increase in the price of
securities which it plans to purchase. The Fund may also purchase and sell
foreign exchange contracts for purposes of seeking to enhance portfolio returns
and manage portfolio risk more efficiently. See pages 56-61, Description of
Investments and Investment Practices, for additional information on the Fund's
permitted investments.
The International Equity Fund may invest in American Depositary Receipts
("ADRs") European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs"), Global Depositary Receipts
("GDRs"), International Depositary Receipts ("IDRs") or other similar securities
convertible into securities of foreign issuers. An ADR is a receipt typically
issued by a U.S. bank or trust company showing that you own a foreign security.
An EDR is a receipt typically issued by a European bank or trust company showing
that you own a foreign security. GDRs and IDRs are receipts typically issued by
global or international depositories showing that you own a foreign security.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STRATEGIC INCOME FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In managing the Fund, the Adviser conducts a continuing review of yields and
other information derived from a data base which it maintains in managing
fixed-income portfolios. Fundamental economic cycle analysis, credit quality and
interest rate trends are among the principal factors considered by the Adviser
in determining whether to increase or decrease the emphasis placed upon a
particular type of security or bond market sector within the Fund's investment
portfolio.
In making investment decisions with respect to maturity shifts, the Adviser
takes into account a broad range of fundamental and technical indicators. The
Adviser will alter the average maturity of the portfolio in accordance with its
judgment based on the research and other methods described above.
In seeking a competitive overall return, capital appreciation may be sought by
lengthening the maturities of high yield debt securities held in the Fund's
portfolio during periods when the Adviser expects interest rates to decline. If
the Adviser is incorrect in its expectations of changes in interest rates, or in
its evaluation of the normal yield relationship between two securities, the
Fund's income, NAV and potential capital gains could decrease; or the potential
loss could increase. This and other factors may affect the income available for
distribution to shareholders.
Since available yields and yield differentials vary over time, no specific level
of income or yield differential can ever be ensured.
Debt securities in which the Fund may invest include all types of debt
obligations of both domestic and foreign issuers, such as bonds, debentures,
notes, equipment lease certificates, equipment trust certificates, conditional
sales contracts, commercial paper, foreign government securities and U.S.
government securities (including obligations, such as repurchase agreements,
secured by such instruments).
The Fund may invest up to 30% of its total assets in equity securities. These
may include capital notes, which are securities representing beneficial
interests in a trust for which the controlling common stock is owned by a bank
holding company. These beneficial interests are commonly issued as preferred
stock but may also be issued as other types of instruments. The trust owns
debentures issued by the bank holding company and issues the preferred stock to
investors. In making investments in foreign securities the Adviser will
determine, using good faith and judgement, (1) country allocation; (2) currency
exposure (asset allocation across currencies); and (3) diversified security
holdings within each market. The Adviser may consider factors such as prospects
for currency exchange and interest rates, and inflation in each country,
relative economic growth, government policies influencing exchange rates and
business conditions, and quality of individual issuers.
To hedge the market value of securities held, proposed to be held or sold or
relating to foreign currency exchange rates, the Fund may enter into or purchase
securities or securities index options, foreign currency options, and futures
contracts and related options with respect to securities, indexes of securities,
or currencies. The Fund also may buy and sell currencies on a spot or forward
basis. Subject to compliance with applicable rules, futures contracts and
related options may be used for any legally permissible purpose, including as a
substitute for acquiring a basket of securities and to reduce transaction costs.
The Fund may also purchase and sell foreign exchange contracts for purposes of
seeking to enhance portfolio returns and manage portfolio risk more efficiently.
Generally, the average maturity of the foreign securities held by the Fund will
be shorter when interest rates worldwide or in a particular country are expected
to rise, and longer when interest rates are expected to fall. The Fund may use
various techniques to shorten or lengthen the dollar-weighted average maturity
of its portfolio, including transactions in futures and options on futures,
interest rate swaps, caps, floors and short sales against the box.
The duration of the Fund's portfolio will be managed in light of current and
projected economic and market conditions and other factors considered relevant
by the Adviser.
The Adviser seeks to reduce risk through diversification, credit analysis and
attention to current developments and trends in both the economy and financial
markets. For a further discussion of the special risks of investing in
lower-rated and foreign securities, see Risks of Investing in High Yield
Securities (`Junk Bonds') and Foreign Securities in this prospectus.
55
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- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAX FREE BOND FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Fund invests in obligations of states and their political subdivisions and
agencies, the interest from which is, in the opinion of the issuer's bond
counsel, exempt from regular federal income tax ("Municipal Bonds" or
"tax-exempt securities"). None of the Fund, the Adviser nor counsel to the Fund
reviews such opinions or otherwise determines independently that the interest on
a security will be classified as tax-exempt interest. Municipal Bonds are issued
to obtain funds for various public purposes. The interest on these obligations
is generally exempt from regular federal income tax in the hands of most
investors.
Because the Fund may hold high-grade Municipal Bonds, the income earned on
shares of the Fund may tend to be less than it might be on a portfolio
emphasizing lower quality securities. Conversely, to the extent that the Fund
holds lower quality securities, the risk of default in the payment of principal
or interest by the issuer of a portfolio security is greater than if the Fund
held only higher quality securities. Although higher quality tax-exempt
securities may produce lower yields, they are generally more marketable. To
protect the Fund's capital under adverse market conditions, the Fund may from
time to time purchase higher quality securities or taxable short-term
investments with a resultant decrease in yield or increase in the proportion of
taxable income.
The Fund may sell a security at any time in order to improve the yield on the
Fund's portfolio. In buying and selling portfolio securities, the Fund seeks to
take advantage of market developments, yield disparities and variations in the
creditworthiness of issuers. The Fund will not engage in arbitrage transactions.
The Fund may invest in Industrial Development and Pollution Control Bonds and
municipal lease obligations. For more information on these types of investments
see page 57, Description of Investments and Investment Practices--Industrial
Development and Pollution Control Bonds and page 58, Description of Investments
and Investment Practices--Municipal Securities and Municipal Lease Obligations.
From time to time, the Fund may invest 25% or more of the value of its total
assets in Municipal Bonds that are related in such a way that an economic,
business, or political development or change affecting one such security could
also affect the other securities (for example, securities whose issuers are
located in the same state). The Fund may also invest 25% or more of the value of
its total assets in Industrial Development Bonds. Further, the Fund may acquire
all or part of privately negotiated loans made to tax-exempt borrowers. To the
extent that these private placements are not readily marketable, the Fund will
limit its investment in such securities (along with all other illiquid
securities) to no more than 10% of the value of its total assets. Because an
active trading market may not exist for such securities, the price that the Fund
may pay for these securities or receive on their resale may be lower than that
for similar securities with a more liquid market.
The duration of the Fund's portfolio will be managed in light of current and
projected economic and market conditions and other factors considered relevant
by the Adviser.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETURN FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund may invest in common stocks, convertible securities, warrants and
fixed-income securities, such as bonds, preferred stocks and other debt
obligations, including money market instruments. The Fund will also invest in
stocks and other equity securities which it believes to be undervalued based
upon factors such as ratios of market price to book value, estimated liquidating
value and projected cash flow.
The duration of the Fund's portfolio will be managed in light of current and
projected economic and market conditions and other factors considered relevant
by the Adviser.
================================================================================
DESCRIPTION OF INVESTMENTS AND
INVESTMENT PRACTICES
================================================================================
Information about the following types of investments, investment practices and
related risks appears below: Brady Bonds, Cash Equivalents, Floaters and Inverse
Floaters, Foreign Index-Linked Instruments, Foreign Securities, Industrial
Development and Pollution Control Bonds, Lending of Portfolio Securities, Loan
Participation Interests, Mortgage-Backed and Asset-Backed Securities, Municipal
Securities and Municipal Lease Obligations, Repurchase Agreements, Risk
Management Techniques, Short Sales Against the Box, Swap Agreements, When-Issued
Securities and Forward Commitments, Zero Coupon Bonds, Risks of Investing in
High Yield Securities ("Junk Bonds") and Special Risk Considerations for
California Tax Free Fund and NewYork Tax Free Fund. For more information about
the investments, investment practices and risks described in this section,
please see the SAI.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRADY BONDS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Convertible Fund, High Yield Corporate Bond Fund, International Bond Fund,
Strategic Income Fund and Total Return Fund may each invest a portion of its
assets in Brady Bonds, which are securities created through the exchange of
existing commercial bank loans to sovereign entities for new obligations in
connection with debt restructurings. (For more information see the SAI.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH EQUIVALENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Each of the Funds may invest in cash or cash equivalents, which include, but are
not limited to: short-term obligations
56
<PAGE>
issued or guaranteed as to interest and principal by any U.S. or foreign
government or government agencies or instrumentality thereof (including
repurchase agreements collateralized by such securities); obligations of banks
(certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances and time deposits) which at the
date of investment have capital, surplus, and undivided profits (as of the date
of their most recently published financial statements) in excess of
$100,000,000, and obligations of other banks or savings and loan associations if
such obligations are federally insured; commercial paper which at the date of
investment is rated A-1 by S&P or P-1 by Moody's or, if not rated, is issued or
guaranteed as to payment of principal and interest by companies which at the
date of investment have an outstanding debt issue rated AA or better by S&P or
Aa or better by Moody's; short-term corporate obligations which at the date of
investment are rated AA or better by S&P or Aa or better by Moody's; and other
debt instruments not specifically described if such instruments are deemed by
the Trustees to be of comparable high quality and liquidity.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FLOATERS AND INVERSE FLOATERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Each Fund, other than the Capital Appreciation Fund and the Equity Index Fund,
may invest in floating rate debt instruments ("floaters"). The interest rate on
a floater is a variable rate which is tied to another interest rate, such as a
money-market index or Treasury bill rate. The California Tax Free Fund,
Convertible Fund, High Yield Corporate Bond Fund, International Bond Fund,
International Equity Fund, New York Tax Free Fund, Strategic Income Fund, Tax
Free Bond Fund and Total Return Fund, may invest in leveraged inverse floating
rate debt instruments ("inverse floaters"). The interest rate on an inverse
floater resets in the opposite direction from the market rate of interest to
which the inverse floater is indexed. The leverage associated with inverse
floaters may result in greater volatility in their market values. Certain
inverse floaters may be determined to be illiquid securities.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOREIGN INDEX-LINKED INSTRUMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The International Bond Fund, International Equity Fund and Strategic Income Fund
may invest in instruments issued by the U.S. or a foreign government or by
private issuers that return principal and/or pay interest to investors in
amounts which are linked to the level of a particular foreign index. In the case
of foreign-linked instruments linking the interest component to a foreign index,
the amount of interest payable will adjust periodically in response to changes
in the level of the foreign index during the term of the foreign index-linked
instrument. The risks of such investments reflect the risks of investing in the
index or other instrument, the performance of which determines the return for
the instrument. Tax considerations may limit the Funds' ability to invest in
foreign index-linked instruments.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOREIGN SECURITIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Each Fund, except the California Tax Free Fund, Government Fund, New York Tax
Free Fund, and Tax Free Bond Fund, may purchase foreign securities. The Money
Market Fund may only purchase dollar-denominated foreign securities. Foreign
investments could be more difficult to sell than U.S. investments. They also may
subject the Fund to risks different from investing in domestic securities.
Investments in foreign securities involve risks of currency controls by
governments, changes in currency rates and interest rates, difficulties in
receiving or interpreting financial and economic information, possible
imposition of taxes, higher brokerage and custodian fees, possible exchange
controls or other government restrictions, including possible seizure or
nationalization of foreign deposits or assets. Foreign securities may also be
less liquid and more volatile than U.S. securities. There may also be difficulty
in invoking legal protections across borders. In addition, investment in
emerging market countries presents risks in greater degree than those presented
by investment in foreign issuers in countries with developed securities markets
and more advanced regulatory systems.
Many of the foreign securities in which the Funds invest will be denominated in
foreign currencies. Changes in foreign exchange rates will affect the value of
securities denominated or quoted in foreign currencies. Exchange rate movements
can be large and can endure for extended periods of time, affecting either
favorably or unfavorably the value of the Funds' assets. A Fund may, however,
engage in foreign currency transactions to protect itself against fluctuations
in currency exchange rates in relation to the U.S. dollar. See page 59, Risk
Management Techniques.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND POLLUTION
CONTROL BONDS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The California Tax Free Fund, High Yield Corporate Bond Fund, New York Tax Free
Fund, Strategic Income Fund, Tax Free Bond Fund and Total Return Fund may
purchase Industrial Development and Pollution Control Bonds. Industrial
Development and Pollution Control Bonds, although nominally issued by municipal
authorities, are generally not secured by the taxing power of the municipality
but are secured by the revenues of the authority derived from payments by the
industrial user. (For more information, see the SAI.) \
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Each Fund, except the Money Market Fund and Tax Free Bond Fund may lend its
investment securities to brokers, dealers and financial institutions for the
purpose of realizing additional income pursuant to guideliness adopted by the
Board of Trustees. The total market value of securities loaned will not at any
time exceed 33% of the total assets of a Fund. The risks in lending portfolio
securities, as with other extensions of credit, consist of possible loss of
rights in the
57
<PAGE>
collateral should the borrower fail financially. In determining whether to lend
securities, a Fund's Adviser will consider all relevant facts and circumstances,
including the creditworthiness of the borrower. (For more information see the
SAI.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LOAN PARTICIPATION INTERESTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Funds may invest in participation interests in loans. Such participation
interests, which may take the form of interests in, or assignments of, loans,
are acquired from banks which have made loans or are members of lending
syndicates. A Fund's investments in loan participation interests will be subject
to its limitation on investments in illiquid securities and, to the extent
applicable, its limitation on investments in securities rated below investment
grade.
In a typical corporate loan syndication, a number of institutional lenders lend
a corporate borrower a specified sum pursuant to the terms and conditions of a
loan agreement. One of the co-lenders usually agrees to act as the agent bank
with respect to the loan. The loan agreement among the corporate borrower and
the co-lenders identifies the agent bank as well as sets forth the rights and
duties of the parties. The ageement often (but not always) provides for the
collateralization of the corporate borrower's obligations thereunder and
includes various types of restrictive covenants which must be met by the
borrower.
The principal credit risk associated with acquiring participation interests from
a co-lender or another participant is the credit risk associated with the
underlying corporate borrower. A Fund may incur additional credit risk, however,
when it is in the position of participant rather than a co-lender because the
Fund must assume the risk of insolvency of the co-lender from which the
participation interest was acquired and that of any person interpositioned
between the Fund and the co-lender.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MORTGAGE-BACKED AND
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are securities which derive their
value from underlying pools of loans that may include interests in pools of
lower-rated debt securities, consumer loans or mortgages, or complex instruments
such as collateralized mortgage obligations and stripped mortgage-backed
securities. The value of these securities may be significantly affected by
changes in interest rates, the market's perception of issuers and the
creditworthiness of the parties involved. The ability of a Fund to successfully
utilize these instruments may depend in part upon the ability of the Adviser to
forecast interest rates and other economic factors correctly. Some securities
may have a structure that makes their reaction to interest rate changes and
other factors difficult to predict, making their value highly volatile. These
securities may also be subject to prepayment risk and if the security has been
purchased at a premium the amount of the premium would be lost in the event of
prepayment.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES AND
MUNICIPAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The two main types of municipal bonds are "general obligation" and "revenue"
bonds. "General obligation" bonds are secured by the issuer's pledge of its full
faith, credit and taxing power to repay the principal and interest. "Revenue"
bonds are repaid from the revenue of a particular facility (or group of
facilities) or from proceeds of a specific revenue source. (Examples: bonds used
to raise funds for highways, airports and hospitals.)
The California Tax Free Fund, New York Tax Free Fund and Tax Free Bond Fund may
invest in municipal lease obligations. Municipal lease obligations are
tax-exempt securities that may be supported by a lease or an installment
purchase contract issued by state and local government authorities to acquire
funds to obtain the use of a wide variety of equipment and facilities such as
fire and sanitation vehicles, computer equipment and other capital assets. These
obligations, which may be secured or unsecured, are not general obligations and
have evolved to make it possible for state and local government authorities to
obtain the use of property and equipment without meeting constitutional and
statutory requirements for the issuance of debt. Thus, municipal lease
obligations have special risks not normally associated with municipal bonds.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Each Fund may enter into domestic repurchase agreements to earn income. The
International Bond Fund, International Equity Fund and Strategic Income Fund may
also enter into foreign repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement is an
agreement whereby a Fund purchases a portfolio eligible security from a bank or
broker-dealer that agrees to repurchase the security at the Fund's cost plus
interest within a specified time (normally one day).
The Strategic Income Fund, California Tax Free Fund and New York Tax Free Fund
may enter into reverse repurchase agreements. A reverse repurchase agreement
involves the sale of a security by a Fund and its agreement to repurchase the
instrument at a specified time and price. The Fund will maintain a segregated
account consisting of liquid assets to cover its obligations under reverse
repurchase agreements. Each Fund will limit its investments in reverse
repurchase agreements and other borrowing to no more than one-third of its total
assets. The use of reverse repurchase agreements by a Fund creates leverage
which increases a Fund's investment risk. If the income and gains on securities
purchased with the proceeds of reverse repurchase agreements exceed the cost of
the agreements, the Fund's earnings or net asset value will increase faster than
otherwise would be the case; conversely, if the income and gains fail to exceed
the costs, earnings or net asset value would decline faster than otherwise would
be the case.
58
<PAGE>
The Trustees have reviewed and approved certain sellers who they believe to be
creditworthy and have authorized the Funds to enter into repurchase agreements
with such sellers. If the other party to a repurchase agreement were to become
bankrupt, a Fund could experience delays in recovering its investment or losses.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RISK MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Funds can use various techniques to increase or decrease their exposure to
changing security prices, interest rates, currency exchange rates, commodity
prices or other factors that affect security values. These techniques may
involve derivative transactions such as buying and selling futures contracts and
options on futures contracts, entering into foreign currency transactions (such
as forward foreign currency exchange contracts and options on foreign
currencies) and purchasing put or call options on securities and securities
indexes.
The Funds can use these practices in an attempt to adjust the risk and return
characteristics of their portfolios of investments. When a Fund uses such
techniques in an attempt to reduce risk it is known as "hedging". If a Fund's
Adviser judges market conditions incorrectly or employs a strategy that does not
correlate well with the Fund's investments, these techniques could result in a
loss, regardless of whether the intent was to reduce risk or increase return.
These techniques may increase the volatility of a Fund and may involve a small
investment of cash relative to the magnitude of the risk assumed. In addition,
these techniques could result in a loss if the counterparty to the transaction
does not perform as promised.
The California Tax Free Fund, Convertible Fund, Government Fund, High Yield
Corporate Bond Fund, International Bond Fund, International Equity Fund,
Strategic Income Fund, New York Tax Free Fund, Tax Free Bond Fund and Total
Return Fund may each enter into contracts for the future delivery of debt
securities or an index of debt securities that are sufficiently correlated to
its portfolio. The Government Fund may enter into futures contracts and purchase
and write options on futures, which are not U.S.
government securities.
Similarly, the Capital Appreciation Fund, Convertible Fund, Equity Index Fund,
International Equity Fund, Total Return Fund and Value Fund may enter into
contracts for the future delivery of securities and stock index futures
contracts to protect against changes in stock market prices.
In addition, each Fund, except the California Tax Free Fund, Equity Index Fund,
Government Fund, Money Market Fund, New York Tax Free Fund and Tax Free Bond
Fund, may, to the extent it invests in foreign securities, enter into contracts
for the future delivery of foreign currencies to protect against changes in
currency exchange rates for the same type of hedging purposes, purchase and
write put and call options on foreign currencies for the purpose of protecting
against declines in the dollar value of foreign portfolio securities and against
increases in the U.S. dollar cost of foreign securities to be acquired, and
enter into a variety of foreign currency transactions, including forward foreign
currency exchange contracts in order to protect or hedge against the adverse
effect that changes in future foreign currency exchange rates may have on its
investment portfolio or on its investment activities that are undertaken in
foreign currencies.
The Tax Free Bond Fund will only purchase or sell futures or related options
(such as U.S. Treasury or municipal securities index futures and related
options) when, in the opinion of the Adviser, price movements in such futures
and related options will closely correlate with price movements in the
tax-exempt municipal securities which are subject to the hedge.
Each Fund, except the Equity Index Fund, Money Market Fund and Tax Free Bond
Fund, may sell (write) covered put and call options and purchase put and call
options on any securities in which it may invest that are traded on U.S. and
foreign securities and options exchanges and in the over-the-counter market,
each in accordance with its respective investment objectives and policies. The
Government Fund may buy and sell options on securities which are not U.S.
government securities in order to attempt to hedge against changes in interest
rates and to seek current income.
The Trustees have adopted a nonfundamental policy that each of the Capital
Appreciation Fund, Convertible Fund, Government Fund, High Yield Corporate Bond
Fund, Total Return Fund and Value Fund may write covered call or put options
with respect to no more than 25% of the value of its net assets, may purchase
protective puts with a value of up to 25% of its net assets and may purchase
calls and puts other than protective puts, with a value of up to 5% of the
Fund's net assets.
The Funds, other than the California Tax Free Fund, Money Market Fund, New York
Tax Free Fund and Tax Free Bond Fund, may purchase put and call options on
securities indexes to hedge against risks of market-wide price fluctuations. The
Equity Index Fund may buy or sell call options on the S&P 500 Index. Options on
securities indexes are similar to options on securities except that settlement
is in cash.
The Equity Index Fund will use these techniques primarily as a temporary
substitute for taking positions in the securities that comprise the Index,
particularly if the Adviser considers these instruments to be undervalued
relative to the prices of the securities that comprise the Index. The Fund may,
in particular, purchase call options on the Index to protect against increases
in the prices of securities underlying the Index that the Fund intends to
purchase pending its ability to invest in such securities in an orderly manner.
(For more information see the SAI.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHORT SALES AGAINST THE BOX
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A short sale is a transaction in which a Fund sells through a broker a security
it does not own in anticipation of a possible decline in market price. A short
sale "against the box" is a
59
<PAGE>
short sale in which, at the time of the short sale, a Fund owns or has the right
to obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount. Each of the Funds will only
enter into short sales against the box. A Fund may enter into a short sale
against the box, among other reasons, to hedge against a possible market decline
in the value of the security owned or to defer recognition of a gain or loss for
federal income tax purposes on the security owned by the Fund. To effect a short
sale against the box, the Fund borrows from a broker the securities which are
sold in the short sale, and the broker holds the proceeds until the borrowed
securities are replaced. If the value of a security sold short against the box
increases, the Fund would suffer a loss when it purchases or delivers to the
selling broker the security sold short. If a broker, with which the Fund has
open short sales, were to become bankrupt, a Fund could experience losses or
delays in recovering gains on short sales. The Funds will only enter into short
sales against the box with brokers the Advisers believe are creditworthy. Short
sales against the box will be limited to no more than 25% of a Fund's assets.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SWAP AGREEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The International Bond Fund, International Equity Fund and Strategic Income Fund
may enter into interest rate, index and currency exchange rate swap agreements
for purposes of attempting to obtain a particular desired return at a lower cost
to the Fund than if the Fund had invested directly in an instrument that yielded
that desired return.
Whether a Fund's use of swap agreements will be successful in furthering its
investment objective will depend on the Adviser's ability to predict correctly
whether certain types of investments are likely to produce greater returns than
other investments. Because they are two-party contracts and because they may
have terms of greater than seven days, swap agreements may be considered to be
illiquid. Moreover, a Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be
received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a
swap agreement counterparty. The Adviser will cause a Fund to enter into swap
agreements only with counterparties that would be eligible for consideration as
repurchase agreement counterparties under the Funds' repurchase agreement
guidelines. Certain restrictions imposed on the Funds by the Internal Revenue
Code may limit the Funds' ability to use swap agreements. The swaps market is a
relatively new market and is largely unregulated. It is possible that
developments in the swaps market and the laws relating to swaps, including
potential government regulation, could adversely affect a Fund's ability to
terminate existing swap agreements, to realize amounts to be received under such
agreements, or to enter into swap agreements. Furthermore, swap agreements could
have adverse tax consequences. See Tax Status in the SAI for information
regarding the tax considerations relating to swap agreements.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES AND FORWARD COMMITMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Each Fund may from time to time purchase securities on a when-issued basis. Debt
securities are often issued on this basis. The price of such securities is fixed
at the time a commitment to purchase is made, but delivery and payment for the
when-issued securities take place at a later date. During the period between
purchase and settlement, no payment is made by the Fund and no interest accrues
to the Fund. The market value of the when-issued securities on the settlement
date may be more or less than the purchase price payable at settlement date.
Similarly, each Fund may commit to purchase a security at a future date at a
price determined at the time of the commitment. The same procedures for
when-issued securities will be followed.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ZERO COUPON BONDS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Funds, except the Equity Index Fund, may purchase zero coupon bonds, which
are debt obligations issued without any requirement for the periodic payment of
interest. Zero coupon bonds are issued at a significant discount from face
value. Zero coupon bonds tend to be more volatile than conventional debt
securities.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RISKS OF INVESTING IN HIGH YIELD SECURITIES
("JUNK BONDS")
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Convertible Fund, High Yield Corporate Bond Fund, International Bond Fund,
International Equity Fund, Strategic Income Fund and Total Return Fund may, to
varying degrees as previously described under "Descriptions of Each Fund" and
"General Investment Considerations," invest in debt securities rated lower than
Baa by Moody's or BBB by S&P. Securities rated lower than Baa by Moody's or BBB
by S&P, or, if not rated, determined to be of equivalent quality by the Adviser,
are sometimes referred to as junk bonds and are considered speculative.
Investment in high yield bonds involves special risks in addition to the risks
associated with investments in higher rated debt securities. High yield bonds
may be regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's
continuing ability to meet principal and interest payments. Moreover, such
securities may, under certain circumstances, be less liquid than higher rated
debt securities.
Analysis of the creditworthiness of issuers of high yield bonds may be more
complex than for issuers of higher quality debt securities, and the ability of a
Fund to achieve its investment objective may, to the extent of its investment in
high yield bonds, be more dependent upon such creditworthiness analysis than
would be the case if the Fund were investing in higher quality bonds.
High yield bonds may be more susceptible to real or perceived adverse economic
and competitive industry conditions than
60
<PAGE>
higher grade bonds. The prices of high yield bonds have been found to be less
sensitive to interest rate changes than more highly rated investments, but more
sensitive to adverse economic downturns or individual corporate developments. If
the issuer of high yield bonds defaults, a Fund may incur additional expenses to
seek recovery. In the case of high yield bonds structured as zero coupon or
payment-in-kind securities, the market prices of such securities are affected to
a greater extent by interest rate changes and, therefore, tend to be more
volatile than securities which pay interest periodically and in cash.
The secondary market on which high yield bonds are traded may be less liquid
than the market for higher grade bonds. Less liquidity in the secondary trading
market could adversely affect the price at which a Fund could sell a high yield
bond, and could adversely affect and cause large fluctuations in the daily NAV
of the Fund's shares. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not
based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of high
yield bonds, especially in a thinly traded market.
The use of credit ratings for evaluating high yield bonds also involves certain
risks. For example, credit ratings evaluate the safety of principal and interest
payments, not the market value risk of high yield bonds. Also, credit rating
agencies may fail to change credit ratings in a timely manner to reflect
subsequent events. If a credit rating agency changes the rating of a portfolio
security held by a Fund, the Fund may retain the portfolio security if the
Adviser deems it in the best interest of the shareholders.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPECIAL RISK CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE CALIFORNIA
TAX FREE FUND AND NEW YORK TAX FREE FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
California Municipal Securities. Investors should be aware that certain
California Constitutional amendments, legislative measures, executive orders,
administrative regulations and voter initiatives could result in certain adverse
consequences affecting California municipal securities. For instance, certain
provisions of the California Constitution and statutes that limit the taxing and
spending authority of California governmental entities may impair the ability of
the issuers of some California municipal securities to maintain debt service on
their obligations. Other measures affecting the taxing or spending authority of
California or its political subdivisions may be approved or enacted in the
future.
New York Municipal Securities. Investors should be aware that New York State and
New York City face long-term economic problems which could seriously affect
their ability and that of other issuers of New York municipal securities to meet
their financial obligations. The credit standings of New York State and of
certain local governments (including New York City) have been, and could be
further, reduced.
For a discussion of certain matters relating to the fiscal policies and
financial condition of the states of California and New York and their political
subdivisions, see the SAI.
================================================================================
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
================================================================================
The following restrictions may not be changed with respect to any Fund without
the approval of the majority of outstanding voting securities of that Fund (as
defined in, the 1940 Act). Investment restrictions that appear below or
elsewhere in this Prospectus which involve a maximum percentage of securities or
assets shall not be considered to be violated unless an excess over the
percentage occurs immediately after, and is caused by, an acquisition or
encumbrance of securities or assets of, or borrowings by or on behalf of, a
Fund.
The Trust may not, on behalf of any Fund:
(1) invest more than 5% of the value of the total assets of a Fund in the
securities of any one issuer, except U.S. government securities. This
restriction applies only with respect to 75% of the International Equity
Fund's and Strategic Income Fund's total assets and does not apply to the
California Tax Free Fund, Equity Index Fund, International Bond Fund and
New York Tax Free Fund;
(2) purchase the securities of any issuer if such purchase would cause more
than 10% of the voting securities of such issuer to be held by a Fund. This
restriction applies only with respect to 75% of the International Equity
Fund's and Strategic Income Fund's total assets and does not apply to the
California Tax Free Fund, Equity Index Fund, International Bond Fund and
New York Tax Free Fund;
(3) borrow money except from banks on a temporary basis for extraordinary or
emergency purposes, including the meeting of redemption requests (or by
engaging in reverse repurchase agreements or comparable portfolio
transactions in the case of the International Equity Fund, International
Bond Fund and Strategic Income Fund provided that those Funds maintain
asset coverage of at least 300% for all such borrowings), and no purchases
of securities will be made while such borrowings exceed 5% of the value of
the Fund's assets (10% in the case of the California Tax Free Fund and New
York Tax Free Fund);
(4) pledge, mortgage or hypothecate its assets, except that, to secure
permitted borrowings, it may pledge securities having a market value at the
time of pledge not exceeding 15% (10% in the case of the California Tax
Free Fund and New York Tax Free Fund) of the cost of a Fund's total assets,
and except in connection with permitted transactions in options, futures
contracts and options on futures contracts. This restriction does not apply
to the International Bond Fund, International Equity Fund or Strategic
Income Fund;
61
<PAGE>
(5) purchase securities (or with respect to the California Tax Free Fund, New
York Tax Free Fund, and Tax Free Bond Fund purchase (i) Pollution Control
and Industrial Development Bonds or (ii) securities the interest from which
is not exempt from regular federal income tax) if such purchase would cause
25% or more in the aggregate of the market value of the total assets of a
Fund to be invested in the securities of one or more issuers having their
principal business activities in the same industry, provided that there is
no limitation in respect to investments in U.S. government securities or,
in the case of the California Tax Free Fund and New York Tax Free Fund,
investments in repurchase agreements with respect thereto (for the purposes
of this restriction, telephone companies are considered to be a separate
industry from gas or electric utilities, and wholly owned finance companies
are considered to be in the industry of their parents if their activities
are primarily related to financing the activities of the parents) except
that (a) the above limitation does not apply to the Equity Index Fund to
the extent that the Standard &Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index is so
concentrated; (b) up to 40% of the High Yield Corporate Bond Fund's and
Strategic Income Fund's total assets, taken at market value, may be
invested in each of the electric utility and telephone industries, but each
Fund will not invest 25% or more in either of those industries unless
yields available for four consecutive weeks in the four highest rating
categories on new issue bonds in such industry (issue size of $50 million
or more) have averaged in excess of 105% of yields of new issue long-term
industrial bonds similarly rated (issue size of $50 million or more); (c)
more than 25% of the market value of the total assets of the Money Market
Fund will be invested in the securities of banks and bank holding
companies, including certificates of deposit and bankers' acceptances; and
(d) at such time that the 1940 Act is amended to permit a registered
investment company to elect to be "industry nondiversified," (i.e., a fund
that does not concentrate its investments in a particular industry would be
permitted, but not required, to invest 25% or more of its assets in a
particular industry) the International Bond Fund, International Equity Fund
and Strategic Income Fund elect to be so classified and the foregoing
limitation shall no longer apply with respect to those Funds. With respect
to the California Tax Free Fund and New York Tax Free Fund, private
activity bonds ultimately payable by companies within the same industry are
treated as if they were issued by issuers in the same industry for purposes
of this restriction;
(6) purchase or sell real estate (including limited partnership interests but
excluding securities secured by real estate or interests therein or, issued
by companies that invest in or deal in real estate) or, in the case of the
California Tax Free Fund and New York Tax Free Fund, real estate investment
trust securities; interests in oil; gas or mineral leases; commodities and
commodity contracts. The Trust reserves the freedom of action to hold and
to sell real estate acquired for any Fund as a result of the ownership of
securities. Purchases and sales of foreign currencies on a spot basis and
forward foreign currency exchange contracts, options on currency, currency
futures contracts and options on such futures contracts are not deemed to
be an investment in a prohibited commodity or commodity contract for the
purpose of this restriction;
(7) make loans to other persons, except loans of portfolio securities (in the
case of the California Tax Free Fund and New York Tax Free Fund, in an
amount not to exceed 10% of the value of each Fund's total assets in
accordance with applicable guidelines approved by the Board of Trustees and
30% in the case of the Equity Index Fund). The purchase of debt obligations
(and bankers' acceptances and commercial paper in the case of the Equity
Index Fund) and the entry into repurchase agreements in accordance with
such Fund's investment objectives and policies are not deemed to be loans
for this purpose; or
(8) with respect to the California Tax Free Fund and New York Tax Free Fund,
purchase securities with contractual or other restrictions on resale or
other illiquid assets (such as repurchase agreements with maturities in
excess of seven days or other securities which are not readily marketable)
if more than 10% of the total assets of the Fund would be invested in such
securities. The Equity Index Fund may not invest more than 10% of its total
assets in repurchase agreements providing for settlement in more than seven
days after notice and in other securities that are not readily marketable.
"Value" for the purposes of all investment restrictions shall mean the value
used in determining a Fund's NAV. Additional fundamental and nonfundamental
investment restrictions may be found in the SAI.
62
<PAGE>
================================================================================
INVESTMENT ADVISERS, ADMINISTRATOR
AND DISTRIBUTOR
================================================================================
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE ADVISERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Trust, on behalf of each Fund, pays the Adviser a monthly fee for services
performed at an annual percentage of the average daily net assets of that Fund
as follows:
Rate paid for
the year ended
Annual December 31,
Rate 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
California Tax Free Fund 0.25%** 0.20%
Capital Appreciation Fund 0.36%* 0.29%
Convertible Fund 0.36% 0.36%
Equity Index Fund 0.10% 0.10%
Government Fund 0.30%* 0.30%
High Yield Corporate Bond Fund 0.30%* 0.28%
International Bond Fund 0.45%++ 0.25%
International Equity Fund 0.60% 0.60%
Money Market Fund 0.25%ss. 0.11%
New York Tax Free Fund 0.25%** 0.15%
Strategic Income Fund 0.30%*** N/A
Tax Free Bond Fund 0.30% 0.30%
Total Return Fund 0.32%* 0.31%
Value Fund 0.36%|| 0.30%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The Administrator and MacKay-Shields have voluntarily established combined
fee breakpoints for certain of the Funds as follows: for the Government
Fund of .55% on assets exceeding $1 billion; for the High Yield Corporate
Bond Fund of .55% on assets in excess of $500 million; for the Total Return
Fund of .60% on assets in excess of $500 million; and for the Capital
Appreciation Fund of .65% on assets in excess of $200 million and .50% on
assets in excess of $500 million. See "The Administrator" for further
information.
** The Adviser and Administrator have voluntarily agreed to reimburse the
expenses of California Tax Free Fund and New York Tax Free Fund to the
extent that operating expenses would exceed on an annualized basis 1.24%
and 1.49% for the Class A and Class B shares, respectively, of the average
daily net assets.
++ The Adviser and the Administrator have jointly agreed to waive a portion of
their fees payable by the International Bond Fund until such time as the
Fund reaches $50 million in assets. See "If you invest $1,000, you might
pay."
ss. up to $300 million; .225% from $300 to $700 million; .20% from $700 million
to $1.0 billion; and .175% in excess of $1.0 billion. The Adviser and
Administrator have voluntarily agreed to assume the expenses of Money
Market Fund to the extent that such expenses would exceed on an annualized
basis .70% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.
|| up to $200 million; .325% from $200 to $500 million; and .25% in excess of
$500 million.
*** The Adviser and the Administrator have jointly agreed to voluntarily reduce
their fees payable by the Fund to the extent necessary such that total
expenses do not exceed on an annual basis 1.15% and 1.90% of the average
daily net assets for Class A and B shares, respectively, until such time as
the Fund reaches $100 million in assets or one year from the date of the
Fund's commencement of operations, whichever may occur first.
The advisory fees paid by the International Bond Fund and International Equity
Fund are higher than the investment advisory fee paid by most other registered
investment companies that invest only or primarily in domestic securities, but
is comparable to the advisory fees paid by other international funds.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE ADMINISTRATOR
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Trust, on behalf of each Fund, pays the Administrator a monthly fee for the
services performed and the facilities furnished by the Administrator, pursuant
to the Administration Agreement, at an annual rate of the average daily net
assets of that Fund as follows:
Rate Paid
for Fiscal
Year Ended
Annual December 31,
Rate 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
California Tax Free Fund 0.25%** 0.20%
Capital Appreciation Fund 0.36%* 0.29%
Convertible Fund 0.36% 0.36%
Equity Index Fund 0.40%+ 0.22%
Government Fund 0.30%* 0.30%
High Yield Corporate Bond Fund 0.30%* 0.28%
International Bond Fund 0.25%++ 0.15%
International Equity Fund 0.40% 0.40%
Money Market Fund 0.25%ss. 0.11%
New York Tax Free Fund 0.25%** 0.15%
Strategic Income Fund 0.30%*** N/A
Tax Free Bond Fund 0.30% 0.30%
Total Return Fund 0.32%* 0.31%
Value Fund 0.36%|| 0.30%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The Administrator and MacKay-Shields have voluntarily established combined
fee breakpoints for the Government Fund of .55% on assets exceeding $1
billion, for the High Yield Corporate Bond Fund of .55% on assets in excess
of $500 million, for the Total Return Fund of .60% on assets in excess of
$500 million and for the Capital Appreciation Fund of .65% on assets in
excess of $200 million and .50% on assets in excess of $500 million. See
"The Advisers" for further information.
+ Effective January 1, 1996, in the event the total expenses of Equity Index
Fund (including Rule 12b-1 fees) for any fiscal year exceeds .80% of the
value of the Fund's average annual net assets, the Administrator will
reduce its fees payable by the Fund by the difference between the Fund's
total expenses and .80%. This fee waiver is voluntary and may be terminated
at any time.
** The Adviser and Administrator have voluntarily agreed to reimburse the
expenses of California Tax Free Fund and New York Tax Free Fund to the
extent that operating expenses would exceed on an annualized basis 1.24%
and 1.49% for the Class A and Class B shares, respectively, of the average
daily net assets.
++ The Adviser and the Administrator have jointly agreed to waive a portion of
their fees payable by the International Bond Fund until such time as the
Fund reaches $50 million in assets. See "If you invest $1,000, you might
pay."
ss. up to $300 million; .225% from $300 to $700 million; .20% from $700 million
to $1.0 billion; and .175% in excess of $1.0 billion. The Adviser and
Administrator have voluntarily agreed to assume the expenses of Money
Market Fund to the extent that such expenses would exceed on an annualized
basis .70% of the average daily net assets of the Fund.
|| up to $200 million; .325% from $200 to $500 million; and .25% in excess of
$500 million.
*** The Adviser and the Administrator have jointly agreed to voluntarily reduce
their fees payable by the Fund to the extent necessary such that total
expenses do not exceed on an annual basis 1.15% and 1.90% of the average
daily net assets for Class A and B shares, respectively, until such time as
the Fund reaches $100 million in assets or one year from the date of the
Fund's commencement of operations, whichever may occur first.
The payment of the Equity Index Fund's investment management and administration
fees, as well as other
63
<PAGE>
operating expenses, will have the effect of reducing investors' returns and will
affect the Equity Index Fund's ability to track the S&P 500 Index exactly.
Each Fund, other than California Tax Free Fund, Equity Index Fund and New York
Tax Free Fund, pursuant to an Accounting Agreement with the Administrator will
bear an allocable portion of the Administrator's cost of performing certain
bookkeeping and pricing services. Each Fund, other than California Tax Free
Fund, Equity Index Fund and New York Tax Free Fund, pays the Administrator a
monthly fee for services provided under the Accounting Agreement at the annual
rate of 1/20 of 1% for the first $20 million of average monthly net assets, 1/30
of 1% of the next $80 million of average monthly net assets and 1/100 of 1% of
any amount in excess of $100 million of average monthly net assets.
The Administrator is not responsible for records maintained by the Funds'
Custodian, Transfer Agent, Dividend Disbursing and Shareholder Servicing Agent,
except those as to which the Administrator has supervisory functions, and other
than those being maintained by the Advisers.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE DISTRIBUTOR
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To compensate the Distributor for the services it provides and for the expenses
it bears in distributing shares and servicing shareholders of the Funds, each
Fund, other than the Money Market Fund, has adopted separate distribution plans
pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act for each class of shares of that Fund
(the "Class A Plans," the "Class B Plans" and, collectively, the "Plans"). The
Equity Index Fund only offers Class A shares and, accordingly, only has a Class
A Plan. Pursuant to the Class A Plans, each Fund pays the Distributor a monthly
fee, which is an expense of the Class A shares of each Fund charged against its
income, at the annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of each
Fund's Class A shares for distribution or service activities, as designated by
the Distributor. Pursuant to the Class B Plans, each Fund, other than the
Strategic Income Fund, pays the Distributor a monthly distribution fee, which is
an expense of the Class B shares of each Fund, at the annual rate of 0.75%
(0.25% in the case of the California Tax Free Fund, New York Tax Free Fund and
the Tax Free Bond Fund) of the lesser of:
(a) the aggregate gross sales of the Fund's Class B shares since the inception
of the Fund (not including reinvestments of dividends or capital gains
distributions), less the aggregate net asset value of the Fund's Class B
shares exchanged or redeemed since the Fund's inception upon which a
contingent deferred sales charge has been imposed or upon which such charge
has been waived; or
(b) the average daily net assets of the Fund's Class B shares.
Pursuant to the Class B Plan of the Strategic Income Fund, the Fund pays the
Distributor a monthly fee which is an expense of the Class B shares of the Fund,
at the annual rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets of the Fund's Class
B shares.
Class B shares of the Funds pay to the Distributor, in addition to the
distribution fee, a service fee at the rate of 0.25% on an annualized basis of
the average daily net assets of the Class B shares of each Fund as compensation
for personal continuing services rendered to Class B shareholders of the Funds
and the maintenance of shareholder accounts.
The combination of the contingent deferred sales charge and the distribution fee
contributes to a Fund's ability to sell Class B shares without a sales charge
being deducted at the time of purchase. The Distributor is entitled to receive
the proceeds of contingent deferred sales charges which may be imposed at the
time of redemptions or repurchases of shares. The receipt of contingent deferred
sales charges does not reduce the distribution fee. See page 68, Alternative
Sales Arrangements--Deferred Sales Charge Class B Shares--Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge, Class B.
Under a Plan, a class of shares of a Fund pays distribution and/or service fees
to the Distributor as compensation for distribution and/or service activities
related to that class of shares and its shareholders. Each Plan provides that
the distribution and/or service fees are payable to the Distributor regardless
of the amounts actually expended by the Distributor. Authorized distribution
expenses include the Distributor's interest expense and profit. The Distributor
anticipates that its actual expenditures will substantially exceed the
distribution fee received by it during the early years of the operation of a
Plan. For example, the Distributor will advance to dealers who sell Class B
shares of the Funds an amount equal to 4% of the aggregate net asset value of
the shares sold. In addition, the Distributor will pay dealers an ongoing annual
service fee equal to 0.25% of the aggregate net asset value of shares held by
investors serviced by the dealer. In later years, its expenditures may be less
than the distribution fee, thus enabling the Distributor to realize a profit in
those years. If the Plans for the Funds are terminated, the Funds will owe no
payments to the Distributor other than any portion of the distribution fee
accrued through the effective date of termination but then unpaid.
Plan revenues may be used to reimburse third parties which provide various
services to shareholders who are participants in various retirement plans. These
services include aggregating and processing purchase and redemption orders for
participant shareholders, processing dividend payments, forwarding shareholder
communications, and recordkeeping. Persons selling or servicing different
classes of shares of the Funds may receive different compensation with respect
to one particular class of shares as opposed to another in the same Fund.
64
<PAGE>
================================================================================
HOW TO PURCHASE SHARES OF THE FUNDS
================================================================================
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The two classes of shares each represent an interest in the same portfolio of
investments of each Fund, have the same rights and are identical in all
respects, except that, to the extent applicable, each class bears its own
service and distribution expenses and may bear incremental transfer agency costs
resulting from such sales arrangement. Each class of each Fund has exclusive
voting rights with respect to provisions of the Rule 12b-1 plan for such class
of a Fund pursuant to which its distribution and service fees are paid, and each
class has similar exchange privileges. The net income attributable to Class B
shares and the dividends payable on Class B shares will be reduced by the amount
of the higher Rule 12b-1 fee and incremental expenses associated with such
class. Likewise, the NAV of the Class B shares generally will be reduced by such
class specific expenses (to the extent the Fund has undistributed net income)
and investment performance of Class B shares will be less competitive than that
of Class A shares. For additional information on the features of Class A and
Class B shares, see Alternative Sales Arrangements, page 66.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BY MAIL
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Initial purchases of shares of the Funds should be made by mailing the completed
application form to the investor's Registered Representative. Shares of any
Fund, except the Money Market Fund, may be purchased at the NAV per share plus
any applicable sales charge next determined after receipt and acceptance of the
purchase order by that Fund plus any applicable sales charge. In the case of the
Money Market Fund (which seeks to maintain a constant net asset value of $1.00
per share), the share purchase is effected as of the NAV next determined after
receipt and acceptance of the purchase order by the Fund's Transfer Agent.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BY TELEPHONE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For all Funds, other than the Money Market Fund, an investor may make an initial
investment by having his or her Registered Representative telephone the
Distributor between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM , Eastern time, on any day the New York
Stock Exchange is open. The purchase will be effected at the NAV per share plus
any applicable sales charge next determined following receipt of the telephone
order as described above. An application and payment must be received and
accepted by the Distributor within three business days. All telephone calls are
recorded to protect shareholders and the Transfer Agent and Shareholder
Servicing Agent. For a description of certain limitations on the liability of
the Funds and the Transfer Agent and Shareholder Servicing Agent for
transactions effected by telephone, see page 45, Know How to Sell and Exchange
Shares.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BY WIRE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An investor may open an account and invest by wire by having his or her
Registered Representative telephone the Distributor between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM,
Eastern time, to obtain an account number and instructions. For both initial and
subsequent investments, federal funds should be wired to:
State Street Bank and Trust Company
225 Franklin Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02110
ABA No.: 011 0000 28
Attn.: Custody and Shareholder Services
For Credit: MainStay________________Fund--Class______
Shareholder Account No.____________________________
Shareholder Registration ____________________________
An application must be received by the Distributor within three business days.
The investor's bank may charge the investor a fee for the wire.
To make a purchase effective the same day, the Registered Representative must
call the Distributor by 12:00 noon, Eastern time, and federal funds must be
received by the Shareholder Servicing Agent before 4:00 PM, Eastern time.
Wiring money to the Trust will reduce the time a shareholder must wait before
redeeming or exchanging shares because, when a shareholder purchases by check,
the Trust will withhold payment for up to 10 days of purchase or until the check
clears, whichever is first.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional investments in a Fund may be made at any time by mailing a check
payable to The MainStay Funds, P.O. Box 8401, Boston, Massachusetts 02266-8401.
The shareholder's account number and the name of the Fund and class of shares
must be included with each investment. Purchases will be effected at the NAV per
share plus any applicable sales charge as described above.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SYSTEMATIC INVESTMENT PLANS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Trust's officers may waive the initial and subsequent investment minimums
for certain purchases when they deem it appropriate, including, but not limited
to, purchases by certain qualified retirement plans, New York Life employee and
agent investment plans, investments resulting from distributions by other New
York Life products and NYLIFE Distributors products, and purchases by certain
individual participants.
Investors whose bank is a member of the Automated Clearing House ("ACH") may
purchase shares of a Fund through AutoInvest. AutoInvest facilitates investments
by using electronic debits, authorized by the shareholder, to a checking
65
<PAGE>
or savings account, for share purchases. When the authorization is accepted
(usually within two weeks of receipt) a shareholder may purchase shares by
calling the Shareholder Servicing Agent, toll free at 1-800-MAINSTAY (between
8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Eastern time). The investment will be effected at the NAV
per share, next determined after receipt and acceptance of the order, plus any
applicable sales charge, and normally will be credited to the shareholder's Fund
account within two business days thereafter. Shareholders whose bank is an ACH
member also may use AutoInvest to automatically purchase shares of a Fund on a
scheduled basis by electronic debit for an account designated by the shareholder
on an application form. The initial investment must be in accordance with the
investment amounts previously mentioned. Subsequent minimum investments are $50
monthly, $100 quarterly, $250 semiannually, or $500 annually or $1,000 in the
case of the Equity Index Fund. The investment day may be any day from the first
through the twenty-eighth of the respective month. Redemption proceeds from Fund
shares purchased by AutoInvest may not be paid until 10 days or more after the
purchase date. Fund shares may not be redeemed by AutoInvest.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investors may, subject to the approval of the Trust, the Distributor and the
Adviser to the particular Fund, purchase shares of a Fund with liquid securities
that are eligible for purchase by that Fund and that have a value that is
readily ascertainable. These transactions will be effected only if the Adviser
intends to retain the security in the Fund as an investment. The Trust reserves
the right to amend or terminate this practice at any time. An investor must call
MainStay at 1-800-MAINSTAY before sending any securities.
An investor in certain qualified retirement plans may open an account with a
minimum investment of a lesser amount when permitted under such qualified
retirement plan. The Trust and the Distributor reserve the right to redeem
shares of any shareholder who has failed to provide the Trust with a certified
Taxpayer I.D. number or such other tax-related certifications as the Trust may
require. A notice of redemption, sent by first class mail to the shareholder's
address of record, will fix a date not less than 30 days after the mailing date,
and shares will be redeemed at the NAV determined as of the close of business on
that date unless a certified Taxpayer I.D. number (or such other information as
the Trust has requested) has been provided.
================================================================================
ALTERNATIVE SALES ARRANGEMENTS
================================================================================
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INITIAL SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVE CLASS A SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The sales charge on Class A shares of the Funds is a variable percentage of the
public offering price depending upon the investment orientation of the Fund and
the amount of the sale.
The sales charge applicable to an investment in Class A shares of the Capital
Appreciation Fund, Convertible Fund, International Equity Fund, Total Return
Fund and Value Fund will be determined according to the following table:
Sales Charge as
Sales Charge as a Percentage of
a Percentage of: Offering Price:
-------------------------- -------------------------
Net Retained
Amount of Offering Amount Retained by the
Purchase Price Invested by Dealer Distributor
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than $50,000 5.50% 5.82% 4.75% 0.75%
$50,000 to $99,999 4.50% 4.71% 4.00% 0.50%
$100,000 to $249,999 3.50% 3.63% 3.00% 0.50%
$250,000 to $499,999 2.50% 2.56% 2.00% 0.50%
$500,000 to $999,999 2.00% 2.04% 1.75% 0.25%
$1,000,000 or more* None None See Below* None
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The sales charge applicable to an investment in Class A shares of the California
Tax Free Fund, Government Fund, High Yield Corporate Bond Fund, International
Bond Fund, New York Tax Free Fund, Strategic Income Fund and Tax Free Bond Fund
will be determined according to the following table:
Sales Charge as
Sales Charge as a Percentage of
a Percentage of: Offering Price:
-------------------------- -------------------------
Net Retained
Amount of Offering Amount Retained by the
Purchase Price Invested by Dealer Distributor
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than $100,000 4.50% 4.71% 4.00% 0.50%
$100,000 to $249,999 3.50% 3.63% 3.00% 0.50%
$250,000 to $499,999 2.50% 2.56% 2.00% 0.50%
$500,000 to $999,999 2.00% 2.04% 1.75% 0.25%
$1,000,000 or more* None None See Below* None
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The sales charge for Class A Shares of the Equity Index Fund is a variable
percentage of the public offering price depending upon the amount of the sale,
as set forth below:
Sales Charge as
Sales Charge as a Percentage of
a Percentage of: Offering Price:
-------------------------- -------------------------
Net Retained
Amount of Offering Amount Retained by the
Purchase Price Invested by Dealer Distributor
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than $100,000 3.00% 3.09% 2.75% 0.25%
$100,000 to $249,999 2.50% 2.56% 2.25% 0.25%
$250,000 to $499,999 2.00% 2.04% 1.75% 0.25%
$500,000 to $999,999 1.50% 1.52% 1.25% 0.25%
$1,000,000 or more* None None See Below* None
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* No sales charge applies on investments of $1 million or more, but a
contingent deferred sales charge of 1% is imposed on certain redemptions of
such shares within one year of the date of purchase. See "Reduced Sales
Charges on Class A Shares--Contingent Deferred Sales Charge, Class A."
Although an investor will not pay an initial sales charge on investments of
$1,000,000 or more, the Distributor will pay, from its own resources, a
commission to dealers on such investments. The dealer will receive a commission
of 1.00% on the portion of a sale from $1,000,000 to $2,999,999, 0.50%
66
<PAGE>
of any portion from $3,000,000 to $4,999,999 and 0.40% on any portion of
$5,000,000 or more.
The Distributor may allow the full sales charge to be retained by dealers. The
amount retained may be changed from time to time but will remain the same for
all dealers. NYLIFE Securities Inc., at its expense, also may from time to time
provide other compensation arrangements or additional promotional incentives to
dealers who sell Fund shares. A selected dealer who receives a reallowance in
excess of 90% of such a sales charge may be deemed to be an "underwriter" under
the 1933 Act.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PURCHASES AT NAV
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Fund's Class A shares may be purchased at NAV, without payment of any sales
charge, by its Trustees, New York Life and its subsidiaries and their employees,
officers, directors or agents (and immediate family members). Also, any employee
or Registered Representative of an authorized broker-dealer may purchase a
Fund's shares at NAV without payment of any sales charge. In addition, the Trust
will treat Class A share purchases of Funds, other than the Equity Index Fund
and Money Market Fund, in an amount less than $1,000,000 by defined contribution
plans, other than 403(b) plans, that are sponsored by employers with 250 or more
employees as if such purchases were equal to an amount more than $1,000,000 but
less than $2,999,999.
In addition, Class A shares of the Funds may be purchased at net asset value
through broker-dealers, investment advisers and other financial institutions
which have entered into a supplemental agreement with the Distributor, which
includes a requirement that such shares be sold for the benefit of clients
participating in a "wrap account" or similar program under which clients pay a
fee to the broker-dealer, investment adviser or other financial institution.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REDUCED SALES CHARGES ON CLASS A SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The sales charge varies with the size of the purchase and reduced charges apply
to the aggregate of purchases of a Fund made at one time by any "Qualified
Purchaser," which term includes (i) an individual and his/her spouse and their
children under the age of 21; and (ii) any other organized group of persons,
whether incorporated or not, which is itself a shareholder of the Fund,
including group retirement and benefit plans (other than IRAs and non-Erisa
403(b) plans) whether incorporated or not, provided the organization has been in
existence for at least six months and has some purpose other than the purchase
at a discount of redeemable securities of a registered investment company. The
circumstances under which "Qualified Purchasers" and other investors in the
Funds may pay reduced sales charges are described on page 42, Consider Reducing
Your Sales Charges.
Letter of Intent
Qualified Purchasers may obtain reduced sales charges by signing an LOI. The LOI
is a nonbinding obligation on the Qualified Purchaser to purchase the full
amount indicated in the LOI. The sales charge is based on the total amount
invested during a 24-month period. A 90-day back-dated period can be used to
include earlier purchases; the 24-month period would then begin on the date of
the first purchase during the 90-day period. For more information, see the SAI
or call your Registered Representative or MainStay at 1-800-MainStay.
Transfers From Other Fund Complexes
Subject to appropriate documentation, a Qualified Purchaser or any other
investor may purchase Class A shares of a Fund at net asset value through a
dealer where the amount invested represents redemption proceeds from a
registered open-end management investment company not distributed or managed by
New York Life or its affiliates, if such redemption has occurred no more than 30
days prior to the purchase of Class A shares of the Fund and the shareholder
paid an initial sales charge.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge, Class A
On qualified investments of $1 million or more, a contingent deferred sales
charge of 1% will be imposed on redemptions of such investments made within one
year of the date of purchase.
Class A shares that are redeemed will not be subject to a contingent deferred
sales charge, however, to the extent that the value of such shares represents:
(1) capital appreciation of Fund assets; (2) reinvestment of dividends or
capital gains distributions; or (3) Class A shares redeemed more than one year
after their purchase. Class A shares of a Fund that are purchased without a
front-end sales charge may be exchanged for Class A shares of another Fund
without the imposition of a contingent deferred sales charge, although, upon
redemption, contingent deferred sales charges may apply to the Class A shares
that were acquired through an exchange.
The contingent deferred sales charge will be applicable to amounts invested
pursuant to a right of accumulation or an LOI to the extent that (a) a front-end
sales charge was not paid at the time of the purchase and (b) any shares so
purchased are redeemed within one year of the date of purchase.
For federal income tax purposes, the amount of the contingent deferred sales
charge generally will reduce the gain or increase the loss, as the case may be,
recognized upon redemption.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEFERRED SALES CHARGE CLASS B SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proceeds from the contingent deferred sales charge are paid to, and are used in
whole or in part by, the Distributor to defray its expenses related to providing
distribution related services to the Funds in connection with the sale of the
Class B shares, such as the payment of compensation to selected dealers and
agents. The combination of the contingent
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deferred sales charge and the distribution fee facilitates the ability of the
Fund to sell the Class B shares without a sales charge being deducted at the
time of purchase.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge, Class B
A contingent deferred sales charge will be imposed on redemptions of Class B
shares of the Funds, in accordance with the table below, at the time of any
redemption by a shareholder which reduces the current value of the shareholder's
Class B account in any Fund to an amount which is lower than the amount of all
payments by the shareholder for the purchase of Class B shares in that Fund
during the preceding six years. However, no such charge will be imposed to the
extent that the net asset value of the Class B shares redeemed does not exceed
(a) the current aggregate net asset value of Class B shares of that Fund
purchased more than six years prior to the redemption, plus (b) the current
aggregate net asset value of Class B shares of that Fund purchased through
reinvestment of dividends or distributions, plus (c) increases in the net asset
value of the investor's Class B shares of that Fund above the total amount of
payments for the purchase of Class B shares of that Fund made during the
preceding six years. The amount of any contingent deferred sales charge will be
paid to and retained by the Distributor.
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 of any Fund (other than the Money Market Fund and Equity Index Fund)
until the time of redemption of such shares. Solely for purposes of determining
the number of years from the time of payment for the purchase of shares, all
payments during a month will be aggregated and deemed to have been made on the
last day of the month.
The following table sets forth the rates of the contingent deferred sales
charge:
Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge as a Percentage
Year Since Purchase of Amount Redeemed
Payment Made Subject to the Charge
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First .................................................................... 5.0%
Second ................................................................... 4.0%
Third .................................................................... 3.0%
Fourth ................................................................... 2.0%
Fifth .................................................................... 2.0%
Sixth .................................................................... 1.0%
Thereafter ............................................................... None
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In determining the rate of any applicable contingent deferred sales charge, it
will be assumed that a redemption is made of shares held by the shareholder for
the longest period of time. This will result in any such charge being imposed at
the lowest possible rate. For federal income tax purposes, the amount of the
contingent deferred sales charge generally will reduce the gain or increase the
loss, as the case may be, recognized on the redemption or repurchase of shares.
The contingent deferred sales charge will be waived in connection with the
following redemptions: (i) withdrawals from IRS qualified and nonqualified
retirement plans, individual retirement accounts, tax sheltered accounts, and
deferred compensation plans, where such withdrawals are permitted under the
terms of the plan or account (e.g., attainment of age 59 1/2, separation from
service, death, disability, loans, hardships, withdrawals of excess
contributions pursuant to applicable IRS rules, withdrawals based on life
expectancy under applicable IRS rules); (ii) withdrawals related to the
termination of a retirement plan where no successor plan has been established;
(iii) preretirement transfers or rollovers within a retirement plan where the
proceeds of the redemption are invested in proprietary products offered or
distributed by New York Life or its affiliates; (iv) required distributions by
charitable trusts under Section 664 of the Code; (v) living revocable trusts on
the death of the beneficiary; (vi) redemptions made within one year following
the death or disability of a shareholder; (vii) continuing, periodic monthly
withdrawals under the Systematic Withdrawal Plan used to pay monthly premiums to
New York Life or an affiliate of New York Life; (viii) continuing, periodic
withdrawals, under the Systematic Withdrawal Plan, up to an annual total of 10%
of the value of a shareholder's Class B share account in a Fund; (ix)
redemptions by New York Life or an affiliate of New York Life; (x) redemptions
by directors, Trustees, officers and employees (and immediate family members) of
the Trust and of New York Life and its affiliates where no commissions have been
paid; (xi) redemptions by employees of any dealer which has a soliciting dealer
agreement with the Distributor, and by any trust, pension, profit-sharing or
benefit plan for the benefit of such persons where no commissions have been
paid; (xii) redemptions by separate accounts or advisory accounts managed by New
York Life or an affiliated company; (xiii) redemptions by tax-exempt employee
benefit plans resulting from the adoption or promulgation of any law or
regulation; (xiv) redemptions effected by registered investment companies by
virtue of transactions with a Fund; (xv) redemptions by any state, county or
city, or any instrumentality, department, authority or agency thereof and by
trust companies and bank trust departments; (xvi) involuntary redemptions of an
account with a net asset value of $250 ($500 for the Money Market Fund) or less;
(xvii) transfers to (a) other funding vehicles sponsored or distributed by New
York Life or an affiliated company, or (b) guaranteed investment contracts,
regardless of the sponsor, within a retirement plan; and (xviii) redemptions by
shareholders of shares purchased with the proceeds of a settlement payment made
in connection with the liquidation and dissolution of a limited partnership
sponsored by New York Life or one of its affiliates. The contingent deferred
sales charge is waived on such sales or redemptions to promote goodwill and
because the sales effort, if any, involved in making such sales is negligible.
Shareholders should notify the Fund's Transfer Agent at the time of requesting
such redemptions that they are eligible for a waiver of the contingent deferred
sales charge. Class B shares upon which the contingent deferred sales charge may
be waived may not be resold, except to
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the Trust. Shareholders who are making withdrawals from retirement plans and
accounts or other tax-sheltered or tax-deferred accounts should consult their
tax advisers regarding the tax consequences of such withdrawals.
================================================================================
REDEMPTIONS AND EXCHANGES
================================================================================
Shares may be redeemed directly from a Fund or through your Registered
Representative. Shares redeemed will be valued at the NAV per share next
determined after the Transfer Agent receives the redemption request in "good
order." "Good order" with respect to a redemption request generally means that a
stock power or certificate must be endorsed by the record owner(s) exactly as
the shares are registered and the signature(s) must be guaranteed by an eligible
guarantor institution. In cases where redemption is requested by a corporation,
partnership, trust, fiduciary or any other person other than the record owner,
written evidence of authority acceptable to the Funds' Transfer Agent must be
submitted before the redemption request will be accepted. The signature
guarantee may be waived on a redemption of $100,000 or less which is payable to
the shareholder(s) of record and mailed to the address of record, or under such
other circumstances as the Trust may allow.
The redeeming Fund will make payment in cash, except as described below, of the
net asset value of the shares next determined after such redemption request was
received, less any applicable contingent deferred sales charge. There will be no
redemption, however, during any period in which the right of redemption is
suspended or date of payment is postponed because the New York Stock Exchange is
closed or trading on such Exchange is restricted or the SEC deems an emergency
to exist.
The value of the shares redeemed from a Fund may be more or less than the
shareholder's cost, depending on portfolio performance during the period the
shareholder owned the shares.
Redemption by Check
The Money Market Fund and State Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Bank") each
reserve the right at any time to suspend the procedure permitting redemption by
check and intend to do so in the event that federal legislation or regulations
impose reserve requirements or other restrictions deemed by the Trustees to be
adverse to the interest of other shareholders of the Money Market Fund.
Shareholders who arrange to have checkwriting privileges will be subject to the
rules and regulations of the Bank pertaining to this checkwriting privilege as
amended from time to time. The applicable rules and regulations will be made
available by the Bank upon request when a shareholder establishes checkwriting
privileges.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan
Dividends and capital gains distributions on shares held under the Systematic
Withdrawal Plan are reinvested in additional full and fractional shares of the
same Fund at NAV. The Fund's Transfer Agent acts as agent for the shareholder in
redeeming sufficient full and fractional shares to provide the amount of the
systematic withdrawal payment and any contingent deferred sales charge, if
applicable.
Exchange Privileges
Exchanges will be based upon each Fund's NAV per share next computed following
receipt of a properly executed exchange request.
Subject to the conditions and limitations described herein, Class A and Class B
shares of a Fund may be exchanged for shares of an identical class of the
following MainStay Funds:
MainStay California Tax Free Fund
MainStay Capital Appreciation Fund
MainStay Convertible-Equity Income Fund
MainStay Government Fund
MainStay High Yield Corporate Bond Fund
MainStay International Bond Fund
MainStay International Equity Fund
MainStay Money Market Fund
MainStay New York Tax Free Fund
MainStay Strategic Income Fund
MainStay Tax Free Bond Fund
MainStay Total Return Fund
MainStay Value Fund
In addition, an exchange privilege between Class A shares of the Funds and
MainStay Equity Index Fund is offered. Shareholders should note, however, that
Guaranteed Shares exchanged before or after the Guarantee Date will lose the
benefit of the Guarantee. Any exchanges between a Fund and MainStay Equity Index
Fund will be subject to the conditions applicable to Class A share exchanges
described herein, as well as any applicable minimum investment requirements. No
exchange privilege between Class B shares of the Funds and MainStay Equity Index
Fund is offered.
Investors should read the Prospectus carefully before they place an exchange
request.
Generally, shareholders may exchange their Class A shares of a Fund for Class A
shares of another MainStay Fund, without the imposition of a sales charge. Any
such exchanges will be based upon each Fund's NAV per share next computed
following receipt of a properly executed exchange request. However, where a
shareholder seeks to exchange Class A shares of the Money Market Fund for Class
A shares of another MainStay Fund which are subject to a front-end sales charge,
the applicable sales charge will be imposed on the exchange, unless the
shareholder has previously paid a sales charge with respect to such shares.
Class B shares of a Fund may be exchanged for Class B shares of another MainStay
Fund at the NAV next computed following receipt of a properly executed exchange
request, without the
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payment of a contingent deferred sales charge; the sales charge will be
assessed, if applicable, when the shareholder redeems his or her shares without
a corresponding purchase of shares of another MainStay Fund. However, where a
shareholder previously exchanged his or her Class B shares into the Money Market
Fund from another MainStay Fund, the applicable contingent deferred sales charge
will be assessed when the shares are redeemed from the Money Market Fund even
though the Money Market Fund does not otherwise assess a contingent deferred
sales charge on redemptions. Class B shares of a Fund acquired as a result of
subsequent investments, except reinvested dividends and distributions, will be
subject to the contingent deferred sales charge when ultimately redeemed or
repurchased without purchasing shares of another MainStay Fund.
Exchanges may only be made with respect to Funds registered in the state of
residence of the investor or where an exemption from registration is available.
An exchange may be made by either writing to the Funds' Shareholder Servicing
Agent at the following address: The MainStay Funds, P.O. Box 8401, Boston,
Massachusetts 02266-8401, or by calling the Funds' Shareholder Servicing Agent
at 1-800-MAINSTAY (8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Eastern time).
In times when the volume of telephone exchanges is heavy, additional phone lines
will automatically be added by the Transfer Agent. However, in times of drastic
economic or market changes, the telephone exchange privilege may be difficult to
implement. When calling the Shareholder Servicing Agent to make a telephone
exchange, shareholders should have available their account number and Social
Security or Taxpayer I.D. numbers. Under the telephone exchange privilege,
shares may only be exchanged among accounts with identical names, addresses and
Social Security or Taxpayer I.D. numbers. Shares may be exchanged among accounts
with different names, addresses and Social Security or Taxpayer I.D. numbers
only if the exchange request is in writing and is received in "good order." If
the dealer permits, the dealer representative of record may initiate telephone
exchanges on behalf of a shareholder, unless the shareholder notifies the Fund
in writing not to permit such exchanges.
It is the policy of The MainStay Funds to discourage frequent trading by
shareholders among the Funds in response to market fluctuations. Accordingly, in
order to maintain a stable asset base in each Fund and to reduce administrative
expenses borne by each Fund, five exchanges are permitted in each 12-month
period without the imposition of any transaction fee; subsequently, exchange
requests may be denied.
For purposes of determining the length of time a shareholder owned Class B
shares prior to redemption or repurchase in order to determine the applicable
contingent deferred sales charge, Class B shares will be deemed to have been
held from the date of purchase of the shares, regardless of exchanges into other
Funds. For federal income tax purposes, an exchange is treated as a sale on
which an investor may realize a gain or loss. See page 48, Understand the Tax
Consequences, for information concerning the federal income tax treatment of a
disposition of shares. All exchanges are subject to the minimum investment
requirements of the Funds involved. The exchange privilege may be modified or
withdrawn at any time without notice.
Distributions in Kind
The Trust has agreed to redeem shares of each Fund solely in cash up to the
lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net asset value of the Fund during any 90-day
period for any one shareholder. The Trust reserves the right to pay other
redemptions, either total or partial, by a distribution in kind of securities
(instead of cash) from the applicable Fund's portfolio. The securities
distributed in such a distribution would be valued at the same value as that
assigned to them in calculating the NAV of the shares being redeemed. If a
shareholder receives a distribution in kind, he or she should expect to incur
transaction costs when he or she converts the securities to cash.
Distributions and Redemptions for Equity Index Fund
For the Equity Index Fund, distributions will be paid in additional shares based
on the NAV at the close of business on the payment date of the distribution,
unless the shareholder elects to receive such distributions in cash. Receipt of
dividends in cash by a shareholder will have the effect of reducing the number
of Guaranteed Shares held by that shareholder, and, therefore, the value of the
Guarantee to that shareholder. If, however, the Fund pays a dividend in cash to
all shareholders for the purpose of assuring the Fund's compliance with
applicable provisions of the Code, any such amounts paid in cash will reduce the
Guaranteed Amount applicable to each Guaranteed Share in the amount of the
dividend paid.
For shareholder convenience in monitoring the number and value of a
shareholder's Guaranteed Shares, the Fund currently intends, through reverse
share splits, to combine any additional shares received by a shareholder as
dividends and distributions from the Fund with each originally purchased share
of the Fund to which such dividends and distributions relate, so that a
Guaranteed Share of the Fund will mean a single share of the Fund as purchased
and include in its NAV the value of all dividends and distributions attributable
to such originally purchased share and paid up to that point in time. Following
a reverse share split, a shareholder who has elected to reinvest dividends and
distributions from the Fund will hold the same number of Guaranteed Shares in
the Fund as the shareholder held prior to the reverse share split, but each
share will have a higher NAV (reflecting the added value of the dividends paid).
Shareholders who elect to receive their dividends and distributions from the
Fund in cash will, following a reverse share split, own fewer Guaranteed Shares
of the Fund, but those shares will have the same higher per share NAV as all
other Fund shares. In either case, the overall value of a shareholder's
investment in the Fund will be unaffected by a reverse share split. If reverse
share splits are not authorized, a Guaranteed Share shall mean, on a given date,
that number of shares of the Fund that a shareholder would hold on that date if
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he had bought a single share and then held it, plus all shares issued as
dividends and distributions attributable to such share through the Guarantee
Date. This single share and all other shares issued through the reinvestment of
any dividends and distributions attributable to such share will be treated as a
single unit to which the Guaranteed Amount will apply as described above for a
Guaranteed Share. Shareholders who elect to receive dividends and distributions
in cash would hold fewer shares of the Fund and, consequently, fewer units as to
which the Guaranteed Amount would apply.
Equity Index Fund shares may be redeemed by shareholders prior to their
Guarantee Date. However, any such redeemed shares will lose the benefit of the
Guarantee.
Within seven days after acceptance of a redemption request, the Equity Index
Fund is required to make payment of the NAV of the shares on the date the order
was received in proper form, except that where a request is made at least 30
days prior to a dividend or distribution record date to redeem the dividend
shares immediately upon issuance (to effectively receive the dividend in cash),
redemption and payment will occur at that time.
================================================================================
TAX-DEFERRED RETIREMENT PLANS
================================================================================
Shares of each Fund, except the California Tax Free Fund, New York Tax Free Fund
and the Tax Free Bond Fund, may be purchased for retirement plans, providing
tax-deferred investments for individuals and institutions. Shares purchased may
be used as investments for established plans, or the Distributor may provide
plan documents for selected plans. A plan document must be adopted in order for
a plan to be in existence.
Custodial services are provided for IRA/SEP/SARSEP plans, and for 403(b)(7)
Custodial Accounts. Plan administration is also available for select qualified
retirement plans.
To the extent provided in federal income tax law currently in effect,
contributions made to such plans and earnings thereon, will not be taxable to
the plan participant until distribution.
The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") has specific distribution requirements that
apply to investors who reach age 70 1/2. Therefore, investors over the age of 60
1/2 who wish to preserve the full Guarantee with respect to their investment in
the Equity Index Fund should carefully consider whether shares of the Fund
should be purchased for their retirement plan.
================================================================================
NET ASSET VALUE
================================================================================
For purposes of determining NAV, portfolio securities of the Money Market Fund
are valued at their amortized cost, which does not take into account unrealized
securities gains or losses. This method involves initially valuing an instrument
at its cost and thereafter assuming a constant amortization to maturity of any
premium paid or discount received.
Portfolio securities of each other Fund are valued at their fair market values
as determined by the methods described in the SAI with the exception of money
market instruments held by those Funds, which are valued by the amortized cost
method.
================================================================================
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
================================================================================
Pursuant to each Fund's investment advisory agreement, a Fund's Adviser places
orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio investments for the Fund's
accounts with brokers or dealers selected by it in its discretion. In effecting
purchases and sales of portfolio securities for the account of a Fund, the
Fund's Adviser will seek the best price and execution of the Fund's orders. In
doing so, the Fund may pay higher commission rates than the lowest available
when the Fund's Adviser believes it is reasonable to do so in light of the value
of the brokerage and research services provided by the broker effecting the
transaction. Consistent with the foregoing primary consideration, the Rules of
Fair Practice of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and such
other policies as the Trustees may determine, the Advisers may consider sales of
shares of the respective Funds as a factor in the selection of broker-dealers to
execute each Fund's portfolio transactions. NYLIFE Securities Inc. may act as a
broker for the Trust in accordance with applicable regulations.
Some securities considered for investment by the Funds may also be appropriate
for other clients served by the Funds' Advisers. If a purchase or sale of
securities consistent with the investment policies of a Fund and one or more of
the clients served by the Fund's Adviser is considered at or about the same
time, transactions in such securities may be executed together and will, to the
extent practicable, be allocated among the Fund and clients in a manner deemed
equitable to the Funds and the clients by the Fund's Adviser. Although there is
no specified formula for allocating such transactions, the various allocation
methods used by a Fund's Adviser, and the results of such allocations, are
subject to periodic review by the Trustees.
================================================================================
TAX INFORMATION
================================================================================
General. A Fund generally will not be subject to federal income tax on its net
taxable investment income and net realized capital gains to the extent such
income and gains are distributed to its shareholders in accordance with the
timing requirements of the Code.
Taxes in relation to the Equity Index Fund Guarantee. If an amount is paid to
shareholders pursuant to the Guarantee, such amounts probably will be taxable to
shareholders. However, it is possible that such amounts could be regarded as a
tax-free return of capital. The Fund does not undertake to suggest to
shareholders the manner in which any payments that may be made under the
Guarantee are to be treated for
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tax purposes, and shareholders are specifically advised to consult their tax
advisers about the tax treatment of any payments that may be made under the
Guarantee.
The Guarantee is a relatively new feature that has not previously been offered
by many other mutual funds. As a result, certain tax consequences arising from
the Guarantee are not entirely clear. Consequently, a risk exists that the Fund
would not have attained or be able to retain its status as a regulated
investment company if payments under the Guarantee were made, in which case the
Fund would be liable for corporate level income tax and dividends designated as
capital gain dividends would be taxed as ordinary income to shareholders.
However, management of the Fund believes that the Guarantee will not adversely
affect the status of the Fund as a regulated investment company for federal
income tax purposes. Any witholding of taxes on distributions by the Equity
Index Fund will result in a reduction of the benefit under the Guarantee.
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================================================================================
APPENDIX A
================================================================================
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description of Securities Ratings
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate and Municipal Bond Ratings
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
edged." 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 fluctuation 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 the 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. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in
fact have speculative characteristics as well.
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 both 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.
C: Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues so
rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any
real investment standing.
Moody's applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2, and 3, in each generic rating
classified from Aa through B in its corporate bond rating system. The modifier 1
indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its generic rating
category; the modifier 2 indicates a midrange ranking; and the modifier 3
indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating category.
Designations Applicable to Municipal Bond Ratings
In its municipal bond rating system, Moody's designates those bonds within the
Aa, A, Baa, Ba and B categories that it believes possess the strongest credit
attributes with the symbols Aa1, A1, Baa1, Ba1 and B1.
Advance refunded issues that are secured by escrowed funds held in cash, held in
trust, reinvested in direct noncallable United States government obligations or
noncallable obligations unconditionally guaranteed by the U.S. government are
identified with a hatchmark (#) symbol, i.e., #Aaa.
Moody's assigns conditional ratings to bonds for which the security depends upon
the completion of some act or the fulfillment of some condition. These are bonds
secured by: (a) earnings of projects under construction; (b) earnings of
projects unseasoned in operating experience; (c) rentals that begin when
facilities are completed; or (d) payments to which some other limiting condition
attaches. The parenthetical rating denotes probable credit stature upon
completion of construction or elimination of basis of condition, e.g.,
Con.(Baa).
Issues that are subject to a periodic reoffer and resale in the secondary market
in a "dutch auction" are assigned a long-term rating based only on Moody's
assessment of the ability and willingness of the issuer to make timely principal
and interest payments. Moody's expresses no opinion as to the ability of the
holder to sell the security in a secondary market "dutch auction." Such issues
are identified by the insertion of the words "dutch auction" into the name of
the issue.
Municipal Short-Term Loan Ratings
Issues or the features associated with MIG, VMIG or SQ ratings are identified by
date of issue, date of maturity or maturities or rating expiration date and
description to distinguish each rating from other ratings. Each rating
designation is unique with no implication as to any other similar issue of the
same obligor. MIG ratings terminate at the retirement of the obligation while
VMIG rating expiration will be a function of each issue's specific structural or
credit features.
MIG 1/VMIG 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.
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MIG 2/VMIG 2: This designation denotes high quality. Margins of protection are
ample although not so large as in the preceding group.
MIG 3/VMIG 3: This designation denotes favorable quality. All security elements
are accounted for but there 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.
MIG 4/VMIG 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.
SQ: This designation denotes speculative quality. Debt instruments in this
category lack margins of protection.
Corporate Short-Term Debt Ratings
Moody's short-term debt ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to repay
punctually senior debt obligations which have an original maturity not exceeding
one year. Obligations relying upon support mechanisms such as letters-of-credit
and bonds of indemnity are excluded unless explicitly rated.
Moody's employs the following three designations, all judged to be investment
grade, to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:
PRIME-1: Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have a superior
ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment
ability will often be evidenced by many of the following characteristics:
leading market positions in well-established industries; high rates of return on
funds employed; conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on
debt and ample asset protection; broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed
financial charges and high internal cash generation; and well-established access
to a range of financial markets and assured sources of alternate liquidity.
PRIME-2: Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have a strong
ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally
be evidenced by many of the characteristics cited above but to a lesser degree.
Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to
variation. Capitalization characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more
affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
PRIME-3: Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting institutions) have an acceptable
ability for repayment of senior short-term obligations. The effect of industry
characteristics and market compositions may be more pronounced. Variability in
earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt protection
measurements and may require relatively high financial leverage. Adequate
alternate liquidity is maintained.
NOT PRIME: Issuers rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating
categories.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STANDARD & POOR'S
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate and Municipal Debt Ratings
Investment Grade
AAA: Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by Standard & Poor's.
Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
AA: Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
and differs from the highest rated 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 it normally exhibits adequate 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 in higher rated categories.
Speculative Grade
Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C is regarded as having predominantly speculative
characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal. BB
indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest. While such debt
will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these are
outweighed by large uncertainties or major 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 a 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 identifiable 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.
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CC: The rating CC typically is applied to debt subordinated to senior debt which
is assigned an actual or implied CCC rating.
C: The rating C typically is 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. The D rating category is used when
interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due even if the
applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that such payments
will be made during such grace period. The D rating will also be used upon the
filing of a bankruptcy petition if debt service payments are jeopardized.
Plus (+) or Minus (-): 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.
Provisional ratings: The letter "p" indicates that the rating is provisional. A
provisional rating assumes the successful completion of the project being
financed by the debt being rated and indicates that payment of debt service
requirements is largely or entirely dependent upon the successful and timely
completion of the project. This rating, however, while addressing credit quality
subsequent to completion of the project, makes no comment on the likelihood of,
or the risk of default upon failure of, such completion. The investor should
exercise his own judgment with respect to such likelihood and risk.
r: The "r" is attached to highlight derivative, hybrid, and certain other
obligations that S&P believes may experience high volatility or high variability
in expected returns due to noncredit risks. Examples of such obligations are:
securities whose principal or interest return is indexed to equities,
commodities, or currencies; certain swaps and options; and interest-only and
principal-only mortgage securities.
The absence of an "r" symbol should not be taken as an indication that an
obligation will exhibit no volatility or variability in total return.
N.R.: Not rated.
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 creditworthiness of the obligor but do not take into account
currency exchange and related uncertainties.
Note Rating Definitions
SP-1: Strong capacity to pay principal and interest. Issues determined to
possess very strong characteristics are given a plus (+) designation.
SP-2: Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some
vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the
notes.
SP-3: Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
Commercial Paper Rating Definitions
A-1: This highest category indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely
payment is strong. Those issues determined to possess extremely strong safety
characteristics are denoted with a plus sign (+) designation.
A-2: Capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is
satisfactory. However, the relative degree of safety is not as high as for
issues designated A-1.
A-3: Issues carrying this designation have adequate capacity for timely payment.
They are, however, more vulnerable to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances than obligations carrying the higher designations.
B: Issues rated B are regarded as having only speculative capacity for timely
payment.
C: This rating is assigned to short-term debt obligations with a doubtful
capacity for payment.
D: Debt rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when
interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due, even if
the applicable grace period has not expired, unless S&P believes that such
payments will be made during such grace period.
A commercial paper 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
S&P by the issuer or obtained by S&P from other sources it considers reliable.
S&P does not perform an audit in connection with any rating and may, on
occasion, rely on unaudited financial information. The ratings may be changed,
suspended, or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or unavailability of, such
information.
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================================================================================
APPENDIX B
================================================================================
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Taxable Equivalent Yield Table (*)(+)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If your
federal
marginal a tax-free yield of
income tax --------------------------------------------------------------
rate is 4.0% 4.5% 5.0% 5.5% 6.0% 6.5% 7.0%
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
would equal a taxable yield of:
15.00% 4.71% 5.29% 5.88% 6.47% 7.06% 7.65% 8.24%
28.00% 5.56% 6.25% 6.94% 7.64% 8.33% 9.03% 9.72%
31.00% 5.80% 6.52% 7.25% 7.97% 8.70% 9.42% 10.14%
36.00% 6.25% 7.03% 7.81% 8.59% 9.38% 10.16% 10.94%
39.60% 6.62% 7.45% 8.28% 9.11% 9.93% 10.76% 11.59%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* This table reflects application of the regular federal income tax only;
other taxes may be applicable with respect to a particular shareholder.
Such taxes could change the information shown. Tax rates are subject to
change. Investors in the California and New York Tax Free Funds should in
particular note that the chart does not reflect any state and local taxes
that may be deductible in computing federal income tax liability.
+ This table is for illustrative purposes only; investors should consult
their tax advisers with respect to the tax implications of an investment in
a Fund that invests primarily in securities, the interest on which is
exempt from regular federal income tax.
76
<PAGE>
No dealer, salesman or any other person has been authorized to give any
information or to make any representations other than those contained in this
Prospectus and in the related Statement of Additional Information, in connection
with the offer contained in this Prospectus, and, if given or made, such other
information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized
by the Trust or the Distributor. This Prospectus and the related Statement of
Additional Information do not constitute an offer by the Trust or by the
Distributor to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any of the securities
offered hereby in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make
such offer in such jurisdiction.
[LOGO]MAINSTAY(R) FUNDS
NYLIFE Distributors Inc.
260 Cherry Hill Road
Parsippany, New Jersey 07054
Administrator & Distributor of The MainStay Funds
NYLIFE Distributors Inc. in an indirect wholly owned
subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company.
NEW
YORK[LOGO]
LIFE
77
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THE MAINSTAY FUNDS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
MAY 1, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The MainStay Funds (the "Trust") is an open-end management investment
company (or mutual fund) currently consisting of fourteen series: California Tax
Free Fund, Capital Appreciation Fund, Convertible Fund, Equity Index Fund,
Government Fund, High Yield Corporate Bond Fund, International Bond Fund,
International Equity Fund, Money Market Fund, New York Tax Free Fund, Strategic
Income Fund, Tax Free Bond Fund, Total Return Fund and Value Fund (individually
or collectively referred to as a "Fund" or the "Funds"). The investment adviser
for thirteen of the Funds is MacKay-Shields Financial Corporation ("MacKay-
Shields" or the "Adviser"). The investment adviser for the Equity Index Fund is
Monitor Capital Advisors, Inc. ("Monitor" or the "Adviser"). MacKay-Shields and
Monitor are sometimes jointly referred to as the "Advisers."
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus and should be
read in conjunction with the Prospectus of the Trust dated May 1, 1997, as
amended or supplemented from time to time, a copy of which may be obtained
without charge by writing to NYLIFE Distributors Inc., (the "Distributor") 260
Cherry Hill Road, Parsippany, NJ 07054 or by calling 1-800-MAINSTAY (1-800-624-
6782).
No dealer, salesman or any other person has been authorized to give any
information or to make any representations, other than those contained in this
Statement of Additional Information or in the related Prospectus, in connection
with the offers contained herein, and, if given or made, such other information
or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the
Funds or the Distributor. This Statement of Additional Information and the
related Prospectus do not constitute an offer by the Trust or by the Distributor
to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any of the securities offered
hereby in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such
offer in such jurisdiction.
Shareholder inquiries should be made by writing directly to MainStay
Shareholder Services, Inc., P.O. Box 8401, Boston, Massachusetts 02266-8401, or
by calling 1-800-MAINSTAY. In addition, you can make inquiries through your
registered representative.
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE IN
STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
-----------
<S> <C>
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT POLICIES OF THE MONEY MARKET FUND.......... 5
INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND INSTRUMENTS COMMON TO MULTIPLE
FUNDS....................................................... 7
Repurchase Agreements....................................... 7
Lending of Portfolio Securities............................. 9
Bank Obligations............................................ 10
U.S. Government Securities.................................. 11
Debt Securities............................................. 11
Convertible Securities...................................... 12
Arbitrage................................................... 13
Foreign Securities.......................................... 13
Foreign Currency Transactions............................... 14
Foreign Index-Linked Instruments............................ 18
Brady Bonds................................................. 18
Municipal Securities........................................ 19
Industrial Development and Pollution Control Bonds.......... 24
Variable Rate Demand Notes ("VRDNs")........................ 25
Floating and Variable Rate Securities....................... 25
Zero Coupon Bonds........................................... 26
Standby Commitments -- Obligations with Puts Attached....... 26
When-Issued Securities...................................... 27
Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities.......... 28
Short Sales Against the Box................................. 37
Options on Securities....................................... 38
Options on Foreign Currencies............................... 43
Securities Index Options.................................... 46
Futures Transactions........................................ 47
Swap Agreements............................................. 58
Loan Participation Interests................................ 60
Risks Associated with Debt Securities....................... 62
Risks of Investing in High Yield Securities ("Junk
Bonds")................................................ 62
HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BOND FUND
AND STRATEGIC INCOME FUND
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS........................................... 63
EQUITY INDEX FUND
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS........................................... 64
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
<S> <C>
TOTAL RETURN FUND
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS........................................... 64
CALIFORNIA TAX FREE FUND AND NEW YORK TAX FREE FUND
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS........................................... 64
Risk Factors Affecting California Municipal Securities...... 64
Risk Factors Affecting New York Municipal Securities........ 75
Special Considerations Affecting Puerto Rico................ 91
THE EQUITY INDEX FUND GUARANTEE.................................. 93
ADDITIONAL FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS................... 95
ADDITIONAL NON-FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS............... 97
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS............................................ 100
THE ADVISERS, THE ADMINISTRATOR AND THE DISTRIBUTOR.............. 107
Investment Advisory Agreements.............................. 107
Administration Agreements................................... 110
Distribution Agreement...................................... 113
Other Services.............................................. 121
Expenses Borne by the Trust................................. 122
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE............................. 123
NET ASSET VALUE.................................................. 128
SHAREHOLDER INVESTMENT ACCOUNT................................... 131
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGENT...................................... 131
PURCHASES, REDEMPTION AND REPURCHASE............................. 131
Letter of Intent ("LOI").................................... 131
Suspension of Redemptions................................... 132
TAX-DEFERRED RETIREMENT PLANS.................................... 132
Cash or Deferred Profit Sharing Plans Under Section
401(k) for Corporations and Self-Employed
Individuals................................................ 132
Individual Retirement Account ("IRA")....................... 132
403(b)(7) Tax Sheltered Account............................. 134
General Information......................................... 134
CALCULATION OF PERFORMANCE QUOTATIONS............................ 134
TAX STATUS....................................................... 143
Taxation of the Funds....................................... 143
Character of Distributions to Shareholders -- General....... 144
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Character of Distributions to Shareholders -- The Tax-
Free Funds.............................................
Discount.................................................... 147
Users of Bond-Financed Facilities........................... 148
Excise Tax.................................................. 148
Taxation of Options, Futures and Similar Instruments........ 148
Passive Foreign Investment Companies........................ 150
Foreign Currency Gains and Losses........................... 151
Commodity Investments....................................... 151
Dispositions of Fund Shares................................. 152
Tax Reporting Requirements.................................. 153
Foreign Taxes............................................... 154
State and Local Taxes - General............................. 155
Explanation of Fund Distributions........................... 155
Additional Information Regarding the Equity Index Fund...... 156
Additional Information Regarding the California Tax
Fund and New York Tax Free Fund......................... 157
Annual Statements........................................... 158
General Information......................................... 159
ORGANIZATION AND CAPITALIZATION.................................. 159
General..................................................... 159
Voting Rights............................................... 159
Shareholder and Trustee Liability........................... 160
OTHER INFORMATION................................................ 160
Independent Accountants..................................... 160
Legal Counsel............................................... 161
Share Ownership of the Funds................................ 161
Code of Ethics.............................................. 162
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS............................................. 162
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT POLICIES OF THE MONEY MARKET FUND
Each Fund has a separate investment objective or objectives which it
pursues through separate investment policies, as described in the Prospectus.
The following discussion elaborates on the presentation of the Money Market
Fund's investment policies contained in the Prospectus.
The Fund may invest its assets in U.S. dollar-denominated securities of
U.S. or foreign issuers and in securities of foreign branches of U.S. banks,
such as negotiable certificates of deposit (Eurodollars). Since the portfolio
of the Fund may contain such securities, an investment therein involves
investment risks that are different in some respects from an investment in a
fund which invests only in debt obligations of U.S. domestic issuers. Such
risks may include future political and economic developments, the possible
imposition of foreign withholding taxes on interest income payable on the
securities held in the portfolio, possible seizure or nationalization of foreign
deposits, the possible establishment of exchange controls or the adoption of
other foreign governmental restrictions which might adversely affect the payment
of the principal of and interest on securities in the portfolio.
All of the assets of the Fund generally will be invested in obligations
which mature in 397 days or less and substantially all of these investments will
be held to maturity; however, securities collateralizing repurchase agreements
may have maturities in excess of 397 days. The Fund will, to the extent
feasible, make portfolio investments primarily in anticipation of or in response
to changing economic and money market conditions and trends. The dollar-
weighted average maturity of the Fund's portfolio may not exceed 90 days.
Consistent with the provisions of a rule of the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC"), the Fund invests only in U.S. dollar-denominated money
market instruments that present minimal credit risk and, with respect to 95% of
its total assets, measured at the time of investment, that are of the highest
quality. The Adviser shall determine whether a security presents minimal credit
risk under procedures adopted by the Fund's Board of Trustees. A money market
instrument will be considered to be of the highest quality (1) if rated in the
highest rating category (i.e., Aaa or Prime-1 by Moody's, AAA or A-1 by S&P's)
by (i) any two nationally recognized statistical rating organizations ("NRSROs")
or, (ii) if rated by only one NRSRO, by that NRSRO, and whose acquisition is
approved or ratified by the Board of Trustees; (2) if issued by an issuer that
has short-term debt obligations of comparable maturity, priority, and security,
and that are rated in the highest rating category by (i) any two NRSRO's or,
(ii) if rated by only one NRSRO, by that NRSRO, and whose acquisition is
approved or
B-5
<PAGE>
ratified by the Board of Trustees; or (3) an unrated security that is of
comparable quality to a security in the highest rating category as determined by
the Adviser and whose acquisition is approved or ratified by the Board of
Trustees. With respect to 5% of its total assets, measured at the time of
investment, the Fund may also invest in money market instruments that are in the
second-highest rating category for short-term debt obligations (i.e., rated Aa
or Prime-2 by Moody 's or AA or A-2 by S&P).
The Fund may not invest more than 5% of its total assets, measured at the
time of investment, in securities of any one issuer that are of the highest
quality, except that the Fund may exceed this 5% limitation with respect to 25%
of its assets for up to three business days after the purchase of a security of
any one issuer and except that this limitation shall not apply to U.S.
government securities or securities subject to certain puts. The Fund may not
invest more than the greater of 1% of its total assets or one million dollars,
measured at the time of investment, in securities of any one issuer that are in
the second-highest rating category, except that this limitation shall not apply
to U.S. government securities or securities subject to certain puts. In the
event that an instrument acquired by the Fund is downgraded or otherwise ceases
to be of the quality that is eligible for the Fund, the Adviser, under
procedures approved by the Board of Trustees (or the Board of Trustees itself if
the Adviser becomes aware an unrated security is downgraded below high quality
and the Adviser does not dispose of the security within five business days)
shall promptly reassess whether such security presents minimal credit risk and
determine whether or not to retain the instrument.
Pursuant to the rule, the Fund uses the amortized cost method of valuing
its investments, which facilitates the maintenance of the Fund's per share net
asset value at $1.00. The amortized cost method, which is normally used to
value all of the Fund's portfolio securities, involves initially valuing a
security at its cost and thereafter amortizing to maturity any discount or
premium, regardless of the impact of fluctuating interest rates on the market
value of the instrument.
The Trustees have also established procedures designed to stabilize, to the
extent reasonably possible, the Fund's price per share as computed for the
purpose of sales and redemptions at $1.00. Such procedures include review of
the Fund's portfolio by the Trustees, at such intervals as they deem
appropriate, to determine whether the Fund's net asset value calculated by using
available market quotations or market equivalents (the determination of value by
reference to interest rate levels, quotations of comparable securities and other
factors) deviates from $1.00 per share based on amortized cost.
B-6
<PAGE>
The extent of deviation between the Fund's net asset value based upon
available market quotations or market equivalents and $1.00 per share based on
amortized cost will be periodically examined by the Trustees. If such deviation
exceeds 1/2 of 1%, the Trustees will promptly consider what action, if any, will
be initiated. In the event the Trustees determine that a deviation exists which
may result in material dilution or other unfair results to investors or existing
shareholders, they will take such corrective action as they regard to be
necessary and appropriate, including the sale of portfolio instruments prior to
maturity to realize capital gains or losses or to shorten average portfolio
maturity; withholding part or all of dividends or payment of distributions from
capital or capital gains; redemptions of shares in kind; or establishing a net
asset value per share by using available market quotations or equivalents. In
addition, in order to stabilize the net asset value per share at $1.00, the
Trustees have the authority (1) to reduce or increase the number of shares
outstanding on a pro rata basis, and (2) to offset each shareholder's pro rata
portion of the deviation between the net asset value per share and $1.00 from
the shareholder's accrued dividend account or from future dividends.
The Fund may hold cash for the purpose of stabilizing its net asset value
per share. Holdings of cash, on which no return is earned, would tend to lower
the yield on the Fund's shares.
The Fund may also, consistent with the provisions of the rule, invest in
securities with a face maturity of more than 397 days, provided that the
security is a variable or floating rate security that meets the guidelines of
Rule 2a-7 with respect to maturity.
INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND INSTRUMENTS COMMON TO MULTIPLE FUNDS
The Funds may engage in the following investment practices or invest in the
following instruments to the extent permitted in the Prospectus.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
The Funds may enter into repurchase agreements with member banks of the
Federal Reserve System or member firms of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. that meet the repurchase agreement creditworthiness guidelines
established by the Trustees. The Equity Index Fund will enter into repurchase
agreements only with domestic banks with total assets in excess of one billion
dollars or primary government securities dealers reporting to the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York, and with respect to securities of the type in which
the Fund may invest.
B-7
<PAGE>
In addition, the International Bond and International Equity Funds may enter
into domestic or foreign repurchase agreements with certain sellers deemed to be
creditworthy pursuant to guidelines adopted by the Trustees.
A repurchase agreement, which provides a means for a Fund to earn income on
uninvested cash for periods as short as overnight, is an arrangement under which
the purchaser (i.e., the Fund) purchases a U.S. government or other high quality
short-term debt obligation (the "Obligation") and the seller agrees, at the time
of sale, to repurchase the Obligation at a specified time (usually not more than
a week in the case of the Equity Index Fund, California Tax Free Fund and New
York Tax Free Fund) and price. A repurchase agreement with foreign banks may be
available with respect to government securities of the particular foreign
jurisdiction. The custody of the Obligation will be maintained by the Fund's
Custodian. The value of the purchased securities, including any accrued
interest, will at all times exceed the value of the repurchase agreement. The
repurchase price may be higher than the purchase price, the difference being
income to the Fund, or the purchase and repurchase prices may be the same, with
interest at a stated rate due to the Fund together with the repurchase price
upon repurchase. In either case, the income to the Fund is unrelated to the
interest rate on the Obligation subject to the repurchase agreement.
The income on repurchase agreements may be subject to federal and state
income taxes when distributed by a Fund as a dividend to shareholders. Subject
to applicable limitations, the Tax Free Bond Fund will enter into repurchase
agreements as a means of earning income on its cash reserves when, in the
judgment of the Adviser, shareholders would benefit more from receiving taxable
income thereon than from earning no income or tax-free income at a lower rate on
such reserves.
For purposes of the 1940 Act, a repurchase agreement is deemed to be a loan
from the Fund to the seller of the Obligation. It is not clear whether a court
would consider the Obligation purchased by the Fund subject to a repurchase
agreement as being owned by the Fund or as being collateral for a loan by the
Fund to the seller. In the event of the commencement of bankruptcy or
insolvency proceedings with respect to the seller of the Obligation before
repurchase of the Obligation under a repurchase agreement, the Fund may
encounter delays and incur costs before being able to sell the security. Delays
may involve loss of interest or decline in price of the Obligation. If the
court characterizes the transaction as a loan and the Fund has not perfected a
security interest in the Obligation, the Fund may be required to return the
Obligation to the seller's estate and be treated as an unsecured creditor of the
seller. As an
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<PAGE>
unsecured creditor, the Fund would be at risk of losing some or all of the
principal and income involved in the transaction. As with any unsecured debt
instrument purchased for the Funds, the Advisers seek to minimize the risk of
loss from repurchase agreements by analyzing the creditworthiness of the
obligor, in this case the seller of the Obligation. Apart from the risk of
bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, there is also the risk that the seller may
fail to repurchase the security. However, if the market value of the Obligation
subject to the repurchase agreement becomes less than the repurchase price
(including accrued interest), the Fund will direct the seller of the Obligation
to deliver additional securities so that the market value of all securities
subject to the repurchase agreement equals or exceeds the repurchase price.
The Strategic Income Fund, California Tax Free Fund and New York Tax Free
Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements. A Fund will maintain a
segregated account consisting of liquid assets to cover its obligations under
reverse repurchase agreements. Each of the California Tax Free Fund and New
York Tax Free Fund will limit its investments in reverse repurchase agreements
and other borrowing to no more than 10% of its total assets. The Strategic
Income Fund will limit its investments in reverse repurchase agreements to no
more than 5% of its total assets.
LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
Each Fund, except the Tax Free Bond Fund and the Money Market Fund, may
seek to increase its income by lending portfolio securities. Under guidelines
adopted by the Funds' Board, such loans may be made to institutions, such as
broker-dealers, and are required to be secured continuously by collateral in
cash or U.S. government securities maintained on a current basis at an amount at
least equal to the market value of the securities loaned. The Fund would have
the right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time generally
on less than five days' notice. For the duration of a loan, the Fund would
continue to receive the equivalent of the interest or dividends paid by the
issuer on the securities loaned and would also receive compensation from the
investment of the collateral. The Fund would not, however, have the right to
vote any securities having voting rights during the existence of the loan, but
the Fund would call the loan in anticipation of an important vote to be taken
among holders of the securities or of the giving or withholding of their consent
on a material matter affecting the investment. The Trust, on behalf of certain
of the Funds, has entered into an agency agreement with Merrill Lynch Portfolio
Services, Inc. which acts as the Funds' agent in making loans of portfolio
securities and short-term money market investments of
B-9
<PAGE>
the cash collateral received, under the supervision and control of the Funds'
Advisers.
As with other extensions of credit there are risks of delay in recovery of,
or even loss of rights in, the collateral should the borrower of the securities
fail financially or breach its agreement with a Fund. However, the loans would
be made only to firms deemed by the Adviser to be creditworthy and approved by
the Board, and when, in the judgment of the Adviser, the consideration which can
be earned currently from securities loans of this type justifies the attendant
risk. The value of securities loaned will not exceed 33% of the value of the
total assets of the lending Fund. In addition, pursuant to guidelines adopted
by the Board, each Fund is prohibited from lending more than 5% of its assets to
any one counterparty.
BANK OBLIGATIONS
Time deposits are nonnegotiable deposits maintained in a banking
institution for a specified period of time at a stated interest rate. Time
deposits which may be held by the Funds will not benefit from insurance from the
Bank Insurance Fund or the Savings Association Insurance Fund administered by
the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Certificates of deposit are certificates evidencing the obligation of a
bank to repay funds deposited with it for a specified period of time.
Bankers' acceptances are credit instruments evidencing the obligation of a
bank to pay a draft drawn on it by a customer. These instruments reflect the
obligation both of the bank and of the drawer to pay the full amount of the
instrument upon maturity.
Investments in the obligations of banks are deemed to be "cash equivalents"
if, at the date of investment, the banks have capital surplus and individual
profits (as of the date of their most recently published financials) in excess
of $100,000,000, or if, with respect to the obligations of other banks and
savings and loan associations, such obligations are federally insured. The
Equity Index Fund will not be subject to the above restriction to the extent it
invests in banks obligations of United States banks (including foreign branches)
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. The Equity Index Fund also may invest in certificates of deposit
of savings and loan
B-10
<PAGE>
associations (federally or state chartered and federally insured) having total
assets in excess of $1 billion.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
Securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or
instrumentalities include U.S. Treasury securities, which differ only in their
interest rates, maturities and times of issuance. Treasury bills have initial
maturities of one year or less; Treasury notes have initial maturities of one to
ten years; and Treasury bonds generally have initial maturities of greater than
ten years. Some obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies
and instrumentalities, for example, Government National Mortgage Association
("GNMA") pass-through certificates, are supported by the full faith and credit
of the U.S. Treasury; others, such as those of the Federal Home Loan Banks, by
the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury; others, such as those
issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA"), by the
discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations
of the agency or instrumentality; and others, such as those issued by the
Student Loan Marketing Association, only by the credit of the agency or
instrumentality. While the U.S. government provides financial support to such
U.S. government-sponsored agencies or instrumentalities, no assurance can be
given that it will always do so, and it is not so obligated by law. See
"Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities." The Equity Index Fund
will invest in such securities only when it is satisfied that the credit risk
with respect to the issuer is minimal.
DEBT SECURITIES
Debt securities may have fixed, variable or floating (including inverse
floating) rates of interest. To the extent that a Fund invests in debt
securities, it will be subject to certain risks. The value of the debt
securities held by a Fund, and thus the NAV of the shares of a Fund, generally
will fluctuate depending on a number of factors, including, among others,
changes in the perceived creditworthiness of the issuers of those securities,
movements in interest rates, the average maturity of a Fund's investments,
changes in relative values of the currencies in which a Fund's investments are
denominated relative to the U.S. dollar, and the extent to which a Fund hedges
its interest rate, credit and currency exchange rate risks. Generally, a rise
in interest rates will reduce the value of fixed income securities held by a
Fund, and a decline in interest rates will increase the value of fixed income
securities held by a Fund.
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CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES
The Capital Appreciation Fund, Convertible Fund, High Yield Corporate Bond
Fund, International Bond Fund, International Equity Fund, Strategic Income Fund,
Total Return Fund and Value Fund may invest in securities convertible into
common stock. Such investments may be made, for example, if the Adviser
believes that a company's convertible securities are undervalued in the market.
Convertible securities eligible for inclusion in the Funds' portfolios include
convertible bonds, convertible preferred stocks, or warrants.
Convertible securities, until converted, have the same general
characteristics as other fixed income securities insofar as they generally
provide a stable stream of income with generally higher yields than those of
equity securities of the same or similar issuers. By permitting the holder to
exchange his investment for common stock, convertible securities may also enable
the investor to benefit from increases in the market price of the underlying
common stock. Therefore, convertible securities generally offer lower interest
or dividend yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality.
As with all fixed income securities, the market value of convertible
securities tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, tends to
increase as interest rates decline. The unique feature of the convertible
security is that as the market price of the underlying common stock declines, a
convertible security tends to trade increasingly on a yield basis, and so may
not experience market value declines to the same extent as the underlying common
stock. When the market price of the underlying common stock increases, the
price of a convertible security increasingly reflects the value of the
underlying common stock and may rise accordingly. While no securities
investment is without some risk, investments in convertible securities generally
entail less risk than investments in the common stock of the same issuer.
Holders of fixed income securities (including convertible securities) have
a claim on the assets of the issuer prior to the holders of common stock in case
of liquidation. However, convertible securities are typically subordinated to
similar non-convertible securities of the same issuer.
Accordingly, convertible securities have unique investment characteristics
because (i) they have relatively high yields as compared to common stocks, (ii)
they have defensive characteristics since they provide a fixed return even if
the market price of the underlying common stock declines, and (iii)
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they provide the potential for capital appreciation if the market price of the
underlying common stock increases.
A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the
issuer at a price established in the charter provision or indenture pursuant to
which the convertible security is issued. If a convertible security held by a
Fund is called for redemption, the Fund will be required to surrender the
security for redemption, convert it into the underlying common stock or sell it
to a third party.
ARBITRAGE
Each Fund, except the California Tax Free Fund, Equity Index Fund,
International Bond Fund, International Equity Fund, New York Tax Free Fund and
Tax Free Bond Fund, may sell in one market a security which it owns and
simultaneously purchase the same security in another market, or it may buy a
security in one market and simultaneously sell it in another market, in order to
take advantage of differences between the prices of the security in the
different markets. Although the Funds do not actively engage in arbitrage, such
transactions may be entered into only with respect to debt securities and will
occur only in a dealer's market where the buying and selling dealers involved
confirm their prices to the Fund at the time of the transaction, thus
eliminating any risk to the assets of a Fund.
FOREIGN SECURITIES
Except for the California Tax Free Fund, Government Fund, New York Tax Free
Fund and Tax Free Bond Fund, each Fund may invest, without limit, subject to the
other investment policies applicable to the Fund, in U.S. dollar-denominated and
non-dollar-denominated foreign debt and equity securities and in certificates of
deposit issued by foreign banks and foreign branches of U.S. banks, to any
extent deemed appropriate by the Advisers. Under current SEC rules relating to
the use of the amortized cost method of portfolio securities valuation, the
Money Market Fund is restricted to purchasing U.S. dollar-denominated
securities, but it is not otherwise precluded from purchasing securities of
foreign issuers.
Investors should carefully consider the appropriateness of foreign
investing in light of their financial objectives and goals. While foreign
markets may present unique investment opportunities, foreign investing involves
risks not associated with domestic investing. Securities markets in other
countries are not always as efficient as those in the U.S. and are sometimes
less liquid and more volatile. Other risks involved in investing in the
securities of foreign issuers include
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differences in accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards; limited
publicly available information; the difficulty of assessing economic trends in
foreign countries; generally higher commission rates on foreign portfolio
transactions; the possibility of nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory
taxation; adverse changes in investment or exchange control regulations (which
may include suspension of the ability to transfer currency from a country);
government interference, including government ownership of companies in certain
sectors, wage and price controls, or imposition of trade barriers and other
protectionist measures; difficulties in invoking legal process abroad and
enforcing contractual obligations; political, social or economic instability
which could affect U.S. investments in foreign countries; and potential
restrictions on the flow of international capital. Additionally, foreign
securities and dividends and interest payable on those securities may be subject
to foreign taxes, including foreign withholding taxes, and other foreign taxes
may apply with respect to securities transactions. Additional costs associated
with an investment in foreign securities may include higher transaction, custody
and foreign currency conversion costs. In the event of litigation relating to a
portfolio investment, the Funds may encounter substantial difficulties in
obtaining and enforcing judgments against non-U.S. resident individuals and
companies. Investment in emerging market countries presents risks in greater
degree than, and in addition to, those presented by investment in foreign
issuers in general.
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS
Many of the foreign securities in which the Funds invest will be
denominated in foreign currencies. Changes in foreign exchange rates will
affect the value of securities denominated or quoted in foreign currencies.
Exchange rate movements can be large and can endure for extended periods of
time, affecting either favorably or unfavorably the value of the Funds' assets.
However, each Fund, except the California Tax Free Fund, the Equity Index Fund,
the Government Fund, the Money Market Fund, the New York Tax Free Fund and the
Tax Free Bond Fund, may, to the extent it invests in foreign securities, enter
into forward foreign currency transactions in order to protect against
uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates. Each of
these Funds may enter into contracts to purchase foreign currencies to protect
against an anticipated rise in the U.S. dollar price of securities it intends to
purchase and may enter into contracts to sell foreign currencies to protect
against the decline in value of its foreign currency-denominated portfolio
securities due to a decline in the value of the foreign currencies against the
U.S. dollar. In addition, a Fund may use one currency (or a basket of
currencies) to hedge against adverse
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changes in the value of another currency (or a basket of currencies) when
exchange rates between the two currencies are correlated.
Foreign currency transactions in which the Funds may engage include forward
foreign currency contracts, currency exchange transactions on a spot (i.e.,
----
cash) basis, put and call options on foreign currencies and foreign exchange
futures contracts. A forward foreign currency exchange contract involves an
obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may
be any fixed number of days (usually less than one year) from the date of the
contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract.
These contracts are traded in the interbank market conducted directly between
traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. A forward
contract generally has no deposit requirement, and no commissions are charged at
any stage for trades. Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for
conversion, they do realize a profit based on the difference (the spread)
between the price at which they are buying and selling various currencies.
Normally, consideration of the prospect for currency parities will be
incorporated in a longer term investment decision made with regard to overall
diversification strategies. However, the Adviser believes that it is important
to have the flexibility to enter into such forward contracts when it determines
that the best interest of a Fund will be served by entering into such a
contract. Generally, the Adviser believes that the best interest of a Fund will
be served if a Fund is permitted to enter into forward contracts under specified
circumstances. First, when a Fund enters into, or anticipates entering into, a
contract for the purchase or sale of a security denominated in a foreign
currency, it may desire to "lock in" the U.S. dollar price of the security. By
entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale, for a fixed amount of
U.S. dollars, of the amount of foreign currency involved in the underlying
security transaction, a Fund will be able to insulate itself from a possible
loss resulting from a change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar and the
subject foreign currency during the period between the date on which the
security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or received,
although a Fund would also forego any gain it might have realized had rates
moved in the opposite direction. This technique is sometimes referred to as a
"settlement" hedge or "transaction" hedge.
Second, when the Adviser believes that the currency of a particular foreign
country may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S. dollar, it may enter
into a forward contract to sell, for a fixed amount of dollars, the amount of
foreign
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currency approximating the value of some or all of a Fund's portfolio securities
denominated in such foreign currency. Such a hedge (sometimes referred to as a
"position" hedge) will tend to offset both positive and negative currency
fluctuations, but will not offset changes in security values caused by other
factors. The Fund also may hedge the same position by using another currency
(or a basket of currencies) expected to perform in a manner substantially
similar to the hedged currency ("proxy hedge"). The precise matching of the
forward contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not
generally be possible since the future value of such securities in foreign
currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of
those securities between the date the forward contract is entered into and the
date it matures. With respect to positions that constitute "transaction" or
"position" hedges (including "proxy" hedges), a Fund will not enter into forward
contracts to sell currency or maintain a net exposure to such contracts if the
consummation of such contracts would obligate the Fund to deliver an amount of
foreign currency in excess of the value of the Fund's portfolio securities or
other assets denominated in that currency (or the related currency, in the case
of a "proxy" hedge).
Finally, a Fund may enter into forward contracts to shift its investment
exposure from one currency into another currency that is expected to perform
inversely with respect to the hedged currency relative to the U.S. dollar. This
type of strategy, sometimes known as a "cross-currency" hedge, will tend to
reduce or eliminate exposure to the currency that is sold, and increase exposure
to the currency that is purchased, much as if the Fund had sold a security
denominated in one currency and purchased an equivalent security denominated in
another. "Cross-currency" hedges protect against losses resulting from a
decline in the hedged currency, but will cause the Fund to assume the risk of
fluctuations in the value of the currency it purchases.
At the consummation of the forward contract, a Fund may either make
delivery of the foreign currency or terminate its contractual obligation to
deliver the foreign currency by purchasing an offsetting contract obligating it
to purchase at the same maturity date the same amount of such foreign currency.
If a Fund chooses to make delivery of the foreign currency, it may be required
to obtain such currency for delivery through the sale of portfolio securities
denominated in such currency or through conversion of other assets of the Fund
into such currency. If a Fund engages in an offsetting transaction, the Fund
will realize a gain or a loss to the extent that there has been a change in
forward contract prices. Closing purchase transactions with respect to forward
contracts are usually
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effected with the currency trader who is a party to the original forward
contract.
A Fund's dealing in forward contracts will be limited to the transactions
described above. Of course, a Fund is not required to enter into such
transactions with regard to its foreign currency-denominated securities and will
not do so unless deemed appropriate by the Adviser. A Fund generally will not
enter into a forward contract with a term of greater than one year.
In cases of transactions which constitute "transaction" hedges, or
"position" hedges (including "proxy" hedges) or "cross-currency" hedges that
involve purchase and sale of two different foreign currencies directly through
the same foreign currency contract, a Fund may deem its forward currency hedge
position to be covered by underlying Fund portfolio securities or may establish
a Segregated Account with its Custodian in an amount equal to the value of the
Fund's total assets committed to the consummation of the subject hedge. The
Segregated Account will consist of liquid assets. In the case of "anticipatory"
hedges and "cross-currency" hedges that involve the purchase and sale of two
different foreign currencies indirectly through separate forward currency
contracts, the Fund will establish a Segregated Account with its Custodian as
described above. In the event a Fund establishes a Segregated Account, the Fund
will mark-to-market the value of the assets in the Segregated Account. If the
value of the liquid assets placed in the separate account declines, additional
liquid assets will be placed in the account by the Fund on a daily basis so that
the value of the account will equal the amount of the Fund's commitments with
respect to such contracts.
It should be realized that this method of protecting the value of a Fund's
portfolio securities against a decline in the value of a currency does not
eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities. It simply
establishes a rate of exchange which can be achieved at some future point in
time. It also reduces any potential gain which may have otherwise occurred had
the currency value increased above the settlement price of the contract. The
Funds cannot assure that the techniques discussed above will be successful.
Successful use of forward contracts depends on the investment manager's skill in
analyzing and predicting relative currency values. Forward contracts alter a
Fund's exposure to currency exchange rate activity and could result in losses to
the Fund if currencies do not perform as investment managers anticipate. A Fund
may also incur significant costs when converting assets from one currency to
another. Contracts to sell foreign currency would limit any potential gain
which might be realized by a Fund if the value of the hedged currency increases.
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The Adviser believes active currency management can be employed as an
overall portfolio risk management tool. For example, in their view, foreign
currency management can provide overall portfolio risk diversification when
combined with a portfolio of foreign securities, and the market risks of
investing in specific foreign markets can at times be reduced by currency
strategies which may not involve the currency in which the foreign security is
denominated.
A Fund's foreign currency transactions may be limited by the requirements
of Subchapter M of the Code for qualification as a regulated investment company.
FOREIGN INDEX-LINKED INSTRUMENTS
As part of its investment program, and to maintain greater flexibility, the
International Bond Fund, International Equity Fund and Strategic Income Fund
may, subject to compliance with each Fund's limitations applicable to its
investment in debt securities, invest in instruments issued by the U.S. or a
foreign government or by private issuers that return principal and/or pay
interest to investors in amounts which are linked to the level of a particular
foreign index ("foreign index-linked instruments"). Foreign index-linked
instruments have the investment characteristics of particular securities,
securities indexes, futures contracts or currencies. Such instruments may take
a variety of forms, such as debt instruments with interest or principal payments
determined by reference to the value of a currency or commodity at a future
point in time.
A foreign index may be based upon the exchange rate of a particular
currency or currencies or the differential between two currencies, or the level
of interest rates in a particular country or countries, or the differential in
interest rates between particular countries. In the case of foreign index-
linked instruments linking the interest component to a foreign index, the amount
of interest payable will adjust periodically in response to changes in the level
of the foreign index during the term of the foreign index-linked instrument.
BRADY BONDS
Each of the Convertible Fund, High Yield Corporate Bond Fund, International
Bond Fund, Strategic Income Fund and Total Return Fund may invest a portion of
its assets in Brady Bonds, which are securities created through the exchange of
existing commercial bank loans to sovereign entities for new obligations in
connection with debt restructurings. Brady Bonds may be collateralized or
uncollateralized and are issued in various
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currencies (primarily the U.S. dollar). Brady bonds are not considered U.S.
government securities.
U.S. dollar-denominated, collateralized Brady Bonds, which may be fixed
rate par bonds or floating rate discount bonds, are generally collateralized in
full as to principal by U.S. Treasury zero coupon bonds having the same maturity
as the Brady Bonds. Interest payments on these Brady Bonds generally are
collateralized on a one-year or longer rolling-forward basis by cash or
securities in an amount that, in the case of fixed rate bonds, is equal to at
least one year of interest payments or, in the case of floating rate bonds,
initially is equal to at least one year's interest payments based on the
applicable interest rate at that time and is adjusted at regular intervals
thereafter. Certain Brady Bonds are entitled to "value recovery payments" in
certain circumstances, which in effect constitute supplemental interest payments
but generally are not collateralized. Brady Bonds are often viewed as having
three or four valuation components: (i) the collateralized repayment of
principal at final maturity; (ii) the collateralized interest payments; (iii)
the uncollateralized interest payments; and (iv) any uncollateralized repayment
of principal at maturity (these uncollateralized amounts constitute the
"residual risk").
Brady Bonds involve various risk factors including the history of defaults
with respect to commercial bank loans by public and private entities of
countries issuing Brady Bonds. There can be no assurance that Brady Bonds in
which the Fund may invest will not be subject to restructuring arrangements or
to requests for new credit, which may cause the Fund to suffer a loss of
interest or principal on any of its holdings.
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
Municipal securities generally are understood to include debt obligations
issued by, or on behalf of, states, territories and possessions of the United
States and their political sub-divisions, agencies and instrumentalities and the
District of Columbia, to obtain funds for various public purposes, including
construction of a wide range of public facilities, refunding of outstanding
obligations, payment of general operating expenses and extensions of loans to
public institutions and facilities. The yields on municipal securities depend
upon a variety of factors, including general economic and monetary conditions,
general money market conditions, general conditions of the municipal securities
market, the financial condition of the issuer, the size of a particular
offering, the maturity of the obligations offered and the rating of the issue or
issues. Municipal securities also may be subject to the provisions of
bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and
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remedies of creditors, such as the Federal Bankruptcy Code, and laws, if any,
which may be enacted by Congress or state legislatures extending the time for
payment of principal or interest, or both, or imposing other constraints upon
enforcement of such obligations or upon the ability of municipalities to levy
taxes. There is also the possibility that, as a result of litigation or other
conditions, the power or ability of any one or more issuers to pay, when due,
the principal of, and interest on, its or their municipal securities may be
materially and adversely affected.
Tax Anticipation Notes are used to finance working capital needs of
municipalities and are issued in anticipation of various seasonal tax revenues,
to be payable from these specific future taxes. They are usually general
obligations of the issuer, secured by the taxing power for the payment of
principal and interest.
Revenue Anticipation Notes are issued in expectation of receipt of other
kinds of revenue, such as federal revenues. They, also, are usually general
obligations of the issuer.
Bond Anticipation Notes are normally issued to provide interim financial
assistance until long-term financing can be arranged. The long-term bonds then
provide funds for the repayment of the notes.
Construction Loan Notes are sold to provide construction financing for
specific projects. After successful completion and acceptance, many projects
receive permanent financing through the FHA under the FNMA or GNMA.
Project Notes are instruments sold by the Department of Housing and Urban
Development ("HUD") but issued by a state or local housing agency to provide
financing for a variety of programs. They are backed by the full faith and
credit of the U.S. government, and generally carry a term of one year or less.
Short-Term Discount Notes (tax-exempt commercial paper) are short-term (365
days or less) promissory notes issued by municipalities to supplement their cash
flow.
Municipal Bonds, which meet longer-term capital needs and generally have
maturities of more than one year when issued, have two principal
classifications: general obligation bonds and revenue bonds. Issuers of
general obligation bonds include states, counties, cities, towns and regional
districts. The proceeds of these obligations are used to fund a wide range of
public projects, including construction or improvement of schools, highways and
roads, and water and sewer systems. The
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basic security behind general obligation bonds is the issuer's pledge of its
full faith, credit and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest.
The taxes that can be levied for the payment of debt service may be limited or
unlimited as to the rate or amount of special assessments.
A revenue bond is not secured by the full faith, credit and taxing power of
an issuer. Rather, the principal security for a revenue bond is generally the
net revenue derived from a particular facility, group of facilities or, in some
cases, the proceeds of a special excise or other specific revenue source.
Revenue bonds are issued to finance a wide variety of capital projects,
including: electric, gas, water, and sewer systems; highways, bridges, and
tunnels; port and airport facilities; colleges and universities; and hospitals.
Although the principal security behind these bonds may vary, many provide
additional security in the form of a debt service reserve fund which may be used
to make principal and interest payments on the issuer's obligations. Housing
finance authorities have a wide range of security and credit enhancement
guarantees available to them, including partially or fully insured mortgages,
rent subsidized and/or collateralized mortgages, and/or the net revenues from
housing or other public projects. Some authorities are provided further
security in the form of a state's assurance (although without obligation) to
make up deficiencies in the debt service reserve fund.
An entire issue of Municipal Bonds may be purchased by one or a small
number of institutional investors such as the Funds. Thus, the issue may not be
said to be publicly offered. Unlike securities which must be registered under
the Securities Act of 1933 prior to offer and sale, unless an exemption from
such registration is available, Municipal Bonds which are not publicly offered
may nevertheless be readily marketable. A secondary market exists for Municipal
Bonds which were not publicly offered initially.
The Tax Free Bond Fund may invest more than 25% of its total assets in
Municipal Bonds the issuers of which are located in the same state and may
invest more than 25% of its total assets in Municipal Bonds the security of
which is derived from any one of the following categories: hospitals and health
facilities; turnpikes and toll roads; ports and airports; colleges and
universities; public housing authorities; general obligations of states and
localities; lease rental obligations of states and local authorities; state and
local housing finance authorities; municipal utilities systems; bonds that are
secured or backed by the Treasury or other U.S. government guaranteed
securities; or industrial development and pollution control bonds. There could
be economic, business or political developments which might
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affect all Municipal Bonds of a similar type. However, the Fund believes that
the most important consideration affecting risk is the quality of Municipal
Bonds.
The Tax Free Bond Fund may engage in short-term trading (selling securities
held for brief periods of time, usually less than three months) if the Adviser
believes that such transactions, net of costs including taxes, if any, would
improve the overall return on its portfolio. The needs of different classes of
lenders and borrowers and their changing preferences and circumstances have in
the past caused market dislocations unrelated to fundamental creditworthiness
and trends in interest rates which have presented market trading opportunities.
There can be no assurance that such dislocations will occur in the future or
that the Fund will be able to take advantage of them. The Fund generally limits
its voluntary short-term trading to the extent necessary to qualify as a
"regulated investment company" under the Code.
There are, in addition, a variety of hybrid and special types of municipal
obligations, such as municipal lease obligations, as well as numerous
differences in the security of Municipal Bonds both within and between the two
principal classifications described above. Municipal lease obligations are
municipal securities that may be supported by a lease or an installment purchase
contract issued by state and local government authorities to acquire funds to
obtain the use of a wide variety of equipment and facilities such as fire and
sanitation vehicles, computer equipment and other capital assets. These
obligations, which may be secured or unsecured, are not general obligations and
have evolved to make it possible for state and local governments to obtain the
use of property and equipment without meeting constitutional and statutory
requirements for the issuance of debt. Thus, municipal lease obligations have
special risks not normally associated with Municipal Bonds. These obligations
frequently contain "non-appropriation" clauses that provide that the
governmental issuer of the obligation has no obligation to make future payments
under the lease or contract unless money is appropriated for such purposes by
the legislative body on a yearly or other periodic basis. In addition to the
"nonappropriation" risk, many municipal lease obligations have not yet developed
the depth of marketability associated with Municipal Bonds; moreover, although
the obligations may be secured by the leased equipment, the disposition of the
equipment in the event of foreclosure might prove difficult. For the purpose of
each Fund's investment restrictions, the identification of the "issuer" of
Municipal Bonds which are not General Obligation Bonds is made by the Adviser on
the basis of the characteristics of the Municipal Bonds as described above, the
most significant of which is the
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source of funds for the payment of principal of and interest on such Bonds.
In order to limit certain of these risks, the California Tax Free Fund, New
York Tax Free Fund and Tax Free Bond Fund will not invest more than 10% (15% in
the case of the Strategic Income Fund) of its assets in municipal lease
obligations that are illiquid (along with all other illiquid securities). The
liquidity of municipal lease obligations purchased by the Funds will be
determined pursuant to guidelines approved by the Board of Trustees. Factors
considered in making such determinations may include: the frequency of trades
and quotes for the obligation; the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell
the security and the number of other potential buyers; the willingness of
dealers to undertake to make a market in the security; the nature of marketplace
trades; the obligation's rating; and, if the security is unrated, the factors
generally considered by a rating agency.
There may be other types of municipal securities that become available
which are similar to the foregoing described municipal securities in which each
Fund may invest.
INCOME LEVEL AND CREDIT RISK Municipal obligations are subject to the
----------------------------
provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and
remedies of creditors, such as the Federal Bankruptcy Code, and laws, if any,
which may be enacted by Congress or state legislatures extending the time for
payment of principal or interest, or both, or imposing other constraints upon
enforcement of such obligations or upon municipalities to levy taxes. There is
also the possibility that as a result of litigation or other conditions, the
power or ability of any one or more issuers to pay, when due, principal or
interest on its or their municipal obligations may be materially affected.
Although the Funds' quality standards are designed to minimize the credit risk
of investing in Municipal Bonds, that risk cannot be entirely eliminated.
TAX CONSIDERATIONS With respect to the California Tax Free Fund, New York
------------------
Tax Free Fund and Tax Free Bond Fund, income derived by a Fund from taxable
investments, including but not limited to securities lending transactions,
repurchase transactions, options and futures transactions, and investments in
commercial paper, bankers' acceptances and certificates of deposit will be
taxable for federal, state and local income tax purposes when distributed to
shareholders. Income derived by a Fund from interest on direct obligations of
the U.S. government will be taxable for federal income tax purposes when
distributed to shareholders but, provided that the Fund meets the requirements
of state law and properly designates distributions
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to shareholders, such distributions may be excludable from income for state
personal income tax purposes. A portion of original issue discount relating to
stripped Municipal Bonds and their coupons may also be treated as taxable income
under certain circumstances.
The Tax Reform Act of 1986 ("TRA") has limited the types and volume of
Municipal Bonds qualifying for the federal income tax exemption for interest,
and results in the treatment of tax-exempt interest on certain Municipal Bonds
as a tax preference item included in the alternative minimum tax base for
corporate and noncorporate shareholders. In addition, all tax-exempt interest
may result in or increase a corporation's liability under the corporate
alternative minimum tax, because a portion of the difference between corporate
"adjusted current earnings" and alternative minimum taxable income is treated as
a tax preference item. Further, a issuer's failure to comply with the detailed
and numerous requirements imposed by the TRA after bonds have been issued may
increase the likelihood of retroactive revocation of the tax-exempt status of
certain Municipal Bonds after their issuance. The Funds intend to monitor
developments in the municipal bond market to determine whether any defensive
action should be taken.
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND POLLUTION CONTROL BONDS
Industrial Development Bonds which pay tax-exempt interest are, in most
cases, revenue bonds and are issued by, or on behalf of, public authorities to
raise money to finance various privately operated facilities for business,
manufacturing, housing, sports, and pollution control. These bonds are also
used to finance public facilities such as airports, mass transit systems, ports,
and parking. The payment of the principal and interest on such bonds is solely
dependent on the ability of the facility's user to meet its financial
obligations and the pledge, if any, of the real and personal property so
financed as security for such payments. These bonds are generally not secured
by the taxing power of the municipality but are secured by the revenues of the
authority derived from payments by the industrial user.
Industrial Development and Pollution Control Bonds, although nominally
issued by municipal authorities, are generally not secured by the taxing power
of the municipality but are secured by the revenues of the authority derived
from payments by the industrial user. Industrial Development Bonds issued after
the effective date of the TRA, as well as certain other bonds, are now
classified as "private activity bonds." Some, but not all, private activity
bonds issued after that date qualify to pay tax-exempt interest.
B-24
<PAGE>
VARIABLE RATE DEMAND NOTES ("VRDNS")
The California Tax Free Fund, New York Tax Free Fund and Tax Free Bond Fund
may invest in tax-exempt obligations which contain a floating or variable
interest rate adjustment formula and an unconditional right of demand to receive
payment of the unpaid principal balance plus accrued interest upon a short
notice period prior to specified dates, generally at 30, 60, 90, 180 or 365-day
intervals. The interest rates are adjustable at various intervals to the
prevailing market rate for similar investments, such adjustment formula being
calculated to maintain the market value of the VRDN at approximately the par
value of the VRDN on the adjustment date. The adjustments are typically based
upon the prime rate of a bank or some other appropriate interest rate adjustment
index.
The California Tax Free Fund, New York Tax Free Fund and Tax Free Bond Fund
may also invest in VRDNs in the form of participation interests ("Participating
VRDNs") in variable rate tax-exempt obligations held by a financial institution,
typically a commercial bank ("Institution"). Participating VRDNs provide a Fund
with a specified undivided interest (up to 100%) of the underlying obligation
and the right to demand payment of the unpaid principal balance plus accrued
interest on the Participating VRDNs from the Institution upon a specified number
of days' notice, not to exceed seven days. In addition, the Participating VRDN
is backed up by an irrevocable letter of credit or guaranty of the Institution.
A Fund has an undivided interest in the underlying obligation and thus
participates on the same basis as the Institution in such obligation, except
that the Institution typically retains fees out of the interest paid or the
obligation for servicing the obligation, providing the letter of credit and
issuing the repurchase commitment.
FLOATING AND VARIABLE RATE SECURITIES
Floating and variable rate securities provide for a periodic adjustment in
the interest rate paid on the obligations. The terms of such obligations must
provide that interest rates are adjusted periodically based upon an interest
rate adjustment index as provided in the respective obligations. The adjustment
intervals may be regular, and range from daily up to annually, or may be based
on an event, such as a change in the prime rate.
The interest rate on a floating rate debt instrument ("floater") is a
variable rate which is tied to another interest rate, such as a money-market
index or Treasury bill rate. The interest rate on a floater resets
periodically, typically every six months. While, because of the interest rate
reset feature, floaters provide the Funds with a certain degree of protection
B-25
<PAGE>
against rises in interest rates, the Funds will participate in any declines in
interest rates as well.
The interest rate on a leveraged inverse floating rate debt instrument
("inverse floater") resets in the opposite direction from the market rate of
interest to which the inverse floater is indexed. An inverse floater may be
considered to be leveraged to the extent that its interest rate varies by a
magnitude that exceeds the magnitude of the change in the index rate of
interest. The higher degree of leverage inherent in inverse floaters is
associated with greater volatility in their market values. Accordingly, the
duration of an inverse floater may exceed its stated final maturity. Certain
inverse floaters may be deemed to be illiquid securities for purposes of the
Funds' limitations on investments in such securities.
ZERO COUPON BONDS
The Funds, except the Equity Index Fund, may purchase zero coupon bonds,
which are debt obligations issued without any requirement for the periodic
payment of interest. Zero coupon bonds are issued at a significant discount
from face value. The discount approximates the total amount of interest the
bonds would accrue and compound over the period until maturity at a rate of
interest reflecting market rate at the time of issuance. Because interest on
zero coupon bonds is not distributed on a current basis but is, in effect,
compounded, zero coupon bonds tend to be subject to greater market risk than
interest paying securities of similar maturities. The discount represents
income, a portion of which the Funds must accrue and distribute every year even
though a Fund receives no payment on the investment in that year. Zero coupon
bonds tend to be more volatile than conventional debt securities.
STANDBY COMMITMENTS -- OBLIGATIONS WITH PUTS ATTACHED
The California Tax Free Fund, New York Tax Free Fund, Strategic Income Fund
and Tax Free Bond Fund may purchase municipal securities together with the right
to resell the securities to the seller at an agreed-upon price or yield within a
specified period prior to the maturity date of the securities. Although it is
not a put option in the usual sense, such a right to resell is commonly known as
a "put" and is also referred to as a "standby commitment." Each Fund may pay
for a standby commitment either separately, in cash, or in the form of a higher
price for the securities which are acquired subject to the standby commitment,
thus increasing the cost of securities and reducing the yield otherwise
available from the same security. The Adviser understands that the Internal
Revenue Service (the "IRS") has issued a revenue ruling to the effect that,
under
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<PAGE>
specified circumstances, a registered investment company will be the owner of
tax-exempt municipal obligations acquired subject to a put option. The IRS has
also issued private letter rulings to certain taxpayers (which do not serve as
precedent for other taxpayers) to the effect that tax-exempt interest received
by a regulated investment company with respect to such obligations will be tax-
exempt in the hands of the company and may be distributed to its shareholders as
exempt-interest dividends. The IRS has subsequently announced that it will not
ordinarily issue advance ruling letters as to the identity of the true owner of
property in cases involving the sale of securities or participation interests
therein if the purchaser has the right to cause the security, or the
participation interest therein, to be purchased by either the seller or a third
party. Each of the California Tax Free Fund, New York Tax Free Fund and Tax
Free Bond Fund intends to take the position that it is the owner of any
municipal obligations acquired subject to a standby commitment and that tax-
exempt interest earned with respect to such municipal obligations will be tax-
exempt in its hands; however, no assurance can be given that this position would
prevail if challenged. In addition, there is no assurance that standby
commitments will be available to a Fund, nor has the California Tax Free Fund,
New York Tax Free Fund or Tax Free Bond Fund assumed that such commitments would
continue to be available under all market conditions.
A standby commitment may not be used to affect a Fund's valuation of the
municipal security underlying the commitment. Any consideration paid by a Fund
for the standby commitment, whether paid in cash or by paying a premium for the
underlying security, which increases the cost of the security and reduces the
yield otherwise available from the same security, will be accounted for by the
Fund as unrealized depreciation until the standby commitment is exercised or has
expired.
WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES
The Funds may from time to time purchase securities on a "when-issued"
basis. Debt securities, including municipal bonds, are often issued in this
manner. The price of such securities, which may be expressed in yield terms, is
fixed at the time a commitment to purchase is made, but delivery of and payment
for the when-issued securities take place at a later date. Normally, the
settlement date occurs within one month of the purchase (60 days for municipal
bonds and notes). During the period between purchase and settlement, no payment
is made by the Fund and no interest accrues to the Fund. To the extent that
assets of a Fund are held in cash pending the settlement of a purchase of
securities, that Fund would earn no income; however, it is the Trust's intention
that each Fund will be fully invested to the
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<PAGE>
extent practicable and subject to the policies stated herein. Although when-
issued securities may be sold prior to the settlement date, the Trust intends to
purchase such securities with the purpose of actually acquiring them unless a
sale appears desirable for investment reasons.
At the time the Trust makes the commitment on behalf of a Fund to purchase
a security on a when-issued basis, it will record the transaction and reflect
the amount due and the value of the security in determining the Fund's net asset
value. The market value of the when-issued security may be more or less than
the purchase price payable at the settlement date. The Trustees do not believe
that a Fund's net asset value or income will be exposed to additional risk by
the purchase of securities on a when-issued basis. Each Fund will establish a
segregated account in which it will maintain liquid assets at least equal in
value to commitments for when-issued securities. Such segregated securities
either will mature or, if necessary, be sold on or before the settlement date.
MORTGAGE-RELATED AND OTHER ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES
Each Fund may buy Mortgage-related securities. Mortgage-related securities
are interests in pools of residential or commercial mortgage loans or leases,
including mortgage loans made by savings and loan institutions, mortgage
bankers, commercial banks and others. Pools of mortgage loans are assembled as
securities for sale to investors by various governmental, government-related and
private organizations (see "Mortgage Pass-Through Securities"). The Funds, to
the extent permitted in the Prospectus, may also invest in debt securities which
are secured with collateral consisting of mortgage-related securities (see
"Collateralized Mortgage Obligations"), and in other types of mortgage-related
securities. Like other fixed-income securities, when interest rates rise, the
value of a mortgage-related security generally will decline; however, when
interest rates are declining, the value of a mortgage-related security with
prepayment features may not increase as much as other fixed-income securities.
MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH SECURITIES Interests in pools of mortgage-related
--------------------------------
securities differ from other forms of debt securities, which normally provide
for periodic payment of interest in fixed amounts with principal payments at
maturity or specified call dates. Instead, mortgage pass-through securities
provide a monthly payment which consists of both interest and principal
payments. In effect, these payments are a "pass-through" of the monthly
payments made by the individual borrowers on their residential mortgage loans,
net of any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of such securities. Additional
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<PAGE>
payments are caused by repayments of principal resulting from the sale of the
underlying residential property, refinancing or foreclosure, net of fees or
costs which may be incurred. Some mortgage-related securities (such as
securities issued by the GNMA) are described as "modified pass-through." These
securities entitle the holder to receive all interest and principal payments
owed on the mortgage pool, net of certain fees, at the scheduled payment dates
regardless of whether or not the mortgagor actually makes the payment. Some
mortgage pass-through certificates may include securities backed by adjustable-
rate mortgages which bear interest at a rate that will be adjusted periodically.
Early repayment of principal on mortgage pass-through securities (arising
from prepayments of principal due to sale of the underlying property,
refinancing, or foreclosure, net of fees and costs which may be incurred) may
expose a Fund to a lower rate of return upon reinvestment of principal. Also,
if a security subject to prepayment has been purchased at a premium, in the
event of prepayment the value of the premium would be lost.
Payment of principal and interest on some mortgage pass-through securities
(but not the market value of the securities themselves) may be guaranteed by the
full faith and credit of the U.S. government (in the case of securities
guaranteed by GNMA); or guaranteed by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S.
Government (in the case of securities guaranteed by FNMA or FHLMC, which are
supported only by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase
the agency's obligations).
The principal governmental guarantor of mortgage-related securities is the
GNMA. GNMA is a wholly owned U.S. government corporation within the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD"). GNMA is authorized to
guarantee, with the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, the timely
payment of principal and interest on securities issued by institutions approved
by GNMA (such a savings and loan institutions, commercial banks and mortgage
bankers) and backed by pools of FHA-insured or VA-guaranteed mortgages.
Government-related guarantors (i.e., not backed by the full faith and
credit of the U.S. government) include the FNMA and the FHLMC. FNMA is a
government-sponsored corporation owned entirely by private stockholders. It is
subject to general regulation by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
and acts as a government instrumentality under authority granted by Congress.
FNMA purchases conventional (i.e., not insured or guaranteed by any government
agency) residential mortgages from a list of approved seller/servicers which
include state and federally chartered savings and loan associations, mutual
savings banks,
B-29
<PAGE>
commercial banks and credit unions and mortgage bankers. Pass-through
securities issued by FNMA are guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and
interest by FNMA but are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
government. FNMA is authorized to borrow from the U.S. Treasury to meet its
obligations.
FHLMC was created by Congress in 1970 for the purpose of increasing the
availability of mortgage credit for residential housing. It is a government-
sponsored corporation and acts as a government instrumentality under authority
granted by Congress. FHLMC was formerly owned by the twelve Federal Home Loan
Banks and is now owned entirely by private stockholders. FHLMC issues
Participation Certificates ("Pcs") which represent interests in conventional
mortgages from FHLMC's national portfolio. FHLMC guarantees the timely payment
of interest and collection of principal, but Pcs are not backed by the full
faith and credit of the U.S. government.
If either fixed or variable rate pass-through securities issued by the U.S.
government or its agencies or instrumentalities are developed in the future, the
Funds reserve the right to invest in them.
Commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage insurance
companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers also create pass-
through pools of conventional residential mortgage loans. Such issuers may, in
addition, be the originators and/or servicers of the underlying mortgage loans
as well as the guarantors of the mortgage-related securities. Pools created by
such non-governmental issuers generally offer a higher rate of interest than
government and government-related pools because there are no direct or indirect
government or agency guarantees of payments in the former pools. However,
timely payment of interest and principal of these pools may be supported by
various forms of insurance or guarantees, including individual loan, title, pool
and hazard insurance and letters of credit. The insurance and guarantees are
issued by governmental entities, private insurers and the mortgage poolers.
Such insurance and guarantees and the creditworthiness of the issuers thereof
will be considered in determining whether a mortgage-related security meets the
Funds' investment quality standards. There can be no assurance that the private
insurers or guarantors can meet their obligations under the insurance policies
or guarantee arrangements. The Funds may buy mortgage-related securities
without insurance or guarantees if, through an examination of the loan
experience and practices of the originator/servicers and poolers, the Adviser
determines that the securities meet the Funds' quality standards.
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<PAGE>
PRIVATELY ISSUED MORTGAGE-RELATED SECURITIES The mortgage-related
--------------------------------------------
securities in which the Funds may invest may be: (i) privately issued securities
which are collateralized by pools of mortgages in which each mortgage is
guaranteed as to payment of principal and interest by an agency or
instrumentality of the U.S. government; (ii) privately issued securities which
are collateralized by pools of mortgages in which payment of principal and
interest is guaranteed by the issuer and such guarantee is collateralized by
U.S. government securities; and (iii) other privately issued securities in which
the proceeds of the issuance are invested in mortgage-backed securities and
payment of the principal and interest is supported by the credit of an agency or
instrumentality of the U.S. government.
The California Tax Free Fund, New York Tax Free Fund and Equity Index Fund,
however, may not invest in non-government mortgage pass-through securities.
Although the market for such securities is becoming increasingly liquid,
securities issued by certain private organizations may not be readily
marketable. No Fund will purchase mortgage-related securities or any other
assets which in the Advisers' opinion are illiquid if, as a result, more than
10% (15% in the case of the International Equity Fund, International Bond and
Strategic Income Funds) of the value of the Fund's total assets will be
illiquid.
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS (CMOS) A CMO is a hybrid between a
------------------------------------------
mortgage-backed bond and a mortgage pass-through security. Interest and prepaid
principal is paid, in most cases, semiannually. CMOs may be collateralized by
whole mortgage loans, but are more typically collateralized by portfolios of
mortgage pass-through securities guaranteed by GNMA, FHLMC, or FNMA and their
income streams.
CMOs are structured into multiple classes, each bearing a different stated
maturity. Actual maturity and average life will depend upon the prepayment
experience of the collateral. CMOs are structured into multiple classes, each
bearing a different stated maturity - actual maturing and average life will
depend upon the prepayment experience of the collateral. CMOs provide for a
modified form of call protection through a de facto breakdown of the underlying
--------
pool of mortgages according to how quickly the loans are repaid. Monthly
payment of principal received from the pool of underlying mortgages, including
prepayments, is first returned to investors holding the shortest maturity class.
Investors holding the longer maturity classes receive principal only after the
first class has been retired. An investor is partially guarded against a sooner
than desired return of principal because of the sequential payments.
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<PAGE>
In a typical CMO transaction, a corporation ("issuer") issues multiple
series (e.g., A, B, C, Z) of CMO bonds ("Bonds"). Proceeds of the Bond Offering
are used to purchase mortgages or mortgage pass-through certificates
("Collateral"). The Collateral is pledged to a third-party trustee as security
for the Bonds. Principal and interest payments from the Collateral are used to
pay principal on the Bonds in the order A, B, C, Z. The Series A, B, and C
Bonds all bear current interest. Interest on the Series Z Bond is accrued and
added to principal and a like amount is paid as principal on the Series A, B or
C Bond currently being paid off. When the Series A, B and C Bonds are paid in
full, interest and principal on the Series Z Bond begins to be paid currently.
With some CMOs, the issuer serves as a conduit to allow loan originators
(primarily builders or savings and loan associations) to borrow against their
loan portfolios.
FHLMC COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS FHLMC CMOs are debt obligations
-----------------------------------------
of FHLMC issued in multiple classes having different maturity dates which are
secured by the pledge of a pool of conventional mortgage loans purchased by
FHLMC. Unlike FHLMC Pcs, payments of principal and interest on the CMOs are
made semiannually, as opposed to monthly. The amount of principal payable on
each semiannual payment date is determined in accordance with FHLMC's mandatory
sinking fund schedule, which, in turn, is equal to approximately 100% of FHA
prepayment experience applied to the mortgage collateral pool. All sinking fund
payments in the CMOs are allocated to the retirement of the individual classes
of bonds in the order of their stated maturities. Payment of principal on the
mortgage loans in the collateral pool in excess of the amount of FHLMC's minimum
sinking fund obligation for any payment date are paid to the holders of the CMOs
as additional sinking fund payments. Because of the "pass-through" nature of
all principal payments received on the collateral pool in excess of FHLMC's
minimum sinking fund requirement, the rate at which principal of the CMOs is
actually repaid is likely to be such that each class of bonds will be retired in
advance of its scheduled maturity date.
If collection of principal (including prepayments) on the mortgage loans
during any semiannual payment period is not sufficient to meet FHLMC's minimum
sinking fund obligation on the next sinking fund payment date, FHLMC agrees to
make up the deficiency from its general funds.
Criteria for the mortgage loans in the pool backing the CMOs are identical
to those of FHLMC Pcs. FHLMC has the right to substitute collateral in the
event of delinquencies and/or defaults.
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<PAGE>
OTHER MORTGAGE-RELATED SECURITIES Other mortgage-related securities
---------------------------------
include securities other than those described above that directly or indirectly
represent a participation in, or are secured by and payable from, mortgage loans
on real property, including CMO residuals or stripped mortgage-backed
securities, and may be structured in classes with rights to receive varying
proportions of principal and interest. Other mortgage-related securities may be
equity or debt securities issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S.
government or by private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans,
including savings and loan associations, homebuilders, mortgage banks,
commercial banks, investment banks, partnerships, trusts and special purpose
entities of the foregoing.
CMO RESIDUALS CMO residuals are derivative mortgage securities issued by
-------------
agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government or by private originators
of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations,
homebuilders, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks and special
purpose entities of the foregoing.
The cash flow generated by the mortgage assets underlying a series of CMOs
is applied first to make required payments of principal and interest on the
CMOs and second to pay the related administrative expenses of the issuer. The
residual in a CMO structure generally represents the interest in any excess cash
flow remaining after making the foregoing payments. Each payment of such excess
cash flow to a holder of the related CMO residual represents income and/or a
return of capital. The amount of residual cash flow resulting from a CMO will
depend on, among other things, the characteristics of the mortgage assets, the
coupon rate of each class of CMO, prevailing interest rates, the amount of
administrative expenses and the prepayment experience on the mortgage assets.
In particular, the yield to maturity on CMO residuals is extremely sensitive to
prepayments on the related underlying mortgage assets, in the same manner as an
interest-only ("IO") class of stripped mortgage-backed securities. See
"Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities." In addition, if a series of a CMO
includes a class that bears interest at an adjustable rate, the yield to
maturity on the related CMO residual will also be extremely sensitive to changes
in the level of the index upon which interest rate adjustments are based. As
described below with respect to stripped mortgage-backed securities, in certain
circumstances a portfolio may fail to recoup fully its initial investment in a
CMO residual.
CMO residuals are generally purchased and sold by institutional investors
through several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers. The CMO
residual market has only
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<PAGE>
very recently developed and, accordingly, CMO residuals currently may not have
the liquidity of other more established securities trading in other markets.
Transactions in CMO residuals are generally completed only after careful review
of the characteristics of the securities in question. In addition, CMO
residuals may or, pursuant to an exemption therefrom, may not have been
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. CMO residuals, whether
or not registered under such Act, may be subject to certain restrictions on
transferability, and may be deemed "illiquid" and subject to a Fund's
limitations on investment in illiquid securities.
Under certain circumstances, a Fund's investment in residual interests in
"real estate mortgage investment conduits" ("REMICs") may cause shareholders of
that Fund to be deemed to have taxable income in addition to their Fund
dividends and distributions and such income may not be eligible to be reduced
for tax purposes by certain deductible amounts, including net operating loss
deductions. In addition, in some cases, the Fund may be required to pay taxes
on certain amounts deemed to be earned from a REMIC residual. Prospective
investors may wish to consult their tax advisors regarding REMIC residual
investments by a Fund.
CMOs and REMICs may offer a higher yield than U.S. government securities,
but they may also be subject to greater price fluctuation and credit risk. In
addition, CMOs and REMICs typically will be issued in a variety of classes or
series, which have different maturities and are retired in sequence. \Privately
issued CMOs and REMICs are not government securities nor are they supported in
any way by any governmental agency or instrumentality. In the event of a
default by an issuer of a CMO or a REMIC, there is no assurance that the
collateral securing such CMO or REMIC will be sufficient to pay principal and
interest. It is possible that there will be limited opportunities for trading
CMOs and REMICs in the over-the-counter market, the depth and liquidity of which
will vary from time to time. Under recent legislation, holders of "residual"
interests in REMICs (including the Fund) could be required to recognize
potential phantom income, as could shareholders (including unrelated business
taxable income for tax-exempt shareholders) of funds that hold such interests.
The Fund will consider this legislation in determining whether to invest in
residual interests.
GOVERNMENT FUND The Government Fund may invest in securities
---------------
collateralized by mortgages or pools of mortgages the issuer of which has
qualified to be treated as a "REMIC". CMOs and REMICs may offer a higher yield
than U.S. government securities, but they may also be subject to greater price
B-34
<PAGE>
fluctuation and credit risk. In addition, CMOs and REMICs typically will be
issued in a variety of classes or series, which have different maturities and
are retired in sequence. Privately issued CMOs and REMICs are not government
securities nor are they supported in any way by any governmental agency or
instrumentality. In the event of a default by an issuer of a CMO or a REMIC,
there is no assurance that the collateral securing such CMO or REMIC will be
sufficient to pay principal and interest. It is possible that there will be
limited opportunities for trading CMOs and REMICs in the over-the-counter
market, the depth and liquidity of which will vary from issue to issue and from
time to time. Under recent legislation, holders of "residual" interests in
REMICs (including the Fund) could be required to recognize potential phantom
income, as could shareholders (including unrelated business taxable income for
tax-exempt shareholders) of funds that hold such interests. The Government Fund
will consider this legislation in determining whether to invest in residual
interests.
The Government Fund will not invest in any privately issued CMOs that do
not meet the requirements of Rule 3a-7 under the 1940 Act if, as a result of
such investment, more than 5% of the Fund's net assets would be invested in any
one CMO, more than 10% of the Fund's net assets would be invested in CMOs and
other investment company securities in the aggregate, or the Fund would hold
more than 3% of any outstanding issue of CMOs.
STRIPPED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES Stripped mortgage-backed securities
-----------------------------------
("SMBS") are derivative multi-class mortgage securities. SMBS may be issued by
agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government, or by private originators
of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations,
mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks and special purpose entities
of the foregoing.
SMBS are usually structured with two classes that receive different
proportions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage
assets. A common type of SMBS will have one class receiving some of the
interest and most of the principal from the mortgage assets, while the other
class will receive most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. In
the most extreme case, one class will receive all of the interest (the
interest-only or "IO" class), while the other class will receive all of the
principal (the principal-only or "PO" class). The yield to maturity on an IO
class is extremely sensitive to the rate of principal payments (including
prepayments) on the related underlying mortgage assets, and a rapid rate of
principal payments may have a material adverse effect on a Fund's yield to
maturity from these securities. If the underlying mortgage assets experience
greater than
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<PAGE>
anticipated prepayments of principal, a Fund may fail to fully recoup its
initial investment in these securities even if the security is in one of the
highest rating categories.
Although SMBS are purchased and sold by institutional investors through
several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers, these securities
were only recently developed. As a result, established trading markets have not
yet developed and, accordingly, these securities may be deemed "illiquid" and
subject to a Fund's limitations on investment in illiquid securities.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES The value of some
------------------------------------------------
mortgage-backed securities in which the Funds may invest may be particularly
sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates, and, like the other
investments of the Funds, the ability of a Fund to successfully utilize these
instruments may depend in part upon the ability of an Adviser to forecast
interest rates and other economic factors correctly. If an Adviser incorrectly
forecasts such factors and has taken a position in mortgage-backed securities
that is or becomes contrary to prevailing market trends, the Funds could be
exposed to the risk of a loss.
Investment in mortgage-backed securities poses several risks, including
prepayment, market, and credit risk. Prepayment risk reflects the chance that
borrowers may prepay their mortgages faster than expected, thereby affecting the
investment's average life and perhaps its yield. Whether or not a mortgage loan
is prepaid is almost entirely controlled by the borrower. Borrowers are most
likely to exercise their prepayment options at a time when it is least
advantageous to investors, generally prepaying mortgages as interest rates fall,
and slowing payments as interest rates rise. Besides the effect of prevailing
interest rates, the rate of prepayment and refinancing of mortgages may also be
affected by home value appreciation, ease of the refinancing process and local
economic conditions.
Market risk reflects the chance that the price of the security may
fluctuate over time. The price of mortgage-backed securities may be
particularly sensitive to prevailing interest rates, the length of time the
security is expected to be outstanding, and the liquidity of the issue. In a
period of unstable interest rates, there may be decreased demand for certain
types of mortgage-backed securities, and a Fund invested in such securities and
wishing to sell them may find it difficult to find a buyer, which may in turn
decrease the price at which they may be sold.
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<PAGE>
Credit risk reflects the chance that a Fund may not receive all or part of
its principal because the issuer or credit enhancer has defaulted on its
obligations. Obligations issued by U.S. government-related entities are
guaranteed as to the payment of principal and interest, but are not backed by
the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. The performance of private
label mortgage-backed securities, issued by private institutions, is based on
the financial health of those institutions.
OTHER ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES Several types of asset-backed securities
-----------------------------
have already been offered to investors, including CARS/SM/ ("Certificates for
Automobile Receivables/SM/"). CARS/SM/ represent undivided fractional interests
in a trust ("trust") whose assets consist of a pool of motor vehicle retail
installment sales contracts and security interests in the vehicles securing the
contracts. Payments of principal and interest on CARS/SM/ are passed-through
monthly to certificate holders, and are guaranteed up to certain amounts and for
a certain time period by a letter of credit issued by a financial institution
unaffiliated with the trustee or originator of the trust. An investor's return
on CARS/SM/ may be affected by early prepayment of principal on the underlying
vehicle sales contracts. If the letter of credit is exhausted, the trust may be
prevented from realizing the full amount due on a sales contract because of
state law requirements and restrictions relating to foreclosure sales of
vehicles and the obtaining of deficiency judgments following such sales or
because of depreciation, damage or loss of a vehicle, the application of federal
and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws, or other factors. As a result,
certificate holders may experience delays in payments or losses if the letter of
credit is exhausted.
The Advisers expect that other asset-backed securities (unrelated to
mortgage loans) will be offered to investors in the future. Consistent with its
investment objectives and policies, a Fund also may invest in other types of
asset-backed securities.
SHORT SALES AGAINST THE BOX
A short sale is a transaction in which a Fund sells through a broker a
security it does not own in anticipation of a possible decline in market price.
A short sale "against the box" is a short sale in which, at the time of the
short sale, a Fund owns or has the right to obtain securities equivalent in kind
and amount. Each of the Funds will only enter into short sales against the box.
A Fund may enter into a short sale against the box among other reasons, to hedge
against a possible market decline in the value of the security owned or to defer
recognition of a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes on the security
owned by the Fund. If the value of a security sold
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short against the box increases, the Fund would suffer a loss when it purchases
or delivers to the selling broker the security sold short. The proceeds of the
short sale are retained by the broker pursuant to applicable margin rules. In
addition, the Fund may segregate assets, equal in value to 50% of the value of
the short sale, in a special account with the Fund's custodian. The segregated
assets are pledged to the broker pursuant to applicable margin rules. If a
broker, with which the Fund has open short sales, were to become bankrupt, a
Fund could experience losses or delays in recovering gains on short sales. The
Funds will only enter into short sales against the box with brokers the Advisers
believe are creditworthy. Short sales against the box will be limited to no
more than 25% of a Fund's assets.
OPTIONS ON SECURITIES
WRITING CALL OPTIONS Any Fund, except the Equity Index Fund, the Money
--------------------
Market Fund and the Tax Free Bond Fund, may sell ("write") covered call options
on the portfolio securities of such Fund in an attempt to enhance investment
performance. The California Tax Free Fund and New York Tax Free Fund may
purchase and sell both put and call options on debt securities in standardized
contracts traded on national securities exchanges, boards of trade, or similar
entities, or quoted on NASDAQ, and agreements, sometimes called "cash puts,"
which may accompany the purchase of a new issue of bonds from a dealer. A call
option sold by a Fund is a short-term contract, having a duration of nine months
or less, which gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy, and imposes
on the writer of the option--in return for a premium received--the obligation to
sell, the underlying security at the exercise price upon the exercise of the
option at any time prior to the expiration date, regardless of the market price
of the security during the option period. A call option may be covered by,
among other things, the writer owning the underlying security throughout the
option period, or by holding, on a share-for-share basis, a call on the same
security as the call written, where the exercise price of the call held is equal
to or less than the price of the call written, or greater than the exercise
price of a call written if the difference is maintained by the Fund in liquid
assets in a segregated account with its custodian.
A Fund will write covered call options both to reduce the risks associated
with certain of its investments and to increase total investment return through
the receipt of premiums. In return for the premium income, the Fund will give
up the opportunity to profit from an increase in the market price of the
underlying security above the exercise price so long as its obligations under
the contract continue, except insofar as the
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premium represents a profit. Moreover, in writing the call option, the Fund
will retain the risk of loss should the price of the security decline, which
loss the premium is intended to offset in whole or in part. A Fund, in writing
call options, must assume that the call may be exercised at any time prior to
the expiration of its obligations as a writer, and that in such circumstances
the net proceeds realized from the sale of the underlying securities pursuant to
the call may be substantially below the prevailing market price. Covered call
options and the securities underlying such options will be listed on national
securities exchanges, except for certain transactions in options on debt
securities and foreign securities.
During the option period, the covered call writer has, in return for the
premium received on the option, given up the opportunity to profit from a price
increase in the underlying securities above the exercise price, but, as long as
its obligation as a writer continues, has retained the risk of loss should the
price of the underlying security decline.
A Fund may protect itself from further losses due to a decline in value of
the underlying security or from the loss of ability to profit from appreciation
by buying an identical option, in which case the purchase cost may offset the
premium. In order to do this, the Fund makes a "closing purchase transaction"--
the purchase of a call option on the same security with the same exercise price
and expiration date as the covered call option which it has previously written
on any particular security. The Fund will realize a gain or loss from a closing
purchase transaction if the amount paid to purchase a call option in a closing
transaction is less or more than the amount received from the sale of the
covered call option. Also, because increases in the market price of a call
option will generally reflect increases in the market price of the underlying
security, any loss resulting from the closing out of a call option is likely to
be offset in whole or in part by unrealized appreciation of the underlying
security owned by the Fund. When a security is to be sold from the Fund's
portfolio, the Fund will first effect a closing purchase transaction so as to
close out any existing covered call option on that security.
A closing purchase transaction may be made only on a national or foreign
securities exchange (an "Exchange") which provides a secondary market for an
option with the same exercise price and expiration date, except as discussed
below. There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an Exchange or
otherwise will exist for any particular option, or at any particular time, and
for some options no secondary market on an Exchange or otherwise may exist. If
the Fund is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction involving an
exchange-traded
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option, the Fund will not sell the underlying security until the option expires
or the Fund delivers the underlying security upon exercise. A closing purchase
transaction for an over-the-counter option may be made only with the other party
to the option. Once an option writer has received an exercise notice, it cannot
effect a closing purchase transaction in order to terminate its obligation under
the option and must deliver or purchase the underlying securities at the
exercise price.
Each Fund pays brokerage commissions and dealer spreads in connection with
writing covered call options and effecting closing purchase transactions, as
well as for purchases and sales of underlying securities. The writing of
covered call options could result in significant increases in a Fund's portfolio
turnover rate, especially during periods when market prices of the underlying
securities appreciate. Subject to the limitation that all call and put option
writing transactions be covered, the Funds may, to the extent determined
appropriate by the Advisers, engage without limitation in the writing of options
on U.S. government securities. Subject to the limitation that all call and put
option writing transactions be covered, and limitations imposed on regulated
investment companies under federal tax law, the International Bond Fund and
International Equity Fund may, to the extent determined appropriate by the
Adviser, engage without limitation in the writing of options on their portfolio
securities.
WRITING PUT OPTIONS Each Fund, except the Equity Index Fund, the Money
-------------------
Market Fund and the Tax Free Bond Fund, may also write covered put options. Put
options written by a Fund are agreements by a Fund, for a premium received by
the Fund, to purchase specified securities at a specified price if the option is
exercised during the option period. A put option written by the Fund is
"covered" if the Fund maintains liquid assets with a value equal to the exercise
price in a segregated account with its custodian. A put option is also
"covered" if the Fund holds on a share-for-share basis a put on the same
security as the put written, where the exercise price of the put held is equal
to or greater than the exercise price of the put written, or less than the
exercise price of the put written if the difference is maintained by the Fund in
liquid assets in a segregated account with its custodian.
The premium which the Funds receive from writing a put option will reflect,
among other things, the current market price of the underlying security, the
relationship of the exercise price to such market price, the historical price
volatility of the underlying security, the option period, supply and demand and
interest rates.
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A covered put writer assumes the risk that the market price for the
underlying security will fall below the exercise price, in which case the writer
could be required to purchase the security at a higher price than the then-
current market price of the security. In both cases, the writer has no control
over the time when it may be required to fulfill its obligation as a writer of
the option.
The Funds may effect a closing purchase transaction to realize a profit on
an outstanding put option or to prevent an outstanding put option from being
exercised. The Funds also may effect a closing purchase transaction, in the
case of a put option, to permit the Funds to maintain their holdings of the
deposited U.S. Treasury obligations, to write another put option to the extent
that the exercise price thereof is secured by the deposited U.S. Treasury
obligations, or to utilize the proceeds from the sale of such obligations to
make other investments.
If a Fund is able to enter into a closing purchase transaction, the Fund
will realize a profit or loss from such transaction if the cost of such
transaction is less or more than the premium received from the writing of the
option respectively. After writing a put option, the Fund may incur a loss
equal to the difference between the exercise price of the option and the sum of
the market value of the underlying security plus the premium received from the
sale of the option.
In addition, the Funds may also write straddles (combinations of covered
puts and calls on the same underlying security). The extent to which the Funds
may write covered put and call options and enter into so-called "straddle"
transactions involving put or call options may be limited by the requirements of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") for qualification as
a regulated investment company and the Trust's intention that each Fund qualify
as such. Subject to the limitation that all call and put option writing
transactions be covered, the Funds may, to the extent determined appropriate by
the Advisers, engage without limitation in the writing of options on U.S.
government securities.
PURCHASING OPTIONS Each Fund, except the Equity Index Fund, Money Market
------------------
Fund and the Tax Free Bond Fund, may purchase put or call options which are
traded on an Exchange or in the over-the-counter market. Options traded in the
over-the-counter market may not be as actively traded as those listed on an
Exchange. Accordingly, it may be more difficult to value such options and to be
assured that they can be closed out at any time. The Funds will engage in such
transactions only with firms the Advisers deem to be of sufficient
creditworthiness so as to minimize these risks.
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<PAGE>
The Funds may purchase put options on securities to protect their holdings
in an underlying or related security against a substantial decline in market
value. Securities are considered related if their price movements generally
correlate with one another. A Fund would buy a put option in anticipation of a
decline in the market value of such securities. The purchase of a put option
would entitle the Fund, in exchange for the premium paid, to sell a security at
a specified price upon exercise of the option during the option period. The
purchase of put options on securities held in the portfolio or related to such
securities will enable a Fund to preserve, at least partially, unrealized gains
occurring prior to the purchase of the option on a portfolio security without
actually selling the security. In addition, the Fund will continue to receive
interest or dividend income on the security. The put options purchased by the
Fund may include, but are not limited to, "protective puts" in which the
security to be sold is identical or substantially identical to a security
already held by the Fund or to a security which the Fund has the right to
purchase. The Fund would ordinarily recognize a gain if the value of the
securities decreased during the option period below the exercise price
sufficiently to cover the premium. The Fund would recognize a loss if the value
of the securities remained above the difference between the exercise price and
the premium.
The Funds may also purchase call options on securities the Funds intend to
purchase to protect against substantial increases in prices of such securities
pending their ability to invest in an orderly manner in such securities. The
purchase of a call option would entitle the Fund, in exchange for the premium
paid, to purchase a security at a specified price upon exercise of the option
during the option period. The Fund would ordinarily realize a gain if the value
of the securities increased during the option period above the exercise price
sufficiently to cover the premium. The Fund would have a loss if the value of
the securities remained below the sum of the premium and the exercise price
during the option period. In order to terminate an option position, the Funds
may sell put or call options identical to those previously purchased, which
could result in a net gain or loss depending on whether the amount received on
the sale is more or less than the premium and other transaction costs paid on
the put or call option when it was purchased.
SPECIAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH OPTIONS ON SECURITIES Exchange markets in
---------------------------------------------------
U.S. government securities options are a relatively new and untested concept,
and it is impossible to predict the amount of trading interest that may exist
in such options. The same types of risk apply to over-the-counter trading in
options. There can be no assurance that viable markets will develop or continue
in the United States or abroad.
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A Fund's purpose in selling covered options is to realize greater income
than would be realized on portfolio securities transactions alone. A Fund may
forego the benefits of appreciation on securities sold pursuant to call options,
or pay a higher price for securities acquired pursuant to put options written by
the Fund. If a put or call option purchased by a Fund is not sold when it has
remaining value, and if the market price of the underlying security, in the case
of a put, remains equal to or greater than the exercise price, or, in the case
of a call, remains less than or equal to the exercise price, the Fund will not
be able to exercise profitably the option and will lose its entire investment in
the option. Also, the price of a put or call option purchased to hedge against
price movements in a related security may move more or less than the price of
the related security. The Capital Appreciation Fund, Convertible Fund,
Government Fund, High Yield Corporate Bond Fund, Money Market Fund, Total Return
Fund and Value Fund will not purchase a put or call option if, as a result, the
amount of premiums paid for all put and call options then outstanding would
exceed 10% of the value of the Fund's total assets. Regarding the International
Bond Fund and International Equity Fund, each Fund has undertaken to a state
securities commission that it will not purchase a put, call, straddle or spread
if, as a result, the amount of premiums paid for such positions would exceed 5%
of the value of the Fund's net assets.
The Fund would ordinarily realize a gain if the value of the securities
increased during the option period above the exercise price sufficiently to
cover the premium. The Fund would have a loss if the value of the securities
remained below the sum of the premium paid and the exercise price during the
option period. The ability of a Fund to successfully utilize options may depend
in part upon the ability of the Adviser to forecast interest rates and other
economic factors correctly.
The hours of trading for options on securities may not conform to the hours
during which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the
options markets close before the markets for the underlying securities,
significant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying markets
that cannot be reflected in the options markets.
OPTIONS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES
Each Fund, except the California Tax Free Fund, the Equity Index Fund, the
Government Fund, the Money Market Fund, the New York Tax Free Fund and the Tax
Free Bond Fund, may, to the extent that it invests in foreign securities,
purchase and write options on foreign currencies for hedging purposes in a
manner similar to that of the Fund's transactions in currency futures contracts
or
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forward contracts. For example, a decline in the dollar value of a foreign
currency in which portfolio securities are denominated will reduce the dollar
value of such securities, even if their value in the foreign currency remains
constant. In order to protect against such declines in the value of portfolio
securities, a Fund may purchase put options on the foreign currency. If the
value of the currency does decline, that Fund will have the right to sell such
currency for a fixed amount of dollars which exceeds the market value of such
currency, resulting in a gain that may offset, in whole or in part, the negative
effect of currency depreciation on the value of the Fund's securities
denominated in that currency.
Conversely, if a rise in the dollar value of a currency in which securities
to be acquired are denominated is projected, thereby increasing the cost of such
securities, a Fund may purchase call options on such currency. If the value of
such currency does increase, the purchase of such call options would enable the
Fund to purchase currency for a fixed amount of dollars which is less than the
market value of such currency, resulting in a gain that may offset, at least
partially, the effect of any currency-related increase in the price of
securities the Fund intends to acquire. As in the case of other types of
options transactions, however, the benefit a Fund derives from purchasing
foreign currency options will be reduced by the amount of the premium and
related transaction costs. In addition, if currency exchange rates do not move
in the direction or to the extent anticipated, a Fund could sustain losses on
transactions in foreign currency options which would deprive it of a portion or
all of the benefits of advantageous changes in such rates.
A Fund may also write options on foreign currencies for hedging purposes.
For example, if a Fund anticipates a decline in the dollar value of foreign
currency-denominated securities due to declining exchange rates, it could,
instead of purchasing a put option, write a call option on the relevant
currency. If the expected decline occurs, the option will most likely not be
exercised, and the decrease in value of portfolio securities will be offset by
the amount of the premium received by the Fund.
Similarly, instead of purchasing a call option to hedge against an
anticipated increase in the dollar cost of securities to be acquired, a Fund
could write a put option on the relevant currency. If rates move in the manner
projected, the put option will expire unexercised and allow the Fund to offset
such increased cost up to the amount of the premium. As in the case of other
types of options transactions, however, the writing of a foreign currency option
will constitute only a partial hedge up to the amount of the premium, and only
if rates move in the
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expected direction. If unanticipated exchange rate fluctuations occur, the
option may be exercised and a Fund would be required to purchase or sell the
underlying currency at a loss which may not be fully offset by the amount of the
premium. As a result of writing options on foreign currencies, a Fund also may
be required to forgo all or a portion of the benefits which might otherwise have
been obtained from favorable movements in currency exchange rates.
A call option written on foreign currency by a Fund is "covered" if that
Fund owns the underlying foreign currency subject to the call or securities
denominated in that currency or has an absolute and immediate right to acquire
that foreign currency without additional cash consideration (or for additional
cash consideration held in a segregated account by its custodian) upon
conversion or exchange of other foreign currency held in its portfolio. A call
option is also covered if a Fund holds a call on the same foreign currency for
the same principal amount as the call written where the exercise price of the
call held (a) is equal to or less than the exercise price of the call written or
(b) is greater than the exercise price of the call written if the amount of the
difference is maintained by a Fund in liquid assets in a segregated account with
its custodian.
As with other kinds of options transactions, the writing of an option on
foreign currency will constitute only a partial hedge up to the amount of the
premium received and a Fund could be required to purchase or sell foreign
currencies at disadvantageous exchange rates, thereby incurring losses. The
purchase of an option on foreign currency may constitute an effective hedge
against exchange rate fluctuations, although, in the event of rate movements
adverse to a Fund's position, a Fund may forfeit the entire amount of the
premium plus related transaction costs. Options on foreign currencies to be
written or purchased by a Fund will be traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges or
over-the-counter.
A Fund also may use foreign currency options to protect against potential
losses in positions denominated in one foreign currency against another foreign
currency in which the Fund's assets are or may be denominated. There can be no
assurance that a liquid market will exist when a Fund seeks to close out an
option position. Furthermore, if trading restrictions or suspensions are
imposed on the options markets, a Fund may be unable to close out a position.
Currency options traded on U.S. or other exchanges may be subject to
position limits which may limit the ability of a Fund to reduce foreign currency
risk using such options. Over-the-counter options differ from traded options in
that they are two-
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party contracts with price and other terms negotiated between buyer and seller
and generally do not have as much market liquidity as exchanged-traded options.
Foreign currency exchange-traded options generally settle in cash, whereas
options traded over-the-counter may settle in cash or result in delivery of the
underlying currency upon exercise of the option.
SECURITIES INDEX OPTIONS
The Funds may purchase call and put options on securities indexes (only
call options on the S&P 500 Composite Price Index in the case of the Equity
Index Fund) for the purpose of hedging against the risk of unfavorable price
movements which may adversely affect the value of a Fund's securities. The
Equity Index Fund may purchase call options on the S&P 500 Index to protect
against increases in the prices of securities underlying the Index that the
Equity Index Fund intends to purchase pending its ability to invest in such
securities in an orderly manner.
Unlike a securities option, which gives the holder the right to purchase or
sell specified securities at a specified price, an option on a securities index
gives the holder the right to receive a cash "exercise settlement amount" equal
to (i) the difference between the value of the underlying securities index on
the exercise date and the exercise price of the option, multiplied by (ii) a
fixed "index multiplier." In exchange for undertaking the obligation to make
such a cash payment, the writer of the securities index option receives a
premium.
A securities index fluctuates with changes in the market values of the
securities included in the index. For example, some securities index options
are based on a broad market index such as the S&P 500 Composite Price Index or
the N.Y.S.E. Composite Index, or a narrower market index such as the S&P 100
Index. Indexes may also be based on an industry or market segment such as the
AMEX Oil and Gas Index or the Computer and Business Equipment Index. Options on
stock indexes are currently traded on the following exchanges, among others:
The Chicago Board Options Exchange, New York Stock Exchange, and American Stock
Exchange. Options on other types of securities indexes, which do not currently
exist, including indexes on debt securities, may be introduced and traded on
exchanges in the future. If such options are introduced, the Funds will not
purchase them until they have appropriately amended or supplemented the
Prospectus or Statement of Additional Information, or both.
The effectiveness of hedging through the purchase of securities index
options will depend upon the extent to which price movements in the portion of
the securities portfolio being
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hedged correlate with price movements in the selected securities index. Perfect
correlation is not possible because the securities held or to be acquired by a
Fund will not exactly match the securities represented in the securities indexes
on which options are based. In addition, the purchase of securities index
options involves essentially the same risks as the purchase of options on
futures contracts. The principal risk is that the premium and transaction costs
paid by a Fund in purchasing an option will be lost as a result of unanticipated
movements in prices of the securities comprising the securities index on which
the option is based. Gains or losses on a Fund's transactions in securities
index options depend on price movements in the securities market generally (or,
for narrow market indexes, in a particular industry or segment of the market)
rather than the price movements of individual securities held by a Fund. In
this respect, purchasing a securities index put (or call) option is analogous to
the purchase of a put (or call) on a securities index futures contract.
A Fund may sell securities index options prior to expiration in order to
close out its positions in securities index options which it has purchased. A
Fund may also allow options to expire unexercised.
FUTURES TRANSACTIONS
The California Tax Free Fund, Convertible Fund, Government Fund, High Yield
Corporate Bond Fund, International Bond Fund, International Equity Fund, New
York Tax Free Fund, Strategic Income Fund, Tax Free Bond Fund and Total Return
Fund may purchase and sell futures contracts on debt securities and on indexes
of debt securities in order to attempt to protect against the effects of adverse
changes in interest rates, to lengthen or shorten the average maturity or
duration of a Fund's portfolio and for other appropriate risk management
purposes. For example, a Fund may purchase futures contracts as a substitute
for the purchase of longer-term debt securities to lengthen the average duration
of a Fund's portfolio of fixed-income securities. The Government Fund may enter
into futures contracts and purchase and write options on futures, which are not
U.S. government securities. In order to attempt to hedge against changes in
interest rates and to seek current income. Such futures contracts would
obligate the Fund to make or take delivery of certain debt securities or an
amount of cash upon expiration of the futures contract, although most futures
positions typically are closed out through an offsetting transaction prior to
expiration. The Capital Appreciation Fund, Convertible Fund, Equity Index Fund,
International Equity Fund, Strategic Income Fund, Total Return Fund and Value
Fund may purchase and sell stock index futures to hedge the equity portion of
those Funds'
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securities portfolios with regard to market (systematic) risk (involving the
market's assessment of overall economic prospects), as distinguished from stock-
specific risk (involving the market's evaluation of the merits of the issuer of
a particular security). These Funds, and the International Bond Fund, may also
purchase and sell other futures when deemed appropriate, in order to hedge the
equity or non-equity portions of their portfolios. In addition, each Fund,
except the California Tax Free Fund, Equity Index Fund, Government Fund, Money
Market Fund, New York Tax Free Fund and Tax Free Bond Fund may, to the extent it
invests in foreign securities, enter into contracts for the future delivery of
foreign currencies to hedge against changes in currency exchange rates. Each of
the Funds may also purchase and write put and call options on futures contracts
of the type into which such Fund is authorized to enter and may engage in
related closing transactions. In the United States, all such futures on debt
securities, debt index futures, stock index futures, foreign currency futures
and related options will be traded on exchanges that are regulated by the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC"). Subject to applicable CFTC
rules, the Funds also may enter into futures contracts traded on the following
foreign futures exchanges: Frankfurt, Tokyo, London and Paris, as long as
trading on the aforesaid foreign futures exchanges does not subject a Fund to
risks that are materially greater than the risks associated with trading on U.S.
exchanges. The International Bond Fund and International Equity Fund are not
limited to the above-listed exchanges.
A futures contract is an agreement to buy or sell a security or currency
(or to deliver a final cash settlement price in the case of a contract relating
to an index or otherwise not calling for physical delivery at the end of trading
in the contracts), for a set price at a future date. When interest rates are
changing and portfolio values are falling, futures contracts can offset a
decline in the value of a Fund's current portfolio securities. When interest
rates are changing and portfolio values are rising, the purchase of futures
contracts can secure better effective rates or purchase prices for the Fund than
might later be available in the market when the Fund makes anticipated
purchases. In the United States, futures contracts are traded on boards of
trade which have been designated "contract markets" by the CFTC. Currently,
there are futures contracts based on a variety of instruments, indexes and
currencies, including long-term U.S. Treasury bonds, Treasury notes, GNMA
certificates, three-month U.S. Treasury bills, three-month domestic bank
certificates of deposit, a municipal bond index and various stock indexes.
When a purchase or sale of a futures contract is made by a Fund, the Fund
is required to deposit with its custodian (or
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broker, if legally permitted) a specified amount of liquid assets ("initial
margin"). The margin required for a futures contract is set by the exchange on
which the contract is traded and may be modified during the term of the
contract. The initial margin is in the nature of a performance bond or good
faith deposit on the futures contract which is returned to the Fund upon
termination of the contract assuming all contractual obligations have been
satisfied. Each Fund expects to earn interest income on its initial margin
deposits. 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
a settlement between the Fund and the broker of the amount one would owe the
other if the futures contract expired. In computing daily net asset value,
each Fund will mark-to-market its open futures positions.
A Fund is also required to deposit and maintain margin with respect to put
and call options on futures contracts written by it. Such margin deposits will
vary depending on the nature of the underlying futures contract (and the related
initial margin requirements), the current market value of the option, and other
futures positions held by the Fund.
Positions taken in the futures markets are not normally held until delivery
or final cash settlement is required, but are instead liquidated through
offsetting transactions which may result in a gain or a loss. While futures
positions taken by a Fund will usually be liquidated in this manner, the Fund
may instead make or take delivery of underlying securities or currencies
whenever it appears economically advantageous to the Fund to do so. A clearing
organization associated with the exchange on which futures are traded assumes
responsibility for closing-out transactions and guarantees that as between the
clearing members of an exchange, the sale and purchase obligations will be
performed with regard to all positions that remain open at the termination of
the contract.
FUTURES ON DEBT SECURITIES A futures contract on a debt security is a
--------------------------
binding contractual commitment which, if held to maturity, will result in an
obligation to make or accept delivery, during a particular future month, of
securities having a standardized face value and rate of return. By purchasing
futures on debt securities--assuming a "long" position--a Fund will legally
obligate itself to accept the future delivery of the underlying security and pay
the agreed-upon price. By selling futures on debt securities--assuming a
"short" position--it will legally obligate itself to make the future delivery of
the
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security against payment of the agreed-upon price. Open futures positions on
debt securities will be valued at the most recent settlement price, unless such
price does not appear to the Advisers to reflect the fair value of the contract,
in which case the positions will be valued by or under the direction of the
Trustees.
Hedging by use of futures on debt securities seeks to establish, more
certainly than would otherwise be possible, the effective rate of return on
portfolio securities. A Fund may, for example, take a "short" position in the
futures market by selling contracts for the future delivery of debt securities
held by the Fund (or securities having characteristics similar to those held by
the Fund) in order to hedge against an anticipated rise in interest rates that
would adversely affect the value of the Fund's portfolio securities. When
hedging of this character is successful, any depreciation in the value of
portfolio securities will be substantially offset by appreciation in the value
of the futures position.
On other occasions, a Fund may take a "long" position by purchasing futures
on debt securities. This would be done, for example, when the Fund intends to
purchase particular securities and it has the necessary cash, but expects the
rate of return available in the securities markets at that time to be less
favorable than rates currently available in the futures markets. If the
anticipated rise in the price of the securities should occur (with its
concomitant reduction in yield), the increased cost to the Fund of purchasing
the securities will be offset, at least to some extent, by the rise in the value
of the futures position taken in anticipation of the subsequent securities
purchase. A Fund may also purchase futures contracts as a substitute for the
purchase of longer-term securities to lengthen the average duration of the
Fund's portfolio.
The Fund could accomplish similar results by selling securities with long
maturities and investing in securities with short maturities when interest rates
are expected to increase or by buying securities with long maturities and
selling securities with short maturities when interest rates are expected to
decline. However, by using futures contracts as a risk management technique,
given the greater liquidity in the futures market than in the cash market, it
may be possible to accomplish the same result more easily and more quickly.
Because the only futures contracts currently available to hedge the Tax
Free Bond Fund's portfolio of municipal obligations are futures on various U.S.
government securities and futures on a municipal securities index, perfect
correlation between that
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Fund's futures positions and portfolio positions may be difficult to achieve.
SECURITIES INDEX FUTURES A securities index futures contract does not
------------------------
require the physical delivery of securities, but merely provides for profits and
losses resulting from changes in the market value of the contract to be credited
or debited at the close of each trading day to the respective accounts of the
parties to the contract. On the contract's expiration date a final cash
settlement occurs and the futures positions are simply closed out. Changes in
the market value of a particular stock index futures contract reflect changes in
the specified index of equity securities on which the contract is based. A stock
index is designed to reflect overall price trends in the market for equity
securities.
Stock index futures may be used to hedge the equity portion of a Fund's
securities portfolio with regard to market (systematic) risk, as distinguished
from stock-specific risk. The Funds may enter into stock index futures to the
extent that they have equity securities in their portfolios. Similarly, the
Funds may enter into futures on debt securities indexes (including the municipal
bond index) to the extent they have debt securities in their portfolios. By
establishing an appropriate "short" position in securities index futures, a Fund
may seek to protect the value of its portfolio against an overall decline in the
market for securities. Alternatively, in anticipation of a generally rising
market, a Fund can seek to avoid losing the benefit of apparently low current
prices by establishing a "long" position in securities index futures and later
liquidating that position as particular securities are in fact acquired. To the
extent that these hedging strategies are successful, the Fund will be affected
to a lesser degree by adverse overall market price movements, unrelated to the
merits of specific portfolio securities, than would otherwise be the case. A
Fund may also purchase futures on debt securities or indexes as a substitute for
the purchase of longer-term debt securities to lengthen the average duration of
the Fund's debt portfolio.
The Funds do not intend to use U.S. stock index futures to hedge positions
in securities of non-U.S. companies.
CURRENCY FUTURES A sale of a currency futures contract creates an
----------------
obligation by a Fund, as seller, to deliver the amount of currency called for in
the contract at a specified future time for a specified price. A purchase of a
currency futures contract creates an obligation by a Fund, as purchaser, to take
delivery of an amount of currency at a specified future time at a specified
price. A Fund may sell a currency futures contract, if the Adviser anticipates
that exchange rates for a particular
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currency will fall, as a hedge against a decline in the value of the Fund's
securities denominated in such currency. If the Adviser anticipates that
exchange rates will rise, the Fund may purchase a currency futures contract to
protect against an increase in the price of securities denominated in a
particular currency the Fund intends to purchase. Although the terms of currency
futures contracts specify actual delivery or receipt, in most instances the
contracts are closed out before the settlement date without the making or taking
of delivery of the currency. Closing out of a currency futures contract is
effected by entering into an offsetting purchase or sale transaction. To offset
a currency futures contract sold by a Fund, the Fund purchases a currency
futures contract for the same aggregate amount of currency and delivery date. If
the price in the sale exceeds the price in the offsetting purchase, the Fund is
immediately paid the difference. Similarly, to close out a currency futures
contract purchased by the Fund, the Fund sells a currency futures contract. If
the offsetting sale price exceeds the purchase price, the Fund realizes a gain,
and if the offsetting sale price is less than the purchase price, the Fund
realizes a loss.
A risk in employing currency futures contracts to protect against the price
volatility of portfolio securities denominated in a particular currency is that
changes in currency exchange rates or in the value of the futures position may
correlate imperfectly with changes in the cash prices of a Fund's securities.
The degree of correlation may be distorted by the fact that the currency futures
market may be dominated by short-term traders seeking to profit from changes in
exchange rates. This would reduce the value of such contracts for hedging
purposes over a short-term period. Such distortions are generally minor and
would diminish as the contract approached maturity. Another risk is that the
Adviser could be incorrect in its expectation as to the direction or extent of
various exchange rate movements or the time span within which the movements take
place.
OPTIONS ON FUTURES For bona fide hedging and other appropriate risk
------------------
management purposes, the Funds also may purchase and write call and put options
on futures contracts which are traded on exchanges that are licensed and
regulated by the CFTC for the purpose of options trading, or, subject to
applicable CFTC rules, on foreign exchanges. It is the current policy of the
Trust that the Funds will purchase or write only options on futures contracts
that are traded on a U.S. or foreign exchange or board of trade. The Funds also
may engage in related closing transactions with respect to options on futures. A
"call" option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in return for
the premium paid, to purchase a futures contract (assume a
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"long" position) at a specified exercise price at any time before the option
expires. A "put" option gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium
paid, to sell a futures contract (assume a "short" position), for a specified
exercise price at any time before the option expires.
Upon the exercise of a "call," the writer of the option is obligated to
sell the futures contract (to deliver a "long" position to the option holder) at
the option exercise price, which will presumably be lower than the current
market price of the contract in the futures market. Upon exercise of a "put,"
the writer of the option is obligated to purchase the futures contract (deliver
a "short" position to the option holder) at the option exercise price, which
will presumably be higher than the current market price of the contract in the
futures market. When an entity exercises an option and assumes a "long" futures
position, in the case of a "call," or a "short" futures position, in the case of
a "put," its gain will be credited to its futures margin account, while the loss
suffered by the writer of the option will be debited to its account. However, as
with the trading of futures, most participants in the options markets do not
seek to realize their gains or losses by exercise of their option rights.
Instead, the writer or holder of an option will usually realize a gain or loss
by buying or selling an offsetting option at a market price that will reflect an
increase or a decrease from the premium originally paid.
Options on futures contracts can be used by a Fund to hedge substantially
the same risks and for the same duration and risk management purposes as might
be addressed or served by the direct purchase or sale of the underlying futures
contracts. If the Fund purchases an option on a futures contract, it may obtain
benefits similar to those that would result if it held the futures position
itself.
The purchase of put options on futures contracts is a means of hedging a
Fund's portfolio against the risk of rising interest rates, declining securities
prices or declining exchange rates for a particular currency. The purchase of a
call option on a futures contract represents a means of hedging against a market
advance affecting securities prices or currency exchange rates when the Fund is
not fully invested or of lengthening the average maturity or duration of a
Fund's portfolio. Depending on the pricing of the option compared to either the
futures contract upon which it is based or upon the price of the underlying
securities or currencies, it may or may not be less risky than ownership of the
futures contract or underlying securities or currencies.
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In contrast to a futures transaction, in which only transaction costs are
involved, benefits received in an option transaction will be reduced by the
amount of the premium paid as well as by transaction costs. In the event of an
adverse market movement, however, the Fund will not be subject to a risk of loss
on the option transaction beyond the price of the premium it paid plus its
transaction costs, and may consequently benefit from a favorable movement in the
value of its portfolio securities or the currencies in which such securities are
denominated that would have been more completely offset if the hedge had been
effected through the use of futures.
If a Fund writes options on futures contracts, the Fund will receive a
premium but will assume a risk of adverse movement in the price of the
underlying futures contract comparable to that involved in holding a futures
position. If the option is not exercised, the Fund will realize a gain in the
amount of the premium, which may partially offset unfavorable changes in the
value of securities held by or to be acquired for the Fund. If the option is
exercised, the Fund will incur a loss in the option transaction, which will be
reduced by the amount of the premium it has received, but which may partially
offset favorable changes in the value of its portfolio securities or the
currencies in which such securities are denominated.
The writing of a call option on a futures contract constitutes a partial
hedge against declining prices of the underlying securities or the currencies in
which such securities are denominated. If the futures price at expiration is
below the exercise price, the Fund will retain the full amount of the option
premium, which provides a partial hedge against any decline that may have
occurred in the Fund's holdings of securities or the currencies in which such
securities are denominated.
The writing of a put option on a futures contract is analogous to the
purchase of a futures contract. For example, if the Fund writes a put option on
a futures contract on debt securities related to securities that the Fund
expects to acquire and the market price of such securities increases, the net
cost to a Fund of the debt securities acquired by it will be reduced by the
amount of the option premium received. Of course, if market prices have
declined, the Fund's purchase price upon exercise may be greater than the price
at which the debt securities might be purchased in the securities market.
While the holder or writer of an option on a futures contract may normally
terminate its position by selling or purchasing an offsetting option of the same
series, a Fund's ability to establish and close out options positions at fairly
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established prices will be subject to the maintenance of a liquid market. The
Funds will not purchase or write options on futures contracts unless the market
for such options has sufficient liquidity such that the risks associated with
such options transactions are not at unacceptable levels.
LIMITATIONS ON PURCHASE AND SALE OF FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON
--------------------------------------------------------------------
FUTURES CONTRACTS In general, the Funds will engage in transactions in futures
- -----------------
contracts and related options only for bona fide hedging and other appropriate
risk management purposes, and not for speculation. With respect to positions in
futures and related options that do not constitute bona fide hedging positions,
a Fund will not enter into a futures contract or futures option contract if,
immediately thereafter, the aggregate initial margin deposits relating to such
positions plus premiums paid by it for open futures option positions, less the
amount by which any such options are "in-the-money," would exceed 5% of the
Fund's total assets. A call option is "in-the-money" if the value of the futures
contract that is the subject of the option exceeds the exercise price. A put
option is "in-the-money" if the exercise price exceeds the value of the futures
contract that is the subject of the option.
When purchasing a futures contract, a Fund will maintain with its custodian
(and mark-to-market on a daily basis) liquid assets that, when added to the
amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the
market value of the futures contract. Alternatively, the Fund may "cover" its
position by purchasing a put option on the same futures contract with a strike
price as high or higher than the price of the contract held by the Fund.
When selling a futures contract, a Fund will maintain with its custodian
(and mark-to-market on a daily basis) liquid assets that, when added to the
amount deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the
market value of the instruments underlying the contract. Alternatively, the Fund
may "cover" its position by owning the instruments underlying the contract (or,
in the case of an index futures contract, a portfolio with a volatility
substantially similar to that of the index on which the futures contract is
based), or by holding a call option permitting the Fund to purchase the same
futures contract at a price no higher than the price of the contract written by
the Fund (or at a higher price if the difference is maintained in liquid assets
with the Fund's custodian).
When selling a call option on a futures contract, a Fund will maintain with
its custodian (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) liquid assets that, when
added to the amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin,
equal the total
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market value of the futures contract underlying the call option. Alternatively,
the Fund may cover its position by entering into a long position in the same
futures contract at a price no higher than the strike price of the call option,
by owning the instruments underlying the futures contract, or by holding a
separate call option permitting the Fund to purchase the same futures contract
at a price not higher than the strike price of the call option sold by the Fund.
When selling a put option on a futures contract, a Fund will maintain with
its custodian (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) liquid assets that equal the
purchase price of the futures contract, less any margin on deposit.
Alternatively, the Fund may cover the position either by entering into a short
position in the same futures contract, or by owning a separate put option
permitting it to sell the same futures contract so long as the strike price of
the purchased put option is the same or higher than the strike price of the put
option sold by the Fund.
The requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company also
may limit the extent to which a Fund may enter into futures, futures options or
forward contracts. See "Tax Status."
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH FUTURES AND FUTURES OPTIONS There are several risks
-------------------------------------------------
associated with the use of futures contracts and futures options as hedging
techniques. A purchase or sale of a futures contract may result in losses in
excess of the amount invested in the futures contract. There can be no guarantee
that there will be a correlation between price movements in the hedging vehicle
and in the Fund's securities being hedged. In addition, there are significant
differences between the securities and futures markets that could result in an
imperfect correlation between the markets, causing a given hedge not to achieve
its objectives. The degree of imperfection of correlation depends on
circumstances such as variations in speculative market demand for futures and
futures options on securities, including technical influences in futures trading
and futures options, and differences between the financial instruments being
hedged and the instruments underlying the standard contracts available for
trading in such respects as interest rate levels, maturities, and
creditworthiness of issuers. A decision as to whether, when and how to hedge
involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived hedge may
be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or unexpected interest
rate trends. It is also possible that, when a Fund has sold stock index futures
to hedge its portfolio against a decline in the market, the market may advance
while the value of the particular securities held in the Fund's portfolio may
decline. If this occurred, the Fund
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would incur a loss on the futures contracts and also experience a decline in the
value of its portfolio securities.
Futures exchanges may limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in certain
futures contract prices during a single trading day. The daily limit establishes
the maximum amount that the price of a futures contract may vary either up or
down from the previous day's settlement price at the end of the current trading
session. Once the daily limit has been reached in a futures contract subject to
the limit, no more trades may be made on that day at a price beyond that limit.
The daily limit governs only price movements during a particular trading day and
therefore does not limit potential losses because the limit may work to prevent
the liquidation of unfavorable positions. For example, futures prices have
occasionally moved to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days with
little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of positions and
subjecting some holders of futures contracts to substantial losses.
In addition to the risks that apply to all options transactions, there are
several special risks relating to options on futures contracts. The ability to
establish and close out positions in such options will be subject to the
development and maintenance of a liquid market in the options. It is not certain
that such a market will develop. Although the Funds generally will purchase only
those options and futures contracts for which there appears to be an active
market, there is no assurance that a liquid market on an exchange will exist for
any particular option or futures contract at any particular time. In the event
no such market exists for particular options, it might not be possible to effect
closing transactions in such options with the result that a Fund would have to
exercise options it has purchased in order to realize any profit and would be
less able to limit is exposure to losses on options it has written.
Many of the contracts discussed above are relatively new instruments
without a significant trading history. As a result, there can be no assurance
that an active secondary market will develop or continue to exist. If the price
of a futures contract changes more than the price of the securities or
currencies, the Fund will experience either a loss or a gain on the futures
contracts which will not be completely offset by changes in the price of the
securities or currencies which are the subject of the hedge. In addition, it is
not possible to hedge fully or perfectly against currency fluctuations affecting
the value of securities denominated in foreign currencies because the value of
such securities is likely to fluctuate as a result of independent factors not
related to currency fluctuations.
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SWAP AGREEMENTS
The International Bond Fund, International Equity Fund and Strategic Income
Fund may enter into interest rate, index and currency exchange rate swap
agreements for purposes of attempting to obtain a particular desired return at a
lower cost to the Fund than if the Fund had invested directly in an instrument
that yielded that desired return or for other portfolio management purposes.
Swap agreements are two party contracts entered into primarily by institutional
investors for periods ranging from a few weeks to more than one year. In a
standard "swap" transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or
differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined
investments or instruments. The gross returns to be exchanged or "swapped"
between the parties are calculated with respect to a "notional amount," i.e.,
----
the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a
particular interest rate, in a particular foreign currency, or in a "basket" of
securities representing a particular index. The "notional amount" of the swap
agreement is only a fictive basis on which to calculate the obligations which
the parties to a swap agreement have agreed to exchange. Commonly used swap
agreements include interest rate caps, under which, in return for a premium, one
party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates
exceed a specified rate, or "cap"; interest rate floors, under which, in return
for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that
interest rates fall below a specified level, or "floor"; and interest rate
collars, under which a party sells a cap and purchases a floor or vice versa in
an attempt to protect itself against interest rate movements exceeding given
minimum or maximum levels. A Fund's obligations (or rights) under a swap
agreement will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received
under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each
party to the agreement (the "net amount"). A Fund's obligations under a swap
agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owing to the Fund)
and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to a swap counterparty will be
covered by the maintenance of a segregated account consisting of liquid assets
to avoid any potential leveraging of the Fund's portfolio. Commonly used swap
agreements include interest rate caps, under which, in return for a premium, one
party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates
exceed a specified rate, or "cap"; interest rate floors, under which, in return
for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that
interest rates fall below a specified level, or "floor"; and interest rate
collars, under which a party sells a cap and purchases a floor or vice versa in
an attempt to protect itself against interest rate movements exceeding given
minimum or maximum levels. A Fund will not enter into a swap agreement with
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any single party if the net amount owed or to be received under existing
contracts with that party would exceed 5% of the Fund's assets.
Whether a Fund's use of swap agreements will be successful in furthering
its investment objective will depend on the Adviser's ability correctly to
predict whether certain types of investments are likely to produce greater
returns than other investments. Because they are two party contracts and because
they may have terms of greater than seven days, swap agreements may be
considered to be illiquid. Moreover, a Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount
expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or
bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty. The Adviser will cause a Fund to
enter into swap agreements only with counterparties that would be eligible for
consideration as repurchase agreement counterparties under the Fund's repurchase
agreement guidelines. Certain restrictions imposed on the Funds by the Code may
limit the Funds' ability to use swap agreements. The swaps market is a
relatively new market and is largely unregulated. It is possible that
developments in the swaps market, including potential government regulation,
could adversely affect a Fund's ability to terminate existing swap agreements or
to realize amounts to be received under such agreements.
Certain swap agreements are exempt from most provisions of the Commodity
Exchange Act ("CEA") and, therefore, are not regulated as futures or commodity
option transactions under the CEA, pursuant to regulations approved by the CFTC
effective February 22, 1993. To qualify for this exemption, a swap agreement
must be entered into by "eligible participants," which include the following,
provided the participants' total assets exceed established levels: a bank or
trust company, savings association or credit union, insurance company,
investment company subject to regulation under the Investment Company Act of
1940, commodity pool, corporation, partnership, proprietorship, organization,
trust or other entity, employee benefit plan, governmental entity, broker-
dealer, futures commission merchant, natural person, or regulated foreign
person. To be eligible, natural persons and most other entities must have total
assets exceeding $10 million; commodity pools and employee benefit plans must
have assets exceeding $5 million. In addition, an eligible swap transaction must
meet three conditions. First, the swap agreement may not be part of a fungible
class of agreements that are standardized as to their material economic terms.
Second, the creditworthiness of parties with actual or potential obligations
under the swap agreement must be a material consideration in entering into or
determining the terms of the swap agreement, including pricing, cost or credit
enhancement
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terms. Third, swap agreements may not be entered into and traded on or through a
multilateral transaction execution facility.
This exemption is not exclusive, and participants may continue to rely on
existing exclusions for swaps, such as the Policy Statement issued in July 1989
which recognized a safe harbor for swap transactions from regulation as futures
or commodity option transactions under the CEA or its regulations. The Policy
Statement applies to swap transactions settled in cash that (1) have
individually tailored terms, (2) lack exchange-style offset and the use of a
clearing organization or margin system, (3) are undertaken in conjunction with a
line of business, and (4) are not marketed to the public.
LOAN PARTICIPATION INTERESTS
A Fund's investment in loan participation interests may take the form of
participation interests in, assignments or novations of a corporate loan
("Participation Interests"). The Participation Interests may be acquired from an
agent bank, co-lenders or other holders of Participation Interests
("Participants"). In a novation, a Fund would assume all of the rights of the
lender in a corporate loan, including the right to receive payments of principal
and interest and other amounts directly from the borrower and to enforce its
rights as a lender directly against the borrower. As an alternative, a Fund may
purchase an assignment of all or a portion of a lender's interest in a corporate
loan, in which case, a Fund may be required generally to rely on the assigning
lender to demand payment and enforce its rights against the borrower, but would
otherwise be entitled to all of such lender's rights in the corporate loan. A
Fund also may purchase a Participation Interest in a portion of the rights of a
lender in a corporate loan. In such a case, a Fund will be entitled to receive
payments of principal, interest and fees, if any, but generally will not be
entitled to enforce its rights directly against the agent bank or the borrower;
rather a Fund must rely on the lending institution for that purpose. A Fund will
not act as an agent bank, a guarantor or sole negotiator or a structure with
respect to a corporate loan.
In a typical corporate loan involving the sale of Participation Interests,
the agent bank administers the terms of the corporate loan agreement and is
responsible for the collection of principal and interest and fee payments to the
credit of all lenders which are parties to the corporate loan agreement. The
agent bank in such cases will be qualified under the 1940 Act to serve as a
custodian for a registered investment company such as the Trust. A Fund
generally will rely on the agent bank or an intermediate Participant to collect
its portion of the payments on the corporate loan. The agent bank monitors
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the value of the collateral and, if the value of the collateral declines, may
take certain action, including accelerating the corporate loan, giving the
borrower an opportunity to provide additional collateral or seeking other
protection for the benefit of the Participants in the corporate loan, depending
on the terms of the corporate loan agreement. Furthermore, unless under the
terms of a participation agreement a Fund has direct recourse against the
borrower (which is unlikely), a Fund will rely on the agent bank to use
appropriate creditor remedies against the borrower. The agent bank also is
responsible for monitoring compliance with covenants contained in the corporate
loan agreement and for notifying holders of corporate loans of any failures of
compliance. Typically, under corporate loan agreements, the agent bank is given
broad discretion in enforcing the corporate loan agreement, and is obligated to
use only the same care it would use in the management of its own property.
For these services, the borrower compensates the agent bank. Such compensation
may include special fees paid on structuring and funding the corporate loan and
other fees paid on a continuing basis.
A financial institution's employment as an agent bank may be terminated in
the event that it fails to observe the requisite standard of care or becomes
insolvent, or has a receiver, conservator, or similar official appointed for it
by the appropriate bank regulatory authority or becomes a debtor in a bankruptcy
proceeding. A successor agent bank generally will be appointed to replace the
terminated bank, and assets held by the agent bank under the corporate loan
agreement should remain available to holders of corporate loans. If, however,
assets held by the agent bank for the benefit of a Fund were determined by an
appropriate regulatory authority or court to be subject to the claims of the
agent bank's general or secured creditors, a Fund might incur certain costs and
delays in realizing payment on a corporate loan, or suffer a loss of principal
and/or interest. In situations involving intermediate Participants similar
risks may arise.
When a Fund acts as co-lender in connection with a participation interest
or when a Fund acquires a participation interest the terms of which provide
that a Fund will be in privity of contract with the corporate borrower, a Fund
will have direct recourse against the borrower in the event the borrower fails
to pay scheduled principal and interest. In all other cases, a Fund will look
to the agent bank to enforce appropriate credit remedies against the borrower.
In acquiring participation interests a Fund will conduct analysis and evaluation
of the financial condition of each such co-lender and participant to ensure that
the participation interest meets a Fund's qualitative standards. There is a
risk that there may not be a readily
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available market for loan participation interests and, in some cases, this could
result in a Fund disposing of such securities at a substantial discount from
face value or holding such security until maturity. When a Fund is required to
rely upon a lending institution to pay the Fund principal, interest, and other
amounts received by the lending institution for the loan participation, the Fund
will treat both the borrower and the lending institution as an "issuer" of the
loan participation for purposes of certain investment restrictions pertaining to
the diversification and concentration of the Fund's portfolio. The Funds
consider loan participation interests not subject to puts to be illiquid.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH DEBT SECURITIES
To the extent that a Fund invests in debt securities, it will be subject to
certain risks. The value of the debt securities held by a Fund, and thus the
net asset value of the shares of beneficial interest of the Fund, generally will
fluctuate depending on a number of factors, including, among others, changes in
the perceived creditworthiness of the issuers of those securities, movements in
interest rates, the average maturity of the Fund's investments, changes in the
relative values of the currencies in which the Fund's investments are
denominated relative to the U.S. dollar, and the extent to which the Fund hedges
its interest rate, credit and currency exchange rate risks. Generally, a rise
in interest rates will reduce the value of fixed income securities held by a
Fund, and a decline in interest rates will increase the value of fixed income
securities held by a Fund.
RISKS OF INVESTING IN HIGH YIELD SECURITIES ("JUNK BONDS")
High yield bonds may be more susceptible to real or perceived adverse
economic and competitive industry conditions than higher grade bonds. The
prices of high yield bonds have been found to be less sensitive to interest-rate
changes than more highly rated investments, but more sensitive to adverse
economic downturns or individual corporate developments. A projection of an
economic downturn or of a period of rising interest rates, for example, could
cause a decline in high yield bond prices because the advent of a recession
could lessen the ability of a highly leveraged company to make principal and
interest payments on its debt securities.
Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on
fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and liquidity of high yield bonds,
especially in a thinly traded market.
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Legislation designed to limit the use of high yield bonds in corporate
transactions may have a material adverse effect on a Fund's net asset value and
investment practices. In addition, there may be special tax considerations
associated with investing in high yield bonds structured as zero coupon or
payment-in-kind securities. A Fund records the interest on these securities
annually as income even though it receives no cash interest until the security's
maturity or payment date. Also, distributions of such amounts generally will be
taxable to shareholders even if the Fund does not distribute cash to them.
Therefore, in order to pay taxes on this interest, shareholders may have to
redeem some of their shares to pay the tax or the Fund may have to sell some of
its assets to reduce the Fund's assets and may thereby increase its expense
ratio and decrease its rate of return.
HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BOND FUND
AND STRATEGIC INCOME FUND
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Corporate debt securities may bear fixed, contingent, or variable rates of
interest and may involve equity features, such as conversion or exchange rights
or warrants for the acquisition of stock of the same or a different issuer,
participations based on revenues, sales or profits, or the purchase of common
stock in a unit transaction (where corporate debt securities and common stock
are offered as a unit).
When- and if-available, debt securities may be purchased at a discount from
face value. However, the Funds do not intend to hold such securities to
maturity for the purpose of achieving potential capital gains, unless current
yields on these securities remain attractive. From time to time, each Fund may
purchase securities not paying interest or dividends at the time acquired if, in
the opinion of the Adviser, such securities have the potential for future income
(or capital appreciation, if any).
Since shares of the Funds represent an investment in securities with
fluctuating market prices, the value of shares of each Fund will vary as the
aggregate value of the Funds' portfolio securities increases or decreases.
Moreover, the value of the debt securities that each Fund purchases may
fluctuate more than the value of higher rated debt securities. These lower
rated fixed income securities generally tend to reflect short-term corporate and
market developments to a greater extent than higher rated securities which react
primarily to fluctuations in the general level of interest rates. Changes in
the value of securities subsequent to their acquisition will not
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affect cash income or yields to maturity to the Funds but will be reflected in
the net asset value of the Funds' shares.
EQUITY INDEX FUND
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The Equity Index Fund is managed using mathematical algorithms to determine
which stocks are to be purchased or sold to replicate the S&P 500 Index to the
extent feasible. From time to time, adjustments may be made in the Fund's
portfolio because of changes in the composition of the Index, but such changes
should be infrequent. No attempt is made to manage the portfolio in the
traditional sense using economic, financial and market analysis.
The Adviser believes that the indexing approach described above is an
effective method of simulating percentage changes in the S&P 500 Index.
TOTAL RETURN FUND
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Although the Total Return Fund does not intend to seek short-term profits,
securities in its portfolio will be sold whenever the Adviser believes it is
appropriate to do so without regard to the length of time the particular
security may have been held, subject to certain tax requirements for
qualification as a regulated investment company under the Code. A high turnover
rate involves greater expenses to the Fund and may increase the possibility of
shareholders realizing taxable capital gains. The Fund engages in portfolio
trading if it believes a transaction, net of costs (including custodian
charges), will help in achieving its investment objective.
CALIFORNIA TAX FREE FUND AND NEW YORK TAX FREE FUND
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
RISK FACTORS AFFECTING CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
The following information as to certain California State ("State") risk
factors is given to investors in view of the policy of the MainStay California
Tax Free Fund of concentrating its investments in California municipal issuers.
Such information constitutes only a brief discussion, does not purport to be a
complete description and is based on information from sources believed by the
Trust to be reliable, including official statements relating to securities
offerings of California and
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municipal issuers, and periodic publications by national ratings organizations.
Such information, however, has not been independently verified by the Trust.
Certain California constitutional amendments, legislative measures,
executive orders, administrative regulations and voter initiatives, as discussed
below, could adversely affect the market values and marketability of, or result
in default of, existing obligations of the State. Obligations of the State or
local governments may also be affected by budgetary pressures affecting the
State and economic conditions in the State. The following information
constitutes only a brief summary and is not intended as a complete description.
Certain of the California municipal securities in which the Fund may invest
may be obligations of issuers which rely in whole or in part on California State
revenues for payment of these obligations. Property tax revenues and a portion
of the State's General Fund surplus are distributed to counties, cities and
their various taxing entities and the State assumes certain obligations
theretofore paid out of local funds. Whether and to what extent a portion of
the State's General Fund will be distributed in the future to counties, cities
and their various entities, is unclear.
Certain of the California municipal securities may be obligations of
issuers who rely in whole or in part on ad valorem real property taxes as a
source of revenue. On June 6, 1978, Proposition 13 added Article XIIIA to the
California Constitu tion. The effect of Article XIIIA is to limit ad valorem
taxes on real property and to restrict the ability of taxing entities to
increase real property tax revenues.
Legislation enacted by the California legislature to implement Article
XIIIA (Statutes of 1978, Chapter 292, as amended) provides that notwithstanding
any other law, local agencies may not levy any ad valorem property tax except to
pay debt service on indebtedness approved by the voters prior to July 1, 1978,
and that each county will levy the maximum tax permitted by Article XIIIA of
$4.00 per $100 assessed valuation. The apportionment of property taxes in
fiscal years after 1978-79 was revised pursuant to Statutes of 1979, Chapter
282, which provides relief funds from State moneys beginning in fiscal year
1979-80 and is designed to provide a permanent system for sharing State taxes
and budget funds with local agencies. Under Chapter 282, cities and counties
receive more of the remaining property tax revenues collected under Proposition
13 instead of direct State aid. School districts receive a correspondingly
reduced amount of property taxes, but receive compensation directly from the
State and are given additional relief.
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The application and interpretation of Article XIIIA has been and will
probably continue to be the subject of numerous lawsuits in the California
courts. It is not possible to predict the outcome of litigation or the ultimate
scope and impact of Article XIIIA, its implementing legislation and regulations
issued by the California State Board of Equalization. The outcome of such
litigation, however, could substantially impact local property tax collections
and the ability of State agencies, local governments and districts to make
future payments on outstanding debt obligations.
On November 4, 1986, California voters approved an initiative statute known
as "Proposition 62." This statute (i) requires that any tax for general
governmental purposes imposed by local governments be approved by resolution or
ordinance adopted by a two-thirds vote of the governmental entity's legislative
body and by a majority vote of the electorate of the governmental entity; (ii)
requires that any special tax (defined as taxes levied for other than general
governmental purposes) imposed by a local governmental entity be approved by a
two-thirds vote of the voters within that jurisdiction; (iii) restricts the use
of revenues from a special tax to the purposes or for the service for which the
special tax was imposed; (iv) prohibits the imposition of ad valorem taxes on
real property by local governmental entities except as permitted by Article
XIIIA of the California Constitution; (v) prohibits the imposition of
transaction taxes and sales taxes on the sale of real property by local
governments; (vi) requires that any tax imposed by a local government on or
after August 1, 1985 be ratified by a majority of the electorate within two
years of the adoption of the initiative or be terminated by November 15, 1988;
(vii) requires that, in the event a local government fails to comply with the
provisions of this measure, a reduction in the amount of tax revenue allocated
to such local government occur in an amount equal to the revenues received by
such entity attributable to the tax levied in violation of the initiative; and
(viii) permits these provisions to be amended exclusively by the voters of the
State of California. In September 1988, the California Court of Appeals held
that it was unconstitutional to require that local tax measures be submitted to
the electorate, as described in (vi) above.
In September 1995, the California Supreme Court upheld the
constitutionality of Proposition 62, creating uncertainty as to the legality of
certain local taxes enacted by non-charter cities in California without voter
approval. It is not possible to predict the impact of the decision.
In November 1996, California voters approved Proposition 218. The
initiative applied the provisions of Proposition 62 to
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all entities, including charter cities. It requires that all taxes for general
purposes obtain a simple majority popular vote and that taxes for special
purposes obtain a two-thirds majority vote. Prior to the effectiveness of
Proposition 218, charter cities could levy certain taxes such as transient
occupancy taxes and utility user's taxes without a popular vote. Proposition
218 will also limit the authority of local governments to impose property-
related assessments, fees and charges, requiring that such assessments be
limited to the special benefit conferred and prohibiting their use for general
governmental services. Proposition 218 also allows voters to use their
initiative power to reduce or repeal previously-authorized taxes, assessments,
fees and charges.
The State is subject to an annual appropriations limit imposed by Article
XIIIB of the State Constitution (the "Appropriations Limit"). The
Appropriations Limit does not restrict appropriations to pay debt service on the
bonds or other voter-authorized bonds. Article XIIIB prohibits the State from
spending "appropriations subject to limitation" in excess of the Appropriations
Limit. "Appropriations subject to limitation," with respect to the State, are
authorizations to spend "proceeds of taxes," which consist of tax revenues, and
certain other funds, including proceeds from regulatory licenses, user charges
or other fees to the extent that such proceeds exceed "the cost reasonably borne
by that entity in providing the regulation, product or service," but "proceeds
of taxes" exclude most State subventions to local governments, tax refunds and
some benefit payments such as unemployment insurance. No limit is imposed on
appropriations of funds which are not "proceeds of taxes," such as reasonable
user charges or fees and certain other non-tax funds.
Not included in the Appropriations Limit are appropriations for the debt
service costs of bonds existing or authorized by January 1, 1979, or
subsequently authorized by the voters, appropriations required to comply with
mandates of courts or the federal government and, pursuant to Proposition 111,
appropriations for qualified capital outlay projects and appropriations of
revenues derived from any increase in gasoline taxes and motor vehicle weight
fees above January 1, 1990 levels, and appropriation of certain special taxes
imposed by initiative (e.g., increased cigarette and tobacco taxes enacted by
Proposition 99 in 1988). The Appropriations Limit may also be exceeded in cases
of emergency.
The State's Appropriations Limit in each year is based on the limit for the
prior year, adjusted annually for changes in State per capita personal income
and changes in population, and adjusted, when applicable, for any transfer of
financial
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responsibility of providing services to or from another unit of government. The
measurement of change in population is a blended average of statewide overall
population growth, and change in attendance at local school and community
college ("K-14") districts. As amended by Proposition 111, the Appropriations
Limit is tested over consecutive two-year periods. Any excess of the aggregate
"proceeds of taxes" received over such a two-year period above the combined
Appropriations Limits for those two years is divided equally between transfers
to K-14 districts and refunds to taxpayers.
The legislature enacted legislation to implement Article XIIIB which
defines certain terms used in Article XIIIB and sets forth the methods for
determining the Appropriations Limit. California Government Code Section 7912
requires an estimate of the Appropriations Limit to be included in the
Governor's Budget, and thereafter to be subject to the budget process and
established in the Budget Act.
On November 9, 1988, the State's voters approved Proposition 98, a combined
initiative constitutional amendment and statute called the "Classroom
Instructional Improvement and Accountability Act." Proposition 98 changed State
funding of public education below the university level and the operation of the
State Appropriations Limit, primarily by guaranteeing K-14 schools a minimum
share of General Fund revenues. Under Proposition 98 (as modified by
Proposition 111, enacted on June 5, 1990), K-14 schools are guaranteed the
greater of (a) in general, a fixed percent of General Fund revenues ("Test 1"),
(b) the amount appropriated to K-14 schools in the prior year, adjusted for
changes in the cost of living (measured as in Article XIIIB by reference to
State per capita personal income) and enrollment ("Test 2"), or (c) a third
test, which would replace Test 2 in any year when the percentage growth in per
capita General Fund revenues from the prior year plus one half of one percent is
less than the percentage growth in State per capita personal income ("Test 3").
Under Test 3, schools would receive the amount appropriated in the prior year
adjusted for changes in enrollment and per capita General Fund revenues, plus an
additional small adjustment factor. If Test 3 is used in any year, the
difference between Test 3 and Test 2 would become a "credit" to schools which
would be the basis of payments in future years when per capita General Fund
revenue growth exceeds per capita personal income growth. Legislation adopted
prior to the end of the 1988-89 fiscal year, implementing Proposition 98,
determined the K-14 schools' funding guarantee under Test 1 to be 40.3 percent
of the General Fund tax revenues, based on 1986-87 appropriations. The
percentage has been adjusted to approximately 35 percent to account for a
subsequent redirection
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of local property taxes, since such redirection directly affects the share of
General Fund revenues to schools.
Proposition 98 permits the legislature by two-thirds vote of both houses,
with the Governor's concurrence, to suspend the K-14 schools' minimum funding
formula for a one-year period. Proposition 98 also contains provisions
transferring certain State tax revenues in excess of the Article XIIIB limit to
K-14 schools.
During the recent recession, General Fund revenues for several years were
less than originally projected, so that the original Proposition 98
appropriations turned out to be higher than the minimum percentage provided in
the law. The legislature responded to these developments by designating "extra"
Proposition 98 payments in one year as a "loan" from future years' Proposition
98 entitlements, and also intended that the "extra" payments would not be
included in the Proposition 98 "base" for calculating future years'
entitlements. In 1992, a lawsuit was filed, called California Teachers'
--------------------
Association v. Gould, which challenged the validity of these off-budget loans.
- --------------------
As part of the negotiations leading to the 1995-96 Budget Act, an oral agreement
was reached to settle this case. The formal settlement required adoption of
legislation satisfactory to the parties to implement its terms, which has
occurred. The court gave final approval of the settlement in late July, 1996.
The settlement provides, among other things, that both the State and K-14
schools share in the repayment of prior years' emergency loans to schools. Of
the total $1.76 billion in loans, the State will repay $935 million by
forgiveness of the amount owed, while schools will repay $825 million. The
State share of the repayment will be reflected as an appropriation above the
current Proposition 98 base calculation. The schools' share of the repayment
will count as appropriations that count toward satisfying the Proposition 98
guarantee, or from "below" the current base. Repayments are spread over the
eight-year period of 1994-95 through 2001-02 to mitigate any adverse fiscal
impact. The Director of Finance has certified that a settlement has occurred,
allowing approximately $351 million in appropriations from the 1995-96 fiscal
year to be disbursed to schools in August 1996.
Substantially increased General Fund revenues, above initial budget
projections, in the 1994-95 and 1995-96 fiscal years have resulted in
retroactive increases in Proposition 98 appropriations from subsequent fiscal
years' budgets.
Certain California municipal securities in the Fund may be obligations
which are secured in whole or in part by a mortgage
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or deed of trust on real property. Upon the default of a mortgage or deed of
trust with respect to California real property, the creditor's nonjudicial
foreclosure rights under the power of sale contained in the mortgage or deed of
trust are subject to the constraints imposed by California law upon transfers of
title to real property by private power of sale. During the three-month period
beginning with the filing of a formal notice of default, the debtor is entitled
to reinstate the home mortgage by making any overdue payments. Under standard
loan servicing procedures, the filing of the formal notice of default does not
occur unless at least three full monthly payments have become due and remain
unpaid. The power of sale is exercised by posting and publishing a notice of
sale for at least 20 days after expiration of the three-month reinstatement
period. Therefore, the effective minimum period for foreclosing on a mortgage
could be in excess of seven months after the initial default. Such time delays
in collections could disrupt the flow of revenues available to an issuer for the
payment of debt service on the outstanding obligations if such defaults occur
with respect to a substantial number of home mortgages or deeds of trust
securing an issuer's obligations.
Certain California municipal securities in the Fund may be obligations
which finance the acquisition of single family home mortgages for low- and
moderate-income mortgagors. These obligations may be payable solely from
revenues derived from the home mortgages, and are subject to the California
statutory limitations described above applicable to obligations secured by real
property. Under California anti-deficiency legislation, there is no personal
recourse against a mortgagor of a single family residence purchased with the
loan secured by the mortgage.
Under California law, mortgage loans secured by single family owner-
occupied dwellings may be prepaid at any time. Prepayment charges on such
mortgage loans may be imposed only with respect to voluntary prepayments made
during the first five years of the term of the mortgage loan, and cannot in any
event exceed six months' advance interest on the amount prepaid in excess of 20
percent of the original principal amount of the mortgage loan. This limitation
could affect the flow of revenues available to an issuer for debt service on the
outstanding debt obligations which financed such home mortgages.
After suffering through a severe recession, since the start of 1994 the
State's economy has been on a steady recovery. Employment increased by over
500,000 in 1994 and 1995, and the pre-recession employment level is expected to
be matched by early 1996. The strongest growth has been in export-related
industries, business services, electronics, entertainment and tourism, all of
which have offset the recession-related losses
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which were heaviest in aerospace and defense-related industries, finance and
insurance.
The recession seriously affected State tax revenues and caused an increase
in expenditures for health and welfare programs. As a result, the State
experienced recurring budget deficits in the late 1980's and early 1990's. The
State Controller reports that expenditures exceeded revenues for four of six
years, and the State accumulated a budget deficit of about $2.8 billion at its
peak at June 30, 1993.
The State's cash condition became so serious from late spring 1992 until
1995 that the State had to rely on the issuance of short-term notes which
matured in a subsequent fiscal year to finance its ongoing deficit and pay
current obligations. With the repayment of the last of these deficit notes in
April, 1996, the State does not plan to rely further on external borrowing
across fiscal years, but will continue its normal cash flow.
On January 17, 1994, a major earthquake measuring an estimated 6.8 on the
Richter Scale struck Los Angeles. Significant property damage to private and
public facilities occurred in a four-county area including northern Los Angeles
County, Ventura County, and parts of Orange and San Bernardino Counties. The
possibility exists that another such earthquake could create a major dislocation
of the State economy.
The State of California entered the 1995-96 budget negotiations with the
smallest nominal "budget gap" to be closed in many years, with strengthening
revenues and reduced caseload growth based on an improving economy.
Nonetheless, serious policy differences between the Governor and the legislature
prevented timely enactment of the budget. The 1995-96 Budget Act was signed by
the Governor on August 3, 1995, 34 days after the start of the fiscal year. The
Budget Act projected General Fund revenues and transfers of $44.1 billion, a 3.5
percent increase from the prior year. Expenditures were budgeted at $43.4
billion, a four percent increase. The Department of Finance projected that,
after repaying the last of the carryover budget deficit, there would be a
positive balance of $28 million in the budget reserve, the Special Fund for
Economic Uncertainties ("SFEU"), at June 30, 1996. The Budget Act also projected
Special Fund revenues of $12.7 billion and appropriated Special Fund
expenditures of $13.0 billion.
The Governor's proposed budget for 1996-97 projected General Fund revenues
and transfers of about $45.6 billion and proposed total General Fund
appropriations of about $45.2 billion. The Governor's proposed budget renewed a
proposal, which had been rejected by the legislature in 1995, for a 15% cut in
personal
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and corporate tax rates, phased in over a three-year period. In May 1996, the
State Department of Finance updated revenue estimates to $47.1 billion for 1996-
97, assuming enactment of the Governor's proposed tax cut, and expenditure
estimates to $46.5 billion.
The Department of Finance's May Revision to the 1996-97 Governor's Budget,
released on May 21, 1996 (the "May Revision"), updated the projections for the
1995-96 fiscal year, so that revenues and transfers were estimated to be $46.1
billion, some $2 billion over the original fiscal year estimate, which was
attributed to the strong economic recovery. Expenditures also increased, to an
estimated $45.4 billion, as a result of the requirement to expend revenues for
schools under Proposition 98, and, among other things, failure of the federal
government to enact welfare reform and to budget new aid for illegal immigrant
costs.
The 1996-97 Budget Act was signed by the Governor on July 15, 1996, along
with various implementing bills. The Governor vetoed about $82 million of
appropriations (both General Fund and Special Fund). With the signing of the
Budget Act, the State implemented its regular cash flow borrowing program with
the issuance of $3.0 billion of Revenue Anticipation Notes to mature on June 30,
1997. The Budget Act appropriates a modest budget reserve in the SFEU of $305
million, as of June 30, 1997. The Department of Finance projects that, on June
30, 1997, the State's available internal borrowable (cash) resources will be
$2.9 billion, after payment of all obligations due by that date, so that no
cross-fiscal year borrowing will be needed.
The legislature rejected the Governor's proposed 15% cut in personal income
taxes (to be phased over three years), but did approve a 5% cut in bank and
corporation taxes, to be effective for income years starting on January 1, 1997.
As a result, revenues for the fiscal year will be an estimated $550 million
higher than projected in the May Revision, and are now estimated to total
$47.643 billion, a 3.3 percent increase over the final estimated 1995-96
revenues. Special Fund revenues are estimated to be $13.3 billion. The Budget
Act contains General Fund appropriations totaling $47.251 billion, a 4.0 percent
increase over the final estimated 1995-96 expenditures. Special Fund
expenditures are budgeted at $12.6 billion.
Other major features of the 1996-1997 Budget Act include an increase of 1.6
billion (General Fund) and $1.65 billion total above revised 1995-96 levels for
Proposition 98 funding, reductions in health and welfare costs, increases in
educational funding, and increased funding for the State's prison inmate
population. The 1996-97 Budget Act contained no tax increases.
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There was a reduction in corporate taxes. In addition, the legislature adopted
a further one-year suspension of the Renters Tax Credit, saving $520 million in
expenditures.
Following enactment of the 1996-97 Budget Act, Congress passed and the
President signed (on August 22, 1996) the Personal Responsibility and Work
Opportunity Act of 1996 making a fundamental reform of the current welfare
system. Among many provisions, the Law includes: (i) conversion of Aid to
Families with Dependent Children from an entitlement program to a block grant
titled Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), with lifetime time limits
on TANF recipients, work requirements and other changes; (ii) provisions denying
certain federal welfare and public benefits to legal noncitizens, allowing
states to elect to deny additional benefits (including TANF) to legal
noncitizens, and generally denying almost all benefits to illegal immigrants;
and (iii) changes in the Food Stamp program, including reducing maximum benefits
and imposing work requirements.
The states are required to implement the new TANF program not later than
July 1, 1997 and provides California approximately $3.7 billion in block grant
funds for fiscal year 1996-97 for the provisions of the law. States are allowed
to implement TANF as soon as possible and will receive a prorated block grant
effective the date of application. The California State Plan is to be submitted
in time to allow grant reductions to be implemented effective January 1, 1997
and to allow the State to capture approximately $267 million in additional
federal block grant funds over the currently budgeted level. None of the other
federal changes needed to achieve the balance of the $660 million cost savings
were enacted. Thus, in lieu of the $660 million savings initially assumed to be
saved, it is now projected that savings will total approximately $360 million.
On January 9, 1997,the Governor released his proposed budget for fiscal
year 1997-98. Assuming continuing strength in the economy, the Governor
projects General Fund revenues of $50.7 billion, and proposes expenditures of
$50.3 billion, to leave a budget reserve in the SFEU of $550 million at June 30,
1998. The Governor proposed further programs to reduce class size in lower
primary grades, using excess revenues from fiscal year 1996-97. He also
proposed a further cut in corporate taxes, and sweeping changes in public
assistance programs to respond to the new federal welfare reform law.
On December 6, 1994, Orange County, California (the "County"), together
with its pooled investment funds (the "Funds") filed for protection under
Chapter 9 of the federal Bankruptcy Code, after reports that the Funds had
suffered
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significant market losses in their investments, causing a liquidity crisis for
the Funds and the County. More than 200 other public entities, most of which,
but not all, are located in the County, were also depositors in the Funds. The
bankruptcy filing stemmed from approximately $1.7 billion in losses suffered by
the County's investment pool due to investments in high risk "derivative"
securities. On June 12, 1996, it emerged from bankruptcy after the successful
sale of $880 million in municipal bonds allowed the County to pay off the last
of its creditors. On January 7, 1997, the County returned to the municipal bond
market with a $136 million bond issue maturing in 13 years at an insured yield
of 7.23%.
The State is a party to numerous legal proceedings, many of which normally
recur in governmental operations. In addition, the State is involved in certain
other legal proceedings which, if decided against the State, may require the
State to make significant future expenditures or may impair future revenue
sources.
Among the more significant lawsuits pending against the State are the
following: (i) cases relating to the State's method of determining the tax on
gross insurance premiums, in which the State faces losses of approximately $200
million; (ii) on appeal, an action seeking reimbursement for alleged state-
mandated costs, in which the State faces losses of approximately $1 billion, if
all potentially eligible school districts pursue timely claims; (iii) lawsuits
related to contamination at the Stringfellow toxic waste site; (iv) an action
involving damages caused by the Yuba River flood of February 1986 with potential
liability to 3,000 plaintiffs, ranging from $800 million to $1.5 billion; (v) a
claim that payment of wages in registered warrants violated the Fair Labor
Standards Act, which involves maximum damages of approximately $500 million;
(vi) a claim involving the constitutionality of the 1992-93 Budget Act-related
legislation which redirected approximately $1.3 billion in local tax revenues
from localities to schools wherein the parties are currently negotiating a
settlement, subject to court approval; (vii) a lawsuit involving the reduction
of the State's Aid to Families with Dependent Children ("AFDC") payments in
1992, 1993, and 1994; (viii) a lawsuit involving the 1994-95 Budget Act's 2.3
percent reduction in AFDC payments; (ix) an appeal by the State of a judgment
that legislation unconstitutionally impaired the vested contract rights of
Public Employees' Retirement System members.
Due to the State's continuing budget problems, the State's general
obligation bonds were downgraded in July 1994 from A1" to "Aa" by Moody's, from
"A+" to "A" by S&P. The ratings companies expressed uncertainty in the State's
ability to balance its
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budget by 1996. However, on July 30, 1996, citing the State's improving economy
and budget situation, S&P upgraded the State's general obligation bonds from "A"
to "A+." There can be no assurance that such ratings will continue for any
given period of time or that they will not in the future be further revised or
withdrawn.
RISK FACTORS AFFECTING NEW YORK MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
The following information as to certain New York State ("State") and New
York City ("City") risk factors is given to investors in view of the policy of
the MainStay New York Tax Free Fund of concentrating its investments in New York
municipal issuers. Such information constitutes only a brief discussion, does
not purport to be a complete description and is based on information from
sources believed by the Trust to be reliable, including official statements
relating to securities offerings of New York and municipal issuers, and periodic
publications by national ratings organizations. Such information, however, has
not been independently verified by the Trust.
There are a number of methods by which the State may incur debt. The State
may issue general obligations bonds. Under the State Constitution, the State
may not, with limited exceptions for emergencies, undertake long-term general
obligation borrowing (i.e., borrowing for more than one year) unless the
borrowing is authorized in a specific amount for a single work or purpose by the
legislature and approved by the voters. There is no limitation on the amount of
long-term general obligation debt that may be so authorized and subsequently
incurred by the State.
The State may undertake short-term borrowings without voter approval (i) in
anticipation of the receipt of taxes and revenues, by issuing tax and revenue
anticipation notes; and (ii) in anticipation of the receipt of proceeds from the
sale of duly authorized but unissued general obligation bonds, by issuing bond
anticipation notes. The State may also, pursuant to specific constitutional
authorization, directly guarantee certain obligations of the State's authorities
("Authorities"). Payments of debt service on State general obligation and
State-guaranteed bonds and notes are legally enforceable obligations of the
State.
The State also employs additional long-term financing mechanisms, lease-
purchase and contractual-obligation financings, which involve obligations of
public authorities or municipalities that are State-supported but not general
obligations of the State. As of March 31, 1996, the total amount of outstanding
general obligation debt was $5.05 billion, including $293.6 billion in bond
anticipation notes.
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The fiscal stability of the State is related in part to the fiscal
stability of its public authorities. As of September 30, 1995, the date of the
latest data available, 17 public authorities had outstanding debt of $100
million or more. The aggregate outstanding debt, including refunding bonds, of
all State public authorities was $73.45 billion.
Public authority operating expenses and debt service costs are generally
paid by revenues generated by the projects financed or operated, such as tolls
charged for the use of highways, bridges or tunnels, rentals charged for housing
units, and charges for occupancy at medical care facilities. In addition, State
legislation authorizes several financing techniques for public authorities.
Also, there are statutory arrangements providing for State local assistance
payments otherwise payable to localities to be made under certain circumstances
to public authorities. Although the State has no obligation to provide
additional assistance to localities whose local assistance payments have been
paid to public authorities under these arrangements, if local assistance
payments are diverted, the affected localities could seek additional State
assistance. Some authorities also receive moneys from State appropriations to
pay for the operating costs of certain of their programs. The Metropolitan
Transit Authority (the "MTA") receives the bulk of this money in order to
provide transit and commuter services.
In 1990, as part of a State fiscal reform program, legislation was enacted
creating the "New York Local Government Assistance Corporation" ("LGAC"), a
public benefit corporation empowered to issue long-term obligations to fund
certain payments to local governments traditionally funded through the State's
annual seasonal borrowing. Over a period of years, the issuance of those long-
term obligations, which are to be amortized over no more than 30 years, was
expected to eliminate the need for continued short-term seasonal borrowing. The
legislation also dedicated revenues equal to one-quarter of the four cent State
sales and use tax to pay debt service on these bonds. In addition, the
legislation imposed a cap on the annual seasonal borrowing of the State at $4.7
billion, less net proceeds of bonds issued by LGAC and bonds issued to provide
for capitalized interest, except in cases where the Governor and the legislative
leaders have certified both the need for additional borrowing and a schedule for
reducing it to the cap. If borrowing above the cap is thus permitted in any
fiscal year, it is required by law to be reduced to the cap by the fourth fiscal
year after the limit was first exceeded.
As of June 1995, LGAC had issued bonds and notes to provide net proceeds of
$4.7 billion completing the program. The impact of LGAC's borrowing is that the
State is able to meet its cash
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flow needs in the first quarter of the fiscal year without relying on short-term
seasonal borrowings. The 1995-96 State Financial Plan includes no spring
borrowing, nor did the 1994-95 State Financial Plan, which represented the first
time in 35 years there was no short-term seasonal borrowing. This reflects the
success of the LGAC program in permitting the State to accelerate local aid
payments from the first quarter of the current fiscal year to the fourth quarter
of the previous fiscal year.
On January 6, 1992, Moody's lowered from "A" to "Baa1" its rating of those
State bonds that are backed by annual legislative appropriations. On February
11, 1997, Moody's downgraded its rating of the State's general obligation bonds
from "A" to "A2." On January 13, 1992, S&P lowered its rating of the State's
general obligation bonds from "A" to "A-."
OVERVIEW
The State's previous fiscal year commenced on April 1, 1996, and ended on
March 31, 1997, and is referred to herein as the State's 1996-97 fiscal year.
The State's budget for the 1996-97 fiscal year was enacted by the legislature on
July 13, 1996, more than three months after the start of the fiscal year. The
State Financial Plan for the 1996-97 fiscal year was formulated on July 25, 1996
and is based on the State's budget as enacted by the legislature and signed into
law by the Governor, as well as actual results for the first quarter of the
current fiscal year.
After adjustments for comparability between fiscal years, the adopted 1996-
97 budget projects a year-over-year increase in General Fund disbursements of
0.2 percent. Adjusted State Funds (excluding federal grants) disbursements are
projected to increase by 1.6 percent from the prior fiscal year. All
Governmental Funds projected disbursements increase by 4.1 percent over the
prior fiscal year, after adjustments for comparability.
The 1996-97 State Financial Plan is projected to be balanced on a cash
basis. As compared to the Governor's proposed budget as revised on March 20,
1996, the State's adopted budget for 1996-97 increases General Fund spending by
$842 million, primarily from increases for education, special education and
higher education ($563 million). The balance represents funding increases to a
variety of other programs, including community projects and increased assistance
to fiscally distressed cities. Resources used to fund these additional
expenditures include $540 million in increased revenues projected for 1996-97
based on higher-than-projected tax collections during the first half of calendar
1996, $110 million in projected receipts from a new
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State tax amnesty program, and other resources including certain non-recurring
resources. The total amount of non-recurring resources included in the 1996-97
State budget is projected by DOB to be $1.3 billion, or 3.9 percent of total
General Fund receipts.
The General Fund is the principal operating fund of the State and is used
to account for all financial transactions, except those required to be accounted
for in another fund. It is the State's largest fund and receives almost all
State taxes and other resources not dedicated to particular purposes.
The General Fund is projected to be balanced on a cash basis for the 1996-
97 fiscal year. Total receipts and transfers from other funds are projected to
be $33.17 billion, an increase of $365 million from the prior fiscal year.
Total General Fund disbursements and transfers to other funds are projected to
be $33.12 billion, an increase of $444 million from the total in the prior
fiscal year.
Projected General Fund disbursements are reduced by a total of $73 million,
with changes made in most major categories of the 1995-96 State Financial Plan.
The reduction in overall spending masks the impact of deficiency requests
totaling more than $140 million, primarily for school aid and tuition assistance
to college students. Offsetting reductions in spending are attributable to the
continued maintenance of strict controls on spending through the fiscal year by
State agencies, yielding savings of $50 million. Reductions of $49 million in
support for capital projects reflect a stringent review of all capital spending.
Reductions of $30 million in debt service costs reflect savings from refundings
undertaken in the current fiscal year, as well as savings from lower interest
rates in the financial market. Finally, the 1995-96 Financial Plan reflects re-
estimates based on actual results through November, the largest of which is a
reduction of $70 million in projected costs for income maintenance. This
reduction is consistent with declining caseload projections.
The net impact of these and other factors is expected to produce a
potential imbalance in receipts and disbursements in the State fiscal year 1996-
97. The Governor has proposed to close this potential imbalance primarily
through General Fund expenditure reductions and without increases in taxes or
deferrals of scheduled tax reductions.
The State Comptroller prepares a comprehensive annual financial report on
the basis of generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for governments.
In 1996-97, the General Fund GAAP-basis Financial Plan shows revenues of $30.40
billion,
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total expenditures of $30.98 billion, and net other financing source and uses of
$741 million. The surplus of $168 million reflects the expected reservation of
$85 million of cash in the Contingency Reserve Fund, as well as the positive
fiscal impact of the recommendations proposed in the Executive Budget. After
the accrual of liabilities expected to be paid in 1997-98, at lower levels than
in 1996-97, the General Fund benefits by another $300 million in savings beyond
the levels budgeted on a cash basis. This positive impact is offset by a
decline of $180 million in revenue accruals.
The Governor presented his 1997-98 Executive Budget to the legislature on
January 14, 1997. There can be no assurance that the legislature will enact the
Executive Budget as proposed by the Governor into law, or that the State's
adopted budget projections will not differ materially and adversely from the
projections set forth in the Executive Budget. As of April 1, 1997, the
beginning of fiscal year 1997-1998, the legislature had failed to pass a 1997-
1998 budget.
The Executive Budget proposes $2.3 billion in actions to balance the 1997-
98 Financial Plan. Before reflecting any actions proposed by the Governor to
restrain spending, General Fund disbursements for 1997-98 were projected to grow
by approximately 4 percent. This increase would have resulted from growth in
Medicaid, higher fixed costs such as pensions and debt service, collective
bargaining agreements, inflation, and the loss of non-recurring resources that
offset spending in 1996-97. General Fund receipts were projected to fall by
roughly 3 percent. This reduction would have been attributable to modest growth
in the State's economy and underlying tax base, the loss of non-recurring
revenues available in 1996-97 and implementation of previously enacted tax
reduction programs.
The Executive Budget proposes to close this gap primarily through a series
of spending reductions and Medicaid cost containment measures, the use of a
portion of the 1996-97 projected budget surplus, and other actions. The 1997-98
Financial Plan projects receipts of $32.88 billion and spending $32.84 billion.
The Division of the Budget believes that the economic assumptions and
projections of receipts and disbursements accompanying the 1997-98 Executive
Budget are reasonable. However, the economic and financial condition of the
State may be affected by various financial, social, economic and political
factors. Those factors can be very complex, can vary from fiscal year to fiscal
year, and are frequently the result of actions taken not only by the State but
also by entities, such as the federal government, that are outside the State's
control.
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Because of the uncertainty and unpredictability of changes in these factors,
their impact cannot be fully included in the assumptions underlying the State's
projections. There can be no assurance that the State economy will not
experience results that are worse than predicted, with corresponding material
and adverse effects on the State's financial projections.
To make progress toward addressing recurring budgetary imbalances, the
1997-98 Executive Budget proposes significant actions to align recurring
receipts and disbursements in future fiscal years. However, there can be no
assurance that the legislature will enact the Governor's proposals or that the
State's actions will be sufficient to preserve budgetary balance or to align
recurring receipts and disbursements in either 1997-98 or in future fiscal
years.
In addition, there has been discussion of additional tax reductions, beyond
those reflected in the State's current projections for 1997-98 and the out years
that, if enacted, could make it more difficult to achieve budget balance over
this period. In particular, modifying the State's sales tax treatment of
clothing has been discussed. The State now receives approximately $700 million
annually under the current tax statutes from taxation on clothing, and
localities receive a roughly equivalent amount.
Uncertainties with regard to both the economy and potential decisions at
the federal level add further pressure on future budget balance in New York
State. Risks to the Financial Plan include either a financial market or broader
economic "correction" during the period, a risk heightened by the relatively
lengthy expansions currently underway. In addition, a normal "forecast error"
of one percentage point in the expected growth rate could raise or lower
receipts by $600 million during the last year of the projection period.
Potential changes to federal tax law could alter the federal definitions of
income on which many State taxes rely. Similarly, the Financial Plan assumes no
significant federal disallowances or other actions which could affect State
finances.
On August 22, 1996, the President signed into law the Personal
Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. This federal
legislation fundamentally changed the programmatic and fiscal responsibilities
for administration of welfare programs at the federal, state and local levels.
The new law abolishes the federal Aid to Families with Dependent Children
program (AFDC), and creates a new Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program
(TANF) funded with a fixed federal block grant to states. The new law also
imposes (with certain exceptions) a five-year durational limit on TANF
recipients, requires that
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virtually all recipients be engaged in work or community service activities
within two years of receiving benefits, and limits assistance provided to
certain immigrants and other classes of individuals. States are required to
meet work activity participation targets for their TANF caseload; these
requirements are phased in over time. State that fail to meet these federally
mandated job participation rates, or that fail to conform with certain other
federal standards, face potential sanctions in the form of a reduced federal
block grant.
On October 16, 1996, the Governor submitted the State's TANF implementation
plan to the federal government as required under the new federal welfare law.
On December 13, 1996, the State's plan was approved by the federal government.
Legislation will be required to implement the State's TANF plan, and the
Governor has introduced legislation necessary to conform with federal law.
States are required to comply with the new federal welfare reform law no later
than July 1, 1997. There can be no assurances that the State legislature will
enact welfare reform proposals as submitted by the Governor and as required
under federal law.
The State Financial Plan is based upon forecasts of national and State
economic activity developed through both internal analysis and review of State
and national economic forecasts prepared by commercial forecasting services and
other public and private forecasters. Economic forecasts have frequently failed
to predict accurately the timing and magnitude of changes in the national and
the State economies. Many uncertainties exist in forecasts of both the national
and State economies, including consumer attitudes toward spending, the extent of
corporate and governmental restructuring, federal fiscal and monetary policies,
the level of interest rates, and the condition of the world economy, which could
have an adverse effect on the State. There can be no assurance that the State
economy will not experience results in the current fiscal year that are worse
than predicted, with corresponding material and adverse effects on the State's
projections of receipts and disbursements.
Projections of total State receipts in the State Financial Plan are based
on the State tax structure in effect during the fiscal year and on assumptions
relating to basic economic factors and their historical relationships to State
tax receipts. In preparing projections of State receipts, economic forecasts
relating to personal income, wages, consumption, profits and employment have
been particularly important. The projection of receipts from most tax or
revenue sources is generally made by estimating the change in yield of such tax
or revenue source caused by economic and other factors, rather than by
estimating the total yield of such tax or revenue source from its estimated tax
base. The forecasting methodology, however, ensures that
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State fiscal year estimates for taxes that are based on a computation of annual
liability, such as the business and personal income taxes, are consistent with
estimates of total liability under such taxes.
Projections of total State disbursements are based on assumptions relating
to economic and demographic factors, levels of disbursements for various
services provided by local governments (where the cost is partially reimbursed
by the State), and the results of various administrative and statutory
mechanisms in controlling disbursements for State operations. Factors that may
affect the level of disbursements in the fiscal year include uncertainties
relating to the economy of the nation and the State, the policies of the federal
government, and changes in the demand for and use of State services.
The Division of the Budget believes that its projections of receipts and
disbursements relating to the current State Financial Plan, and the assumptions
on which they are based, are reasonable. Actual results, however, could differ
materially and adversely from any projections. In the past, the State has taken
management actions and made use of internal sources to address potential State
Financial Plan shortfalls, and DOB believes it could take similar actions should
variances occur in its projections for the current fiscal year.
In recent years, State actions affecting the level of receipts and
disbursements, the relative strength of the State and regional economy, actions
of the federal government and other factors, have created structural budget gaps
for the State. These gaps resulted from a significant disparity between
recurring revenues and the costs of maintaining or increasing the level of
support for State programs. To address a potential imbalance in any given fiscal
year, the State would be required to take actions to increase receipts and/or
reduce disbursements as it enacts the budget for that year, and under the State
Constitution, the Governor is required to propose a balanced budget each year.
There can be no assurance, however, that the legislature will enact the
Governor's proposals or that the State's actions will be sufficient to preserve
budgetary balance in a given fiscal year or to align recurring receipts and
disbursements in future fiscal years.
Constitutional challenges to State laws have limited the amount of taxes
which political subdivisions can impose on real property. In 1979, the State's
highest court declared unconstitutional a State law allowing localities and
school districts to impose a special increase in real estate property taxes in
order to raise funds for pensions and other uses. Additional court actions have
been brought against the State,
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certain agencies and municipalities relating to financing, the amount of real
estate tax, the use of tax revenues and other matters.
Certain litigation pending against the State, its subdivisions and their
officers and employees could have a substantial and long-term adverse effect on
State finances. The State is a party to numerous legal proceedings, many of
which normally recur in governmental operations. Because of the prospective
nature of these proceedings, no estimate of the potential loss can be made.
Among the more significant of these cases are those that involve: (i) the
validity and fairness of agreements and treaties by which various Indian tribes
transferred title to the State of approximately six million acres of land in
central New York; (ii) certain aspects of the State's Medicaid policies and its
rates and regulations, including reimbursements to providers of mandatory and
optional Medicaid services; (iii) contamination in the Love Canal area of
Nigeria Falls; (iv) alleged responsibility of State officials to assist in
remedying racial segregation in the City of Yonkers; (v) an action, in which the
State is a third party defendant, for injunctive or other appropriate relief,
concerning liability for the maintenance of stone groins constructed along
certain areas of Long Island's shoreline; (vi) a challenge to the practice of
reimbursing certain Office of Mental Health patient care expenses from the
client's Social Security benefits; (vii) an action against New York State and
New York City officials alleging inadequate shelter allowances to maintain
proper housing;(viii) an action challenging the assessment of the petroleum
business tax as unconstitutional; (ix) an action seeking reimbursement from the
State for certain costs arising out of the provision of preschool services and
programs for children with physical disabilities; (x) actions challenging
regulations that establish excess medical malpractice premium rates for the
1986-87 through 1995-96 and 1996-97 fiscal years, respectively; and (xi) an
action challenging the enactment of the Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act of 1996
and its implementing legislation as against the State Constitution.
The legal proceedings noted above involve State finances, State programs
and miscellaneous tort, real property and contract claims in which the State is
a defendant and the monetary damages sought are substantial. These proceedings
could affect adversely the financial condition of the State. Adverse
developments in these proceedings or the initiation of new proceedings could
affect the ability of the State to maintain a balanced State Financial Plan. An
adverse decision in any of these proceedings could exceed the amount of the
State Financial Plan reserve for
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the payment of judgments and, therefore, could affect the ability of the State
to maintain a balanced State Financial Plan.
The fiscal health of the State may also be affected by the fiscal health of
New York City ("the City"), which continues to require significant financial
assistance from the State. The City depends on State aid both to enable the City
to balance its budget and to meet its cash requirements. The State could also be
affected by the ability of the City to market its securities successfully in the
public credit markets. The City has achieved balanced operating results for each
of its fiscal years since 1981 as reported in accordance with the then-
applicable GAAP standards.
Certain localities outside New York City have experienced financial
problems and have requested and received additional State assistance during the
last several State fiscal years. The potential impact on the State of any
future requests by localities for additional assistance is not included in the
projections of the State's receipts and disbursements for the State's 1996-97
fiscal year.
Fiscal difficulties experienced by the City of Yonkers resulted in the re-
establishment of the Financial Control Board for the City of Yonkers by the
State in 1984. That Board is charged with oversight of the fiscal affairs of
Yonkers. Future actions taken by the State to assist Yonkers could result in
increased State expenditures for extraordinary local assistance.
Beginning in 1990, the City of Troy experienced a series of budgetary
deficits that resulted in the establishment of a Supervisory Board for the City
of Troy in 1994. The Supervisory Board's powers were increased in 1995, when
Troy MAC was created to help Troy avoid default on certain obligations. The
legislation creating Troy MAC prohibits the City of Troy from seeking federal
bankruptcy protection while Troy MAC bonds are outstanding.
Seventeen municipalities received extraordinary assistance during the 1996
legislative session through $50 million in special appropriations targeted for
distressed cities.
From time to time, federal expenditure reductions could reduce, or in some
cases eliminate, federal funding of some local programs and accordingly might
impose substantial increased expenditure requirements on affected localities.
If the State, the City or any of the public authorities were to suffer serious
financial difficulties jeopardizing their respective access to the public credit
markets, the marketability of notes and bonds issued by localities within the
State could be adversely
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affected. Localities also face anticipated and potential problems resulting
from certain pending litigation, judicial decisions and long-range economic
trends. Long-range potential problems of declining urban population, increasing
expenditures and other economic trends could adversely affect localities and
require increasing State assistance in the future.
NEW YORK CITY
The national economic downturn which began in July 1990 adversely affected
the local economy, which had been declining since late 1989. As a result, the
City experienced job losses in 1990 and 1991 and real Gross City Product ("GCP")
fell in those two years. Beginning in calendar year 1992, the improvement in
the national economy helped stabilize conditions in the City. Employment losses
moderated toward year end and real GCP increased, boosted by strong wage gains.
After noticeable improvements in the City's economy during calendar year 1994,
economic growth slowed in calendar year 1995, and the City's current four-year
financial plan assumes that moderate economic growth will continue through
calendar year 2000.
For each of the 1981 through 1995 fiscal years, the City achieved balanced
operating results as reported in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles ("GAAP"). The City was required to close substantial budget gaps in
recent years in order to maintain balanced operating results. For fiscal year
1995, the City adopted a budget which halted the trend in recent years of
substantial increases in City-funded spending from one year to the next. There
can be no assurance that the City will continue to maintain a balanced budget as
required by State law without additional tax or other revenue increases or
reductions in City services, which could adversely affect the City's economic
base.
Currently, the City and its Covered Organizations (i.e., these which
receive or may receive moneys from the City directly, indirectly or
contingently) operate under a four-year financial plan (the "Financial Plan")
which the City prepares annually and periodically updates. The City's Financial
Plan includes its capital, revenue and expense projections and outlines proposed
gap closing programs for years with projected budget gaps. The City's
projections set forth in the Financial Plan are based on various assumptions and
contingencies, some of which are uncertain and may not materialize. Unforeseen
developments and changes in major assumptions could significantly affect the
City's ability to balance its budget as required by State law and to meet its
annual cash flow and financing requirements.
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The staffs of the Control Board, OSDC and the City Comptroller issue
periodic reports on the City's Financial Plans which analyze the City's
forecasts of revenues and expenditures, cash flow, and debt service requirements
for, and Financial Plan compliance by, the City and its Covered Organizations.
According to recent staff reports, the City's economy has experienced weak
employment and moderate wage and income growth throughout the mid-1990s.
Although this trend is expected to continue for the rest of the decade, there is
the risk of a slowdown in the City's economy in the next few years, which would
depress revenue growth and put further strains on the City's budget. These
reports have also indicated that recent City budgets have been balanced in part
through the use of non-recurring resources; that the City's Financial Plan tends
to rely on actions outside its direct control; that the City has not yet brought
its long-term expenditure growth in line with recurring revenue growth; and that
the City is therefore likely to continue to face substantial future budget gaps
that must be closed with reduced expenditures and/or increased revenues.
Implementation of the Financial Plan is also dependent upon the City's
ability to market its securities successfully in the public credit markets. The
City's financing program for fiscal years 1997 through 2000 contemplates the
issuance of $5.7 billion of general obligation bonds and $4.5 billion of bonds
to be issued by the proposed New York City Infrastructure Finance Authority
primarily to reconstruct and rehabilitate the City's infrastructure and physical
assets and to make other capital investments. The creation of the
Infrastructure Finance Authority, which is subject to the enactment of State
legislation, is being proposed by the City as part of the City's effort to avoid
conflict with the forecast level of the constitutional restrictions on the
amount of debt the City is authorized to issue. In addition, the City issues
revenue and tax anticipation notes to finance its seasonal working capital
requirements. The success of projected public sales of City bonds and notes and
Infrastructure Finance Authority bonds will be subject to prevailing market
conditions, and no assurance can be given that such sales will be completed. If
the City were unable to sell its general obligation bonds and notes or bonds of
the proposed Infrastructure Finance Authority, it would be prevented from
meeting its planned capital and operating expenditures. Future developments
concerning the City and public discussion of such developments, as well as
prevailing market conditions, may affect the market for outstanding City general
obligation bonds and notes.
The 1997-2000 Financial Plan projects revenues and expenditures for the
1996 fiscal year balanced in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles ("GAAP"). The
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projections for the 1996 fiscal year reflect proposed actions to close a
previously projected gap of approximately $3.1 billion for the 1996 fiscal year.
The proposed actions in the Financial Plan for the 1996 fiscal year include (i)
a reduction in spending of $400 million, primarily affecting public assistance
and Medicaid payments by the City; (ii) expenditure reductions in agencies,
totaling $1.2 billion; (iii) transitional labor savings, totaling $600 million;
and (iv) the phase-in of the increased annual pension funding cost due to
revisions resulting from an actuarial audit of the City pension systems, which
would reduce such costs in the 1996 fiscal year.
In connection with its Financial Plan, the City has outlined a gap-closing
program for the 1998 through 2000 fiscal years to eliminate the remaining $1.2
billion, $2.1 billion and $3.0 billion projected budget gaps for such fiscal
years. This program, which is not specified in detail, assumes additional
agency programs to reduce expenditures or increase revenues by $400 million,
$950 million and $1.4 billion in the 1998 through 2000 fiscal years,
respectively; additional revenue initiatives and asset sales of $76 million,
$229 million and $281 million in the 1998 through 2000 fiscal years,
respectively; additional Federal and State aid of $250 million, $250 million and
$325 million in the 1998 through 2000 fiscal years, respectively; additional
reductions in entitlement costs of $400 million, $600 million and $975 million
in the 1998 through 2000 fiscal years, respectively; and availability in each of
the 1998 through 2000 fiscal years of $100 million of the General Reserve.
The City's projected budget gaps for the 1999 and 2000 fiscal years do not
reflect the savings expected to result from prior years' programs to close the
gaps set forth in the Financial Plan. Thus, for example, recurring savings
anticipated from the actions which the City proposes to take to balance the
fiscal year 1998 budget are not taken into account in projecting the budget gaps
for the 1999 and 2000 fiscal years.
Although the City has maintained balanced budgets in each of its last
sixteen fiscal years and is projected to achieve balanced operating results for
the 1997 fiscal year, there can be no assurance that the gap-closing actions
proposed in the Financial Plan can be successfully implemented or that the City
will maintain a balanced budget in future years without additional State aid,
revenue increases or expenditure reductions. Additional tax increases and
reductions in essential City services could adversely affect the City's economic
base.
On November 14, 1996, the City submitted to the Control Board the Financial
Plan for the 1997 through 2000 fiscal years,
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which relates to the City, BOE and the City University of New York ("CUNY").
The 1997-2000 Financial Plan published on November 14, 1996 reflects actual
receipts and expenditures and changes in forecast revenues and expenditures
since the prior financial plan submitted to the Control Board on June 21, 1996
(the "June Financial Plan". The 1997-2000 Financial Plan projects revenues and
expenditures for 1997 fiscal year balanced in accordance with GAAP, and projects
gaps of $1.2 billion, $2.1 billion and $3.0 billion for the 1998, 1999 and 2000
fiscal years, respectively. Changes since the June Financial Plan include (i)
an increase in projected tax revenues of $450 million, $120 million, $50 million
and $45 million in fiscal years 1997 through 2000, respectively; (ii) a delay in
the assumed receipt of $304 million relating to projected rent payments for the
City airports from the 1997 fiscal year to the 1998 and 1999 fiscal years, and a
$34 million reduction in assumed State and Federal aid for the 1997 fiscal year;
(iii) an approximately $200 million increase in projected overtime and other
expenditures in each of the fiscal years 1997 through 2000; (iv) a $70 million
increase in expenditures for BOE in the 1997 fiscal year for school text books;
(v) a reduction in projected pension costs of $34 million, $50 million, $49
million and $47 million in fiscal years 1997 through 2000, respectively; and
(vi) additional agency actions totaling $179 million, $386 million, $473 million
and $589 million in fiscal years 1997 through 2000, including personnel
reductions through attrition and early retirement.
The Financial Plan assumes (i) approval by the Governor and the State
legislature of the extension of the 12.5% personal income tax surcharge, which
expired on December 31, 1996 and is projected to provide revenue of $170
million, $463 million, $492 million, and $521 million, in the 1997 through 2000
fiscal years, respectively; (ii) collection of the projected rent payments for
the City's airports, totalling $270 million and $180 million in the 1998 and
1999 fiscal years, respectively, which may depend on the successful completion
of negotiations with the Port Authority or the enforcement of the City's rights
under the existing leases thereto through pending legal actions; (iii) the
ability of HHC and BOE to identify actions to offset substantial City and State
revenue reductions and the receipt by BOE of additional State aid; (iv) State
approval of the cost containment initiatives and State aid proposed by the City;
and (v) a reduction in City funding for labor settlements for certain public
authorities or corporations. Legislation extending the 12.5% personal income
tax surcharge beyond December 31, 1996, was not enacted in the special
legislative session held in December 1996. Such legislation may be enacted in
the 1997 State legislative session. The Financial Plan does not reflect any
increased costs which the
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City might incur as a result of welfare legislation recently enacted by Congress
or legislation proposed by the Governor, which would, if enacted, implement such
Federal welfare legislation. In addition, the economic and financial condition
of the City may be affected by various financial, social, economic and political
factors which could have a material effect on the City.
In January, the Mayor is expected to publish a Modification (the "January
Modification") to the financial plan for the City's 1997 through 2001 fiscal
years and a preliminary budget for the City's 1998 fiscal year. The January
Modification will reflect changes since the Financial Plan, including the City's
program to address the currently forecasted gap of approximately $1.2 billion in
the 1998 fiscal year. The gap-closing program, as proposed in the Financial
Plan, is currently being further developed and is subject to change in
connection with the January Modification. The Governor released the 1997-1998
Executive Budget on January 14, 1997, which will be considered for adoption by
the State legislature. Based on a preliminary evaluation of currently available
information, the City's Office of Management and Budget ("OMB") believes that
the reductions in Medicaid reimbursement rates and other entitlement and welfare
initiatives proposed in the 1997-1998 Executive Budget, if approved by the State
legislature without change, would provide the City with a portion of the $650
million of additional aid and reductions in entitlement costs assumed in the
City's gap-closing program for the 1998 fiscal year. OMB expects that the
January Modification will reflect additional initiatives proposed by the City
relating to reductions in entitlement costs and additional intergovernmental
aid, which would be dependent upon State legislative approval. Certain proposed
cost containment and other initiatives have been previously considered and
rejected by the State legislature. The nature and extent of the impact on the
City of the State budget, when adopted, is uncertain, and no assurance can be
given that the State actions included in the State adopted budget may not have a
significant adverse impact on the City's budget and its Financial Plan. It can
be expected that the proposals contained in the January Modification to close
the projected budget gap for the 1998 fiscal year will engender substantial
public debate which will continue through the time the budget is scheduled to be
adopted in June 1997.
The City Comptroller and other agencies and public officials have issued
reports and made public statements which, among other things, state that
projected revenues may be less and future expenditures may be greater than
forecasted in the City Plan. It is reasonable to expect that such reports and
statements will continue to be issued and to engender public comment.
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On July 16, 1996, the staff of the City Comptroller issued a report on the
Financial Plan. The report concluded that the City's fiscal situation remains
serious, and that the City faces budgetary risks of approximately $787 million
to $941 million for the 1997 fiscal year, which may increase to as much as $4.31
billion for fiscal year 2000.
Estimates of the City's revenues and expenditures is based on numerous
assumptions and are subject to various uncertainties. If expected federal or
State aid is not forthcoming, if unforeseen developments in the economy
significantly reduce revenues derived from economically sensitive taxes or
necessitate increased expenditures for public assistance, if the City should
negotiate wage increases for its employees greater than the amounts provided for
in the City's financial plan or if other uncertainties materialize that reduce
expected revenues or increase projected expenditures, then, to avoid operating
deficits, the City may be required to implement additional actions, including
increases in taxes and reductions in essential City services. The City might
also seek additional assistance from the State.
On January 20, 1995, Moody's lowered its rating on the City's general
obligations bonds to "Baa1" from "A." In July 1995, S&P revised its rating on
the City's general obligation bonds downward to "BBB+." S&P stated that
"structural budgetary balance remains elusive because of persistent softness in
the City's economy, highlighted by weak job growth and a growing dependence on
the historically volatile financial services sector." Other factors identified
by S&P in lowering its ratings on City general obligation bonds, included a
trend of using one-time measures, including debt refinancings, to close
projected budget gaps, dependence on unratified labor savings to help balance
the City's financial plan, optimistic projections of additional federal and
State aid or mandate relief, a history of cash flow difficulties caused by State
budget delays and continued high debt levels.
Both the State and City face potential economic problems which could
seriously affect the ability of both the State and City to meet their financial
obligations. The economic problems of New York City adversely affect the State
in numerous ways. In addition, for decades the State economy has grown more
slowly than that of the nation as a whole, resulting in a decline in the
position of New York as one of the country's wealthier states. The causes of
this decline are varied and complex and some causes reflect international and
national trends beyond the State's and City's control.
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<PAGE>
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS AFFECTING PUERTO RICO
The following highlights some of the more significant financial trends and
problems affecting the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (the Commonwealth or Puerto
Rico) and is based on information drawn from official statements and
prospectuses relating to the securities offerings of Puerto Rico and its
agencies and instrumentalities. Such information, however, has not been
independently verified by the Trust.
The economy of Puerto Rico is closely integrated with that of the United
States. In fiscal 1994, trade with the United States accounted for
approximately 87% of Puerto Rico's exports and approximately 67% of its imports.
In this regard, Puerto Rico experienced a $4.3 billion positive adjusted
merchandise trade balance in fiscal 1994. Since 1983, Puerto Rico has
experienced a wide ranging economic expansion with growth in almost every sector
of its economy and record levels of employment.
Since fiscal 1985, personal income, both aggregate and per capita, have
increased consistently each fiscal year. In fiscal 1994, aggregate personal
income was $25.7 billion and personal income per capita was $7,047. Gross
domestic product in fiscal year 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, and 1995 was $22.8
billion, $23.7 billion, $25.2 billion, $26.6 billion, and $28.3 billion,
respectively. For fiscal 1996, an increase in gross product of 2.7% over fiscal
1995 was forecasted. However, actual growth in the Puerto Rico economy will
depend on several factors, including the state of the U.S. economy, the exchange
rate for the U.S. dollar, increases in exports and visitors to the Commonwealth,
the price stability of oil imports, the level of federal transfers, and the cost
of borrowing. Due to uncertainties with respect to these factors, there is no
assurance that the economy of Puerto Rico will continue to grow.
Puerto Rico's economy continued to expand throughout the five year period
from fiscal 1990 through fiscal 1994. While trends in the Puerto Rico economy
generally follow those of the United States, Puerto Rico did not experience a
recession in 1991 as the United States did. This was primarily because of low
oil prices, low interest rates, and Puerto Rico's strong manufacturing base,
which has a large component of non-cyclical industries. Other factors
contributing to Puerto Rico's decade-long expansion include commonwealth-
sponsored economic development programs, the relatively stable prices of oil
imports, low exchange rates for the U.S. dollar, the level of federal transfers,
and the relatively low cost of borrowing funds during the period. These factors
will continue to affect Puerto Rico's economic growth rate in fiscal 1996 and
beyond.
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Puerto Rico has made marked improvements in fighting unemployment.
Although unemployment is at relatively low historical levels for the
Commonwealth, it remains above the U.S. average. The unemployment rate declined
from 16.0% to 13.8% from fiscal 1994 to fiscal 1995. As of October 1995, the
unemployment rate stood at 15.0%. Despite this relative downturn, there is a
possibility that the unemployment rate will increase if there are changes in
factors that directly impact the economy of Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico has a diversified economy with the manufacturing and service
sectors comprising the principal sectors. Manufacturing is the largest sector
in terms of gross domestic product. In fiscal 1995, manufacturing generated
$17.7 billion (or 41.8%) of gross domestic product. In the last two decades,
industrial development has tended to be more capital intensive and more
dependent on skilled labor. Manufacturing has experienced a basic change over
the years as a result of the influx of higher wage, high technology industries
such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, computers, microprocessors, scientific
instruments, and high technology machinery. The service sector, which includes
wholesale and retail trade, finance and real estate, ranks second in its
contribution to gross domestic product and is the economic sector that employs
the greatest number of people. In fiscal 1995, the service sector generated $15
billion in gross domestic product (or 37.5%) and employed over 478,000 people.
Growth in construction and tourism also contributed to increased economic
activity in fiscal 1995. The government sector of the Commonwealth also plays
an important role in the economy of the island. In fiscal 1994, the government
accounted for $4.1 billion of Puerto Rico's gross domestic product and provided
22.2% of total employment. Tourism also contributed significantly to the island
economy and total visitor expenditures amounted to $1.8 million in fiscal 1995.
One of the factors assisting the development of the manufacturing sector is
the federal and Commonwealth tax incentives, most notably section 936 of the
United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and the Commonwealth's
Industrial Incentives Program. Section 936 currently grants U.S. corporations
that meet certain criteria and elect its application a credit (the Section 936
credit) against their U.S. corporate income tax on the portion of the tax
attributable to (i) income derived from the active conduct of a trade or
business in Puerto Rico (active business income) or from the sale or exchange of
substantially all of the assets used in the active conduct of such trade or
business, and (ii) qualified possession source investment income. The
Industrial Incentives Program, through the 1987 Industrial Incentives Act,
grants corporations engaged in certain qualified activities a fixed 90%
exemption from
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<PAGE>
Commonwealth income and property taxes and a 60% exemption from municipal
license taxes.
Pursuant to amendments to the Internal Revenue Code (the Code) for taxable
years commencing after 1993, two alternative limitations apply to the Section
936 credit against active business income and sale of assets income, as
previously described. The first option limits the credit against such income to
40% of the credit allowable previous to the amendments of 1993, with a five-year
phase-in period starting at 60% of the current allowable credit (the Percentage
Limitation). The second option limits the allowable credit to the sum of (i)
60% of qualified compensation paid to employees (as defined in the Code), (ii) a
specified percentage of depreciation deductions,and (iii) a portion of the
Puerto Rico income taxes paid by the Section 936 corporation, up to a 9%
effective tax rate (the Economic Activity Limitation).
On August 20, 1996, President Clinton signed into law a bill that will
phase out Section 936 tax credits over a nine-year period, ending January 1,
2006. The effect on Puerto Rico's economy of the phased elimination of Section
936 tax credit will not be certain for a number of years. The impact on future
investment and employment is more uncertain.
The Constitution of Puerto Rico provides a limitation on the amount of
general obligation debt that can be issued. The Commonwealth's policy has been
and continues to be to maintain the level of such debt within a prudent range
below the constitutional limitation. Historically, the Commonwealth has
maintained a fiscal policy which provides for a prudent relationship between the
growth of public sector debt and the growth of the economic base required to
service that debt. The Commonwealth also has sought opportunities to realize
debt service savings by refunding outstanding debt with obligations bearing
lower interest rates. In certain years, this policy has had the effect of
causing the rate of growth of public sector debt to be higher than the rate of
growth of gross domestic product. Over the fiscal years 1991 to 1995, public
sector debt increased 24.7% while gross product rose 24.4%. Short-term debt
outstanding relative to total debt was 7.5% as of November 30, 1995.
THE EQUITY INDEX FUND GUARANTEE
NYLIFE Inc. ("NYLIFE") and the Equity Index Fund have entered into a
Guaranty Agreement (the "Guarantee") for the benefit of shareholders. The
Guarantee has been issued for the benefit of all shareholders and has been
issued at no cost to the Equity Index Fund or its shareholders. The Guarantee
Date (as
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<PAGE>
defined in the Prospectus) with respect to a particular Equity Index Fund share
will be 10 years after the purchase date of such share. If, on a particular
Guarantee Date, payments must be made under the terms of the Guarantee, the
terms of the Guarantee will obligate NYLIFE unconditionally and irrevocably to
pay to the Equity Index Fund's transfer and dividend disbursing agent for the
benefit of shareholders with that Guarantee Date an amount equal to the
difference between the Guaranteed Amount and net asset value per each Guaranteed
Share (as defined in the Prospectus) outstanding. The Equity Index Fund's
transfer and dividend disbursing agent will forward the difference between the
Guaranteed Amount and the net asset value directly to each individual
shareholder.
A Guaranteed Share is a unit that will at all times be equal to the net
asset value of one share initially purchased by the investor plus the net asset
value of all dividends and distributions attributable to such share (which
includes cumulative dividends and distributions paid with respect to any
additional shares of the Fund received as dividends and distributions) paid
during the period from the date of purchase to the Guarantee Date. A Guaranteed
Share (the unit to which the Guaranteed Amount will apply) is not the same as a
share of the Fund. Shareholders who redeem shares, or who elect to receive
dividends and distributions in cash, will own fewer units to which the
Guaranteed Amount applies (i.e., they will own fewer Guaranteed Shares) and
----
therefore will lose a portion of the benefit of the Guarantee with respect to
any such redemption or dividends or distributions received in cash.
NYLIFE will pay any amounts owing under the Guarantee to the Fund's
transfer and dividend disbursing agent on the third business day following a
Guarantee Date. A pro rata portion of any amounts so paid will then be
forwarded to each shareholder holding, as of the close of business on such date,
Guaranteed Shares with that Guarantee Date. If the Guarantee Date should fall
on a weekend or on a holiday, the Guarantee Date shall be the first business day
following the Guarantee Date. The Guarantee is intended to assure each owner of
Guaranteed Shares on a Guarantee Date that he or she will be able to recover, as
of the Guarantee Date, at a minimum, the Guaranteed Amount (with no adjustment
for inflation or the time value of money). The Guarantee will benefit any
holder of such Guaranteed Shares on the relevant Guarantee Date, who need not be
the original purchaser, and who, for example, may own such shares by gift or
inheritance.
Although the Equity Index Fund does not intend to pay dividends and
distributions in cash to shareholders (unless a shareholder elects to receive
payments in cash), such dividends
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<PAGE>
and distributions which are reinvested will be taxable to shareholders. See
"Tax Status." The Guaranteed Amount does not reflect any adjustment for the
payment of taxes by a shareholder on dividends and distributions received from
the Equity Index Fund.
The obligations, if any, of NYLIFE under the Guarantee shall be discharged
when all required payments are made in full to the transfer and dividend
disbursing agent for the benefit of the shareholders or if the Equity Index
Fund's net asset value on a Guarantee Date is such that no amounts are payable
to shareholders under the terms of the Guarantee. Payment obligations under the
Guarantee will be solely the obligations of NYLIFE. Neither the Equity Index
Fund, New York Life Insurance Company, Monitor, NYLIFE Distributors, any of
their affiliates nor any other party is undertaking any obligation to the Equity
Index Fund or its shareholders with respect to the Guarantee.
Although the Guarantee has been arranged for by the Equity Index Fund and
is created under contract between the Equity Index Fund and NYLIFE, the Equity
Index Fund has no interest in, and specifically disclaims any interest in, the
proceeds payable under the Guarantee, which are payable solely to the
shareholders with a particular Guarantee Date. The designation of such
shareholders as the sole beneficiaries of the Guarantee may not be changed by
either the Equity Index Fund or such shareholders. The Guarantee is neither
transferable nor assignable by the Equity Index Fund or the shareholders it
benefits, nor may the Equity Index Fund or its shareholders cancel or waive
rights under the Guarantee. The Guarantee cannot be surrendered by either the
Fund or its shareholders for cash, except in the event that payment is made
pursuant to its terms. Neither the Equity Index Fund nor its shareholders may
use the Guarantee as a pledge for a loan, nor may the Equity Index Fund or its
shareholders obtain any loan from NYLIFE with respect to amounts that may be
payable pursuant to the Guarantee.
The foregoing is only a summary, and not a complete statement of the
principal terms of the Guarantee. Reference is made to the Guarantee, a
specimen copy of which has been filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement. This summary is subject thereto and qualified in its entirety by
such reference.
ADDITIONAL FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
In addition to the fundamental investment restrictions contained in the
Prospectus, the Trustees of the Trust also have adopted the following
fundamental investment restrictions, which may not be changed with respect to
any Fund without the approval
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<PAGE>
of the majority of the outstanding voting securities of that Fund, as defined
under the 1940 Act.
The Trust may not, on behalf of any Fund:
1. Act as an underwriter of securities issued by others, except to the
extent that a Fund may be considered an underwriter within the meaning of the
1933 Act, as amended, in the disposition of portfolio securities.
2. Issue senior securities, except as appropriate to evidence
indebtedness that a Fund is permitted to incur and except for shares of existing
or additional series of the Trust.
The following fundamental investment restriction is applicable to the Tax
Free Bond Fund only. The Tax Free Bond Fund must:
1. Invest at least 80% of the Fund's net assets in securities the
interest on which is exempt from regular federal income tax, except that the
Fund may temporarily invest more than 20% of its net assets in securities the
interest income on which may be subject to regular federal income tax.
The following fundamental investment restrictions are applicable to the
Equity Index Fund only. The Equity Index Fund may not:
1. Purchase securities of any company having less than three years'
continuous operations (including operations of any predecessors) if such
purchase would cause the value of the Fund's investments in all such companies
to exceed 5% of the value of its total assets.
2. Purchase securities of closed-end investment companies except (a) in
the open market where no commission other than the ordinary broker's commission
is paid, which purchases are limited to a maximum of (i) 3% of the total
outstanding voting stock of any one closed-end investment company, (ii) 5% of
the Fund's net assets with respect to the securities issued by any one closed-
end investment company, and (iii) 10% of the Fund's net assets in the aggregate,
or (b) those received as part of a merger or consolidation. The Fund may not
purchase the securities of other open-end investment companies.
3. Hold the securities of any issuer when more than 1/2 of 1% of the
issuer's securities are owned beneficially by one or more of the Fund's officers
or Trustees or by one or more of the officers or directors of the Fund's
underwriter or investment manager.
B-96
<PAGE>
4. Enter into repurchase agreements providing for settlement in more than
seven days after notice or purchase securities which are not readily marketable,
if, in the aggregate, more than 10% of the value of the Fund's total assets
would be so invested.
5. Invest in the securities of a company for the purpose of exercising
management or control, but the Fund will vote the securities it owns in its
portfolio as a shareholder in accordance with its views.
6. Purchase, sell or write puts, calls or combinations thereof, except
that the Fund may enter into transactions in stock index options and futures as
described in the Prospectus and in this Statement of Additional Information.
The following fundamental investment restrictions are applicable only to
the California Tax Free Fund and New York Tax Free Fund. The California Tax
Free Fund and New York Tax Free Fund may not:
1. Sell securities short, or purchase securities on margin, except that
the Fund may enter into and make margin deposits in connection with transactions
in options, futures and options on futures.
2. Invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control.
3. Invest in securities of other investment companies, except as they may
be acquired as part of a merger, consolidation or acquisition of assets.
ADDITIONAL NON-FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
In addition to the Trust's fundamental investment restrictions, the
Trustees of the Trust have voluntarily adopted certain policies and restrictions
which are observed in the conduct of the affairs of the Funds, except the
California Tax Free Fund, New York Tax Free Fund, International Bond Fund,
International Equity Fund, Equity Index Fund and Strategic Income Fund. These
represent intentions of the Trustees based upon current circumstances. They
differ from fundamental investment policies in that the following additional
investment restrictions may be changed or amended by action of the Trustees
without requiring prior notice to or approval of shareholders.
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<PAGE>
In accordance with such policies and restrictions, a Fund may not:
(a) purchase from or sell portfolio securities of a Fund to any of the
officers or Trustees of the Trust, its investment advisers, its principal
underwriter or the officers, or directors of its investment advisers or
principal underwriter;
(b) invest more than 10% of the assets of a Fund (taken at market
value at the time of the investment) in "illiquid securities," illiquid
securities being defined to include securities subject to legal or
contractual restrictions on resale (other than restricted securities
eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of
1933), repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days, certain
options traded over the counter that a Fund has written, securities for
which market quotations are not available, or other securities which
legally or in the opinion of the Adviser is deemed illiquid;
(c) invest assets in securities of other open-end investment
companies, but a Fund may invest in shares of the Money Market Fund if
double advisory fees are not assessed, may invest up to 5% of its assets in
closed-end investment companies (which would cause a Fund to pay duplicate
fees), and may purchase or acquire up to 10% of the outstanding voting
stock of a closed-end investment company (foreign banks or their agencies
or subsidiaries are not considered investment companies for the purposes of
this limitation);
(d) invest in other companies for the purpose of exercising control or
management;
(e) purchase securities on margin or make short sales, except in
connection with arbitrage transactions or unless, by virtue of its
ownership of other securities, it has the right to obtain securities
equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold and, if the right is
conditional, the sale is made upon the same conditions, except that the
Trust may obtain such short-term credits as may be necessary for the
clearance of purchases and sales of securities and in connection with
transactions involving forward foreign currency exchange contracts;
(f) purchase or sell any put or call options or any combination
thereof, except that the Trust may purchase and sell or write (i) options
on any futures contracts into which it may enter, (ii) put and call options
on currencies, securities indexes and covered put and call options on
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<PAGE>
securities, and (iii) may also engage in closing purchase transactions with
respect to any put and call option position it has entered into; and except
that the Government Fund may not write any covered put options on U.S.
government securities if, as a result, more than 50% of its total assets
(taken at current value) would be subject to put options written by such
Fund; or
(g) purchase, with respect to the Government Fund, any call option,
long futures contract or long option on a futures contract if, at the date
of purchase, realized net losses from such transactions during the fiscal
year to date exceed 5% of such Fund's average net assets during such
period.
The following investment restrictions are non-fundamental, operating
policies of the International Bond Fund, International Equity Fund and Strategic
Income Fund, and may be amended by the Board of Trustees without shareholder
approval:
(a) As an operating policy, a Fund may not sell securities short,
except for covered short sales or unless it owns or has the right to obtain
securities equivalent in kind and amount to the securities sold short, and
provided that transactions in options, futures and forward contracts are
deemed not to constitute short sales of securities.
(b) As an operating policy, a Fund may not purchase securities on
margin, except that the Fund may obtain such short-term credits as are
necessary for the clearance of transactions, and provided that margin
payments in connection with futures contracts and options on futures
contracts shall not constitute the purchase of securities on margin. This
restriction is not applicable to the Strategic Income Fund.
(c) As an operating policy, a Fund may not invest in securities which
are not readily marketable, or the disposition of which is restricted under
federal securities laws (collectively, "illiquid securities"), other than
Rule 144A securities determined to be liquid pursuant to guidelines adopted
by the Trust's Board of Trustees if, as a result, more than 15% of the
Fund's net assets would be invested in illiquid securities. A Fund may not
invest more than 15% of its net assets in repurchase agreements providing
for settlement in more than seven days, or in other instruments which for
regulatory purposes or in the Adviser's opinion may be deemed to be
illiquid, such as a certain portion of options traded in the over-the-
counter
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<PAGE>
market, and securities being used to cover options a Fund has written.
(d) As an operating policy, a Fund may not acquire or retain the
securities of any other investment company if, as a result, more than 3% of
such investment company's outstanding shares would be held by the Fund,
more than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets would be invested in
shares of such investment company or more than 10% of the value of the
Fund's assets would be invested in shares of investment companies in the
aggregate, except in connection with a merger, consolidation, acquisition,
or reorganization.
"Value" for the purposes of all investment restrictions shall mean the
value used in determining a Fund's net asset value.
In addition, though not a fundamental policy, the California Tax Free and
New York Tax Free Funds will not sell securities short, except that each Fund
reserves the right to sell securities short "against the box."
In addition, though not a fundamental policy, the Equity Index Fund may not
engage in arbitrage transactions, nor may it purchase warrants (excluding those
acquired by the Equity Index Fund in units or attached to securities), nor will
the Equity Index Fund sell securities short or buy on margin, except that the
Fund reserves the right to sell securities short "against the box."
If a percentage restriction is adhered to at the time of investment, a
later change in percentage resulting from a change in values or assets will not
constitute a violation of such restriction.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
Information pertaining to the Trustees and officers of the Trust is set
forth below. Trustees deemed to be "interested persons" of the Trust for
purposes of the 1940 Act are indicated by an asterisk.
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITION(S) PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE WITH TRUST DURING PAST 5 YEARS
- --------------------- ------------ ----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Alice T. Kane* Chairperson Executive Vice President, New York Life
51 Madison Avenue and Insurance Company, 1992 to present;
New York, NY 10010 Trustee General Counsel, 1992 to 1995;
Age: 49 Corporate Secretary, 1989 to 1994;
Senior Vice President and General
Counsel, 1986 to 1992; Director and
Chairperson, MainStay Institutional
Funds Inc., 1994 to present; Director,
New York Life Foundation, 1992 to
1995; Director, New York Life
International Investment Inc., 1988 to
present; Director, NYLIFE Inc., 1990 to
present; Director, Greystone Realty
Corporation, 1994 to present; Director,
Monitor Capital Advisors, Inc., 1994 to
present; Director, NYLCare Health
Plans, Inc. (formerly Sanus Corp. Health
Systems), 1984 to present; Director,
MacKay-Shields Financial Corporation,
1994 to present; Director, New York
Life Benefit Services Inc. (pension
consultant and third party
administrator), 1994 to present;
Director, NYLIFE Securities Inc., 1994
to present; Director, Eagle Strategies
Corp. (registered investment adviser),
1994 to present; Director, NYLIFE
Distributors Inc., 1994 to present;
Director, NYL Management Limited, 1995
to present; Director, NYL Trust Company,
1995 to present; Director, NYLINK
Insurance Agency Incorporated, 1996 to
present; Director, Japan Gamma Asset
Management Limited, 1995 to present;
Director, New York Life Worldwide
Holding, Inc., 1995 to present;
Director, New York Life and Health
Insurance Company, 1996 to present;
Director, MainStay Shareholder Services,
Inc., 1997 to present; Director, NASD
Regulation, Inc., 1996 to present; and
Member, Board of Governors of the
National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc., 1994 to 1996.
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITION(S) PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE WITH TRUST DURING PAST 5 YEARS
- --------------------- ------------ ----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Walter W. Ubl* President, Chief Senior Vice President, New York
51 Madison Avenue Executive Officer Life Insurance Company, 1995 to
New York, NY 10010 and Trustee present; Vice President, 1984 to
Age: 55 1995; Vice President in charge of
Mutual Funds Department, 1989 to
present; Director and Vice
President, NYLIFE Distributors
Inc., 1993 to present; and
Director and Senior Vice
President NYLIFE Securities Inc.,
1996 to present.
Harry G. Hohn* Trustee Retired Chairman and Chief
51 Madison Avenue Executive Officer, New York Life
New York, NY 10010 Insurance Company; Chairman of
Age 65 the Board and Chief Executive
Officer, New York Life Insurance
Company, 1990 to 1997; Vice
Chairman of the Board, New York
Life Insurance Company, 1986 to
1990; Director, New York Life
Insurance Company, 1985 to 1986;
Director, Million Dollar
Roundtable Foundation, 1996 to
present; Director, Insurance
Marketplace Standards
Association, 1996 to present;
Director, Witco Corporation, 1989
to present; Member, International
Advisory Board of Credit
Commercial de France, 1995 to
present; and a Life Fellow of the
American Bar Foundation.
Dpnald K. Ross* Trustee Retired Chairman and Chief
953 Cherokee Lane Executive Officer, New York Life
Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417 Insurance Company; Director, New
Age: 71 York Life Insurance Company, 1978
to 1996; President, New York Life
Insurance Company, 1986 to 1990;
Chairman of the Board, New York
Life Insurance Company, 1981 to
1990; Chief Executive Officer,
New York Life Insurance Company,
1981 to 1990; Director, MacKay-
Shields Financial Corporation,
1984 to present; and Trustee,
Consolidated Edison Company of
New York, Inc., 1976 to present.
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITION(S) PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE WITH TRUST DURING PAST 5 YEARS
- --------------------- ------------ ----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Edward J. Hogan Trustee Independent management consultant,
Box 2321 1991 to 1995; President, Westinghouse -
Sun Valley, ID 83353 Airship Industries, Inc. and Managing
Age: 64 Director, Airship Industries U.K., Ltd.,
1987 to 1990.
Nancy Maginnes Trustee Member, Council of Rockefeller
Kissinger University, New York, NY, 1991 to
Hendersons Road present; Trustee, Council of Rockefeller
Kent, CT 06757 University, 1995 to present; Trustee,
Age: 63 Animal Medical Center, 1993 to present;
and Trustee, The Masters School, 1994
to present.
Terry L. Lierman Trustee President, Capitol Associates, Inc.,
426 C Street, N.E. 1984 to present; President, Employee
Washington, D.C. 20002 Health Programs, 1990 to present; Vice
Age: 49 Chairman, TheraCom Inc., 1994 to
present; Member, UNICEF National Board,
1993 to present; Director, Harvard
University, Pollin Institute, 1995 to
present; Director, PeacePac, 1994 to
present; and Commissioner, State of
Maryland, Higher Education Commission,
1995 to present.
Donald E. Nickelson Trustee Vice Chairman, Harbour Group
1701 Highway A-1-A Industries, Inc., 1991 to present;
Suite 101 Director, PaineWebber Group, 1980 to
Vero Beach, FL 32963 1993; President, PaineWebber Group,
Age: 63 1988 to 1990; Chairman of the Board,
PaineWebber Properties, 1985 to 1989;
Director, Harbour Group, 1986 to
present; Director, CPA 10 Real Estate
Inv. Trust, 1990 to present; Director,
CIP 11 Real Estate Inv. Trust, 1991 to
present; Chairman of the Board and
Director, Rapid Rock Industries, Inc.,
1986 to present; Director and Chairman
of the Board, Del Industries, 1990 to
present; Trustee, Jones Foundation (Los
Angeles), 1978 to present; Director,
Allied Healthcare Products, Inc., 1992
to present; Director, Sugen, Inc., 1992
to present; Director and Chairman of the
Board, Greenfield Industries, Inc., 1993
to present; Director, DT Industries,
1992
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITION(S) PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE WITH TRUST DURING PAST 5 YEARS
- --------------------- ------------ ----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
to present; Chairman of the Board,
Omniquip International, Inc., 1996 to
present; and Advisory Panel, Sedgwick
James of NY, 1996 to present.
Richard S. Trutanic Trustee Managing Director, The Somerset Group
1155 Connecticut Ave. (financial advisory firm), 1990 to
N.W., Suite 400 present; Senior Vice President,
Washington, DC 20036 Washington National Investment
Age: 44 Corporation (financial advisory
firm), 1985 to 1990; Director, Allin
Communications Corporation, 1996 to
present; and Director and Member of
Executive Committee, Southern Net,
Inc., 1986 to 1990.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Officers (other than Trustees)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jefferson C. Boyce Senior Vice Senior Vice President, MainStay
51 Madison Avenue President Institutional Funds Inc., 1995 to
New York, NY 10010 present; Senior Vice President, New
Age: 39 York Life Insurance Company, 1994 to
present; Director, NYLIFE
Distributors Inc., 1993 to present;
and Chief Administrative Officer,
Pension, Mutual Funds, Structured
Finance, Corporate Quality, Human
Resources and Employees' Health
Departments, New York Life Insurance
Company, 1992 to 1994.
Anthony W. Polis Vice President Vice President, New York Life
51 Madison Avenue and Chief Insurance Company, 1988 to present;
New York, NY 10010 Financial Director, Vice President and Chief
Age: 53 Officer Financial Officer, NYLIFE Securities
Inc., 1988 to present; Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer, NYLIFE
Distributors Inc., 1993 to present;
Treasurer, MainStay Institutional
Funds Inc., 1990 to present;
Treasurer, MainStay VP Series Fund,
Inc., 1993 to present; Assistant
Treasurer, MainStay VP Series Fund,
Inc., 1992 to 1993; Vice President
and Treasurer, Eclipse Financial
Asset Trust, 1992 to present; Vice
President and Chief Financial
Officer, Eagle
</TABLE>
B-104
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITION(S) PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE WITH TRUST DURING PAST 5 YEARS
- --------------------- ------------ ----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Strategies Corp. (registered
investment adviser), 1993 to present.
Richard Zuccaro Tax Vice Vice President, New York Life
51 Madison Avenue President Insurance Company, 1995 to present;
New York, NY 10010 Vice President -- Tax, New York Life
Age: 46 Insurance Company, 1986 to 1995; Tax
Vice President, NYLIFE Securities
Inc., 1987 to present; Tax Vice
President, NAFCO, Inc., 1990 to
present; Tax Vice President, NYLIFE
Depositary Inc., 1990 to present; Tax
Vice President, NYLIFE Inc., 1990 to
present; Tax Vice President, NYLIFE
Insurance Company of Arizona, 1990 to
present; Tax Vice President, NYLIFE
Realty Inc., 1991 to present; Tax
Vice President, NYLICO Inc., 1991 to
present; Tax Vice President, New York
Life Fund Inc., 1991 to present; Tax
Vice President, New York Life
International Investment, Inc., 1991
to present; Tax Vice President,
NYLIFE Equity Inc., 1991 to present;
Tax Vice President, NYLIFE Funding
Inc., 1991 to present; Tax Vice
President, NYLCO Inc., 1991 to
present; Tax Vice President, MainStay
VP Series Fund, Inc., 1991 to
present; Tax Vice President, CNP
Realty, 1991 to present; Tax Vice
President, New York Life Worldwide
Holding Inc., 1992 to present; Tax
Vice President, NYLIFE Structured
Asset Management Co. Ltd., 1992 to
present; Tax Vice President, MainStay
Institutional Funds Inc., 1992 to
present; Tax Vice President, NYLIFE
Distributors Inc., 1993 to present;
Vice President & Assistant
Controller, New York Life Insurance
and Annuity Corp., 1995 to present,
and Assistant Controller, 1991 to
present; Vice President, NYLCARE
Health Plans, Inc., 1995 to present;
Vice President - Tax, New York Life
and Health Insurance Co., 1996 to
present; and Tax Vice President, NYL
Trust Company, 1996 to present.
</TABLE>
B-105
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITION(S) PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION(S)
NAME, ADDRESS AND AGE WITH TRUST DURING PAST 5 YEARS
- --------------------- ------------ ----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
A. Thomas Smith III Secretary Vice President and Associate General
51 Madison Avenue Counsel, New York Life Insurance
New York, NY 10010 Company, 1997 to present; Associate
Age: 39 General Counsel, New York Life
Insurance Company, 1996 to 1997;
Assistant General Counsel, New York
Life Insurance Company, 1994 to 1996;
Secretary, MainStay Institutional
Funds Inc., MainStay VP Series Fund,
Inc., New York Life Fund Inc., and
Eclipse Financial Asset Trust, 1994
to present; Secretary, Eagle
Strategies Corp. (registered
investment adviser), 1996 to present;
and Assistant General Counsel,
Dreyfus Corporation, 1991 to 1993.
</TABLE>
As indicated in the above table, certain Trustees and officers also hold
positions with MacKay-Shields, Monitor, New York Life Insurance Company, NYLIFE
Securities Inc. and/or NYLIFE Distributors Inc.
The Independent Trustees of the Trust receive from the Trust an annual
retainer of $40,000 and a fee of $1,000 for each Board of Trustees meeting and
for each Board committee meeting attended and are reimbursed for all out-of-
pocket expenses related to attendance at such meetings. Trustees who are
affiliated with New York Life Insurance Company do not receive compensation from
the Trust.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, the Trustees received the
following compensation from the Trust and from certain other investment
companies (as indicated) that have the same investment advisers as the Trust or
an investment adviser that is an affiliated person of one of the Trust's
investment advisers:
B-106
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total Compensation
Aggregate From Registrant
Name of Compensation and Fund Complex
Trustee from the Trust Paid to Trustees
- ------- -------------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Edward J. Hogan* $ 0 $ 0
Nancy M. Kissinger $46,000 $46,000
Terry L. Lierman $45,000 $45,000
Donald E. Nickelson $45,000 $45,000
Richard S. Trutanic $44,000 $44,000
Ralph A. Pfeiffer** $33,000 $33,000
</TABLE>
* Mr. Hogan was elected to his position as Trustee of the Trust on October
28, 1996.
** Mr. Pfeiffer passed away on September 13, 1996.
As of April 25, 1997, the Trustees and officers of the Trust as a group
owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of any class of beneficial interest
of each of the Funds.
THE ADVISERS, THE ADMINISTRATOR AND THE DISTRIBUTOR
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENTS
Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreements for Capital Appreciation
Fund, Value Fund, Convertible Fund, High Yield Corporate Bond Fund, Government
Fund, and Money Market Fund dated May 1, 1986; the Investment Advisory Agreement
for Tax Free Bond Fund dated May 29, 1987; the Investment Advisory Agreement for
Total Return Fund dated December 28, 1987; the Investment Advisory Agreements
for California Tax Free Fund and New York Tax Free Fund dated September 6, 1991;
the Investment Advisory Agreement for Equity Index Fund dated November 5, 1990;
the Investment Advisory Agreements for International Bond Fund and International
Equity Fund dated August 25, 1994; and the Investment Advisory Agreement for
Strategic Income Fund dated January 28, 1997, MacKay-Shields or Monitor, each
subject to the supervision of the Trustees of the Trust and in conformity with
the stated policies of each Fund of the Trust, manages the investment operations
of the respective Funds that it advises and the composition of each such Fund's
portfolio, including the purchase, retention, disposition and loan of
securities.
On April 27, 1987 the shareholders of Capital Appreciation Fund, Value
Fund, Convertible Fund, High Yield Corporate Bond Fund, Government Fund, and
Money Market Fund approved their respective Investment Advisory Agreements and
in connection with the reorganization of such Fund as a series of the Trust, the
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<PAGE>
shareholders of the MacKay-Shields MainStay Tax Free Bond Fund approved an
Investment Advisory Agreement with MacKay-Shields substantially identical to the
Tax Free Bond Fund's current Investment Advisory Agreement with MacKay-Shields.
On April 25, 1988 the shareholders of Total Return Fund, approved its Investment
Advisory Agreement. On December 8, 1992, shareholders of California Tax Free
Fund and New York Tax Free Fund approved their respective Investment Advisory
Agreements with MacKay-Shields. On September 8, 1994, the sole initial
shareholder of International Bond Fund and International Equity Fund approved
their respective Investment Advisory Agreements with MacKay-Shields. On
February 3, 1997 the sole initial shareholder of Strategic Income Fund approved
the Investment Advisory Agreement with MacKay-Shields. Each Investment Advisory
Agreement will remain in effect for two years following its effective date, and
will continue in effect thereafter only if such continuance is specifically
approved at least annually by the Trustees or by vote of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities of the particular Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act
and in a rule under the Act) and, in either case, by a majority of the Trustees
who are not "interested persons" of the Trust or MacKay-Shields or Monitor (as
the term is defined in the 1940 Act). The Investment Advisory Agreements for
each Fund except Strategic Income Fund were last approved by the Trustees,
including a majority of the Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the
Trust or MacKay-Shields or Monitor (as defined in the 1940 Act), at a meeting
held on April 28, 1997.
The Advisers have each authorized any of their directors, officers and
employees who have been elected or appointed as Trustees or officers of the
Trust to serve in the capacities in which they have been elected or appointed.
In connection with the services it renders, the Advisers bear the salaries and
expenses of all of its personnel.
For the fiscal years ended December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995, and the
period September 1, 1994 through December 31, 1994, the amount of the advisory
fee paid by each Fund to the Adviser was as follows:
B-108
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended Year Ended September 1, 1994
December 31, December 31, through
1996 1995 December 31, 1994*
------------ ------------ ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
California Tax Free Fund.... $ 45,307++ $ 29,964++ $ 14,030
Capital Appreciation Fund... 3,429,258 2,155,386 543,137
Convertible Fund............ 2,444,000 1,027,604 206,175
Equity Index Fund........... 163,785 81,072 20,578
Government Fund............. 2,643,801 3,056,716 1,062,816
High Yield Corporate Bond
Fund.................... 5,816,110 3,930,939 1,068,277
International Bond Fund+.... 68,489++ 52,534++ 10,037++
International Equity Fund+.. 342,100 166,703 27,355
Money Market Fund........... 397,071++ 391,304++ 93,386++
New York Tax Free Fund...... 29,457++ 31,482++ 14,397
Strategic Income Fund....... N/A+++
Tax Free Bond Fund.......... 1,579,820 1,610,982 525,805
Total Return Fund........... 3,087,111 2,396,247 674,170
Value Fund.................. 2,682,642 1,932,406 518,495
- -------------------------
</TABLE>
* The Funds changed their fiscal year end from August 31 to December 31.
+ The International Bond Fund and International Equity Fund commenced
operations on September 13, 1994.
++ After expense reimbursement.
The Adviser and the Administrator have voluntarily agreed to
limit the expenses of the Money Market Fund, described above to the
extent that such expenses for a month would exceed on an annualized
basis .70%, respectively, of the average daily net assets of the Fund.
For the period September 1, 1994 through December 31, 1994, $173,990
would have been incurred by the Money Market Fund had such expenses
not been limited. For the fiscal years ended December 31, 1995 and
1996, $674,279 and $870,226, respectively, would have been incurred by
the Money Market Fund had such expenses not been limited.
The Adviser voluntarily agreed to reimburse 50% of certain
expenses for the California Tax Free Fund and the New York Tax Free
Fund to the extent that operating expenses exceed on an annualized
basis .99% of the daily average net assets of those Funds. For the
fiscal period September 1, 1994 through December 31, 1994, the expense
reimbursements to the California Tax Free Fund and the New York Tax
Free Fund totaled $5,418 and $5,167, respectively. For the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1995, the expense reimbursements to the California
Tax Free Fund and New
B-109
<PAGE>
York Tax Free Fund were $16,845 and $14,242, respectively. And, for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, the expense reimbursements to
the California Tax Free Fund and New York Tax Free Fund were $11,228
and $19,912, respectively.
Regarding the International Bond Fund, the Adviser and
Administrator each agreed that a portion of its fees would not be
imposed, pursuant to the applicable contracts, until such time as the
Fund reaches $50 million in net assets. After deducting the foregoing
fee waiver, the advisory fee paid by the International Bond Fund for
the period September 13, 1994 to December 31, 1994 equalled an annual
rate of 0.25% and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 1995 and
1996 equalled an annual rate of 0.25% and 0.25%, respectively.
The Investment Advisory Agreements provide that MacKay-Shields or
Monitor shall not be liable to the Funds for any error of judgment by
MacKay-Shields or Monitor or for any loss sustained by the Funds or
NYLIFE Distributors Inc. except in the case of MacKay-Shields' or
Monitor's willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless
disregard of duty. Each Agreement also provides that it shall
terminate automatically if assigned and that it may be terminated
without penalty by either party upon no more than 60 days' nor less
than 30 days' written notice.
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENTS
NYLIFE Distributors Inc. ("NYLIFE Distributors" or the
"Administrator") acts as administrator for the Funds pursuant to the
Administration Agreements which are dated January 1, 1994 (August 25,
1994 in the case of the International Bond Fund and International
Equity Fund and January 28, 1997 in the case of the Strategic Income
Fund). Prior to that time, NYLIFE Securities Inc. ("NYLIFE
Securities"), an affiliated company, had acted as administrator. The
Administrator has authorized any of its directors, officers and
employees who have been elected or appointed as Trustees or officers
of the Trust to serve in the capacities in which they have been
elected or appointed. In connection with its administration of the
business affairs of the Funds, and except as indicated in the
Prospectus under the heading "Investment Advisers, Administrator and
Distributor," the Administrator bears the following expenses:
(a) the salaries and expenses of all personnel of the Trust and
the Administrator, except the fees and expenses of Trustees not
affiliated with the Administrator or the Advisers; and
B-110
<PAGE>
(b) all expenses incurred by the Administrator in connection with
administering the ordinary course of the Funds' business, other than
those assumed by the Trust.
The Administration Agreements also provide that in the event the
expenses of a Fund (including the fees of the Fund's Adviser and the
Administrator, but excluding interest, taxes, organization expenses,
brokerage commissions, distribution expenses, litigation and
indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses) for any
fiscal year exceed the limits set by a state securities commission,
the Administrator will reduce its fees payable by each such Fund by
50% (80% in the case of the Equity Index Fund) of the amount of such
excess to the extent of that Fund's fee.
The Administration Agreements for the Funds were approved by the
Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not "interested
persons" of the Trust or NYLIFE Distributors (as the term is defined
in the 1940 Act) at a meeting held on October 25, 1993 (and at a
meeting held on July 25, 1994 for the International Bond Fund and
International Equity Fund and at a meeting held on January 27, 1997
for the Strategic Income Fund). The Administration Agreements for each
Fund except the Strategic Income Fund were reapproved by the Trustees,
including a majority of the Trustees who are not "interested persons"
of the Trust or NYLIFE Distributors, at a meeting held on April 28,
1997.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1995 and the fiscal period September 1, 1994
through December 31, 1994, the amount of the administration fee paid
by each Fund was as follows:
B-111
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended Year Ended September 1, 1994
December 31, December 31, through
1996 1995 December 31, 1994*
------------ ------------ -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
California Tax Free Fund.... $ 45,307++ $ 29,964++ $ 14,030
Capital Appreciation Fund... 3,429,258 2,155,386 543,137
Convertible Fund............ 2,444,000 1,027,604 206,175
Equity Index Fund........... 365,118++ 324,287 20,578
Government Fund............. 2,643,801 3,056,716 1,062,816
High Yield Corporate Bond
Fund.................... 5,816,110 3,930,939 1,068,277
International Bond Fund+.... 41,100++ 31,522++ 10,037++
International Equity Fund+.. 228,066 111,135 27,355
Money Market Fund........... 397,071++ 391,304++ 93,386++
New York Tax Free Fund...... 29,457++ 31,481++ 14,397
Strategic Income Fund....... N/A+++
Tax Free Bond Fund.......... 1,579,820 1,610,982 525,805
Total Return Fund........... 3,087,111 2,396,247 674,170
Value Fund.................. 2,682,642 1,932,406 518,495
</TABLE>
_______________________
* The Funds changed their fiscal year end from August 31 to December 31.
+ The International Bond Fund and International Equity Fund commenced
operations on September 13, 1994.
++ After expense reimbursement.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1995, and the period September 1, 1994 through
December 31, 1994, the expenses of each Fund did not exceed the most
restrictive applicable state expense limitation.
The Administrator and the Adviser have voluntarily agreed to
assume the expenses of the Money Market Fund described above to the
extent that such expenses for a month would exceed on an annualized
basis .70% of the average daily net assets of that Fund. For the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, the fiscal year ended December
31, 1995, and the period September 1, 1994 through December 31, 1994,
$870,226, $674,279, and $173,990 in expenses would have been incurred
by the Money Market Fund, respectively, had such expenses not been
limited.
The Administrator has voluntarily agreed to reimburse 50% of
certain expenses for the California Tax Free Fund and the New York Tax
Free Fund to the extent that operating expenses exceed on an
annualized basis .99% of the daily average net assets of
B-112
<PAGE>
that Fund. For the period September 1, 1994 to December 31, 1994 the
expense reimbursements to the California Tax Free Fund and New York
Tax Free Fund were $5,418 and $5,167, respectively. For the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1995, the expense reimbursements to the
California Tax Free Fund and New York Tax Free Fund were $16,845 and
$14,242 respectively. And, for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1996, the expense reimbursements to the California Tax Free Fund and
New York Tax Free Fund were $11,228 and $19,912, respectively. NYLIFE
Distributors reserves the right to terminate or revise this limitation
when the assets of a Fund reach $25 million.
Effective January 1, 1996, in the event the total expenses of the
Equity Index Fund for any fiscal year exceed 0.80% of the value of the
Fund's average annual net assets, the Administrator will reduce its
fee payable by the Fund by the difference between the Fund's total
expenses and 0.80%. This reduction amounted to $290,022 for the year
ended December 31, 1996. This fee waiver is voluntary and may be
terminated at any time.
Regarding the International Bond Fund, the Adviser and
Administrator each agreed that a portion of its fees would not be
imposed, pursuant to the applicable contracts, until such time as the
Fund reaches $50 million in net assets. After deducting the foregoing
fee waiver, the administration fee paid by the International Bond Fund
for the period September 13, 1994 to December 31, 1994 equalled an
annual rate of 0.15% and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 1995
and 1996 equalled an annual rate of 0.15% and 0.15%, respectively.
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
NYLIFE Distributors also acts as the Principal Underwriter and
Distributor of the Funds' shares pursuant to the Distribution
Agreement with the Trust dated January 1, 1994. Prior to that time,
NYLIFE Securities Inc., an affiliated company, had acted as principal
underwriter. NYLIFE Securities sells shares of the Funds pursuant to a
dealer agreement with the Distributor. The Distributor and other
broker-dealers will pay commissions to salesmen as well as the cost of
printing and mailing prospectuses to potential investors and of any
advertising incurred by them in connection with their distribution of
Trust shares. In addition, the Distributor will pay for a variety of
account maintenance and personal services to shareholders after the
sale.
The Distribution Agreement for the Funds was approved by the
Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not "interested
persons" (as the term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust nor
have any direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the
distribution plan or in any related
B-113
<PAGE>
agreement (the "Independent Trustees") at a meeting held on October
25, 1993. The Distribution Agreement for the International Bond Fund
and the International Equity Fund was approved by the Trustees,
including a majority of the Trustees who are not "interested persons"
of the Trust (as the term is defined in the 1940 Act) at a meeting
held on July 25, 1994. The Distribution Agreement for the Strategic
Income Fund was approved by the Trustees, including a majority of the
Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust (as the term is
defined in the 1940 Act) at a meeting held on January 27, 1997. The
Distribution Agreements were reapproved by the Trustees, including a
majority of the Independent Trustees, at a meeting held on April 28,
1997.
As disclosed in the Prospectus, each of the Funds (except the
Money Market Fund and the Equity Index Fund, which does not offer
Class B shares) has adopted separate plans of distribution pursuant to
Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act for each class of shares of each Fund
(the "Class A Plans", the "Class B Plans" and, collectively, the
"Plans"). Under the Class A Plans, Class A shares of each Fund pay the
Distributor a monthly fee at the annual rate of 0.25% of the average
daily net assets of each Fund's Class A shares for distribution or
service activities, as designated by the Distributor. The Class A
Plans for each of the Funds other than the California Tax Free Fund,
New York Tax Free Fund, Equity Index Fund and Strategic Income Fund
were approved by the sole initial shareholder of the Class A of shares
of each Fund on December 31, 1994. The Class A Plans were approved by
the shareholders of the California Tax Free Fund, New York Tax Free
Fund and the Equity Index Fund at a Special Meeting of Shareholders
held on December 28, 1994 and the Class A Plan was approved by the
sole initial shareholder of the Strategic Income Fund on February 3,
1997. Regarding the California Tax Free Fund, the New York Tax Free
Fund and the Equity Index Fund, the Trustees of the Trust, including a
majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust
and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation
of such Plan (the "Independent Trustees"), by vote cast in person at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on such Plans, initially
approved the Plan now designated as the Class A Plans on July 25,
1994. Regarding the Strategic Income Fund, the Trustees of the Trust,
including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of
the Trust and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the
operation of such Plan (the "Independent Trustees"), by vote cast in
person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such Plan,
initially approved the Class A Plan on January 27, 1997.
As noted above, the Class B shares of each Fund (except the Money
Market Fund and the Equity Index Fund, which does not offer
B-114
<PAGE>
Class B shares) also have adopted Rule 12b-1 distribution plans.
Originally, Rule 12b-1 plans of distribution were adopted by each of
the Funds (except the California Tax Free Fund, New York Tax Free Fund
and Money Market Fund) for the then sole existing class of shares of
the Funds. More specifically, Rule 12b-1 distribution plans were
approved on February 3, 1997 by the sole initial shareholder of the
Strategic Income Fund, on September 8, 1994 by the sole initial
shareholder of each of the International Bond Fund and International
Equity Fund, on April 25, 1988 by the shareholders of the Total Return
Fund, on May 29, 1987 by the sole initial shareholder of the Tax Free
Bond Fund and on April 27, 1987 by the shareholders of the Capital
Appreciation Fund, Convertible Fund, Government Fund, High Yield
Corporate Bond Fund and Value Fund. The Trustees of the Trust,
including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of
the Trust and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the
operation of such plans of distribution, by vote cast in person at
meetings called for the purpose of voting on such Plans, initially
approved the Plans of the Total Return Fund on October 26, 1987,
initially approved the Plans of the Tax Free Bond Fund on April 27,
1987, and initially approved the Plans of the Capital Appreciation
Fund, Convertible Fund, Government Fund, High Yield Corporate Bond
Fund and Value Fund on April 28, 1986. In addition, on October 31,
1988, the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the Trustees
who are not interested persons, amended the Tax Free Bond Fund's Plan
to permanently reduce the amount of the distribution fee to be imposed
subsequent to that date. On October 26, 1992, the Trustees of the
Trust, including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested
persons of the Trust, amended each of the plans of distribution to
provide that a portion of total amount of the distribution fee as a
service fee, to pay for a variety of account maintenance and personal
services to shareholders after the sale. On October 25, 1993, the
Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the Trustees who are
not interested persons of the Trust, amended each of the plans of
distribution to reflect that NYLIFE Distributors would serve as
principal underwriter of the Funds' shares, effective January 1, 1994.
Prior to the implementation of the multi-class distribution system the
distribution plans in effect for the Funds were amended and
redesignated and, now, are applicable only to the Class B shares of
each Fund. On October 30, 1995, the Trustees of the Trust, including a
majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust,
amended the Class A Plans and the Class B Plans to clarify that the
Plans contemplate payment for expenses that may generally be
characterized as administrative.
Regarding the California Tax Free Fund and New York Tax Free
Fund, the Class B Plans were approved by the sole initial
B-115
<PAGE>
shareholder of the Class B shares of each Fund on December 31, 1994.
The Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the Trustees who
are not interested persons of the Trust and who have no direct or
indirect financial interest in the operation of such Plans, by vote
cast in person at meetings called for the purpose of voting on such
Plans, initially approved such Plans now designated as the Class B
Plans on October 24, 1994.
Regarding the International Bond Fund and International Equity
Fund, the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the Trustees
who are not interested persons of the Trust and who have no direct or
indirect financial interest in the operation of such Plans (the
"Independent Trustees"), by vote cast in person at meetings called for
the purpose of voting on such Plans, initially approved the
distribution plans now designated as the Class B Plans on July 25,
1994, and the Class A Plans on October 24, 1994. Regarding the
Strategic Income Fund, the Class B Plan for the Fund was approved on
February 3, 1997 by the sole initial shareholder of the Fund. The
Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the Trustees who are
not interested persons of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect
financial interest in the operation of such plan of distribution, by
vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on
such Plan, initially approved the Class B Plan of the Fund on
January 27, 1997.
Under the Class B plans, each Fund's Class B shares other than
Strategic Income Fund pay a monthly distribution fee to the
Distributor at the annual rate of 0.75% (0.25% in the case of the
California Tax Free Fund, New York Tax Free Fund and the Tax Free Bond
Fund) of the lesser of (a) the aggregate gross sales of the Fund's
Class B shares since the inception of the Funds (not including
reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions from the
Fund), less the aggregate net asset value of the Class B shares
exchanged or redeemed since the Fund's inception upon which a
contingent deferred sales charge has been imposed or upon which such
charge has been waived, or (b) the average daily net assets
attributable to the Fund's Class B shares. Pursuant to the Class B
Plans, the Class B shares of each Fund also pay a service fee to the
Distributor at the annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net
assets of the Fund's Class B shares. Regarding the Strategic Income
Fund, under the Class B plan, the Fund's Class B shares pay a monthly
distribution fee to the Distributor at the annual rate of 0.75% of the
average daily net assets attributable to the Fund's Class B shares.
Pursuant to the Class B Plan, the Class B shares of the Strategic
Income Fund also pay a service fee to the Distributor at the annual
rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund's Class B
shares.
B-116
<PAGE>
Once approved by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of a class of shares of a Fund, each Plan shall continue in
effect thereafter, provided such continuance is approved annually by a
vote of the Trustees in the manner described above. No Plan may be
amended to increase materially the amount to be spent for the services
described therein without approval of the shareholders of the affected
class of shares of a Fund, and all material amendments of each Plan
must also be approved by the Trustees in the manner described above.
Each Plan may be terminated at any time, without payment of any
penalty, by vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not interested
persons of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect financial
interest in the operations of the Plan, or by a vote of a majority of
the outstanding voting securities of the affected Fund (as defined in
the 1940 Act) on not more than 30 days' written notice to any other
party to the Plan. So long as any Plan is in effect, the selection and
nomination of Trustees who are not such interested persons has been
committed to those Trustees who are not such interested persons. The
Trustees have determined that, in their judgment, there is a
reasonable likelihood that each Plan will benefit the respective Fund
and its shareholders. Pursuant to both the Class A and Class B Plans,
the Distributor shall provide the Trust for review by the Trustees,
and the Trustees shall review at least quarterly, a written report of
the amounts expended under each Plan and the purpose for which such
expenditures were made. In the Trustees' quarterly review of each
Plan, they will consider its continued appropriateness and the level
of compensation provided therein.
At a meeting held on April 28, 1997, the Trustees of the Trust,
including a majority of the Independent Trustees, approved the
continuation of the Plans.
Pursuant to a rule of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc., the amount which a Fund may pay for distribution
expenses, excluding service fees, is limited to 6.25% of the gross
sales of the Fund's shares since inception of the Fund's Plan, plus
interest at the prime rate plus 1% per annum (less any contingent
deferred sales charges paid by shareholders to the Distributor or
distribution fee (other than service fees) paid by the Funds to the
Distributor).
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, the Funds paid
distribution and service fees pursuant to the Class A and Class B
Plans as follows:
B-117
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Amount of Fee Amount of Fee
Pursuant to Pursuant to
Class A Plan Class B Plan
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
California Tax Free Fund............. $ 46,788 $ 19,206
Capital Appreciation Fund............ 212,203 8,346,723
Convertible Fund..................... 109,177 5,623,832
Equity Index Fund.................... 409,463 N/A
Government Fund...................... 38,937 7,206,791
High Yield Corporate Bond Fund....... 190,154 16,701,333
International Bond Fund.............. 29,310 141,984
International Equity Fund............ 39,917 395,760
Money Market Fund.................... N/A N/A
New York Tax Free Fund............... 42,333 14,072
Strategic Income Fund*............... N/A N/A
Tax Free Bond Fund................... 33,245 2,367,663
Total Return Fund.................... 122,644 7,048,842
Value Fund........................... 114,102 6,604,450
</TABLE>
_______________________
* The Strategic Income Fund commenced operations on February 28, 1997.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, the fiscal year ended December
31, 1995, and the period September 1, 1994 through December 31, 1994, NYLIFE
Distributors retained the following amounts in sales charges for sales of Class
A shares of the Funds, as applicable:
B-118
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended Year Ended September 1, 1994
December 31, December 31, through
1996 1995 December 31, 1994*
------------ ------------ ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
California Tax Free Fund....... $ 35,009 $ 57,181 $ 25,670
Capital Appreciation Fund(1)... 1,430,417 718,806 --
Convertible Fund(1)............ 903,782 529,361 --
Equity Index Fund.............. 1,968,993 308,486 133,857
Government Fund(1)............. 96,545 95,975 --
High Yield Corporate Bond
Fund(1).................... 1,413,313 782,534 --
International Bond Fund+(1).... 54,586 10,984 --
International Equity Fund+(1).. 91,571 63,684 --
Money Market Fund(1)........... N/A N/A N/A
New York Tax Free Fund......... 22,774 35,722 21,343
Strategic Income Fund++........ N/A N/A N/A
Tax Free Bond Fund(1).......... 51,345 62,656 --
Total Return Fund(1)........... 334,470 233,202 --
Value Fund(1).................. 574,807 413,692 --
</TABLE>
________________________
* The Funds changed their fiscal year end from August 31 to December 31.
+ The International Bond Fund and International Equity Fund commenced
operations on September 13, 1994.
++ The Strategic Income Fund commenced operations on February 28, 1997.
(1) The Fund began offering Class A shares on January 3, 1995.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, contingent deferred
sales charges were paid by investors on the redemption of Class B
shares of each Fund, as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended
December 31,
1996
------------
<S> <C>
California Tax Free Fund(2)..... $ 2,008
Capital Appreciation Fund....... 966,555
Convertible Fund................ 852,359
Equity Index Fund............... N/A
Government Fund................. 952,234
High Yield Corporate Bond Fund.. 1,482,294
International Bond Fund......... 27,332
International Equity Fund....... 48,979
Money Market Fund(1)............ 640,623
New York Tax Free Fund(2)....... 2,810
Strategic Income Fund (3)....... N/A
Tax Free Bond Fund.............. 605,386
</TABLE>
B-119
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Total Return Fund............... 745,382
Value Fund...................... 712,915
</TABLE>
_______________________
* The Funds changed their fiscal year end from August 31 to December 31.
(1) The amount shown represents proceeds from contingent deferred sales charges
which were assessed on redemptions of shares which had previously been
exchanged from other Funds into the Money Market Fund.
(2) The Fund began offering Class B shares on January 3, 1995.
(3) The Strategic Income Fund commenced operations on February 28, 1997.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, it is estimated that
the following amounts were spent with respect to the Class A shares of
each Fund: California Tax Free Fund spent $89,152 on compensation to
dealers; Capital Appreciation Fund spent $1,501,787 on compensation to
dealers; Convertible Fund spent $920,619 on compensation to dealers;
Equity Index Fund spent $1,909,644 on compensation to dealers;
Government Fund spent $173,229 on compensation to dealers; High Yield
Corporate Bond Fund spent $1,466,889 on compensation to dealers;
International Bond Fund spent $186,704 on compensation to dealers;
International Equity Fund spent $105,124 on compensation to dealers;
New York Tax Free Bond Fund spent $19,981 on compensation to dealers;
Tax Free Bond Fund spent $128,691 on compensation to dealers; Total
Return Fund spent $381,683 on compensation to dealers; and Value Fund
spent $645,363 on compensation to dealers.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, it is estimated that
the following amounts were spent for distribution-related activities
with respect to the Class B shares of each Fund:
B-120
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Printing And Approximate
Mailing Total Amount
Prospectuses Spent By
Sales to other Compensation Compensation NYLIFE
Material than to to Sales Distributors
and Current Distribution Sales Distribution With Respect
Advertising Shareholders Personnel Personnel Other Costs to Each Fund
----------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ---------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
California Tax Free
Fund................... $ 73,801 $ 1,535 $ 189,852 $ 30,604 $ 44,742 $ 747,673 $ 1,088,207
Capital Appreciation
Fund................... 758,717 421,361 3,141,106 650,035 1,450,098 15,825,633 22,246,951
Convertible Fund........ 249,150 242,683 1,013,084 210,885 469,303 14,788,597 16,973,703
Government Fund......... 128,893 329,715 544,630 115,854 253,004 2,672,887 4,044,982
High Yield Corporate
Bond Fund.............. 933,969 756,839 3,917,489 810,212 1,813,951 29,791,670 38,024,130
International Bond
Fund................... 9,150 5,966 38,118 7,981 17,983 263,481 342,679
International Equity
Fund................... 34,089 15,940 152,765 33,208 75,613 896,403 1,208,020
New York Tax Free Fund.. 17,892 1,102 52,265 8,571 16,894 191,834 288,558
Strategic Income Fund*.. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Tax Free Fund........... 57,743 196,491 273,828 58,731 130,519 1,314,695 2,032,007
Total Return Fund....... 304,008 360,068 1,360,199 290,227 658,192 6,647,325 9,620,019
Value Fund.............. 371,691 320,958 1,540,187 320,666 714,276 8,899,927 12,167,704
Total................... 2,939,103 2,652,658 12,223,522 2,536,975 5,644,576 82,040,127 108,036,960
</TABLE>
_______________________
* The Strategic Income Fund commenced operations on February 28, 1997.
OTHER SERVICES
Pursuant to an Accounting Agreement with the Trust, dated January 1,
1994, NYLIFE Distributors performs certain bookkeeping and pricing services for
the Funds. Each Fund will bear an allocable portion of the cost of providing
these services to the Trust.
In addition, each Fund other than the Strategic Income Fund reimbursed
NYLIFE Securities and NYLIFE Distributors for the cost of certain correspondence
to shareholders and establishing shareholder accounts.
For fiscal years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996, the period
September 1, 1994 through December 31, 1994, the amount of recordkeeping fee
paid by each Fund was as follows:
B-121
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended Year Ended September 1, 1994
December 31, December 31, through
1996 1995 December 31, 1994*
------------ ------------ ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
California Tax Free Fund.... $ N/A $ N/A $ N/A
Capital Appreciation Fund... 145,721 95,042 24,684
Convertible Fund............ 81,568 57,184 13,603
Equity Index Fund........... N/A N/A N/A
Government Fund............. 114,622 128,798 42,333
High Yield Corporate Bond
Fund.................... 233,333 164,329 45,331
International Bond Fund+.... 12,511 12,000 3,600
International Equity Fund+.. 22,075 12,668 3,600
Money Market Fund........... 62,593 53,064 16,047
New York Tax Free Fund...... N/A N/A N/A
Strategic Income Fund++..... N/A
Tax Free Bond Fund.......... 80,430 79,801 24,274
Total Return Fund........... 126,154 103,032 29,600
Value Fund.................. 116,985 85,935 23,809
</TABLE>
________________
* The Funds changed their fiscal year end from August 31 to December 31.
+ The International Bond Fund and International Equity Fund commenced
operations on September 13, 1994.
++ The Strategic Income Fund commenced operations on February 28, 1997.
EXPENSES BORNE BY THE TRUST
Except for the expenses to be paid by the Advisers and the
Administrator as described in the Prospectus, the Trust, on behalf of
each Fund, is responsible under its Administration Agreement for the
payment of expenses related to each Fund's operations, including (i)
the fees payable to the Advisers and the Administrator, (ii) the fees
and expenses of Trustees who are not affiliated with the Advisers or
the Administrator, (iii) certain fees and expenses of the Trust's
Custodian and Transfer Agent, including the cost of pricing a Fund's
shares, (iv) the charges and expenses of the Trust's legal counsel and
independent accountants, (v) brokers' commissions and any issue or
transfer taxes chargeable to the Trust, on behalf of a Fund, in
connection with its securities transactions, (vi) the fees of any
trade association of which a Fund or the Trust is a member, (vii) the
cost of share certificates representing shares of a Fund, (viii)
reimbursement of a portion of the organization expenses of a Fund and
the fees and expenses involved in registering and maintaining
registration of the Trust and of its shares with the SEC and
registering the Trust as a broker or dealer and qualifying its
B-122
<PAGE>
shares under state securities laws, including the preparation and printing of
the Trust's registration statements and prospectuses for such purposes, (ix)
allocable communications expenses with respect to investor services and all
expenses of shareholders' and Trustees' meetings and preparing, printing and
mailing prospectuses and reports to shareholders, (x) litigation and
indemnification expenses and other extraordinary expenses not incurred in the
ordinary course of a Fund's business, (xi) any expenses assumed by the Fund
pursuant to its plan of distribution, and (xii) all taxes and business fees
payable by a Fund to federal, state or other governmental agencies. Fees and
expenses of legal counsel, registering shares, holding meetings and
communicating with shareholders include an allocable portion of the cost of
maintaining an internal legal and compliance department.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
Purchases and sales of securities on a securities exchange are effected by
brokers, and the Funds pay a brokerage commission for this service. In
transactions on stock exchanges in the United States, these commissions are
negotiated, whereas on many foreign stock exchanges these commissions are fixed.
In the over-the-counter markets, securities (i.e., Municipal Bonds and other
debt securities) are generally traded on a "net" basis with dealers acting as
principal for their own accounts without a stated commission, although the price
of the security usually includes a profit to the dealer. Transactions in
certain over-the-counter securities also may be effected on an agency basis,
when the total price paid (including commission) is equal to or better than the
best total prices available from other sources. In underwritten offerings,
securities are purchased at a fixed price which includes an amount of
compensation to the underwriter, generally referred to as the underwriter's
concession or discount. On occasion, certain money market instruments may be
purchased directly from an issuer, in which case no commissions or discounts are
paid.
Regarding the California Tax Free Fund and New York Tax Free Fund, newly
issued securities normally are purchased directly from the issuer or from an
underwriter acting as principal. Other purchases and sales usually are placed
with those dealers from which it appears that the best price or execution will
be obtained; those dealers may be acting as either agents or principals. The
purchase price paid by a Fund to underwriters of newly issued securities usually
includes a concession paid by the issuer to the underwriter, and purchases of
after-market securities from dealers normally are executed at a price between
the bid and asked prices.
B-123
<PAGE>
The primary consideration in placing portfolio security transactions with
broker-dealers for execution is to obtain and maintain the availability of
execution at the most favorable prices and in the most effective manner
possible. The Advisers attempt to achieve this result by selecting broker-
dealers to execute portfolio transactions on behalf of each Fund and their
other clients on the basis of the broker-dealers' professional capability, the
value and quality of their brokerage services and the level of their brokerage
commissions. Consistent with the foregoing primary considerations, the Rules of
Fair Practice of the NASD and such other policies as the Trustees may determine,
the Advisers may consider sales of shares of the Funds as a factor in the
selection of broker-dealers to execute the Funds' portfolio transactions.
NYLIFE Securities (the "Affiliated Broker") may act as broker for the
Trust. In order for the Affiliated Broker to effect any portfolio transactions
for the Trust, the commissions, fees or other remuneration received by the
Affiliated Broker must be reasonable and fair compared to the commissions, fees
or other remuneration paid to other brokers in connection with comparable
transactions involving similar securities being purchased or sold on an exchange
during a comparable period of time. This standard would allow the Affiliated
Broker to receive no more than the remuneration which would be expected to be
received by an unaffiliated broker in a commensurate arms-length transaction.
The Trust will not deal with the Affiliated Broker in any portfolio transaction
in which the Affiliated Broker acts as principal.
Under each Investment Advisory Agreement and as permitted by Section 28(e)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "1934 Act"), the Adviser may cause a
Fund to pay a broker-dealer (except the Affiliated Broker) which provides
brokerage and research services to the Adviser an amount of commission for
effecting a securities transaction for a Fund in excess of the amount other
broker-dealers would have charged for the transaction if the Adviser determines
in good faith that the greater commission is reasonable in relation to the value
of the brokerage and research services provided by the executing broker-dealer
viewed in terms of either a particular transaction or the Adviser's overall
responsibilities to the Trust or to its other clients. The term "brokerage and
research services" includes advice as to the value of securities, the
advisability of investing in, purchasing, or selling securities, and the
availability of securities or of purchasers or sellers of securities; furnishing
analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic
factors and trends, portfolio strategy and the performance of accounts; and
effecting
B-124
<PAGE>
securities transactions and performing functions incidental thereto such as
clearance and settlement.
Although commissions paid on every transaction will, in the judgment of the
Advisers, be reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage services
provided, commissions exceeding those which another broker might charge may be
paid to broker-dealers (except the Affiliated Broker) who were selected to
execute transactions on behalf of the Trust and the Advisers' other clients in
part for providing advice as to the availability of securities or of purchasers
or sellers of securities and services in effecting securities transactions and
performing functions incidental thereto such as clearance and settlement.
Broker-dealers may be willing to furnish statistical, research and other
factual information or services ("Research") to the Advisers for no
consideration other than brokerage or underwriting commissions. Securities may
be bought or sold through such broker-dealers, but at present, unless otherwise
directed by the Trust, a commission higher than one charged elsewhere will not
be paid to such a firm solely because it provided Research to an Adviser.
Research provided by brokers is used for the benefit of all of the Advisers'
clients and not solely or necessarily for the benefit of the Trust. The
Advisers' investment management personnel attempt to evaluate the quality of
Research provided by brokers. Results of this effort are sometimes used by the
Advisers as a consideration in the selection of brokers to execute portfolio
transactions.
In certain instances there may be securities which are suitable for a
Fund's portfolio as well as for that of another Fund or one or more of the other
clients of the Advisers. Investment decisions for a Fund and for the Advisers'
other clients are made with a view to achieving their respective investment
objectives. It may develop that a particular security is bought or sold for
only one client even though it might be held by, or bought or sold for, other
clients. Likewise, a particular security may be bought for one or more clients
when one or more other clients are selling that same security. Some
simultaneous transactions are inevitable when several clients receive investment
advice from the same investment adviser, particularly when the same security is
suitable for the investment objectives of more than one client. When two or
more clients are simultaneously engaged in the purchase or sale of the same
security, the securities are allocated among clients in a manner believed to be
equitable to each. It is recognized that in some cases this system could have a
detrimental effect on the price or volume of the security in a particular
transaction as far as a Fund is concerned. The Trust believes that over time
B-125
<PAGE>
its ability to participate in volume transactions will produce better executions
for the Funds.
The investment advisory fee that the Trust pays on behalf of each Fund to
the Advisers will not be reduced as a consequence of the Advisers' receipt of
brokerage and research services. To the extent a Fund's portfolio transactions
are used to obtain such services, the brokerage commissions paid by the Fund
will exceed those that might otherwise be paid, by an amount which cannot be
presently determined. Such services would be useful and of value to the
Advisers in serving both the Funds and other clients and, conversely, such
services obtained by the placement of brokerage business of other clients would
be useful to the Advisers in carrying out their obligations to the Funds.
Investors may, subject to the approval of the Trust, NYLIFE Distributors and the
Adviser, purchase shares of a Fund with liquid securities that are eligible for
purchase by that Fund and that have a value that is readily ascertainable.
These transactions will be effected only if the Adviser intends to retain the
security in the Fund as an investment. The Trust reserves the right to amend or
terminate this practice at any time.
For the fiscal years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996 and the period
September 1, 1994 through December 31, 1994,* each of the following Funds paid
brokerage commissions as follows:
B-126
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total Brokerage Total Brokerage Commissions
Commissions Paid Paid to Affiliated Persons
---------------- ---------------------------
September 1, 1996 September 1, 199?
Year Ended Year ended through Year ended Year ended through
Dec. 31, 1996 Dec. 31, 1995 Dec. 31, 1994 Dec. 31, 1996 Dec. 31, 1995 Dec. 31, 1994
------------- ------------- ----------------- ------------- -------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Capital Appreciation Fund.. $ 882,877 $ 681,250 $ 126,845 $ --- $ --- ---
Convertible Fund........... 1,952,991 674,139 151,524 --- --- ---
Equity Index Fund.......... 63,111 7,018 2,364 --- --- ---
Government Fund............ 20,809 71,818 27,123 --- --- ---
High Yield Corporate Bond
Fund..................... 1,187,150 1,207,587 333,548 --- 1,970(0%)(1) ---
International Equity Fund+. 215,696 135,267 54,215 --- --- ---
Strategic Income Fund++.... N/A
Total Return Fund.......... 399,858 436,507 102,550 --- --- ---
Value Fund................. 1,354,707 1,055,169 246,712 --- 5,074(0%)(1) 1,540(1%)(1)
</TABLE>
***
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total Brokerage
Commissions Paid
Total Amount of Transactions to Brokers that
Where Commissions Paid Provided Research
------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------
September 1, 1994
Year Ended Year Ended through Year ended
December 31, 1996 December 31, 1995 December 31, 1994 December 31, 1996
----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Capital Appreciation Fund.. $ 571,478,397(0.0%)(2) $ 391,017,677(0.0%)(2) $ 71,345,660(0.0%)(2) $ 880,764
Convertible Fund........... 1,296,465,108(0.0%)(2) 395,570,645(0.0%)(2) 81,374,040(0.0%)(2) 1,942,771
Equity Index Fund.......... 64,348,135(0.0%)(2) 5,863,505(0.0%)(2) 1,660,008 63,111
Government Fund............ 275,083,720(0.0%)(2) 712,117,650(0.0%)(2) 291,468,420(0.0%)(2) 20,809
High Yield Corporate Bond
Fund..................... 2,471,387,854(0.0%)(2) 1,414,045,455(0.0%)(2) 375,961,540(0.0%)(2) 1,084,021
International Equity Fund+. 49,098,906(0.0%)(2) 33,559,758(0.0%)(2) 12,781,223 215,696
Strategic Income Fund++.... N/A
Total Return Fund.......... 271,187,968(0.0%)(2) 604,631,476(0.0%)(2) 153,671,710(0.0%)(2) 398,594
Value Fund................. 848,170,710(0.0%)(2) 544,224,812(0.0%)(2) 141,666,160(0.1%)(2) 1,347,479
</TABLE>
_________________________
* The Funds changed their fiscal year end from August 31 to December 31.
(1) Percent of total commissions paid.
(2) Percent of total transactions involving the payment of commissions
effected through affiliated persons.
+ The International Equity Fund commenced operations on September 13, 1994.
++ The Strategic Income Fund commenced operations on February 28, 1997.
The California Tax Free Fund, International Bond Fund, Money Market
Fund, New York Tax Free Fund and Tax Free Bond Fund paid no brokerage
commissions during the year ended December 31, 1996, the year ended
December 31, 1995, and the period from September 1, 1994 through December
31, 1994.
Capital Appreciation Fund held common stock in Schwab (Charles) valued
at $14,480,000 and commercial paper of American Express Credit Corp. valued
at $22,585,000; Convertible Fund held commercial paper of American Express
Credit Corp. valued at $38,000,000; Total Return Fund held long-term bonds
of Lehman
B-127
<PAGE>
Brothers Holdings Inc., 7.375%, due 5/15/07, valued at $2,623,462, long-term
bonds of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc., 6.65%, due 1/15/99, valued at $4,016,442,
long-term bonds of PaineWebber Group Inc., 7.75%, due 9/1/02, valued at
$1,032,540, long-term bonds of Salomon Inc., 6.70%, due 12/1/98, valued at
$2,182,152, common stock in Schwab (Charles) valued at $7,472,000 and commercial
paper of American Express Credit Corp. valued at $15,285,000; Value Fund held
commercial paper of American Express Credit Corp. valued at $21,922,000.
Investors may, subject to the approval of the Trust, NYLIFE Distributors
and the Adviser to the particular Fund, purchase shares of a Fund with liquid
securities that are eligible for purchase by that Fund and that have a value
that is readily ascertainable. These transactions will be effected only if the
Adviser intends to retain the security in the Fund as an investment. The Trust
reserves the right to amend or terminate this practice at any time.
NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value per share of each Fund (other than the Money Market
Fund) is determined by the Trust daily as of the close of regular trading on the
New York Stock Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m., Eastern time) on each day when the
New York Stock Exchange is open for trading. The net asset value per share of
the Money Market Fund is also determined at noon on such days.
Portfolio securities of the Money Market Fund are valued at their amortized
cost, which does not take into account unrealized securities gains or losses.
While this method provides certainty in valuation, it may result in periods
during which value, as determined by amortized cost, is higher or lower than the
price the Money Market Fund would receive if it sold the instrument. During
periods of declining interest rates, the quoted yield on shares of the Money
Market Fund may tend to be higher than a like computation made by a fund with
identical investments utilizing a method of valuation based upon market prices
and estimates of market prices for all of its portfolio instruments. Thus, if
the use of amortized cost by the Money Market Fund resulted in a lower aggregate
portfolio value on a particular day, a prospective investor in the Money Market
Fund would be able to obtain a somewhat higher yield if he or she purchased
shares of the Money Market Fund on that day, than would result from investment
in a fund utilizing solely market values, and existing investors in the Money
Market Fund would receive less investment income. The converse would apply in a
period of rising interest rates.
B-128
<PAGE>
Portfolio securities of each other Fund are valued (a) by appraising common
and preferred stocks which are traded on the New York Stock Exchange at the last
sale price on that Exchange on the day as of which assets are valued or, if no
sale occurs, at the mean between the closing bid price and asked price, (b) by
appraising other common and preferred stocks as nearly as possible in the manner
described in clause (a) if traded on any other exchange, including the National
Association of Securities Dealers National Market System and foreign securities
exchanges, (c) by appraising over-the-counter common and preferred stocks quoted
on the National Association of Securities Dealers NASDAQ system (but not listed
on the National Market System) at the closing bid price supplied through such
system, (d) by appraising over-the-counter common and preferred stocks not
quoted on the NASDAQ system and securities listed or traded on certain foreign
exchanges whose operations are similar to the U.S over-the-counter market at
prices supplied by a pricing agent selected by the Adviser if those prices are
deemed by the Adviser to be representative of market values at the first close
of business of the New York Stock Exchange, (e) by appraising debt securities at
prices supplied by a pricing agent selected by the Adviser, which prices reflect
broker-dealer-supplied valuations and electronic data processing techniques if
those prices are deemed by the Adviser to be representative of market values at
the first close of business of the New York Stock Exchange, (f) by appraising
exchange-traded options and futures contracts at the last posted settlement
price on the market where any such option or futures contract is principally
traded and (g) by appraising all other securities and other assets, including
over-the-counter common and preferred stocks not quoted on the NASDAQ system,
securities listed or traded on certain foreign exchanges whose operations are
similar to the U.S. over-the-counter market and debt securities for which prices
are supplied by a pricing agent but are not deemed by the Adviser to be
representative of market values, but excluding money market instruments with a
remaining maturity of 60 days or less and including restricted securities and
securities for which no market quotation is available, at fair value in
accordance with procedures approved by and determined in good faith by the
Trustees, although the actual calculation may be done by others. Money market
instruments held by the Funds with a remaining maturity of 60 days or less will
be valued by the amortized cost method unless such method does not represent
fair value. Forward foreign currency exchange contracts held by the Funds are
valued at their respective fair market values determined on the basis of the
mean between the last current bid and asked prices based on dealer or exchange
quotations.
Portfolio securities traded on more than one U.S. national securities
exchange or foreign securities exchange are valued at
B-129
<PAGE>
the last sale price on the business day as of which such value is being
determined at the close of the exchange representing the principal market for
such securities. The value of all assets and liabilities expressed in foreign
currencies will be converted into U.S. dollar values at the mean between the
buying and selling rates of such currencies against U.S. dollars last quoted by
any major bank or broker-dealer. If such quotations are not available, the rate
of exchange will be determined in accordance with policies established by the
Trustees. The Trust recognizes dividend income and other distributions on the
ex-dividend date, except that certain dividends from foreign securities are
recognized as soon as the Trust is informed after the ex-dividend date.
Trading in securities on European and Far Eastern securities exchanges and
over-the-counter markets is normally completed well before the close of business
on each business day in New York (i.e., a day on which the New York Stock
---
Exchange is open for trading). In addition, European or Far Eastern securities
trading generally in a particular country or countries may not take place on all
business days in New York. Furthermore, trading takes place in Japanese markets
on certain Saturdays and in various foreign markets on days which are not
business days in New York and on which the Funds' net asset values are not
calculated. Such calculation of net asset value does not take place
contemporaneously with the determination of the prices of the majority of the
portfolio securities used in such calculation.
Events affecting the values of portfolio securities that occur between the
time their prices are determined and the close of the New York Stock Exchange
will not be reflected in the Funds' calculation of net asset values unless the
Adviser deems that the particular event would materially affect net asset value,
in which case an adjustment will be made.
Because the Guarantee regarding the Equity Index Fund is payable to
shareholders directly (and not payable to the Equity Index Fund), and because it
represents only a contingent liability rather than an agreement to pay a
definite amount on the Guarantee Date, the Trustees believe that the Guarantee
should have no impact in determining the Equity Index Fund's net asset value.
The proceeds received by each Fund for each issue or sale of its shares,
and all net investment income, realized and unrealized gain and proceeds
thereof, subject only to the rights of creditors, will be specifically allocated
to such Fund and constitute the underlying assets of that Fund. The underlying
assets of each Fund will be segregated on the books of account,
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<PAGE>
and will be charged with the liabilities in respect to such Fund and with a
share of the general liabilities of the Trust. Expenses with respect to any two
or more Funds will be allocated in proportion to the net asset values of the
respective Funds except where allocations of direct expenses can otherwise be
fairly made.
To the extent that any newly organized fund or class of shares receives, on
or before December 31, any seed capital, the net asset value of such fund(s) or
class(es) will be calculated as of December 31.
SHAREHOLDER INVESTMENT ACCOUNT
A Shareholder Investment Account is established for each investor in the
Funds, under which a record of the shares of each Fund held is maintained by the
Transfer Agent. If a share certificate is desired, it must be requested in
writing for each transaction. There is no charge to the investor for issuance of
a certificate. Whenever a transaction takes place in a Fund (other than the
Money Market Fund), the shareholder will be mailed a confirmation showing the
transaction. Shareholders will be sent a quarterly statement showing the status
of the Account. In addition, shareholders will be sent a monthly statement for
each month in which a transaction occurs.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGENT
The Glass-Steagall Act prohibits national banks from engaging in the
business of underwriting, selling or distributing securities. There is currently
no precedent prohibiting banks from performing shareholder servicing and
recordkeeping functions. Changes in federal or state statutes and regulations
pertaining to the permissible activities of banks and their affiliates or
subsidiaries, as well as further judicial or administrative decisions or
interpretations of those provisions, could prevent a bank from continuing to
perform all or a part of such services. If a bank were prohibited from so
acting, the Trustees would consider what actions, if any, would be necessary to
continue to provide efficient and effective shareholder services. It is not
expected that shareholders would suffer any adverse financial consequences as a
result of any of these occurrences.
PURCHASES, REDEMPTION AND REPURCHASE
LETTER OF INTENT ("LOI")
The LOI is a non-binding obligation on the Qualified Purchaser to purchase
the full amount indicated; however, on the
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<PAGE>
initial purchase, if required (or, on subsequent purchases if necessary), 5% of
the dollar amount specified in the LOI will be held in escrow by the Transfer
Agent in shares registered in the shareholder's name in order to assure payment
of the proper sales charge. If total purchases pursuant to the LOI (less any
dispositions and exclusive of any distribution on such shares automatically
reinvested) are less than the amount specified, the investor will be requested
to remit to the Distributor an amount equal to the difference between the sales
charge paid and the sales charge applicable to the aggregate purchases actually
made. If not remitted within 20 days after written request, an appropriate
number of escrowed shares will be redeemed in order to realize the difference.
SUSPENSION OF REDEMPTIONS
The Trust may suspend the right of redemption of shares of any Fund and may
postpone payment for any period: (i) during which the New York Stock Exchange is
closed other than customary weekend and holiday closings or during which trading
on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted; (ii) when the SEC determines that
a state of emergency exists which may make payment or transfer not reasonably
practicable; (iii) as the SEC may by order permit for the protection of the
security holders of the Trust; or (iv) at any other time when the Trust may,
under applicable laws and regulations, suspend payment on the redemption or
repurchase of its shares.
TAX-DEFERRED RETIREMENT PLANS
CASH OR DEFERRED PROFIT SHARING PLANS UNDER SECTION 401(K) FOR CORPORATIONS AND
SELF-EMPLOYED INDIVIDUALS
Shares of a Fund, except the California Tax Free Fund, New York Tax Free
Fund and Tax Free Bond Fund, may also be purchased as an investment under a
specimen cash or deferred profit sharing plan intended to qualify under Section
401(k) of the Code (a "401(k) Plan") adopted by a corporation, a self-employed
individual (including sole proprietors and partnerships), or other organization.
All Funds, except the California Tax Free Fund, New York Tax Free Fund and Tax
Free Bond Fund, may be used as funding vehicles for qualified retirement plans
including 401(k) plans, which may be administered by third-party administrator
organizations. NYLIFE Distributors does not sponsor or administer such qualified
plans at this time.
INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT ("IRA")
Shares of a Fund, except the California Tax Free Fund, New York Tax Free
Fund and Tax Free Bond Fund, may also be purchased
B-132
<PAGE>
as an underlying investment for an IRA made available by NYLIFE Distributors.
An individual may contribute as much as $2,000 of his or her earned income
to an IRA. A married individual filing a joint return may also contribute to an
IRA for a nonworking spouse. For tax years beginning after 1996, the maximum
deduction allowed for a contribution to a spousal IRA is the lesser of (i)
$2,000 or (ii) the sum of (a) the compensation includible in the working
spouse's gross income plus (b) any compensation includible in the gross income
of the nonworking spouse, reduced by the amount of the deduction taken by the
working spouse. The maximum deduction for a IRA contribution by a married couple
is $4,000.
An individual who has not attained age 70-1/2 may make an IRA contribution
which is deductible for federal income tax purposes only if (i) neither the
individual nor his or her spouse (unless filing separate returns and living
apart at all times during the taxable year) is an active participant in an
employer's retirement plan, or (ii) the individual (and his or her spouse, if
applicable) has an adjusted gross income below a certain level ($40,000 for
married individuals filing a joint return, with a phase-out of the deduction for
adjusted gross income between $40,000 and $50,000; $25,000 for a single
individual, with a phase-out for adjusted gross income between $25,000 and
$35,000). However, an individual not permitted to make a deductible contribution
to an IRA may nonetheless make nondeductible contributions up to the maximum
contribution limit for that year. The deductibility of IRA contributions under
state law varies from state to state.
Distributions from IRAs (to the extent they are not treated as a tax-free
return of nondeductible contributions) are taxable under federal income tax laws
as ordinary income. There are special rules for determining how withdrawals are
to be taxed if an IRA contains both deductible and nondeductible amounts. In
general, all IRAs are aggregated and treated as one IRA, all withdrawals are
treated as one withdrawal, and then a proportionate amount of the withdrawal
will be deemed to be made from nondeductible contributions; amounts treated as a
return of nondeductible contributions will not be taxable. Certain early
withdrawals are subject to an additional excise tax. There are also special
rules governing when IRA distributions must begin and the minimum amount of such
distributions; failure to comply with these rules can result in the imposition
of an excise tax.
All income and capital gains deriving from IRA investments in the Fund are
reinvested and compound tax-deferred until distributed from the IRA. The
combination of annual
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<PAGE>
contributions which may be deductible and tax-deferred compounding can lead to
substantial retirement savings.
403(B)(7) TAX SHELTERED ACCOUNT
Shares of a Fund, except the California Tax Free Fund, New York Tax Free
Fund and Tax Free Bond Fund, may also be purchased as the underlying investment
for tax sheltered custodial accounts made available by NYLIFE Distributors. In
general, employees of tax-exempt organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of
the Code (such as hospitals, churches, religious, scientific, or literary
organizations and educational institutions) or a public school system are
eligible to participate in a 403(b) plan.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Shares of a Fund, except the California Tax Free Fund, New York Tax Free
Fund and Tax Free Bond Fund, may also be a permitted investment under profit
sharing, pension, and other retirement plans, IRAs, and tax-deferred annuities
other than those offered by the Fund depending on the provisions of the relevant
plan. Third-party administrative services, available for some corporate plans,
may limit or delay the processing of transactions.
The custodial agreements and forms provided by the Funds' Custodian and
Transfer Agent designate New York Life Trust Company as custodian for IRAs and
403(b) plans (unless another trustee or custodian is designated by the
individual or group establishing the plan) and contain specific information
about the plans. Each plan provides that dividends and distributions will be
reinvested automatically. For further details with respect to any plan,
including fees charged by New York Life Trust Company, tax consequences and
redemption information, see the specific documents for that plan.
The federal tax laws applicable to retirement plans, IRAs and 403(b) plans
are extremely complex and change from time to time. Therefore, an investor
should consult with his or her own professional tax adviser before establishing
any of the tax-deferred retirement plans described above.
CALCULATION OF PERFORMANCE QUOTATIONS
From time to time, quotations of the Money Market Fund's "yield" and
"effective yield" may be included in advertisements or communications to
shareholders. These performance figures are calculated in the following manner:
B-134
<PAGE>
A. Yield -- the net annualized yield based on a specified seven-
-----
calendar day period calculated at simple interest rates. Yield is
calculated by determining the net change, exclusive of capital changes, in
the value of a hypothetical preexisting account having a balance of one
share at the beginning of the period, subtracting a hypothetical charge
reflecting deductions from shareholder accounts, and dividing the
difference by the value of the account at the beginning of the base period
to obtain the base period return. The yield is annualized by multiplying
the base period return by 365/7. The yield figure is stated to the nearest
hundredth of one percent. The yield of the Class A and Class B shares of
the Money Market Fund for the seven-day period ended December 31, 1996 was
5.12% and 5.12%, respectively.
B. Effective Yield -- the net annualized yield for a specified seven-
---------------
calendar day period assuming a reinvestment of dividends (compounding).
Effective yield is calculated by the same method as yield except the yield
figure is compounded by adding one, raising the sum to a power equal to 365
divided by 7, and subtracting one from the result, according to the
following formula: Effective Yield = [(Base Period Return + 1) /365/7/] -1.
The effective yield of the Class A and Class B shares of the Money Market
Fund for the seven-day period ended December 31, 1996 was 5.25% and 5.25%,
respectively.
The yield and effective yield of the Money Market Fund reflect the
reduction of certain fees otherwise payable and voluntary expense
limitations. Had there been no reduction of fees or expense limitations,
the yield and effective yield of the Money Market Fund would have been
5.05% and 5.17%, respectively, for Class A shares and 5.05% and 5.17%,
respectively, for Class B shares for the seven-day period ended December
31, 1996.
As described above, yield and effective yield are based on historical
earnings and are not intended to indicate future performance. The "effective
yield" will be slightly higher than the "yield" because of the compounding
effect of the assumed reinvestment of dividends. Yield and effective yield will
vary based on changes in market conditions and the level of expenses.
From time to time a Fund, other than the Money Market Fund, may publish its
yield and/or average annual total return in advertisements and communications to
shareholders. Total return and yield are computed separately for Class A and
Class B shares. The average annual total return of each Fund is determined for a
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<PAGE>
particular period by calculating the actual dollar amount of the investment
return on a $1,000 investment in the Fund made at the maximum public offering
price at the beginning of the period, and then calculating the annual compounded
rate of return which would produce that amount. Total return for a period of one
year is equal to the actual return of the Fund during that period. This
calculation assumes a complete redemption of the investment and the deduction of
the maximum contingent deferred sales charge at the end of the period in the
case of Class B shares. In the case of Class A shares, the calculation assumes
the maximum sales charge is deducted from the initial $1,000 purchase order. It
also assumes that all dividends and distributions are reinvested at net asset
value on the reinvestment dates during the period. The performance information
shown below for the period ended December 31, 1996 provides performance figures
for both Class A and Class B shares of the Funds, except in the case of the
Equity Index Fund which offers only one class of shares, Class A shares.
In considering any average annual total return quotation, investors should
remember that the maximum initial sales charge reflected in each quotation for
Class A shares is a one-time fee which will have its greatest impact during the
early stages of an investor's investment in the Fund. The actual performance of
your investment will be affected less by this charge the longer you retain your
investment in the Fund.
Quotations of each Fund's average annual total return will be calculated
according to the following SEC formula:
P(1+T)/n /= ERV
where:
P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000
T = average annual total return
n = number of years
ERV = ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the
beginning of the 1, 5 or 10-year periods at the end of the 1, 5, or
10-year periods (or fractional portion thereof)
Each Fund may quote total rates of return in addition to its average annual
total return. Such quotations are computed in the same manner as the average
annual compounded rate, except that such quotations will be based on a Fund's
actual return for a specified period as opposed to its average return over 1, 5,
and 10-year periods. In considering any total rate of return quotation,
investors should remember that the maximum initial
B-136
<PAGE>
sales charge reflected in each quotation for Class A shares is a one-time fee
which will have its greatest impact during the early stages of an investor's
investment in the Fund. The actual performance of your investment will be
affected less by this charge the longer you retain your investment in the Fund.
The average annual total returns of the Class A shares of the following
Funds for the one-year and, as applicable, five-year periods ended December 31,
1996 and the period from inception to December 31, 1996 were as follows:*
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Five Average
Year Years Annual
Ended Ended Total Inception
Fund 12/31/96 12/31/96 Return(a) Date
---- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
California Tax Free Fund...... -1.22% 5.63% 5.76% 10/01/91
Capital Appreciation Fund(b).. 12.61% 13.76% 14.06% 5/01/86
Convertible Fund(b)........... 5.96% 12.73% 9.86% 5/01/86
Equity Index Fund............. 18.38% 13.36% 15.60% 12/20/90
Government Fund(b)............ -2.62% 3.89% 6.30% 5/01/86
High Yield Corporate
Bond Fund(b)................. 11.09% 14.95% 10.33% 5/01/86
International Bond Fund(b).... 8.77% -- 11.82% 9/13/94
International Equity Fund(b).. 3.75% -- 2.85% 9/13/94
New York Tax Free Fund........ -1.58% 5.86% 5.98% 10/01/91
Strategic Income Fund......... -- -- -- 2/28/97
Tax Free Bond Fund(b)......... -1.03% 5.06% 5.93% 5/01/86
Total Return Fund(b).......... 7.00% 8.99% 11.88% 12/29/87
Value Fund(b)................. 15.14% 14.95% 11.86% 5/01/86
</TABLE>
- -----------------
* Assumes the deduction of the maximum applicable initial sales charge.
(a) From inception to 12/31/96.
(b) Performance figures for the Fund's Class A shares, first offered to the
public on January 3, 1995, include the historical performance of the Fund's
Class B shares for the period from inception through December 31, 1994.
Performance data for the two classes after this date vary based on
differences in their expense structures.
The average annual total returns of the Class B shares of the following
Funds for the one-year and, as applicable, five-year periods ended December 31,
1996, were as follows:
B-137
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Five Average
Year Years Annual
Ended Ended Total Inception
Fund 12/31/96 12/31/96 Return(a) Date
---- -------- -------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
California Tax Free Fund(b).. -1.90% 6.18% 6.43% 10/01/91
Capital Appreciation Fund.... 13.56% 14.60% 14.56% 5/01/86
Convertible Fund............. 6.39% 13.50% 10.32% 5/01/86
Government Fund.............. -3.75% 4.24% 6.63% 5/01/86
High Yield Corporate
Bond Fund................... 10.58% 15.53% 10.69% 5/01/86
International Bond Fund...... 8.13% -- 12.34% 9/13/94
International Equity Fund.... 4.05% -- 3.43% 9/13/94
New York Tax Free Fund(b).... -2.14% 6.43% 6.67% 10/01/91
Strategic Income Fund........ -- -- -- 2/28/97
Tax Free Bond Fund........... -1.67% 5.63% 6.35% 5/01/86
Total Return Fund............ 7.73% 9.74% 12.46% 12/29/87
Value Fund................... 16.11% 15.77% 12.33% 5/01/86
</TABLE>
- -----------------
* Assumes a complete redemption at the end of each year and the deduction of
the maximum applicable contingent deferred sales charge.
(a) From inception to 12/31/96.
(b) Performance figures for the Fund's Class B shares, first offered to the
public on January 3, 1995, include the historical performance of the Fund's
Class A shares for the period from inception through December 31, 1994.
Performance data for the two classes after this date vary based on
differences in their expense structures.
The average annual total returns of the Class A shares of the following
Funds without deducting the applicable initial sales charge is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Five Average
Year Years Annual
Ended Ended Total Inception
Fund 12/31/96 12/31/96 Return(a) Date
---- -------- -------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
California Tax Free Fund...... 3.44% 6.61% 6.69% 10/01/91
Capital Appreciation Fund(b).. 19.16% 15.06% 14.66% 5/01/86
Convertible Fund(b)........... 12.13% 14.02% 10.44% 5/01/86
Equity Index Fund............. 22.04% 14.05% 16.19% 12/20/90
Government Fund(b)............ 1.97% 4.85% 6.76% 5/01/86
High Yield Corporate
Bond Fund(b)................. 16.33% 16.01% 10.80% 5/01/86
International Bond Fund(b).... 13.90% -- 14.07% 9/13/94
International Equity Fund(b).. 9.78% -- 5.40% 9/13/94
New York Tax Free Fund........ 3.06% 6.84% 6.91% 10/01/91
Strategic Income Fund......... -- -- -- 2/28/97
Tax Free Bond Fund(b)......... 3.63% 6.04% 6.39% 5/01/86
Total Return Fund(b).......... 13.22% 10.23% 12.59% 12/29/87
Value Fund(b)................. 21.84% 16.26% 12.45% 5/01/86
</TABLE>
- -----------------
(a) From inception to 12/31/96.
(b) Performance figures for the Fund's Class A shares, first offered to the
public on January 3, 1995, include the historical performance of the Fund's
Class B shares for the period from inception through December 31, 1994.
Performance data for the two classes after this date vary based on
differences in their expense structures.
The average annual total returns of the Class B shares of the following
Funds without deducting the applicable contingent deferred sales charge is as
follows:
B-138
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Five Average
Year Years Annual
Ended Ended Total Inception
Fund 12/31/96 12/31/96 Return(a) Date
---- -------- -------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
California Tax Free Fund(b).. 3.10% 6.49% 6.58% 10/01/91
Capital Appreciation Fund.... 18.56% 14.83% 14.56% 5/01/86
Convertible Fund............. 11.39% 13.74% 10.32% 5/01/86
Government Fund.............. 1.25% 4.58% 6.63% 5/01/86
High Yield Corporate
Bond Fund................... 15.58% 15.75% 10.69% 5/01/86
International Bond Fund...... 13.13% -- 13.46% 9/13/94
International Equity Fund.... 9.05% -- 4.67% 9/13/94
New York Tax Free Fund(b).... 2.86% 6.74% 6.82% 10/01/91
Strategic Income Fund........ -- -- -- 2/28/97
Tax Free Bond Fund........... 3.33% 5.95% 6.35% 5/01/86
Total Return Fund............ 12.73% 10.02% 12.46% 12/29/87
Value Fund................... 21.11% 15.99% 12.33% 5/01/86
</TABLE>
- -----------------
(a) From inception to 12/31/96.
(b) Performance figures for the Fund's Class B shares, first offered to the
public on January 3, 1995, include the historical performance of the Fund's
Class A shares for the period from inception through December 31, 1994.
Performance data for the two classes after this date vary based on
differences in their expense structures.
The performance data quoted represents historical performance and the
investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an
investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original
cost.
The yield of each Fund, except the Money Market Fund, is computed by
dividing its net investment income (determined in accordance with the following
SEC formula) earned during a recent 30-day period by the product of the average
daily number of shares outstanding and entitled to receive dividends during the
period and the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period.
The results are compounded on a bond equivalent (semiannual) basis and then they
are annualized. Yield will be calculated using the following SEC formula:
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
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<PAGE>
This yield figure does not reflect the deduction of any contingent deferred
sales charges which are imposed upon certain redemptions at the rates set forth
under "Redemptions and Repurchases" in the Prospectus.
For the 30-day period ended December 31, 1996, the yield of each of the
following Funds was:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
30-Day
Period Ended
December 31,
1996
------------
Fund Class A Class B
---- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
California Tax Free Fund........ 4.86% 4.81%
Government Fund................. 5.66% 5.38%
High Yield Corporate Bond Fund.. 7.38% 7.13%
International Bond Fund......... 3.57% 3.19%
New York Tax Free Fund.......... 4.73% 4.68%
Tax Free Bond Fund.............. 5.47% 5.52%
</TABLE>
The California Tax Free Fund, New York Tax Free Fund and Tax Free Bond Fund
may publish its tax equivalent yield in advertisements and communications to
shareholders. The tax equivalent yield is calculated by determining the rate of
return that would have to be achieved on a fully taxable investment to produce
the after-tax equivalent of the Fund's yield, assuming certain tax brackets for
a Fund shareholder.
For the 30-day period ended December 31, 1996, the Federal income tax
equivalent yield for the California Tax Free Fund, New York Tax Free Fund or Tax
Free Bond Fund was as shown in the following table.*+
B-140
<PAGE>
To Equal a 5.50% Tax
If Free Return, a Taxable
Your Federal Investment Would Have to
Marginal Tax Earn Without Fee Reduction
Rate is: or Expense Limit
------------ ---------------------------
15.00% 6.47%
28.00% 7.64%
31.00% 7.97%
36.00% 8.59%
39.60% 9.11%
____________________
* This table reflects application of the regular Federal income tax only;
other taxes may be applicable with respect to a particular shareholder.
Such taxes could change the information shown. Tax rates are subject to
change. Investors in the California and New York Tax Free Funds should in
particular note that the chart does not reflect any state and local taxes
that may be deductible in computing Federal income tax liability.
+ This table is for illustrative purposes only; investors should consult
their tax advisers with respect to the tax implications of an investment in
a Fund that invests primarily in securities, the interest on which is
exempt from regular Federal income tax.
A Fund may also include its current dividend rate in its prospectus, in
supplemental sales literature, or in communications to shareholders. The
current dividend rate of each Fund for a particular period is calculated by
annualizing total distributions per share from net investment income (including
equalization credits, excluding realized short-term capital gains and premiums
from writing options) during this period and dividing this amount by the maximum
offering price per share on the last day of the period. The current dividend
rate does not reflect all components of a Fund's performance including (i)
realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, which are reflected in
calculations of a Fund's total return, or (ii) the amortized discount and
premium on debt obligations in income using the current market value of the
obligations, as is currently required for yield calculations. In addition, the
current dividend rate does not take into account the imposition of any
contingent deferred sales charge on the redemption of Fund
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<PAGE>
shares. Any performance figure which does not take into account the contingent
deferred sales charge would be reduced to the extent such charge is imposed upon
a redemption.
Investors should note that the investment results of a Fund will fluctuate
over time, and any presentation of a Fund's yield, current dividend rate, total
return or tax-equivalent yield of any prior period should not be considered as a
representation of what an investment may earn or what an investor's yield,
current dividend rate, total return or tax-equivalent yield may be in any future
period.
In addition, advertising for a Fund may indicate that investors may
consider diversifying their investment portfolios in order to seek protection of
the value of their assets against inflation. From time to time, advertising
materials for a Fund may refer to or discuss current or past business,
political, economic or financial conditions, including events as they relate to
those conditions, such as any U.S. monetary or fiscal policies and the current
rate of inflation. In addition, from time to time, advertising materials for a
Fund may include information concerning retirement and investing for retirement
and may refer to the approximate number of then-current Fund shareholders,
shareholder accounts and Fund assets.
From time to time, advertising and sales literature for a Fund may discuss
the investment philosophy, personnel and assets under management of the Fund's
investment adviser, and other pertinent facts relating to the management of the
Fund by the adviser.
From time to time any of the Funds may publish an indication of its past
performance as measured by independent sources such as Lipper Analytical
Services, Incorporated, Weisenberger Investment Companies Service, Donoghue's
Money Fund Report, Spot Market Prices, Barron's, BusinessWeek, Kiplinger's
-------- ------------ -----------
Personal Finance, Financial World, Forbes, Money, Morningstar, Personal
- ---------------- --------------- ------ ----- ----------- --------
Investor, Sylvia Porter's Personal Finance, and The Wall Street Journal.
-------------------------------- -----------------------
In addition, performance information for a Fund may be compared, in
advertisements, sales literature, and reports to shareholders, to: (i)
unmanaged indexes, such as the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price
Index, the Salomon Brothers Broad Investment Grade Bond Index, the Morgan
Stanley Capital International indexes; the Dow Jones Industrial Average,
Donoghue Money Market Institutional Averages, the Merrill Lynch 1 to 3 Year
Treasury Index, the Salomon Brothers World Government Benchmark Bond Index, the
Salomon Brothers non-U.S. Dollar World Government Bond Index, the Lehman
Brothers Municipal Bond Index
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<PAGE>
and the Lehman Brothers Government Corporate Index; (ii) other groups of mutual
funds tracked by Morningstar Inc. or Lipper Analytical Services, widely used
independent research firms which rank mutual funds by overall performance,
investment objectives and assets, or tracked by other services, companies,
publications or persons who rank mutual funds on overall performance or other
criteria; and (iii) the Consumer Price Index (measure for inflation) and other
measures of the performance of the economy to assess the real rate of return
from an investment in the Funds. Unmanaged indexes may assume the reinvestment
of dividends but generally do not reflect deductions for administrative and
management costs and expenses.
From time to time, advertisements for the Funds may include general
information about the services and products offered by the Funds, MainStay
Institutional Funds Inc. and New York Life Insurance Company and its
subsidiaries. For example, such advertisements may include statistical
information about those entities including, but not limited to, the number of
current shareholder accounts, the amount of assets under management, sales
information, the distribution channels through which the entities' products are
available, marketing efforts and statements about this information by the
entities' officers, directors and employees.
TAX STATUS
TAXATION OF THE FUNDS
Each Fund intends to be treated as a regulated investment company ("RIC")
under Subchapter M of the Code. Such qualification does not involve supervision
of management or investment practices or policies by any governmental agency or
bureau.
As a regulated investment company required under Subchapter M of the Code
to distribute at least 90% of its taxable net investment income and net short-
term capital gain in excess of net long-term capital losses (and at least 90%
of net tax-exempt interest income), each Fund generally will not be subject to
federal income or excise tax on any of its net investment income or net realized
capital gains which are timely distributed to shareholders. Provided that a
Fund qualifies as a regulated investment company, it generally will not be
subject to any excise or income taxes in Massachusetts. A Fund's investments,
if any, in REMIC residual interests (as explained previously in this SAI) or in
Passive Foreign Investment Companies, as explained below, may cause the Fund to
become liable for certain taxes. Investors that are tax-exempt organizations
should
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carefully consider whether distributions of a Fund's earnings will be subject to
tax in their hands.
Each Fund, other than the Equity Index Fund (which offers only one class of
shares) has received a ruling from the IRS to the effect that differing
distributions between the classes of its shares will not result in a Fund's
dividends and other distributions being regarded as "preferential dividends"
under the Code. Generally, a preferential dividend is a dividend which a Fund
cannot treat as having been distributed for purposes of (i) determining whether
the Fund qualifies as a regulated investment company for federal tax purposes,
and (ii) determining the Fund's tax liability.
CHARACTER OF DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS -- GENERAL
Assuming a Fund qualifies as a RIC, distributions of taxable net investment
income and net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital
losses will be treated as ordinary income in the hands of shareholders. If a
Fund's investment income is derived exclusively from interest rather than
dividends, no portion of such distributions will be eligible for the dividends-
received deduction available to corporations. If a portion of a Fund's net
investment income is derived from dividends from domestic corporations, then a
portion of such distributions may be eligible for the corporate dividends-
received deduction. The dividends-received deduction is reduced to the extent
shares of a Fund are treated as debt-financed under the Code and is eliminated
if such shares are deemed to have been held for less than 46 days. In addition,
the entire dividend (including the deducted portion) is includable in the
corporate shareholder's alternative minimum taxable income. Finally, if such
dividends are large enough to constitute "extraordinary dividends" under Section
1059 of the Code, the shareholder's basis in its shares could be reduced by all
or a portion of the amount of the dividends that qualifies for the dividends-
received deduction.
Distributions of the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-
term capital loss are taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gain, if such
distributions are designated as capital gain dividends, regardless of the length
of time the shares of a Fund have been held by such shareholders. Such
distributions are not eligible for the corporate dividends-received deduction.
Any loss realized upon the redemption of shares within six months from the date
of their purchase will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of
any capital gain dividends received with respect to such shares during that six-
month period. A loss realized upon a redemption of shares of a Fund within 30
days before or after a
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purchase of shares of the same Fund (whether by reinvestment of distributions or
otherwise) may be disallowed in whole or in part.
If any net long-term capital gains in excess of net short-term capital
losses are retained by a Fund for reinvestment, requiring federal income taxes
to be paid thereon by that Fund, the Fund intends to elect to treat such capital
gains as having been distributed to shareholders. As a result, such amounts
will be taxable as long-term capital gains in the hands of the shareholders.
Shareholders will be able to claim their proportionate share of the federal
income taxes paid by the Fund on such gains as a credit against their own
federal income tax liabilities and will be entitled to increase the adjusted tax
basis of the relevant Fund shares by the difference between their pro-rata share
of such gains and their tax credit.
Except for distributions by the Money Market Fund, distributions by a Fund
result in a reduction in the net asset value of a Fund's shares. Should a
distribution reduce the net asset value below a shareholder's cost basis, such
distribution nevertheless would be taxable to the shareholder (except to the
extent the distribution is an exempt interest dividend as described below) as
ordinary income or capital gain as described above, even though, from an
investment standpoint, it may constitute a partial return of investment. 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 investors
purchasing shares just prior to a distribution will then receive a partial
return of their investment upon such distribution, which may nevertheless be
taxable to them.
Distributions of taxable net investment income and net realized capital
gains will be taxable as described above, whether received in shares or in cash.
Any distributions that are not from a Fund's net investment income or net
capital gain may be characterized as a return of capital to shareholders or, in
some cases, as capital gain. 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 such share on
the reinvestment date.
CHARACTER OF DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS -- THE TAX-FREE FUNDS
Subchapter M permits the character of tax-exempt interest distributed by a
regulated investment company to "flow through" as tax-exempt interest to its
shareholders, provided that 50% or
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more of the value of its assets at the end of each quarter of its taxable year
is invested in state, municipal or other obligations the interest on which is
exempt under Section 103(a) of the Code. Each of the California Tax Free Fund,
New York Tax Free Fund and Tax Free Bond Fund (collectively, the "Tax Free
Funds") intend to satisfy the 50% requirement in order to permit their
distributions of tax-exempt interest to be treated as such for regular Federal
income tax purposes in the hands of their shareholders. Exempt-interest
dividends must be taken into account by individual shareholders in determining
whether their total incomes are large enough to result in taxation of up to 85%
of their social security benefits and certain railroad retirement benefits.
None of the income distributions of such Fund will be eligible for the deduction
for dividends received by corporations.
Although a significant portion of the distributions by the Tax Free Funds
generally is expected to be exempt from federal taxes, each of these Funds may
under certain circumstances invest in obligations the interest from which is
fully taxable, or, although exempt from the regular federal income tax, is
subject to the alternative minimum tax. Similarly, gains from the sale or
exchange of obligations the interest on which is exempt from regular Federal
income tax will constitute taxable income to those Funds. In addition, a sale
of shares in such Fund (including a redemption of such shares and an exchange of
shares between two mutual funds) will be a taxable event, and may result in a
taxable gain or loss to a shareholder. Accordingly, it is possible that a
significant portion of the distributions of these Funds will constitute taxable
rather than tax-exempt income in the hands of a shareholder. Furthermore,
investors should be aware that tax laws may change, and issuers may fail to
follow applicable laws, causing a tax-exempt item to become taxable.
Exempt-interest dividends from the Tax Free Funds; ordinary dividends from
the Tax Free Funds, if any; capital gains distributions from the Tax Free Funds
and any capital gains or losses realized from the sale or exchange of shares may
be subject to state and local taxes. However, the portion of a distribution of
the Funds' tax-exempt income that is attributable to state and municipal
securities issued within the shareholder's own state may not be subject, at
least in some states, to state or local taxes.
Distributions derived from interest on certain private activity bonds which
is exempt from regular federal income tax are treated as a tax preference item
and may subject individual or corporate shareholders to liability (or increased
liability) for the alternative minimum tax. In addition, because a portion of
the difference between adjusted current earnings, as defined
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in the Code, and alternative minimum taxable income is an addition to the
alternative minimum tax base, all distributions derived from interest which is
exempt from regular federal income tax are included in adjusted current earnings
and may subject corporate shareholders to or increase their liability for the
alternative minimum tax. In addition, a deductible "environmental tax" of 0.12%
is imposed on a corporation's modified alternative minimum taxable income in
excess of $2 million. The environmental tax will be imposed even if the
corporation is not required to pay an alternative minimum tax because the
corporation's regular income tax liability exceeds its minimum tax liability.
To the extent that exempt-interest dividends paid by a Fund are included in
alternative minimum taxable income, corporate shareholders may be subject to the
environmental tax.
DISCOUNT
Certain of the bonds purchased by the Funds, such as zero coupon bonds, may
be treated as bonds that were originally issued at a discount. Original issue
discount represents interest for federal income tax purposes and can generally
be defined as the difference between the price at which a security was issued
and its stated redemption price at maturity. Original issue discount, although
no cash is actually received by a Fund until the maturity of the bond, is
treated for federal income tax purposes as income earned by a Fund over the term
of the bond, and therefore is subject to the distribution requirements of the
Code. The annual amount of income earned on such a bond by a Fund generally is
determined on the basis of a constant yield to maturity which takes into account
the semiannual compounding of accrued interest.
In addition, some of the bonds may be purchased by a Fund at a discount
which exceeds the original issue discount on such bonds, if any. This
additional discount represents market discount for federal income tax purposes.
The gain realized on the disposition of any bond having market discount,
generally will be treated as taxable ordinary income to the extent it does not
exceed the accrued market discount on such bond (unless a Fund elects to include
market discount in income in tax years to which it is attributable). Realized
accrued market discount on obligations that pay tax-exempt interest is
nonetheless taxable. Generally, market discount accrues on a daily basis for
each day the bond is held by a Fund at a constant rate over the time remaining
to the bond's maturity. In the case of any debt security having a fixed
maturity date of not more than one year from date of issue, the gain realized on
disposition will be treated as short-term capital gain.
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USERS OF BOND-FINANCED FACILITIES
Section 147(a) of the Code prohibits exemption from taxation of interest on
certain governmental obligations to persons who are "substantial users" (or
persons related thereto) of facilities financed thereby. No investigation as to
the users of the facilities financed by bonds in the portfolios of the Tax Free
Funds has been made by these Funds. Persons who may be "substantial users" (or
"related persons" of substantial users) of facilities financed by private
activity bonds should consult their tax advisers before purchasing shares of a
Fund since the acquisition of shares of the Tax Free Bond Fund, California Tax
Free Fund or New York Tax Free Fund may result in adverse tax consequences to
them.
EXCISE TAX
The Funds are potentially subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on
amounts required to be but not distributed under a prescribed formula. The
formula generally requires payment to shareholders during a calendar year of
distributions representing at least 98% of each Fund's ordinary income for the
calendar year and at least 98% of the excess of its capital gains over capital
losses realized during the one-year period ending October 31 during such year.
The Funds have adjusted their distribution policies to minimize any adverse
impact from this tax or eliminate its application.
TAXATION OF OPTIONS, FUTURES AND SIMILAR INSTRUMENTS
Many of the options, futures contracts and forward contracts entered into
by a Fund will be classified as "Section 1256 contracts." Generally, gains or
losses on Section 1256 contracts are considered 60% long-term and 40% short-term
capital gains or losses ("60/40"). Also, certain Section 1256 contracts held by
a Fund are "marked-to-market" at the times required pursuant to the Code with
the result that unrealized gains or losses are treated as though they were
realized and the resulting gain or loss generally is treated as 60/40 gain or
loss, except for foreign currency gain or loss on such contracts, which
generally is ordinary in character.
Gains from hedging transactions generally are taxable so distributions of
such gains generally will be taxable to shareholders. Generally, the hedging
transactions and certain other transactions in options, futures and forward
contracts undertaken by a Fund may result in "straddles" for federal income tax
purposes. The straddle rules may affect the character of gains (or losses)
realized by a Fund. In addition, losses realized by a Fund on positions that
are part of a straddle may
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be deferred under the straddle rules rather than being taken into account in the
taxable year in which such losses are realized. Because only a few regulations
implementing the straddle rules have been promulgated, the tax consequences of
transactions in options, futures and forward contracts to a Fund are not
entirely clear. The hedging transactions in which a Fund engages may increase
the amount of short-term capital gain realized by a Fund which is taxed as
ordinary income when distributed to shareholders.
A Fund may make one or more of the elections available under the Code which
are applicable to straddles. If a Fund makes any of the elections, the amount,
character and timing of the recognition of gains or losses from the affected
straddle positions will be determined under rules that vary according to the
election(s) made. The rules applicable under certain of the elections operate
to accelerate the recognition of gains or losses from the affected straddle
positions.
Because application of the straddle rules may affect the character of gains
or losses, defer losses and/or accelerate the recognition of gains or losses
from the affected straddle positions, the amount which must be distributed to
shareholders and which will be taxed to shareholders as ordinary income or long-
term capital gain, may be increased or decreased substantially as compared to a
Fund that did not engage in such hedging transactions.
The 30% limit on gains from the disposition of certain assets held less
than three months and the diversification requirements applicable to a Fund's
status as a regulated investment company may limit the extent to which a Fund
will be able to engage in transactions in options, futures contracts or forward
contracts.
Regarding the Tax Free Bond Fund, the California Tax Free Fund and New York
Tax Free Fund, gains from certain transactions, including, for example,
transactions in options, futures, and other instruments, and from obligations
the interest on which is not exempt from Federal income tax, will be taxable
income to those Funds. The requirements relating to those Funds' qualification
as a regulated investment company and those Funds' investment policies may limit
the extent to which each Fund will be able to engage in transactions in options
and futures contracts.
Regarding the International Bond Fund, International Equity Fund and
Strategic Income Fund, rules governing the tax aspects of swap agreements are in
a developing stage and are not entirely clear in certain respects. Accordingly,
while the Funds intend
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to account for such transactions in a manner they deem to be appropriate, the
IRS might not accept such treatment. If it did not, the status of a Fund as a
regulated investment company might be affected. The Funds intend to monitor
developments in this area. Certain requirements that must be met under the Code
in order for a Fund to qualify as a regulated investment company may limit the
extent to which a Fund will be able to engage in swap agreements.
PASSIVE FOREIGN INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Certain of the Funds may invest in shares of foreign corporations which may
be classified under the Code as passive foreign investment companies ("PFICs").
In general, a foreign corporation is classified as a PFIC if at least one-half
of its assets constitute investment-type assets or 75% or more of its gross
income is investment-type income. If a Fund receives a so-called "excess
distribution" with respect to PFIC stock, the Fund itself may be subject to a
tax on a portion of the excess distribution, whether or not the corresponding
income is distributed by the Fund to Shareholders. In general, under the PFIC
rules, an excess distribution is treated as having been realized ratably over
the period during which the Fund held the PFIC shares. The Fund itself will be
subject to tax on the portion, if any, of an excess distribution that is so
allocated to prior Fund taxable years and an interest factor will be added to
the tax, as if the tax had been payable in such prior taxable years. Certain
distributions from a PFIC as well as gain from the sale of PFIC shares are
treated as excess distributions. Excess distributions are characterized as
ordinary income even though, absent application of the PFIC rules, certain
excess distributions might have been classified as capital gain.
A Fund may be eligible to elect alternative tax treatment with respect to
PFIC shares. Under an election that currently is available in some
circumstances, a Fund generally would be required to include in its gross income
its share of the earnings of a PFIC on a current basis, regardless of whether
distributions are received from the PFIC in a given year. If this election were
made, the special rules, discussed above, relating to the taxation of excess
distributions, would not apply. In addition, another election may be available
that would involve marking-to-market a Fund's PFIC shares at the end of each
taxable year (and on certain other dates prescribed in the Code), with the
result that unrealized gains are treated as though they were realized. If this
election were made, tax at the fund level under the PFIC rules would generally
be eliminated, but a Fund could, in limited circumstances, incur nondeductible
interest charges. Other elections may become available that would affect the
tax treatment of PFIC shares held by the Fund. The Fund's intention
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to qualify annually as a regulated investment company may limit its elections
with respect to PFIC shares.
Because the application of the PFIC rules may affect, among other things,
the character of gains, the amount of gain or loss and the timing of the
recognition of income with respect to PFIC shares, as well as subject the Fund
itself to tax on certain income from PFIC shares, the amount that must be
distributed to shareholders, and which will be taxed to shareholders as ordinary
income or long-term capital gain, may be increased or decreased substantially as
compared to a Fund that did not invest in PFIC shares.
FOREIGN CURRENCY GAINS AND LOSSES
Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in exchange
rates which occur between the time a Fund accrues income or other receivables or
accrues expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the
time a Fund actually collects such receivables or pays such liabilities
generally are treated as ordinary income or ordinary loss. Similarly, on the
disposition of debt securities denominated in a foreign currency and on the
disposition of certain options, futures, forward and other contracts, gain or
loss attributable to fluctuations in the value of foreign currency between the
date of acquisition of the security or contract and the date of disposition also
are treated as ordinary gain or loss. These gains or losses, referred to under
the Code as "Section 988" gains or losses, may increase or decrease the amount
of a Fund's net investment income to be distributed to its shareholders. If
Section 988 losses exceed other investment company taxable income (which
includes, among other items, dividends, interest and the excess, if any, of net
short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses) during the taxable
year, a Fund would not be able to make any ordinary dividend distributions, and
distributions made before the losses were realized would be recharacterized as a
return of capital to shareholders or, in some cases, as capital gain, rather
than as an ordinary dividend.
COMMODITY INVESTMENTS
A regulated investment company is required under the Code to derive at
least 90% of its gross income from certain qualifying sources and to have, at
the close of each quarter of the taxable year, at least 50% of the market value
of its assets represented by cash, U.S. government securities, the securities of
other regulated investment companies and other securities, with such other
securities of any one issuer limited for the purposes of this calculation to an
amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets and 10% of
the outstanding voting
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securities of such issuer. In addition, not more than 25% of the value of a
Fund's total assets may be invested in the securities of any one issuer (other
than U.S. government securities or the securities of other regulated investment
companies). Qualifying income includes, inter alia, interest, dividends, and
----------
gain from the sale of stock or securities, but it does not include gain from the
sale of commodities such as gold and other precious metals.
DISPOSITIONS OF FUND SHARES
Upon redemption, sale or exchange of shares of a Fund, a shareholder will
realize a taxable gain or loss, depending on whether the gross proceeds are more
or less than the shareholder's tax basis for the shares. Such gain or loss
generally will be a capital gain or loss if the shares of a Fund were capital
assets in the hands of the shareholder, and generally will be long- or short-
term, depending on the length of time the shares of the Fund were held. A loss
realized by a shareholder on the redemption, sale or exchange of shares of a
Fund with respect to which capital gain dividends have been paid will, to the
extent of such capital gain dividends, be treated as long-term capital loss if
such shares have been held by the shareholder for six months or less at the time
of their disposition. Furthermore, a loss realized by a shareholder on the
redemption, sale or exchange of shares of a Fund with respect to which exempt-
interest dividends have been paid will, to the extent of such exempt-interest
dividends, be disallowed if such shares have been held by the shareholder for
six months or less at the time of their disposition. A loss realized on a
redemption, sale or exchange also will be disallowed to the extent the shares
disposed of are replaced (whether through reinvestment of distributions, or
otherwise) within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30
days after the shares are disposed of. In such a case, the basis of the shares
acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.
Shareholders should be aware that redeeming shares of a Fund after tax-
exempt interest has been accrued by the Fund but before that income has been
declared as a dividend may be disadvantageous. This is because the gain, if any,
on the redemption will be taxable, even though such gains may be attributable in
part to the accrued tax-exempt interest which, if distributed to the shareholder
as a dividend rather than as redemption proceeds, might have qualified as an
exempt-interest dividend.
Under certain circumstances, the sales charge incurred in acquiring shares
of either Fund may not be taken into account in determining the gain or loss on
the disposition of those shares. This rule applies where shares of a Fund are
exchanged within 90
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days after the date they were purchased and new shares are acquired without a
sales charge or at a reduced sales charge. In that case, the gain or loss
recognized on the exchange will be determined by excluding from the tax basis of
the shares exchanged all or a portion of the sales charge incurred in acquiring
those shares. This exclusion applies to the extent that the otherwise
applicable sales charge with respect to the newly acquired shares is reduced as
a result of having incurred a sales charge initially. The portion of the sales
charge affected by this rule will be treated as a sales charge paid for the new
shares.
TAX REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
All distributions, whether received in shares or cash, must be reported by
each shareholder on his or her federal income tax return. Shareholders are also
required to report tax-exempt interest. Dividends declared and payable to
shareholders of record on a specified date in October, November or December, if
any, will be deemed to have been received by shareholders on December 31 if paid
during January of the following year. Redemptions of shares, including
exchanges for shares of another Fund, may result in tax consequences (gain or
loss) to the shareholder and generally are also subject to these reporting
requirements. Each shareholder should consult his or her own tax adviser to
determine the tax status of a Fund distribution in his or her own state and
locality.
Under the federal income tax law, a Fund will be required to report to the
IRS all distributions of income (other than exempt-interest dividends) and
capital gains as well as gross proceeds from the redemption or exchange of Fund
shares (other than shares of the Money Market Fund), except in the case of
certain exempt shareholders. Under the backup withholding provisions of Section
3406 of the Code, all such taxable distributions and proceeds from the
redemption or exchange of a Fund's shares may be subject to withholding of
federal income tax at the rate of 31% in the case of nonexempt shareholders who
fail to furnish a Fund with their taxpayer identification number and with
required certifications regarding their status under the federal income tax law
or if the IRS or a broker notifies a Fund that the number furnished by the
shareholder is incorrect. In addition, both the Fund and the shareholder are
potentially subject to a $50 penalty imposed by the IRS if a correct, certified
taxpayer identification number is not furnished and used on required information
returns. If the withholding provisions are applicable, any such distributions
and proceeds, whether taken in cash or reinvested in shares, will be reduced by
the amounts required to be withheld. Backup withholding is not an additional
tax and any amounts withheld are creditable against
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the shareholder's U.S. Federal tax liability. Investors may wish to consult
their tax advisers about the applicability of the backup withholding provisions.
FOREIGN TAXES
Investment income and gains received by a Fund from sources outside the
United States may be subject to foreign taxes which were withheld at the
source. Since the percentage of each Fund's total assets (with the exception of
the International Bond Fund and International Equity Fund) which will be
invested in foreign stocks and securities will not be more than 50%, any foreign
tax credits or deductions associated with such foreign taxes will not be
available for use by its shareholders. The effective rate of foreign taxes to
which a Fund will be subject depends on the specific countries in which each
Fund's assets will be invested and the extent of the assets invested in each
such country and, therefore, cannot be determined in advance.
The International Bond Fund and the International Equity Fund may qualify
for and make the election permitted under Section 853 of the Code so that
shareholders will be able to claim a credit or deduction on their federal income
tax returns for, and will be required to treat as part of the amounts
distributed to them, their pro rata portion of qualified taxes paid by the Fund
to foreign countries (which taxes relate primarily to investment income). The
U.S. shareholders of a Fund may claim a foreign tax credit or deduction by
reason of the Fund's election under Section 853 of the Code, provided that more
than 50% of the value of the total assets of the Fund at the close of the
taxable year consists of securities of foreign corporations. The foreign tax
credit and deduction available to shareholders is subject to certain limitations
imposed by the Code. Also, under Section 63 of the Code, no deduction for
foreign taxes may be claimed by shareholders who do not itemize deductions on
their federal income tax returns, although any such shareholder may claim a
credit for foreign taxes and in any event will be treated as having taxable
income in respect to the shareholder's pro rata share of foreign taxes paid by
the Fund. It should also be noted that a tax-exempt shareholder, like other
shareholders, will be required to treat as part of the amounts distributed its
pro rata portion of the income taxes paid by the Fund to foreign countries.
However, that income will generally be exempt from taxation by virtue of such
shareholder's tax-exempt status, and such a shareholder will not be entitled to
either a tax credit or a deduction with respect to such income. The foreign tax
credit generally may offset only up to 90% of the alternative minimum tax in any
given year. Foreign taxes generally are not deductible in computing alternative
minimum taxable income.
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STATE AND LOCAL TAXES - GENERAL
The state and local tax treatment of distributions received from a Fund and
any special tax considerations associated with foreign investments of a Fund
should be examined by shareholders with regard to their own tax situations.
Shareholders of the Tax Free Bond Fund, the California Tax Free Fund and
New York Tax Free Fund may be subject to state and local taxes on distributions
from the Fund, including distributions which are exempt from federal income
taxes. Some states exempt from the state personal income tax distributions from
a Fund derived from interest on obligations issued by the U.S. government or by
such state or its municipalities or political subdivisions. Each investor
should consult his or her own tax adviser to determine the tax status of
distributions from the Funds in his or her own state and locality.
Opinions relating to the validity of municipal securities and the exemption
of interest thereon from federal income tax are rendered by bond counsel to the
issuers. The Tax Free Bond Fund, California Tax Free Fund and New York Tax Free
Fund, the Adviser and its affiliates, and the Funds' counsel make no review of
proceedings relating to the issuance of state or municipal securities or the
bases of such opinions.
Due to the lack of adequate supply of certain types of tax-exempt
obligations, and other reasons, various instruments are being marketed which are
not "pure" state and local obligations, but which are thought to generate
interest excludable from taxable income under Code section 103. While a Fund
may invest in such instruments, it does not guarantee the tax-exempt status of
the income earned thereon or from any other investment. Thus, for example, were
a Fund to invest in an instrument thought to give rise to tax-exempt interest
but such interest ultimately were determined to be taxable, the Fund might have
invested more than 20% of its assets in taxable instruments. In addition, it is
possible in such circumstances that a Fund will not have met the 50% investment
threshold, described above, necessary for it to pay exempt-interest dividends.
EXPLANATION OF FUND DISTRIBUTIONS
Each distribution is accompanied by a brief explanation of the form and
character of the distribution. In January of each year, each Fund will issue to
each shareholder a statement of the federal income tax status of all
distributions, including, in the case of the Tax Free Bond Fund, the California
Tax Free Fund and New York Tax Free Fund, a statement of the percentage of the
prior calendar year's distributions which the Fund has designated
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as tax-exempt, the percentage of such tax-exempt distributions treated as a
tax-preference item for purposes of the alternative minimum tax, and in, the
case of the Tax Free Bond Fund, the source on a state-by-state basis of all
distributions.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE EQUITY INDEX FUND
Distributions of investment company taxable income generally are taxable to
shareholders as ordinary income. As a result of the Guarantee, distributions
from the Fund may not be eligible for the dividends-received deduction available
to corporations. Distributions of net capital gains, if any, designated by the
Fund as capital gain dividends are taxable to shareholders as long-term capital
gain, regardless of the length of time the Fund's shares have been held by a
shareholder, and are not eligible for the dividends-received deduction. All
distributions are taxable to the shareholder whether reinvested in additional
shares or received in cash. Shareholders will be notified annually as to the
Federal tax status of distributions.
In addition, although not considered likely, it is possible that
shareholders could be regarded for tax purposes as receiving a constructive
distribution(s) (which could be taxable) from the Fund to the extent that the
Guarantee is deemed to have value.
It is anticipated that capital gain or loss from the disposition of shares
will be eligible for treatment as long-term or short-term capital gain or loss
depending upon the shareholder's actual holding period for the shares. Investors
should be aware that, under recent IRS regulations, as a result of the
Guarantee, a shareholder's holding period for Fund shares might be deemed not to
commence until the Guarantee is paid or expires. In that event, the capital gain
or loss on the disposition of Fund shares would be short-term capital gain or
loss until such time as the shares have been held continuously by the
shareholder for the requisite long-term holding period (currently more than one
year for Federal income tax purposes) after the expiration or payment of the
Guarantee. The holding period for shares received from reinvestment of dividends
and distributions will commence no earlier than the reinvestment date but could
be delayed as described previously in this paragraph as a result of the
Guarantee. If reverse stock splits are done, a share may have a split holding
period reflecting the fact that part of the share represents a reinvested
dividend or distribution.
B-156
<PAGE>
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE CALIFORNIA TAX FREE FUND AND NEW YORK TAX
FREE FUND
Under California law, a mutual fund which qualifies as a regulated
investment company must have at least 50% of its total assets in obligations
exempt from California personal income tax at the end of each quarter of its
taxable year in order to be eligible to pay dividends which will be exempt from
California personal income tax. Generally, shareholders who are California
residents will not incur California personal income tax on the amount of exempt-
interest dividends received by them from the California Tax Free Fund and
derived from California state and local issues, whether taken in cash or
reinvested in additional shares. However, other taxes, such as the franchise
tax may apply. Shareholders will normally be subject to California personal
income tax on dividends paid from interest income derived from taxable
securities and from securities issued by states other than California and its
subsidiaries and on distributions of capital gains.
Deductions for interest on indebtedness incurred or continued by a
shareholder to purchase or carry shares of the Fund may be disallowed in whole
or in part for California personal income tax purposes.
Exempt-interest dividends paid by the New York Tax Free Fund from interest
on qualifying New York bonds generally are exempt from New York State and New
York City personal income taxes, but not corporate franchise taxes. Dividends
and distributions of the Fund derived from taxable income and capital gains are
not exempt from New York State and New York City taxes. Deductions for interest
on indebtedness incurred or continued by a shareholder to purchase or carry
shares of the Fund may be disallowed in whole or in part for New York State or
New York City personal income tax purposes.
Dividends from the California Tax Free Fund or New York Tax Free Fund
(including exempt-interest dividends), capital gains distributions from a Fund,
and any capital gains or losses realized from the sale or exchange of shares may
be subject to state and local taxes (as well as Federal taxes). However, the
portion of a distribution of a Fund's tax-exempt income that is attributable to
state and municipal securities issued within the shareholder's own state
generally will not be subject to state or local taxes. Individuals are often
exempt from state and local personal income taxes on distributions of tax-exempt
interest income derived from obligations of issuers located in the state in
which they reside when these distributions are received directly from these
issuers, but are usually subject to such taxes on income derived from
obligations of issuers located in
B-157
<PAGE>
other jurisdictions. Shareholders are urged to consult their tax advisers with
specific reference to their own federal, state and local tax situations.
ANNUAL STATEMENTS
Each shareholder of the California Tax Free Fund will be sent after the
close of the calendar year an annual statement as to the federal income tax and
California state personal income tax status of his or her dividends and
distributions from the Fund for the prior calendar year. Any dividends
attributable to interest on municipal obligations that are not California
municipal securities will be taxable as ordinary dividends for California state
personal income tax purposes even if such dividends are excluded from gross
income for federal income tax purposes. These statements will also designate the
amount of exempt-interest dividends that is a specific preference item for
purposes of the federal individual and corporate alternative minimum taxes. Each
shareholder also will receive, if appropriate, various written notices after the
close of the Fund's prior taxable year as to the federal income tax status of
his or her dividends and distributions which were received from the Fund during
the Fund's prior taxable year. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers as
to any other state and local taxes that may apply to these dividends and
distributions. The dollar amount of dividends excluded or exempt from federal
income taxation or California state personal income taxation, if any, will vary
for each shareholder depending upon the size and duration of each shareholder's
investment in the Fund.
Each shareholder of the New York Tax Free Fund will be sent after the close
of the calendar year an annual statement as to the federal income tax and New
York State and New York City personal income tax status of his or her dividends
and distributions from the Fund for the prior calendar year. These statements
will also designate the amount of exempt-interest dividends that is a specified
preference item for purposes of the federal individual and corporate alternative
minimum taxes. Each shareholder also will receive, if appropriate, various
written notices after the close of the Fund's prior taxable year as to the
federal income tax status of his or her dividends and distributions which were
received from the Fund during the Fund's prior taxable year. Shareholders
should consult their tax advisers as to any other state and local taxes that may
apply to these dividends and distributions. The dollar amounts of dividends
excluded or exempt from federal income taxation or New York State and City
personal income taxation and the dollar amount subject to federal income
taxation or New York State and City personal income taxation, if any, will vary
for each
B-158
<PAGE>
shareholder depending upon the size and duration of each shareholder's
investment in the Fund.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The foregoing discussion generally relates 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). Each shareholder who
is not a U.S. person should consult his or her tax adviser regarding the U.S.
and non-U.S. 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 30% (or at a lower rate under an applicable U.S. income tax treaty) on
amounts constituting ordinary income to him or her.
This discussion of the federal income tax treatment of each Fund and its
shareholders is based on the federal income tax law in effect as of the date of
this SAI.
ORGANIZATION AND CAPITALIZATION
GENERAL
The Funds are separate series of an open-end investment company, The
MainStay Funds ("Trust"), established under the laws of The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts by a Declaration of Trust dated January 9, 1986, as amended. The
Tax Free Bond Fund was originally formed as the MacKay-Shields MainStay Tax Free
Bond Fund pursuant to a Declaration of Trust on January 9, 1986 and became a
series of the Trust pursuant to a reorganization which occurred on May 29, 1987.
The Total Return Fund commenced operations on December 29, 1987. The Equity
Index Fund commenced operations on December 20, 1990. The California Tax Free
Fund and New York Tax Free Fund commenced operations on October 1, 1991. The
International Bond Fund and International Equity Fund commenced operations on
September 13, 1994. The Strategic Income Fund commenced operations on February
28, 1997. The organizational expenses of the Fund will be amortized and
deferred over a period not to exceed 60 months. The Declaration of Trust and
By-laws authorize the Trustees to establish additional series or "Funds" as well
as additional classes of shares.
VOTING RIGHTS
Shares entitle their holders to one vote per share; however, separate votes
will be taken by each Fund or class on matters affecting an individual Fund or a
particular class of shares issued by a Fund. Shares have noncumulative voting
rights, which
B-159
<PAGE>
means that holders of more than 50% of the shares voting for the election of
Trustees can elect all Trustees and, in such event, the holders of the remaining
shares voting for the election of Trustees will not be able to elect any person
or persons as Trustees. Shares have no preemptive or subscription rights and
are transferable.
SHAREHOLDER AND TRUSTEE LIABILITY
Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of such a trust may, under certain
circumstances, be held personally liable as partners for the obligations of the
trust. The Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of shareholder
liability for acts or obligations of the Trust. Notice of such disclaimer will
normally be given in each agreement, obligation or instrument entered into or
executed by the Trust or the Trustees. The Declaration of Trust provides for
indemnification by the relevant Fund for any loss suffered by a shareholder as a
result of an obligation of the Fund. The Declaration of Trust also provides
that the Trust shall, upon request, assume the defense of any claim made against
any shareholder for any act or obligation of the Trust and satisfy any judgment
thereon. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of
shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which a Fund would be
unable to meet its obligations. The Trustees believe that, in view of the
above, the risk of personal liability of shareholders is remote.
The Declaration of Trust further provides that the Trustees will not be
liable for errors of judgment or mistakes of fact or law, but nothing in the
Declaration of Trust protects a Trustee against any liability to which he or she
would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or
her office.
OTHER INFORMATION
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
Price Waterhouse LLP, 1177 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York,
10036, has been selected as independent public accountants of the Trust. The
Funds' Annual Reports, which are incorporated by reference in this SAI (included
in the case of the Equity Index Fund) have been so incorporated or included in
reliance on the reports of Price Waterhouse, independent public accountants,
given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
B-160
<PAGE>
LEGAL COUNSEL
Dechert Price & Rhoads, 1500 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005, passes
upon certain legal matters in connection with the shares offered by the Trust,
and also acts as counsel to the Trust.
SHARE OWNERSHIP OF THE FUNDS
The following table sets forth information concerning beneficial and record
ownership, as of April 1, 1997, of the Funds' shares by each person who
beneficially or of record owns more than five percent of the voting securities
of any Fund:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Shares Percentage of
Name and Address Beneficially Outstanding
Name of Fund of Shareholder Owned (1) Shares Owned
- ------------ ---------------- ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
California NYLIFE Distributors Inc.(2) 271,121 (Class A) 15.3% (Class A)
Tax Free Fund 260 Cherry Hill Road 12 (Class B) 0% (Class B)
Parsippany, NJ 07054
New York Tax NYLIFE Distributors Inc.(2) 499,488 (Class A) 34.7% (Class A)
Free Fund 260 Cherry Hill Road 12 (Class B) 0% (Class B)
Parsippany, NJ 07054
International NYLIFE Distributors Inc.(2) 750,163 (Class A) 70.8% (Class A)
Bond Fund 260 Cherry Hill Road 12 (Class B) 0% (Class B)
Parsippany, NJ 07054
International NYLIFE Distributors Inc.(2) 625,100 (Class A) 41.1% (Class A)
Equity Fund 260 Cherry Hill Road 11 (Class B) 0% (Class B)
Parsippany, NJ 07054
Strategic Income NYLIFE Distributors Inc.(2) 10 (Class A) 0% (Class A)
Fund 260 Cherry Hill Road 500,010 (Class B) 51.3% (Class B)
Parsippany, NJ 07054
Strategic Income New York Life Insurance 2,000,000 (Class A) 81.6% (Class A)
Fund Company General Account 0 (Class B) 0% (Class B)
51 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010
</TABLE>
___________________
(1) This information, not being within the knowledge of the Trust, has been
furnished by each of the above persons. Beneficial ownership is as defined
under Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Fractional
Shares have been omitted.
B-161
<PAGE>
(2) Mr. George Daoust, in connection with his position with NYLIFE
Distributors, has the power to vote all of the shares shown in the above
table owned by NYLIFE Distributors. Mr. Daoust disclaims beneficial
ownership of such shares.
NYLIFE Distributors Inc. is a corporation organized under the laws of
Delaware. NYLIFE Distributors Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of NYLIFE Inc.,
and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company.
CODE OF ETHICS
The Trust has adopted a Code of Ethics governing personal trading
activities of all Trustees, officers of the Trust and persons who, in connection
with their regular functions, play a role in the recommendation of any purchase
or sale of a security by the Trust or obtain information pertaining to such
purchase or sale or who have the power to influence the management or policies
of the Trust or an Investment Adviser unless such power is the result of their
position with the Trust or Investment Adviser. Such persons are generally
required to preclear all security transactions with the Trust's Compliance
Officer or his designee and to report all transactions on a regular basis. The
Trust has developed procedures for administration of the Code.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements of the Capital Appreciation Fund, California Tax
Free Fund, New York Tax Free Fund, Value Fund, Convertible Fund, Total Return
Fund, High Yield Corporate Bond Fund, Government Fund (formerly the Government
Plus Fund), Tax Free Bond Fund (formerly the MacKay-Shields MainStay Tax Free
Bond Fund), International Bond Fund, International Equity Fund, Equity Index
Fund and the Money Market Fund, including the Portfolio of Investments as of
December 31, 1996, the Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31,
1996, the Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 1996, the
Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the years ended December 31, 1996 and
1995, the Notes to the Financial Statements and the Reports of Independent
Accountants, all of which are included in the 1996 Annual Reports to the
Shareholders are hereby incorporated by reference into this Statement of
Additional Information.
An audited financial statement for NYLIFE Inc. as of December 31, 1996, is
included in this Statement of Additional Information.
B-162
<PAGE>
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of June 30, 1997 (unaudited)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
ASSETS:
Investment in securities, at value (identified cost $55,581,494) .................................................. $55,921,503
Cash denominated in foreign currencies (identified cost $73,280) ................................................... 74,006
Receivables:
Investment securities sold ....................................................................................... 2,984,210
Dividends and interest ........................................................................................... 975,944
Fund shares sold ................................................................................................. 354,628
Unrealized net appreciation on forward foreign currency contracts .................................................. 92,523
Unamortized organization expense ................................................................................... 200,320
-----------
Total assets .................................................................................................... 60,603,134
-----------
LIABILITIES:
Payables:
Investment securities purchased .................................................................................. 6,800,450
Custodian ........................................................................................................ 68,209
NYLIFE Distributors .............................................................................................. 31,955
Adviser .......................................................................................................... 6,118
Transfer agent ................................................................................................... 3,376
Fund shares redeemed ............................................................................................. 805
Trustees ......................................................................................................... 169
Accrued expenses ................................................................................................... 121,498
Dividend payable ................................................................................................... 292,009
-----------
Total liabilities ............................................................................................... 7,324,589
-----------
Net assets ......................................................................................................... $53,278,545
===========
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS:
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding (par value of $.01 per share) unlimited number of shares authorized:
Class A .......................................................................................................... $ 28,401
Class B .......................................................................................................... 24,267
Additional paid-in capital ......................................................................................... 52,559,160
Accumulated undistributed net investment income .................................................................... 56,541
Accumulated undistributed net realized gain on investments ......................................................... 181,146
Net unrealized appreciation on investments ......................................................................... 340,009
Net unrealized appreciation on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies and
forward foreign currency contracts ............................................................................... 89,021
-----------
Net assets ......................................................................................................... $53,278,545
===========
CLASS A
Net assets applicable to outstanding shares ........................................................................ $28,739,447
===========
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding .......................................................................... 2,840,093
===========
Net asset value per share outstanding .............................................................................. $ 10.12
Maximum sales charge (4.50% of offering price) ..................................................................... 0.48
-----------
Maximum offering price per share outstanding ....................................................................... $ 10.60
===========
CLASS B
Net assets applicable to outstanding shares ........................................................................ $24,539,098
===========
Shares of beneficial interest outstanding .......................................................................... 2,426,715
===========
Net asset value and offering price per share outstanding ........................................................... $ 10.11
===========
</TABLE>
The notes to the financial statements are an integral part of, and should be
read in conjunction with, the financial statements.
20
<PAGE>
Statement of Operations
for the period February 28* through June 30, 1997 (unaudited)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
Income:
Dividends ........................................................................................ $ 29,922
Interest ......................................................................................... 1,004,334
-----------
Total income .................................................................................... 1,034,256
-----------
Expenses:
Administration ................................................................................... 40,344
Advisory ......................................................................................... 40,344
Distribution--Class B ............................................................................ 36,617
Service .......................................................................................... 33,620
Shareholder communication ........................................................................ 18,155
Custodian ........................................................................................ 13,419
Transfer agent ................................................................................... 11,322
Professional ..................................................................................... 8,856
Amortization of organization expense ............................................................. 8,166
Registration ..................................................................................... 6,575
Recordkeeping .................................................................................... 5,598
Trustees ......................................................................................... 379
Miscellaneous .................................................................................... 3,094
-----------
Total expenses before reimbursement ............................................................. 226,489
Expense reimbursement from Administrator and Adviser ............................................... (35,220)
-----------
Net expenses .................................................................................... 191,269
-----------
Net investment income .............................................................................. 842,987
-----------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS AND FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS:
Net realized gain from:
Security transactions ............................................................................ 96,497
Foreign currency transactions .................................................................... 84,649
-----------
Net realized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions ................................. 181,146
-----------
Net unrealized appreciation on investments:
Security transactions ............................................................................ 340,009
Translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies and forward foreign currency contracts 89,021
-----------
Net unrealized gain on investments and foreign currencies .......................................... 429,030
-----------
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments and foreign currency transactions .................. 610,176
-----------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations ............................................... $ 1,453,163
===========
</TABLE>
- ----------
* Commencement of operations.
The notes to the financial statements are an integral part of, and should be
read in conjunction with, the financial statements.
21
<PAGE>
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
February 28, 1997*
through
June 30, 1997**
===============
<S> <C>
INCREASE IN NET ASSETS:
Operations:
Net investment income ........................................................................ $ 842,987
Net realized gain on investments ............................................................. 96,497
Net realized gain on foreign currency transactions ........................................... 84,649
Net unrealized appreciation on investments ................................................... 340,009
Net unrealized appreciation on translation of assets and liabilities in foreign currencies and
forward foreign currency contracts .......................................................... 89,021
------------
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations ......................................... 1,453,163
------------
Dividends to shareholders:
From net investment income:
Class A ..................................................................................... (480,207)
Class B ..................................................................................... (306,239)
------------
Total dividends to shareholders ............................................................. (786,446)
------------
Capital share transactions:
Net proceeds from sale of shares:
Class A ..................................................................................... 8,125,041
Class B ..................................................................................... 21,588,215
Net asset value of shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of dividends:
Class A ..................................................................................... 299,409
Class B ..................................................................................... 155,530
------------
30,168,195
Cost of shares redeemed:
Class A ..................................................................................... (59,783)
Class B ..................................................................................... (496,584)
------------
Increase in net assets derived from capital share transactions ............................ 29,611,828
------------
Net increase in net assets ................................................................ 30,278,545
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period ............................................................................ 23,000,000
------------
End of period .................................................................................. $ 53,278,545
============
Accumulated undistributed net investment income ................................................ $ 56,541
============
</TABLE>
- ----------
* Commencement of operations.
** Unaudited.
The notes to the financial statements are an integral part of, and should be
read in conjunction with, the financial statements.
22
<PAGE>
Financial Highlights selected per share data and ratios
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class A Class B
========== ==========
February 28, 1997*
through
June 30, 1997**
==========================
<S> <C> <C>
Net asset value at beginning of period .......................... $ 10.00 $ 10.00
---------- ----------
Net investment income ........................................... 0.18 0.16
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments ................. 0.08 0.08
Net realized and unrealized gain on foreign currency transactions 0.03 0.03
---------- ----------
Total from investment operations ................................ 0.29 0.27
---------- ----------
Less dividends:
From net investment income .................................... (0.17) (0.16)
---------- ----------
Net asset value at end of period ................................ $ 10.12 $ 10.11
========== ==========
Total investment return (a) ..................................... 2.97% 2.68%
Ratios (to average net assets)/Supplemental Data:
Net investment income ......................................... 6.54%+ 5.79%+
Net expenses .................................................. 1.15%+ 1.90%+
Expenses (before reimbursement) ............................... 1.41%+ 2.16%+
Portfolio turnover rate ......................................... 129% 129%
Net assets at end of period (in 000's) .......................... $ 28,740 $ 24,539
</TABLE>
- ----------
* Commencement of operations.
** Unaudited.
+ Annualized.
(a) Total return is calculated exclusive of sales charges and is not
annualized.
The notes to the financial statements are an integral part of, and should be
read in conjunction with, the financial statements.
23
<PAGE>
MainStay Strategic Income Fund
Note 1--Organization and Business:
The MainStay Funds were organized on January 9, 1986 as a Massachusetts Business
Trust. The Trust is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, (the "Act") as an open-end management investment company and is
comprised of fourteen funds. These financial statements and notes relate only to
MainStay Strategic Income Fund (the "Fund").
The Fund commenced operations on February 28, 1997, and currently offers two
classes of shares. Class A shares are offered at net asset value per share plus
an initial sales charge. Class B shares are offered without an initial sales
charge, although a declining contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed on
redemptions made within six years of purchase. Class A shares and Class B shares
bear the same voting (except for issues that relate solely to one class),
dividend, liquidation and other rights and conditions except that the Class B
shares are subject to higher distribution fee rates. Each class of shares bears
distribution and/or service fee payments under a distribution plan pursuant to
Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
The Fund's primary objective is to provide current income and competitive
overall return by investing primarily in domestic and foreign debt securities.
Note 2--Significant Accounting Policies:
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the
Fund:
Valuation of Fund Shares. The net asset value per share of each class of shares
is calculated on each day the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") is open
for trading as of the close of regular trading on the Exchange. The net asset
value per share of each class of shares is determined by taking the assets
attributable to a class of shares, subtracting the liabilities attributable to
that class, and dividing the result by the outstanding shares of that class.
Securities Valuation. Portfolio securities of the Fund are stated at value
determined (a) by appraising common and preferred stocks which are traded on the
New York Stock Exchange at the last sale price on that day or, if no sale
occurs, at the mean between the closing bid and asked prices, (b) by appraising
common and preferred stocks traded on other United States national securities
exchanges or foreign securities exchanges as nearly as possible in the manner
described in (a) by reference to their principal exchange, including the
National Association of Securities Dealers National Market System, (c) by
appraising over-the-counter securities quoted on the National Association of
Securities Dealers NASDAQ system (but not listed on the National Market System)
at the bid price supplied through such system, (d) by appraising
over-the-counter securities not quoted on the NASDAQ system at prices supplied
by the pricing agent or brokers selected by the Adviser, if these prices are
deemed to be representative of market values at the regular close of business of
the New York Stock Exchange, (e) by appraising debt securities at prices
supplied by a pricing agent selected by the Adviser, whose prices reflect
broker/dealer supplied valuations and electronic data processing techniques if
those prices are deemed by the Adviser to be representative of market values at
the regular close of
24
<PAGE>
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited)
business of the New York Stock Exchange (f) by appraising options and futures
contracts at the last sale price on the market where such options or futures are
principally traded, and (g) by appraising all other securities and other assets,
including debt securities for which prices are supplied by a pricing agent but
are not deemed by the Adviser to be representative of market values, but
excluding money market instruments with a remaining maturity of sixty days or
less and including restricted securities and securities for which no market
quotations are available, at fair value in accordance with procedures approved
by the Trustees. Short-term securities which mature in more than 60 days are
valued at current market quotations. Short-term securities which mature in 60
days or less are valued at amortized cost if their term to maturity at purchase
was 60 days or less, or by amortizing the difference between market value on the
61st day prior to maturity and market value on maturity date if their original
term to maturity at purchase exceeded 60 days.
Events affecting the values of certain portfolio securities that occur between
the close of trading on the principal market for such securities (foreign
markets and over-the-counter markets) and the regular close of the New York
Stock Exchange will not be reflected in the Fund's calculation of net asset
value unless the Adviser believes that the particular event would materially
affect net asset value, in which case an adjustment would be made.
Forward Currency Contracts. A forward currency contract is an agreement to buy
or sell currencies of different countries on a specified future date at a
specified rate. During the period the forward currency contract is open, changes
in the value of the contract are recognized as unrealized gains or losses by
"marking to market" such contract on a daily basis to reflect the market value
of the contract at the end of each day's trading. When the forward currency
contract is closed, the Fund records a realized gain or loss equal to the
difference between the proceeds from (or cost of) the closing transaction and
the Fund's basis in the contract. The Fund enters into forward currency
contracts in order to hedge its foreign currency denominated investments,
receivables and payables against adverse movements in future foreign exchange
rates.
The use of forward currency contracts involves, to varying degrees, elements of
market risk in excess of the amount recognized in the statement of assets and
liabilities. The contract or notional amounts reflect the extent of the Fund's
involvement in these financial instruments. Risks arise from the possible
movements in the foreign exchange rates underlying these instruments. The
unrealized appreciation/ depreciation on forward contracts reflects the Fund's
exposure at period end to credit loss in the event of a counterparty's failure
to perform its obligations.
25
<PAGE>
MainStay Strategic Income Fund
Forward foreign currency contracts open at June 30, 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Value on Unrealized
Contract Trade Current Appreciation/
Amount Date Value (Depreciation)
============= ============= ============= ==============
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Foreign Currency Sale Contracts
- -------------------------------
Australian Dollar, expiring 7/7/97-9/3/97 A$ 1,220,000 $ 951,913 $ 914,213 $ 37,700
Danish Krone, expiring 7/22/97 DK 3,890,000 592,348 587,456 4,892
Deutsche Mark, expiring 7/7/97-10/20/97 DM 16,220,269 9,487,975 9,330,700 157,275
French Franc, expiring 8/18/97 FF 2,395,000 411,601 409,306 2,295
Irish Punt, expiring 9/17/97 IP 375,000 571,886 565,082 6,804
Italian Lira, expiring 8/1/97 IL 1,790,000,000 1,056,146 1,050,730 5,416
Japanese Yen, expiring 7/7/97 (Yen) 94,250,800 820,000 824,600 (4,600)
New Zealand Dollar, expiring 7/23/97 ND 1,515,000 1,041,411 1,026,152 15,259
Pound Sterling, expiring 7/7/97 (Pound) 914,000 1,477,223 1,520,849 (43,626)
Spanish Peseta, expiring 8/1/97 SP 91,000,000 628,654 618,982 9,672
Swedish Krona, expiring 7/24/97-8/1/97 SK 11,330,000 1,480,405 1,467,022 13,383
Swiss Franc, expiring 7/10/97-9/29/97 CF 1,520,700 1,054,737 1,048,957 5,780
-------------
210,250
-------------
Foreign Currency Buy Contracts
- ------------------------------
Canadian Dollar, expiring 7/16/97 C$ 1,599,339 1,158,979 1,160,607 1,628
Deutsche Mark, expiring 7/7/97-9/29/97 DM 11,025,210 6,460,200 6,338,815 (121,385)
French Franc, expiring 8/18/97-8/20/97 FF 14,195,000 2,472,437 2,426,017 (46,420)
Italian Lira, expiring 8/1/97 IL 1,350,000,000 797,090 792,450 (4,640)
Japanese Yen, expiring 7/7/97 (Yen) 96,408,000 780,000 843,473 63,473
Pound Sterling, expiring 9/17/97 (Pound) 349,800 571,886 580,774 8,888
Spanish Peseta, expiring 7/16/97 SP 12,800,000 88,398 87,053 (1,345)
Swedish Krona, expiring 8/1/97 SK 3,650,000 475,508 472,660 (2,848)
Swiss Franc, expiring 7/10/97-9/29/97 CF 1,534,108 1,070,577 1,055,499 (15,078)
-------------
(117,727)
-------------
Net Appreciation $ 92,523
=============
</TABLE>
Restricted Securities. A restricted security is a security which has been
purchased through a private offering and cannot be resold to the general public
without prior registration under the Securities Act of 1933. Disposal of these
securities may involve time-consuming negotiations and expense, and prompt sale
at an acceptable price may be difficult. The Fund may not invest more than 10%
of its net assets in illiquid securities. At June 30, 1997 the Fund held no
restricted securities.
26
<PAGE>
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) continued
Organizational Costs. Costs incurred in connection with the Fund's initial
organization and registration totalled approximately $208,486 and are being
amortized over 60 months beginning at the commencement of operations.
Federal Income Taxes. The Fund's policy is to comply with the requirements of
the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to
distribute all of its taxable income to the shareholders of the Fund within the
allowable time limits. Therefore, no Federal income tax provision is required.
Investment income received by a Fund from foreign sources may be subject to
foreign income taxes withheld at the source.
Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders. Dividends and distributions are
recorded on the ex-dividend date. The Fund intends to declare and pay dividends
monthly. Income dividends and capital gain distributions are determined in
accordance with Federal income tax regulations which may differ from generally
accepted accounting principles.
Security Transactions and Investment Income. The Fund records security
transactions on the trade date. Realized gains and losses on security
transactions are determined using the identified cost method. Dividend income is
recognized on the ex-dividend date and interest income is accrued daily except
when collection is not expected. Discounts on securities purchased for the Fund
are accreted on the constant yield method over the life of the respective
securities or, if applicable, over the period to the first call date.
Income from payment-in-kind securities is recorded daily based on the effective
interest method of accrual.
The Fund invests in high yield bonds. These bonds may involve special risks not
commonly associated with investment in higher rated debt securities. High yield
bonds may be more susceptible to real or perceived adverse economic and
competitive industry conditions than higher grade bonds. Also, the secondary
market on which high yield bonds are traded may be less liquid than the market
for higher grade bonds.
Expenses. Expenses of the Trust are allocated to the individual Funds in
proportion to the net assets of the respective Funds when the expenses are
incurred except when allocations of direct expenses can otherwise fairly be
made. The investment income and expenses (other than expenses incurred under the
Distribution Plan) and realized and unrealized gains and losses on investments
of the Fund are allocated to separate classes of shares based upon their
relative net asset value on the date the income is earned or expenses and
realized and unrealized gains and losses are incurred.
Foreign Currency Investing. The books and records of the Fund are recorded in
U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars at the
mean between the buying and selling rates last quoted by any major U.S. bank at
the following dates:
27
<PAGE>
MainStay Strategic Income Fund
(i) market value of investment securities, other assets and liabilities--at the
valuation date,
(ii) purchases and sales of investment securities, income and expenses--at the
date of such transactions.
The assets and liabilities of the Fund are presented at the exchange rates and
market values at the close of the period. The changes in net assets arising from
fluctuations in exchange rates and the changes in net assets resulting from
changes in market prices are not separately presented. However, gains and losses
from certain foreign currency transactions are treated as ordinary income for
Federal income tax purposes.
Net realized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions represents net gains
and losses on forward currency contracts, net currency gains or losses realized
as a result of differences between the amounts of securities sale proceeds or
purchase cost, dividends, interest and withholding taxes as recorded on the
Fund's books, and the U.S. dollar equivalent amount actually received or paid.
Net currency gains or losses from valuing such foreign currency denominated
assets and liabilities at year end exchange rates are reflected in unrealized
foreign exchange gains.
There are certain risks involved in investing in foreign securities that are in
addition to the usual risks inherent in domestic instruments. These risks
include those resulting from future adverse political and economic developments
and possible imposition of currency exchange blockages or other foreign
governmental laws or restrictions.
Foreign cash held at June 30, 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Currency Cost Value
==================================================== ========= =========
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Argentinean Peso AP 3,586 $ 3,586 $ 3,586
Australian Dollar A$ 6,158 4,626 4,614
Canadian Dollar C$ 6,893 4,962 4,996
Danish Krone DK 8,382 1,299 1,264
Deutsche Mark DM 6,010 3,475 3,449
Irish Punt IP 2,184 3,267 3,295
Italian Lira IL 3,920,676 2,324 2,305
Pound Sterling (Pound) 24,280 39,699 40,409
Spanish Peseta SP 2 0(a) 0(a)
Swedish Krona SK 78,000 10,042 10,088
--------- ---------
$ 73,280 $ 74,006
========= =========
</TABLE>
- ----------
(a) Less than one dollar.
Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
28
<PAGE>
Notes to Financial Statements (unaudited) continued
Note 3--Fees and Related Party Policies:
Investment Advisory and Administration Fees. MacKay-Shields Financial
Corporation ("MacKay-Shields") acts as investment adviser to the Fund under an
Investment Advisory Agreement. MacKay-Shields is a registered investment adviser
and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company ("New
York Life"). NYLIFE Distributors Inc. ("NYLIFE Distributors"), an indirect
wholly-owned subsidiary of New York Life, is the Administrator for the Fund.
The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, pays the Adviser and Administrator each a
monthly fee for the services performed and the facilities furnished at an annual
rate of 0.30% of the average daily net assets of the Fund. The Adviser and the
Administrator have jointly agreed to voluntarily reduce their fees payable by
the Fund to the extent necessary such that total expenses do not exceed on an
annual basis 1.15% and 1.90% of the average daily net assets for Class A and B
shares, respectively, until such time as the Fund reaches $100 million in assets
or one year from the date of the Fund's commencement of operations, whichever
may occur first.
Distribution and Service Fees. The Trust, on behalf of the Fund, has a
Distribution Agreement with NYLIFE Distributors Inc. (the "Distributor"). The
Fund, with respect to each class of shares, has adopted a Distribution Plan (the
"Plan") in accordance with the provisions of Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.
Pursuant to the Class A Plan, the Distributor receives payments from the Fund at
an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Fund's Class A
shares, which is an expense of the Class A shares of the Fund for distribution
or service activities as designated by the Distributor. Pursuant to the Class B
Plan, the Fund's Class B shares are subject to the payment of a monthly
distribution fee, which is an expense of the Class B shares of the Fund, at the
annual rate of 0.75% of the average daily net assets of the Fund's Class B
shares. The Distribution Plan provides that the Class B shares of the Fund also
incur a service fee at the annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily net asset
value of the Class B shares of the Fund. Service fee as shown on the statement
of operations represents the fees for both Class A shares and Class B shares.
The Plan provides that the distribution fee is payable to NYLIFE Distributors
regardless of the amounts actually expended by NYLIFE Distributors for
distribution of the Fund's shares and service activities.
NYLIFE Distributors anticipates that its actual distribution expenditures will
substantially exceed the distribution fee received by it during the initial
years of the operation of the Plan and that in later years, its expenditures may
be less than the distribution fee.
Sales Charges. The Fund was advised that the amount of sales charge on sales of
Class A Fund shares retained by NYLIFE Distributors was $5,030 for the period
February 28, 1997, through June 30, 1997. The Fund was also advised that NYLIFE
Distributors retained contingent deferred sales charges for redemption of Class
B shares of $1,143 for the same period.
29
<PAGE>
MainStay Strategic Income Fund
Trustees Fees. Trustees, other than those affiliated with New York Life,
MacKay-Shields, NYLIFE Distributors or NYLIFE Securities, are paid an annual fee
of $40,000 and $1,000 for each Board and Audit Committee meeting attended plus
reimbursement for travel and out-of-pocket expenses. The Trust allocates this
expense in proportion to the net assets of the respective Funds.
Capital. At June 30, 1997, NYLIFE Distributors and New York Life held shares of
Class B with a net asset value of $5,134,344 and $20,594,897, which represents
20.9% and 83.9%, respectively, of the Class B net assets at period end.
Other. NYLIFE Distributors has received $285 for providing the Fund certain
transfer agency services for the period February 28, 1997, through April 30,
1997. Effective May 1, 1997, MainStay Shareholder Services Inc. ("MSS"), an
indirect wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company, was
appointed Transfer, Dividend Disbursing and Shareholder Servicing Agent. MSS was
paid $257 for services rendered May 1, 1997, through June 30, 1997.
Fees for the cost of legal services provided to the Fund by the Office of
General Counsel of New York Life amounted to $111 for the period February 28,
1997, through June 30, 1997.
Fees for recordkeeping services provided to the Fund by NYLIFE Distributors are
charged to the Fund. The fee for the period February 28, 1997, through June 30,
1997, amounted to $5,598.
Note 4--Purchases and Sales of Securities (in 000's):
During the period February 28, 1997, through June 30, 1997, purchases and sales
of U.S. Government securities were $25,495 and $19,341, respectively. Purchases
and sales of securities, other than U.S. Government securities, securities
subject to repurchase transactions and short-term securities, were $67,728 and
$24,419, respectively.
Note 5--Capital Share Transactions (in 000's):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
February 28* through
June 30, 1997**
=====================
Class A Class B
======= =======
<S> <C> <C>
Shares sold ........................................ 816 2,161
Shares issued in reinvestment of dividends ......... 30 16
------ ------
846 2,177
Shares redeemed .................................... (6) (50)
------ ------
Net increase ....................................... 840 2,127
====== ======
</TABLE>
- ----------
* Commencement of operations.
** Unaudited.
30
<PAGE>
THE MAINSTAY FUNDS
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 24. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
a. Financial Statements for MainStay Strategic Income Fund:
Included in Part A of this Registration Statement: Financial Highlights
for the period from February 28, 1997 (commencement of operations) through
June 30, 1997
Included herewith:
Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of June 30, 1997
Statement of Operations for the period February 28, 1997 (commencement of
operations) through June 30, 1997
Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the period ended June 30, 1997
Portfolio of Investments at June 30, 1997
Notes to Financial Statements
b. Exhibits:
1. (a) Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust dated August 30, 1991
-- Previously filed as Exhibit 1(a) to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 13*
(b) Fifth Amended and Restated Establishment and Designation of
Series of Shares of Beneficial Interest, Par Value $.01 Per Share
dated October 26, 1992 -- Previously filed as Exhibit 1(b) to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 16*
(c) Establishment and Designation of Additional Series of Shares of
Beneficial Interest, Par Value $.01 Per Share --Previously filed
as Exhibit 1(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 11*
(d) Form of Establishment and Designation of Additional Series of
Shares of Beneficial Interest, Par Value $.01 Per Share --
Previously filed as Exhibit 1(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No.
23*
(e) Form of Declaration of Trust as Amended and Restated December 31,
1994 -- Previously filed as Exhibit 1(e) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 27*
____________________
* Previously filed as part of this Registration Statement and incorporated
herein by reference.
<PAGE>
(f) Form of Establishment and Designation of Additional Series of
Shares of Beneficial Interest, Par Value $.01 Per Share --
Previously filed as Exhibit 1(e) to Post-Effective Amendment No.
28*
(g) Form of Establishment and Designation of an Additional Series of
Shares of Beneficial Interest, Par Value $.01 Per Share --
Previously filed as Exhibit 1(g) to Post-Effective Amendment No.
35*
(h) Establishment and Designation of an Additional Series of Shares
of Beneficial Interest, Par Value $.01 Per Share --Previously
filed as Exhibit 1(h) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 38*
2. (a) Amended and Restated By-laws dated August 30, 1991--Previously
filed as Exhibit 2 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 13*
(b) Amended and Restated By-Laws dated December 31, 1994 --Previously
filed as Exhibit 2(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 32*
3. Inapplicable
4. Specimen Share Certificate -- Previously filed as Exhibit 4
to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2*
5. (a)(1) Revised Form of Investment Advisory Agreement --Capital
Appreciation Fund -- Previously filed as Exhibit 5(a)(1) to
Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2*
(2) Revised Form of Investment Advisory Agreement -- Value
Fund -- Previously filed as Exhibit 5(a)(2) to Pre-Effective
Amendment No. 2*
(3) Revised Form of Investment Advisory Agreement --Convertible
Fund -- Previously filed as Exhibit 5(a)(3) to Pre-Effective
Amendment No. 2*
(4) Revised Form of Investment Advisory Agreement -- High Yield
Corporate Bond Fund --Previously filed as Exhibit 5(a)(4) to
Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2*
(5) Revised Form of Investment Advisory Agreement --Government
Fund -- Previously filed as Exhibit 5(a)(5) to Pre-Effective
Amendment No. 2*
____________________
* Previously filed as part of this Registration Statement and incorporated
herein by reference.
C-2
<PAGE>
(6) Revised Form of Investment Advisory Agreement -- Money
Market Fund -- Previously filed as Exhibit 5(a)(6) to Pre-
Effective Amendment No. 2*
(7) Form of Investment Advisory Agreement -- Tax Free Bond
Fund -- Previously filed as Exhibit 5(a)(7) to Post-
Effective Amendment No. 2*
(8) Revised Form of Investment Advisory Agreement -- Total
Return Fund -- Previously filed as Exhibit 5(a)(9) to Post-
Effective Amendment No. 4*
(9) Form of Investment Advisory Agreement --Equity Index Fund --
Previously filed as Exhibit 5(a) to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 7*
(10) Form of Investment Advisory Agreement --California Tax Free
Fund and New York Tax Free Fund -- Previously filed as
Exhibit 5(a) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 11*
(11) Form of Investment Advisory Agreement --International Equity
Fund and International Bond Fund -- Previously filed as
Exhibit 5 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 23*
(12) Form of Investment Advisory Agreement--Strategic Income
Fund -- Previously filed as Exhibit 5(a)(12) to Post-
Effective Amendment No. 35*
(13) Form of Management Agreement -- Strategic Value Fund --
Previously filed as Exhibit 5(a)(13) to Post Effective
Amendment No. 38*
(b)(1) Form of Sub-Advisory Agreement -- Strategic Value Fund --
Previously filed as Exhibit 5(b)(1) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 38*
6.(a)(1) Form of Distribution Agreement -- Previously filed as Exhibit
6(a) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 22*
(b) Form of Soliciting Dealer Agreement -- Previously filed as
Exhibit 6(b) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1*
____________________
* Previously filed as part of this Registration Statement and incorporated
herein by reference.
C-3
<PAGE>
7. Inapplicable
8.(a) Custodian Contract with State Street Bank and Trust Company --
Previously filed as Exhibit 8(a) to Pre-Effective Amendment No.
1*
(b) Fee schedule for Exhibit 8(a) -- Previously filed as Exhibit 8(b)
to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2*
(c) Custodian Contract with The Bank of New York --Previously filed
as Exhibit 8(a) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 7*
9.(a)(1) Form of Transfer Agency Agreement -- Previously filed as Exhibit
9(a)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 37*
(2) Form of Subtransfer Agency Agreement -- Previously filed as
Exhibit 9(a)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 37*
(b)(1) Form of Administration Agreement -- Equity Index Fund --
Previously filed as Exhibit 9(b) to Post Effective Amendment No.
20*
(2) Form of Administration Agreement -- California Tax Free Fund and
New York Tax Free Fund -- Previously filed as Exhibit 9(b) to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 21*
(3) Form of Composite Administration Agreement --Capital Appreciation
Fund, Value Fund, Convertible Fund, Total Return Fund, High Yield
Corporate Bond Fund, Government Fund and Tax Free Bond Fund --
Previously filed as Exhibit 9(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No.
22*
(4) Form of Administration Agreement -- International Equity Fund and
International Bond Fund --Previously filed as Exhibit 9(b) to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 23*
(5) Form of Administration Agreement -- Strategic Income Fund --
Previously filed as Exhibit 9(b)(5) to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 35*
(c) Form of Fund Accounting Service Agreement --Previously filed as
Exhibit 9(11) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6*
(d) Form of Guaranty Agreement -- Equity Index Fund --Previously
filed as Exhibit 9(c) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 7*
____________________
* Previously filed as part of this Registration Statement and incorporated
herein by reference.
C-4
<PAGE>
(e) Form of Services Agreement between The MainStay Funds and NYLIFE
Distributors Inc. -- Previously filed as Exhibit 9(b) to Post-
Effective Amendment No. 25*
(f) Form of Service Agreement -- Previously filed as Exhibit 9(g) to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 33*
(g) Form of Service Agreement with New York Life Benefit Services,
Inc. -- Previously filed as Exhibit 9(g) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 37*
10. Opinion and consent of counsel**
11. Consent of independent accountants
12. Inapplicable
13. Investment representation letter relating to initial capital --
Previously filed as Exhibit 13 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1*
14.(a)(1) Revised Form of 403(b) Account Application --Previously filed as
Exhibit 14(a)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3*
(2) Revised Form of 403(b) Custodial Agreement --Previously filed as
Exhibit 14(a)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 3*
(b)(1) Form of 401(k) Adoption Agreement -- Previously filed as Exhibit
14(b)(1) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2*
(2) Form of 401(k) Plan and Trust -- Previously filed as Exhibit
14(b)(2) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2*
(c)(1) Form of IRS Form 5305-A -- Previously filed as Exhibit 14(c)(1)
to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2*
(2) Revised Form of IRS Adoption Agreement and Custodian Disclosure
Statement*
(3) Form of MainStay Funds Individual Retirement Account Application
and Transfer Request*
____________________
* Previously filed as part of this Registration Statement and incorporated
herein by reference.
** Previously filed with Rule 24f-2 Notice on February 25, 1997 and
incorporated herein by reference.
C-5
<PAGE>
15.(a)(1) Form of Composite Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1
(Class A shares) as approved October 30, 1995 --Capital
Appreciation Fund, Value Fund, Convertible Fund, Total Return
Fund, High Yield Corporate Bond Fund, Government Fund and Tax
Free Bond Fund --Previously filed as Exhibit 15(a)(1) to Post-
Effective Amendment No. 32*
(2) Form of Composite Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1
(Class B Shares) as approved October 30, 1995 --Capital
Appreciation Fund, Value Fund, Convertible Fund, Global Fund,
Total Return Fund, Natural Resources/Gold Fund, High Yield
Corporate Bond Fund, Government Fund and Tax Free Bond Fund --
Previously filed as Exhibit 15(a)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 32*
(3) Form of Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Class A
Shares) as approved October 30, 1995 --International Equity Fund
and International Bond Fund-- Previously filed as Exhibit
15(a)(3) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 33*
(4) Form of Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Class B
Shares) as approved October 30, 1995 --International Equity Fund
and International Bond Fund --Previously filed as Exhibit
15(a)(4) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 33*
(5) Form of Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Class A
Shares) as approved October 30, 1995 --California Tax Free Fund,
New York Tax Free Fund and Equity Index Fund -- Previously filed
as Exhibit 15(a)(5) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 33*
(6) Form of Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Class B
Shares) as approved October 30, 1995 --California Tax Free Fund
and New York Tax Free Fund --Previously filed as Exhibit 15(a)(6)
to Post-Effective Amendment No. 33*
(7) Form of Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Class A
Shares) -- MainStay Strategic Income Fund --Previously filed as
Exhibit 15(a)(7) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 34*
(8) Form of Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Class B
Shares) -- MainStay Strategic Income Fund --Previously filed as
Exhibit 15(a)(8) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 34*
(9) Form of Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Class A
shares) -- MainStay Strategic Value Fund --Previously filed as
Exhibit 15(a)(9) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 38*
C-6
<PAGE>
(10) Form of Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (Class B
shares) -- MainStay Strategic Value Fund --Previously filed as
Exhibit 15(a)(10) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 38*
16. Inapplicable
17. Financial Data Schedules -- MainStay Strategic Income Fund
18. Form of Multiple Class Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 --Previously
filed as Exhibit 18 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 30*
____________________
* Previously filed as part of this Registration Statement and incorporated
herein by reference.
C-7
<PAGE>
ITEM 25. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH
REGISTRANT
The following chart indicates the persons controlled by New York Life:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Jurisdiction of Percent of Voting
Name+ Organization Securities Owned
----- --------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Eagle Strategies Corporation Arizona 100%
Greystone Realty Corporation which owns 100% Delaware 100%
of the shares of:
Greystone Realty Management, Inc. Delaware
NYLIFE Administration Corp. Texas 100%
(doing business as NYLACOR)
MacKay-Shields Financial Corporation Delaware 100%
MSC Holding, Inc. (formerly Magnus Software Georgia 85.43%
Corporation, Inc.)
MainStay Institutional Funds Inc. Maryland ***
Monitor Capital Advisors, Inc. Delaware 100%
NYLIFE SFD Holding, Inc. Delaware 100%
which owns 83.33% of NYLIFE
Structured Asset Management Company Ltd. Texas
New York Life Capital Corporation Delaware 100%
New York Life Fund, Inc. New York *
New York Life Insurance and Annuity Delaware 100%
Corporation
New York Life International Investment Inc. Delaware 100%
which owns 100% of the shares of:
Monetary Research Ltd. Bermuda
and 100% of the shares of:
NYL Management Limited which owns United Kingdom
33.345% of the shares of:
Japan Gamma Asset Management Limited Japan
MainStay VP Series Fund, Inc. Maryland *
New York Life Worldwide Holding, Inc., which Delaware 100%
owns 100% of the shares of:
New York Life Worldwide Capital, Inc. Delaware
</TABLE>
C-8
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Jurisdiction of Percent of Voting
Name+ Organization Securities Owned
----- --------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
New York Life Worldwide Development, Delaware
Inc.
New York Life Worldwide (Bermuda) Ltd. Bermuda
New York Life Insurance Worldwide Ltd. Bermuda
and owns 99.97% of the shares of
New York Life (U.K.) Ltd., which owns United Kingdom
100% of the shares of:
Windsor Construction Company Limited England
and owns 51% of the shares of:
KOHAP New York Life Insurance Ltd. South Korea
and owns 50.2% of the shares of:
P.T. Asuransi Jiwa Sewu-New York Life Indonesia
and owns 49% of the shares of:
GEO New York Life, S.A. and owns Mexico
31.25% of the shares of:
Life Assurance Holding Corporation
Limited, which owns 100% of the shares United Kingdom
of:
Windsor Life Assurance Company
Limited England
Gresham Life Assurance Society
Limited England
NYLCO, Inc. New York 100%
NYLIFE Depositary Corporation which owns Delaware 100%
16.67% of NYLIFE Structured Asset Texas
Management Company Ltd.
New York Life Benefit Services, Inc.
which owns Massachusetts 100%
100% of ADQ Insurance Agency Inc. Massachusetts
New York Life Trust Company New York 100%
NYLICO, Inc. New York 100%
(formerly New York Life Capital Corp.)
NYLIFE Distributors Inc. Delaware 100%
NYLIFE Equity Inc. Delaware 100%
NYLIFE Funding Inc. Delaware 100%
</TABLE>
C-9
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Jurisdiction of Percent of Voting
Name+ Organization Securities Owned
----- --------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
NYLIFE Healthcare Management Inc., which Delaware
owns 46.3% of total combined stock and
89.6% of the voting rights of:
Express Scripts, Inc., which owns 100% of Delaware
the shares of:
Great Plains Reinsurance Company Canada
Practice Patterns Science, Inc.
ESI Canada Holdings, Inc., which owns Canada
100% of the shares of:
ESI Canada, Inc. Canada
IVTx of Houston, Inc. Texas
IVTx of Dallas, Inc. Texas
PhyNet, Inc. Delaware
Express Scripts Vision Corporation Delaware
NYLCare Health Plans, Inc. Delaware
(formerly Sanus Corp. Health Systems),
which owns 100% of the shares of:
New York Life and Health Insurance
Company Delaware
Avanti Corporate Health Systems Inc. Delaware
Avanti Health Systems, Inc., which owns Texas
100% of the shares of:
Avanti of the District, Inc. Maryland
Avanti of Illinois, Inc. Illinois
Avanti of New York, Inc. New York
Avanti of New Jersey, Inc. New Jersey
and owns 80% of the shares of:
NYLCare Health Plans of the Mid- Maryland
Atlantic, Inc., which owns 100% of the
shares of:
Physicians Health Services Maryland
Foundation, Inc.
Lonestar Holding Co., which owns 90% Delware
of the shares of:
Lone Star Health Plan, Inc., which New York
owns 100% of the shares of:
NYLCare Health Plans of the Texas
Gulf Coast, Inc.
Prime Provider Corp., which owns 100% New York
of the shares of:
Prime Provider Corp. of Texas Texas
NYLCare of Connecticut, Inc. Connecticut
Sanus Dental Plan of New Jersey, Inc. New Jersey
NYLCare Dental Plans of the
Southwest, Inc. Texas
NYLCare Health Plans of New York, New York
Inc.
</TABLE>
C-10
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Jurisdiction of Percent of Voting
Name+ Organization Securities Owned
- ---- --------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
NYLCare Health Plans of Connecticut, Connecticut
Inc.
NYLCare Health Plans of Midwest, Illinois
Inc.
NYLCare Health Plans of New Jersey, New Jersey
Inc.
NYLCare of Texas, Inc., which owns Texas
100% of the shares of:
NYLCare Passport PPO of the Texas
Southwest, Inc.
Sanus Preferred Providers West, Inc. California
Sanus Preferred Services, Inc. Maryland
Sanus Preferred Services of Illinois, Inc. Illinois
NYLCare Health Plans of the Texas
Southwest, Inc.
WellPath of Arizona Reinsurance Arizona
Company
NYLCare Health Plans of Louisiana, Louisiana
Inc.
NYLCare of New England, Inc. Delaware
Sanus - Northeast, Inc. Delaware
NYLCare Health Plans of Maine, Inc. Maine
NYLCare NC Holdings, Inc. Delaware
WellPath Community Health Plan North Carolina
Holdings, L.L.C.
which owns 100% of WPCHP Holdings, Delaware
Inc. and 99% of:
WellPath Preferred Services, L.L.C. North Carolina
and
WellPath Select Holdings, L.L.C. North Carolina
WellPath of Carolina, Inc. North Carolina
WellPath Select, Inc. North Carolina
Sanus of New York and New Jersey, Inc. New York
NYLCare Health Plans of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania
Inc.
Docservo, Inc. New York
The ETHIX Corporation, which owns Delaware
100% of the shares of:
ETHIX Great Lakes, Inc. Michigan
ETHIX Mid-Atlantic, Inc., which Pennsylvania
owns 100% of the shares of:
PriMed, Inc. New Jersey
ETHIX Midlands, Inc. Delaware
ETHIX Mid-Rivers, Inc. Missouri
ETHIX Northwest Public Services, Washington
Inc.
ETHIX Northwest, Inc., Washington
</TABLE>
C-11
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Jurisdiction of Percent of Voting
Name+ Organization Securities Owned
---- --------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
which owns 100% of:
NYLCare Health Plans Northwest, Washington
Inc.
ETHIX Pacific, Inc. Oregon
ETHIX Risk Management, Inc. Oregon
ETHIX Southeast, Inc. North Carolina
ETHIX Southwest, Inc. Texas
Benefit Panel Services which owns 100% of the California
shares of VivaHealth, Incorporated California
One Liberty Plaza Holdings, Inc. Delaware
NYLIFE Inc. New York 100%
NYLIFE Insurance Company of Arizona Arizona 100%
NYLIFE Realty Inc. which owns 100% of the Delaware 100%
shares of: CNP Realty Investments, Inc. Delaware
NYLIFE Refinery, Inc. Delaware 100%
NYLIFE Resources Inc. Delaware 100%
NYLIFE Securities Inc. New York 100%
NYLINK Insurance Agency Incorporated Delaware 100%
which owns 100% of the shares of:
NYLINK Insurance Agency of Alabama Alabama
NYLINK Insurance Agency of New Mexico New Mexico
NYLTEMPS Inc. Delaware 100%
</TABLE>
_____________________
+ By including the indicated corporations in this list, New York Life is not
stating or admitting that said corporations are under its actual control;
rather, these corporations are listed here to ensure full compliance with
the requirements of this Form N-1A.
* New York Life serves as investment adviser to these entities, the shares of
which are held of record by separate accounts of New York Life (for the New
York Life Fund, Inc.) and NYLIAC (for the MainStay VP Series Fund, Inc.).
New York Life disclaims any beneficial ownership and control of these
entities.
** New York Life Foundation does not issue voting securities.
*** MacKay-Shields Financial Corporation and Monitor Capital Advisors, Inc.
serve as investment advisers to this entity.
C-12
<PAGE>
Item 26. Number of Holders of Securities (as of June 30, 1997)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(2)
(1) NUMBER OF
TITLE OF CLASS RECORD HOLDERS
-------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Shares of Common Stock: Class A Class B
------- -------
Shares of beneficial interest,
Capital Appreciation Fund 15,015 129,107
Shares of beneficial interest,
Value Fund 6,773 89,956
Shares of beneficial interest,
Convertible Fund 3,750 46,968
Shares of beneficial interest,
High Yield Corporate Bond Fund 5,798 101,204
Shares of beneficial interest,
Government Fund 652 43,528
Shares of beneficial interest,
Tax Free Bond Fund 407 16,401
Shares of beneficial interest,
Money Market Fund 3,998 39,195
Shares of beneficial interest,
Total Return Fund 4,419 47,887
Shares of beneficial interest,
Equity Index Fund 15,086 --
Shares of beneficial interest,
California Tax Free Fund 533 212
Shares of beneficial interest,
New York Tax Free Fund 431 171
Shares of beneficial interest,
International Equity Fund 1,421 4,911
Shares of beneficial interest,
International Bond Fund 311 1,507
Shares of beneficial interest,
Strategic Income Fund 241 682
Shares of beneficial interest,
Strategic Value Fund ------ ------
</TABLE>
ITEM 27. INDEMNIFICATION
New York Life Insurance Company maintains Directors & Officers Liability
insurance coverage totaling $100 million. The coverage limit applies each year
and has been extended to cover Directors, Trustees and Officers of the Trust,
and subsidiaries and certain affiliates of New York Life. Subject to the
policies' terms, conditions, deductible and retentions, Directors, Officers and
Trustees are covered for claims,
C-13
<PAGE>
including related expenses, made against them while acting in their capacities
as such. The primary policy in the amount of $25 million is issued by National
Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA, and the excess policies in the
amount at $75 million are issued by various insurance companies. The issuing
insurance companies may be changed from time to time and there is no assurance
that any or all of the current coverage will be maintained by New York Life.
Article IV of Registrant's Declaration of Trust states as follows:
Section 4.3. Mandatory Indemnification.
(a) Subject to the exceptions and limitations contained in paragraph (b)
below:
(i) every person who is, or has been, a Trustee or officer of the
Trust shall be indemnified by the Trust, or by one or more Series thereof
if the claim arises from his or her conduct with respect to only such
Series to the fullest extent permitted by law against all liability and
against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him in connection with
any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he becomes involved as a
party or otherwise by virtue of his being or having been a Trustee or
officer and against amounts paid or incurred by him in the settlement
thereof;
(ii) the words "claim," "action," "suit," or "proceeding" shall
apply to all claims, actions, suits or proceedings (civil, criminal, or
other, including appeals), actual or threatened; and the words "liability"
and "expenses" shall include, without limitation, attorneys' fees, costs,
judgments, amounts paid in settlement, fines, penalties and other
liabilities.
(b) No indemnification shall be provided hereunder to a Trustee or
officer:
(i) against any liability to the Trust or a Series thereof or the
Shareholders by reason of a final adjudication by a court or other body
before which a proceeding was brought that he engaged in willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the
duties involved in the conduct of his office;
(ii) with respect to any matter as to which he shall have been
finally adjudicated not to have acted in good
C-14
<PAGE>
faith in the reasonable belief that his action was in the best interest of
the Trust or a Series thereof;
(iii) in the event of a settlement or other disposition not involving
a final adjudication as provided in paragraph (b)(i) or (b)(ii) resulting
in a payment by a Trustee or officer, unless there has been a determination
that such Trustee or officer did not engage in willful misfeasance, bad
faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the
conduct of his office;
(A) by the court or other body approving the settlement or other
disposition; or
(B) based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a
full trial-type inquiry) by (x) vote of a majority of the Disinterested
Trustees acting on the matter (provided that a majority of the
Disinterested Trustees then in office act on the matter) or (y) written
opinion of independent legal counsel.
(c) The rights of indemnification herein provided may be insured against
by policies maintained by the Trust, shall be severable, shall not affect any
rights to which any Trustee or officer may now or hereafter be entitled, shall
continue as to a person who has ceased to be such Trustee or officer and shall
inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors, administrators and assigns of such
a person. Nothing contained herein shall affect any rights to indemnification
to which personnel of the Trust other than Trustees and officers may be entitled
by contract or otherwise under law.
(d) Expenses of preparation and presentation of a defense to any claim,
action, suit, or proceedings of the character described in paragraph (a) of this
Section 4.3 shall be advanced by the Trust or a Series thereof to final
disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the
recipient, to repay such amount if it is ultimately determined that he is not
entitled to indemnification under this Section 4.3, provided that either:
(i) such undertaking is secured by surety bond or some other
appropriate security provided by the recipient, or the Trust or a Series
thereof shall be insured against losses arising out of any such advances;
or
(ii) a majority of the Non-interested Trustees acting on the matter
(provided that a majority of the Disinterested Trustees acts on the matter)
or an
C-15
<PAGE>
independent legal counsel in a written opinion shall determine, based upon
a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type
inquiry), that there is reason to believe that the recipient ultimately
will be found entitled to indemnification.
As used in this Section 4.3, a "Non-interested Trustee" is one who is not
(i) an "Interested Person" of the Trust (including anyone who has been exempted
from being an "Interested Person" by any rule, regulation or order of the
Commission), or (ii) involved in the claim, action, suit or proceeding.
ITEM 28. BUSINESS OR OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISER
The business of MainStay Management, Inc., MacKay-Shields Financial
Corporation and Monitor Capital Advisors, Inc. is summarized under "Know with
Whom You're Investing" in the Prospectus constituting Part A of this
Registration Statement, which summary is incorporated herein by reference.
The business or other connections of each director and officer of MainStay
Management, Inc. is currently listed in the investment adviser registration on
Form ADV for MainStay Management, Inc. (File No. ___________) and is hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
The business or other connections of each director and officer of MacKay-
Shields Financial Corporation is currently listed in the investment adviser
registration on Form ADV for MacKay-Shields Financial Corporation (File No. 801-
5594) and is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
The business or other connections of each director and officer of Monitor
Capital Advisors, Inc. is currently listed in the investment adviser
registration on Form ADV for Monitor Capital Advisors, Inc. (File No. 801-34412)
and is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
C-16
<PAGE>
ITEM 29. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS
(a) None.
(b)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(3)
(1) (2) Positions and
Name and Principal Position and Office with Offices with
Business Address NYLIFE Distributors Inc. Registrant
- ------------------- ------------------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Mistero, Frank Director, President and Chief None
260 Cherry Hill Road Executive Officer
Parsippany, NJ 07054
Boyce, Jefferson C. Director Senior Vice President
51 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010
Brady, Robert E. Director and Vice President None
260 Cherry Hill Road
Parsippany, NJ 07054
Kane, Alice T. Director Chairperson
51 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010
Boccio, Frank M. Director None
51 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010
Rock, Robert D. Director None
51 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010
Gallo, Michael G. Director None
51 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010
Hildebrand, Phillip J. Director None
51 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010
Roussin, Stephen Director President and Chief
Morris Corporate Center I Executive Officer
Building A
300 Interpace Parkway
Parsippany, NJ 07054
Polis, Anthony W. Vice President and Chief Chief Financial Officer
Morris Corporate Center I Financial Officer
Building A
300 Interpace Parkway
Parsippany, NJ 07054
Calhoun, Jay S. Vice President and Treasurer None
51 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010
</TABLE>
C-17
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(3)
(1) (2) Positions and
Name and Principal Position and Office with Offices with
Business Address NYLIFE Distributors Inc. Registrant
- ------------------- ------------------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Ubl, Walter W. Director and Senior Vice President None
260 Cherry Hill Road
Parsippany, NJ 07054
Warga, Thomas J. Senior Vice President and General Auditor None
51 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010
Livornese, Linda M. Vice President None
51 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010
Murray, Thomas J. Corporate Vice President None
51 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010
Zuccaro, Richard W. Tax Vice President Tax Vice
51 Madison Avenue President
New York, NY 10010
Krystel, David J. Vice President None
51 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010
Zwarick, Phyllis Corporate Vice President None
51 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010
O'Byrne, John H. Vice President and Chief None
51 Madison Avenue Compliance Officer
New York, NY 10010
Adasse, Louis H. Corporate Vice President None
51 Madison Avenue,
New York, NY 10010
Daoust, George R. Assistant Vice President None
Morris Corporate Center I
Building A
300 Interpace Parkway
Parsippany, NJ 07054
Arizmendi, Arphiela Assistant Vice President Assistant Treasurer
Morris Corporate Center I
Building A
300 Interpace Parkway
Parsippany, NJ 07054
Cirillo, Antoinette B. Assistant Vice President Assistant Treasurer
Morris Corporate Center I
Building A
300 Interpace Parkway
Parsippany, NJ 07054
</TABLE>
C-18
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(3)
(1) (2) Positions and
Name and Principal Position and Office with Offices with
Business Address NYLIFE Distributors Inc. Registrant
- ------------------- ------------------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Lorito, Geraldine Assistant Vice President Assistant Treasurer
Morris Corporate Center I
Building A
300 Interpace Parkway
Parsippany, NJ 07054
Gomez, Mark A. Assistant Secretary None
51 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010
Brenner, Nancy Secretary None
51 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010
</TABLE>
(c) Inapplicable.
ITEM 30. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS.
Certain 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, the Manager and
NYLIFE Distributors Inc., Morris Corporate Center I, Building A, 300 Interpace
Parkway, Parsippany, NJ 07054, at MacKay-Shields Financial Corporation, 9 West
57th Street, New York, NY 10019; Monitor Capital Advisors, Inc., 504 Carnegie
Center, Princeton, New Jersey 08540. Records relating to the Registrant's
transfer agent are maintained by MainStay Shareholder Services Inc., 200 Cherry
Hill Road, Parsippany, NJ 07054. Records relating to the duties of the
Registrant's custodian for the Capital Appreciation Fund, Convertible Fund, High
Yield Corporate Bond Fund, Government Fund, Money Market Fund, Tax Free Fund,
Total Return Fund and Value Fund are maintained by State Street Bank and Trust
Company, 1776 Heritage Drive, Quincy, MA 02171; and records relating to
Registrant's custodian for the California Tax Free Fund, New York Tax Free Fund,
International Equity Fund, International Bond Fund, Equity Index Fund, Strategic
Income Fund and Strategic Value Fund are maintained by The Bank of New York, 110
Washington Street, New York, NY 10286.
ITEM 31. MANAGEMENT SERVICES.
Inapplicable.
C-19
<PAGE>
ITEM 32. UNDERTAKINGS.
b. The Registrant hereby undertakes to file a post-effective amendment,
including financial statements relating to the MainStay Strategic Value
Fund, which need not be certified, within four to six months from the
effective date of Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 to the Registration
Statement under the Securities Act of 1933.
c. The Registrant hereby undertakes to furnish each person to whom a
prospectus is delivered a copy of the Registrant's latest annual report to
shareholders upon request and without charge.
Other. Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to trustees, officers and controlling
persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or
otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the
Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against
public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the
Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such trustee, officer or controlling person
in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant
will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled
by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by
the final adjudication of such issue.
C-20
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant hereby certifies that it meets
all of the requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement
pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused
this Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to its Registration Statement to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New
York and the State of New York, on the 26/th/ day of August, 1997.
THE MAINSTAY FUNDS
By: /s/Stephen Roussin
--------------------------
STEPHEN ROUSSIN, President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Post-
Effective Amendment No. 39 to the Registration Statement has been signed below
by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signatures Title Date
---------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
***** Chairperson and Trustee August 26, 1997
- --------------------
ALICE T. KANE
**** Trustee August 26, 1997
- --------------------
WALTER W. UBL
** Chief Financial Officer August 26, 1997
- -------------------- (Principal Financial and
ANTHONY W. POLIS Accounting Officer)
******* Trustee August 26, 1997
- --------------------
HARRY G. HOHN
****** Trustee August 26, 1997
- --------------------
DONALD E. NICKELSON
* Trustee August 26, 1997
- --------------------
NANCY M. KISSINGER
*** Trustee August 26, 1997
- --------------------
TERRY L. LIERMAN
****** Trustee August 26, 1997
- --------------------
RICHARD S. TRUTANIC
Trustee August 26, 1997
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
***
- --------------------------- Trustee August 26, 1997
DONALD K. ROSS
******* Trustee August 26, 1997
- ---------------------------
EDWARD J. HOGAN
Trustee August 26, 1997
- ---------------------------
JOHN B. McGUCKIAN
/s/Jeffrey L. Steele
- ---------------------------
JEFFREY L. STEELE
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
* Executed by Jeffrey L. Steele pursuant to a power of attorney filed with Post- Effective Amendment No.
6 to the Registration Statement on December 22, 1989.
** Executed by Jeffrey L. Steele pursuant to a power of attorney filed with Post-Effective Amendment No.
8 to the Registration Statement on November 2, 1990.
*** Executed by Jeffrey L. Steele pursuant to a power of attorney filed with Post-Effective Amendment No.
13 to the Registration Statement on December 23, 1991.
**** Executed by Jeffrey L. Steele pursuant to a power of attorney filed with Post-Effective Amendment No.
19 to the Registration Statement on November 1, 1993.
***** Executed by Jeffrey L. Steele pursuant to a power of attorney filed with Post-Effective Amendment No.
24 to the Registration Statement on October 20, 1994.
****** Executed by Jeffrey L. Steele pursuant to a power of attorney filed with Post-Effective Amendment No.
29 to the Registration Statement on April 27, 1995.
******* Executed by Jeffrey L. Steele pursuant to a power of attorney filed with Post-Effective Amendment No.
35 on February 26, 1997.
</TABLE>
-2-
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT ITEM
------- ----
Accountants' Consent 11
Financial Data Schedules--MainStay Strategic Income Fund 17
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 11
Consent of Independent Accountants
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information constituting parts of this Post-Effective
Amendment No. 39 to the registration statement on Form N-1A (the "Registration
Statement") of our report dated August 27, 1997, relating to the financial
statements of NYLIFE Inc. and subsidiaries, which is included in the Statement
of Additional Information. We also consent to the incorporation by reference in
such Statement of Additional Information of our reports dated February 19, 1997,
relating to the December 31, 1996 financial statements and financial highlights
of the MainStay Funds, which financial statements are also incorporated by
reference in such Statement of Additional Information, and to the incorporation
by reference of our reports into the Prospectus which constitutes part of this
Registration Statement. We also consent to the references to us under the
heading "Financial Highlights" in the Prospectus and under the heading "Other
Information - Independent Accountants" in such Statement of Additional
Information.
/s/ Price Waterhouse LLP
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York
August 27, 1997
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 161
<NAME> MAINSTAY STRATEGIC INCOME FUND-CLASS A
<MULTIPLIER> 1
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> FEB-28-1997
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 55,581,494
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 55,921,503
<RECEIVABLES> 4,314,782
<ASSETS-OTHER> 185,338
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 92,523
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 60,514,146
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 6,800,450
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 435,151
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 7,235,601
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 52,611,828
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 2,840,093
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 2,000,000
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 56,541
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 181,146
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 429,030
<NET-ASSETS> 53,278,545
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 29,922
<INTEREST-INCOME> 1,004,334
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (191,269)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 842,987
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 181,146
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 429,030
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 1,453,163
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (480,207)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 816,126
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (6,003)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 29,970
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 9,337,623
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 40,000
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 226,000
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 39,907,000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 10.00
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.18
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.11
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.17)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 10.12
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.15
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 162
<NAME> MAINSTAY STRATEGIC INCOME FUND-CLASS B
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START> FEB-28-1997
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 55,581,494
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 55,921,503
<RECEIVABLES> 4,314,782
<ASSETS-OTHER> 185,338
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 92,523
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 60,514,146
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 6,800,450
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 435,151
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 7,235,601
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 52,611,828
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 2,426,715
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 300,000
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 56,541
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 181,146
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 429,030
<NET-ASSETS> 53,278,545
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 29,922
<INTEREST-INCOME> 1,004,334
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> (191,269)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 842,987
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 181,146
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> 429,030
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 1,453,163
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> (306,239)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER> 0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 2,160,707
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> (49,566)
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 15,574
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 22,394,085
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR> 0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR> 0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 40,000
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 226,000
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 39,907,000
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 10.00
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.16
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> 0.11
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> (0.16)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL> 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END> 10.11
<EXPENSE-RATIO> 1.90
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
